West Indies Crush Bangladesh By 8 Wickets In 1st Test
Brandon King struck a career-best 81 not out as West Indies cruised to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra questioned the decision to drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the fourth T20I against New Zealand once Ishan Kishan became available, arguing that the youngster should not be treated merely as a replacement for injured players.
Chase hails 'good craftsman' Jomel Warrican
The left-arm spinner claimed nine wickets and the Player-of-the-Match award in the first Test in Mirpur
'This Is A Significant Victory For West Indies Cricket': Ian Bishop Lauds Team's Win Over Bangladesh
Former West Indies: West Indies legend Ian Bishop hailed the national team's impressive win over Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, calling it a significant victory at a time when the Windies cricket has been facing financial challenges. West Indies chased down 170 in the opening Test of the two-match series with eight wickets in hand, marking another strong result for the team that had recently held two-time reigning T20 world champions India in the latter's own backyard for a 2-2 draw in a five-match T20I series. This time the Windies showed a strong performance in the longest format. Bishop hailed the team for the win. This is a significant victory for West Indies cricket. Bangladesh is no longer an easy team to defeat, especially at home, the legendary former fast bowler wrote on X. Given the financial challenges faced by cricket in the region, the players have to be lauded for their commitment and professionalism. One more Test to go, but well to Roston Chases men, he wrote. Former West Indies batter Daren Ganga also heaped praise on the team's performance, highlighting that the Bangladesh win adds to the strong showing in India. Congrats WI Mens Test Team, a solid 8-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Mirpur. After success in the white-ball series vs India in India, multi-format players are showing the ability to adapt and mesh with the red-ball specialist players. The winning attitude seems ingrained!! he wrote on X. The Windies cricket has been facing financial challenges. Last month, Cricket West Indies announced a financial restructuring, under which players are set for a 25% pay cut. Upcoming events - Super50 and the Women's T20 Blaze - have also been suspended. Recently, head coach Daren Sammy had asked the players for a strong finish in the World Test Championship cycle, highlighting that impressive performances can help them negotiate with the board. If you look at the way we played in the India series when the news was put to the players, how they responded shows the drive, the passion, the willingness to help turn around West Indies cricket. I think there's reality and there's understanding where you are as a professional, as a board, and there's no secret where we are, obviously financially. My word to the guys, especially this World Test Championship, you finish in the top five there's extra incentives. ICC has invested a lot of money in the World Test Championship in terms of prize money, and it's an opportunity for our boys to come up from the number eight that we have finished last two cycles. I don't think it's a conversation that's in the dressing room now, but we are aware. I have challenged the guys to put ourselves in a better position to negotiate and attract sponsors by the performances we put on the field. I thought the white-ball teams did that extremely well in India and hopefully we could do that as a red-ball team here in Bangladesh, Sammy told reporters in a press conference ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh. Coming to the first Test, the Windies chased down a meagre total of 170 on Day 4 of the Test as Brandon King made an unbeaten 81, while No.4 Kavem Hodge also remained unscathed on 31. They helped the visitors hunt down the target in only 35.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. Left-arm finger-spinner Jomel Warrican and off-spinner Roston Chase ruled the roost in both innings. Bangladesh batted first and made 272, with opener Shadman Islam making 105. Warrican picked up a five-wicket haul as he made life difficult for the Bangladesh players. Coming to the first Test, the Windies chased down a meagre total of 170 on Day 4 of the Test as Brandon King made an unbeaten 81, while No.4 Kavem Hodge also remained unscathed on 31. They helped the visitors hunt down the target in only 35.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka to 325 after Kamindu's maiden ODI century
He shared a 146-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake, but Pakistan's quicks pulled the game back in the final 10 over
Scorchers romp over Renegades; Strikers ease past Stars
Bowlers and Mooney shone for Scorchers, while Wolvaardt, Penna and Wellington led Strikers
King, Chase star as West Indies beat Bangladesh by eight wickets to take 1-0 lead
Digital Desk | Dhaka, Oct 31 (IANS) West Indies rode on Roston Chases five-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century from Brandon King to defeat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the opening Test and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series on Saturday. Chasing 170 for victory, the hosts made light work of the target, reaching 170/2 at a scoring rate of nearly five runs per over, with King remaining unbeaten on 81 and Kavem Hodge providing support at the other end. The result also meant the West Indies wrapped up the contest with a day to spare. Bangladesh, resuming their second innings at 79/6 on the fourth morning, had hoped to stretch their overall advantage beyond the 100-run mark. However, the West Indies bowlers ensured the visitors could not build a substantial total despite some resistance from Nayeem Hasan. Jomel Warrican broke through early, having Jaker Ali caught by Chase at slip, before Chase and Warrican continued to trouble the lower order. Nayeem survived two dropped chances to keep Bangladesh in the contest and eventually brought up a maiden Test half-century, scoring 52. Chase, however, ended his resistance by dismissing him shortly after a rain interruption, completing his five-wicket haul with figures of 5-36. Warrican claimed four wickets for 63 runs, taking his match tally to nine and earning the Player of the Match award. Bangladesh were dismissed for 142, setting the West Indies a target of 170. The hosts began their chase positively, with King and John Campbell putting together a commanding 112-run opening partnership. Both batters took advantage of the conditions, regularly finding the boundary and preventing Bangladesh from building pressure. Campbell narrowly missed out on a half-century, falling for 49 after edging Shoriful Islam onto his stumps. King, meanwhile, continued his aggressive approach and brought up his fifty with three successive boundaries. Tagenarine Chanderpaul was dismissed for a brief score, offering Bangladesh a fleeting opportunity to fight back, but King remained in control. Hodge joined him and accelerated the scoring as the hosts moved closer to the target. King finished unbeaten on 81, while Hodge remained at the crease as West Indies completed the chase comfortably. For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam picked up a wicket apiece, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent a comprehensive defeat. Brief Scores: Bangladesh 272 & 142 (Nayeem Hasan 52, Jaker Ali 22; Roston Chase 5-36, Jomel Warrican 4-63) lost to West Indies 245 & 170/2 (Brandon King 81*, John Campbell 49; Hasan Mahmud 1-14, Shoriful Islam 1-20) by 8 wickets
West Indies Crush Bangladesh By 8 Wickets In First Test
Brandon King struck a career-best 81 not out as West Indies cruised to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first Test on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. King hit 10 fours and a six in his 115-ball knock to help the visitors chase down the target of 170 in 35.1 overs on the fourth day in Mirpur after Bangladesh were bowled out for 142 in their second innings. Jomel Warrican, who was named player of the match, claimed 4-63 to follow up his five-wicket haul in Bangladesh's first innings as the hosts were bowled out in 48.4 overs. West Indies captain Roston Chase took 5-36 in the second innings, his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Bangladesh had resumed the fourth day at 79-6, holding a lead of 106, but their hopes of setting a challenging target suffered an early blow when Jaker Ali edged Warrican to slip, where Chase took the catch. Jaker, who scored 22 off 34 balls, was the second-highest scorer for Bangladesh in the innings. Nayeem Hasan survived two dropped catches off Chase, on 21 and 29, to keep Bangladesh going. He added 26 runs with Hasan Mahmud before Warrican trapped the latter lbw for eight. Taijul Islam contributed eight in a 17-run partnership with Nayeem before Chase dismissed him to leave Bangladesh at 127-9. Nayeem then reached his maiden Test half-century off 87 balls, with four boundaries, but his resistance ended when he attempted to hit Chase over long-on and was caught by Joshua Bishop. He made 52 off 91 balls, while Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten on seven as Bangladesh were dismissed cheaply. West Indies started confidently, with openers King and John Campbell continuing their aggressive approach to take the visitors to 64 without loss in 14.1 overs before rain interrupted play. After a delay of around an hour, they added another 23 runs before bad light and lightning forced a further stoppage of 45 minutes. King was dropped on 70 by substitute fielder Ebadot Hossain off Taijul after the break, but the opener made Bangladesh pay with his fine, unbeaten knock. Campbell fell just short of a half-century, bowled by Shoriful for 49 off 55 balls, with six fours and a six. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The second Test will be played in Sylhet from November 5.
Brandon King steers West Indies to victory in first Test vs Bangladesh
West Indies secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Mirpur, chasing down 170 on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
How did India benefit as West Indies beat Bangladesh to take 1-0 lead in Test series?
West Indies defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets in the opening of the two-match Test series . A dominant batting display from John Campbell and Brandon King proved enough as West Indies chased 170 runs with ease in the fourth innings at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.
600 Wickets and Counting! Rabada Joins South Africa Greats
Kagiso Rabada became the fifth South African to claim 600 international wickets, while reaching 350 Test scalps in 13,808 deliveries, the fastest bowler to achieve the milestone.
End Of The Road For Ravindra Jadeja In ODIs? Cheteshwar Pujara Gives Concerning Verdict
Former Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Abhishek Nayar discussed the future of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been facing selection rejections in some of the recent ODI series.
India Move Up To Fourth In WTC Points Table After Bangladesh's Loss To West Indies
World Test Championship: India gained a crucial place in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after the West Indies defeated Bangladesh in the first Test match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium near Dhaka on Saturday. The Windies chased down a meagre total of 170 on Day 4 of the Test as Brandon King made an unbeaten 81, while No.4 Kavem Hodge also remained unscathed on 31. They helped the visitors hunt down the target in only 35.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. After the result, Bangladesh slipped to No.5 in the WTC standings as India moved up from fifth to fourth. West Indies remain eighth but have closed in on the seventh-ranked Sri Lankan side. Before the game, Bangladesh were fourth with a PCT of 55.56%, having won three of their six matches with one drawn game. India were fifth with a PCT of 51.52%, having bagged five wins and two draws in 11 matches. The Windies chased down a meagre total of 170 on Day 4 of the Test as Brandon King made an unbeaten 81, while No.4 Kavem Hodge also remained unscathed on 31. They helped the visitors hunt down the target in only 35.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. After the result, Bangladesh slipped to No.5 in the WTC standings as India moved up from fifth to fourth. West Indies remain eighth but have closed in on the seventh-ranked Sri Lankan side. Before the game, Bangladesh were fourth with a PCT of 55.56%, having won three of their six matches with one drawn game. India were fifth with a PCT of 51.52%, having bagged five wins and two draws in 11 matches in this WTC cycle. The Windies were eighth with a PCT of 20.83%. However, the Windies' victory has changed the standings. Bangladesh's PCT has dropped to 47.62%, and they fell behind India. The West Indies now have a PCT of 26.92% as they moved closer to Sri Lanka's PCT of 33.33%. Following the win, West Indies captain Roston Chase stated that the team wants to end the WTC cycle with a sixth or fifth place finish. Yeah, well, we came here with a goal to win these two Test matches to go up in the rankings. We want to finish at least sixth or fifth in the table. And to do that, we need to win these two matches, Chase said after the win. In the match, left-arm finger-spinner Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase ruled the roost in both innings. Bangladesh batted first and made 272, with opener Shadman Islam making 105. Warrican picked up a five-wicket haul as he made life difficult for the Bangladesh players. In reply, the Windies made 245 on the back of half-centuries from John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul and contributions from Justin Greaves (46) and Chase (43). Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan picked up 4-33. In the match, left-arm finger-spinner Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase ruled the roost in both innings. Bangladesh batted first and made 272, with opener Shadman Islam making 105. Warrican picked up a five-wicket haul as he made life difficult for the Bangladesh players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
While his return was seen as a potential solution to India's bowling concerns, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's performances in the first three T20Is against New Zealand left much to be desired.
Rabada and Harmer share six as South Africa close in on 2-1 series win
Australia lost seven wickets in the opening session of the fifth day and are in danger of being bowled out for under 100 for a second time in the series
India ponder over changes as they seek winning finish to T20Is against New Zealand (Preview)
Digital Desk | Hamilton, Oct 31 (IANS) India will consider a few tactical tweaks to their playing eleven when they take on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park on Sunday, India lead 3-1 but were beaten by 87 runs in Auckland, a result that could rattle the think tanks long-held line on the starting eleven, as they aim to sign off from the series with a win. The most likely change could be Vaibhav Sooryavanshi coming in, with Sanju Samson making way. After making 67 in the series opener in Christchurch, Samson has made scores of 14, 18 and 4. Captain Shreyas Iyer, too, has had a lean run since hitting his maiden T20I hundred against the West Indies in Lucknow. Iyer has so far managed scores of 40, 1, 16, 22, 42, 7, 5 and 22 in his last eight innings in the format. He will want a big score in the series before shifting focus to the ODI series. Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been valuable lower-order hitters, but are yet to shine with the ball. Spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule did hint that wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy could come into the playing eleven in Hamilton if conditions demand the same. But that would mean leaving out Dhir, which in turn will cost them batting depth and some part-time off-spin. For New Zealand, they will be relying on in-form Glenn Phillips to help them get a big score after hitting a majestic century in Auckland. According to CricViz, Phillips has 276 runs in four matches, more than any New Zealand batter in a five-match bilateral T20I series except Mark Chapmans 290 runs against Pakistan in 2023. The all-format record is with England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, who hit 331 against West Indies in 2023, and Phillips needs 56 more to go past him. Michael Bracewell, who smashed a fifty in Auckland, is in good form as well. Theres also a sharp contrast between the two left-arm spinners, with skipper Mitchell Santner having a productive series. Axar Patel has bowled at an average speed of 97 kph against Mitchell Santners 89 kph. Santner has been fuller 55 percent of the time and bowled shorter 45 percent, while Axar has gone shorter 72 percent of the time and fuller only 28 percent. With Hamilton being another small venue, the battle of left-arm spinners will be another crucial factor in deciding who between India and New Zealand will sign off on a high. When: November 1, 2026, 12:30 PM Where: Seddon Park, Hamilton 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, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kumar Kushagra. New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway (wk), Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher and Blair Tickner.
Rabada Scripts History, Becomes Fastest Bowler To 350 Test Wickets
Cape Town Test: South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada scripted history during the second innings of the third Test against Australia at Newlands here on Saturday by completing his 350 wickets in Test cricket on Day 5 of the Cape Town Test, becoming the quickest bowler to reach the milestone in terms of balls taken. The Proteas speedster achieved the feat when he got the prized wicket of Aussie star Travis Head in the 288-run defence in the series-deciding Test. He lured Head into a drive with a fuller ball outside off. The Aussie opener went for a drive and edged it behind for Marco Jansen to grab it in gully as the Proteas went up in celebration. The scalp helped Rabada complete his 350th wicket in the format, and he is now the quickest bowler to get there in terms of balls taken. The Proteas speedster has taken 350 Test wickets in 13808 balls, surpassing the previous fastest, Dale Steyn, who is his compatriot. Fewest balls to 350 Test wickets: 13808 - Kagiso Rabada* 14719 - Dale Steyn 14905 - Waqar Younis 16285 - Malcolm Marshall 16908 - Mitchell Starc Meanwhile, Rabada achieved the feat in 75 Test matches, which is the joint fourth-fewest among fast bowlers, alongside West Indies legend Malcolm Marshall. The record is jointly held by Richard Hadlee and Steyn, both of whom achieved the feat in 69 Tests. Quickest fast bowler to 350 Test wickets (among pacers): 69 - Richard Hadlee / Dale Steyn 70 - Dennis Lillee 74 - Glenn McGrath 75 - Malcolm Marshall / KG Rabada 78 - Waqar Younis 79 - Imran Khan Rabada provided the Proteas with a rollicking start with the ball on Day 5. He got Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the first over itself. Rabada nicked behind Renshaw on the third ball of the innings as the Aussie opener tried to guide it on the leg side but got an edge for Ryan Rickelton to pouch it behind. 79 - Imran Khan Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Muzumdar's Big Claim: India Women Poised to Rule White-Ball Cricket
Head coach Amol Muzumdar believes the Indian women's cricket team is poised to dominate white-ball formats within two years, citing a strong talent pipeline from age-group cricket. He emphasizes a coaching philosophy focused on winning, discipline, and intense practice, drawing parallels to his Mumbai cricket upbringing. Muzumdar also highlights team unity and a positive dressing room atmosphere as crucial for success, similar to factors behind India's ODI World Cup win last November.
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada scripted history during the second innings of the third Test against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town, on Saturday by completing his 350 wickets in Test cricket
It Was Like We Were Superstars - Sudha Shah Recalls Indias First Womens Test Match
Indian Cricketers Association: Sudha Shah was part of the Indian side that played the countrys first womens Test match against the West Indies in Bangalore on October 31, 1976. On its 50th anniversary, which was also Indias first international cricket game, Sudha recalled the crowd followed the team later in the series, especially in Patna, as it made the players feel like we were superstars. In Patna, the thing I remember most about the Test we won is the crowd. Every day, there was a crowd of nearly 20,000 to 30,000. After we won, they lined up on either side of the road, and when our bus went to where we were staying, it was like we were superstars. We had never even dreamt of experiencing something like that, Sudha was quoted as saying by bcci.tv on Saturday. The celebrations in the dressing room got a little out of hand, added Sudha. We had to wave to the crowd from the balcony because they just werent leaving. All of us were screaming and jumping around, and Sharmila Chakraborty broke the basin in the dressing room bathroom! We just couldnt believe that we had won a Test match. That series was the start of a 15-year international career for Sudha, who played 21 official Tests, scoring 601 runs and taking five wickets, and 13 ODIs. Her 21 consecutive Test appearances are the second-most in womens cricket. In those days, when we played, we just played. Nobody thought of records or breaking records. We played a lot of games that were later classified as unofficial. Out of 35, only 21 are official. But believe me, we took it in our stride, she added. Finding grounds and money was a constant struggle for Sudhas generation. It gives a lot of satisfaction that we did pursue cricket at that time despite all the difficulties we faced, be it on the field or off the field. We did toil, and to see the game where it is today gives you the satisfaction that what we did at that time hasnt gone in vain. Cricket has got to a point today where we are right on top of the world, and that really gives such a lot of satisfaction. She credited the BCCI, who took over the womens game in 2006 and has since introduced equal match fees, for turning cricket into a real career for women. At that time, we faced a lot of difficulties with finances and getting grounds, but we took it in our stride. If you had told me 50 years ago that girls would be making cricket a career, I wouldnt have believed it. At that time, we played purely for the love of the game. I never imagined that they would be getting paid and that the game would come this far. So, credit goes to the BCCI. The board gave Shah its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. It is a great honour. To be acknowledged for the years we put in validates the fact that our early efforts laid a strong foundation for the game, she said. As the head coach, Shah took India to their first World Cup final in 2005, a big achievement given how little the team had to work with. In 2003, we started working towards the World Cup in 2005. When we won the semi-final, we celebrated as if we had won the World Cup. It was a great achievement, considering the facilities the girls have today and what we had at that time. India lost that final and the wait for the trophy ended on November 2 last year, and Sudha nearly missed it. She voted in her local cricket associations elections, rushed to the airport for a late-afternoon flight and made it into the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai only because rain had delayed the start. When I entered DY Patil through the gate, I could hear the national anthem being played, and I said, Todays my day. When we won, I had tears in my eyes, and I rushed to the ground. I said, No, Im not sitting in the stands. We went onto the ground, and Harman (Harmanpreet Kaur) came and gave me the trophy. Harmanpreet had made her India debut when Sudha was the head coach. When she (Harmanpreet) gave me that trophy, I thought, Boy, I never ever dreamt that I would hold it. But it felt so good. The only regret I had was that I was so excited that I didnt have the presence of mind to get a photograph taken! She was also delighted by Indias Test win over England at Lords this year. We were very happy. It was so good. We have been playing very few Tests, but we have been managing to win those Test matches, and that is very commendable. I think Test cricket really tests the character of a cricketer. We lived on Test cricket. The present generation thrives on T20 and 50-over cricket, but when it comes to Test cricket, we have been playing well, and that really augurs well for womens cricket. I think the girls should be playing more Test matches. Sudha further stated the Womens Premier League (WPL) had raised standards in the domestic game. Thanks to the WPL, our domestic players have gained good exposure. Sharing the dressing room with foreign players, rubbing shoulders with them and observing their routines closely has made a great difference. Today, the youngsters are playing much more fearless cricket, and their confidence has grown. With India set to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in 2027, Sudha signed off by saying televised home tournaments were bringing far more girls into the game. Today, with all these tournaments being televised, even if young girls are not able to get to the grounds, they are watching, and that itself makes a big difference. Having these ICC tournaments held here increases the interest, and a lot more girls are coming forward to play. I can see the difference from 15 or 20 years back when it was more of an elimination than a proper selection for our state sides. Now, there are thousands of girls coming to play, and that is a massive boost. With India set to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in 2027, Sudha signed off by saying televised home tournaments were bringing far more girls into the game. Today, with all these tournaments being televised, even if young girls are not able to get to the grounds, they are watching, and that itself makes a big difference. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Will you play Sooryavanshi only when someone is injured?'
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made way for Ishan Kishan despite scoring a blistering 45 from 19 balls in India's thumping six-wicket victory in the third T20I against New Zealand.
Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal star after Yashasvi Jaiswal flops again vs New Zealand A
India A captain Dhruv Jurel stood firm against a challenging New Zealand A bowling attack, guiding his team to 291 for seven on the opening day of the second tour match at Hagley Oval . The keeper-batter remained unbeaten on 99 at stumps, as India A are in a good position to build a competitive first-innings total after a difficult middle session.
Kagiso Rabada Joins Elite Club, Reaches 600 International Wickets
South African speedster Kagiso Rabada has become the fifth bowler from his country to claim 600 wickets in international cricket, achieving the landmark during the ongoing third Test against Australia in Cape Town.
Not A Full-time Employee - Pietersen Clarifies On Role As Englands Specialist White-ball Mentor
England Cricket Team: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen on Saturday said he is not a full-time employee of the side, but is associated with them as a consultant, and will not travel with the white-ball side for every game over the next 12 months. Pietersens clarification came after England failed to make the final of the 50-over tri-series in Pakistan, with questions over how closely he is involved in the setup. Just need to clear something up once and for all. I am a consultant to the England Cricket Team. I am not a full-time employee. So I WILL NOT be with the white ball team all the time and for EVERY game they play over the next 12 months. Excited to travel to Aus for a few weeks to be with the team on Monday! Hope that clears things up once and for all! Pietersen said in a post on his X account on Saturday. Pietersen is contracted to work with Englands white-ball side for about 150 days till the end of the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He will join the England team for the tour of Australia comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, starting on November 12 in Perth. Pietersen will also be present for Englands tour of South Africa, the country where he grew up, as well as be present for all of the sides games against Pakistan and New Zealand in the run-up to the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. Pietersen played 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England, scoring more than 5,500 runs. He also amassed 8,181 runs in 104 Test matches. He was also named player of the tournament when England won the Mens T20 World Cup for the first time in 2010. Pietersen will also be present for Englands tour of South Africa, the country where he grew up, as well as be present for all of the sides games against Pakistan and New Zealand in the run-up to the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
We Want To Dominate World Cricket: Amol Muzumdar's Big Vision For India
Head coach Amol Muzumdar on Saturday said the Indian women's cricket team should be able to consistently dominate the white ball formats in two years time, considering the talent rush from age-group cricket.
Kagiso Rabada breaks Dale Steyn's world record with early twin blows in third Test vs Australia
South Africa ace pacer Kagiso Rabada broke Dale Steyns world record in the fourth innings of the third Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Chasing 288 runs to win the match and the...
Twenty Seasons On, Ellyse Perry Still Wants To Be a Better Version Of Herself
Big Bash League: Nearly two decades after she first played for Australia as a 16-year-old, premier all-rounder Ellyse Perry said she still goes into every day trying to be a better player than she was the day before. Ellyse, 35, is now in her 20th season of playing professional cricket. She marked its start by hitting 58, a knock that anchored the Sydney Sixers chase in their last-ball win over the Brisbane Heat in the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) opener at the Allan Border Field. I just like to be a better version than what I am today, and thats a challenge every day. Thats really fun to take on and you learn lots as you go so, yeah, hopefully if or whenever I finish playing, I can be a better player than what I was when I started, that will be awesome, Ellyse was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Saturday. Ellyse was named the ICC womens cricketer of the decade for 2011 to 2020 and has won the World Player of the Year award thrice. She was the first cricketer, male or female, to complete the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is, and she has more than 3,000 runs and over 150 wickets in ODIs. Asked how she stays hungry after so many years, the dual international, who also played for the Matildas at the FIFA Womens World Cup, said the younger players around her keep pushing her. Oh, its pretty easy because theres so many great players around that its pretty hard to keep up most of the time. The creativity (among the younger players) is phenomenal and just seeing that is motivation in itself to try and keep pace, but also try and continue to contribute to whatever teams youre a part of - and I love that. I also love just being fit and active and healthy and being a professional sportsperson kind of leads to that. So I dont have any special kind of goals or secrets or anything like that. Just amazing amount of support and Im just fortunate, she added. Her routine has barely changed since her teenage years. Ellyse, who will turn out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2027 WPL, said she still spends as much time in the nets as she did when she was dreaming of wearing the Australian colours, and that batting practice gives her a rare moment of calm. Batting for me, especially in the nets, is probably a little bit like meditation in a way. You dont have your phone attached to you. Youre sort of down there by yourself just hitting balls. So I really enjoy that. I just love training with the girls as well. Like bowling in the nets or out on the field, its great fun. And crickets the summer sport too, so you get to do it under the Australian sun, which is pretty nice, she added. Batting for me, especially in the nets, is probably a little bit like meditation in a way. You dont have your phone attached to you. Youre sort of down there by yourself just hitting balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India Could Have Used Kuldeep Yadav: Ex India Star Criticises Team Selection Against New Zealand
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has questioned India's decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand.
All Of Us Were Very Excited': Shubhangi Kulkarni Recalls Indias First Womens Test In 1976
ODI World Cup: Exactly fifty years after she walked out at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for Indias first womens Test against the West Indies, Shubhangi Kulkarni still remembers how excited the dressing room was that morning. The match also marked the first international game played by India womens cricket team. All of us were very excited. We were all very young, mostly college-going girls around 17 or 18 years old. We were just getting exposed to international competition, and all of us were thrilled to be playing international matches, Shubhangi was quoted as saying by bcci.tv as Indian womens cricket marks its golden jubilee on Saturday. In that game, Shubhangi, a leg-spinner from Pune, became the third-youngest debutant in womens Test history at 17 years and 104 days. She took 5-48 in the first innings and finished the match with figures of 7-76. The squad had trained under former India batter Lala Amarnath, and the excitement came with a fair amount of self-belief. We had a camp before the series with Lala Amarnath, and then we played the West Indies team, which was known for having good fast bowlers. We thought our spinners were very good, and we were really looking forward to the competition. The first Test match was very memorable for me because I got five wickets. It was the first time I was bowling to international cricketers. I had just learned a few tricks and was trying them out, she added. The excitement turned to celebration in the fourth Test at Patnas Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. Shubhangi took 3-43 and 4-14 as India won a Test match for the first time. Her 23 wickets in the six-match series are still a joint record for the most in a womens Test series. The kind of response we got from the crowd was something we had never anticipated. After we won, the crowd response was so overwhelming that it took us a long time to get back to the hotel because the crowds wouldnt allow the bus to move. We kept signing autographs. Initially, people came out of curiosity just to see us play. But once they started watching, they appreciated our skills and realised that girls could play cricket too. It took people a lot of time to accept us playing the sport, recalled Shubhangi. For many players, she said, the first hurdle was at home, and the second was money. The biggest challenge for most girls was getting permission from home to play cricket. Parents were worried about the hard ball causing injuries, or that playing for long hours in the sun would make the girls dark. Another major challenge was funding. We had to spend money from our own pockets to travel for domestic events, often paying our own train fares. We stayed in dormitories and travelled in unreserved or second-class train compartments, sometimes carrying our own food to save money, she added. Shubhangis international career lasted 15 years. She played 17 consecutive Tests, the seventh-longest run in the format, and bowled 3,329 deliveries, ninth on the all-time list. She took 60 Test wickets with five five-wicket hauls, a joint world record, and her 16 stumpings are the second-most in womens Tests. She also took 38 ODI wickets at an economy rate of 3.49. Her best innings came on her captaincy debut against England at Collingham in 1986. With India at 105/5, she made a career-best 118 and added 106 for the eighth wicket with Minoti Desai, the fifth-highest eighth-wicket stand in womens Tests, as India reached 323. She received the Arjuna Award in 1985. Off the field, as honorary secretary of the Womens Cricket Association of India (WCAI), Shubhangi helped bring about its merger with the BCCI in 2006. She credited former BCCI president Sharad Pawar with making that happen. That is where things changed for womens cricket in India and that is when the girls started getting the facilities. Those were challenging times. But looking back at where we are today, it gives us a sense of satisfaction that what we did in the beginning has borne fruit. She credited ICC chairman Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, and the present board administration with speeding up the games growth, adding that todays players have support her generation could not have imagined. The facilities that the BCCI is providing to women cricketers are excellent now. If you compare it to our time, when we played on college grounds, club grounds, and uneven surfaces, today these girls are playing on top-class grounds, which significantly improves fielding and overall play. The facilities provided, such as state teams staying in four-star or five-star hotels and travelling by air, are a stark contrast to our struggles. The equal match fees and the central contracts that the girls are getting allow them to focus entirely on their game without worrying about finances. They are well-provided for, and the BCCIs support has completely transformed the sport. The most significant change has been the introduction of the Womens Premier League (WPL), which has opened up numerous opportunities for domestic players to play alongside international stars and learn from them in the dressing room, she said. India won their first ICC Womens ODI World Cup on November 2 last year, and Shubhangi said the title meant as much to former players as to the team. It was a dream come true for most of us former players because winning a World Cup is something we all wanted. Seeing this team achieve it gave me immense satisfaction. The team performed exceptionally well; they gave their 100% and never gave up. There were challenges, but they overcame them, making it a total team effort. The way they played, hats off to Harmanpreet and the entire team. Shubhangi further said she valued the way Harmanpreet Kaurs side has honoured the pioneers. It is very nice of the current players to appreciate and recognise the efforts of the earlier players. During our time, we played for the love and passion of the game. It felt like they truly valued all of that, and I am really proud that the team felt that way. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Looking ahead, Shubhangi signed off by welcoming Indias hosting of the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. I think the timing is absolutely right for hosting the first-ever Womens Champions Trophy. After winning the World Cup last year and then the match at Lords, I think we have the momentum, and this is the fastest-growing sport in India. She also recalled the contribution of the founders of the womens game in India: Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Pramila Bai Chavan and Chandra Tripathi. In 1973, when the organisation was formed and Mr Sharma registered it, he actually gave the girls a platform to play a sport and turn what had been a hobby into a national sport, she said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Will India Drop Sanju Samson? Selection Dilemma Looms Ahead Of Final T20I
Even though the Indian team management is steadfast in their backing of the established line, the Auckland shellacking might have triggered the thoughts of making some tactical rejigging to the playing eleven in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand on Sunday.
Yastika Bhatia Set For Brisbane Heat Debut After India's Zimbabwe Sweep
After being a part of India's 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia will link up with Brisbane Heat squad and is set to make her debut for the club against Sydney Thunder at the Drummoyne Oval in the ongoing WBBL.
Gannon five-for trumps Harper, Kellaway half-centuries
Harper and Harris added 102 for the first wicket before Victoria suffered a collapse
The Next Big Thing: Why Experts Are Raving About Abhishek Sharma
Once dismissed as a flat-track bully, India's Abhishek Sharma has developed into one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket.
Ajinkya Rahane points out potential changes in India's playing XI ahead of fifth NZ T20I
The stage is set for the fifth and final T20I of the ongoing series between India and New Zealand. The two sides will be taking on each other at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 1st. It is worth noting that the Indian team has already won the series, winning the first three T20Is after some excellent cricket .
The Building Has Come Up Beautifully, Says Diana Edulji As Indian Womens Cricket Team Turns 50
ODI World Cup: The foundation laid by Indias women cricketers 50 years ago has grown into a structure that now holds an ODI World Cup title, said former captain Diana Edulji on the occasion of 50 years since the side played its first official international match. India played their first official international match on October 31, 1976, against West Indies in Bangalore, the opening game of a six-Test series. Shanta Rangaswamy captained the side, and Diana played alongside her sister Behroze in the match ending in a draw. This was the beginning, and the journey has been wonderful. I cant believe that 50 years is already around the corner, and Im very happy that we will be able to see this day. We made sure that we played, whatever the conditions. And today, I think, through the foundation we laid, the building has come up beautifully, Diana was quoted as saying by bcci.tv. on Saturday. She recalled that early players faced every kind of hardship, from poor facilities to little money, but never considered walking away from the sport. We went through what I would describe as a complete overhaul. We went through the rigmarole. You name it, and we faced it. It was that difficult, but not once did we ever think, No, lets stop. Never. You wont believe it. Because we were not used to that pace, we didnt have a very firm grip on the bat, and when they (the West Indies) bowled, the bat would fly out of our hands. Thats when we realised that Indian cricket had a lot of catching up to do to match the standards of other teams, added Diana. Despite that, India, coached by former mens batter Lala Amarnath at that time, still won the fourth Test in Patna, the countrys first international victory, and Diana hit the winning runs. The most pleasurable moment for me was hitting the winning run in the Test match we won in Patna. We had a good crowd, which was something we could not believe. About 30,000 to 35,000 people were in that stadium. When the crowd erupted after the victory, it was something we had seen only in mens cricket. People ran onto the ground, and we were completely surrounded. We were so overwhelmed, but it was such a great feeling. In fact, I lost my bat and gloves; they were simply snatched away, but it was worth it. I can still picture that experience. Even after 50 years, that memory remains fixed in my mind, she added. Diana became Indias first ODI captain and the first to lead the country in a World Cup. She was the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in womens international cricket, and remains the only bowler to have sent down more than 5,000 balls in womens Tests. She was the first Indian woman cricketer to receive the Padma Shri and the first Indian woman inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Over the next five decades, India reached several World Cup finals and won a Commonwealth Games silver medal, two consecutive Asian Games golds and eight Asia Cup titles. They also won the first womens Test played at Lords. Diana said the 2017 World Cup final, which India lost to England at Lords, was when the country began to pay attention to the women's team. All of them became household names during that time. Lords was packed, and the match was watched by people all over the world. The Prime Minister of India invited a team that had lost the final to his residence for high tea. That showed that this team had arrived, and womens cricket really moved forward. Diana served on the Committee of Administrators (CoA) that ran the BCCI briefly and recalled how the panel began the push for equal treatment, which led to current ICC chairman Jay Shah implementing it in his time as the BCCI secretary through pay parity and the launch of the Womens Premier League (WPL). We did our bit as members of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to help women cricketers become more equal and give them the benefits that men were receiving. We then handed it over to Mr Jay Shah, who took it forward. He ensured that the WPL was launched, and I think that was another turning point for womens cricket. Mr Jay Shahs vision has helped womens cricket prosper a lot. Undoubtedly, he has made a significant contribution as BCCI Secretary and, even more so, as ICC Chairman. He has taken the game to the global stage. He has helped bring cricket into the Olympics, which is something we would never have dreamt of. India is now slated to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. Now, with the Champions Trophy coming in, you can see how the game is expanding, and that is largely due to the ICCs genuine commitment to promoting womens cricket. We have had people promoting the game before, but not at this level. So, hats off to Mr Jay Shah and his team at the ICC, and to the BCCI as well, added Diana. Monday, November 2, will be the first anniversary of India winning the first ICC Womens World Cup, and Diana recalled seeing that winning moment from the stands last year. It was a great, great feeling. I was so happy to be watching it live. I was at the stadium, and this was the dream we had, because that was the only trophy missing from the cabinet. The BCCI, after doing so much for women cricketers, deserved this trophy. India is now slated to host the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy in February 2027. Now, with the Champions Trophy coming in, you can see how the game is expanding, and that is largely due to the ICCs genuine commitment to promoting womens cricket. We have had people promoting the game before, but not at this level. So, hats off to Mr Jay Shah and his team at the ICC, and to the BCCI as well, added Diana. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bird winds back the clock to put Tasmania in command over NSW
Nic Maddinson fell cheaply on his return from Test duty as the visitors lurched towards a potential follow on
'Kuldeep A Very Good Bowler, But Not Up To Mark With Bat': Pujara On Bowler's Limited ODI Presence
New Delhi: Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara opined that Kuldeep Yadav's limited capability with the bat is a key reason behind his sparse appearances in India's ODI side as the team wants a cushion in the lower-middle order. India have given Kuldeep limited games this year in ODIs as he has had to sit out of five of the 12 matches and mostly in overseas conditions. He was in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England but had to warm the bench as India played Shivam Dube at No.8 and Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as their spinners. India have also generally preferred playing Harshit Rana at No.8, and although he is currently injured, he remains in the scheme of things for longer period. Speaking on Kuldeep's limited appearances, Pujara stated that the bowler is not that capable with the bat, which remains the key reason for him to warm the benches. I think in ODI cricket, you need depth, especially when you play outside India. So, when you look at any team, their balance is better only when they have the option of batting at number seven and number eight. Number seven has to be an all-rounder, and number eight has to be a bowler who can bat a bit. With Kuldeep, he is a very good bowler, but his batting is not up to the mark. So, India are always looking at someone who can bat at number eight, Pujara told JioStar. Meanwhile, ex-India cricketer and former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar emphasised the importance of having five proper bowlers in the Playing XI, highlighting how Australia used the strategy during the World Cup 2023. In T20 cricket, I believe you need depth because you play attacking cricket. In ODI cricket, you have time to adapt, right? According to me, if you don't take wickets, no matter how long your batting line-up goes, very rarely will a team win a championship because of their seventh or eighth batsman. Number seven has to be an all-rounder, and number eight has to be a bowler who can bat a bit. With Kuldeep, he is a very good bowler, but his batting is not up to the mark. So, India are always looking at someone who can bat at number eight, Pujara told JioStar. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Will India bring in Kuldeep, Varun after Auckland thrashing?
Despite an unassailable 3-1 lead, the Indian team management is contemplating tactical changes for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton, potentially bringing in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and addressing concerns over Sanju Samson's form and bowling inconsistencies.
The Indian team lost the fourth T20I of the ongoing series against New Zealand. The two sides met at Eden Park in Auckland for the clash on October 30th, batting first. New Zealand posted a...
Pakistan bowl in tri-series final with Shadab out
Sri Lanka made one change as well with Theekshana coming in for Malinga
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming ODI Tri-Series Final Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch In India
Ashton Agar inspires WA to victory over two-time reigning champions SA
Agar took three wicket as WA bowled SA out for 316 on the final day to seal a 105-run win
'Jadeja Might Not Be Selected': Pujara On All-rounder; Nayar Calls Him 'insurance Policy'
ODI World Cup: Former Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Abhishek Nayar discussed the future of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been facing selection rejections in some of the recent ODI series. The 37-year-old was not picked for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Axar Patel being the first-choice left-arm finger spinner for the Men in Blue. With a year left for the ODI World Cup and Jadeja not getting a place in the Indian ODI team in overseas conditions, it raised eyebrows as to what his future holds for the World Cup. Speaking on his exclusion, Pujara pointed out that it might be the end of the road for Jadeja, as Axar seems to be above him in the pecking order. I believe so, because if you want to keep Ravindra Jadeja in ODI cricket, then he should have been selected. I'm sure it was communicated to him that he might not be selected because Axar Patel has been the main all-rounder in ODI cricket and is being given more opportunities. Looking at his age, I feel the team management might have told him that he is now only a part of Test cricket, so he should focus there, and that they are not looking at him for white-ball cricket. So, it could be the end of the road because, obviously, he has retired from T20 Internationals. I feel he might not be selected just for the ODIs, Pujara told JioStar. However, Nayar felt that Jadeja still remains the insurance policy for India, and he might be the backup for Axar in the World Cup. Jaddu might not come back into the team, but if someone gets injured, the first name that will come to mind will be Jaddu. Because after Axar, there is no one. The valid question right now would be: After Axar, who is the frontrunner? Currently, the frontrunner is Axar Patel, and after him, Jaddu is still your insurance policy. If something happens to Axar Patel before the World Cup, Ravindra Jadeja will come into the team, he said on the same show. However, Nayar felt that Jadeja still remains the insurance policy for India, and he might be the backup for Axar in the World Cup. Jaddu might not come back into the team, but if someone gets injured, the first name that will come to mind will be Jaddu. Because after Axar, there is no one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India play the final T20I of a five-match series against New Zealand on Saturday. So far, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have played in all the matches
Dhruv Jurel Unbeaten On 99 As India A Fight Back Against New Zealand A In 2nd Unofficial Test
Skipper Dhruv Jurel made a solid unbeaten 99 after Devdutt Padikkal's breezy 80 as India A recovered well to score a strong 291 for seven against New Zealand A on the opening day of the four-day match on Saturday.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Score ODI Tri-Series Final
PAK vs SL Live Score ODI Tri-Series Final: Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
'He's Playing For His Career': O'Keeffe On Labuschagne As Aussies Eye Cape Town Win
Cape Town Test: With so much on the line on the final day of a gripping Test series between South Africa and Australia, Australian cricket great Kerry O'Keeffe feels that Marnus Labuschagne will be batting to play for his career on Day 5 of the Cape Town Test on Saturday. The series is locked 1-1, and Australia need 288 to secure a famous win and keep the No.1 Test rankings. The visitors are without their talisman Steve Smith, as the new-generation batters Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey showed muscle in the first innings. Now with the series on the line after South Africa were bowled out for 387, Australia will want their batters to fire and hand them the series. O'Keeffe opined that Labuschagne, who has gone without scoring a Test century since 2023, will be playing for his career now in the second innings. I think hes playing for his career in this second innings, OKeeffe said, as quoted by foxsports.com.au. Hes been a marvellous player, but hes in a drought, and theyve given him a lot of opportunity to get out of it. It hasnt happened yet. Ex-Australian all-rounder Brendon Julian believed that uncertainty around the batter's future can give him freedom to play in the second innings. Hes got an advantage here to go; if theyre going to drop me, Im just going to go for it. Im going to play my shots, Julian told foxsports.com.au. Hes looked tentative. He hasnt looked settled at the crease. I think this is an opportunity for him just to let it go and swing hard. Thats what Id be doing, he added and opined that Labuschagne won't be playing the next Test match. I dont think hes going to play the next Test match in Perth, Julian said. Meanwhile, another Aussie great Michael Hussey has not written the batter off. Well, Id never say its the end of his Test career if he doesnt make runs this time, Hussey told foxsports.com.au. Hes looked tentative. He hasnt looked settled at the crease. I think this is an opportunity for him just to let it go and swing hard. Thats what Id be doing, he added and opined that Labuschagne won't be playing the next Test match. I dont think hes going to play the next Test match in Perth, Julian said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
2nd Unofficial Test: Jurel hits 99 not out as India A recover to 291/7 against NZ A
Digital Desk | Christchurch, Oct 31 (IANS) Skipper Dhruv Jurel stood firm with an unbeaten 99 to steer India A out of trouble and take them to 291/7 on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Hagley Oval on Saturday. Jurels composed knock, coupled with Devdutt Padikkals fluent 80, helped the visitors recover from a dramatic middle-order collapse after New Zealand A had seized control with a flurry of wickets. India As innings got off to a disastrous start when Fraser Sheat struck in the opening over, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a four-ball duck. However, Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan ensured there was no further damage before lunch, stitching together a 91-run partnership for the second wicket. Sudharsan looked comfortable during his 41 off 63 deliveries but departed shortly after the break, caught by Mitchell Hay off Jarrod McKay. Yash Rathods brief stay ended at 13 when he edged Brett Randell to the wicketkeeper, leaving India A at 131/3. Padikkal continued to dictate terms with an assured innings featuring 12 boundaries, bringing up a valuable half-century. His dismissal for 80, bowled by Sheat, triggered Indias biggest setback of the day as the visitors slipped from 137/3 to 137/5. Sheat struck twice in quick succession, trapping Smaran Ravichandran and Washington Sundar leg-before for ducks and eight respectively. With India A suddenly struggling at 160/6, Jurel took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter found an important ally in Manav Suthar, adding 62 runs for the seventh wicket. Suthar contributed 22 before departing, but Jurel continued to hold the innings together. Akash Deep then provided valuable support at the other end as the pair frustrated the New Zealand A attack with an unbeaten 69-run partnership. Jurel moved to 99 not out, leaving him just one run short of a century at stumps, while Akash remained alongside him. Sheat was the standout bowler for the hosts, finishing with figures of 4-50 from 19 overs. Randell, McKay and Jayden Lennox claimed a wicket each. Brief scores: India A 291/7 in 88 overs (Dhruv Jurel 99*, Devdutt Padikkal 80; Fraser Sheat 4-50) vs New Zealand A.
Jurel's unbeaten 99 and Padikkal 80 carry India A
Fraser Sheat led the charge for New Zealand A with four wickets on the opening day's play in Christchurch
Jemimah Rodrigues issues crucial injury update, set to return to action after setback; Check details
In a major development, star India womens batter Jemimah Rodrigues took to social media and issued a crucial injury update, in which she revealed that she has been declared fit from the hamstring injury that she sustained back in August.
Pak PM Trolled For Celebrating Win Over India
'I had to Google 'Hong Kong Sixes' just to see what it was, and it turns out to be basically organised gully cricket.'
West Indies need 170 to win after Chase five-for in Dhaka
Jomel Warrican also took a four-for to bowl out Bangladesh for 142
It's Win Or Lose: Ryan Rickelton Sets Stage For Blockbuster South Africa vs Australia Test Finale
The series-deciding final Test between South Africa and Australia is set for a thrilling finish on Saturday, with the series result, the No. 1 Test ranking and crucial World Test Championship points all at stake on the final day.
Auqib Nabi replaces Prasidh Krishna for New Zealand ODIs
Pace bowler Auqib Nabi has been added to the Indian squad for the first three ODIs against New Zealand, replacing the injured Prasidh Krishna, who failed to recover from a hamstring injury.
Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder Script World Record With Twin Centuries, End 37-Year Drought
Ryan Rickelton (101) and Wiaan Mulder (115) stitched together a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping South Africa set a target of 287.
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) took centre stage and announced that pacer Auqib Nabi will be added to the Indian teams ODI squad for the first three ODIs of the series...
BCCI Makes Late Change To Team India's Squad Ahead of New Zealand ODIs
The BCCI have added pacer Auqib Nabi to Team India's squad for the first matches of the upcoming five-game ODI series against New Zealand, starting November 4.
Auqib Nabi added to India squad for first three NZ ODIs
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received an extended opportunity in Indias ODI setup after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) included him in the squad for the first three matches of the five-game series against New Zealand, having initially been picked only for the final two games. The selection committees decision, announced on Saturday, means Nabi will now be available for the entire five-match series, which begins on November 4. His inclusion comes a day after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the tour, with the pacer requiring additional time to recover from a hamstring injury and regain the workload needed for competitive cricket. Nabis recent performances in New Zealand appear to have strengthened his case. The 29-year-old was among Indias standout bowlers in the opening unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A at Lincoln last week, claiming six wickets and exploiting the assistance on offer from the surface. He was originally named in the India A squad for all three unofficial Tests but was subsequently withdrawn from the groups for the second and third matches. Before heading to New Zealand, Nabi also featured for Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup against Rest of India, where he picked up four wickets. The call-up offers the right-arm seamer another opportunity to establish himself at the international level following an underwhelming start to his ODI career. Nabi made his debut against the West Indies in Guwahati on September 30 but endured a difficult outing, conceding 84 runs in 8.5 overs. He was left out of the playing XI for the third and final ODI in Mullanpur, with Mohammed Siraj replacing him. However, his domestic record provides a compelling case for another opportunity. Nabi was central to Jammu and Kashmirs historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2025-26 season, finishing with 60 wickets and establishing himself as one of the competitions most effective fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will captain India in the opening three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer taking over leadership duties for the final two matches. Gill and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul are scheduled to leave the squad after the third ODI to prepare for the subsequent two-match Test series. Indias updated ODI squad for the first three ODIs: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (only for the first ODI), Auqib Nabi. Indias ODI squad for fourth and fifth ODIs: Shreyas Iyer (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wk, vc), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav
The Indian team lost the fourth T20I of the ongoing series against New Zealand . The teams met at Eden Park in Auckland for the clash, and the game saw the Black Caps bat first and post a total of 259 runs in the first innings after an exceptional performance with the bat.
Padikkal rescues India A as Jaiswal fails again
Devdutt Padikkal's fluent 80 runs helped India A recover from an early collapse against New Zealand A on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test, reaching 195/6 at stumps.
'Australia faces tough Day 5 chase on slow Newlands wicket'
Australia faces a challenging target of 288 runs against South Africa on a deteriorating Newlands wicket, with the home side's pace attack and spinner Simon Harmer expected to exploit the conditions to clinch the three-match Test series.
Team India continued its ongoing five-game series against New Zealand. The teams met in the fourth T20I of the series. The teams met at Eden Park in Auckland on October 30th, and New Zealand managed...
Glenn Phillips achieves massive feat as New Zealand breeze past India to win fourth T20I in Auckland
The Indian team took on New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the ongoing series. The two teams met at Eden Park in Auckland for the clash on October 30, and the game saw New...
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's Post After Hong Kong Sixes Win Over India Has Social Media Talking
India and Pakistan faced off in a Hong Kong Sixes 2026 match on Friday, with the latter winning the match
India A vs New Zealand A LIVE Score, 2nd Unofficial Test LIVE Updates
India A vs New Zealand A LIVE Score, 2nd Unofficial Test: India's Test regulars will be aiming to get up to speed with the New Zealand conditions in the second unofficial Test, starting Saturday.
'It's win or lose. No draw tomorrow': Rickelton anticipates gripping final day
Australia need 287 runs, South Africa need ten wickets, and the series is set for a fascinating conclusion
India at 50: Celebrating a milestone for womens cricket
It was on October 31 in 1976 that the first womens Test between India and the West Indies got underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
Rickelton, Mulder centuries help Proteas set 288-run target for Australia
Digital Desk | Cape Town, Oct 30 (IANS) Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder powered a magnificent lower-order fightback as South Africa scored 387 in their second innings, setting Australia a challenging target of 288 runs to win the series-deciding third Test of the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday. Resuming Day 4 of the third and final Test of the series at 140/4, South Africa built their innings around a monumental 154-run sixth-wicket partnership between Rickelton, who scored 101 off 219 balls, and Mulder, who made 115 off 221 deliveries. The pair frustrated Australia's bowling attack across two gruelling sessions, transforming South Africa's position after the hosts had lost Matthew Breetzke early in the morning. Breetzke, who resumed alongside Rickelton, looked to consolidate before Pat Cummins produced a sharp short delivery in the 67th over. The batter mistimed his pull and found Mitchell Starc, departing for 43 to leave South Africa at 181/5. Mulder then joined Rickelton and the duo took the attack to Australia, putting together a vital stand that gave the hosts a substantial lead to defend in the final innings. Rickelton brought up a gritty century, striking 12 boundaries, before being run out by Josh Inglis in the 120th over. Mulder continued to score freely, hitting 10 fours and four sixes in his 115-run knock. With Rickelton's dismissal, Australia appeared poised to wrap up the innings quickly, but Kagiso Rabada provided valuable support to Mulder from the other end, helping him reach his hundred. Cummins eventually dismissed Mulder as the last wicket, bringing South Africa's second innings to an end at 387 in 134.4 overs and leaving Australia with 288 runs to chase on the final day. For Australia, Starc was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-65 in 24 overs, while captain Cummins (2-71) and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (2-101) claimed two wickets apiece. South Africa had scored 329 in their first innings, before Australia responded with 429 to secure a crucial 100-run lead. With the three-match World Test Championship series locked at 1-1, the final day's chase will decide the outcome of the contest. Brief scores: South Africa 329 & 387 all out in 134.4 overs (Wiaan Mulder 115, Ryan Rickelton 101; Mitchell Starc 3-65, Pat Cummins 2-71) lead Australia 429 by 287 runs
Pakistan Face Party Poopers Sri Lanka For First Home ODI Tri-Series Win
Pakistan are aiming to win a tri-series on home soil for the first time but face a stiff challenge from party poopers Sri Lanka in the final in Lahore on Saturday. The hosts lost their three previous tri-series on home turf, finishing runners-up to Australia in 1994, Sri Lanka in 2004 and New Zealand last year. This time, Pakistan have won three matches on the trot -- two against England and one against Sri Lanka -- before losing to the latter in their final group game, bowled out for just 110. Head coach Mike Hesson admitted his side has yet to play at their best. To get three wins in a row was a good sign but I still don't think we have played our best game yet, said Hesson. Hopefully we are saving that for the final. Pakistan will hope misfiring opener Fakhar Zaman and star batter Babar Azam return to form, having scored 31 and 118 respectively in four matches. Sri Lanka shocked England last week by chasing down 430 -- the second-highest target in ODI history -- and gave them another scare in pursuit of a 387-run target before losing by 55 runs on Thursday. Skipper Kusal Mendis was bullish ahead of the weekend, saying: We are quite confident going into the final. Although the loss against England was disappointing, we have taken some valuable lessons from that game. For Sri Lanka, middle-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been in sublime form, scoring two centuries against England and 79 runs against Pakistan. Mendis, whose side punctured the home atmosphere when they beat Pakistan by eight wickets at the same venue on Tuesday, was not ready to take the home team lightly. Pakistan are a very good side, and playing them in their own conditions makes them a challenging opponent and we can never underestimate them, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The tri-series is seen as a build-up to next year's ODI World Cup co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
England Great James Anderson Asks What's 'Wrong With Me?' After Lancashire Exit
James Anderson has revealed how his exit from Lancashire left him questioning if there is something fundamentally wrong with me as a person as the England great weighs up whether to extend his remarkable career. Lancashire finished second bottom of the County Championship last season under Anderson's captaincy despite the 44-year-old paceman taking an excellent 50 wickets in 11 matches at a miserly average of 17.68. But Lancashire's incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace, together with new chief executive Richard Kenyon, informed Anderson in a meeting last week his contract would not be renewed for 2027. The county's decision is reminiscent of the end of Anderson's celebrated England career two years ago, when he was effectively forced into international retirement after director of cricket Rob Key, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes made clear their intention to move on from the veteran quick. Anderson bowed out from Test cricket with 704 wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the five-day format. It feels very similar, Anderson told his Tailenders podcast when comparing the end of his England and Lancashire careers. I finished the season thinking 'was it something I did? Was I doing something wrong?'. And then I get told this news and now I'm thinking it even more. I'm thinking 'this is happening again, is there something fundamentally wrong with me as a person?'. Your head just races and I didn't know what to make of it for a good week. You're thinking 'I'm never going to play cricket again'. Asked if he would continue his first-class career with another county next season, Anderson replied: I'm still trying to process everything and weigh up what the best way forward for me is, really. Anderson's treatment has angered many Lancashire members, with his longstanding England new-ball colleague Stuart Broad calling it disrespectful. Anderson, while excited about the future, said: I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid. I was born there, grew up watching them, had some of my most memorable days out with dad watching them, got to play for them and captain the club, which is something most people dream about. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I feel like I have a special connection with the club and will always support them.
'Let Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play his natural game'
Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has praised young Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a good investment for the future and advocating for him to play his natural game. Jayasuriya also lauded Abhishek Sharma as an all-round player and expressed confidence in the Sri Lankan team's form ahead of their December tour of India. He also commented on the increasing dominance of batters in white-ball cricket, stating it's good for the game.
Marking a significant step in its international sports business, JSW Sports has secured a portfolio of brand partnerships for the Hong Kong Sixes, its first international intellectual property (IP).
Jacob Duffy Breaks Trent Boult's Record In New Zealand's Big Win Over India
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy overtook legendary Trent Boult, registering the best figures by a Kiwi pacer against India on Friday.
We Fell A Bit Short In Our Bowling: Shreyas Iyer Reflects On India's Defeat To New Zealand
India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that the team fell short with the ball after suffering an 87-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I, crediting Glenn Phillips for his match-winning century.
Former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid and Olympic medal-winning badminton great Saina Nehwal have been nominated by the Sports Ministry as athlete representatives in the proposed Organising Committee for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
Rohit Sharma Explains Why He Never Got To Wear His First Choice Jersey Number
For cricket fans, the number 45 is instantly associated with Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the 'Hitman'
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan continued to raise questions over with his overseas performances with a three-ball duck against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Auckland on Friday.
Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder Centuries Lead South Africa Fightback, Set Australia 288-Run Chase
Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder lifted South Africa back into series contention against Australia on day four of the deciding Newlands Test on Friday. South Africa began the day only 40 runs ahead and four wickets down
India's women's wrestling contingent has secured a historic achievement at the World Championships in Astana, with Manisha Bhanwala becoming the country's first female world champion after defeating American wrestler Elizabeth Nette 8-6 in the 59kg...
A sensational century from Glenn Phillips set the tone as New Zealand clinched their first win of the T20I series on Friday. Phillips' hundred was well supported by Michael Bracewell who scored a half-century of his own as the hosts plundered 259/7. In response, India's chase never got going as they were restricted to 172/9.
'All The Credit Goes To Him': Yuvraj Singh Lauds Abhishek Sharma's Hard Work
ICC T20I: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has credited Abhishek Sharmas hard work for his remarkable rise in international cricket, saying the left-handed opener deserves all the credit for reclaiming the number one spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Abhishek has been in sensational form in the shortest format, with his explosive batting making him one of Indias most influential players. Yuvraj, who has mentored the young opener, said his performances were a reflection of the hard work he had put in over the years. Abhishek Sharma scored a century off 30 balls and then off 34 balls. I think its the result of his hard work. He has worked very hard to get where he is. He is back at the number one spot (T20I rankings) in world cricket, and all the credit goes to him, Yuvraj told IANS on the sidelines of a launch event. Yuvraj also praised the improvement in Indian players, particularly in white-ball cricket, while highlighting the role of better recovery methods and sports science in helping athletes deal with injuries and improve their performances. If you play sports, you will get injured. There will be on-ground injuries. Recovery has to be better. Feel in terms of science, obviously players are getting better. They are recovering better; they are playing better. Their skill is better; they are becoming faster. So I feel that our players are doing really well. Especially in white-ball cricket, he said. Abhishek recently produced another breathtaking performance in the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on October 27, smashing 113 off just 38 deliveries to help India register a six-wicket victory and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The 25-year-old reached his half-century in just 14 balls before completing his fourth T20I century. His innings featured a relentless display of power-hitting and helped India chase down New Zealands 198/3 in just 13.2 overs. Yuvraj had also reacted to the knock on social media, taking a playful dig at Abhishek while praising his remarkable hitting ability. You still cant get 50 off 12, can you? @OfficialAbhi04! Looks like two left-handers batting in their backyard! Yuvraj posted on X. The 25-year-old reached his half-century in just 14 balls before completing his fourth T20I century. His innings featured a relentless display of power-hitting and helped India chase down New Zealands 198/3 in just 13.2 overs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Saina Nehwal, Rahul Dravid nominated to Commonwealth Games 2030 organising board: Report
Former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal are set to take up administrative responsibilities for the Commonwealth Games 2030 after being nominated to the event's Organising Company Board. The appointments, made...
'Abhishek, Ishan, Vaibhav merit ODI chances'
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed his belief that talented young players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are not being given due justice by not being regularly picked for the ODI squad. He acknowledged the challenge posed by senior players but hopes their performance will soon earn them a spot.
'Hamstring has been declared fit' - Rodrigues eyes return to action after three months of rehab
India's next assignment will be a multi-format tour of South Africa in December
Sairaj Bahutule: Indias spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said the 87-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Eden Park came due to losing early wickets in the chase and a bowling effort that leaked 20-30 extra runs. Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off 49 balls, including hitting 10 sixes, as New Zealand piled up a record 259/7. Michael Bracewell gave him strong support with a 25-ball 65 that included six sixes as India also conceded their highest-ever mens T20I score. Indias chase stumbled in the very first over, when Jacob Duffy removed both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. With the required rate hovering around 13 an over, India kept losing wickets and eventually were restricted to 172/9. You could say that (we struggled to get going). Obviously, Eden Park is a challenging ground in terms of dimensions. But I think we were very clear as to what we wanted to do. We were clear in terms of our strengths, and we wanted to execute our skills to whatever we could really work towards. But it didnt happen. I think while chasing the score, we lost far too many wickets in the power play. But I think its always challenging playing here because of the shape of the ground. Conditions obviously, when we start the game at 8 oclock, its cold and windy. We maybe could have executed slightly better in terms of chasing. While bowling-wise also, we could not have given that many runs. Could have been short of 20-30 runs. But it didnt happen today. Hopefully, well regroup and recollect and make sure that we continue our form in Hamilton, said Bahutule in the post-match press conference. He kept returning to Indias chase faltering in the powerplay, where New Zealands bowlers hit their lengths and took wickets early. I think losing wickets in the powerplay. The moment you lose two wickets, you are always 30 runs short of your total. So, they bowled well in the right areas. We tried to score as much as possible in the powerplay. It didnt happen. If we had managed post-powerplay also, I am sure we would have been closer to the target. But again, it was just a question of losing wickets in the powerplay. Bahutule pointed out that both departments had fallen short, though the batting groups approach would not change. I think that in both things, in bowling and batting, as I said, we could have given a few runs less in bowling. In batting, if we had one or two wickets in Power-play, then definitely we would have been able to chase because the way our batting line-up is, the way everyones mindset is, there is always a first attempt to win. But that didnt happen today. But in the future, we will definitely achieve that. As you know, power play is very crucial. You know, once you have a good start in six overs, while chasing this target, if you are almost 80-90, then we are sort of in line to at least get close to it. There is just a question of a couple of partnerships. Once those couple of partnerships had taken place in the mid-overs between the 7th and the 15th over, in the last five overs, definitely we could have got closer. Thats what weve achieved before. But again, as I said, about 20-25 runs is a bit far too much for us to be given by the bowling unit. Bahutule also spoke about the crowded schedule, saying the players picked for the ODIs like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Gurnoor Brar - had already started training while the T20I squad moves on to Hamilton for Sundays clash. I think we always have planning, and it has already been done. So I think the guys who have come for the one-dayers have already started preparation today. The coaching staff will stay for a while and facilitate things for them as much as possible. Then once the team comes back from Hamilton, theyll join. So this scheduling, as you know, is in a way which is quite busy. But I think all of us from the support staff are ready to take up any job, any opportunity where we can help the players and see how we can prepare them for the one-dayers and the Test matches. So we are ready. On the varying conditions in New Zealand, Bahutule said the team had chosen to treat that as a challenge to face head-on. Its challenging in its own way because there are some grounds in New Zealand where you get to play on drop-in pitches, which is, I think, very rare. It doesnt happen in India. So when you come here, you see the change, the difference in the bounce, the seam movement, the little bit of hold-up depending on the dew factor, which obviously gets the moisture. So there are little challenges for the batters initially. On the varying conditions in New Zealand, Bahutule said the team had chosen to treat that as a challenge to face head-on. Its challenging in its own way because there are some grounds in New Zealand where you get to play on drop-in pitches, which is, I think, very rare. It doesnt happen in India. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recently alleged that Ryanair staff at Dublin Airport behaved in a discriminatory and hreatening manner towards him and his family while they were travelling
Why Yuvraj Feels His Iconic Six-Sixes Record Is Nearing Its End
Yuvraj Singh expects his iconic six-sixes record to fall soon while crediting Abhishek Sharma's exceptional work ethic for his rise to the top of T20I batting rankings.
James Anderson not sure about retirement after being left shocked following Lancashire exit
England's record wicket-taker James Anderson has admitted that Lancashire's decision not to renew his contract has left him deeply disappointed. Following which, the veteran fast bowler is considering his future, but is yet to determine...
Why Kuldeep, Varun Remain on Sidelines Even After Bowling Debacle
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the limited opportunities for Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, stating they understand the team's preferred combination. Despite a heavy defeat in the fourth T20I, Bahutule highlighted the spinners' readiness and the team's attacking approach, while also discussing challenges at Eden Park and the potential for changes in the next game.
Varun, Kuldeep might get an opportunity, lets see how it turns out in Hamilton: Bahutule
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) Indias spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said the team management would decide its combination for the next game only after seeing the conditions in Hamilton, adding that wrist-spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who have not featured in the series so far, could be given a chance. India, who have an unassailable lead in the series, won the toss in the fourth game held at Eden Park on Friday, but New Zealand bounced back in style in front of a sell-out crowd. In-form Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off 49 balls while Michael Bracewell hit 65 off 25 deliveries as New Zealand made 259/7, their highest T20I total. Its also the highest total India have ever conceded. In reply, India could make only 172/9, and lost by 87 runs. I think obviously today was a different day. I think we played real good cricket in the last three games. Different pitches, different conditions is something which we really learnt to adapt. Thats what the effort was, but it didnt happen. In the next venue, we will decide as to what combination would be ideal. They might get an opportunity, but lets see how it turns out at Hamilton, said Bahutule in the post-match press conference. He also said both Kuldeep and Varun understood that team balance could keep them out and are working in the background. I think more than anything they are well prepared to play. The team combinations, whatever they need, its very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity. They are very much aware of it. At the same time, they keep working behind the doors. Whenever they are needed, in fact, they will be ready for it. I think its a question of giving them the opportunity. Hopefully, in the next game and the coming one-dayers, they will get opportunities. Bahutule further stated the final word on the playing eleven would come only after the team arrives in Hamilton, the venue for the fifth T20I on Sunday. We will decide once we reach Hamilton. Decide after having a look at the pitch, the dimensions again, conditions again. Then the decision will be taken. On the plans given to the spinners, especially with the 2028 Mens T20 World Cup set to happen in New Zealand, who will co-host with Australia, Bahutule said the team wants its bowlers to attack, though the approach can change as per the situation. So, I think we encourage our bowlers to be attacking. Sometimes being defensive can also be an attacking role. You know what I mean? So, there are different situations which you need to handle. Like Axar (Patel) is somebody who bowls in the powerplay and whichever over number he is given, he executes it very well. When you have Varun as well as Kuldeep in the wings, they too are ready to bowl at any stage. They play a different role in conditions like this. But there is a lot of clarity given to them in terms of what is expected from them. So, moving forward, when the opportunity arises for them to contribute and play, I am sure they are very much well prepared and that will help them to get better and sort of play more games in the coming tournaments, he elaborated. Bahutule revealed that attacking opener Abhishek Sharma puts in regular work on his left-arm spin in the nets, though if he would bowl depends on captain Shreyas Iyer. He keeps practising. He is somebody who in the nets keeps working at his bowling. He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But its all about the captains instinct on the ground. He has to go according to that. That is the time sometimes you get a chance. You can get a chance by looking at the conditions. But they are very much well prepared. In any situation, I think the opportunity will be given. They will surely go there and execute their skills. Bahutule also spoke about teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshis bowling efforts, adding that the teenaged opener was serious about it but was still some way from being used regularly with the ball. I think still some time to go. Definitely, he is very keen on his bowling. He does his routines in terms of the bowling. But I think he has got some time. We are trying to create as many opportunities for him. But eventually we have got some experienced players as well who will get their dues. But when it comes to bowling, I think he is somebody who is very keen. If he can bowl those one or two overs in a T20 and then hopefully, maybe in the one day or whenever his time comes. But behind the scenes, he is working towards it and he is very serious about his bowling.
