Women's WC: 'They Didnt Acknowledge That SA Also Had Match-winners', Says Anjum Chopra On India's Shortcomings

While South Africa: Former India captain and pundit Anjum Chopra discussed Indias shortcomings from their recent Womens World Cup game against South Africa, where the Proteas handed the Women in Blue their first defeat of the tournament in a thriller, saying that Harmanpreet Kaur-led side failed to analyse that the opposition team also has match-winners. Anjum also lauded Nadine de Klerks knock, as she held her nerves under pressure and took charge of the hitting to help her side clinch a nail-biting win. Richa Ghoshs steady batting anchored Indias innings, but de Klerk's unbeaten 84 led South Africa to victory. Anjum commented on Indias performance, highlighting the resilience of the middle order, especially Richas contribution. She also emphasised the importance of expanding bowling options and learning key lessons to improve as the tournament progresses. Nadine de Klerk played true to her strengths. Shes one of those underrated performers in South African and world cricket, someone whos often seen as a bowler who can send down a few overs or as a batter who contributes occasionally but is not always recognised as a major match-winner. Her knock will make people take notice. Coming in at number eight and knowing exactly how to finish games. Thats a big takeaway for world cricket, seeing another player of such calibre come through. For India, the positive takeaway was the effort from Richa Ghosh and the middle order, including Sneh Rana, who once again stood up for the team. They showed intent and composure, making it clear that the middle and lower orders are willing to take responsibility. When India came out to bowl, they looked in sync with the situation, aware of how crucial every run was. They were up for the contest and the fight. But somewhere along the way, that intensity dropped, perhaps thinking the game was in the bag. They didnt fully acknowledge that the opposition also had match-winners and depth in their batting line-up, much like India, Anjum said on JioHotstar. Indias bowling unit yet again performed brilliantly and added pressure on the Proteas by picking up wickets early in the game. While South Africas chances looked meek as they started off with the chase, de Klerk pulled off a miracle to change the fate of the game. Speaking on Indias bowling unit. The tall batting order we often talk about, capable of chasing big targets, now has to prove itself under pressure, just like South Africa did with Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk leading the way. The same kind of conditions will be seen again in Vizag, Indore, and Mumbai. They are not going to change. Its about how India adapt to them and find the right bowling combinations to respond, Anjum added. India lacked a sixth bowling option, which is why skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took charge in the middle and bowled four overs in the game. She conceded 15 runs and went wicketless, but that move led to further questions being raised about India not having a sixth full-time bowler in the lineup. The tall batting order we often talk about, capable of chasing big targets, now has to prove itself under pressure, just like South Africa did with Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk leading the way. The same kind of conditions will be seen again in Vizag, Indore, and Mumbai. They are not going to change. Its about how India adapt to them and find the right bowling combinations to respond, Anjum added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score So, the team management will have to make a tough call, whether its sacrificing an opener, a number three, or a number five, a bowler must come in. Even with a deep batting order, when someone like Richa Ghosh is batting at number eight, its clear that several batters arent delivering consistently. Its time to strengthen at least one department decisively, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Afghanistan eye another ODI series win over Bangladesh

They were victors in 2023 and 2024 and things are looking good this year as well

Women's WC: Batting Deep Is The Right Thing For Teams In The Tournament

ODI World Cup: South Africa's victory over India in the Women's World Cup has highlighted a rising trend in this edition of the 50-over tournament late order batting is the key to victory and defeat, and teams need not lose hope if they lose wickets in quick succession at the top. Beth Mooney of Australia did it the other day against Pakistan in Colombo. On Thursday, Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana did it for India while Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk followed suit, hammering all-important runs despite their teams losing six wickets for nothing in the match. Mooney rescued the reigning World Champions, Australia, from a disastrous 76/7 to guide them to 221/9 in 50 overs, earning herself a well-deserved century in the process. On Thursday, Richa Ghosh hammered a 77-ball 94 and shared vital partnerships with Amanjot Kaur (13) and Sneh Rana (33 off 24) to lift India from 102/6 to 251. Nadine de Klerk blasted an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, along with Chloe Tryon, who scored 49 from 66 balls, helping South Africa chase the 252-run target in 48.5 overs and secure victory in a thrilling match. These two matches, along with India's first two games, reinforced the belief that batting deep is the way to go in this World Cup, and the stats also show that the middle-order batters are thriving in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025. According to stats compiled by ESPNcricinfo, the top four batters have scored 1774 runs in 20 innings across 10 matches, including 11 scores of fifty or more and a century partnership. In comparison, batters from No.5 and lower have scored 1740 runs so far, including 10 fifty-plus scores and forming two century partnerships. South Africa's Nadine de Klerk agreed that teams that bat deep can extricate themselves from trouble. Really glad we got over the line. I think the most important part is, and we've seen it in this World Cup, is you just have to stick it out. Doesn't matter if you're batting No.8 or No.9, (you just have to) give yourself a chance. I mean, Richa (Ghosh) did it today for India as well. Just try and bat time, she said in the post-match press conference. And I guess when it comes to the back 10 (overs), you can really start backing yourself and try and take the game on. And if it does come off, that 70 or 80 runs in the last 10 makes a massive difference in these totals, he added. She also mentioned that seam bowling is somewhat easier to play in the latter part of an innings in this World Cup compared to spin. I think seam (bowling) was much easier on this wicket, and I think even when we bowled the back end, we felt like it was a pretty good wicket. She also mentioned that seam bowling is somewhat easier to play in the latter part of an innings in this World Cup compared to spin. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The teams will perform well moving forward, and remember that a match is not over until the final ball, relying on their lower-order batters. If the top order sets the foundation, the lower order can go all the way and capitalise on that. If not, they are there to do the rescue, acting as the world watches them perform another miracle. Article Source: IANS

Theres A Bit Of Aura About Virat And Rohit: Connolly Excited To Share Field With Two 'world-class' Players

The West Australian: Australias rising star Cooper Connolly dubbed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as 'world-class players' and expressed excitement about sharing the field with the Indian stalwarts again while recalling the last time he played a game against the two stars. The 22-year-old all-rounder has been named in Australias ODI squad for their home series against India, starting from October 19 in Perth, and might get a chance to share the field with the senior Indian players again. Connolly shared the field with Kohli and Rohit during the two teams Champions Trophy semi-final clash this year in March. He was a part of Australias XI and opened the batting for them but was dismissed for a nine-ball duck. Its exciting, theyre two world-class players. Ive played them both before, and theres a bit of aura about them. You just think, these guys have played a lot of cricket and they have got that strut about them, Connolly told The West Australian. They own this game, pretty much. Its exciting; there will be a lot of fans here to watch those two go about it pretty much and were excited to play some good cricket. Theyre bringing over a pretty strong squad, but hopefully we can win the series. It would be an honour. Ive obviously looked up to Virat, hes a nice player. I havent had much communication with him, but itd be an honour to share the field one last time with him. Kohlis last game in Australia was the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which was also the last red-ball international game of his career before he announced his retirement from the format. They own this game, pretty much. Its exciting; there will be a lot of fans here to watch those two go about it pretty much and were excited to play some good cricket. Theyre bringing over a pretty strong squad, but hopefully we can win the series. It would be an honour. Ive obviously looked up to Virat, hes a nice player. I havent had much communication with him, but itd be an honour to share the field one last time with him. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With Australia preparing to host India for three ODIs, followed by five T20Is, the seasoned duo of RoKo will finally be back in play. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: Jaiswal Unbeaten On 40 As India Reach 94/1 At Lunch Against West Indies

Arun Jaitley Stadium: During the middle of the first session on Day 1 of the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a small number of fans were chanting Kohli, Kohli, as they sorely missed the presence of the batting stalwart and local lad. By the time lunch was called, the sun was at its peak, and the fans had now started chanting Jaiswal, Jaiswal. They had their reasons, as Yashasvi scored an unbeaten 40 for India to reach 94/1 in 28 overs against the West Indies. It was a session where India ticked many boxes winning the toss, batting first, settling in, and slogging through the morning to build a steady foundation for a big total. Jaiswal and KL Rahul were cautious in their approach early on to take India to 15/0 in the first six overs, as a few balls from Anderson Philip and Jayden Seales swung. After that, Rahul played shots which pleased the shutterbugs a pristine punch and whip off Seales to score consecutive boundaries. The barrage of boundaries became three in a row when Jaiswal whipped Justin Greaves. There was a sense of pure swagger in Jaiswal a straight drive off Philip was as fierce as a bullet fired from a rifle. The straight drive would again come from Jaiswals willow with its execution flawless on an overpitched ball from Greaves. After a fifty-run partnership between the openers, Rahul had just lofted Khary Pierre for six and was preparing to dance down the pitch again - this time to Jomel Warrican but he was undone by sharp turn that went past his outside edge, resulting in the batter being stumped for 38. There was a sense of pure swagger in Jaiswal a straight drive off Philip was as fierce as a bullet fired from a rifle. The straight drive would again come from Jaiswals willow with its execution flawless on an overpitched ball from Greaves. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: India 94/1 in 28 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 40 not out, KL Rahul 38; Jomel Warrican 1-21) against West Indies Article Source: IANS

Johnson's BBL and T20 World Cup hopes hinge on back scan

Johnson suffered a stress fracture in the IPL but it wasn't formally diagnosed until the lead-up to Australia's tour of the Caribbean

Women's WC: It Was Bit Tricky After Chloe Got Out, Says De Klerk On SA's Win Over India

ODI World Cup: Having faced Indian pacer Kranti Gaud earlier, and with the eased-up conditions in the second half of the game, South African batter Nadine de Klerk's confidence grew as she led her team to victory against India in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup. de Klerk launched a sensational assault on the Indian bowling in the last three overs, hitting Kranti for a couple of sixes and a four and smashing two sixes in three balls against Amanjot Kaur in the 49th over to secure victory. Coming in at No. 8, de Klerk hammered an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes as she shared a 69-run partnership with Chloe Tryon (49 off 66) for the eighth wicket, helping South Africa secure a memorable victory in a thrilling match encounter. De Klerk said she and Tryon decided to take things deep and also relied on the confidence they gained from the words of skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who expressed belief in her batters after they were bundled out for 69 by England in their first match. On Thursday, the skipper laid the foundation for the successful chase with a 111-ball 70. Yeah, look, I think when me and Chloe were batting together, we just said we wanted to take it deep and we felt like if the two of us were still batting in the back end, we backed ourselves to get 10, 10 runs an over in the last four or five overs. So, yeah, it was just about being really positive, taking a smart option, I guess. And yeah, still trying to put their bowlers under pressure, de Klerk said in the post-match press conference. She also admitted that bowling medium-pace in the death overs was relatively easy and helped them secure victory. Yeah, look, I think seam was much easier on this wicket and I think even when we bowled in the back end, we felt like it was a pretty good wicket. But I think their spinners bowled really well in that middle phase. So, I think especially in that back 10, we knew they're going to have to bowl a few seamers, and that was going to be the much easier option to take on. So, I think, like I said, yeah, we just played smart cricket. Me and Chloe just tried to take it really deep. We knew that if we had to get 40 of the last four and the two of us were still batting, that we could get it. So, it was just about building that partnership, getting ourselves in, and then taking, especially the pacers down. And that was always the plan to try to take the pacers down. Which was much easier on that surface, she added. She said Richa Ghosh's attempt to seek the physio's help to treat her hamstring during the 47th over was an attempt by the Indian team to slow down things and break South Africa's momentum. However, de Klerk said the break allowed her to reassess her game plan. Yeah, look, I think we just questioned whether something really happened. We obviously felt like it was quite tactical from India to try and slow the game down. But I think in the end it actually worked out quite well because we also got a bit of a refreshment, and it just gave me a few seconds to restart my head and my game plans as well. I think in the end it worked out quite well. But, yeah, we knew it was quite tactical. They really tried to slow the game down, especially with starting the over quite well, and then it was all about just slowing things down. But like I said, it worked out quite well for us, said de Klerk. The 25-year-old South African all-rounder said things became a bit tricky after Tryon got out. It got a bit more tricky when (Chloe) got out, but I guess it's just about the belief and the character at the end of the day, and we just wanted to stick it out and fight really hard because we knew how important this game was for our team, de Klerk said.. Really glad we got over the line. I think the most important part is, and we've seen it in this World Cup, is you just have to stick it out. Doesn't matter if you're batting No.8 or No.9; you just have to give yourself a chance. I mean, Richa (Ghosh) did it today for India as well. Just try and bat time, said de Klerk. She added that they were confident of chasing 250 after their superb batting effort against New Zealand, when they scored 234/4 in 40.5 overs. We were pretty confident in chasing 250. I think we made it a bit harder for ourselves than we would have liked. But, like I said, there's a lot of positives and glad we got over the line today, she added. Skipper Wolvaardt described de Klerk's innings as incredible and special. It was incredible. I don't think I have seen something like that in my career. That was a special innings. I am still at a loss for words. We found ourselves in a little bit of a pickle. We have had lots of conversations about the first game and how to deal with it. We knew we were ahead of them runs-wise. We wanted to take the game deep and needed something special. We got that. So special, she (de Klerk) has been hitting like that in the nets against all our bowlers, and glad that it came off in the game. She timed the chase really well, she added. Indeed, it was a special innings by a player who was full of the belief that they could do it. Now, South Africa must ride the momentum all the way through this tournament. So special, she (de Klerk) has been hitting like that in the nets against all our bowlers, and glad that it came off in the game. She timed the chase really well, she added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Perhaps 2025 will be the turn of the women's team to claim their first ICC title. The ball is now in their court to carry it all the way to the crown. Article Source: IANS

Delhi Announce Badoni-led 24-member Ranji Trophy Squad, Nitish Rana Included

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Friday has announced a 24-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, with Ayush Badoni appointed captain and Yash Dhull named vice-captain. Delhi will begin their 2025/26 campaign with an away fixture against Hyderabad on October 15, before returning to host Himachal Pradesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 25. Badoni is back to being Delhis skipper after having a stint with India A team during the red-ball games against Australia A in Lucknow. The selection meeting was attended by Yashpal Singh, KP Bhaskar, Manu Nayyar, chief coach Sarandeep Singh, CAC member Surinder Khanna, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma, and Joint Secretary Amit Grover. Other notable names in the squad include Priyansh Arya, Anuj Rawat, Navdeep Saini, Simarjeet Singh and Hrithik Shokeen. The squad also features senior left-handed batter Nitish Rana, who is back in the set-up after representing Uttar Pradesh as a professional player. His selection is an intriguing one as Rana never got going with the red-ball for Uttar Pradesh in last two domestic seasons and has runs only on the back of this years Delhi Premier League (DPL). There is no mention of India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in Delhis squad, but theres an expectation that he will be ready to play once gaining full fitness after completing his rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where hes been based from since mid-September. Pant has been recovering from a fractured right foot sustained during the fourth Test against England at Manchester in July and the long recovery from it has meant that hes missed out on the ongoing Tests against the West Indies and upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. IANS had previously reported that Pant could be back in action for Delhis home game against Himachal Pradesh. This agency also understands that Pant could even be handed captaincy if hes included in Delhis squad for the premier red-ball competition after getting fitness clearance. Pant has been recovering from a fractured right foot sustained during the fourth Test against England at Manchester in July and the long recovery from it has meant that hes missed out on the ongoing Tests against the West Indies and upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Delhi squad: Ayush Badoni (captain), Yash Dhull (vice-captain), Arpit Rana, Sanat Sangwan, Anuj Rawat (wk), Sumit Mathur, Shivam Sharma, Rounak Waghela, Navdeep Saini, Simarjeet Singh, Money Grewal, Siddhant Sharma, Dhruv Kaushik, Pranav Rajvanshi (wk), Nitish Rana, Himmat Singh, Ayush Doseja, Rahul Dagar, Hrithik Shokeen, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi (wk), Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana and Aryan Rana (Subject to fitness) Article Source: IANS

Women's WC: Richa Ghosh Backs Top-order Despite Failure, Says We Will Stick To Our Plans

ODI World Cup: India's three-wicket defeat to South Africa in a thrilling encounter in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, which saw lower-order batters twice change the fortunes of their teams, has further exposed two problem areas for Harmanpreet Kaur's team that may thwart the hosts in their avowed aim of going all the way to their maiden title. Thursday's defeat to South Africa further revealed the vulnerabilities of India's top-order batting and the limited bowling resources as the two Achilles heels that could bring the juggernaut to a grinding halt. Though wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, whose brilliant knock of 94 off 77 balls and a no-holds-barred assault by Sneh Rana in a cameo of 33 off 24 helped India post a competitive total of 251 all out, supported the top-order batters and said they would come back strongly in the next set of matches, the problem seems a bit deep-rooted and needs immediate attention. But the frailties of the late-order bowling were left bare as Nadine de Klerk produced an equally sensational knock of 84 off 54 balls, hitting five sixes, the most by a late-order batter, after a composed 70 by skipper Laura Wolvaardt and a valuable 49 by Chloe Tryon helped South Africa romp to their second successive victory in the World Cup after slumping to 69 all out in their opener against England. India won their first two matches against co-hosts Sri Lanka and archrivals Pakistan, thanks to rescue acts by their middle and lower-order batters -- Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, and Richa Ghosh in particular -- and some fine bowling by their spin bowlers -- Deepti, Sneh Rana, and N. Shree Charani. Though the top-order failed again and the middle-order of Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma joined them on the sidelines as India slumped to 102/6 against South Africa on Thursday evening, Richa, along with Amanjot and Sneh, hauled them to a competitive total, sharing half-century partnerships with both. First, about the top order theyre all very good players. One match doesnt define them. Anything can happen in cricket; its our job to do our best every time. You cant always put the blame on the top order, said Richa in the post-match press conference. While the late-order batters did their job and the pacers initially supported them with two early wickets, followed by crucial strikes by spinners Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani that reduced South Africa to 142/6 and also helped raise the asking rate to 10 runs per over for the Proteas. But the 47th over bowled by pacer Kranti Gaud in her third spell proved decisive as de Klerk blasted two sixes and a four in the first three balls to bring down the equation to a more manageable 24 off 21 balls. Secondly, we never gave up on the match we played till the last ball and tried to get as many runs as possible. But yes, I think the turning point came in Krantis over that two sixes and one four she hit really changed the momentum. Otherwise, everything was under control, said Richa. She also refused to blame the pacers in the bowling unit, who were further depleted after the team management decided to drop Renuka Singh and bring in batting all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who bowls medium pace and had missed the match against Pakistan due to illness. Whatever plans we had, we tried to execute them. The pace bowlers followed their plans too. But credit to the opposition they batted really well. The way they hit the ball was outstanding. I think full credit goes to them for playing such good shots, said Richa. The Indians also did not help their cause by dropping Chole Tryon off Sneh Rana, which could have further worsened the Proteas' position from 142/6 and benefited the Indian cause. With India set to play defending champions Australia, England, and New Zealand in their next three matches, the team will have to regroup after Thursday's painful defeat and put the campaign back on the rails. Well sit down and review see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. Therell be a meeting for that. One game wont change our mindset. Well plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from todays match, well carry those forward, said Richa. The top-order batting definitely needs immediate attention. Smriti Mandhana has had a tremendous year so far, but seems to have gone off the boil in the World Cup with just 54 runs in three matches as compared to 900-plus in 14 innings before that. Well sit down and review see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. Therell be a meeting for that. One game wont change our mindset. Well plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from todays match, well carry those forward, said Richa. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score A couple of tactical changes in personnel could put things right, and the team management needs to stitch the tear in time to save the campaign. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: Windies Players Wearing Black Armbands In Memory Of Bernard Julien

Arun Jaitley Stadium: West Indiesplayers are wearing black armbands during day one of the second and final Test against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as a mark of respect for Bernard Julien, the former all-rounder who passed away at the age of 75 on October 4. West Indies players are wearing black armbands on day one of the second Test against India as a tribute to former player Bernard Julien who passed away last week. All-rounder Julien was a member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, said Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a statement on Friday. Julien, a key figure in the West Indies rise during the 1970s, played 24 Tests and amassed 866 runs while picking 50 wickets. In 12 ODIs, he made 86 runs and picked 18 scalps. He was a part of the West Indies side that won the inaugural Mens ODI World Cup in 1975. In that competition, Julien picked figures of 4-20 in the group stage game against Sri Lanka before taking 4-27 against New Zealand in the semi-final. West Indies players are wearing black armbands on day one of the second Test against India as a tribute to former player Bernard Julien who passed away last week. All-rounder Julien was a member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, said Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a statement on Friday. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Julien also made 179 appearances for the English county side Kent from 1970 to 1977 - taking 336 wickets and scoring 3,296 runs. The West Indies will be hoping to channel in some of the fearlessness Julien showed in his playing days by putting in a fighting show against India in the Test getting underway in New Delhi, where they are 1-0 behind in the two-match series. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: Unchanged India Elect To Bat First, West Indies Bring In Philip And Imlach

Arun Jaitley Stadium: An unchanged India have won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. India are leading the two-match series 1-0 after thrashing the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs inside three days in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill, who finally won his first toss as Indias Test captain, said his aim to bat first was due to get a big total early on a pitch expected to aid spin as the match progresses. The wicket looks good to bat on day one. We want to pile on the runs. To be able to repeat performances and to be able to have the same intensity in every match that we play. Something that we often speak about and that's what we are trying to look for in this test match as well. Honestly, not much. I am still the same person but definitely have more responsibilities now. But I like responsibilities and a very exciting future for me (on being elevated across all formats), he said. West Indies have brought in Anderson Phillip and Tevin Imlach in place of Brandon King and Johann Layne in their playing eleven. Skipper Roston Chase said bringing in pacer Phillip was due to him being good in making early strikes with the new ball, while keeper-batter Imlach is regarded as a better batter against spinners in the set-up. We'd have batted first, pitch looks dry, so not much worried. We had some meetings, some deep discussions about our batting. Want to bat 90 overs and gotta play every ball on its merit for long time. Imlach is from Guyana and is used to these sort of surfaces, he said. In the pitch report, Ian Bishop described it as a pitch of two halves - live grass patches holding the deck together and bald areas set to being spinners into play as the game progresses. Deep Dasgupta felt the pitch could be two-paced in nature, despite giving an initial patchy look. Playing XIs In the pitch report, Ian Bishop described it as a pitch of two halves - live grass patches holding the deck together and bald areas set to being spinners into play as the game progresses. Deep Dasgupta felt the pitch could be two-paced in nature, despite giving an initial patchy look. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score West Indies: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (captain), Tevin Imlach (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, and Jayden Seales Article Source: IANS

Shami, Akash Deep, Mukesh form strong Bengal pace attack for Ranji opener

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named captain, replacing Anustup Majumdar

Cummins 'running out of time' as Perth D-day looms but Ashes hopes alive

Coach Andrew McDonald said the captain has had a 'positive week' but conceded time was running short for Perth

Jordan Cox, Emma Lamb land prestigious PCA player of year awards

Rehan Ahmed and Davina Perrin also honoured in end-of-season awards

Dhoni Inaugurates Velammal Cricket Stadium In Madurai; Fans Go Berserk To Get A Glimpse Of 'Thala'

The Velammal Cricket Stadium: Former India captain M.S. Dhoni on Thursday inaugurated the Velammal Cricket Stadium near Chintamani in Madurai, drawing massive crowds as fans flocked for a glimpse of one of the countrys most beloved sporting icons. Dhoni, who arrived in Madurai by a private flight from Mumbai, was the chief guest to unveil Tamil Nadus second-largest cricket stadium. Built at an estimated cost of over Rs 300 crore, the world-class facility spans 12.5 acres and is set to become a key hub for cricket in the region. The three-time ICC title-winning captain was greeted by enthusiastic fans who had gathered at the airport since early morning. This marked his first public event in Madurai, making the occasion even more special for his admirers in Tamil Nadu. Upon landing, Dhoni was driven to the venue in a white car bearing his iconic jersey number 7, with tight police security arranged to manage the large crowds. Following the inauguration ceremony at the newly built Velammal Cricket Stadium, Dhoni made his way back to the airport - this time in a blue car, also numbered 7 - and flew back to Mumbai on a private charter. The event drew massive attention, not only for the scale of the new cricketing infrastructure but also for the presence of Dhoni, whose popularity continues to transcend generations. The Velammal Cricket Stadium, developed by the Velammal Education Trust in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), has a seating capacity of 7,300, with plans to expand it to 20,000 in the future. Recently, Dhoni completed his drone pilot training, which was praised by the netizens. Former India captain completed his course from Garuda Aerospace, Indias leading drone manufacturer and DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Chennai, of which he is also brand ambassador. The Velammal Cricket Stadium, developed by the Velammal Education Trust in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), has a seating capacity of 7,300, with plans to expand it to 20,000 in the future. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score After completing the rigorous training program, Dhoni is now certified to fly drones, highlighting their potential to transform Indias growth story. The training is a critical step toward promoting certified and safe drone operations, combining theoretical ground classes with intensive practical flying sessions on simulators and actual drones. Article Source: IANS

Prithvi Shaw, Jalaj Saxena Named In Ankeet Bawane-led Maharashtra Ranji Trophy Squad

Maharashtra Ranji Trophy: India batter Prithvi Shaw and seasoned domestic all-rounder Jalaj Saxena have been included in Maharashtras 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, which begins on October 15. The state selectors appointed Ankeet Bawane as the full-time captain for the campaign, with Maharashtra set to face Kerala in their opening fixture in Thiruvananthapuram from October 15-18. Shaw, who switched from Mumbai ahead of the season, is aiming for a fresh start after a turbulent period that saw him lose his place in the red-ball setup. His move to Maharashtra is seen as a significant step in trying to revive his red-ball career. Meanwhile, Saxena, one of the most consistent all-rounders in domestic cricket, joins the squad after a long stint with Kerala, where he played a key role in their run to the Ranji final last season. He was part of the team that played a warm-up match against his old team, Mumbai, in which he got into a heated confrontation with Musheer Khan, raising his bat to nearly hit Musheer. Shaw is in good form as he scored 181 against Mumbai. India international Ruturaj Gaikwad, a regular feature in Maharashtras setup and a former captain, is also part of the squad. The selectors have leaned on experience, picking Pradeep Dadhe over young fast bowler Rajvardhan Hangargekar. In the previous Ranji season (2024-25), Maharashtra finished fifth in Elite Group A, managing two wins, two draws, and three losses from seven matches. India international Ruturaj Gaikwad, a regular feature in Maharashtras setup and a former captain, is also part of the squad. The selectors have leaned on experience, picking Pradeep Dadhe over young fast bowler Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Maharashtra squad: Ankeet Bawane (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre, Harshal Kate, Rajneesh Gurbani. Article Source: IANS

Konstas misses half-century as all-round Abbott stars in NSW's win over WA

Half-centuries from Kurtis Patterson and Moises Henriques gave New South Wales 331 before their bowlers, led by Sean Abbott, stopped Western Australia 87 runs short

Women's World Cup: Richa Ghosh's Brilliant 94 Lifts India To 251 Against South Africa

ODI World Cup: Richa Ghosh produced a masterclass in how to build an ODI innings, scoring a 76-ball 94, and with Sneh Rana coming up with a blazing cameo as India posted a challenging 251 all out against South Africa in Match 10 of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup here on Thursday. Coming in to bat with India reeling at 102/6, Richa blasted 11 fours and four sixes and raised 88 runs for the eighth wicket with Sneh to help India recover and post a fighting total. Richa scored the highest score by a batter coming at No.8 and gave the bowlers a total they could defend. With brilliant hitting, wicketkeeper batter Richa and Sneh turned the tide in India's favour as South Africa made hara-kiri of their bowling and fielding, putting down a few catches as Richa and Sneha fought back brilliantly. Richa virtually lifted India on her shoulders, absorbing the early pressure and then blasting some brilliant shots as India raised 98 runs in the last 10 overs. Asked to bat first, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave India a good start, posting the best power-play score for the hosts in the World Cup, scoring 55 for no loss in the first 10 overs. While Smriti was a bit circumspect following her twin failures so far, she managed to hit one four and India's first six of the match, jumping down the pitch to hoist Ayabonga Khaka over her head. But got out attempting another big one just after the mandatory Power-play. Her partner Pratika Rawal (37 off 56) added 28 runs with Harleen Deol before she too departed, picked by Tazmin Brits off Tumi Sekhukhune for another soft dismissal. Harleen (13 off 23), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (9), Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and Deepti Sharma all departed in quick procession to the dressing room as India slumped from 55 for no loss at the end of the 10th over to 102/6 at the halfway stage of the innings, all failing to apply themselves and adapt as the South Africans cut down on the pace. The South African medium pacers, Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine de Klerk, along with left-arm spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon, bowled superb line and length to tie down the Indian batters as the hosts went 86 balls without scoring a boundary as India's scoring rate went down from five an over to three at one stage. Richa Ghosh broke the shackles in the 29th over off Tryon and repeated the act on a couple of more occasions to give the innings a bit of momentum. She and Amanjot Kaur, who came into the playing XI after missing the last match due to a fever, added 37 runs for the seventh wicket, taking the score past 150, before she was out for 13 off 44 balls, studded with one four. She tried to break the shackles and ended up offering an easy catch to Sune Luus off Tryon, failing to reach the pitch, attempting to go big. Richa soldiered on, slog-sweeping a slower one from de Klerk over the deep midwicket for her second six of the evening, adding to the four boundaries scored earlier. Sneh Rana struck Mlaba for back-to-back boundaries in the 43rd over and sent one past fine leg off de Klerk in the next over. A boundary off a wide and another four by Richa of de Klerk helps her reach her first fifty of the ODI World Cup off 53 balls. That was India's best over with Sneh and Richa hammering 16 runs as India inched towards the 200-run mark. Sneh and Richa raised the half-century of their eighth-wicket partnership off 36 balls to give the score some respectability. Richa blasted two fours and a six off successive balls off Khaka for 19 runs in the 47th over, giving a blazing finish to the innings. A boundary off a wide and another four by Richa of de Klerk helps her reach her first fifty of the ODI World Cup off 53 balls. That was India's best over with Sneh and Richa hammering 16 runs as India inched towards the 200-run mark. Sneh and Richa raised the half-century of their eighth-wicket partnership off 36 balls to give the score some respectability. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief scores: India 251/10 in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3-32, Marizanne Kapp 2-45, Nadine de Klerk 2-52) against South Africa. Article Source: IANS

Spin-heavy Bangladesh eye first win against New Zealand in ODIs

Spinners have thrived in Guwahati, taking 33 of the 44 wickets that have fallen at the venue so far in this World Cup

Women's World Cup: India's Matches Against Australia, England Go Sold Out

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta: The ongoing Women's World Cup is gaining momentum as host India's upcoming marquee round-robin matches against defending champions Australia and England have officially sold out, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday. According to an ICC release, all available tickets for the India vs Australia clash in Visakhapatnam on October 12 and the India vs England match in Indore on October 19 have been snapped up by fans. In total, 15,087 tickets were sold for the Australia fixture and 17,859 for the England encounter, both now listed as sold out. However, the ongoing match between India and South Africa at Vizag has plenty of vacant seats, with spectators expected to fill the stadium later in the day. The surge in ticket sales follows a landmark opening match in Guwahati, where 22,843 spectators turned up for India vs Sri Lanka, the highest-ever attendance for a group-stage fixture at an ICC Womens event. The previous record was 15,935 fans for India vs Pakistan in Dubai during the 2024 ICC Womens T20 World Cup. Demand continues to grow as the tournament unfolds. Indias two remaining group stage fixtures, against New Zealand and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, are nearing full capacity. The India vs New Zealand fixture on October 23 (Thursday) is already 90 per cent sold, while 82 per cent of seats have been filled for the India vs Bangladesh match on October 26. The eight-team tournament, returning to India after 12 years and marking the first ICC Womens global tournament in the sub-continent since the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2016, began with a blockbuster in Guwahati on September 30. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said he was delighted at the sale of tickets and hoped the crowds will enjoy upcoming matches across venues. We saw this World Cup as an opportunity to deepen the connection between fans and the womens game. The decision to make tickets accessible, starting at just INR 100, was rooted in our belief that stadiums should be full of energy and enthusiasm for the worlds best athletes, he said. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said he was delighted at the sale of tickets and hoped the crowds will enjoy upcoming matches across venues. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The league stage runs through October 26, with semifinals on October 29 and 30 and the final on November 2. Article Source: IANS

Bumrah Should Be Rested For 2nd Test As He Is Extremely Valuable: Nayar

T20 World Cup: Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared his thoughts on managing Jasprit Bumrahs workload and opined that he should be rested for the second Test against the West Indies, set to begin on Friday in New Delhi. Nayar also shared his views on KL Rahuls approach, Dhruv Jurels maturity, Kuldeep Yadavs impact, Yashasvi Jaiswals hunger, and the opportunity in the hands of Sai Sudharsan. Notably, the selectors rested Bumrah from the ODIs for the forthcoming white-ball tour of Australia and named him only in the T20I squad. Speaking to JioStar on the importance of Bumrahs workload management and opining on why he shouldnt play the final Test against the Windies. I think Bumrah is going to play this Test. The way the team has been selected without Bumrah for the ODI series against Australia, it seems India wants to win this test against the West Indies with a good margin, which is important for the WTC. Personally, I believe Bumrah should be rested because hes extremely valuable. After this series, we have another Test series and then the T20 World Cup. Id like to see him get some rest, but it looks like he wont and will play this match, he said. Rahul notched up a ton in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and will be eager to make it two in two. Speaking about his approach, Nayar added,KL Rahul knows the Delhi pitch well and has scored over 500 runs in the IPL. One of the biggest changes in him isnt technical, but his approach; hes playing with more intent now. In the last match, even though he scored a century after nine years, he looked disappointed, knowing he couldve gone on to make 150200. That hunger will not stop. Once KL gets going, he doesnt stop. Alongside Rahul, Jurel also notched up a century against the Caribbean side. Nayar believes that the wicketkeeper-batter is born for Test-level cricket and praised his style of run-scoring. There are many players in India who score runs, but how you make those runs matters. In the first match, Dhruv Jurel impressed everyone with his control and technique. He made you believe he was born for Test-level cricket. When you score runs like that, pleasing to the eye, a 60, 70, or 80 gives you and everyone around you the confidence that you belong at this level, Nayar said. Kuldeep made his presence felt with wickets across both innings. He picked up two wickets each in both innings and contributed brilliantly to the game as India won by an innings and 140 runs. Kuldeep will enjoy playing in Delhi. He loves playing here. In fact, it was in Delhi that his IPL career really took off. The skid he gets here makes him more effective on this pitch. He needs to make an impact this Test season and in the upcoming South Africa matches. If any foreign team comes to India, Kuldeep Yadav should definitely play, Nayar said. In the only innings that India played, Jaiswal failed to put up a memorable knock and was dismissed for a 54-ball 36. Though he looked in great touch and hit seven boundaries during his time out on the field, he couldnt convert his knock into a big one. Nayar believes that the youngster would be raring to go in the second game and backed him to do well. According to me, Jaiswal will score the most runs in this Test. Hes that kind of player; once he gets going, hes unstoppable. He couldnt score big in the first Test, so hell be hungry. Hes seen everyone else make runs, and he must be thinking, in the next five days, Ill play a big innings. Sai Sudharsan too failed to impress. Amid the selectors backing, the top-order batter was given yet another chance to showcase his game but could only manage a paltry seven runs in the 19 deliveries he faced before walking back to the pavilion. According to me, Jaiswal will score the most runs in this Test. Hes that kind of player; once he gets going, hes unstoppable. He couldnt score big in the first Test, so hell be hungry. Hes seen everyone else make runs, and he must be thinking, in the next five days, Ill play a big innings. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India and the West Indies will square off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi for the second and final Test of the series. Article Source: IANS

Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal Jointly Launch Scheme To Construct 3,100 Stadiums

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday, jointly launched a scheme to construct more than 3,100 ultramodern stadiums with an outlay of Rs 1,194 crore. Addressing a large gathering near here, Kejriwal said that the project has been launched for channelising the unbounded energy of the youth of the state in a positive manner. For the health of the body and the fitness of the mind, the work to establish more than 3,100 new playgrounds across Punjab is being started today. Kejriwal said that these playgrounds will contribute significantly by further augmenting the campaigns Yudh Nasheyan Virudh and Rangla Punjab. He added that these stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in realising their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events. He said that for emerging sportspersons, these playgrounds will serve as guiding beacons, adding that Rs 1,184 crore will be spent on these playgrounds. Kejriwal said that in the first phase, villages with larger populations have been selected. These playgrounds will be built over areas ranging from half an acre to four acres. He added that each playground will be developed according to the specific needs of different sports and facilities will be provided for volleyball, football, cricket, and another popular traditional sport for children and players. For the elderly, various physical and recreational activities will also be arranged so that sports become an integral part of everyone's life. Kejriwal said that the playgrounds will not only host sports but will also become symbols of community unity in the villages. In his address, the Chief Minister said that earlier the basic infrastructure in sports fields was inadequate but now modern playgrounds will be made. He added that Punjab has made a major contribution in the field of sports and whenever the country's flag is hoisted in international events, it is a matter of pride for everyone. Mann said it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that four national teams are captained by Punjabis, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Singh. The Chief Minister added on Thursday that nine Punjabi players are members of the national hockey team that reflected how the state is excelling in the arena of sports. He said that the state government has created massive sporting infrastructure in the state owing to which three generations of the same family are now seen playing sports in Kheda Watan Punjab Dian. Criticising the Badal family, the Chief Minister added that they enjoyed power for a long time and during their misrule, they used to squander money on film stars. He said that the state government has created massive sporting infrastructure in the state owing to which three generations of the same family are now seen playing sports in Kheda Watan Punjab Dian. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Mann added that the state government has appointed 300 coaches, adding that players preparing for international competitions are given Rs 8 lakh each. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: Smriti Mandhana Breaks Record For Most Runs In A Calendar Year In ODIs

World Cup: Though she failed to score another big one in her third outing in the ongoing Women's World Cup, India's Smriti Mandhana broke a 26-year-old World Record, scoring the most runs in a calendar year in women's One-day International cricket during India's match against South Africa on Thursday. Smriti scored 23 runs off 33 balls against South Africa on Thursday, hitting one four and one six in the process. Just when it looked like she had set herself up for a big one, the 29-year-old Indian opener hammered one down the throat of Sune Luus at long-on. However, the 23 runs she scored on Thursday took Mandhana's aggregate for the year to 973 from 17 innings, making it the most runs scored by a batter in women's ODIs in a year. Mandhana broke the record of Belinda Clark of Australia, who had scored 970 runs in 1997. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt is a distant third in the list with 882 runs scored in 2022. However, the 23 runs she scored on Thursday took Mandhana's aggregate for the year to 973 from 17 innings, making it the most runs scored by a batter in women's ODIs in a year. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But she still has the chance to set a massive record by becoming the first woman cricketer to score 1000 runs in a calendar year. With five more league matches to play, she has ample opportunities to reach the milestone. Article Source: IANS

WPL Teams Can Retain Up To Five Players Ahead Of Mega Auction

New Delhi: Womens Premier League (WPL) teams can retain up to five players ahead of the mega auction, with the retention deadline set for November 5, as per communication sent to teams. The auction itself will be held between November 25 and 29. According to an email sent to franchises on Thursday, each team can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. However, if a team chooses to retain all five players, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player. For the first time in the Womens Premier League (WPL), franchises will be able to use the right-to-match (RTM) option at the mega auction, allowing them to buy back players who were part of their squad in the 2025 season. Each team will be given a maximum of five RTMs, but this number will reduce depending on how many players a team decides to retain ahead of the auction. However, the number of RTMs available will depend on how many players a team retains. If all five retention slots are used, the RTM option becomes unavailable. Teams retaining four players will have one RTM, three players will allow two RTMs, two players will give access to three RTMs, and one retention will provide four RTMs. The WPL has set an auction purse of Rs 15 crore for each franchise ahead of the mega auction. The league has introduced guideline prices for player retentions, categorized into five slabs: Rs 3.5 crore for Player 1, Rs 2.5 crore for Player 2, Rs 1.75 crore for Player 3, Rs 1 crore for Player 4, and Rs 50 lakh for Player 5. Based on the number of players retained, a specific amount will be deducted from the franchises auction purse. If a team retains five players, Rs 9.25 crore will be deducted; for four players, the deduction will be INR 8.75 crore; for three, Rs 7.75 crore; for two, Rs 6 crore; and for one, Rs 3.5 crore. However, the number of RTMs available will depend on how many players a team retains. If all five retention slots are used, the RTM option becomes unavailable. Teams retaining four players will have one RTM, three players will allow two RTMs, two players will give access to three RTMs, and one retention will provide four RTMs. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The WPL has also laid out a clear timeline in the lead-up to the auction. November 5 is the deadline for franchises to submit their player retention lists. Teams must then provide their lists of players entering the auction by November 7. The final date for player registration is November 18, and the official auction list will be released by the BCCI on November 20. Article Source: IANS

Mumbai Cricket Association To Hold Elections Nov 12

T20 Mumbai League Governing Council: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday announced that elections for the office bearers, Apex Council members and T20 Mumbai League Governing Council members will be held on November 12. The Apex Council has re-appointed J. S. Saharia, former Chief Secretary and former State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra, as the Electoral Officer to oversee the elections for a second consecutive year. The election was originally scheduled for October 23 but due to the festive season, it was decided that we would conduct it on November 12 so that nobody's festivities are disturbed, an MCA official told IANS. In July last year, the association appointed incumbent secretary Ajinkya Naik as the president. He became the youngest ever to hold the position and replaced the late Amol Kale after the latters sudden demise in June 2024 in New York. Naik, who was 37 when elected, won by defeating Vice-President Sanjay Naik, backed by Mumbai BJP chief and BCCI Treasurer Ashish Shelar, by 107 votes in the election held on Tuesday. He received 221 votes, while Sanjay got 114, making it a largely one-sided contest. During the Apex Council meeting held on Wednesday, the MCA decided to install a life-sized statue of former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Notably, Vengsarkar has also served as the association's vice-president and was conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the MCA earlier this year in March. The MCA also decided to set up academies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to provide world-class training and infrastructure to promising young players. Notably, Vengsarkar has also served as the association's vice-president and was conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the MCA earlier this year in March. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score It had also inaugurated the Sharad Pawar Museum at the Wankhede Stadium as a tribute to Mumbais unparalleled contribution to Indian and global cricket in August this year. Article Source: IANS

WPL teams allowed five player retentions ahead of November mega auction

The WPL has decided to have an auction purse of INR 15 crore for the auction, with deductions based on the number of players reteained

2nd Test: Spin The Key Again As India Eye Clean Sweep Against Wobbly Windies (Preview)

Arun Jaitley Stadium: As the sun broke through the post-rain haze over the Arun Jaitley Stadium, it brought the Indian team through a high-intensity net session that lasted over three hours on Wednesday. The mood was focused in everything they did fitness drills, fielding sessions, batting and bowling practice. With the rhythm sharp, and the intent unmistakable, it clearly showed the Indian team was in the mood to ready themselves for what their next aim is: be at their best in all aspects and get a clean sweep over a wobbly West Indies in the second Test starting on Friday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. If there were doubts over how India would fare in a new home season, especially after the 3-0 loss to New Zealand and the retirements of stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, all those concerns were convincingly brushed aside when Shubman & Co. wrapped a commanding win by an innings and 140 runs in three days in Ahmedabad. The foundations of that win were emphatic declaring on a commanding score of 448/5 thanks to Dhruv Jurels maiden century, KL Rahuls measured hundred, and Ravindra Jadejas unbeaten ton. The bowlers were also at their incisive best - Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah dismissing listless West Indies batters with precision. If that wasnt enough, then Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar ensured spin had its say too on a greenish Ahmedabad wicket. One would expect for the spin troika to have a larger say on a black soil pitch in Delhi. The Kotla pitch, last seen in a three-day finish against Australia in 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series (with Jadeja being chief wrecker via a seven-wicket haul in the second essay), bears familiar signs - dry patches, minimal grass to keep the surface together, and a surface likely to break down as the match progresses. With rains receding (thanks to the western disturbance bidding goodbye, though chilly winds exist) and brighter skies returning, the residual moisture should vanish by the time the game begins on Friday. As per what assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, India are unlikely to tinker with a winning combination. Bumrah, who bowled just 20 overs in Ahmedabad, is expected to play, so as Nitish Kumar Reddy, who could get more chances to showcase his all-round skills after being surplus to requirements in the first game. The batting order bears a settled look, though India would wish for B Sai Sudharsan to live up to the high promise which the team management sees in him and ten Doeschate stated strongly. If Sudharsan manages to make big runs in New Delhi, it would mean that the last piece in Indias batting puzzle will be solved before hosting current World Test Championship winners South Africa next month. For West Indies, the challenges are very steep both on and off the field. From an on-field perspective, a depleted fast bowling attack, and an already fragile batting unit must now find answers and put up some fight against a relentless Indian team. Skipper Roston Chase will hope to extract something from the surface with his off-spin, but the burden of batting resistance lies with him, Shai Hope, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Alick Athanaze. Against Indias all-round firepower, the margin for error is very slim and West Indies, after being on its wrong side in Ahmedabad, is fully aware of whats needed of them to avoid making the game a one-sided affair. Facing a plethora of left-arm spinners and showing productive energy in their practice session suggests they are very keen to rectify the missteps made in Ahmedabad. But as the scoreboard resets to zero on Friday morning, its India who hold all the cards for now - in form, fitness, and familiarity with conditions. If the surface plays true to its dry character and spin takes center stage once again, India should have little trouble wrapping up a 2-0 series win in quick time under New Delhis sunlit skies. When: Friday, October 10, 9:30 AM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score West Indies: Roston Chase (c), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shai Hope (wk), Tevin Imlach (wk), Brandon King, Justin Greaves, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Jediah Blades. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: West Indies Batters Need To Get That Start And Kick On To Be Fine, Says Skipper Chase

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Ahead of the second Test against India starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, the West Indies find themselves under pressure for both on and off-field reasons. In their crushing defeat by an innings and 140 runs in Ahmedabad, the West Indies failed to cross 200 in either innings, which collectively lasted just 89.2 overs. That led to batting legend Brian Lara publicly questioning the current teams hunger to represent the Caribbean and expressing pain over the decline of a side he once led with distinction. With funding issues and talent drain to franchise leagues also lurking behind, one is hoping for the side from the Caribbean to put up a fight and conjure up an improbable turnaround in New Delhi. Skipper Roston Chase, who cut a sad and embarrassing figure after the loss in Ahmedabad, believes the solution lies in getting good starts and kicking it on to be in their batting returns. For a team low on confidence and facing global scrutiny, this simple advice from Chase offers a chance to reset and challenge the formidable Indian team. I don't think the guys are lacking confidence. But it's just to get that one score, to get that start, to then kick on from there - I just think once you obviously get that good innings or that hundred or that big fifty, that then gives you the confidence to know that I can actually do it. But I think everyone is confident and when you get out there, and you dont start well as a batting unit and the pressure is on - it's for us to soak up that pressure as batters, and still find a way to score and put back the pressure on to the Indian bowlers. So I just think that is the biggest challenge for us. I don't think that we're not confident. I just think that we just need to get that start and kick on and we'll be fine, said Chase in the pre-match press conference on Thursday. It also helps Chase that he spoke to Lara, Sir Viv Richards and Sir Richie Richardson at a team event on Wednesday and will discuss playing eleven dynamics as well as pitchs nature later after their practice session is over on Thursday. They basically said the same thing - they just told me to keep believing that obviously we're down right now, but it has to change at some point. The change can start from now, but it starts with the belief and the mindset of each and every player. Its just to keep motivating the guys that we can still play some positive cricket and change it around and then dont fall from that moment, he said. Asked why the younger crop of batters arent able to sustain batting for a longer period in Tests, Chase said, I can't really speak for anyone, but for myself I just think it's a matter of confidence and continuously playing quality first class cricket and so on - just that know-how of going out there and facing good attacks for longer periods. Obviously try to improve on faults that you may have picked up early on in your career. When you first start, no one really knows you and then obviously you play a couple of games and then people obviously see your weaknesses and try to exploit them. So it's just for the players to just let me try to improve on those weaknesses from as early as possible, that's it. So it's just to stay positive at the crease and always look to score. Even though it's Test cricket, I don't think that you can just go out there looking to survive. Obviously, when you start, you'll be a little more tentative and probably a bit of nerves to start. But once you get past that, I just think it's to stay in the now and keep that hard focus for longer periods. Chase shot into the Indian fans imagination in 2016, when his gritty 137 not out helped the West Indies get an improbable draw in Jamaica. The all-rounder has come to India before, and feels better about his batting in Tests, though he lamented his early fall in Ahmedabad. I feel good at the crease. Obviously in the first game I was looking and feeling good in the first innings and I got a good delivery. But I still thought I could have played it better. But as I said, I'm feeling good after coming off some good form in white-ball cricket against Pakistan and going into the CPL and having some good performances there. But it's Test cricket, it's a different format so you have to bat for longer periods. So that's where the challenge comes in now. Rather than batting for 100 balls, you probably have to bat for 200 balls. They say to make a test century is four sessions - so it's just digging deep for those four sessions and trying to stay in the now and not what has happened before in terms of a ball before or the over before. I just think staying in the present is my biggest challenge for me right now. So that's just something that I have to cope with. You have to play each delivery on merit, just stay in the present and play the ball on merit. Play as per what you see and not what you think. I think that led to my downfall in the last game. was playing what I thought would happen rather than what I saw, he said. Quizzed on his take around the hunger to play for the West Indies diminishing due to the white-ball cricket boom, Chase stated that he will always look to give it all for the men in maroon in any format of the game. Red-ball is the foundation. If you can play red-ball cricket, you can then transition into any other format. But the other way around - white-ball to red-ball - that's harder. All the legends of cricket have been made from red-ball cricket. It's the ultimate test and the ultimate challenge for any cricketer. Quizzed on his take around the hunger to play for the West Indies diminishing due to the white-ball cricket boom, Chase stated that he will always look to give it all for the men in maroon in any format of the game. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I gave up my chance to play franchise cricket, and I'm taking up the captaincy role now, which is a big step. So, that just goes to show that I want to be here and want to play for the maroon. I will always give my all for the maroon, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Do Not Risk Cummins At All: Ian Healy Sends Out Warning Ahead Of The Ashes

Ian Healy: Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy has advised selectors to avoid risking skipper Pat Cummins while he recovers from a stress fracture in his spine. The Aussies are set to face England for the iconic Ashes series starting November 21. The possibility of Pat Cummins missing the entire Ashes series highlights Australias insufficient depth in replacement fast bowlers ready to step in. The dominance of the bowling trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood since the past decade, along with Scott Boland's inclusion from 2021, has resulted in a gap in experience among emerging fast bowlers. As a result, selectors face a variety of options for November, though most lack extensive international experience. Sharing his thoughts on the same and why the selectors must not risk bringing in Cummins while he recovers, Healy, speaking on SENQ Breakfast, said, He will be a huge miss but do not risk Pat Cummins at all. Hes a composed and absolutely consistent performer. He is our go-to when we need it and he gets the job done. Hes tolerant, calm and an empowering leader. Scott Boland is going to be into the attack he will be first in line but if we get an injury who else do we have? Michael Neser is in the conversation for any Test. I would like him to get a game. Then theres the engaged teammate. He shares a beer, has a wine, great mates within the team. Starc, wicket-taker, (Nathan) Lyon real container, and Hazlewood never let off. They can get the job done without Cummins. Sharing his thoughts on the same and why the selectors must not risk bringing in Cummins while he recovers, Healy, speaking on SENQ Breakfast, said, He will be a huge miss but do not risk Pat Cummins at all. Hes a composed and absolutely consistent performer. He is our go-to when we need it and he gets the job done. Hes tolerant, calm and an empowering leader. Scott Boland is going to be into the attack he will be first in line but if we get an injury who else do we have? Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Jordan Buckingham and then Brendan Doggett. I would say we haven't got a whole lot of depth but there's some young men coming through. The depth will be building because we've had these four bowlers together for 10 years. There's been a whole generation skipped over. With the youngsters, you try to get as much cricket into them as you possibly can, but they're a bit vulnerable to injury and then they have to take a double step up, he added. Article Source: IANS

Starc Backs 'ultra Positive' Cummins To Perform In Ashes Whether 'he Bowls Three Warm-up Balls And First Over Of The Game'

New Delhi: Veteran Australian pacer Mitchel Starc has said that captain Pat Cummins remains optimistic about making a significant impact in the Ashes, as he is able to find peak form and fitness quickly despite not being cleared to resume bowling. Cummins is set to miss the Ashes series opener in Perth on November 21 as he recovers from a lower back problem. However, Starc revealed that Cummins has been in attendance at recent training sessions in Sydney, as he maintains his core fitness leading into the summer. He's pretty level. Hes been floating around a little bit. Pat is still in his program and has obviously got a few sets of eyes on him in his return. Hes in good spirits. Hes ultra positive as always. Theres still some weeks to go before we get to Perth for the Test prep. Well see where that lands. Hopefully, well see a lot of him through the summer and well see what we can do, Starc was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket. Playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn't need much. Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over of the game, he's on the money; he just knows when to switch on or how to switch on really quickly. So what it looks like for him in his prep, it's going to be certainly different to what mine feels and looks like, and that comes with experience and age, he said. He's pretty level. Hes been floating around a little bit. Pat is still in his program and has obviously got a few sets of eyes on him in his return. Hes in good spirits. Hes ultra positive as always. Theres still some weeks to go before we get to Perth for the Test prep. Well see where that lands. Hopefully, well see a lot of him through the summer and well see what we can do, Starc was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Having spent so much time with Josh [Hazlewood] and Pat and myself and Scotty (Boland), we all prepare slightly differently. We all feel like we need different things. I feel like at times I need to bowl more around preparation stuff, whether it be training or after layoffs, Starc added. Article Source: IANS

Womens World Cup: I Don't Shy Away From Feedback, Says Beth Mooney After Century Against Pakistan

Australia Women Cricket: Beth Mooney was the knight in shining armour for Australia as they crushed Pakistan with a fighting comeback in the ninth match of the ongoing Womens World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the batter opened up about her mindset as she helped her side recover from a major scare. Australia recovered brilliantly in the first innings against Pakistan as Mooneys century, combined with Alana Kings half-century batting at No. 10, helped them get to 221/9 from what was 67/7 at one point in the game. Mooney showcased why she and her team were the defending champions, and with her clutch knock, she also sent out a strong message to all other teams in the competition. She explained that her remarkable knock was the result of a collaborative approach, including an intensive pre-game net session with assistant coach Dan Marsh. Speaking to the media after the game, Mooney remarked: I don't shy away from feedback as the game's going on. I think those games are really important to use the resources around you, so any opportunity I got to get a message, I think was really important given the context of the scenario. (Later) I was trying to find out at what point I could start being a little bit more expansive, just a number or an over that I could start playing a few more shots and a couple of other messages around certain bowlers and different plans to them. And thankfully, we've got excellent staff on the bench who I was asking a lot of questions of (and) some girls on the sidelines who unfortunately aren't in the XI but still playing a significant role in (offering) a voice and an ear to listen to when I was battling with different ideas in my head. The first step was to drain Pakistan's energy and momentum, which the Aussies managed to do through Mooney and Garths 39-run eighth-wicket partnership over 12.3 overs. The Victoria-born then carried on with a similar strategy early in her record 106-run ninth-wicket partnership with Alana King, before the duo accelerated in the final overs to take the score to 221/9 in 50 overs. It kind of helped having another job to do, which was to help Kim Garth and Alana King be really clear on their plans as well. So that got me out of my own head and what I needed to do. We obviously had a lot of time left in the game, so my mindset with Kim especially was we could take some time out of the game we know that teams like Pakistan are front runners and when they're flying, they're up and about. If you get a little partnership going, they can get a little bit flat and you can open the game up that way, Mooney added. Since Australia's game against Sri Lanka in the island nation was washed out on Saturday, their match against Pakistan was the first they played after arriving in the country a week ago. It was also Mooney's first ODI innings in Sri Lanka, and only her second game in the country across any format, following a single T20I appearance at a different venue in Colombo in 2016. Elaborating further on her knock, Mooney added: Certainly, there were moments when I thought I could take a bowler on and reverse sweep, ramp hit down the ground, that sort of thing, and they'd pop into my mind albeit very briefly and I'd have to park them pretty quickly and play the scenario in front of me. Elaborating further on her knock, Mooney added: Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score And then the game opened up a little bit more for us as batters and we were able to score a little bit more freely. The time left in the game certainly helped with (not panicking). Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: Harmony Is How I Would Like To Describe This Team, Says Harleen Deol

World Cup: Team Indias top-order batter, Harleen Deol, named her team when asked to describe what harmony was for her. Deol discussed the teams daily routine during matches or tournaments, and how small details like the sound of kitbag wheels and the knocking of a bat bring her joy. She spoke about her team, the bonding within the team, and her definition of the term in a video shared by the BCCI. Dream, momentum, now let's talk about Harmony. Harmony is how I would like to describe this team as. So everybody is more focused and everybody has their own routines. When we enter the stadium, I just see everybody removing the kit bags, the sound of the kitbag wheels, and then when we come in the first thing we do is Harrsha sir makes us stand in a huddle, everybody's silent and then we just take a moment, and when he claps, it's just when we restart again. When we do some knocking, when the ball hits the sweet part of the bat, so that's something which is very pleasing, Deol said. The 27-year-old remembered her maiden ODI century, which she brought up against the West Indies during a game in December 2024 in Vadodara, and stated that the sound of the roar from the crowd whenever a player hits a boundary or a fifty or a ton makes a lovely noise in the air. Dream, momentum, now let's talk about Harmony. Harmony is how I would like to describe this team as. So everybody is more focused and everybody has their own routines. When we enter the stadium, I just see everybody removing the kit bags, the sound of the kitbag wheels, and then when we come in the first thing we do is Harrsha sir makes us stand in a huddle, everybody's silent and then we just take a moment, and when he claps, it's just when we restart again. When we do some knocking, when the ball hits the sweet part of the bat, so that's something which is very pleasing, Deol said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The Women in Blue are set to face the South African side on Thursday in the tenth match of the ongoing World Cup at the ACA-VCDA Stadium in Vishakhapatnam. Article Source: IANS

ICC Launches Womens Cricket Week In Alignment With World Cup In India

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the launch of the inaugural ICC Womens Cricket Week, a landmark initiative aimed at promoting and celebrating womens game globally. The event will take place from October 16 to 22 in alignment with the ongoing ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025, which is being hosted in India. The ICC Womens Cricket Week will be held annually to raise the visibility, participation, and profile of womens cricket worldwide. The initiative encourages national governing bodies to engage in meaningful and locally relevant ways, ensuring that the celebration of womens cricket reaches communities in every part of the cricketing world. ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the launch as another important milestone in the sports evolution, noting the unprecedented momentum surrounding womens cricket in recent times. This year has already marked a turning point for womens cricket, with record-breaking crowds, landmark performances, and an unmistakable sense of momentum building around the game, Shah said. The launch of the ICC Womens Cricket Week is another proud milestone a celebration not just of the players on the world stage, but of every girl picking up a bat or ball, dreaming of whats possible. It gives our Members, from Full to Associate, a meaningful opportunity to participate in the global narrative and shape the future of the womens game in their own communities. The initiative was endorsed earlier this year by both the ICC Womens Cricket Committee and the ICC Chief Executives Committee, highlighting the organisations enduring commitment to strengthening womens cricket at all levels. It aligns with the ICCs wider mission to develop sustainable frameworks that promote participation, leadership, and visibility for women in the sport. ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the launch as another important milestone in the sports evolution, noting the unprecedented momentum surrounding womens cricket in recent times. This year has already marked a turning point for womens cricket, with record-breaking crowds, landmark performances, and an unmistakable sense of momentum building around the game, Shah said. The launch of the ICC Womens Cricket Week is another proud milestone a celebration not just of the players on the world stage, but of every girl picking up a bat or ball, dreaming of whats possible. It gives our Members, from Full to Associate, a meaningful opportunity to participate in the global narrative and shape the future of the womens game in their own communities. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Many Associate Members have also expressed their support, with their activities focusing on three main areas: community watch parties to unite fans and raise awareness of womens cricket; educational programmes for female coaches and teachers to tackle the shortage of women leaders in the sport; and womens participation events such as local festivals and competitions organised under the ICCs criiio programme. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: Both Rohit And Virat Have So Much Experience, Won So Many Games, Says Gill

ODI World Cup: Though the Mens ODI World Cup is still well over two years away, but Shubman Gill, Indias Test skipper and newly appointed 50-over captain, has dropped hints over batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remaining central to the teams plans. Both Kohli and Rohit, who retired from T20Is and Tests, will join the India squad before flying to Australia on October 15, for a three-game series starting four days later in Perth. Yes, of course, the experience that both of us have and all the matches that they have won for India, there are very few players who have won so many matches for India. The players who have the same skill and the same quality with this experience, there are very few players in the world who have all of that. So, in that respect, I am very happy, said Gill in the pre-match press conference, ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Gill also said that he hopes to carry forward the calmness that Rohit, who captained India to T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy triumphs, brought to the dressing room in the 50-over format. There are so many qualities that I have inherited from Rohit bhai - one is the calmness that he possesses, and the kind of friendship that he fosters among the group is something that I aspire to have. These are the qualities that I want to take from him, he added. Reflecting on his elevation to ODI captaincy, Shubman Gill said he feels honoured to lead the national side, after being named the Test captain in May. It was announced in the middle of a Test match (after the game was over in Ahmedabad), but I got to know a little bit before that. There are so many qualities that I have inherited from Rohit bhai - one is the calmness that he possesses, and the kind of friendship that he fosters among the group is something that I aspire to have. These are the qualities that I want to take from him, he added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I want to stay as present as possible and don't really want to look back on what I've or as a team, we have been able to achieve. Just want to look forward and win everything that we have in the upcoming months, he said. Article Source: IANS

Maphaka Ruled Out Of SAs One-off T20I Against Namibia And White-ball Tour Of Pakistan

WSB Newlands Cricket Ground: South Africas promising young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the one-off T20I against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan after sustaining a hamstring strain during a domestic four-day game in Cape Town last week. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the development in an official statement on Wednesday, announcing that Ottneil Baartman will replace Maphaka for the T20I against Namibia scheduled for October 11 and will also be part of the T20I squad for the Pakistan series later this month. Meanwhile, Lizaad Williams, who was already part of the T20I setup, has been added to the ODI squad for the tour. Proteas Mens fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the one-off T20 International (T20I) against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring strain, CSA stated. The 19-year-old sustained the injury during the DP World Lions opening 4-Day Series match against WSB Western Province at WSB Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town last week. Subsequent scans and medical assessments revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks. Hollywoodbets Dolphins paceman Ottneil Baartman has been named as Maphakas replacement for the T20I against Namibia at Namibia Cricket Ground on Saturday, 11 October. He has also been included in the T20I squad for the three-match series against Pakistan later this month. Lizaad Williams has been added to the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the Pakistan series, CSA posted on X. Maphaka had first experienced discomfort while representing the Lions against Western Province in a four-day domestic match at Newlands last week. He bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings before leaving the field with visible hamstring strain. After an initial scan revealed no major damage, he returned in the second innings to take the new ball and produced a remarkable spell of 3 for 26 in ten overs, helping his side secure victory by an innings and 134 runs. However, a subsequent medical evaluation by CSAs medical team confirmed a more serious issue than initially suspected. The board clarified that subsequent scans and medical assessments revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks. The setback rules Maphaka out of the white-ball tour of Pakistan, which follows the two-match Test series beginning on October 12. South Africa will then play three T20Is starting October 28, followed by three ODIs, with the series concluding on November 8. In Maphakas absence, Baartman who impressed in domestic cricket with his control and new-ball accuracy will be looking to make his mark on the international stage. Williams inclusion in the ODI squad also strengthens South Africas pace options for what promises to be a competitive tour in subcontinental conditions. South Africas squads: Namibia T20I: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman. South Africas squads: Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Pakistan ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: Rain Delays Toss For India V SA Match; Umpires To Inspect Ground At 2.45 Pm

VDCA International Cricket Stadium: Toss was delayed for India's crucial match against South Africa in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam because of constant drizzle that started around 1.30 pm on Thursday. With the sky under heavy cloud cover, the ground staff brought out the covers well before it started pouring, covering the entire ground in a jiffy. Though it rained for only 30-35 minutes, and it was not very heavy, the timing was such that it did not leave enough time to remove the covers in time for the toss, scheduled at 2.30 pm. The ground staff started removing the covers after 2.10 pm, after which the match officials will have an inspection of the ground before they decide when to conduct the toss. With the sky under heavy cloud cover, the ground staff brought out the covers well before it started pouring, covering the entire ground in a jiffy. Though it rained for only 30-35 minutes, and it was not very heavy, the timing was such that it did not leave enough time to remove the covers in time for the toss, scheduled at 2.30 pm. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The match is very crucial for both India and South Africa. India, chasing their maiden title, are hoping to continue their winning spree after winning their first two matches, while South Africa, three-time semifinalists, are eying their second win after starting their campaign with a defeat to England. Article Source: IANS

I Want To Succeed For India In All Formats And Win ICC Titles: Gill

Arun Jaitley Stadium: After the Tests against the West Indies to the end of the all-format series against South Africa, Shubman Gill will be constantly playing in all formats for India either as the captain in Tests and ODIs or vice-captain in T20Is. Once the series against West Indies is over, Gill will be hopping on a gruelling schedule having just four days (or more, if the game finishes early in New Delhi), the right-handed batter will be on a travel grind that comes with hopping between cities and countries. From October 15, when the Indian team leaves for white-ball tour of Australia to December 19, when the all-format series against South Africa is over, Gill will be constantly on the move. After leading India in the ODIs against Australia, Gill will be playing five T20Is in the country. Once that is done, he will be back in India to lead in two Tests and three ODIs against South Africa, before the five-match T20I series against the same opposition comes. At 26, Gill is not just Indias newly appointed ODI captain and Test skipper on the rise - hes also the only all-format specialist batter in the current setup. One of the problems of seeing this schedule for the next six weeks on paper is the physical and mental toll it will take on Gill, and how can he avoid burnouts. But true to his determined style, Gill said hes willing to go through this workload challenge in a bid to succeed in his aim of playing and succeeding in all formats for India and winning ICC titles. Physically, most of the time, I feel fine. But sometimes, yes, there is mental fatigue because when you are constantly playing, there is obviously a certain expectation that I have for myself. To be able to keep up with my own expectations sometimes becomes a challenge. But I think that's the challenge - to be able to play all the formats for India. I want to play all the formats and I want to succeed in all the formats for the country and win ICC titles. So if I want to do that, then this is the challenge that I have to go through, said Gill in the pre-match press conference, ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Life since May has been on an upswing for Gill being handed Test teams captaincy was followed by shift to number four and 754 runs on the five-match tour of England, ending in a 2-2 draw. With the elevation to ODI captaincy and previous experience of being an IPL captain for Gujarat Titans, Gill stated hes well aware of the nuances each format demands, especially when it comes to captaincy. I feel in Test matches, the better team does come on top at the end of the day, because you have got more chances and more opportunities to make a comeback. Whereas in T20, if you have 3-4 overs of bad period, there might be a case that you are completely taken away from the game. So it is different in that sense. When you are playing a Test match there, whenever a team wins a particular Test match, the team deserves to win it because they played better cricket not for 2-3 hours or not for one day, but consistently over a period of 3-4 or 5 days. So the challenge is to stay on top for 5 days in a Test match. That is more difficult than captaining in a T20 game. Whereas in a T20 game, you get off to a really good start, and then you maintain that. Then you are sort of able to be on top of the game for the entirety of the game. But in a Test match, you can be on top for 2 days. But if you don't turn up on day 3, the other team can make the comeback, he elaborated. Gills working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir has also been a focal point of the transition. The duo has been tasked with shaping the squads direction, especially with a shared keenness of grooming fast bowlers for future challenges. Our relation is really good. It's very simple actually. We always try to have conversations around how we can make the players feel more secure, and what kind of combinations that we can play. We sort of want to look at 15-18 member squad where we are constantly picking players from that bunch and squad. One of the key things that we discuss is how we can build our fast bowlers. We have a pool of good fast bowlers and we want to be able to keep grooming them so that they get enough opportunities to come whenever we bowl. Our relation is really good. It's very simple actually. We always try to have conversations around how we can make the players feel more secure, and what kind of combinations that we can play. We sort of want to look at 15-18 member squad where we are constantly picking players from that bunch and squad. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I don't think your intensity drops down depending on your position. It doesn't matter who we are playing. We want to be able to play at our own intensity. When you're playing for India, you don't need external motivation to be able to up your intensity. It doesn't matter if you're playing West Indies, Bangladesh, Australia or England. We want to be able to play at our own intensity and maintain our own standards, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Jaipur Polo Clinch Convincing Win Over Kanota Polo At BM Birla Cup

HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh: Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur showcased trademark poise and precision as he led the Jaipur Polo Team to a dominant 8-2 win against Kanota Polo in their latest match at the BM Birla Cup. From the first chukker, Jaipur Polo dominated the game. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh started strong, scoring all three goals in the opening chukker and giving Jaipur an early, decisive advantage. Kanota Polo countered in the second chukker with a strong strike from Kr. Pratap Singh Kanota, reducing the gap to 3-1 by halftime. Despite Kanotas attempts to shift the game, Jaipurs disciplined defense and quick counterattacks kept them in control. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh dominated the third chukker again, displaying outstanding skill and accuracy. He scored another hat-trick, increasing Jaipur's lead to 6-1. His smooth teamwork and commanding presence on the field drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience. In the final chukker, Jaipur Polo secured victory with flair. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh scored his seventh goal, while Lance Watson and Br. Devvrat Singh Jhalamand each added a goal, completing a strong team effort. Kanota Polo responded with a late goal from Dino Dhankar, but it was not enough, and the game concluded with Jaipur Polo winning 8-2. The outcome reaffirmed Jaipur Polos position as one of the strongest teams in the tournament, combining royal heritage, teamwork, and strategic skill under the inspiring leadership of HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. In the final chukker, Jaipur Polo secured victory with flair. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh scored his seventh goal, while Lance Watson and Br. Devvrat Singh Jhalamand each added a goal, completing a strong team effort. Kanota Polo responded with a late goal from Dino Dhankar, but it was not enough, and the game concluded with Jaipur Polo winning 8-2. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Upholding the rich traditions of Jaipurs sporting legacy, the team continues to deliver top-tier performances that embody skill, grace, and sportsmanship on the polo field. Article Source: IANS

I'm Making Good Progress: Richardson Eyes Return To Competitive Cricket After Shoulder Injury

The Western Australia: Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson is nearing a long-awaited return to competitive cricket after recovering from shoulder surgery, with hopes of being available for the later stages of the Ashes series if Australia need fast-bowling reinforcements. The Western Australia and Perth Scorchers quick has endured a frustrating few years with recurring shoulder issues but revealed that his right shoulder now feels stronger and more stable than it has in a long time. The shoulder is presenting stable at the moment, so thats all we can ask for after the issues that Ive had over the last four or five years, Richardson told cricket.com.au at the BBL kit launch in Melbourne. To have a stable shoulder currently is certainly a new feeling hopefully it stays that way. Richardson first dislocated his bowling shoulder while fielding during an ODI in 2019. After repeated problems, including another dislocation while celebrating a wicket in a Sheffield Shield match last November, he ultimately chose surgery in January to stabilise the joint. The decision followed discussions with Australian mens head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins during his brief time in the Test squad last summer. Patty actually made a really good point to me, which probably tipped me over the edge to get surgery, Richardson said. (He asked), What would I regret more post my career; would I regret staying the same knowing what Ive got with my shoulder and what Im dealing with, or would I regret not throwing everything at it and wondering what could have been? So that was probably the main one for me to go and get it done and at least now, if for whatever reason it doesnt work, at least I know that Ive thrown everything at it and given it the best shot. Nine months after the operation, the 29-year-old has resumed bowling off his full run-up and says he is making steady progress. Im off my full run now, bowling in the nets competitively so thats a good start, he said. From where I was three or four weeks ago and I was struggling to bowl 90 to 100kph, so Im making good progress and the only limiting factor is just getting the ball speed back, which will come. Richardson plans to build up his bowling load through club cricket for Fremantle and Western Australias Second XI, with aims to participate in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield before the Big Bash League. A Test comeback remains possible if his recovery continues smoothly. Nine months after the operation, the 29-year-old has resumed bowling off his full run-up and says he is making steady progress. Im off my full run now, bowling in the nets competitively so thats a good start, he said. From where I was three or four weeks ago and I was struggling to bowl 90 to 100kph, so Im making good progress and the only limiting factor is just getting the ball speed back, which will come. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Suppose a national recall doesnt materialise in time for the Ashes. In that case, Richardson is expected to make his competitive return with the Perth Scorchers, who open their BBL 15 campaign against the Sydney Sixers on December 14. Article Source: IANS

South Africa bowl first; Amanjot back for India

South Africa also made one change, with Sekhukhune replacing Klaas

2nd Test: Want To Give Reddy Game Time In India To Prepare Him For Overseas Tours, Says Gill

Nitish Kumar Reddy: India captain Shubman Gill emphasised the importance of grooming seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in home conditions, stating that it is better to give him game time at home and use that as preparation for overseas tours. Providing Reddy with more opportunities to contribute in an all-round role in the second Test, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, remains a priority for India. He bowled only four overs in the first innings of the first Test in Ahmedabad and did not get another chance to bowl or even bat, as India declared their innings at 448/5. While the Indian team management recognises that Reddys long-term value lies in overseas conditions favourable to pace, they are also clear that his development must commence with consistent red-ball play at home and maintaining his rhythm before Indias upcoming overseas tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2026. In his eight Tests so far, Reddy has shown glimpses of his all-round potential hitting crucial knocks of 41, 42, and 42, before registering his maiden Test century at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. His bowling is still a work in progress, but he has already dismissed top-order batters in both Australia and England. Yes, there have been conversations about that, especially when we go overseas, we always struggle with a third or fourth seam bowling option, especially on tracks that assist fast bowlers. We think it would be unfair on the guy if we are only playing him overseas because that doesn't really give him that much opportunity, especially in the next year, year and a half, we aren't playing that many matches outside of India. So, to be able to have a guy who can bowl 10-15 overs for us in a day and can bat as well, we saw how he batted in Australia, so there's definitely a lot of ability and a lot of potential in him. So, we want to give him as much game time as possible in India. According to the match and situation, where we feel he can bat up the order or down the order, we'll keep that in mind, said Gill in the pre-match press conference on Thursday. He was also pragmatic in his view on whether Prasidh Krishna would get a chance to play the second Test. If there were an opportunity for him (Prasidh), definitely we would be looking to play him. As of now, we want to play at our strongest level because WTC is something you have to win, almost 70 per cent of your matches to be able to sit in a spot to be able to play the finals. So, depending on where we are on the table, this is still in the early stages. So, we want to play the best eleven possible and we want to play the best team that's available for us at this time. While spinners are expected to do most of the work on dry surfaces like those planned in New Delhi, Gill stated that he remains mindful of creating opportunities for fast bowlers, even when conditions do not clearly favour them. I just think about what's the best possible option for us in that situation. Like, even in the second innings, after lunch, when I gave the ball to Bumrah and Siraj, I thought the ball might reverse a little bit. Going just after lunch, it's an easy option to start the spinners on both and then let's see. Obviously, the spinners are going to get us out. But I just wanted to know there could be a situation in the second match where the ball is reversing, and there isn't much happening from the wicket. So, how do you get wickets from that situation? What would be our plans playing against the West Indies here or playing against South Africa, where the ball, maybe, we are filming first on day one, and the ball isn't spinning that much? So, I see how you can build your plans if the situation is not good and also what is the best bowling option is on that given day or in that given condition. Another player whos also been widely discussed in the lead-up to the second Test is left-handed batter B Sai Sudharsan, whose Test career is still in its promising early stages but has been inconsistent recently. In Ahmedabad, he was the only top-six batter dismissed for a single-digit score trapped lbw for seven while attempting to pull off Roston Chase. However, Gill still believes Sudharsan is their future at number three in Tests. I don't really think he has got a lean run. He got one inning in the first match in Oval, where he played the crucial innings of 40 runs on that wicket where the ball was swinging. The match before that, he scored a fifty in Manchester. Not every match, everyone is going to score a fifty. You have to give young players more opportunities. They are still trying to figure out their game. We believe that you have to see someone's first potential and then see their game in the entirety and not just judge someone from 1-2-3-4 matches. Once you have given someone enough games like 6-7-8 matches then you can sit back and think about where he needs to learn or if he needs to play some more domestic matches or play some more India A games. As of now, we think he is the man for us. He is someone who can play for India at number three for a very long time. You have to give young players more opportunities. They are still trying to figure out their game. We believe that you have to see someone's first potential and then see their game in the entirety and not just judge someone from 1-2-3-4 matches. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I think that's the reason why hes the number one all-rounder in the world. So, I think we are very lucky to have him in our team. When it comes to fielding, everyone can see his throws, catches and the intensity he has when he has the ball. I've seen it many times that the batsmen don't even take the second run off him. Article Source: IANS

Women's WC: South Africa Elect To Bowl Against India As Rain Delays Start

VDCA International Cricket Stadium: South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in Match 10 of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday. The toss was delayed because of a brief spell of rain and resultant wet outfield that forced the ground staff to bring out the covers. The first ball will be bowled after 4 pm with no loss of overs despite the delay. Both teams made one change in their playing XIs, with India bringing in Amanjot Kaur in place of Renuka Thakur, while South Africa included Sekhukhune in place of Masabata Klaas. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said the rain has influenced her decision to bowl first. We have one change, Klaas goes out, Sekhukhune comes in. Hoping to have another good game today, she said. The SA captain said Tazmin Brits has been great and hopes her form continues. Very exciting day for us, but trying not to think too much about it, and taking every ball as it comes, she said. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said she would have bowled first too, but she hopes they can now set a good total on the board. Amanjot comes in for Renuka. Every game, we need to show improvement. Every game is important, and we want to keep doing the good things again and again, she says. With the sky under heavy cloud cover, the threat of more rain later in the evening persists. The stadium officials have already started the lights to augment the visibility. The match is very crucial for both India and South Africa. India, chasing their maiden title, are hoping to continue their winning spree after winning their first two matches, while South Africa, three-time semifinalists, are eyeing their second win after starting their campaign with a defeat to England. Playing XIs: The match is very crucial for both India and South Africa. India, chasing their maiden title, are hoping to continue their winning spree after winning their first two matches, while South Africa, three-time semifinalists, are eyeing their second win after starting their campaign with a defeat to England. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani Article Source: IANS

Gill wants 'to look forward and win everything' he can, in every format

I want to play all the formats and succeed in all the formats... if I want to do that, then this is the challenge I have to go through, Shubman Gill says about being an all-format player and leader

Labuschange raises another ton but Ward's hundred the match-winner

Tasmania chased down their target with 10 balls to spare after the home side had suffered a 7 for 70 collapse following Labuschagne's dismissal

India look for clean sweep in cool Delhi as West Indies continue search for solutions

India are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI, but West Indies might be tempted to bring in the left-arm pace of Jediah Seales

McAndrew's five gets defending champions South Australia up and running

Jake Lehmann continued his fine form to lift the home side to a defendable total after they had slipped to 68 for 3

Starc set to end 11-year BBL wait amid call to protect Test cricket

Starc is available to play up to three matches plus finals depending on how he recovers from the five-match Ashes series

India vs West Indies, 2nd Test - Who will win today IND vs WI match?

IND vs WI, 2nd Test , Cricket Tips :India had a dominating win in the first game against West Indies and won it by an innings and 140 runs. With that, they have taken a 1-0 unassailable lead in the series. Now, these two teams will be up against each other in the second test. The second game will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium at 9:30 PM IST between October 10 and 14. India can make a few changes to their playing XI considering the upcoming Australia tour is just a few days after the game will end. West Indies have been below par, and they need something extraordinary to challenge this Indian side. IND vs WI: Match Details Date : October 10-14 (Friday-Tuesday) Time : 9:30 AM IST Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi IND vs WI: Live Streaming Details Fans can watch the live telecast of the IND vs WI 2nd test on the Star Sports Networks directly. The live stream option of the game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs WI: Head-to-Head in Test Total Matches : 101 India : 24 West Indies : 30 No Result/Drawn : 47 IND vs WI: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium is a brilliant wicket for the batters. It is a high-scoring game in the white-ball format, but because it is a test match, one can expect spin-friendly conditions. Batters need to adjust according to the conditions, and it might be another 3-day test. IND vs WI: Possible XIs India : KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj West Indies : John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Roston Chase (c), Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales IND vs WI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter: KL Rahul (India) KL Rahul struck a brilliant century in the last game. He showed good application against the new ball and will be the one to watch out for in this game. Probable Best Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav (India) Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the main guy for India. With his ability to spin wickets and his form, he can spin a web around the West Indian batters. Today Match Prediction : The way the first game ended, India are too strong for this West Indian side. We predict India to win the second test in Delhi. IND vs WI Match 2nd test Prediction, IND vs WI Pitch Report, Today Match IND vs WI, IND vs WI Prediction, Injury Update of the match between India vs West Indies Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

'He doesn't need much' - Starc says Cummins can play off limited preparation

Jhye Richardson believes he could play Test cricket this summer if needed having progressed to bowling off his full run coming off shoulder surgery

West Indies hand maiden ODI call-up to Ackeem Auguste for tour of Bangladesh

Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie are in both ODI and T20I squads after missing the Test tour of India

Maxwell hopes to be fit for back-end of T20I series against India

Glenn Maxwell had the cast removed off his fractured wrist on Wednesday and has started mobility work with the hope of potentionally playing in the last three T20Is against India

Joe Root Backs England To End Ashes Drought In Australia

Joe Root insists England can end their 10-year long Ashes drought as they bid to finally bring the urn home from their tour to Australia later this year. England have not won the Ashes since 2015 and their last Test series triumph in Australia came back in 2010-11. England were held to a 2-2 draw by Australia on home turf in the most recent series in 2023, while their last three trips Down Under have ended in 4-0, 4-0 and 5-0 thrashings. But despite their struggles in Australia, Root is convinced Ben Stokes' side are set to shine against their arch rivals. It does feel like a long time and it'd be nice to put that right and bring the urn home. I just see it as a great opportunity for the group, Root said. There's no other way to look at it, really. It's a beautiful country, it's a great place to go and play cricket. Just soak it all in and expect a little bit of 'abuse' or 'banter'. It could be six weeks that live long in the memory if we get it right. Root is yet to win a single match in Australia in 14 attempts and, despite boasting 39 career hundreds, is still waiting to notch his first in the country. Australian pundits have highlighted Root's shortcomings in the Ashes, setting the stage for more sledging from fans when the series starts in Perth on November 21. At the end of the day this tour is not about me, Root said. They are going to say what they want to say anyway, so why bother worrying about it? When we look back in five years' time no-one is going to remember what Matthew Hayden said to me, or Greg Blewett, or Mark Waugh, whoever it is. If I am scoring runs and scoring heavily it gives us a great opportunity to win a series out in Australia and that is the main focus. The fitness of the rival captains has been a major talking point. Australia skipper Pat Cummins is reportedly set to miss the first Test and potentially the whole series with a back injury that has kept him sidelined since July. Stokes was back to his best against India in the drawn Test series this summer until a shoulder injury ruled him out of the last match at The Oval. The all-rounder's status as a bowler in the Ashes remains up in the air, but Root said: He'll be ready. I've never seen him making so sure he's done absolutely everything he can to be as fit as he can possibly be, as mentally ready, as hungry as he is. He spent six months getting himself back and doing absolutely everything to be in peak condition this summer. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score He threw everything into it, physically and emotionally, and he'll make sure he does exactly the same for this winter. That is for sure.

'We need energy till the last ball' - Pakistan's problems mount after letting golden chance slip

We aren't able to create the momentum in our batting, we are trying to figure out how to solve that, admits Sidra Nawaz

Team India Bonds Over Dinner At Gambhirs Home Ahead Of Delhi Test

Arun Jaitley Stadium: In a heartwarming gesture of camaraderie and team spirit, India head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner for the national mens cricket team and support staff at his residence in Delhi. The informal gathering came just ahead of the second and final Test against the West Indies, scheduled to start at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday (October 10). The get-together offered players a welcome breather after their emphatic win in the opening Test in Ahmedabad. Among those in attendance were Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul. Several other squad members and members of the coaching unit also joined in the evening of relaxed camaraderie. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was present as well, lending a formal touch to the otherwise casual event. Sources described the atmosphere as cheerful and engaging, with conversations flowing freely as the team celebrated their recent triumph and discussed the challenges ahead. Gambhirs move has been widely applauded across the cricket fraternity for reinforcing the value of togetherness within the national setup. The former India opener, known for his fierce competitiveness, has often emphasised the importance of building trust and friendship off the field to achieve consistency and excellence on it. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was present as well, lending a formal touch to the otherwise casual event. Sources described the atmosphere as cheerful and engaging, with conversations flowing freely as the team celebrated their recent triumph and discussed the challenges ahead. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score For Team India, the evening wasnt merely about a shared mealit was a celebration of collective effort, unity, and the drive to keep succeeding as one. Article Source: IANS

Dhaka Cricket Club officials call BCB elections 'illegal'

They have called for an indefinite boycott of the Dhaka leagues

WPL franchises set for major revamp at mega auction

It is understood that the auction will be held at the end of November, ahead of the 2026 season

West Indies Players Need Self-belief To Make A Comeback In The 2nd Test Against India: Richardson

Cricket West Indies Golf Day: Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson has said the West Indies players need to have self-belief to make a comeback in the second Test against India starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Friday. The two-time World Champions, the West Indies, were a dominant force in world cricket till the 1990s before they lost their way and their cricket went into a tailspin from which it has not recovered yet. Last week, the West Indies slumped to an embarrassing innings and 140-run defeat within three days against India in Ahmedabad. The two teams will be running into each other for the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi from Friday. Richardson said for the West Indies team to do well in the second Test, it will have to believe that it can go in and perform at its best. I think a lot of it has to do with self-belief, believing that you can go in and perform, because it doesn't matter how good you are. If you don't have the confidence, if you don't believe in yourself, you're going to struggle, Richardson told IANS on the sidelines of Cricket West Indies Golf Day powered by IGPL. Of course, India is a tough team with confident players, but you know it's a game of cricket and it's how well you apply yourself, how well you analyse situations, work out your opposition, so it's a game of cricket. So anybody, I think, on the day, can go out there and do really well, he added. Richardson is in India for promotional work during the West Indies team's tour of India. Of course, India is a tough team with confident players, but you know it's a game of cricket and it's how well you apply yourself, how well you analyse situations, work out your opposition, so it's a game of cricket. So anybody, I think, on the day, can go out there and do really well, he added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score It's one of our partners who has worked with us over the years. We're here doing a promotion with NTMC, and we're just happy to be here, meeting some fans, having a good time with them, and doing some promotion for them as well, because we need partners, we need a partnership, and we need to look after the people who have looked after us. So, we're here to give back, said Richardson. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: One Of The Best Innings I Have Seen Mooney Play, Says Australia Skipper Healy

Beth Mooney: Alyssa Healy hailed Beth Mooneys match-defining century as one of the best innings she has witnessed after Australia Women stormed to a commanding 107-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Womens World Cup 2025 clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. The emphatic win kept Australias unbeaten record intact with 17-0 and propelled the defending champions to the top of the points table with two wins and one no result from three matches. Two points. We move on, look, I think that is one of the best innings I have seen Moons play in my career so far, Healy said after the match. Thanks to her, we got ourselves on the board. At one stage, we were looking to get to 150160 and try and defend it, so to get over 200 was a huge effort. Australia were reeling at 76/7 after Pakistans spinners took control, but Mooney (109 off 114) and Alana King (51 not out off 49) staged a remarkable rescue act, adding 106 runs for the ninth wicket the highest ninth-wicket stand in Womens ODIs. Their partnership lifted Australia to 221/9 from what once looked like a hopeless position. Reflecting on the conditions, Healy noted how sharply the surface had changed from their previous outing. It changed drastically from the last game when we were supposed to play Sri Lanka. It got quite dry. We didnt adapt and kept getting out similarly. We will learn from that. We play India next, so we have to switch back on and get ourselves in shape for that. Australias bowlers then demolished Pakistans chase, with Kim Garth (3/14) and Megan Schutt (2-25) ripping through the top order to leave them 42/6 in the powerplay. Annabel Sutherland (2-15), Ashleigh Gardner (1-17), Georgia Wareham (1-15) and King (1-19) completed the rout as Pakistan folded for 114. Healy praised the collective effort: It is a credit to our depth how everyone can contribute in our team. We are creating partnerships, but a little too low down the order. Its an opportunity for our top order to cash in with a big score. There are so many positives we can take from the two games so far. We wont dwell on the errors we made tonight. Australias bowlers then demolished Pakistans chase, with Kim Garth (3/14) and Megan Schutt (2-25) ripping through the top order to leave them 42/6 in the powerplay. Annabel Sutherland (2-15), Ashleigh Gardner (1-17), Georgia Wareham (1-15) and King (1-19) completed the rout as Pakistan folded for 114. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Explaining her decision at the toss, she said: We decided to bowl first because of the pitch. We know we have the best spinners and wanted to play to our strengths. We need more partnerships in the middle, and we will discuss this together. Article Source: IANS

Sammy: 'We did not reap financial rewards' of the legacy we have created

All what we ask for, we deserve, says the West Indies coach

Womens World Cup: Sushma Backs Top-order And Keeper Richa To Come Good Amid Mixed Returns

Cricket World Cup India: Despite Indias top-order batters struggling for fluency in the ongoing 2025 Womens ODI World Cup, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma has thrown her weight behind the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, saying form fluctuations are part of tournament cricket and not a cause for concern. India have won both of their league stage games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but are set to face tougher challenges in four straight games, starting from the clash against South Africa at Visakhapatnam on Thursday. But it is the top orders lack of returns, low strike rate, and non-fluency in strike rotation that threatens to hurt India in the competition. As per statistics from Cricket-21, Indias top five batters have collectively scored 265 runs at a strike rate of 74.0 and an average of 26.5 runs per wicket, with no half-centuries so far. In contrast, the lower-order (numbers 6-11) has contributed 229 runs at a brisk strike rate of 101.3, with two fifties and a higher average of 28.6 runs per wicket - highlighting an unusual scoring pattern. Though the opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have a run-rate of 6.05, it sharply goes down to only 4.32 when the latter and Harleen Deol are batting together, which in turn adds pressure on the rest of the batting order to come good. In the recent series (against Australia before the World Cup), all the batters were into runs. So, as a player, you do up and down in a couple of matches, so you are not concerned about that. I am sure that Smriti, Pratika, for that matter, Harleen, or Harman, I don't think they are so concerned that they are not in form or that there is a big challenge for them. But when you play in ICC tournaments, I feel that as a player, you come with a very different mindset that it's not just about one or two games - it happens. I mean, that's quite obvious that you will fail in one or two matches. So, I don't see any challenge ahead for the Indian top order. They all are in good shape, and if we have to face world-class bowlers like Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, our batters will come in a different form. I am sure that their approach will be the same. So, it's not a concern for me, and I am sure it's not a big concern for the team either, because it happens. In every World Cup journey, there have been such phases with the batters that you flop in two or three matches and then you get runs again, said Sushma, a JioStar expert, to IANS in a select virtual interaction ahead of the India-South Africa clash. Indias campaign has remained on track thanks to match-winning contributions from different quarters be it all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma, as well as young pacer Kranti Gaud. But it is very important that we are winning every game. So, are we giving those match-winning performances? Yes, as someone is stepping up on that occasion. So, I think on that page, everybody is there looking forward to winning, added Sushma, who feels that spin could be the deciding factor in the clash and how India would accommodate Amanjot and Renuka Singh Thakur. On the fielding front, India have been lacklustre, as seen from their having their lowest catch efficiency (64.5%) among the top 10 teams since 2024. Richa, who boosted Indias score against Pakistan via an important cameo of 35 not out, has dropped 16 catches since 2024, which is more than any other keeper in that period. Yet Verma, herself a seasoned keeper for India in 43 ODIs and 19 T20Is, backed Richa to come good. Richa is an exceptional player, and so, even if there are a few lapses in keeping, that's completely okay. I am saying as I am myself a wicket-keeper, and again, wicket-keeping is a thankless job. So, I know that two or three dismissals can be missed in one match. So, that's simply okay according to me, and this is not a concern for the team. If you look at her batting strike rate, you can see that Richa Ghosh is at the top in ODI cricket in the last season, if I am not wrong. So, I think she covers everything. When she is batting so well, then why are we after a few dismissals that are being missed? She did keep well against Sri Lanka, and after that, in the second match (she had fumbles), that's completely okay. This happens with every player, and this is not a big concern, I guess. If you are talking about improvement, what improvement should be made? Yes, gradually, it has come. Also, how long has it been since he has done wicket-keeping? Sushma also went on to highlight Richas unconventional path to being a keeper. I have seen her playing from a very young age. She was a fast bowler initially. So, once she came into the Indian squad, even at that time, she did not do wicket-keeping domestically. This happens with every player, and this is not a big concern, I guess. If you are talking about improvement, what improvement should be made? Yes, gradually, it has come. Also, how long has it been since he has done wicket-keeping? Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Catch India vs South Africa in the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup India 2025, tomorrow, Oct 9, at 3:00 pm, LIVE on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS

India trying to ready Reddy for greater challenges

India want to give the seam-bowling allrounder game time in home Tests so that he can improve for challenges overseas

Naseem marks red-ball return with five-for in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Naseem Shah, and his brother Ubaid, shared seven wickets as Lahore Whites bowled Islamabad out for 256

2nd Test: Indian Team Feels Sudharsan Will Deliver On His Promise Very Soon, Says Ten Doeschate

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Indias team management remains optimistic about B. Sai Sudharsan performing to his high potential very soon, said assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Friday. The upcoming game could prove pivotal for the Chennai-based left-handed batter, whose early Test career has yet to yield consistent returns seven games and 147 runs, including just one fifty. Sudharsans dismissal in Ahmedabad trapped lbw for just seven on a straight delivery from Roston Chase - was a missed opportunity for him on a benign surface against a modest West Indies attack. It's probably a little bit early to be sort of worried or panicked. It doesn't help that you have five test matches in the UK, and then you wait six weeks to play the next Test to stay connected after this test next week. We don't have a Test match for another three and a half weeks, so there's no sort of string of fixtures to get your rhythm and to get yourself going. But again, that is the nature of Test cricket in this era, and he has to find a way to do it. But I'm sure he does feel like he's got our backing - like he's got the captain's backing, of us, and we feel a little bit of that at this moment, it's very, very soon, said ten Doeschate in the pre-game press conference on Wednesday. Sudharsan, soon to turn 24, faces mounting pressure to justify his place at number three, considering the stakes are forever high in Indian crickets unforgiving selection landscape, as seen from cases of Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair. Add to it, people like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Rajat Patidar are in reckoning too. Closer in the Indian team, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and even Washington Sundar shape up as potential number three batters in the Test set-up. He's under no illusion about the fact that you've got more spots to fight for in this environment. You saw Karun Nair get four Test matches in England. There are a lot of good players sort of fighting at the heels of whoever has possession of that spot. So Sai needs to focus on believing in himself. We want to see a lot of belief in him to give that number three spot. He's playing pretty nicely, probably a tactical mistake which you'll be aware of when you're playing back-to-back so early in the innings. We just wanted to go in there and just back him. We know he's good enough, and now he has to find a way of scoring rather than showing the rest of the country and team that he's good enough to hold that spot. But certainly no panic or no worry, particularly in a winning team, and you can absorb that in a series like this, it's nice. We know he's going to get four (innings), obviously only one off in the first Test. He's only going to get two Test matches to put his innings together, added ten Doeschate. With Rishabh Pant set to return for the series against South Africa next month and Jurel impressing both with the bat and behind the stumps, Sudharsan faces added pressure. If Jurel is pushed up the order to retain his spot, would a strong showing in New Delhi help Sudharsan stay in contention? I'd imagine it does. Dhruv has shown last week just what a good player he is. You don't know how long someone's going to fit into the middle there. In addition to that, there are other good players who are fighting for the top three or four spots Shubman has nailed number four, so Sai is aware of that. Look, I don't think you can have a career playing cricket in India if you don't expect that sort of competition and have people and media throwing at you. That's part of the profession, and the guys are tough enough to deal with that. Like I say, it's coming up and he will get all the runs he needs to be able to play a good game, added ten Doeschate. In Indias practice session, Sai didnt show many signs of being under the pump happily indulging in a bit of warm-up football before going through the slip catching, short leg catching practice, and fitness motions. Jaiswal is a very good slip catcher. It wasn't that long ago that he had those wobbles in England, but that happens for a young guy to come back from that, and it's probably more important. KLs got one of those positions covered. But you know, Sai's a good catcher as well. Devdutt takes great catches as well. So we want to get to a point where we've got five or six catchers. We've got some really nice catchers last week Nitish and Yashasvi catches which are very promising signs for the team, added ten Doeschate. When batting practice came, Sudharsan asked for throwdowns against the semi-new ball, which was an indication that he wanted to iron out the flaws in his batting and tentative footwork, and something he did diligently. Ten Doeschate was also in glowing praise of Jurel, who got his maiden Test hundred in Ahmedabad and did a tidy job behind the stumps. At practice, Jurel was fine in his keeping drills and batted for a fair bit against the spinners, with dancing down the pitch shots being finetuned the most. We're really happy with the way he's tracking. Again, even in England, even a little bit in Australia, we're trying to squeeze him into the matches because we know how good he is. Obviously, with Rishabh now being injured, it's actually worked out quite nicely for him to get through some game time. He gets a chance to show his skills as a wicket keeper as well. Ten Doeschate was also in glowing praise of Jurel, who got his maiden Test hundred in Ahmedabad and did a tidy job behind the stumps. At practice, Jurel was fine in his keeping drills and batted for a fair bit against the spinners, with dancing down the pitch shots being finetuned the most. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But I think to come into the team like he has and to score a proper hundred like that, I hope it gives him a bit of runway and to look at it in a positive way. It's good that he's putting pressure on other players and the top-order as well. All went very, very handily for him in that week, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

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2nd Test: Quality All-rounder Nitishs Development A Focus In Medium-term Plans, Says Ten Doeschate

Nitish Kumar Reddy: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reiterated the teams long-term investment in seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, calling him a quality all-rounder whose development remains central to the set-ups medium-term plans. Returning to the side after a knee injury cut short his tour of England, Reddy had a limited role in Indias convincing victory over the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in Ahmedabad - bowling only four overs in the first innings and didnt get a chance to roll his arm over in the second essay. With India declaring their first innings on 448/5, it also meant that Nitish didnt get a chance to bat. Though ten Doeschate indicated that conditions may not favour a seam-heavy setup in New Delhi, especially with bright sunshine expected to wipe off all the moisture developed in the Arun Jaitley Stadium after two days of rain caused by a western disturbance, he was firm in saying that Nitish will be persisted with in the playing eleven. It's a little too early to say on the pitch from our look today. This side in particular looks very dry and very patchy. So we don't think it's going to be able to get that necessarily helps seam bowlers, which I don't think is a big surprise with Delhi. I'd say we are unlikely to change the combination. One of the medium-term objectives is to develop a seam-bowling all-rounder. The group needs to go way up to this. If we have that position covered, we can get a very good chance, as Nitish didnt get to do much last week. This is something that's actually a very good opportunity to get Nitish game time and keep the balance in the eleven, said ten Doeschate in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. So far, Nitish has played eight Tests, after being fast-tracked for the rare skill sets he possesses, and though ten Doeschate was in praise of him, he also acknowledged the physical demands of the role being a big challenge, and getting ample game time for his long-term sustainability. We think hes a fantastic seam-bowling all-rounder - a batter who bowls seam. I think the biggest limitation to what hes capable of achieving will be his body. Hes not the first all-rounder weve seen in this country, especially in the last two to three years. Lets be perfectly honest - Hardik is a similar kind of player. We dont doubt their skills at all, but for their bodies to hold up to play Test cricket is a different matter. Nitish showed everyone in Australia just how good he is as a batter. Again, the challenge for him is going to be to make sure that he gets a game time in between the away series and in series like this, where you look at the combinations, it's more important to look ahead and see how we can put him in to make sure that he does get game time to try and get some bowling. But the crux is we really like him and we think he's a quality all-rounder, he said. Reddy began his Test cricket career as a number six batter, but being slotted at number eight in Ahmedabad was too low a position for someone who has a Test hundred against his name. Ten Doeschate admitted it was sad for Nitish not to get batting much higher, but felt its a reflection of competition in the side for lower-order batting positions. The sort of lucky thing for us is that Washi and Jaddu and even Axar are pretty much the same sort of players. I feel like if they're anywhere, they're far more attributed. On the most recent event, Washi getting important runs in the UK. Obviously, Jaddu's form in the last six months has been immense. Unfortunately, that means when Nitish got back into the team after his injury, you can see right at the back why hes slotted so late in the batting order. Reddy began his Test cricket career as a number six batter, but being slotted at number eight in Ahmedabad was too low a position for someone who has a Test hundred against his name. Ten Doeschate admitted it was sad for Nitish not to get batting much higher, but felt its a reflection of competition in the side for lower-order batting positions. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We feel that's a good way to get the players to know that they can perform in different scenarios and in different positions. We're all disappointed that they're not batting 6-7, and that means they never get to be in the space they would like to be, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

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Women's World Cup: Weather Threat Looms As India Face South Africa Challenge

VDCA International Cricket Stadium: A threat of rain disruption looms as the Indian team gets ready to take on South Africa in their third match in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at the ADCA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday. Both India and South Africa are eyeing two full points from this match ahead of the big clash with Australia. The city has started experiencing rain since Tuesday evening, with heavy to very heavy rains in short spells throughout the day in various locations. A red warning for heavy rain has been issued for the next 24 hours till Thursday afternoon. India are currently sharing the top spot with England on four points from two wins, trailing in second on Net Run Rate. South Africa have recovered from their big defeat to England in their opening match to defeat New Zealand and regain some lost ground. India opened their campaign with a 59-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka in Guwahati and then thrashed Pakistan by 88 runs in Colombo for their second win in the competition, coming up with a fine performance in both matches, coming back strongly with the ball after doing modestly with the bat, especially by their middle order. They will now be hoping for a big knock from Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. All-rounders Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana have done well so far, while Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur were in top form in the first outing against Sri Lanka. Amanjot Kaur is expected to return to the playing XI after missing the second match. On the bowling front, Deepti Sharma leads the pack with good hauls in both matches, while Kranti Goud was in her element in the second match, earning the Player of the Match award. In contrast, South Africa started their campaign with an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to former winners England before recovering with a 5-wicket win over New Zealand. Their batting failed to click against the England bowling, and they were bundled out for a paltry 69. The Proteas will be buoyed by the form of Tazmin Brits, who smashed a match-winning century against New Zealand, and they'll hope their top-order batters, including captain Laura Wolvaardt and veterans Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch, can replicate that success. The Indian batters will have to be on their toes on Thursday as South Africa's bowling unit, comprising experienced players like Nonku Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, and Masabata Klaas, are likely to pose a significant challenge compared to those by Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their previous matches. The South Africans have to be careful against the Indian spinners, while Renuka Thakur and Kranti are capable of making the early breakthroughs. India hold the advantage in head-to-head, having won 20 and lost 12 of their 32 clashes in this format so far. The hosts are expected to secure another victory unless the weather gods intervene. With rain returning in the evening, the pitch was under cover for hours on Wednesday. Squads: The hosts are expected to secure another victory unless the weather gods intervene. With rain returning in the evening, the pitch was under cover for hours on Wednesday. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: Mooney, King Script Record Stand As Australia Recover To 221/9 Against Pakistan

ODI World Cup: Beth Mooneys fighting century and a record-breaking lower-order partnership with Alana King rescued Australia from the brink of collapse, guiding them to 221/9 in 20 overs against Pakistan in their ICC Womens World Cup encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Wednesday. At one stage, the defending champions were reeling at 76/7 after Pakistans bowlers ripped through the top order, but Mooney and King combined to produce one of the most memorable comebacks in World Cup history. Their 106-run stand for the ninth wicket the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Womens ODIs lifted Australia to a competitive total. Mooney anchored the innings with a composed 109 off 114 balls, marking her first century in a World Cup game and her second-highest ODI score against Pakistan. King, meanwhile, played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, registering the highest individual score for a batter at number 10 or below in Womens ODIs. Their rescue act also helped Australia post their third-lowest innings total in a Womens ODI World Cup, featuring a centurion 221/9 (after 211/3 vs New Zealand, Melbourne, 1988, and 215/4 vs India, Centurion, 2005). Earlier, Pakistan captain Fatima Sanas decision to bowl first seemed inspired. Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield added 30 runs for the opening wicket before Healy fell on the last ball of the 7th over. Litchfield departed soon after, and the middle order crumbled under sustained pressure. Ellyse Perry and Mooney briefly steadied the innings with a 25-run stand, but Nashra Sandhus clever spin broke the partnership, stumping Perry for 5. Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner the centurion from Australias previous match were dismissed for one run each. Tahlila McGrath managed 5, while Georgia Wareham fell for a four-ball duck. Mooney, calm amid the chaos, found brief support from Kim Garth, adding 38 for the eighth wicket before the record alliance with King turned the innings around. Mooney fell off the final ball of the innings, but her century had already transformed Australias position. Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-37, while Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana took two wickets apiece. Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal chipped in with one wicket each. Mooney, calm amid the chaos, found brief support from Kim Garth, adding 38 for the eighth wicket before the record alliance with King turned the innings around. Mooney fell off the final ball of the innings, but her century had already transformed Australias position. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Australia 221/9 in 50 overs (Beth Mooney 108, Alana King 51 not out; Nashra Sandhu 3-37, Rameen Shamim 2-29) against Pakistan Article Source: IANS

Jadeja Is Indias Greatest All-rounder, Says Parthiv Patel

Narendra Modi Stadium: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel lauded Ravindra Jadeja for his all-round performance in the recently concluded first Test against the West Indies, as the Shubman Gill-led side handed the visitors an innings defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Speaking with JioStar, Patel discussed Indias dominant show in the first Test, emphasising contributions from key players such as Ravindra Jadejas all-round excellence and KL Rahuls steady opening performance. He also offered his views on selection strategies for the second Test ahead. Jadejas performance with the bat and ball was praised by one and all as the all-rounder notched up an unbeaten century in the first innings and followed it up with a four-wicket haul in the next innings as the Windies lost by an innings and 140 runs. On the Indian vice-captains recent batting form, Patel said: Its been brilliant to see the way Jadeja has been batting. A lot of it comes down to the responsibility hes embraced since being appointed vice-captain. Even before that, the Indian management showed faith in him, encouraging him to take responsibility with the bat and bat flexibly in the order, be it at five, six, or seven. When the dressing room trusts you like that, it changes your mindset. Though he is primarily an all-rounder, with the ability to take wickets, his batting contributions have become invaluable. His best innings in recent months was the resilient draw against England, where he showed maturity under pressure. In this Test match, his positive footwork and ability to stay not out without giving away his wicket were key factors. Hailing him as the greatest all-rounder of India, the former cricketer further stated: Jadeja is undoubtedly Indias greatest all-rounder. With nearly 4,000 runs and approaching 335 wickets, I expect him to surpass 400 wickets and 4,000 runs by the end of his career, which is a monumental achievement. On the global stage, he is currently the number one all-rounder; there is no debate about it. While names like Ben Stokes, Pat Cummins, and Shakib Al Hasan come up, Jadeja stands far ahead. His exceptional consistency as both a bowler and batter, across all conditions, sets him apart. Its not just occasional brilliance; its sustained performance that solidifies his position as the worlds best all-rounder at present. Speaking about Indias impressive performance in the opening Test against the West Indies, Patel said: Indias biggest takeaway from the first Test was that they didnt play on a rank turner, which we havent seen too often since the 2016 England series. It was refreshing to see a clinical all-round performance. Yes, the West Indies might not be the strongest side at the moment, but from Indias perspective, you still have to go out there, execute your plans, and back your skills. The West Indian bowlers did challenge India with the new ball early on, but overall, India showed, in this Test, that they were clearly the superior team. KL Rahul too showed fine form as he was the first among the Indian batters to score a century. He set the tone for the Indian batters before Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel notched up their respective tons to take their side to a dominating total. Regarding KL Rahuls leadership and consistency as an opening batter in Test cricket, Patel said: KL Rahul is thriving under responsibility. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired, the onus has shifted to Rahul, one of the senior batters, to step up and perform in challenging conditions. We know the skill he possesses. He lets the ball come to him against spinners and uses his feet exceptionally well. This style suits him perfectly. The key now is his ability to find tempo, which he mentioned himself. He takes time initially, assesses the bowlers and the field, and then picks the right moments to attack. Currently, he averages about 36 in Test cricket, but given his skill, he is a much better batsman than the stats suggest. Its encouraging to see him maintain consistency this year. He also opined on Kuldeep Yadavs performance in the first Test, who picked up two wickets in each innings in Ahmedabad. Kuldeep Yadavs performance was impressive. The challenge isnt always the opposition. Sometimes, its about finding rhythm again. From my experience talking with Kuldeep, I know he prioritises how the ball comes out of his hand. When that release is good, it doesnt matter whether its a red or white ball. In this match, especially in the second innings against Roston Chase, his setup was brilliant. Using three wrist spinners and mixing in the googly showed hes in control of his bowling. There were hardly any loose deliveries. That level of consistency indicates hes very much in command of his craft. He also opined on Kuldeep Yadavs performance in the first Test, who picked up two wickets in each innings in Ahmedabad. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Its a tricky situation. Jasprit Bumrah is resting from the ODI series against Australia, but I expect him to feature in the second Test. Mohammad Siraj is heading to Australia for the ODIs, so Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to replace him there and may be considered for the South Africa series as well. For the second Test, Id like to see Nitish utilised more as both a batter and bowler. On Day 3 of the last Test, he had a chance to bowl a few overs but didnt get enough opportunity. Thats something India could explore. Regarding Devdutt Padikkal, given the current batting line-up and Sai Sudharsans role at number three, Padikkal might have to wait for his chance. Sai Sudharsan will need to capitalise on the opportunity when it comes. Article Source: IANS

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Sir Vivian Richards Leads West Indies Cricket Legends At Golf Day In New Delhi

Sir Vivian Richards: West Indies cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards led a distinguished gathering of cricketing legends and sporting personalities as Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosted its first-ever Golf Day here on Wednesday. Joining Sir Vivian were fellow greats Brian Lara and Sir Richie Richardson, along with current West Indies players Shai Hope and Roston Chase, in what was both a reunion of champions and a symbol of the global reach of West Indies cricket. The event offered a unique chance for legends and leaders from various sporting disciplines to connect beyond the boundary sharing stories, spirit, and a love of competition in a relaxed, outdoor setting. The initiative is part of CWIs broader efforts to engage with international audiences and promote cross-sport collaboration, demonstrating how the core values of cricket teamwork, resilience, and respect can naturally extend into other fields of play. Chris Dehring, CEO, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said, Cricket West Indies has always been one of the games great institutions - built on pride, heritage, and the unmatched spirit of our players and fans. As we look ahead, our focus is on strengthening that legacy by building deeper global connections and new opportunities for the sport. This Golf Day event in Delhi is an exciting step in that direction. Were grateful to TCM Sports, our long-standing partners, for their continued belief in our vision and for helping us make initiatives like this possible. The initiative is part of CWIs broader efforts to engage with international audiences and promote cross-sport collaboration, demonstrating how the core values of cricket teamwork, resilience, and respect can naturally extend into other fields of play. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Uttam Mundy, CEO, IGPL said, Were thrilled to bring the IGPL experience to the Caribbean with Cricket West Indies and TCM Sports. This event is more than a golf day - its about blending cultures, celebrating excellence, and promoting golf as a sport that unites people from all walks of life. Article Source: IANS

She Seems To Think Like A 20 Or 25-year-old: Anjum Chopra On Harmanpreets Mentality As A Batter

If Amanjot Kaur: Former India captain Anjum Chopra discussed Harmanpreet Kaurs batting approach and suggested the skipper should give herself a little extra time at the crease and there is need to go out there and hit the ball around the park. India have won their first two games of the tournament and will be eager to make it a hat-trick of wins to get back to the top of the points table. But the team and captain Kaur have a lot to ponder upon before taking to the field against the Proteas. Speaking on JioHotstar, Chopra discussed Kaurs approach with the bat, saying that the skipper should give herself some more time at the crease. The veteran added that the 36-year-old should think and analyse the situation before hitting shots to carry a long innings, rather than contributing a few runs and walking back to the pavilion. Harmanpreet Kaur should give herself a little extra time at the crease. Every time she walks in, she seems to think like a 20 or 25-year-old, who can just go out there and hit the ball around the park. Yes, she can, but she doesnt need to. The situation often doesnt demand that kind of aggression. She just needs to spend a bit more time in the middle, even if it means batting through 10 overs without losing her wicket. Avoiding rash shots and keeping her focus intact will be key. Its easier said than done because when youre out in the middle, everything, the pressure, scoreboard, situation, can get to you. But thats where the difference lies between a good player and a match-winner. For me, the day Harmanpreet Kaur crosses that 35 or 38 not out mark and finishes Indias innings, whether setting a total or chasing one, shell feel far more comfortable and at ease; both as captain and as a batter, Chopra said. The former India captain also reflected on Indias team selection dilemma and emphasised the importance of adding a sixth bowling option to the playing XI, saying, If Amanjot Kaur is fit and Renuka Singh Thakur is also available, then naturally, one of the batters may have to sit out. In my view, you wouldnt want to change the opening pair of Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, and youd also want to continue with Richa Ghosh because she has shown better temperament in the last couple of games. But if India is to field a sixth bowling option, which I feel they eventually must, then a batter will need to make way. Whether we like it or not, the top five batters currently dont bowl. If Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, or even Harleen Deol were contributing seven to eight overs between them, this wouldnt even be a discussion. But in a World Cup, you need six bowlers, thats the minimum requirement. The former India captain also reflected on Indias team selection dilemma and emphasised the importance of adding a sixth bowling option to the playing XI, saying, If Amanjot Kaur is fit and Renuka Singh Thakur is also available, then naturally, one of the batters may have to sit out. In my view, you wouldnt want to change the opening pair of Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, and youd also want to continue with Richa Ghosh because she has shown better temperament in the last couple of games. But if India is to field a sixth bowling option, which I feel they eventually must, then a batter will need to make way. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Thats such a proud moment for her and for everyone back home. When you look at Krantis excitement and then at others in the dressing room who have played multiple World Cups with all their experience and wisdom, you can see how this mix is positively influencing the teams environment, she said. Article Source: IANS

2nd Test: Sammy Calls For Belief And Discipline From West Indies Players To Make A Turnaround Against India

CWI CEO Chris Dehring: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has urged his players to have their belief and discipline intact in a bid to make an improbable turnaround against India in the upcoming second Test, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. West Indies continued to hit rock bottom in their Test fortunes when they were crushed by an innings and 140 runs by India inside three days in the first Test in Ahmedabad. It comes at a time when cricket in the Caribbean continues to grapple with inconsistent performances and deeper structural challenges. Things have not been going well for a little bit. I think it's the continuation of the positive words, challenging the players to be more professional, disciplined in their training, and to have more belief in themselves (to make a turnaround). Again, when the game comes, trusting the preparation that they put in to train, and to be able to put it into the game. I see some of the guys lack confidence, and it's something that has to come from within you. But with a lack of performances, it's always hard to rise above that level. But my job is to continue to instil that in the way we practice, think, plan, and strategise. I was just telling someone the conversations we had after the Test. To see the way they came out there and really put a conscious effort to train better, I expect a little bit of some sort of improvement, at least in the way they think and the belief they have in themselves, said Sammy to reporters in a pre-game press conference on Wednesday. The West Indies last won a Test series in India in 1983, and in Ahmedabad, their batting time was 89.2 overs combined, which is clearly insufficient to win a red-ball game in the subcontinent. What really hurt cricket fans was the lack of fight from the batters, something which Sammy did acknowledge. What I do say all the time -- put a bigger price on your wicket and focus for long periods, believe in yourself, trust in the process, the list could go on and on. But, at the end of the day, cricket is an action sport and everyone has to understand the role they have to play for the team to do well - openers going to see the new ball back and bat till lunch. We need to be able to bat at least 80% in India, put a big first innings score on weekends that are challenging. The first innings is very, very important, and it's important to continue the positive messaging. Hopefully, the preparation that they've put in put them in a position to go out and play well, added Sammy, their two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain. The West Indies is now a pale shadow of their dominating self in the cricketing world, and in a bid to get more sponsors and finances going, legendary players Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, and Sir Richie Richardson, along with present-day players Shai Hope and Roston Chase, CWI CEO Chris Dehring and CCO Rupert Hunter, have been in India to get lucrative long-term financial benefits. The difference in the different teams, the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four. Weve been struggling with finances for a long time. Thats one of the reasons why Brian (Lara), Shiv (Chanderpaul), theyre going to have this event in the afternoon -- trying to see if we can get sponsors to help in some of the areas that we need improvement. Were playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world, where other boards have benefited. So, for now, when we, over the years, whether it be through lack of management, backlash, whatever it is, we need those financial resources to help us grow and move forward, added Sammy. The difference in the different teams, the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four. Weve been struggling with finances for a long time. Thats one of the reasons why Brian (Lara), Shiv (Chanderpaul), theyre going to have this event in the afternoon -- trying to see if we can get sponsors to help in some of the areas that we need improvement. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We could only work with what we have and whos willing. The inability to match some of the franchises across the world has been an issue. But what I always tell these guys, if we complain about not having the best facilities, not having enough manpower like the other teams, not having the best technology, all these things that the other teams are superior to us, its no secret, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Its Not That Smriti Won't Score Another Ton: Anjum Chopra On India Openers Form At WWC

Cricket World Cup: Anjum Chopra shared her insights on Indias upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match against South Africa and expressed confidence in star batter Smriti Mandhana to equal Meg Lannings all-time record for most centuries. Anjum how Mandhana must rise to the occasion and do well in the forthcoming matches to strengthen Indias chances in the mega spectacle. Speaking on JioHostar, Anjum said that the left-hander will enjoy batting against the Proteas women, given how she enjoys hitting through the line. The veteran also stated that the Indian vice-captain must understand the leadership responsibilities placed upon her and fine-tune her mindset. The fact that Smriti Mandhana likes the ball coming onto the bat and enjoys hitting through the line will certainly help her, especially against South Africas pace attack. Its also about settling those butterflies, in your mind, heart, and stomach; and reminding yourself that its just another game of cricket. Yes, its a World Cup match but at the end of the day, its still a see ball, hit ball approach, which shes executed beautifully over the last year and a half. She already has over 400 runs under her belt this season. Now, its about understanding her role as vice-captain; shes expected to play match-winning knocks and deliver when the team needs her. Its just about fine-tuning her mindset and staying fully aware in the middle of how situations can unfold. The former India captain also opined that a cricketers stats are of no use if theyre not set during World Cup games. She believes that Mandhana must understand the importance of playing a home World Cup and must make the most of the limited opportunities available. All those numbers we often discuss dont count unless they come in a World Cup. Thats a record Smriti would want to correct quickly. Nobody is getting younger, and opportunities like a home World Cup dont come often. Its not that Smriti wont score another hundred; she will. Shes already just one short of Meg Lannings all-time record for most centuries. But the key point is, when youre playing in a World Cup, especially at home, every single day becomes important. Not just in terms of Indias results, but also from a personal performance standpoint. All those numbers we often discuss dont count unless they come in a World Cup. Thats a record Smriti would want to correct quickly. Nobody is getting younger, and opportunities like a home World Cup dont come often. Its not that Smriti wont score another hundred; she will. Shes already just one short of Meg Lannings all-time record for most centuries. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score After two wins in as many as games, India will look to maintain the winning momentum when they take on South Africa on Thursday at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Article Source: IANS

Award-winning Designer Aaquib Wani To Design Adani Ahmedabad Marathon Jersey

Global Marathon Event List: Adani Ahmedabad Marathon (AAM), one of the citys most renowned annual sporting events, announced on Wednesday a special collaboration with award-winning designer Aaquib Wani for its 9th edition, scheduled for November 30. In a unique initiative, Adani Sportsline and Wani are inviting the public to submit design ideas for co-creating the official marathon jersey. Curated into the final design by Wani, the jersey will transcend being a sporting outfit to become a symbol of community pride and collective creativity, aligning with the marathons enduring cause, #Run4OurSoldiers. Recognised in the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Design) list, Wani has crafted iconic designs for the Indian cricket team jerseys and the official kits for Indias contingents at the Asian Games 2023 and Paris 2024 Olympics. His storytelling-driven design approach spans cultural installations, music festivals, and sportswear. Sharing his excitement, Wani said, Designing the official jersey for the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is a unique and exciting opportunity for me. Ahmedabad is undoubtedly a city rich in art and craft, and I look forward to receiving ideas from creative minds across the community to craft a design that truly represents the marathon. This event is bigger than a race, with its core cause of #Run4OurSoldiers and its inspiring to see how the Adani Group and its sports arm have nurtured the marathon into a movement over the past nine years. My best wishes to the organisers and all the runners participating this year. Since its inception, the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has championed #Run4OurSoldiers, honouring Indias armed forces. Recognised internationally, the marathon has been part of the Global Marathon Event List by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) since 2022 and is certified by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). This event is bigger than a race, with its core cause of #Run4OurSoldiers and its inspiring to see how the Adani Group and its sports arm have nurtured the marathon into a movement over the past nine years. My best wishes to the organisers and all the runners participating this year. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The event will feature four race categoriesfull marathon, half marathon, 10 km run and 5 km runwelcoming runners across all age groups and abilities. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan bowl; Schutt and Wareham in for Australia

Darcie Brown and Sophia Molineux miss the cut for Australia

Ravindra Jadeja,Mohammed Siraj Attain Career-Best Positions In ICC Mens Test Player Rankings

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadejas standout performance in the first match of their ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad has helped him reach a career-best 25thposition in the ICC Mens Test Batting Rankings. The previous best for the 36-year-old, who scored 104 not out in Indias only innings, was the 29th position that he achieved in July this year. He is now at a career-high of 644 rating points. Jadejas four wickets in the second innings have also helped him extend his lead at the top of the all-rounders table by a good 125 points over Bangladeshs Mehidy Hasan. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj continued his good work from the England tour, his figures of four for 40 and three for 31 lifting him three places to a career-best 12th position and above the 700-point mark for the first time in his career following Indias victory by an innings and 140 runs. Other gainers from the Indian team include K.L. Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, who have both progressed in the batting rankings after notching centuries. Rahul has moved up four places to 35th and Jurel is up 20 places to 65th after his maiden Test century. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has gained seven places to reach 21st position after taking two cheap wickets in the match. There was little to cheer for the West Indies players though as no batter scored a half-century and no bowler took more than two wickets. In the ICC Mens T20I Player Rankings, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has returned to the top 10 of the batting table for the first time since February 2024 after scoring 85 in the first match and 103 not out in the third match of the series against New Zealand. New Zealands Tim Robinson struck an inbeaten 106 in the first match of the series at Mount Maunganui which helped him advance 58 places to joint-22nd. Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan 3-0 in their series in the United Arab Emirates, with Saif Hassans unbeaten 64 in the third match helping him into the top 20 batters for the first time. Tanzid Hasan has moved up from 43rd to 37th and Parvez Hossain from 71st to 53rd. Afghanistan leg-spinning all-rounder Rashid Khans hauls of four for 18 and two for 29 in the first two matches have helped him claw back to number two in the bowling rankings, his highest position since June last year. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The bowling rankings also see Noor Ahmad (up eight places to 17th) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (up six places to 23rd) of Afghanistan progress, while Bangladesh players Tanzim Hasan Sakib (up nine places to 33rd), Shoriful Islam (up 21 places to joint-49th) and Player of the Series Nasum Ahmed (up from 131stto 44th) have all advanced.

India Women vs South Africa Women Prediction Match 10, ICC Womens World Cup 2025 - Who will win today IND-W vs SA-W match?

IND-W vs SA-W, Match 10, Cricket Tips: India Women have started the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 with two consecutive wins. They have been slightly rusty in both games, but the opposition have also been weaker. They will now be facing South Africa Women in the upcoming game on Thursday at VDCA Stadium in Vizag at 3 PM IST. India are currently second on the points table, and a win will help them to move to the top. But South Africa are also coming off a great win over New Zealand. Tazmin Brits struck a brilliant century, and they will also be looking to get their second win on the board. IND-W vs SA-W: Match Details Date : October 9 (Thursday) Time : 3 PM IST Venue : Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam IND-W vs SA-W: Live Streaming Details To watch the IND-W vs SA-W game live on cable TV, fans can tune into the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the live stream through the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND-W vs SA-W: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches : 33 India Women : 20 South Africa Women : 02 No Result : 01 IND-W vs SA-W: Ground Pitch Report This is the first game at Vizag Stadium this edition. This is a new venue and has hosted a few white-ball matches. The pitch here has been brilliant for batting, with not much help in it for the bowlers. In the few matches played here, it has seen high scores being made and chased. IND-W vs SA-W: Possible XIs India Women : Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud South Africa Women : Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba IND-W vs SA-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Tazmin Brits has scored four centuries in the last five ODIs and is in the form of her life. For India, Smriti Mandhana has been average in the last two games, but she is the top scorer this year. Probable Best Bowler Kranti Goud is coming off a match-winning game against Pakistan and bowled well with the new ball. Nonkululeko Mlaba played a big role in the win in the last game with her four-wicket haul. Today Match Prediction : India have yet to play their best game, as openers have been below par for them. But they have done well against South Africa overall and are expected to win this game. IND-W vs SA-W Prediction Match 10, ICC Womens World Cup 2025, Today Match IND-W vs SA-W, IND-W vs SA-W Prediction, IND-W vs SA-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India Women vs South Africa Women Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

India U19 Thump Aus U19 Inside Two Days In Second Youth Test, Sweep Series 2-0

Great Barrier Reef Arena: Indias U-19 side dominated the proceedings against Australia U-19 in the second Youth Test and wrapped up the four-day game on Day 2, a seven-wicket win at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Wednesday. After India U19 dominated the the first Youth Test at the Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane, winning by an innings and 58 runs, bowlers again dominated throughout the second match between the two sides, which finished in two days. In the recently concluded second Test, only wicketkeeper Alex Lee Young demonstrated his batting skills as he got minimal support from other players. His 108-ball 66 was the only highlight of the Asutralia's first innings outing as they were bundled out for 135 runs in 43.3 overs. The Patel duo of Henil and Khilan picked three wickets each, while Udhav Mohan and Deepesh Devendran scalped two and one scalp, respectively, before India started their batting innings. Indias batting unit couldnt shine much either, as they were dished out for 171 runs in 51.4 overs as Kasey Barton picked up a four-wicket haul. The Indian side could only manage to get a lead of 36 runs before starting on with the second innings. The Patel duo of Henil and Khilan picked three wickets each, while Udhav Mohan and Deepesh Devendran scalped two and one scalp, respectively, before India started their batting innings. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With that, India U-19 swept off a quick victory. The Australian batting lineup didn't showcase their strengths well in the first game either, although playing in familiar conditions at Brisbane's first game, and scored 243 and 127 in the two innings, only to lose the match by an innings and 58 runs. Article Source: IANS

Boland Is The First Man In If Cummins Is Out Of Ashes Opener: Simon Katich

New South Wales: Former cricketer and coach Simon Katich opined that Scott Boland is the most probable replacement for the injured Australian skipper Pat Cummins in the Ashes opener after it was reported that the regular captain will miss the first Test in Perth on November 21 due to lower back stress. Cummins is set to miss the Ashes opener in Perth, with the possibility that he may also miss the entire Test series against England, as scans have revealed that his back stress problem has not yet healed. Look, Scott Boland, I think, is the first man in if Cummins doesnt play. I think there's no doubt about that, but it'll give it a great opportunity to some of these other young quicks around the country, Katich said on SEN Afternoons. Behind Boland, Katich is considering Queenslands Michael Neser, who has often been next in line. At the same time, Victorias Fergus ONeill is also a probable candidate after winning the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield player of the season. I mean, you can't rule out Michael Neser, who's obviously been brilliant for Queensland. Then theres the young Victorian Fergus O'Neill who had a very good time over in England earlier in the year for Notts, and obviously he's done well for the Vics over the last few years, he's only 24 and has big raps on him, he added. Examining Australias pace depth further, Katich suggested that selectors might consider South Australias Henry Thornton, noting his similar style to Cummins. I reckon there might be a young kid from New South Wales who is now in South Australia who has just played recently for Australia A, if that's any indicator of how the selectors might be thinking, Katich explained. Thats Henry Thornton, he's 28 now, but he's still young in terms of being inexperienced. Hes only played seven first-class games, but he's a wicket-taker, and that's something they might be looking at because we know Pat Cummins cracks games open by taking wickets in bursts of two or three at a time. I reckon there might be a young kid from New South Wales who is now in South Australia who has just played recently for Australia A, if that's any indicator of how the selectors might be thinking, Katich explained. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Cummins' absence due to a back stress injury is a massive blow to Australia's chances of retaining the Ashes urn, which they have held since 2018. Article Source: IANS

Helping Our Nation Soar Higher: Sachin Extends Wishes On Indian Air Force Day

Happy Indian Air Force Day: Indias cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar extended his greetings to the Air Warriors on the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on Wednesday. Writing in an X post, the former cricketer said, As the dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion+ Indians take flight, the Indian Air Force stands guard with courage and dedication, helping our nation soar higher. Proud and honoured to be a part of @IAF_MCC. Happy Indian Air Force Day! Jai Hind! The 93rd Indian Air Force Day is being commemorated at Hindon Air Force Station, honouring the bravery and commitment of the men and women in blue who protect the country's skies. This year's celebrations paid special tribute to Operation Sindoor, a significant milestone in the IAF's history. Air force personnel performed a grand march past alongside fighter jets displayed on the tarmac, demonstrating the strength and accuracy of India's air power to the spectators. The Indian Air Force (IAF), the air branch of India's military, was officially founded on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary force of British India. Its main goal is to protect Indian airspace and carry out aerial combat in times of war. Over the years, it has grown into one of the world's most powerful air forces. The Indian cricket teams current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also shared messages on the micro-blogging platform. Salute to the protectors of our skies #IndianAirForceDay, Gambhir posted. A salute to the ones who truly own the skies... Celebrating one of the best Air Force in the world, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote. Salute to the protectors of our skies #IndianAirForceDay, Gambhir posted. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The ODI and T20I squads will then fly to Australia for the three-match ODI series, starting on October 19 in Perth, followed by five T20Is, which will commence on October 29. This provides the two teams with valuable preparation for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka. Article Source: IANS

The Forgotten Manager Who Saved Indias Honour in the Gavaskar-Lillee Melbourne Test

The death of Group Captain Shahid Ali Khan Durrani, 89, at Lucknow recently, didnt find any worth mentioning space/minutes among cricket news. In true sense, he didnt play for India and was also not a high rank BCCI official but was associated with one cricket incident, which is still a hot topic after more than 44 years. He was a Vishisht Seva Medal winner, That story in brief is that India was frustrated with the various decisions umpire Rex Whitehead was taking during the 1980-81, three Test series between India and Australia. The third and the last Test at Melbourne saw a meltdown from Gavaskar. In the 2nd innings, Gavaskar at 70*, a Dennis Lillee ball struck on his pads, the umpire raised his finger, but Gavaskar was not convinced with the decision. Gavaskar stood his ground and the spat with Lillee boiled him so much that while going back to pavilion, ordered his batting partner Chauhan to leave the field with him. Cricket had never seen this before. At that crucial juncture, India was at the verge of conceding the Test, but manager Shahid Durrani sensibly stopped the pair at the boundary line and asked Chauhan to return to the middle and play. Any ban on the India team for this act could have serious implications. This is the same Test where India set Australia a target of 143 and with Kapil Dev 5/28 Australia were dismissed for 83, and India won by 60 runs. This single act earned Durrani a special mention and was appreciated by all. Although he was with services, his sports background (played hockey for the Lucknow University and was coach with diploma Class I from National Institute of Sports in Patiala) helped to remain associated with sports in many other ways also. When Pakistan toured India for the first time after independence to play a cricket Test series, he was in the organising committee for the Lucknow Test, as a volunteer. He was a key official for the 1982 Delhi Asian Games (Director of Asiad Protocol Committee). He picked the best brains from the services for the task and helped in organizing one of the best sports events in India . He was awarded Asiad Vashisht Jyoti for this. After retirement from the Air Force in 1983, he was instrumental in keeping cricket alive in Lucknow and the Times League, the UPTRON Trophy, and the Scooters India Trophy were played for many years. As per one of the releases of the SCCB, Wing Commander Shahid Ali Khan Durrani was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in June 1958 and joined Services Sports Control Board in April 1978. Prior to that he was the Commanding Officer of the newly raised Air Force School of Physical Fitness, Sambre and within two years, the unit was judged the best administered unit in the Training Command. This helped him and was appointed Chief-de-Mission for the Services sports contingent for the tour of Malaysia and Singapore during April/May 79. The contingent of 36 sportsmen not only won many hockey and football matches, helped in establishing friendly relations with the Armed Forces of these countries. His performance won high praise from India High Commissioners in Malaysia and Singapore as well as the Service Attaches in these countries. The story of his going to Australia as a manager is very interesting. It started with his selection as the SSCB secretary. Incidentally two other Air Force officers shortlisted for the post were Group Captain HT Bal Dani (1 Test) and Wing Commander VM Muddiah (2 Tests) but Durrani was selected. With the Services being a full member of the BCCI, he started attending the BCCI meetings. In the 1980 BCCI AGM, managers and assistant managers for the upcoming tours of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and of India A teams visit to Pakistan were to be selected. Durrani decided to be in the race for the managers post for the Australia-NZ tour. Sought Departmental clearance and support from other state cricket associations but was still short of the majority. He still decided to contest. In an interview with the veteran sports journalist, Qaiser Mohammad Ali, Durrani revealed that he was elected as the India manager, not appointed as is the practice. The other strong candidate for the post was Keki Tarapore (with support from Ghulam Ahmed, then secretary of the BCCI). Before the voting took place, Maharaja Fatehsinh Rao Gaekwad, representing Baroda, asked me to withdraw my candidature with a promise of the managers post of the India A teams tour to Pakistan, disclosed Durrani. I turned down the proposal, telling him that I would rather fight and lose than turn my back to the fight. Eventually, when the voting took place I managed the majority comfortably, he recalled. Rest is history. This was the first time ever that a serving Armed Forces Officer was selected as a Manager of the Cricket team going on a tour abroad. This was the first time that a non-Test cricketer was chosen as a Manager of an Indian Cricket Team. He also received the 25th Independence Day medal in 1972. It is generally unknown that his family is one of the most decorated families in India: His father Nadir Ali Khan Durrani: Police Inspector in British-India, received the first Indian Police Independence medal in 1948. His son Lieutenant Colonel Shahzad Salim Durrani: Received a medal on the 50th Independence Day. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score His grand-son Lieutenant Shahnawaz Ali Khan Durrani: Received the 75th Independence Day medal.

India rout Australia inside two days in Mackay to sweep Under-19s four-day series

Henil Patel, Naman Pushpak and Udhav Mohan finish Australia off for 116 in their second innings to set up 81-run chase, which is knocked off in 12.2 overs

Cricket Association For Visually Impaired In Odisha Felicitates 4 Players Selected For Womens T20 WC For Blind

IBSA World Games Gold Medallist: Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired (CAVI), Odisha, organised a civic felicitation ceremony to honour four visually impaired tribal girls from the state, who have been chosen to represent India in the inaugural Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, scheduled to be held from November 1125 in India and Sri Lanka. The selected players Phula Saren, Basanti Hansda, Jamuna Rani Tudu, and Parbati Marandi constitute one-quarter of the national squad, marking a proud moment for Odisha and a historic milestone for womens blind cricket. Phula Saren, the captain of the Odisha team, is a seasoned all-rounder and a 2023 IBSA World Games Gold Medallist who has represented India in various international tournaments. Known for her consistency with both bat and ball, Phula has emerged as a reliable leader for the visually impaired womens team. She shared, I feel proud to represent India and will give my best to lift the World Cup. Basanti Hansda, the vice-captain of the Odisha team and also a World Games Gold Medallist, is celebrated for her exceptional all-round skills and sharp fielding. She expressed, Thanks to CAVI Odisha for preparing us; I am confident to help India win the World Cup. The felicitation acknowledged the players remarkable achievements, determination, and their inspiring journey from Odishas tribal heartlands to the international stage. With Jamunas pace bowling and Parbatis agility behind the stumps, these young athletes exemplify grit, skill, and the rising strength of womens blind cricket in India. The felicitation acknowledged the players remarkable achievements, determination, and their inspiring journey from Odishas tribal heartlands to the international stage. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Meanwhile, the CABI has begun preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Earlier this week, CABI Chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar met the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and presented details of the mega event. Article Source: IANS

Cummins Out Of Ashes Opener In Perth, Likely To Miss Full Series: Report

Sydney Morning Herald: Australia captain Pat Cummins is expected to miss the Ashes opener in Perth with a possibility that he may miss the entire Test series against England as the scans revealed his back stress problem had not yet healed. Cummins had been battling back soreness since featuring during Australia's tour of the Caribbean in July and recent scans confirmed a lumbar bone stress to the affected area. According to Sydney Morning Herald report, Cummins is no chance for the opener in Perth, starting on November 21, and may even miss all five Tests, leaving Steve Smith as the likely stand-in skipper to face England. The 32-year-old pacer Cummins had the update scan last week to clarify his progress ahead of the Test summer and was told that while the stress hot spot was healing, it has not yet cleared up enough for him to bowl, the report added. The loss of Cummins with a back stress injury is a massive blow to Australia's chances of retaining the Ashes urn that Australia have held since 2018. In Cummins absence, fellow quick Scott Boland looks his most likely replacement, with experienced trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon almost certain to feature. Last month, the Aussie Test captain had put a loose timeline on his return to the bowling crease. In Cummins absence, fellow quick Scott Boland looks his most likely replacement, with experienced trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon almost certain to feature. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But I've not thought that deeply about it yet. It's still a bit of a wait and see. We've got plenty of time, so we'll map a way back when we get closer. At the moment for the next few weeks it's pretty light. Not much running and zero bowling, he had said. Article Source: IANS

Gambhir Salutes 'protectors Of Skies' On Indian Air Force Day

Indian Air Force Day: Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir extended his greetings to the Air Warriors on the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on Wednesday. Salute to the protectors of our skies #IndianAirForceDay, Gambhir posted on X. The 93rd Indian Air Force Day is being celebrated at the Hindon Air Force Station, honouring the valour and dedication of the men and women in blue who safeguard the nation's skies. This year's celebrations carried a special tribute to Operation Sindoor, a defining moment in the IAF's legacy. Air warriors carried out a grand march past alongside fighter jets showcased on the tarmac, as spectators witnessed the strength and precision of India's air power. A salute to the ones who truly own the skies... Celebrating one of the best Air Force in the world, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan posted on X. The Indian Air Force (IAF), the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, was officially established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of British India. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts. The force has since evolved into one of the most formidable air powers in the world. The Indian Air Force (IAF), the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, was officially established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of British India. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score By five T20Is, starting from October 29, which provides the two teams with some valuable preparation for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Article Source: IANS

Doubts over Cummins' fitness for first Ashes Test grow, return remains unknown

Pat Cummins remains in rehab with no decisions made yet on when he will return to bowl

Williamson wants 'additional resources to support the growth' of Test cricket globally

Kane Williamson accepts that managing priorities on the calendar is a big task but hopes all Test-playing countries give the format the attention it needs