Positive Gains For South African Players In ICC Mens Test Rankings

The new ICC World Test Champions, South Africa, are basking in their glory, as multiple members of their team rise in the ICC Mens Test Player Rankings. Leading the charge is Player of the Match from the final at Lords, Aiden Markram. The batting hero has risen seven places to just outside the top-10 in the ICC Mens Test Batting Rankings, with only two points separating him from New Zealands Daryl Mitchell (725) in 10th. Markram scored a crucial and match-winning 136 runs off 207 balls in a masterful display of Test batting to help take South Africa across the line in the WTC Final. His equally vital wickets for South Africa have also been rewarded in the Test All-Rounders Rankings, seeing him ascend a whopping 44 places. David Bedingham, who closed the famous win for South Africa, also made a move of note in the Batting Rankings, climbing 17 places to joint 40 alongside Cameron Green. Meanwhile, South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who produced an inspirational spell with the ball during Australias second innings, has also advanced seven slots in the Bowling Rankings. He shares 37th place with Pakistans Naseem Shah and Sri Lankas Lahiru Kumara. Kagiso Rabada, who was the pick of South Africas bowlers, maintained his second place among the bowlers, next to Indias Jasprit Bumrah. His 868 ratings points are 21 clear of Pat Cummins who also remains in third place. For runners up, Australia, seasoned speedster Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Beau Webster benefited from valiant displays. Starc, who took five wickets through the Test and scored a fighting half-century in the second innings, climbed to 10th spot in the bowlers and all-rounders lists. Webster meanwhile, who was Australias top scorer in the first innings, climbed 13 places in the Batting Rankings. In the ODI Player Rankings, key performers from the Mens Cricket World Cup League 2 action have boasted impressive climbs. Netherlands top-order batter Michael Levitt, who was also handy with the ball, has soared 22 places in the Batting Rankings to go with a climb of 21 among the bowlers and another 27 in the all-rounders charts. Levitt also leapt 11 places in the T20I batting charts to the 30th spot in the tri-series after League 2 play, just below Pakistans Mohammad Haris. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score His teammate Noah Croes also jumped 20 places in the Mens ODI Batting Rankings after making a vital fifty from the four-wicket win against Scotland. Nepal's Aarif Sheikh, who top-scored with the bat in the 16-run win over the Dutch, climbs 13 places in the batting charts.

South Africans Welcome Home Test Champions The Proteas

Several thousand supporters were at the main airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday to welcome home World Test Championship winners South Africa. Temba Bavuma captained the Proteas to a five-wicket triumph over long-time rivals Australia at Lord's last Saturday to end a 27-year major trophy drought. He and coach Shukri Conrad were the first to greet cheering supporters, with both holding the Mace they received for being crowned champions. Each player then carried a bouquet of flowers while shaking hands with some supporters, hugging others and signing autographs. Opening batter Aiden Markram recovered from a first-innings duck to hit 136 in the second innings and pave the way for a victory in London with a day and a half to spare. Paceman Kagiso Rabada took nine wickets in the final to be another key figure as South Africa triumphed for the first time since lifting the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy). Among those who greeted the team on a cool, sunny winter morning in the South African commercial capital were accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala. Gabela, 35, said: I had to be here and welcome the boys home. They have suffered so many heartbreaks during the past two decades. Now we are champions of the world. I was pessimistic when we trailed by 74 runs after the first innings, but a magnificent second knock from Aiden Markram turned the tide. - Zimbabwe next - Tshabalala, 37, travelled to the airport with her son, Monthati, and admitted she was also worried after Australia built a first-innings advantage. I have been supporting the Proteas since I was a child and it has been sad seeing them come so close so often without bringing home a trophy. Apart from his studies, my high school son spends many hours each week keeping up to date with the Proteas. His favourite cricketer is Kagiso (Rabada). The triumphant team and coaches will hold a press conference at the Johannesburg headquarters of Cricket South Africa later on Wednesday. South Africa are next be in action on June 28 when they face northern neighbours Zimbabwe in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo. Bavuma will lead the team, but Markram and Rabada are being rested. Among five uncapped players called up are Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane. Pretorius, 19, made a huge impression in a recent domestic four-day competition, striking three centuries in five appearances and averaging 72.66. Senokwane also impressed with the bat in the competition, hitting 559 runs, including two centuries. Both players have been chosen after recently making their debuts for South Africa A against the West Indies A. After the Tests, South Africa will play Zimbabwe and New Zealand in a seven-match Twenty20 tournament in Harare. Test squad Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf

India Drawn Alongside Pakistan, Australia, SA For 2026 Womens T20 WC

Old Trafford Cricket Ground: India has been drawn alongside Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and two yet to be known qualifying teams in Group 1 of the 2026 Womens T20 World Cup, set to be played from June 12 to July 5 in England. The tenth edition of the tournament, running across 24 days, will open with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. Apart from Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lords are the other tournament venues. Edgbaston will also be the venue for Indias campaign opener against Pakistan on June 14, before playing against a qualifying team at Headingley on June 17. India will face South Africa at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 21, and then play against another qualifying team at the same venue on June 25. Indias group stage will come to an end with a high-stakes clash against multiple times champions Australia at the Lords Cricket Ground on June 28. World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different it has the potential to be truly game-changing. Its going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, its going to be unmissable. I cant wait to be a part of it, said England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt in a statement. It will also mark the biggest ICC Womens T20 World Cup to have been ever played, with 12 teams vying for the coveted trophy currently held by New Zealand. Apart from England and New Zealand, Group 2 includes Sri Lanka, West Indies and the other two teams who will come from the global qualifiers, to be held next year. Top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, set for at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, with the grand title clash to be held at Lords on July 5. ICC added that the first wave of priority tickets for final at Lords were sold out in 24 hours, while tickets for all games are now on sale for pre-registered fans. It will also mark the biggest ICC Womens T20 World Cup to have been ever played, with 12 teams vying for the coveted trophy currently held by New Zealand. Apart from England and New Zealand, Group 2 includes Sri Lanka, West Indies and the other two teams who will come from the global qualifiers, to be held next year. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS

Kohli Retirement Biggest Loss For India As He Was The Best Batter: Geoffrey Boycott

The Daily Telegraph: Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott believes that more than Rohit Sharmas retirement, Virat Kohlis absence is a devastating blow to India ahead of the starting five-match Test series in Leeds, saying that the right-handed batter was their key player. Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket in May, leaving India with a big void to fill in the longer format at opening and number four positions respectively. Kohli, 36, scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests and was at fourth place in India's all-time list of run-scorers in the longer format. The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats. With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued. It does not matter how much talent or experience you have, if you are not mentally fresh and up for the challenge then it becomes draining. Rohit was a superb batsman. At his best, a beautiful stroke player, but he wont be missed as much as Kohli because his Test record was good rather than exceptional. In the last couple of years his batting was a little inconsistent, which was not surprising in his late 30s. Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli and he knows that opening the innings in England can be pretty tough because the new ball moves around more. You really have to be up for the challenge to have any chance of success. I just think that over time the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down, wrote Boycott in his column for The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday. England come into the all-important series against India on the back of defeating Zimbabwe in the one-off Test at Trent Bridge last month. Boycott has urged the Ben Stokes-led side to temper their Bazball style of batting to beat India, as well as use some common sense. England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches. Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final. The new cycle starts now and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment England are like a one-trick-pony. Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS

Madhya Pradesh League: Bundelkhand Bulls' Harsh Gawli, Saumy Pandey Emphasise Growth, Positivity Despite Tough Start

Madhya Pradesh Premier League: While the early results havent reflected their potential, Bundelkhand Bulls are approaching the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) 2025 with a clear sense of purpose - nurturing young talent and building a strong cricketing foundation for the future. Led by batter Harsh Gawli and featuring one of Indias brightest young bowlers Saumy Pandey, the Bulls remain focused on process over panic. The side, owned by RW Group, has taken the field this season with a squad largely built through the MPL Talent Hunt initiative, giving first-time opportunities to players from regions like Sagar. Despite facing defeats in their first three matches, the environment within the camp remains positive and committed. Captain Harsh Gawli, who has impressed in the Ranji Trophy with a double century to his name, is leading this young unit with composure and perspective. Its a new franchise and were working hard to build the right combination. I want the team to click quickly and find the rhythm to win our upcoming games and qualify, Gawli said. He further added that his focus is on guiding the younger players and helping them handle the demands of competitive cricket. Even though Im still new in first-class cricket, I try to share my experience in ways that are useful for the team. This league is a huge opportunity: nationwide broadcast, scouts watching, its a big stage. Personally, Im looking to show intent and for the others too, this is a great chance. Leading the charge alongside Gawli is Saumy Pandey, who finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the U19 World Cup 2024 with 18 wickets and is already being talked about as a future star. The MPL offers solid exposure, especially for players who may not get many chances in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, said Saumy. Here, they can express themselves. Playing with and against IPL-level players as well as upcoming talent makes it a great learning experience. This kind of league helps prepare you mentally for higher levels. Cricket is a game of situations. The quicker you learn to stay aware and manage pressure, the faster you grow, Saumy said. Both players highlighted the value of the Talent Hunt initiative that gave players without division-level experience a real chance to make their mark. Its a brilliant platform for players to come forward, especially those who havent had the chance to represent their division yet, Gawli noted. As they prepare for the second half of the season, Bundelkhand Bulls are not just focused on the scoreboard but also on building a sustainable cricketing culture rooted in belief, opportunity, and growth. Its a brilliant platform for players to come forward, especially those who havent had the chance to represent their division yet, Gawli noted. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS

'England Tour An Opportunity For Siraj To Become Frontline Bowler Alongside Bumrah', Opines Bharat Arun

LIVE On Sony Sports Ten: The build-up to Indias upcoming five-match Test series against England has been marked by an excited chatter about their bowling attack, led by experienced campaigners in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja would shape up when things get underway in Leeds from June 20. Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, thinks the time is ripe for Siraj to be more assertive and take on a more defining role within the tourists bowling unit in a series which he definitely agrees will be the one driven by bowlers. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by Sony Sports Network, Arun delved into the importance of Sirajs contributions, why Arshdeep Singh has the edge to be Indias third fast-bowling option and the learnings of previous tours which Indian team can bank on. Excerpts: - IANS: The 2021 tour saw India being ahead in a Test series in England before that interruption came. As the bowling coach that time, what really propelled the bowlers to have the edge over England batters? BA: I think Indian bowlers were pretty experienced. They had been to England previously, and also, they were at the top of their bowling when we went to England (in 2021). That allowed them to quickly assess the conditions and adapt their bowling to those conditions. Thats going to be the biggest challenge, understanding and adaptation. So, they did that very efficiently, and that was the reason why we were successful in England. IANS: How much did experiences from 2018 tour, where the games were much closer as compared to what the scoresheets suggested, help in being better on return to England in 2021? BA: It was huge - I think the 2018 performance in England, though, as you rightly put it, we were very close to the line, but didn't cross the line. But that was a very, very big experience for this team, as they began doing exceptionally well after that England tour. So, even the first overseas victory in Australia, I think that tour was a deciding factor too. IANS: How much inspiration should Mohammed Siraj take from his 2021 series performances to lead Indias bowling line-up whenever Bumrah is not playing? BA: Nothing like experience. I'm sure he must have learned a lot from that experience. Bringing that experience to the fore would help him understand those conditions better. Also, the way he is bowling in the IPL, I looked at his rhythm and he was getting exceptional rhythm. So I would say this would probably be an opportunity for Siraj to become a frontline bowler alongside Bumrah. Siraj, as I said, with his experience, he is smart. All these years of playing cricket regularly has given him the right kind of exposure. So hes smart and the way he is bowling right now, he has learnt from his mistakes. I think the more mistakes you make, the better you start, and you become better. He has come out of his comfort zone, gone back to the drawing board, and has kind of managed a few things which he has come out successfully. I think Siraj is all very well prepared to manage that. IANS. Can you talk about the points which can aid Prasidh Krishna for succeeding in Englands conditions? BA: Well, I think Prasidh, Akash, Arshdeep, all have the potential. I would think Arshdeep has the edge over Prasidh right now, according to me, because being a left-hander and also somebody who can move the ball both ways, Arshdeep to me, edges ahead of Prasidh Krishna at the moment. But yes, Prasidh has bowled quick. The confidence of what he did in the IPL would hold him in good stead in England. How quickly he adapts his bowling to the English conditions would be the biggest challenge to me. IANS: Arshdeep did have experience of playing in Englands conditions through a county stint with Kent. How much will it come handy for him in the upcoming series? BA: It's very big. Any experience of having bowled in England or the county experience would help the player to understand what he needs to do in England to be successful. It's not that the conditions are helpful, so I will bowl well. But how do I adapt my bowling to these conditions? That is a challenge. So if you have experience before, that would come in really handy when you're playing in those conditions. IANS: What options do you think fast bowlers have to pick wickets with the Dukes ball in hand, especially in face of change in weather and venues in England? BA: Exactly that's why I said it's challenging to bowl in England. Understanding the length when the ball is moving and what lengths to bowl when the ball is not moving. All these things are a challenge. But I would say the Dukes ball is probably one of the most bowler-friendly balls in world cricket today, and every bowler would love to bowl with the Dukes. Also, not only venue to venue, day to day also it (weather) changes. That's why I said understanding those conditions and how quickly we need to adapt is the biggest challenge in England. BA: Exactly that's why I said it's challenging to bowl in England. Understanding the length when the ball is moving and what lengths to bowl when the ball is not moving. All these things are a challenge. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS