Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Rishabh Pant is on course to become an all-time great in Test cricket, but at the same time, the southpaw needs to raise his game in the shorter formats. Pant on Sunday returned to the Test side for the first time since his life-threatening car accident in December 2022. He is expected to play the first Test against Bangladesh beginning in Chennai on September 19. Also Read: "I don't know, to be dead honest", says Walter on Quinton De Kock's T20I future Since his return earlier this year following the accident, Pant has played T20s and ODIs and has done well. “I consider Pant one of India’s best Test batsmen. I’m not surprised that he’s back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests,” Ganguly said at a promotional event here. “He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I’m sure with time, he will become one of the best.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 September,2024 08:05 PM IST | Kolkata | PTI
Pathum Nissanka’s superb unbeaten century guided Sri Lanka to an ultimately commanding eight-wicket win at The Oval on Monday as they ended a decade-long wait for a Test-match victory in England. Sri Lanka, set a target of 219, reached that total for the loss of two wickets before lunch on the fourth day, with Nissanka 127 not out and Angelo Mathews 32 not out in an unbroken stand of 111. Victory gave Sri Lanka just a fourth Test win in England and first since a 100-run success at Headingley back in 2014. Pathum Nissanka during his 127 not out. Pic/Bipin Patel England, however, took this three-match series 2-1 after wins at Old Trafford (five wickets) and Lord’s (190 runs). But defeat meant England, who whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 earlier in the season, failed to achieve a first home campaign clean sweep since 2004, when Michael Vaughan oversaw seven successive wins. Also Read: Sinner, Alcaraz are new kings! Nissanka, named player-of-the-match after also making 64 in the first innings, told Sky Sports: “It was a great opportunity to play in England and I enjoyed that innings. I just wanted to play my normal game and I have done that,” added the opener, who spent two years out of the Test side. And for Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, there was no doubting the significance of leading his country to only their fourth win in 21 Tests in England. “This is one of the happiest moments in my career and my life,” said De Silva. “We had a tough time in the last two weeks so to come here and get a win in English conditions against an English team, it is a very good moment for me, my team, and my country as well.” Dhananjaya de Silva Sri Lanka resumed on 94-1, already well-placed to end a run of seven straight Test defeats by England. Nissanka, recalled at Lord’s, was 53 not out and Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 30. Brief scores England 325 & 156 lost to SL 263 & 219-2 (P Nissanka 127*, K Mendis 39, A Mathews 32*) by eight wickets This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 September,2024 08:05 PM IST | London | AFP
Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan said he was definitely worried about the future of Test cricket. Also Read: "He will be an all-time great in Tests": Sourav Ganguly on Rishabh Pant “I am definitely worried about Test cricket. Every country will play maybe only six or seven Test matches. England and Australia might play the Ashes,” Muralitharan told Daily Mail. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 September,2024 08:05 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSPakistan’s white and red ball head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have advised the country’s cricket board against hastily changing the captains after recent shoddy performances across formats. Babar Azam was sacked from white ball captaincy after 2023 ODI World Cup round robin exit in India and his replacement Shaheen Shah Afridi was removed after one bad series. Similarly in Tests, after Babar resigned, Shan Masood was named captain, but after 0-2 Test series defeat to Bangladesh, there are calls for his immediate ouster. Also Read: ‘Happiest moment of my career and life’ A PCB source, however, told PTI that recent media speculations about Masood and Babar’s sacking are nothing more than kite flying. “There has been no discussion on changing the captains as the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has left it up to the two coaches and selectors to decide on the captaincy,” he said. “And Kirsten and Gillespie are very clear that Shan and Babar both need to be given a proper run before judging their leadership abilities,” the source added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 08:07 AM IST | Karachi | PTIIndia beating Australia in the last two Test series in the latter’s backyard has made the rivalry between the two teams more intense, feels senior batter Usman Khawaja ahead of the five-match battle beginning November 22. India had beaten Australia on their last two tours of Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) with an identical 2-1 margin. Also Read: "The kind of cricket Bangladesh have played is impressive": Shubman Gill In fact, India have won all the last four series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking into account their home wins in 2016-17 and 2022-23 — both also 2-1 results in a four-match contest. “For Indians, it’s always been the case to beat Australia. And more recently, you know, since the rise of India and IPL and everything else that happened, it’s the same way with Australia against India,” Khawaja said. “And particularly since India’s beaten Australia in Australia the last two times they’ve come out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It just means a little bit more,” he told Star Sports. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:51 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia’s top-order batter Shubman Gill believes the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh shapes up to be an interesting and intriguing contest. The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played in Chennai on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur starting on September 27. Also Read: Murali worried about Test cricket’s future Gill has been included in India’s squad for the Chennai game, which sees the return of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli into the Test scheme of things, while left-arm pacer Yash Dayal has been given a maiden call-up. “I don’t think you can underestimate any international side. The kind of cricket Bangladesh have played in the last couple of months, especially in Pakistan, has been impressive. Their fast bowlers and the way their middle-order batters have absorbed pressure shouldn’t be disregarded. So, I believe it will be an interesting and intriguing contest,” Gill told Jio Cinema. In 25 Tests so far, Gill has made 1492 runs at an average of 35.52, with the last year seeing him transition into a No. 3 batter. Asked about the challenges he’s had in batting at No. 3 in Tests, Gill remarked, “Quite often, when you’re playing in a different position, everyone knows your potential, but you still have to prove yourself.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:45 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSSouth Africa's white-ball head coach Rob Walter stated that he does not know anything about star batsman Quinton de Kock's T20I future. He further stated that the veteran is left with an open door to take decision on his T20I future. Quinton de Kock announced his retirement from Test cricket back in the year 2021. He later decided to call it a day from ODIs as well after having a stunning ODI World Cup 2023 in India. In that World Cup, Quinton de Kock scored four centuries and helped South Africa to reach the semi-finals. After playing some fine knocks in Proteas' runners-up finish to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, the left-hander missed three T20Is against West Indies last month and will also not feature in the two matches against Ireland this month. Later, the Proteas will lock horns with Team India for four T20I in order to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Quinton de Kock also does not have a central contract. Asked about De Kock's availability for the Ireland series from September 27 onwards, Walter said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, "I do not know, to be dead honest. For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again. I have left the door open for him to approach me if and when he wants to do that. That might never happen." Also Read: Paris Paralympics 2024: A look at India's best campaign ever! Quinton de Kock has always been a crucial player for South Africa's T20I team and was the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2024. With 243 runs in nine innings at an average of 27.00, with two half-centuries and the best score of 74. He is also the side's top run-getter in T20Is, with 2,584 runs in 92 matches at an average of 31.51 and a strike rate of 138.32, with a century and 16 fifties. His best score is 100. Since the T20 WC final, which was De Kock's last international appearance, he has played in several T20 leagues, such as Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and will also be featuring in SA20 season three and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Walter highlighted that despite his accolades and experience with South Africa, his place in the side is not guaranteed and performance will be a parameter. "There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected," he said. "We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do. What will become more and more important is performance. He is not exactly old [de Kock is 31] so from here on in, it is a performance-based conversation," he concluded. Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter announced the squads for their white-ball tour of the UAE, starting with the ODI series against Afghanistan followed by T20Is and ODIs against Ireland. The ODI squad set to face Afghanistan will depart for the UAE on Saturday, 14 September, in preparation for the series opener on 18 September. South Africa ODI squad against Afghanistan: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams. South Africa T20I squad against Ireland: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams. South Africa ODI squad against Ireland: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams. (With ANI Inputs)
09 September,2024 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the ongoing Ganeshotsav, India's cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar posted a video on his official "X" handle in which he is immersing Lord Ganesh idol in water in an eco-friendly way during one and a half days of Ganesh Visarjan. Sachin Tendulkar and his family celebrated Ganeshotsav by installing the Ganesh idol for one and a half days at their residence in Mumbai. Taking to X: बाप्पा, तुम्ही दिलेल्या आनंदाची, शांतीची आणि प्रेमाची आठवण कायम राहील. पुढच्या वर्षी लवकर या!गणपती बाप्पा मोरया! मंगलमूर्ती मोरया! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/OGrp6ISKCB — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 9, 2024 Also Read: The "No cover drive" story: Time when Sachin Tendulkar bossed Australian attack Sachin Tendulkar represented India in 200 Test matches in which he accumulated 15,921 runs with a best score of unbeaten 248 runs. In One-Day Internationals. The veteran played 463 matches and smashed 18,426 runs with a highest score of unbeaten 200 runs. Tendulkar played only one T20I match in which he managed to score just 10 runs. The former Indian cricketer last represented the country on November 14, 2013, in the Test match against West Indies. He has many international records and is considered one of the most famous cricket icons across the world. With elusive milestones achieved in his career, Sachin Tendulkar has a unique record. In the entire cricket history, he is the first and only player to score 100 centuries in the international circuit. So far, no other batsman has been able to achieve the feat. In 2023, at the Wankhede Stadium, Team India stalwart Virat Kohli surpassed Tendulkar's record for the most number of ODI centuries which is 50. Earlier, Tendulkar held the record with 49 tons in the format. Since Tendulkar's retirement, it is believed that he passed the torch of Indian cricket to Kohli. Sachin Tendulkar also represented Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was an integral part of the side. He now makes his appearance in the commentary box during Team India and IPL matches.
09 September,2024 02:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWe have been knowing Indian great Sachin Tendulkar for his masterful strokes and humongous records. There are many inspiring stories of the former cricketer on and off the field. Among those stories, is the one which came against cricketing giants Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Back in the year 2004, in the Test series between India and Australia, the hosts were able to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar by continuously bowling him outside the off stump. Before the start of the fourth Test match, Tendulkar's elder brother, Ajit challenged him to try and stay not out. The Indian great accepted the challenge and as he was getting out due to playing outside off stumps deliveries, the veteran decided not to play a single cover drive throughout the match. The Aussies led by legendary captain Steve Waugh stood firm on their decision to bowl Tendulkar outside the off stumps in order to snap his wicket as they did in the previous games. Sachin Tendulkar sensed that the Aussies were trying to play with his patience and that's when the batting icon said, "It's 1 vs 11, let's see who loses patience first. I'm not going to play a single cover drive." Also Read: What makes Jasprit Bumrah stand out from other bowlers? After that what Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed was something extra-ordinary from the right-hander. Facing 436 balls, Sachin Tendulkar delivered an unbeaten knock of 241 runs which was laced with 33 fours. What was special about this innings was he didn't touch a single outside off the ball and registered an unbeaten double-century. The Australian bowling attack then had the likes of Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Simon Katich and many more. Facing these lethal bowlers and accumulating those crucial runs was not a piece of cake for anyone. The story didn't end there! After staying unbeaten in the first innings, Sachin Tendulkar returned unbeaten in the second innings, too. He smashed 60 runs off 89 deliveries including 5 fours. The fourth Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw with Tendulkar collecting the "Player of the Match" award for showcasing another iconic knock.
09 September,2024 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Sujay ShivalkarIt was in the fitness of things that the final act came courtesy Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old showed great alacrity and game awareness to follow up a sharp stop at short-leg with a fast flick towards the stumps to catch an overbalancing Akash Deep short of his ground, thereby sealing India ‘B’s 76-run over India ‘A’ at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. 90-run lead in first innings Musheer had shored up a stuttering India ‘B’ first innings on the first two days with his 181, the most influential performance in a Duleep Trophy tie that ended in the final session of the final day on a surface that made for an even contest between bat and ball. It was on the back of the Mumbaikar’s heroics that India ‘B’ were able to open up a 90-run lead on the first innings, and even though Deep wrecked them a second time around with a five-wicket burst, a target of 275 was well beyond the reach of Shubman Gill’s men. Also Read: Canada beat USA at home for first time since 1957 India ‘A’ started their run chase with gusto despite the second-over dismissal of Mayank Agarwal, smartly caught at second slip by Nitish Kumar Reddy on the second attempt off Yash Dayal. Gill had the best seat in the ground as Riyan Parag batted quite beautifully, playing his strokes with freedom during a second-wicket alliance of 44 that ended when the No. 3 became left-arm quick Dayal’s second victim, caught by Rishabh Pant off the outside edge. The chase hit a roadblock when India ‘A’ lost three wickets for one run either side of the lunch interval in the space of 14 deliveries, going from 75 for two to 76 for five. It was effectively game over, with only the formalities remaining, was the general consensus. KL Rahul tried his best to dispel that theory with a measured, polished 57 until he too perished, caught behind off Mukesh Kumar with the ball continuing to nibble around like it had done all match. Deep’s aggressive 43 Deep delayed the inevitable with several scything blows as he opted to enjoy himself with the writing on the wall. He backed away and hacked the ball to different parts of the ground, hammering four sixes on his way to 43 before Musheer’s presence of mind put an end to the entertainment. The six points from this victory took India ‘B’ to the top of the standings alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India ‘C’, who got the job done inside three days by defeating India ‘D’ by four wickets in Anantapur on Saturday. Brief scores India ‘B’ 321 & 184 (R Pant 61, S Khan 46; A Deep 5-56, K Ahmed 3-69) beat India ‘A’ 231 & 198 (KL Rahul 57, A Deep 43; Y Dayal 3-50, N Saini 2-41, M Kumar 2-50) by 76 runs
09 September,2024 07:35 AM IST | Bangalore | R KaushikJamie Smith’s dashing 67 revived England after they suffered a dramatic collapse in the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Oval on Sunday. England were in the dire position of 66-4 in their second innings on the third day when the wicketkeeper came in to bat on his Surrey home ground. At tea, they had recovered to 140-8 following Smith’s third fifty in six Tests since the 24-year-old made his England debut in July. That left England, already 2-0 up in this three-match series, with an overall lead of 202 and hope of a first home Test clean sweep since 2004 after routing the West Indies 3-0 earlier in the season. Smith, however, fell on the stroke of tea when he chipped Vishwa Fernando to short midwicket to end a superb 50-ball innings featuring 10 fours and a six that was a testament both to his game management and his orthodox stroke-play. Also Read: Simran’s personal best powers her to bronze in 200m final Left-arm quick Vishwa Fernando, gaining prodigious swing, also captured the prized wicket of Joe Root for just 12 in a return of 3-40. Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook had criticised the hosts for sloppy batting while slumping from 221-3 to 325 all out in their first innings. England’s Moeen retires from int’l cricket England’s World Cup-winner Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket, insisting: “I’ve done my part.” The spin-bowling all-rounder said he made the decision after he was overlooked for England’s upcoming white-ball series against arch-rivals Australia. “I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” Ali told Britain’s Daily Mail. “I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt the time was right. I’ve done my part,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 September,2024 07:33 AM IST | London | AFP
