5 days ago
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it would be "not acceptable" for Fernando Alonso to leave Formula 1 while he is in an uncompetitive position.
The 45-year-old two-time world champion is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of this season and on Thursday said his decision on whether to stay in F1 would be made "not soon".
Aston Martin are 10th in the championship so far this season after producing an uncompetitive car, while engine partner Honda's power-unit is the least powerful on the grid.
Ben Sulayem, the head of motorsport's governing body, said at an event in Madrid on Friday: "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave - Alonso, a great champion - to leave just because of the circumstances.
"That's not the way to leave the stage. He has to be successful and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave because of the performance."
#aston #uncompetitive #champion
The 45-year-old two-time world champion is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of this season and on Thursday said his decision on whether to stay in F1 would be made "not soon".
Aston Martin are 10th in the championship so far this season after producing an uncompetitive car, while engine partner Honda's power-unit is the least powerful on the grid.
Ben Sulayem, the head of motorsport's governing body, said at an event in Madrid on Friday: "There is no way we can allow Fernando to leave - Alonso, a great champion - to leave just because of the circumstances.
"That's not the way to leave the stage. He has to be successful and then he leaves whenever he wants, not because he was forced to leave because of the performance."
#aston #uncompetitive #champion
6 days ago
Sept 10 (Reuters) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called U.S. President Donald Trump twice on Thursday and urged him to launch strikes against the Houthis, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials.
Trump rejected the request, and U.S. officials said the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time, the report said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
According to Axios, the U.S. is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is stepping up support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, according to the report.
#Trump #thursday #axios #officials
Trump rejected the request, and U.S. officials said the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time, the report said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
According to Axios, the U.S. is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is stepping up support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, according to the report.
#Trump #thursday #axios #officials
6 days ago
NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami may be in the latter phase of his career, but the veteran pacer believes young Indian cricketers are arriving with a level of maturity that means they need less coaching and more timely guidance.
Shami, who has not played for India since March 2025 and last featured in a Test during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in 2023, spoke about mentoring youngsters after helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone.
Among those who caught his attention was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batter who was part of the East Zone squad.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kid in our team (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) is literally as old as my career. He has that youthful innocence, loves to joke around, and absorbs things quickly," Shami said.
The 36-year-old believes the exposure young players receive today, particularly through the IPL and other high-pressure competitions, has accelerated their development.
"But most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today—featuring in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments—maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," he said.
"But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," he added.
Shami's own motivation, meanwhile, remains undiminished despite his prolonged absence from India colours.
"There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," he said.
Shami took two important wickets, dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed, as East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy ******* le on the basis of a first-innings lead. The triumph also coincided with his 100th first-class appearance.
"As far as satisfaction goes, achieving this in my 100th match—and that too in a winning Duleep Trophy final—is special. East Zone has won this after a very long time. You've seen how we performed.
"Every single boy put his heart and soul into this campaign to get us here. To achieve this in these conditions, in this heat, is outstanding. As for me, whether it's your first match or your 100th, it doesn't matter—the effort and the approach remain exactly the same," he said.
Shami also stressed that the level of cricket does not change his approach.
"When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride.
"My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he said.
134048551
#shami #trophy #play #Cricket
Shami, who has not played for India since March 2025 and last featured in a Test during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in 2023, spoke about mentoring youngsters after helping East Zone win the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone.
Among those who caught his attention was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batter who was part of the East Zone squad.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kid in our team (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) is literally as old as my career. He has that youthful innocence, loves to joke around, and absorbs things quickly," Shami said.
The 36-year-old believes the exposure young players receive today, particularly through the IPL and other high-pressure competitions, has accelerated their development.
"But most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today—featuring in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments—maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them," he said.
"But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," he added.
Shami's own motivation, meanwhile, remains undiminished despite his prolonged absence from India colours.
"There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong. No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," he said.
Shami took two important wickets, dismissing Ravichandran Smaran and Sheikh Rasheed, as East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy ******* le on the basis of a first-innings lead. The triumph also coincided with his 100th first-class appearance.
"As far as satisfaction goes, achieving this in my 100th match—and that too in a winning Duleep Trophy final—is special. East Zone has won this after a very long time. You've seen how we performed.
"Every single boy put his heart and soul into this campaign to get us here. To achieve this in these conditions, in this heat, is outstanding. As for me, whether it's your first match or your 100th, it doesn't matter—the effort and the approach remain exactly the same," he said.
Shami also stressed that the level of cricket does not change his approach.
"When you wear that crest on your chest, the level of cricket doesn't matter. If you play for the badge, that hunger will naturally show. Your willingness to fight only grows when you play with that pride.
"My mindset is simple: whichever level I get an opportunity to play, I want to make it count and fulfil my responsibility toward the team," he said.
134048551
#shami #trophy #play #Cricket
9 days ago
CHENNAI: The road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final for India is getting tougher, with every series carrying greater significance. The task has become even more challenging after they failed to win the final Test against Sri Lanka recently.
India's next step takes them to New Zealand for a two-Test series, having not won there in a decade and a half. NZ's premier left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who is leading Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the ongoing European T20 Premier League (ETPL), told TOI in an exclusive chat that India's pace attack, led by Jasprit ***** rah, will play a major role in the final outcome of the series. Excerpts...
How crucial will it be for India to adapt to conditions given only a few players from the current set-up have played Tests in NZ?
The first thing is to try and understand the conditions as quickly as possible. A few players have been there before and done well. In Oct-Nov, the pitches can play differently compared to Feb-March. So, early in the season in New Zealand, the ball might move around a little bit. It is about getting your head around that.
What's your take on India's pace attack?
Bumrah leading the attack and being able to nip and swing the ball will hold the key. (Mohammed) Siraj has done it for a long time as well and (Prasidh) Krishna is obviously bowling well. There is a lot of variety, which is what you need.
Did you have a look at Manav Suthar?
He has been very impressive since he made his debut. He gets nice and tight to the stumps and gets good shape on the ball. He does bowl with good overspin when he needs to and that is the key in NZ, trying to get a bit of bounce especially if there is grass. I think there is still a role for a spinner in NZ, especially in Tests alongside the quicks, whether it is first or second innings when the pitch might be holding up. On days four and five, it could spin a bit. Whether it is Jadeja or Suthar, both are very good options.
What do you think about India's struggles in Test cricket recently?
I think it has always been a challenge. They always play the best teams, and then having to adapt to the conditions quickly is the main thing. But they have got all bases covered.
How important is ETPL for the European players, who don't always get to play a lot of top-quality cricket?
It is perfect for Scottish, Irish and players from Holland. It gives them more exposure and opportunity to play against some good players. We have seen how good they are in their own right. To be fair, in the last few years, we have had some great games against Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. You throw a few overseas players in, and the tournament (ETPL) is really strong.
There is some great cricket on show already, which is good. And we are only halfway through.
#players
India's next step takes them to New Zealand for a two-Test series, having not won there in a decade and a half. NZ's premier left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who is leading Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the ongoing European T20 Premier League (ETPL), told TOI in an exclusive chat that India's pace attack, led by Jasprit ***** rah, will play a major role in the final outcome of the series. Excerpts...
How crucial will it be for India to adapt to conditions given only a few players from the current set-up have played Tests in NZ?
The first thing is to try and understand the conditions as quickly as possible. A few players have been there before and done well. In Oct-Nov, the pitches can play differently compared to Feb-March. So, early in the season in New Zealand, the ball might move around a little bit. It is about getting your head around that.
What's your take on India's pace attack?
Bumrah leading the attack and being able to nip and swing the ball will hold the key. (Mohammed) Siraj has done it for a long time as well and (Prasidh) Krishna is obviously bowling well. There is a lot of variety, which is what you need.
Did you have a look at Manav Suthar?
He has been very impressive since he made his debut. He gets nice and tight to the stumps and gets good shape on the ball. He does bowl with good overspin when he needs to and that is the key in NZ, trying to get a bit of bounce especially if there is grass. I think there is still a role for a spinner in NZ, especially in Tests alongside the quicks, whether it is first or second innings when the pitch might be holding up. On days four and five, it could spin a bit. Whether it is Jadeja or Suthar, both are very good options.
What do you think about India's struggles in Test cricket recently?
I think it has always been a challenge. They always play the best teams, and then having to adapt to the conditions quickly is the main thing. But they have got all bases covered.
How important is ETPL for the European players, who don't always get to play a lot of top-quality cricket?
It is perfect for Scottish, Irish and players from Holland. It gives them more exposure and opportunity to play against some good players. We have seen how good they are in their own right. To be fair, in the last few years, we have had some great games against Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. You throw a few overseas players in, and the tournament (ETPL) is really strong.
There is some great cricket on show already, which is good. And we are only halfway through.
#players
9 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have been among the early contributors for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, but it was captain Ishan Kishan who eventually stole the show with a breathtaking double century against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Sooryavanshi opened the innings for East Zone and made a brisk 44 off 37 deliveries. During the match, former India cricketer and commentator Vivek Razdan used Kishan's remarkable innings to offer some advice to the teenage batter.
"Sooryavanshi sahab, now you have to learn from players like Ishan Kishan. Once you are set, you have to learn how to play a long innings," Razdan said on commentary.
The message came as Kishan continued to pile on the runs and turn the final into a one-sided contest.
Resuming on 385/4, East Zone's batters showed little sign of slowing down. South Zone turned to the new ball in search of wickets, but Mohammad Siraj and MD Nidheesh struggled to make an impact.
Kishan immediately put pressure on the bowlers, collecting consecutive boundaries against Siraj before taking on Nidheesh. ***** ar Kushagra also joined the ***** ault as South Zone rotated between pace and spin.
Kushagra eventually completed his sixth first-class century, scoring 101 from 132 ***** with eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal shortly before lunch finally gave South Zone a breakthrough.
Kishan, meanwhile, remained in complete control.
The East Zone captain repeatedly found gaps in the field and punished anything loose. Even when South Zone introduced part-timers Devdutt Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed, the flow of runs did not stop.
Kishan brought up his double century from 270 ***** and continued attacking thereafter. He raced beyond 250 before fatigue briefly forced him to retire from the field.
East Zone continued marching towards a massive total, eventually crossing 600 and then 700. When Mohammed Shami was dismissed for a quick 28, Kishan returned to the crease with the possibility of reaching an extraordinary triple century.
Kishan's pursuit of 300 ultimately came to an end when he was caught near the long-on boundary. The left-hander departed for a monumental 270 from 334 ***** , having smashed 30 fours and seven sixes.
His innings was the eighth-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history and formed the backbone of East Zone's mammoth 708 all out.
Razdan had earlier highlighted not just the quality of Kishan's batting but also the physical demands of staying at the crease for such an extended period.
"Every person who is present here at this time stood up and applauded this innings. Because this is not just technique, this is not just temperament, this is also match fitness. To stay out there for so long in such heat and play an innings like this. What an innings by Ishan Kishan."
Kishan's marathon effort, alongside Kushagra's century, ensured East Zone posted more than 700 for only the third time in first-class cricket history at Chepauk.
Sooryavanshi opened the innings for East Zone and made a brisk 44 off 37 deliveries. During the match, former India cricketer and commentator Vivek Razdan used Kishan's remarkable innings to offer some advice to the teenage batter.
"Sooryavanshi sahab, now you have to learn from players like Ishan Kishan. Once you are set, you have to learn how to play a long innings," Razdan said on commentary.
The message came as Kishan continued to pile on the runs and turn the final into a one-sided contest.
Resuming on 385/4, East Zone's batters showed little sign of slowing down. South Zone turned to the new ball in search of wickets, but Mohammad Siraj and MD Nidheesh struggled to make an impact.
Kishan immediately put pressure on the bowlers, collecting consecutive boundaries against Siraj before taking on Nidheesh. ***** ar Kushagra also joined the ***** ault as South Zone rotated between pace and spin.
Kushagra eventually completed his sixth first-class century, scoring 101 from 132 ***** with eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal shortly before lunch finally gave South Zone a breakthrough.
Kishan, meanwhile, remained in complete control.
The East Zone captain repeatedly found gaps in the field and punished anything loose. Even when South Zone introduced part-timers Devdutt Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed, the flow of runs did not stop.
Kishan brought up his double century from 270 ***** and continued attacking thereafter. He raced beyond 250 before fatigue briefly forced him to retire from the field.
East Zone continued marching towards a massive total, eventually crossing 600 and then 700. When Mohammed Shami was dismissed for a quick 28, Kishan returned to the crease with the possibility of reaching an extraordinary triple century.
Kishan's pursuit of 300 ultimately came to an end when he was caught near the long-on boundary. The left-hander departed for a monumental 270 from 334 ***** , having smashed 30 fours and seven sixes.
His innings was the eighth-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history and formed the backbone of East Zone's mammoth 708 all out.
Razdan had earlier highlighted not just the quality of Kishan's batting but also the physical demands of staying at the crease for such an extended period.
"Every person who is present here at this time stood up and applauded this innings. Because this is not just technique, this is not just temperament, this is also match fitness. To stay out there for so long in such heat and play an innings like this. What an innings by Ishan Kishan."
Kishan's marathon effort, alongside Kushagra's century, ensured East Zone posted more than 700 for only the third time in first-class cricket history at Chepauk.
10 days ago
Ishan Kishan led from the front with a superb unbeaten century as East Zone finished Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final on 385/4 against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kishan anchored a strong batting display from East Zone, scoring 111 not out off 135 ****** . His innings featured 14 fours and two sixes as he took control of the contest in the final session.
Kishan found an excellent partner in ****** ar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 75 ****** . The pair added an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 160 ****** , completely taking the game away from South Zone towards the end of the day.
East Zone made a solid start through Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44). Easwaran and Sooryavanshi gave the side a strong platform before both departed. Sudip ****** ar Gharami was then dismissed for 6, bringing Shikhar Mohan to the crease. Mohan played a composed knock of 85 off 120 ****** , helping East Zone build another important partnership before Chama Milind ended his innings at 241/4.
That dismissal brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair ensured there were no further setbacks.
Kishan accelerated as the innings progressed and brought up his century in style, remaining unbeaten at the close. His knock was particularly important given his role as captain, with East Zone now firmly in control after the opening day.
South Zone's bowling attack found little ****** istance from a placid batting surface, while the bowlers also struggled with consistency. Chama Milind was the most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 2/56 from 13 overs. Tripurana Vijay picked up one wicket but conceded 114 runs from his 22 overs.
Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, went wicketless despite bowling 14 overs and conceded 96 runs. East Zone also benefited from a late surge, scoring 74 runs without losing a wicket in the final 10 overs. Kishan and Kushagra's partnership allowed them to finish the day strongly at 385/4.
With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone will resume on Day 2 with an opportunity to push towards a total of 400 and beyond. South Zone, meanwhile, will desperately need early wickets with the second new ball to prevent East Zone from building an even bigger first-innings total.
#balls
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kishan anchored a strong batting display from East Zone, scoring 111 not out off 135 ****** . His innings featured 14 fours and two sixes as he took control of the contest in the final session.
Kishan found an excellent partner in ****** ar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 75 ****** . The pair added an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 160 ****** , completely taking the game away from South Zone towards the end of the day.
East Zone made a solid start through Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44). Easwaran and Sooryavanshi gave the side a strong platform before both departed. Sudip ****** ar Gharami was then dismissed for 6, bringing Shikhar Mohan to the crease. Mohan played a composed knock of 85 off 120 ****** , helping East Zone build another important partnership before Chama Milind ended his innings at 241/4.
That dismissal brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair ensured there were no further setbacks.
Kishan accelerated as the innings progressed and brought up his century in style, remaining unbeaten at the close. His knock was particularly important given his role as captain, with East Zone now firmly in control after the opening day.
South Zone's bowling attack found little ****** istance from a placid batting surface, while the bowlers also struggled with consistency. Chama Milind was the most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 2/56 from 13 overs. Tripurana Vijay picked up one wicket but conceded 114 runs from his 22 overs.
Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, went wicketless despite bowling 14 overs and conceded 96 runs. East Zone also benefited from a late surge, scoring 74 runs without losing a wicket in the final 10 overs. Kishan and Kushagra's partnership allowed them to finish the day strongly at 385/4.
With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone will resume on Day 2 with an opportunity to push towards a total of 400 and beyond. South Zone, meanwhile, will desperately need early wickets with the second new ball to prevent East Zone from building an even bigger first-innings total.
#balls
11 days ago
Chennai: Veteran India speedster Mohammed Shami maybe out of India reckoning for now, but he still refuses to give up. When East Zone play South Zone in the Duleep final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday, the 36-year-old will be appearing in his 100th First-Class match, with a prolific record of 382 wickets so far.
East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan was effusive in his praise of the senior bowler on the eve of the **** le clash, stressing that age remains irrelevant when backed by exceptional work ethic and fierce determination.
"For Shami, age is just a number. If he is working hard, it doesn't matter. Having someone like him in our team gives us immense confidence. His approach towards the game, his intensity, and his energy this season have been very different from how I've seen him in the past," Kishan said after a practice session.
Comparing this version of Shami to his sensational 24-wicket run at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kishan stressed on the pacer's sheer appetite for a national comeback.
"It is 2026 now, three years since that World Cup. It is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team to still summon that same motivation for domestic games...Who better than me can judge hunger right now? I see that hunger and drive in him, he wants to make that comeback and be part of the Indian squad again. You can see it in the way he helps me lead, constantly coming up with strategic options. You can instantly tell when a player is desperate to win you the match," the skipper added.
Kishan also hailed Shami's tireless attitude during East Zone's semifinal victory over Central Zone, where the veteran ran in and picked five wickets in the game.
"He is a legend of the game. Looking at his effort in the semifinal, as a captain, it felt incredible when Shami came up and asked for extra overs to break partnerships. That willingness gives a skipper immense confidence. Plus, he finished with two boundaries in the last game, so he's practically an allrounder nowadays," Kishan quipped.
South Zone captain Tilak Varma acknowledged the massive challenge awaiting his batting unit against Shami's probing spells with the red ball, but they are confident to face him.
"It will be great competition. We are up against a quality bowling attack led by Shami. Facing that calibre of bowling is why you love this sport," Tilak said.
#kishan #skipper #south #Indian
East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan was effusive in his praise of the senior bowler on the eve of the **** le clash, stressing that age remains irrelevant when backed by exceptional work ethic and fierce determination.
"For Shami, age is just a number. If he is working hard, it doesn't matter. Having someone like him in our team gives us immense confidence. His approach towards the game, his intensity, and his energy this season have been very different from how I've seen him in the past," Kishan said after a practice session.
Comparing this version of Shami to his sensational 24-wicket run at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kishan stressed on the pacer's sheer appetite for a national comeback.
"It is 2026 now, three years since that World Cup. It is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team to still summon that same motivation for domestic games...Who better than me can judge hunger right now? I see that hunger and drive in him, he wants to make that comeback and be part of the Indian squad again. You can see it in the way he helps me lead, constantly coming up with strategic options. You can instantly tell when a player is desperate to win you the match," the skipper added.
Kishan also hailed Shami's tireless attitude during East Zone's semifinal victory over Central Zone, where the veteran ran in and picked five wickets in the game.
"He is a legend of the game. Looking at his effort in the semifinal, as a captain, it felt incredible when Shami came up and asked for extra overs to break partnerships. That willingness gives a skipper immense confidence. Plus, he finished with two boundaries in the last game, so he's practically an allrounder nowadays," Kishan quipped.
South Zone captain Tilak Varma acknowledged the massive challenge awaiting his batting unit against Shami's probing spells with the red ball, but they are confident to face him.
"It will be great competition. We are up against a quality bowling attack led by Shami. Facing that calibre of bowling is why you love this sport," Tilak said.
#kishan #skipper #south #Indian
11 days ago
CHENNAI: There are five India 'A' 'Test' matches over the next two months against the Aussies at home and New Zealand away. The Duleep Trophy final here between East and South Zone here starting Sunday is an audition for that and the national selectors, including chairman Ajit Agarkar, will be in Chennai to check the performances of the aspirants.
The BCCI also wanted to add a bit of star quotient to the marquee domestic match with KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj being asked to join the South sq-uad. While Padikkal and Siraj will play the game, Rahul made himself unavailable. Padikkal is coming on the back of a superb series in Sri Lanka and South captain Tilak Varma confirmed on Saturday after a practice session that the left-hander will bat at No. 3.
"Padikkal will strengthen our batting line-up, especially with the kind of form we have seen from him in the last few games. He has done really well, so it will be a big boost for us," Tilak said.
The final carries massive historic weight for East Zone, who reached the ****** le match after a gap of 14 years. Coincidentally, their last final appearance was also in Chennai, a match they won. This fixture also marks red-ball cricket's return to MA Chidambaram Stadium after two years.
"Yes, after 14 years. I was not part of each and every year, but I am part of East Zone this year, and we are in the finals...We played like an unit and cared for each other," East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan said. There's a lot of hype around 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck a crucial 92 in the semifinal against Central Zone.
#zone #east #match
The BCCI also wanted to add a bit of star quotient to the marquee domestic match with KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj being asked to join the South sq-uad. While Padikkal and Siraj will play the game, Rahul made himself unavailable. Padikkal is coming on the back of a superb series in Sri Lanka and South captain Tilak Varma confirmed on Saturday after a practice session that the left-hander will bat at No. 3.
"Padikkal will strengthen our batting line-up, especially with the kind of form we have seen from him in the last few games. He has done really well, so it will be a big boost for us," Tilak said.
The final carries massive historic weight for East Zone, who reached the ****** le match after a gap of 14 years. Coincidentally, their last final appearance was also in Chennai, a match they won. This fixture also marks red-ball cricket's return to MA Chidambaram Stadium after two years.
"Yes, after 14 years. I was not part of each and every year, but I am part of East Zone this year, and we are in the finals...We played like an unit and cared for each other," East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan said. There's a lot of hype around 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck a crucial 92 in the semifinal against Central Zone.
#zone #east #match
13 days ago
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is optimistic that Argentina could return to the World Rally Championship calendar in the near future.
The South American nation has a rich history in the WRC, featuring regularly on the calendar from 1980 to 2019 with only 1995 and 2010 being its only absentees from the series.
COVID-19 ultimately dropped it off the calendar and when the WRC returned to the continent in 2023 with a round in Chile, the championship has remained in South America ever since.
Last year it even added a second South American round with Paraguay signing an initial three year deal and the event is located near to the Argentina border in Encarnacion.
Paraguay held its second edition last weekend and has proved to be a popular addition as it won the 'best rally of the year award' for 2025 and Motorsport.com understands that both events are involved in discussions to renew their contracts.
#Argentina
The South American nation has a rich history in the WRC, featuring regularly on the calendar from 1980 to 2019 with only 1995 and 2010 being its only absentees from the series.
COVID-19 ultimately dropped it off the calendar and when the WRC returned to the continent in 2023 with a round in Chile, the championship has remained in South America ever since.
Last year it even added a second South American round with Paraguay signing an initial three year deal and the event is located near to the Argentina border in Encarnacion.
Paraguay held its second edition last weekend and has proved to be a popular addition as it won the 'best rally of the year award' for 2025 and Motorsport.com understands that both events are involved in discussions to renew their contracts.
#Argentina
14 days ago
College fantasy football ***** yst Eric Froton sets the table for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Sutton Smith had missed some time early in camp which led to speculation that Arkansas holdover from the Sam Pittman era, Braylen Russell, would get the first crack at the starting RB job. The Hogs were among the most effective running teams in the nation last year, ranking first in rushing success rate and yards per carry. Former Memphis HC Ryan Silverfield takes over this year and brings with him a rush-oriented philosophy that was a catalyst for the Tigers' fourth overall ranking in EPA/rush.
Smith is now the preferred CFF option of the two and deserves a ***** p in your rankings, but I still think Russell will see carries and eat into Smith's workload.
With Washington's top two rushers (Jonah Coleman/Adam Mohammed) departing, there is ample opportunity for someone to take the reins. Jordan Washington is the leading returnee with 233 rushing yards on a sparkling 8.6 YPC last year, while Oregon transfer Jayden Limar brings experience and production on a per-carry basis to the competition. So it was quite unexpected when Carr led the competition out of spring, as he only managed to accrue 14 yards on four carries during his freshman season.
Washington's 44th ranked schedule is one of the most favorable in the Big Ten, while their excellent offensive line averaged 3.4 yards before contact (10th in FBS). If Carr can maintain his hold on the job, he could develop into a major CFF contributor.
#first
Sutton Smith had missed some time early in camp which led to speculation that Arkansas holdover from the Sam Pittman era, Braylen Russell, would get the first crack at the starting RB job. The Hogs were among the most effective running teams in the nation last year, ranking first in rushing success rate and yards per carry. Former Memphis HC Ryan Silverfield takes over this year and brings with him a rush-oriented philosophy that was a catalyst for the Tigers' fourth overall ranking in EPA/rush.
Smith is now the preferred CFF option of the two and deserves a ***** p in your rankings, but I still think Russell will see carries and eat into Smith's workload.
With Washington's top two rushers (Jonah Coleman/Adam Mohammed) departing, there is ample opportunity for someone to take the reins. Jordan Washington is the leading returnee with 233 rushing yards on a sparkling 8.6 YPC last year, while Oregon transfer Jayden Limar brings experience and production on a per-carry basis to the competition. So it was quite unexpected when Carr led the competition out of spring, as he only managed to accrue 14 yards on four carries during his freshman season.
Washington's 44th ranked schedule is one of the most favorable in the Big Ten, while their excellent offensive line averaged 3.4 yards before contact (10th in FBS). If Carr can maintain his hold on the job, he could develop into a major CFF contributor.
#first
15 days ago
Derby County have re-signed Brighton defender Eiran Cashin and brought in Union Saint-Gilloise forward Mohammed Fuseini on loan deals.
Cashin, 24, started his career at Pride Park, helping the club win promotion back to the Championship in 2024.
He made 144 appearances for the club before departing for Brighton in January 2025 but has featured just twice for Fabian Hurzeler's side and spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.
Cashin's arrival was confirmed before Derby's win at Portsmouth, while the addition of 24-year-old Fuseini on a season-long loan was sealed soon after the club's first win of the Championship season.
The Ghana international moves to the English game after two years in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, a club he joined in 2024 from Austrian side Sturm Gratz.
#cashin #union #saint
Cashin, 24, started his career at Pride Park, helping the club win promotion back to the Championship in 2024.
He made 144 appearances for the club before departing for Brighton in January 2025 but has featured just twice for Fabian Hurzeler's side and spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.
Cashin's arrival was confirmed before Derby's win at Portsmouth, while the addition of 24-year-old Fuseini on a season-long loan was sealed soon after the club's first win of the Championship season.
The Ghana international moves to the English game after two years in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, a club he joined in 2024 from Austrian side Sturm Gratz.
#cashin #union #saint
20 days ago
NEW DELHI: India captain Shubman Gill on Thursday ruled out any injury concern for Mohammed Siraj after the pacer appeared to be below his best during the drawn second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Siraj bowled at a reduced pace and often used a shorter run-up during the Test. His fitness also came under the scanner after he landed heavily while trying to take a catch in Sri Lanka's first innings.
Gill, however, made it clear that Siraj was not carrying an injury.
Gill said Siraj had not been feeling his best even during the first Test in Galle and was also returning to international cricket after a break.
"Firstly, Siraj is not injured. He didn't feel well even in the first match (at Galle). He last played against Afghanistan in June…so he was playing almost after a couple of months. It takes time for someone to come back to the rhythm.
"Even in the first Test, we felt that his pace was slow. But sometimes when you play more, you come back to the rhythm. But as far as the injury is concerned, there is nothing," he said.
Siraj's lack of his usual pace was noticeable as India struggled to finish off Sri Lanka on the fifth day. The hosts batted through the final day, with Sonal Dinusha scoring an unbeaten 133 to secure a draw.
India had reduced Sri Lanka to 229/6 by the end of the fourth day but could not force the remaining wickets on the final day.
"It gets very frustrating. We attacked a lot in the beginning. But I think as the match went on, the wicket got slower. It was not like the ball was not moving and when the ball was spinning, the wickets were not in play. It was not like the wicket was very flat," said Gill at the post-match press meet.
The India captain said Sri Lanka's defensive approach made it difficult for his bowlers to create chances.
"Unless you are playing a shot and looking to make a run, then it is difficult to take a wicket. We tried all that we could, and I don't think there was any lack of intensity or the efforts that we put in. The spinners bowled 50-60 overs on the trot for three days.
"Fielding for three days is not an easy task in these conditions. I would say 10 out of 10 for the effort and the intent. They also played really well," he added.
Gill also felt India could have been in a better position if they had taken their chances on the fourth day.
"On day 4, we thought we had created chances. If there was a little more pressure, the wickets would have come and then maybe the result would have been better. But as long as we still have a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship (final), it's fine."
Gill was pleased with the progress made by Prasidh Krishna.
"I think he's been in the pick of our bowlers. When things are not happening, he's been our go-to bowler, especially this season. He's created chances, which is what I want as a captain. We want a go-to bowler when wickets are not guaranteed. I think he did that brilliantly," he said.
#India #siraj
Siraj bowled at a reduced pace and often used a shorter run-up during the Test. His fitness also came under the scanner after he landed heavily while trying to take a catch in Sri Lanka's first innings.
Gill, however, made it clear that Siraj was not carrying an injury.
Gill said Siraj had not been feeling his best even during the first Test in Galle and was also returning to international cricket after a break.
"Firstly, Siraj is not injured. He didn't feel well even in the first match (at Galle). He last played against Afghanistan in June…so he was playing almost after a couple of months. It takes time for someone to come back to the rhythm.
"Even in the first Test, we felt that his pace was slow. But sometimes when you play more, you come back to the rhythm. But as far as the injury is concerned, there is nothing," he said.
Siraj's lack of his usual pace was noticeable as India struggled to finish off Sri Lanka on the fifth day. The hosts batted through the final day, with Sonal Dinusha scoring an unbeaten 133 to secure a draw.
India had reduced Sri Lanka to 229/6 by the end of the fourth day but could not force the remaining wickets on the final day.
"It gets very frustrating. We attacked a lot in the beginning. But I think as the match went on, the wicket got slower. It was not like the ball was not moving and when the ball was spinning, the wickets were not in play. It was not like the wicket was very flat," said Gill at the post-match press meet.
The India captain said Sri Lanka's defensive approach made it difficult for his bowlers to create chances.
"Unless you are playing a shot and looking to make a run, then it is difficult to take a wicket. We tried all that we could, and I don't think there was any lack of intensity or the efforts that we put in. The spinners bowled 50-60 overs on the trot for three days.
"Fielding for three days is not an easy task in these conditions. I would say 10 out of 10 for the effort and the intent. They also played really well," he added.
Gill also felt India could have been in a better position if they had taken their chances on the fourth day.
"On day 4, we thought we had created chances. If there was a little more pressure, the wickets would have come and then maybe the result would have been better. But as long as we still have a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship (final), it's fine."
Gill was pleased with the progress made by Prasidh Krishna.
"I think he's been in the pick of our bowlers. When things are not happening, he's been our go-to bowler, especially this season. He's created chances, which is what I want as a captain. We want a go-to bowler when wickets are not guaranteed. I think he did that brilliantly," he said.
#India #siraj
20 days ago
TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: With the handshake looming, Shubman Gill introduced himself into the attack. Judging by their body language, India had already checked out of the fixture with Sri Lanka's lead over 200 runs and little time remaining. A result in India's favour was almost out of the equation and the visitors were waiting for the formalities to be completed. Yashasvi Jaiswal was introduced from the other end, and even Dhruv Jurel rolled his arm over as the writing was on the cards. India would rue drawing a Test they were in a very good position of winning, squandering the opportunity to bolster their World Test Championship (WTC) final chances.
Sometimes, draws feel like wins and Sri Lanka must have a similar feeling in Colombo. With chips down and backs to the wall, Sonal Dinusha produced a performance for the ages, who had an equally stubborn lower-order for company. He has been the rockstar for the hosts in this series and made India dance to his tunes when he battled for close to two days to eke out a hard-fought draw. The 25-year-old's sequence of scores in the series read 100, 84, 103 and 133*, and across the four innings his compact technique, composure and solid temperament stood out.
It wasn't easy; whenever he came out to bat, the team was in a spot of bother and he mostly had the lower-order and tail for company. In the second Test alone, he spent nearly 147 overs out in the middle, facing 71 overs, frustrating the visitors and keeping the win out of their reach.
It didn't help that Mohammed Siraj wasn't running in with the steam he would have liked and the pitch offered turn but not enough threat. The tone was set by the pair of Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha for over 40 overs and the former ended up playing 150 deliveries in the process. Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando followed the drill and India just carried on in hopes of things miraculously falling into place.
The 116th over of the Sri Lankan innings was significant in more ways than one. Siraj patiently waited to bowl as Sarfaraz Khan suggested field changes to Shubman Gill before the fast bowler began. The short-ball trap was set. After trying it for two deliveries, which Sonal Dinusha ducked safely, the bowler walked up to the stumps and flipped the bails. This was India's second attempt, followed by a very creative field setting, likely the first of its kind that day.
The entire field moved towards the off-side, placing enough men in catching positions for a miscued drive. Dinusha had been pushed back for most of the over and here Siraj was trying to induce a false shot from the most consistent batter of the series. The plan didn't work but India's attempt to finally make things happen brought success when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed in the very next over while driving against Ravindra Jadeja. India, even after picking up two wickets in the first hour after Lunch, were still two wickets away from beginning their chase but that 12-ball perio
Sometimes, draws feel like wins and Sri Lanka must have a similar feeling in Colombo. With chips down and backs to the wall, Sonal Dinusha produced a performance for the ages, who had an equally stubborn lower-order for company. He has been the rockstar for the hosts in this series and made India dance to his tunes when he battled for close to two days to eke out a hard-fought draw. The 25-year-old's sequence of scores in the series read 100, 84, 103 and 133*, and across the four innings his compact technique, composure and solid temperament stood out.
It wasn't easy; whenever he came out to bat, the team was in a spot of bother and he mostly had the lower-order and tail for company. In the second Test alone, he spent nearly 147 overs out in the middle, facing 71 overs, frustrating the visitors and keeping the win out of their reach.
It didn't help that Mohammed Siraj wasn't running in with the steam he would have liked and the pitch offered turn but not enough threat. The tone was set by the pair of Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha for over 40 overs and the former ended up playing 150 deliveries in the process. Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando followed the drill and India just carried on in hopes of things miraculously falling into place.
The 116th over of the Sri Lankan innings was significant in more ways than one. Siraj patiently waited to bowl as Sarfaraz Khan suggested field changes to Shubman Gill before the fast bowler began. The short-ball trap was set. After trying it for two deliveries, which Sonal Dinusha ducked safely, the bowler walked up to the stumps and flipped the bails. This was India's second attempt, followed by a very creative field setting, likely the first of its kind that day.
The entire field moved towards the off-side, placing enough men in catching positions for a miscued drive. Dinusha had been pushed back for most of the over and here Siraj was trying to induce a false shot from the most consistent batter of the series. The plan didn't work but India's attempt to finally make things happen brought success when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed in the very next over while driving against Ravindra Jadeja. India, even after picking up two wickets in the first hour after Lunch, were still two wickets away from beginning their chase but that 12-ball perio
20 days ago
(This Aug 26 story has been republished, with no changes to text.)
By Steve Gorman
Aug 26 (Reuters) - A U.S. Air Force judge on Wednesday ordered Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, and three co-defendants to go on trial before a military tribunal in June 2028.
The trial-scheduling order entered by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Schrama marked the latest milestone in a military prosecution beset by two decades of legal deadlock surrounding the four detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Last month, a U.S. appeals court refused to allow Mohammed and two of his co-defendants to plead guilty under agreements that would have spared them the death penalty.
#defendants #military #steve #gorman
By Steve Gorman
Aug 26 (Reuters) - A U.S. Air Force judge on Wednesday ordered Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, and three co-defendants to go on trial before a military tribunal in June 2028.
The trial-scheduling order entered by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Schrama marked the latest milestone in a military prosecution beset by two decades of legal deadlock surrounding the four detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Last month, a U.S. appeals court refused to allow Mohammed and two of his co-defendants to plead guilty under agreements that would have spared them the death penalty.
#defendants #military #steve #gorman
22 days ago
If it's Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel that have emerged as India's batting stars of the future in this series, Sonal Dinusha is making a similar statement for Sri Lanka. The left-hander followed his scores of 100 and 84 in Galle with an unbeaten 85 (137b, 2x6) to lead a gritty fightback on a rain-hit third day of the second Test at SSC on Tuesday.
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
22 days ago
Sarfaraz Khan made a big impact as a substitute fielder for the injured Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of India's second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
His constant chatter from short leg appeared to unsettle Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella, with both eventually getting out.
Before Manav Suthar bowled to Dhananjaya, the Sri Lankan captain stopped play because of movement behind the bowler's arm. Sarfaraz used the moment to distract him, telling him to focus on the ball instead.
"Nothing is there, bro. You are looking there. You are just wasting time, bro. Don't be scared. You are the captain. Come on, bro," he was heard saying on the stump mic.
Watch:
"Why are you worried about that side. Look straight," he added.
The tactic seemed to work soon after. Suthar dismissed Dhananjaya in the same over when the batter edged a tossed-up delivery. Dhruv Jurel's gloves deflected the ball towards slip, where KL Rahul eventually completed the catch. Dhananjaya was out for 8.
Sarfaraz continued his chatter when Niroshan ******* wella came to the crease. India also used short-pitched deliveries against the wicketkeeper-batter, a strategy that had worked in the first Test.
Despite the exchanges being accompanied by smiles, Sarfaraz had the final say when ******* wella gloved a delivery from Mohammed Siraj through to Jurel. His dismissal further strengthened India's position.
Earlier, India declared their first innings at 503/9. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel scored centuries, while Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with four wickets.
#sarfaraz #dickwella #niroshan #dhruv
His constant chatter from short leg appeared to unsettle Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella, with both eventually getting out.
Before Manav Suthar bowled to Dhananjaya, the Sri Lankan captain stopped play because of movement behind the bowler's arm. Sarfaraz used the moment to distract him, telling him to focus on the ball instead.
"Nothing is there, bro. You are looking there. You are just wasting time, bro. Don't be scared. You are the captain. Come on, bro," he was heard saying on the stump mic.
Watch:
"Why are you worried about that side. Look straight," he added.
The tactic seemed to work soon after. Suthar dismissed Dhananjaya in the same over when the batter edged a tossed-up delivery. Dhruv Jurel's gloves deflected the ball towards slip, where KL Rahul eventually completed the catch. Dhananjaya was out for 8.
Sarfaraz continued his chatter when Niroshan ******* wella came to the crease. India also used short-pitched deliveries against the wicketkeeper-batter, a strategy that had worked in the first Test.
Despite the exchanges being accompanied by smiles, Sarfaraz had the final say when ******* wella gloved a delivery from Mohammed Siraj through to Jurel. His dismissal further strengthened India's position.
Earlier, India declared their first innings at 503/9. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel scored centuries, while Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with four wickets.
#sarfaraz #dickwella #niroshan #dhruv
22 days ago
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup second-round tie against Championship side Charlton Athletic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 19:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Striker Dominic Solanke is available to play and Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro will be named on the bench.
Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined and James Maddison will miss the match because of "a small injury" in his shoulder.
De Zerbi is unsure whether new signing Savio will "be ready" to start the game, but he is expected to be in the matchday squad.
#Athletic
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Striker Dominic Solanke is available to play and Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro will be named on the bench.
Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined and James Maddison will miss the match because of "a small injury" in his shoulder.
De Zerbi is unsure whether new signing Savio will "be ready" to start the game, but he is expected to be in the matchday squad.
#Athletic
23 days ago
It was one of the riskiest singles Dhruv Jurel would have taken in his Test career. Anxious to complete his second Test century — and first overseas hundred — after being stranded on 99 for 12 ******* and made to wait by rain while on 95, Jurel punched the ball towards mid-off and sprinted for a single that just wasn't on.
The ball travelled quickly to the fielder after bouncing. But luck smiled on the 25-year-old batter. The fielder missed the direct hit and Jurel dived to complete the run and his century, which came off 171 ******* and had the entire Indian dressing room applauding as they shared the tension. Mohammed Siraj celebrated wildly, giving Jurel a bear hug.
Powered by Jurel's composed and flawless unbeaten 115 off 177 ******* , with nine fours and two sixes, and Rishabh Pant's entertaining 63 off 89 ******* , with six fours and two sixes, India declared at 503 for nine. Then, they reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 on Day Two of the second and final Test in Colombo on Monday.
The hosts were clearly unhappy about being asked to bat in fading light. Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off a brilliant diving catch at gully to send back Lahiru Udara for one off Prasidh Krishna in the second over.
In the third over, the hosts suffered another blow when nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya was trapped LBW for two by a fast, full delivery from Manav Suthar. Jayasuriya's agitated reaction after being dismissed reflected Sri Lanka's unhappiness at being asked to bat so late in the evening.
Kamil Mishara was batting on five when stumps were drawn at 5:51pm after an extended session. Shubman Gill and Co. deserve credit for their bowlers' early blows, as they did not leave the field even when the covers were being brought on because of the dark, wet conditions a few minutes earlier.
With the hosts trailing by 495 runs, India are now in control of the Test.
Jurel was involved in two vital partnerships, adding 112 for the seventh wicket with Pant, which lifted India from 307 for six, and 39 for the eighth with Manav Suthar. During his stand with Pant, Jurel played the ideal foil, reaching a patient fifty off 97 ******* .
Like Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel has enjoyed a breakout series. Having arrived in Sri Lanka without a fifty in eight innings and under pressure from Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 6 spot, he made a crucial 51 in the first Test and now has 173 runs in two Tests at 86.50.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, struck his 21st Test half-century and became India's leading run-scorer in World Test Championship history, surpassing Shubman Gill. Pant now has 2,948 runs in 42 WTC Tests, ahead of Gill's 2,917.
Earlier, India resumed on 300 for five and lost debutant Saransh Jain early for six.
#jurel
The ball travelled quickly to the fielder after bouncing. But luck smiled on the 25-year-old batter. The fielder missed the direct hit and Jurel dived to complete the run and his century, which came off 171 ******* and had the entire Indian dressing room applauding as they shared the tension. Mohammed Siraj celebrated wildly, giving Jurel a bear hug.
Powered by Jurel's composed and flawless unbeaten 115 off 177 ******* , with nine fours and two sixes, and Rishabh Pant's entertaining 63 off 89 ******* , with six fours and two sixes, India declared at 503 for nine. Then, they reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 on Day Two of the second and final Test in Colombo on Monday.
The hosts were clearly unhappy about being asked to bat in fading light. Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off a brilliant diving catch at gully to send back Lahiru Udara for one off Prasidh Krishna in the second over.
In the third over, the hosts suffered another blow when nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya was trapped LBW for two by a fast, full delivery from Manav Suthar. Jayasuriya's agitated reaction after being dismissed reflected Sri Lanka's unhappiness at being asked to bat so late in the evening.
Kamil Mishara was batting on five when stumps were drawn at 5:51pm after an extended session. Shubman Gill and Co. deserve credit for their bowlers' early blows, as they did not leave the field even when the covers were being brought on because of the dark, wet conditions a few minutes earlier.
With the hosts trailing by 495 runs, India are now in control of the Test.
Jurel was involved in two vital partnerships, adding 112 for the seventh wicket with Pant, which lifted India from 307 for six, and 39 for the eighth with Manav Suthar. During his stand with Pant, Jurel played the ideal foil, reaching a patient fifty off 97 ******* .
Like Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel has enjoyed a breakout series. Having arrived in Sri Lanka without a fifty in eight innings and under pressure from Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 6 spot, he made a crucial 51 in the first Test and now has 173 runs in two Tests at 86.50.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, struck his 21st Test half-century and became India's leading run-scorer in World Test Championship history, surpassing Shubman Gill. Pant now has 2,948 runs in 42 WTC Tests, ahead of Gill's 2,917.
Earlier, India resumed on 300 for five and lost debutant Saransh Jain early for six.
#jurel
24 days ago
NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated Duleep Trophy campaign got off to a disappointing start on Sunday as the teenage batting sensation was dismissed for just eight against North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.
Opening the innings for East Zone alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sooryavanshi began brightly, smashing back-to-back boundaries before his brief stay at the crease came to an abrupt end.
The 15-year-old attempted to continue his aggressive approach but edged Bishworjit Konthoujam's delivery to Joseph Lalthankhuma at gully. The North East pacer had the last laugh with the final delivery of his first over, leaving Sooryavanshi walking back after just six ***** .
WATCH:
North East Zone won the toss and opted to bowl first, giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity to make an impact in a format in which he is yet to establish himself.
The teenager was named East Zone's vice-captain, with Ishan Kishan leading the side, and entered the quarterfinal with considerable attention on him following his exploits in T20 cricket.
However, his first-class numbers remain modest. Sooryavanshi has played eight first-class matches for Bihar and has batted in 12 innings, scoring at an average of just over 17 with a highest score of 93.
133437321
The Duleep Trophy represented a significant opportunity for the youngster to gain valuable experience in red-ball cricket, particularly against a North East Zone side featuring an inexperienced attack.
East Zone boast considerable experience elsewhere in their lineup, with skipper Kishan joined by India pacer Mohammed Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, ***** ar Kushagra, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mukesh ***** ar.
Sooryavanshi's inclusion and appointment as vice-captain had nevertheless made him one of the biggest talking points surrounding the quarterfinal.
East Zone will face either Central Zone or South Zone in the semifinal at the same venue from August 30 if they progress.
#north #duleep #trophy #easwaran
Opening the innings for East Zone alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sooryavanshi began brightly, smashing back-to-back boundaries before his brief stay at the crease came to an abrupt end.
The 15-year-old attempted to continue his aggressive approach but edged Bishworjit Konthoujam's delivery to Joseph Lalthankhuma at gully. The North East pacer had the last laugh with the final delivery of his first over, leaving Sooryavanshi walking back after just six ***** .
WATCH:
North East Zone won the toss and opted to bowl first, giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity to make an impact in a format in which he is yet to establish himself.
The teenager was named East Zone's vice-captain, with Ishan Kishan leading the side, and entered the quarterfinal with considerable attention on him following his exploits in T20 cricket.
However, his first-class numbers remain modest. Sooryavanshi has played eight first-class matches for Bihar and has batted in 12 innings, scoring at an average of just over 17 with a highest score of 93.
133437321
The Duleep Trophy represented a significant opportunity for the youngster to gain valuable experience in red-ball cricket, particularly against a North East Zone side featuring an inexperienced attack.
East Zone boast considerable experience elsewhere in their lineup, with skipper Kishan joined by India pacer Mohammed Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, ***** ar Kushagra, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mukesh ***** ar.
Sooryavanshi's inclusion and appointment as vice-captain had nevertheless made him one of the biggest talking points surrounding the quarterfinal.
East Zone will face either Central Zone or South Zone in the semifinal at the same venue from August 30 if they progress.
#north #duleep #trophy #easwaran
24 days ago
NEW DELHI: India made one change to their playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday, with Kuldeep Yadav missing out after failing to fully recover from a viral infection and Saransh Jain making his Test debut.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, with the hosts also handing Test debuts to Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
India entered the second Test with an unassailable 1-0 lead after their 165-run victory in the series opener at Galle. However, Kuldeep's absence meant India had to alter their combination, with Jain coming into the XI as the spin-bowling allrounder.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep remains unavailable for selection but could still be used in a specific situation.
"Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," the BCCI said.
Gill also addressed Kuldeep's absence after winning the toss, confirming that an infection had ruled out the left-arm wristspinner.
"[Playing XI] Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India," Gill said.
With Kuldeep unavailable, Jain received his first opportunity at Test level. The 33-year-old was presented his India cap by Ravindra Jadeja during the team's huddle before the start of play.
Jain becomes the first India player to make his international debut after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
Gill opted to bat after ******* sing the Colombo surface and felt it offered better batting conditions than the pitch in Galle.
"Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We're expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it'll be a really good wicket to bat on," Gill said.
Reflecting on India's dominant win in the first Test, Gill rated the team's performance highly but admitted there was still room for improvement.
"[How he would rate the Galle win] I would say probably a nine, because there's always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. And obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It's very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you're playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match," Gill said.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka P
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, with the hosts also handing Test debuts to Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
India entered the second Test with an unassailable 1-0 lead after their 165-run victory in the series opener at Galle. However, Kuldeep's absence meant India had to alter their combination, with Jain coming into the XI as the spin-bowling allrounder.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep remains unavailable for selection but could still be used in a specific situation.
"Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," the BCCI said.
Gill also addressed Kuldeep's absence after winning the toss, confirming that an infection had ruled out the left-arm wristspinner.
"[Playing XI] Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India," Gill said.
With Kuldeep unavailable, Jain received his first opportunity at Test level. The 33-year-old was presented his India cap by Ravindra Jadeja during the team's huddle before the start of play.
Jain becomes the first India player to make his international debut after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
Gill opted to bat after ******* sing the Colombo surface and felt it offered better batting conditions than the pitch in Galle.
"Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We're expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it'll be a really good wicket to bat on," Gill said.
Reflecting on India's dominant win in the first Test, Gill rated the team's performance highly but admitted there was still room for improvement.
"[How he would rate the Galle win] I would say probably a nine, because there's always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. And obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It's very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you're playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match," Gill said.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka P
25 days ago
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has questioned captain Shubman Gill's use of Kuldeep Yadav in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, saying the spinner's short spells suggested a lack of faith in him.
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India's two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Kuldeep is a rare type of bowler and needs the backing of the captain and team management.
"From how he was used, it is clear that Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep Yadav. From my point of view, you would not get a unique bowler like Kuldeep that often. They come just once or twice in history. We may get Ravindra Jadeja's replacement in the future, like we have Suthar; then we had Washington Sundar after Ashwin, but Kuldeep is a unique gift."
Kaif also said wrist-spinners need longer spells to settle into a rhythm and work on their mistakes.
"When you give a bowler a spell, especially a wrist-spinner, you need to give him a long spell. The short spells are not helping Kuldeep. Longer spells give you the chance to rectify mistakes. You need time to get into rhythm. Shubman Gill did not back him in that sense," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Kaif backed former India head coach Ravi Shastri's ******* sment that Kuldeep is India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. He said the left-arm wrist-spinner could be particularly important on flatter pitches where there is less ******* istance from the surface.
"I agree with Ravi Shastri, who said that Kuldeep is our No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. You just need accuracy on turning tracks. You will somehow get a wicket by bowling at the same area. But you won't get such turning tracks in New Zealand. I feel Kuldeep will play a major role on flat pitches or pitches where there would not be much turn on offer. You will have to keep his confidence high as captain and team management," Kaif said.
India's next Test is in Colombo from August 23, and Kaif believes the team could consider handing a debut to Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain.
He pointed to Sri Lanka's left-handed batters Niroshan ******* wella and Sonal Dinusha, who scored runs in the first Test, as a possible reason for India to consider an off-spinner.
"I feel India might be considering playing Saransh Jain in Colombo. The two batters who scored runs, ******* wella and Sonal, are both lefties. There came a time when Shubman Gill was searching for an off-spinner when they were batting. Because of Sri Lanka's in-form lefties, maybe Kuldeep will have to face the axe. It was Suthar vs Saransh earlier; now it will be Kuldeep vs Saransh," he signed off.
Kuldeep, who made his Test debut in 2018, has played 19 Tests and taken 80 wickets at an average of 23.36. He has four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket h
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India's two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Kuldeep is a rare type of bowler and needs the backing of the captain and team management.
"From how he was used, it is clear that Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep Yadav. From my point of view, you would not get a unique bowler like Kuldeep that often. They come just once or twice in history. We may get Ravindra Jadeja's replacement in the future, like we have Suthar; then we had Washington Sundar after Ashwin, but Kuldeep is a unique gift."
Kaif also said wrist-spinners need longer spells to settle into a rhythm and work on their mistakes.
"When you give a bowler a spell, especially a wrist-spinner, you need to give him a long spell. The short spells are not helping Kuldeep. Longer spells give you the chance to rectify mistakes. You need time to get into rhythm. Shubman Gill did not back him in that sense," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Kaif backed former India head coach Ravi Shastri's ******* sment that Kuldeep is India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. He said the left-arm wrist-spinner could be particularly important on flatter pitches where there is less ******* istance from the surface.
"I agree with Ravi Shastri, who said that Kuldeep is our No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. You just need accuracy on turning tracks. You will somehow get a wicket by bowling at the same area. But you won't get such turning tracks in New Zealand. I feel Kuldeep will play a major role on flat pitches or pitches where there would not be much turn on offer. You will have to keep his confidence high as captain and team management," Kaif said.
India's next Test is in Colombo from August 23, and Kaif believes the team could consider handing a debut to Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain.
He pointed to Sri Lanka's left-handed batters Niroshan ******* wella and Sonal Dinusha, who scored runs in the first Test, as a possible reason for India to consider an off-spinner.
"I feel India might be considering playing Saransh Jain in Colombo. The two batters who scored runs, ******* wella and Sonal, are both lefties. There came a time when Shubman Gill was searching for an off-spinner when they were batting. Because of Sri Lanka's in-form lefties, maybe Kuldeep will have to face the axe. It was Suthar vs Saransh earlier; now it will be Kuldeep vs Saransh," he signed off.
Kuldeep, who made his Test debut in 2018, has played 19 Tests and taken 80 wickets at an average of 23.36. He has four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket h
29 days ago
College football turns over the player pool via graduation and transfer portal defections at a dizzying rate in the modern era. Here is a list of my favorite breakout players available in Yahoo Standard P4 College Fantasy Football Leagues.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
One thing is clear when it comes to the QB position in Yahoo Standard Scoring Leagues that utilize 4-point passing touchdown formats: rushing production is imperative. Of the top-10 scoring quarterbacks last year, six of them rushed for 400+ yards and all 10 top scorers topped the 200+ yard rushing barrier.
For his part, Leavitt fits LSU head coach Lane Kiffin's QB archetype perfectly, evoking comparisons to CFF stars Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart. Leavitt averaged a strong 22.5 fantasy PPG in his seven appearances before suffering a season-ending injury. He has the tools and plays in the perfect system to compliment his dual-threat skill set and create explosive college fantasy football production.
With starting RB Jonah Coleman compromised with a leg injury for the second half of the year, Mohammed ripped off two-straight 100-yard games to end the regular season. His 14-carry, 105 yard showing against rival Oregon was an important game for him, as then-Oregon DC Tosh Lupoi took the Cal head coaching job in the offseason and immediately moved to bring in Mohammed to lead the Bears' backfield. For CFF purposes, he secured 17-of-19 targets for 138 yards in 2025 and should have a clear path to 180+ rush attempts with 30+ receptions in Berkley.
#leagues #mohammed #oregon
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
One thing is clear when it comes to the QB position in Yahoo Standard Scoring Leagues that utilize 4-point passing touchdown formats: rushing production is imperative. Of the top-10 scoring quarterbacks last year, six of them rushed for 400+ yards and all 10 top scorers topped the 200+ yard rushing barrier.
For his part, Leavitt fits LSU head coach Lane Kiffin's QB archetype perfectly, evoking comparisons to CFF stars Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart. Leavitt averaged a strong 22.5 fantasy PPG in his seven appearances before suffering a season-ending injury. He has the tools and plays in the perfect system to compliment his dual-threat skill set and create explosive college fantasy football production.
With starting RB Jonah Coleman compromised with a leg injury for the second half of the year, Mohammed ripped off two-straight 100-yard games to end the regular season. His 14-carry, 105 yard showing against rival Oregon was an important game for him, as then-Oregon DC Tosh Lupoi took the Cal head coaching job in the offseason and immediately moved to bring in Mohammed to lead the Bears' backfield. For CFF purposes, he secured 17-of-19 targets for 138 yards in 2025 and should have a clear path to 180+ rush attempts with 30+ receptions in Berkley.
#leagues #mohammed #oregon
1 month ago
'Sarfaraz Khan is sitting': Mohammed Kaif explains why Dhruv Jurel's fiery 50 vs Sri Lanka was crucial on Day 2 in Galle originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Mohammad Kaif praised Dhruv Jurel's fifty against Sri Lanka on Day 2 in Galle.
Ex-India star noted Jurel batted under pressure with Sarfaraz Khan waiting in the wings.
Jurel's 55-run stand with Manav Suthar came during an India collapse.
Dhruv Jurel's half-century in Galle arrived at precisely the moment India needed it, and former batter Mohammad Kaif believes its value will only become clearer as the Test unfolds. The wicketkeeper-batter's counter-attacking knock steadied an innings that had begun to wobble badly.
#India #khan
Mohammad Kaif praised Dhruv Jurel's fifty against Sri Lanka on Day 2 in Galle.
Ex-India star noted Jurel batted under pressure with Sarfaraz Khan waiting in the wings.
Jurel's 55-run stand with Manav Suthar came during an India collapse.
Dhruv Jurel's half-century in Galle arrived at precisely the moment India needed it, and former batter Mohammad Kaif believes its value will only become clearer as the Test unfolds. The wicketkeeper-batter's counter-attacking knock steadied an innings that had begun to wobble badly.
#India #khan
1 month ago
Zoe Saldaña has starred in blockbusting franchises "Star Trek," "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avatar," has won an Oscar for "Emilia Perez" and holds the crown as the actor whose films have earned the most money ever. So what comes next?
"I have a feeling that I can only watch other people's direction for so long until I kind of say: 'Give me that camera!'" Saldaña told an audience at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. "Because women, we all think that we're right because we are half the time. So I would like to prove myself."
More from Variety
Locarno Open Doors: Talemwa Pius' 'A Vineyard for a Lobster' and Mohammed Sheikh's 'Accept My Plea for a Burial' Win Top Prizes at Festival's Africa Industry Focus
Latin Quarter Distribution Acquires World Rights to José Dell'Acqua Uruguayan Crime Thriller 'Maltrato Animal' (EXCLUSIVE)
#galaxy #emilia
"I have a feeling that I can only watch other people's direction for so long until I kind of say: 'Give me that camera!'" Saldaña told an audience at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. "Because women, we all think that we're right because we are half the time. So I would like to prove myself."
More from Variety
Locarno Open Doors: Talemwa Pius' 'A Vineyard for a Lobster' and Mohammed Sheikh's 'Accept My Plea for a Burial' Win Top Prizes at Festival's Africa Industry Focus
Latin Quarter Distribution Acquires World Rights to José Dell'Acqua Uruguayan Crime Thriller 'Maltrato Animal' (EXCLUSIVE)
#galaxy #emilia
1 month ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#squad #test
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#squad #test
1 month ago
Mohammed Siraj finishes off in style: Pacer hits 16 runs in final over as India beat Sri Lanka Cricket XI originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Mohammed Siraj smashed three sixes in the final over to finish India's warm-up chase in style.
India beat the Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in the Colombo practice match.
Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 was the standout batting performance of the game.
Mohammed Siraj is renowned for his new-ball spells, but it was his batting that provided the flourish as India wrapped up their warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo. The pacer walked in late and smashed three consecutive sixes to seal the chase emphatically.
#Cricket #siraj #lanka #pacer
Mohammed Siraj smashed three sixes in the final over to finish India's warm-up chase in style.
India beat the Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in the Colombo practice match.
Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 was the standout batting performance of the game.
Mohammed Siraj is renowned for his new-ball spells, but it was his batting that provided the flourish as India wrapped up their warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo. The pacer walked in late and smashed three consecutive sixes to seal the chase emphatically.
#Cricket #siraj #lanka #pacer
1 month ago
Worcestershire captain Jake Libby has overtaken India's Ruturaj Gaikwad to record the highest List A batting average ever. His unbeaten 109 against Sussex, his third straight century with the same score, lifted his average to 61.4. Libby now has 2,456 List A runs, including six centuries and 18 fifties, after 56 matches in the format.
Jake Libby has made List A cricket history after his third consecutive century in the ongoing One-Day Cup helped him move past India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the highest batting average ever recorded in the format.
The Worcestershire captain played a match-winning knock against Sussex on Friday, August 7, staying unbeaten on 109 off 96 ***** as his team chased down a challenging target of 334. What makes his recent form even more remarkable is that Libby has scored exactly 109 in each of his last three innings in the competition.
His impressive streak started with an unbeaten 109 against Middlesex, helping Worcestershire chase down 294. He followed it up with another 109 against Essex, although his team could not complete the chase after being set a target of 377. Against Sussex, however, Libby once again delivered when his team needed him most.
Sussex posted 333-9 in their 50 overs after several batters made useful contributions. Fynn Hudson-Prentice top-scored with 68 from 35 ***** , while Jack Leaning added a patient 50. Four other Sussex batters also crossed the 30-run mark, while Freddie Price hit an unbeaten 22 off 13 ***** to give the innings a strong finish.
Worcestershire made a positive start to the chase, with Isaac Mohammed and Brett D'Oliveira putting together 60 runs for the opening wicket. However, both were dismissed within four overs of each other, bringing Libby to the crease with 251 runs still needed from 210 ***** .
Libby then took control of the chase and received important support from Kashif Ali, who scored 73 off 52 ***** , and Ben Allison, who smashed 20 from just nine deliveries. Together, they guided Worcestershire to victory in the penultimate over.
The unbeaten 109 lifted Libby's List A average to 61.4 from 56 matches, taking him past Gaikwad's 58.61. He now has 2,456 runs, six centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 126*.
Sam Hain is third with an average of 58.18, followed by Michael Bevan, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill.
#libby #sussex #runs
Jake Libby has made List A cricket history after his third consecutive century in the ongoing One-Day Cup helped him move past India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the highest batting average ever recorded in the format.
The Worcestershire captain played a match-winning knock against Sussex on Friday, August 7, staying unbeaten on 109 off 96 ***** as his team chased down a challenging target of 334. What makes his recent form even more remarkable is that Libby has scored exactly 109 in each of his last three innings in the competition.
His impressive streak started with an unbeaten 109 against Middlesex, helping Worcestershire chase down 294. He followed it up with another 109 against Essex, although his team could not complete the chase after being set a target of 377. Against Sussex, however, Libby once again delivered when his team needed him most.
Sussex posted 333-9 in their 50 overs after several batters made useful contributions. Fynn Hudson-Prentice top-scored with 68 from 35 ***** , while Jack Leaning added a patient 50. Four other Sussex batters also crossed the 30-run mark, while Freddie Price hit an unbeaten 22 off 13 ***** to give the innings a strong finish.
Worcestershire made a positive start to the chase, with Isaac Mohammed and Brett D'Oliveira putting together 60 runs for the opening wicket. However, both were dismissed within four overs of each other, bringing Libby to the crease with 251 runs still needed from 210 ***** .
Libby then took control of the chase and received important support from Kashif Ali, who scored 73 off 52 ***** , and Ben Allison, who smashed 20 from just nine deliveries. Together, they guided Worcestershire to victory in the penultimate over.
The unbeaten 109 lifted Libby's List A average to 61.4 from 56 matches, taking him past Gaikwad's 58.61. He now has 2,456 runs, six centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 126*.
Sam Hain is third with an average of 58.18, followed by Michael Bevan, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill.
#libby #sussex #runs
1 month ago
NEW DELHI: Flustered by the frequent injury breakdowns of players in the Indian team, the medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is looking to resurrect its fitness programme. TOI understands that the CoE is finally working on standardising base fitness parameters after it emerged that the non-definitive customised fitness tests for players were identified as a core reason for the drop in the overall fitness standards.
The Indian team went through a change in fitness testing drills after Adrian Leroux replaced Soham Desai as the strength and conditioning coach last year. It is learnt that the BCCI medical team, which includes the CoE and the Indian team, has struggled to work in sync to ***** s the fitness of players. Since Leroux took over, it was decided that the Bronco test would be the primary test to judge fitness instead of the Yo-Yo test.
The Bronco test, which is a more agility driven test, didn't have a base parameter till now. TOI has learnt that the BCCI medical team has rolled out a figure of 5.15-5.20 minutes as a base figure to complete the ***** orted drills to be declared fit enough to be selected after the debacle in white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Earlier, the BCCI had set 16.5 as a marker to clear the basic Yo-Yo test. The CoE has also set 9-10 minute mark to complete the 2 km running test which is known as the 2K test.
"The Indian players are not used to the Bronco test. Over the last year, the CoE had set different base parameters for players. It has now emerged that certain senior players were given much comfortable targets to meet to clear fitness tests. The CoE staff had also cleared players like Harshit Rana and Nitish ***** ar Reddy to make sure it was delivering players according to team management's needs," a BCCI source told TOI.
TOI has learnt that the team management and BCCI, led by secretary Devajit Saikia, has questioned Team India physio Kamlesh Jain for the repeated breakdowns and overall dip in the fitness standards. The team management is also not happy with players cramping so frequently even in the favourable English weather.
"Kamlesh has been told that he shouldn't worry about any player's stature and flag anything that he doesn't find satisfactory. It has been seen that the mobility of some of the players in the field has been questionable. Senior batters are struggling to push their running between the wickets as they bat longer. The number of slow fielders has increased," the source said.
It has been observed that regular India players have not been prepared for the new fitness drills. For instance, someone like Mohammed Siraj was recently caught off guard by the sudden fitness tests at CoE before leaving for Sri Lanka.
"It is only now that contracted players have been handed the base parameters of the new tests. The Test regulars were caught off guard by the programme given to them at CoE. The players who are not part of the Test team are now starting t
The Indian team went through a change in fitness testing drills after Adrian Leroux replaced Soham Desai as the strength and conditioning coach last year. It is learnt that the BCCI medical team, which includes the CoE and the Indian team, has struggled to work in sync to ***** s the fitness of players. Since Leroux took over, it was decided that the Bronco test would be the primary test to judge fitness instead of the Yo-Yo test.
The Bronco test, which is a more agility driven test, didn't have a base parameter till now. TOI has learnt that the BCCI medical team has rolled out a figure of 5.15-5.20 minutes as a base figure to complete the ***** orted drills to be declared fit enough to be selected after the debacle in white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Earlier, the BCCI had set 16.5 as a marker to clear the basic Yo-Yo test. The CoE has also set 9-10 minute mark to complete the 2 km running test which is known as the 2K test.
"The Indian players are not used to the Bronco test. Over the last year, the CoE had set different base parameters for players. It has now emerged that certain senior players were given much comfortable targets to meet to clear fitness tests. The CoE staff had also cleared players like Harshit Rana and Nitish ***** ar Reddy to make sure it was delivering players according to team management's needs," a BCCI source told TOI.
TOI has learnt that the team management and BCCI, led by secretary Devajit Saikia, has questioned Team India physio Kamlesh Jain for the repeated breakdowns and overall dip in the fitness standards. The team management is also not happy with players cramping so frequently even in the favourable English weather.
"Kamlesh has been told that he shouldn't worry about any player's stature and flag anything that he doesn't find satisfactory. It has been seen that the mobility of some of the players in the field has been questionable. Senior batters are struggling to push their running between the wickets as they bat longer. The number of slow fielders has increased," the source said.
It has been observed that regular India players have not been prepared for the new fitness drills. For instance, someone like Mohammed Siraj was recently caught off guard by the sudden fitness tests at CoE before leaving for Sri Lanka.
"It is only now that contracted players have been handed the base parameters of the new tests. The Test regulars were caught off guard by the programme given to them at CoE. The players who are not part of the Test team are now starting t
1 month ago
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes Rohit Sharma has made up his mind not to retire from ODI cricket on his own and will instead leave it to the selectors to decide when his journey with the national team should end.
Rohit's future has been under intense scrutiny since India's ODI series against England. Reports ahead of the tour claimed that the senior selection committee had informed the veteran opener he was not part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors keen to invest in younger opening options, including Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The speculation gathered further pace after Rohit managed a slow-paced 26 off 47 ******* in the second ODI at Cardiff. Questions over his future intensified, with reports suggesting the series decider at Lord's on July 19 could be his final ODI appearance for India.
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed those claims before the match, stating that no decision had been taken to make the Lord's fixture Rohit's farewell game. While the clarification ended immediate speculation, it did not confirm whether Rohit remained part of India's long-term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
The veteran opener responded in style, smashing 138 from just 110 deliveries during India's chase of 388 at Lord's. His innings, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although India eventually fell 27 runs short and lost the series 2-1.
Following the match, captain Shubman Gill said Rohit had not informed the team about any retirement plans, while Rohit himself insisted his only focus was on scoring runs for India.
Sharing his views on the situation, Kaif said Rohit's recent actions suggest he has no intention of stepping away voluntarily.
"Yes, one thing has become clear," Kaif said during a discussion. "Rohit Sharma is effectively saying, 'If I am not playing well, you take the call yourselves. Drop me.'
"The fact that he has not stepped away or announced his retirement, the enthusiasm he is showing, the way he is approaching his batting and the hundred he scored at Lord's — all of this shows that he is now focused entirely on playing. Whatever the selectors want to do after that is up to them. Perhaps earlier there was an attempt to convince him about certain things internally. The problem at the moment is that it is difficult to understand who stands where. There is a lot of confusion," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also questioned the lack of clarity from the team management regarding Rohit's long-term future. While coaches have repeatedly backed the opener to play with freedom, the former India batter believes the management should clearly state whether Rohit remains part of its World Cup plans.
"At times, members of the coaching staff come out and say, 'We have given Rohit Sharma complete freedom to play his natural game.' But ******* ody has yet made a clear statement saying, 'Ro
Rohit's future has been under intense scrutiny since India's ODI series against England. Reports ahead of the tour claimed that the senior selection committee had informed the veteran opener he was not part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors keen to invest in younger opening options, including Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The speculation gathered further pace after Rohit managed a slow-paced 26 off 47 ******* in the second ODI at Cardiff. Questions over his future intensified, with reports suggesting the series decider at Lord's on July 19 could be his final ODI appearance for India.
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed those claims before the match, stating that no decision had been taken to make the Lord's fixture Rohit's farewell game. While the clarification ended immediate speculation, it did not confirm whether Rohit remained part of India's long-term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
The veteran opener responded in style, smashing 138 from just 110 deliveries during India's chase of 388 at Lord's. His innings, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although India eventually fell 27 runs short and lost the series 2-1.
Following the match, captain Shubman Gill said Rohit had not informed the team about any retirement plans, while Rohit himself insisted his only focus was on scoring runs for India.
Sharing his views on the situation, Kaif said Rohit's recent actions suggest he has no intention of stepping away voluntarily.
"Yes, one thing has become clear," Kaif said during a discussion. "Rohit Sharma is effectively saying, 'If I am not playing well, you take the call yourselves. Drop me.'
"The fact that he has not stepped away or announced his retirement, the enthusiasm he is showing, the way he is approaching his batting and the hundred he scored at Lord's — all of this shows that he is now focused entirely on playing. Whatever the selectors want to do after that is up to them. Perhaps earlier there was an attempt to convince him about certain things internally. The problem at the moment is that it is difficult to understand who stands where. There is a lot of confusion," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also questioned the lack of clarity from the team management regarding Rohit's long-term future. While coaches have repeatedly backed the opener to play with freedom, the former India batter believes the management should clearly state whether Rohit remains part of its World Cup plans.
"At times, members of the coaching staff come out and say, 'We have given Rohit Sharma complete freedom to play his natural game.' But ******* ody has yet made a clear statement saying, 'Ro
1 month ago
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
