22 hours ago
Ravindra Jadeja entered the record books on Sunday, becoming the first Indian cricketer to feature in 50 World Test Championship matches.
The 37-year-old all-rounder from Jamnagar, Gujarat, reached the landmark when India took on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
Player
Matches
Runs
Best
#Indian #World #championship #jamnagar
The 37-year-old all-rounder from Jamnagar, Gujarat, reached the landmark when India took on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
Player
Matches
Runs
Best
#Indian #World #championship #jamnagar
23 hours 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
1 day ago
Saransh Jain, a 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, finally earned his maiden senior India call-up after more than a decade grinding away in domestic cricket.
An off-spinner who bowls right-arm but bats left-handed, Jain now finds himself alongside established spin options Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar in the squad.
With Washington Sundar ruled out of the opening Test through injury, Jain's inclusion gives India another off-spin option, while his consistent lower-order runs add genuine value to the batting depth.
Jain's most decisive performance arrived just weeks before the squad announcement. He was playing for India A against Sri Lanka A in Galle, and he returned with figures of 4 for 92 and 2 for 66 across both innings.
Jain also struck an unbeaten 70 with the bat to help India A register a comprehensive ten-wicket win and a 1-0 series victory. Now, Jain heads back to the same Sri Lankan shores, only this time wearing India's senior Test colours.
#India #ravindra
An off-spinner who bowls right-arm but bats left-handed, Jain now finds himself alongside established spin options Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar in the squad.
With Washington Sundar ruled out of the opening Test through injury, Jain's inclusion gives India another off-spin option, while his consistent lower-order runs add genuine value to the batting depth.
Jain's most decisive performance arrived just weeks before the squad announcement. He was playing for India A against Sri Lanka A in Galle, and he returned with figures of 4 for 92 and 2 for 66 across both innings.
Jain also struck an unbeaten 70 with the bat to help India A register a comprehensive ten-wicket win and a 1-0 series victory. Now, Jain heads back to the same Sri Lankan shores, only this time wearing India's senior Test colours.
#India #ravindra
2 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
8 days ago
India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel revealed that the visitors had a clear plan to score quickly but sensibly on the rain-affected second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. India eventually ended the day at 460/9, with Kuldeep Yadav unbeaten on 12 and Prasidh Krishna on 1.
Jurel walked in after India had already lost KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant but played an attacking knock to keep the momentum going. The right-hander struck 51 off 68 deliveries, including four fours and a six. He added a crucial 55-run partnership with Manav Suthar, helping India cross the 400-run mark.
"There was a plan to score runs briskly, but sensibly. We weren't looking to go bonkers from ball one, but there was a plan," Jurel said during the post-match press conference.
The India batter also revealed that his previous experience of playing in Sri Lanka with India A helped him understand the conditions and approach the innings with confidence.
"I know conditions here, having played for India A here. I was under no pressure, it's a privilege to play for India," Jurel added.
Jurel was given a reprieve on 29 when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a difficult chance at first slip. However, the captain later made amends by taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Jurel off Prabath Jayasuriya.
The standout performer for India was Devdutt Padikkal, who continued his sensational form from Day 1 to score a magnificent 167 off 230 ******* . Padikkal's innings included 15 fours and a six, and he became only the third Indian batter to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka from the No. 3 position, joining Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Jurel was full of praise for his teammate and pointed out that Padikkal has consistently delivered whenever opportunities have come his way.
"Devdutt scores whenever he gets a chance," Dhruv Jurel said.
Padikkal's dismissal eventually triggered another phase of Sri Lankan pressure, with Prabath Jayasuriya finishing with 4/109 and Keshara Nuwantha taking 3/175.
Despite India's imposing total, Jurel knows the job is far from finished. The wicketkeeper-batter stressed that India's bowlers will need to maintain discipline and be prepared for long spells when Sri Lanka begin their first innings.
"We need to bowl long spells here and be consistent with lengths. We need to take 20 wickets," he said.
The second day was heavily disrupted by rain, with the morning session completely washed out before play finally resumed at 2:35 PM local time. India began the day at 288/2 and lost seven wickets for 172 runs, but still managed to build a formidable first-innings total. KL Rahul scored 82 after returning to the crease following cramps on Day 1, while Rishabh Pant made 39 and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 13.
#jurel #first #rahul
Jurel walked in after India had already lost KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant but played an attacking knock to keep the momentum going. The right-hander struck 51 off 68 deliveries, including four fours and a six. He added a crucial 55-run partnership with Manav Suthar, helping India cross the 400-run mark.
"There was a plan to score runs briskly, but sensibly. We weren't looking to go bonkers from ball one, but there was a plan," Jurel said during the post-match press conference.
The India batter also revealed that his previous experience of playing in Sri Lanka with India A helped him understand the conditions and approach the innings with confidence.
"I know conditions here, having played for India A here. I was under no pressure, it's a privilege to play for India," Jurel added.
Jurel was given a reprieve on 29 when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a difficult chance at first slip. However, the captain later made amends by taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Jurel off Prabath Jayasuriya.
The standout performer for India was Devdutt Padikkal, who continued his sensational form from Day 1 to score a magnificent 167 off 230 ******* . Padikkal's innings included 15 fours and a six, and he became only the third Indian batter to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka from the No. 3 position, joining Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Jurel was full of praise for his teammate and pointed out that Padikkal has consistently delivered whenever opportunities have come his way.
"Devdutt scores whenever he gets a chance," Dhruv Jurel said.
Padikkal's dismissal eventually triggered another phase of Sri Lankan pressure, with Prabath Jayasuriya finishing with 4/109 and Keshara Nuwantha taking 3/175.
Despite India's imposing total, Jurel knows the job is far from finished. The wicketkeeper-batter stressed that India's bowlers will need to maintain discipline and be prepared for long spells when Sri Lanka begin their first innings.
"We need to bowl long spells here and be consistent with lengths. We need to take 20 wickets," he said.
The second day was heavily disrupted by rain, with the morning session completely washed out before play finally resumed at 2:35 PM local time. India began the day at 288/2 and lost seven wickets for 172 runs, but still managed to build a formidable first-innings total. KL Rahul scored 82 after returning to the crease following cramps on Day 1, while Rishabh Pant made 39 and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 13.
#jurel #first #rahul
8 days ago
Ravindra Jadeja has opened up about the struggles he faced during the early stages of his India career, admitting that being pushed down the batting order often affected his confidence and made him question the team's faith in his batting ability. As India look to continue their dominance after a commanding Day 1 against Sri Lanka, Jadeja reflected on his growth as a Test batter and revealed how he developed the temperament to play long innings.
"When I started, I used to bat at number 4. If you look at my entire Ranji Trophy career, my average is more than 60. Whatever Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy first-class cricket I have played domestically, my batting average is more than 60. So somewhere, I had that belief that I had that ability. But sometimes what happens is that you come into the Indian team and you don't get that batting number," Jadeja said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of day two's play, which has been delayed due to rain.
The all-rounder admitted that regularly batting at No. 8 or 9, and sometimes even below Ravichandran Ashwin, affected his confidence during the initial years of his international career.
"Sometimes the situation is such that I have batted at number 8 and 9 as well. So, when you are sitting in the dressing room with your pads on, next to you, a fast bowler is selecting a ball. Seeing all those things, my morale and confidence would go down. Sometimes you think to yourself, 'I have to go and score runs,'" he added.
Jadeja explained that watching bowlers prepare to bat ahead of him often made him feel that the team did not have complete confidence in his batting.
"And in that same dressing room, a fast bowler is selecting the ball, thinking, 'Come on, now bowling is coming.' So because of all those things, my confidence was literally disturbed. I would think, 'Oh man, what is this? The team doesn't even have confidence in me?' So I have seen that in my early days, that I didn't get that number. Very low, many times I even went in to bat below Ashwin. So somewhere, all those things disturbed me," Jadeja revealed.
Jadeja's reflections came after India produced a dominant batting display on the opening day of the Test against Sri Lanka. India finished Day 1 on 288/2, putting themselves in a strong position after the rain-affected day's play. Devdutt Padikkal was the star of the day, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 131 to register his maiden Test century. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 77, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 27 at the close of play.
#jadeja #India #trophy #Career
"When I started, I used to bat at number 4. If you look at my entire Ranji Trophy career, my average is more than 60. Whatever Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy first-class cricket I have played domestically, my batting average is more than 60. So somewhere, I had that belief that I had that ability. But sometimes what happens is that you come into the Indian team and you don't get that batting number," Jadeja said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of day two's play, which has been delayed due to rain.
The all-rounder admitted that regularly batting at No. 8 or 9, and sometimes even below Ravichandran Ashwin, affected his confidence during the initial years of his international career.
"Sometimes the situation is such that I have batted at number 8 and 9 as well. So, when you are sitting in the dressing room with your pads on, next to you, a fast bowler is selecting a ball. Seeing all those things, my morale and confidence would go down. Sometimes you think to yourself, 'I have to go and score runs,'" he added.
Jadeja explained that watching bowlers prepare to bat ahead of him often made him feel that the team did not have complete confidence in his batting.
"And in that same dressing room, a fast bowler is selecting the ball, thinking, 'Come on, now bowling is coming.' So because of all those things, my confidence was literally disturbed. I would think, 'Oh man, what is this? The team doesn't even have confidence in me?' So I have seen that in my early days, that I didn't get that number. Very low, many times I even went in to bat below Ashwin. So somewhere, all those things disturbed me," Jadeja revealed.
Jadeja's reflections came after India produced a dominant batting display on the opening day of the Test against Sri Lanka. India finished Day 1 on 288/2, putting themselves in a strong position after the rain-affected day's play. Devdutt Padikkal was the star of the day, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 131 to register his maiden Test century. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 77, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 27 at the close of play.
#jadeja #India #trophy #Career
10 days ago
India captain Shubman Gill has denied reports of a communication gap between the team management and the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, saying the two sides have remained in regular contact over the fitness of injured players.
Questions were raised after three players initially included in India's squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka were ruled out before the series.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the first Test, Gill said the team management had been closely following the rehabilitation of players at the CoE.
"There is a constant communication with them. Unfortunately Sai Sudharsan did not improve as much as we liked as we can't take risks in Tests. But we are confident of our 15 (players)," Gill said at the pre-match press conference.
Gill said the five-day nature of Test cricket meant India could not risk playing players who were not fully fit.
"The Test match is for 5 days. If it's one-day or T20, then it's a different story. But in the Test match, you don't want to take a risk. I feel that in the Test match, you have more opportunities with other players (to come back)."
He explained that players have several opportunities to contribute during a Test, even if they do not start well.
"For example, if you don't play well on the first day, you get another chance. So, the players have more chances to come back. So, keeping that in mind, we were a little disappointed (with Sai and ****** rah)."
"But it didn't affect the morale of the team that much that they didn't get the first 11. I feel that whoever is in our 15 or whoever we give a chance in our playing 11 in any condition, they can play well and win the game," he said.
India will begin the series with Ravindra Jadeja as their only all-rounder, with Washington Sundar still recovering from injury.
Gill backed young all-rounder Manav Suthar to contribute if he gets an opportunity during the series.
"I think that's where someone like Manav coming in. He's got the ability with the bat. Of course, you need a bit of experience, you need some belief and confidence and that will only come once you're out there playing, when you score some runs.
"And hopefully he does that in the series."
133249055
#test #gill #come
Questions were raised after three players initially included in India's squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka were ruled out before the series.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the first Test, Gill said the team management had been closely following the rehabilitation of players at the CoE.
"There is a constant communication with them. Unfortunately Sai Sudharsan did not improve as much as we liked as we can't take risks in Tests. But we are confident of our 15 (players)," Gill said at the pre-match press conference.
Gill said the five-day nature of Test cricket meant India could not risk playing players who were not fully fit.
"The Test match is for 5 days. If it's one-day or T20, then it's a different story. But in the Test match, you don't want to take a risk. I feel that in the Test match, you have more opportunities with other players (to come back)."
He explained that players have several opportunities to contribute during a Test, even if they do not start well.
"For example, if you don't play well on the first day, you get another chance. So, the players have more chances to come back. So, keeping that in mind, we were a little disappointed (with Sai and ****** rah)."
"But it didn't affect the morale of the team that much that they didn't get the first 11. I feel that whoever is in our 15 or whoever we give a chance in our playing 11 in any condition, they can play well and win the game," he said.
India will begin the series with Ravindra Jadeja as their only all-rounder, with Washington Sundar still recovering from injury.
Gill backed young all-rounder Manav Suthar to contribute if he gets an opportunity during the series.
"I think that's where someone like Manav coming in. He's got the ability with the bat. Of course, you need a bit of experience, you need some belief and confidence and that will only come once you're out there playing, when you score some runs.
"And hopefully he does that in the series."
133249055
#test #gill #come
10 days ago
TimesofIndia.com in Galle: India's road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final enters the home stretch from the historic city of Galle, and captain Shubman Gill has an uphill task over the next few months. The WTC final is mathematically still within India's reach but would need a performance for the ages in the next few months, starting with the series opener in Galle on August 15.
The scenario is simple: win seven out of the next nine Test matches to secure the final berth. Even though the immediate challenge involves Galle, crosswinds and frequent rain interruptions, Gill and Co. have their eyes locked on the target, the "main goal".
"The main goal is to play the WTC final, which is next year. And we have got about nine Tests and I think we have to win around six or seven to be able to have a good chance at qualifying. So in terms of that, I think it's a very important series for us," said Gill at the pre-match press conference.
Gill is taking giant strides forward as a leader, which is reflected in how the team has prepared for the series. The captain has vocally criticised the packed scheduling and how it has robbed the side of ideal preparation before an important series in the past. Sri Lanka, on that front, has come as a breath of fresh air, as the team has been camped in Colombo since August 4, where they trained hard at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground, played a warm-up fixture and squeezed in two quality sessions in Galle.
"If we do have an opportunity and if the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before the Test match starts, it obviously helps with the preparation. Even last year we had quite a busy schedule in terms of, you know, travelling, playing in England and playing the Asia Cup, then playing the Test match in India, going to Australia.
"And then playing the Test match within four days after returning from Australia. So it's never easy for the players to be able to adapt. And most of the players in this team, I think, require a bit of time to be able to adjust to the conditions. And it's not like a lot of the players have a lot of matches or a lot of experience under their belts. So the extra time in preparation definitely helps," added Gill.
Every player in the squad relies on high-volume preparation. The optional nets remained busy on the eve of the match as the likes of Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and others applied the finishing touches hours before taking the field in very hot and humid conditions. India's squad, hit by injury concerns, is far from the first choice, but there is no dearth of quality in the 15 ***** embled by the men's senior selection committee.
Chairman Ajit Agarkar has been with the side in Galle, and there have been long chats involving the selector, coach and captain. For a team that has relied heavily on all-rounders to fill crucial slots, the first Test will be a rare occasion featuring
The scenario is simple: win seven out of the next nine Test matches to secure the final berth. Even though the immediate challenge involves Galle, crosswinds and frequent rain interruptions, Gill and Co. have their eyes locked on the target, the "main goal".
"The main goal is to play the WTC final, which is next year. And we have got about nine Tests and I think we have to win around six or seven to be able to have a good chance at qualifying. So in terms of that, I think it's a very important series for us," said Gill at the pre-match press conference.
Gill is taking giant strides forward as a leader, which is reflected in how the team has prepared for the series. The captain has vocally criticised the packed scheduling and how it has robbed the side of ideal preparation before an important series in the past. Sri Lanka, on that front, has come as a breath of fresh air, as the team has been camped in Colombo since August 4, where they trained hard at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground, played a warm-up fixture and squeezed in two quality sessions in Galle.
"If we do have an opportunity and if the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before the Test match starts, it obviously helps with the preparation. Even last year we had quite a busy schedule in terms of, you know, travelling, playing in England and playing the Asia Cup, then playing the Test match in India, going to Australia.
"And then playing the Test match within four days after returning from Australia. So it's never easy for the players to be able to adapt. And most of the players in this team, I think, require a bit of time to be able to adjust to the conditions. And it's not like a lot of the players have a lot of matches or a lot of experience under their belts. So the extra time in preparation definitely helps," added Gill.
Every player in the squad relies on high-volume preparation. The optional nets remained busy on the eve of the match as the likes of Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and others applied the finishing touches hours before taking the field in very hot and humid conditions. India's squad, hit by injury concerns, is far from the first choice, but there is no dearth of quality in the 15 ***** embled by the men's senior selection committee.
Chairman Ajit Agarkar has been with the side in Galle, and there have been long chats involving the selector, coach and captain. For a team that has relied heavily on all-rounders to fill crucial slots, the first Test will be a rare occasion featuring
12 days ago
Pakistan's successful Caribbean campaign has brought a significant boost in the latest ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, with captain Babar Azam returning to the top 10 while Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also made notable gains. Babar's rise comes after Pakistan secured an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Port of Spain to level the two-match World Test Championship series 1-1. The right-handed batter played a crucial role in the win, scoring 88 in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 24 during the chase.
The performance saw Babar climb five places to No. 10 in the Test batting rankings, marking his return to the elite top 10 for the first time since September 2024. Babar had spent five consecutive years inside the top 10 before dropping out of the group. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in December 2022.
Babar's return to the top 10 provides a timely boost for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming Test ***** ignment against England. Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also benefited from Pakistan's performance in the Caribbean, making notable movements in the latest rankings.
At the top of the Test batting rankings, Australia's Travis Head continues to hold the No. 1 position, while India's Jasprit ***** rah remains the leading Test bowler. Ravindra Jadeja continues to occupy the No. 1 spot in the Test all-rounders' rankings.
Pakistan have received another boost ahead of the England series, with experienced batter Shan Masood returning to training with the squad at Beckenham on Tuesday. Masood had sustained a finger injury during the opening Test against the West Indies in the Caribbean and subsequently missed the second match. Pakistan went on to register an eight-wicket victory in Port of Spain, securing their first away Test win in three years.
His return to training has raised hopes that Masood could be available for the opening Test against England in Leeds, which begins on August 19.
#england #boost
The performance saw Babar climb five places to No. 10 in the Test batting rankings, marking his return to the elite top 10 for the first time since September 2024. Babar had spent five consecutive years inside the top 10 before dropping out of the group. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in December 2022.
Babar's return to the top 10 provides a timely boost for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming Test ***** ignment against England. Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also benefited from Pakistan's performance in the Caribbean, making notable movements in the latest rankings.
At the top of the Test batting rankings, Australia's Travis Head continues to hold the No. 1 position, while India's Jasprit ***** rah remains the leading Test bowler. Ravindra Jadeja continues to occupy the No. 1 spot in the Test all-rounders' rankings.
Pakistan have received another boost ahead of the England series, with experienced batter Shan Masood returning to training with the squad at Beckenham on Tuesday. Masood had sustained a finger injury during the opening Test against the West Indies in the Caribbean and subsequently missed the second match. Pakistan went on to register an eight-wicket victory in Port of Spain, securing their first away Test win in three years.
His return to training has raised hopes that Masood could be available for the opening Test against England in Leeds, which begins on August 19.
#england #boost
15 days ago
Colombo: Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten was a keen observer at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground on Sunday as India continued their preparations for the upcoming two-Test series, with the former India coach getting a close look at the visitors during their final warm-up game.
Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup ****** le, was spotted at the venue during the warm-up fixture between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The South African also exchanged a few words with India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar near the boundary ropes before turning his attention back towards the visitors' preparations.
The warm-up match has now entered its final phase, with Sri Lanka Cricket XI declaring their second innings at 200/6 to set India a target of 207 runs. India had earlier declared on 357/6 after Sri Lanka Cricket XI posted 363/8 in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 was the standout performance for India, while Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar also spent valuable time in the middle.
The final chase will give India's batters another opportunity to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions before the Test series, while the hosts will be keen to put pressure on a visiting side that is still working out its combinations.
For Kirsten, Sunday's visit offered an opportunity to ****** s an Indian side he knows extremely well from his successful stint as head coach between 2008 and 2011. His current ****** ignment, however, is to prepare Sri Lanka for a challenging two-Test World Test Championship series against India. Sri Lanka Cricket appointed him with a long-term mandate that includes building the team towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
One of the biggest selection talking points heading into the series has been India's No. 3 position. Sai Sudharsan, who was initially included in India's Test squad subject to fitness, has now been ruled out of the series with a toe injury. That has opened the door further for Devdutt Padikkal, whose unbeaten 142 in the warm-up has strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI.
As TimesofIndia.com reported earlier also identified Shaik Rasheed and Sarfaraz Khan as potential contenders to replace Sudharsan in the squad, although an official replacement had not been confirmed.
133067401
#series #World #coach
Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup ****** le, was spotted at the venue during the warm-up fixture between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The South African also exchanged a few words with India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar near the boundary ropes before turning his attention back towards the visitors' preparations.
The warm-up match has now entered its final phase, with Sri Lanka Cricket XI declaring their second innings at 200/6 to set India a target of 207 runs. India had earlier declared on 357/6 after Sri Lanka Cricket XI posted 363/8 in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 was the standout performance for India, while Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar also spent valuable time in the middle.
The final chase will give India's batters another opportunity to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions before the Test series, while the hosts will be keen to put pressure on a visiting side that is still working out its combinations.
For Kirsten, Sunday's visit offered an opportunity to ****** s an Indian side he knows extremely well from his successful stint as head coach between 2008 and 2011. His current ****** ignment, however, is to prepare Sri Lanka for a challenging two-Test World Test Championship series against India. Sri Lanka Cricket appointed him with a long-term mandate that includes building the team towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
One of the biggest selection talking points heading into the series has been India's No. 3 position. Sai Sudharsan, who was initially included in India's Test squad subject to fitness, has now been ruled out of the series with a toe injury. That has opened the door further for Devdutt Padikkal, whose unbeaten 142 in the warm-up has strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI.
As TimesofIndia.com reported earlier also identified Shaik Rasheed and Sarfaraz Khan as potential contenders to replace Sudharsan in the squad, although an official replacement had not been confirmed.
133067401
#series #World #coach
15 days 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
15 days ago
India pacer Gurnoor Brar produced a late burst with the bat on the second day of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, hitting four sixes in the final over to finish unbeaten on 36 off 18 ***** .
India were 332 for eight going into the final over of the day, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 141. Padikkal took a single off the first ball from spinner Dilum Sudeera, giving Brar the strike.
The left-handed Brar then hit two sixes from the next two deliveries. He refused to take a single off the fourth ball, backing himself to continue the attack. He then hit two more sixes off the fifth and sixth deliveries to take India past 350 and end the day on 357 for eight.
Brar hit sixes off the second, third, fifth and sixth ***** of the 90th over. He also struck two fours and added 51 runs from 30 ***** with Padikkal.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen clapping and smiling after Brar's final-over hitting. He also gave the young fast bowler a standing ovation.
Brar has played six ODIs for India since making his international debut against Afghanistan in June 2026.
Padikkal was the main contributor for India on the second day, remaining unbeaten on 142. Ravindra Jadeja scored 63 before retiring out, while Manav Suthar made 41 on his first overseas international ***** ignment.
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, however, could not make the most of the batting conditions.
India ended the second day on 357 for eight in 90 overs, six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI's first-innings total.
#balls
India were 332 for eight going into the final over of the day, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 141. Padikkal took a single off the first ball from spinner Dilum Sudeera, giving Brar the strike.
The left-handed Brar then hit two sixes from the next two deliveries. He refused to take a single off the fourth ball, backing himself to continue the attack. He then hit two more sixes off the fifth and sixth deliveries to take India past 350 and end the day on 357 for eight.
Brar hit sixes off the second, third, fifth and sixth ***** of the 90th over. He also struck two fours and added 51 runs from 30 ***** with Padikkal.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen clapping and smiling after Brar's final-over hitting. He also gave the young fast bowler a standing ovation.
Brar has played six ODIs for India since making his international debut against Afghanistan in June 2026.
Padikkal was the main contributor for India on the second day, remaining unbeaten on 142. Ravindra Jadeja scored 63 before retiring out, while Manav Suthar made 41 on his first overseas international ***** ignment.
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, however, could not make the most of the batting conditions.
India ended the second day on 357 for eight in 90 overs, six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI's first-innings total.
#balls
20 days ago
Former India captain Rohit Sharma paid tribute to T Dilip after the former India fielding coach was replaced by Subhadeep Ghosh, thanking him for his work with the team over the last five years.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Rohit wrote: "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead."
Dilip worked as India's men's fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. He first joined the support staff in 2021 and served until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint during India's Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it ended.
During his time with the Indian team, India won the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
One of Dilip's most recognised ideas was the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match fielding medal ceremony became popular among fans because of the creative ways in which the winner was announced.
The initiative was aimed at building a stronger fielding culture within the team and encouraging players to take more risks and improve their athleticism in the field. Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the medal winners during the ceremony's run.
After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his journey.
"Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."
He also said the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his favourite memories.
"The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."
#dilip
Taking to Instagram Stories, Rohit wrote: "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead."
Dilip worked as India's men's fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. He first joined the support staff in 2021 and served until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint during India's Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it ended.
During his time with the Indian team, India won the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
One of Dilip's most recognised ideas was the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match fielding medal ceremony became popular among fans because of the creative ways in which the winner was announced.
The initiative was aimed at building a stronger fielding culture within the team and encouraging players to take more risks and improve their athleticism in the field. Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the medal winners during the ceremony's run.
After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his journey.
"Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."
He also said the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his favourite memories.
"The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."
#dilip
21 days 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
21 days 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
#series
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
#series
27 days ago
New Delhi: On March 27 this year, Saransh Jain posted photos and videos on Instagram, thanking former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the valuable lessons he learnt during a five-day camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
In the caption, Saransh mentioned a line Harbhajan Singh told him that touched him the most. It read: "Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona nahi, kuch karna padta hai (To achieve something, you don't have to lose something, you have to do something)." Saransh further wrote: "These aren't just words. They were deeply felt and will stay with me."
Now, months later, the 33-year-old has earned his maiden India call-up.
"He is a very humble guy who knows exactly what he needs to do. I wish him all the very best because this is a special moment for him, his family and everyone who has supported him," Harbhajan told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
Saransh, who has played extensive First-Class cricket and has been a regular for Madhya Pradesh, impressed the selectors with his consistency during the domestic grind and was recently rewarded with an India A call-up. In his outing for India A against Sri Lanka A, Saransh picked up seven wickets in the two unofficial Tests. In the second match, he claimed six wickets and scored an unbeaten 70 in the first innings, paving the way for India's 10-wicket victory.
"He has worked incredibly hard and spent many years in domestic cricket, which, in many ways, is tougher than people realise. Bowling long spells of 40 or 50 overs across a match teaches you a lot. The more you bowl, the more you learn," says Harbhajan, while lauding Saransh's domestic grind.
Washington Sundar's injury opened the door for Saransh. With Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, Saransh is the fourth spinner but the lone off-spinner. If he goes on to make his debut, Saransh will become the first India player to debut after the age of 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
"At 33, he is still young for a spinner, but he now has the experience of bowling to some of the best players of spin in domestic cricket. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to spend four or five days with him," says Harbhajan, backing Saransh to do well.
Over the years, Saransh's flight, dip and high-arm action have proved difficult for batters to pick. Those are exactly the attributes that caught Harbhajan Singh's attention during the specialist camp for off-spinners at the CoE.
"The first thing I noticed was his action. He has a very good action and keeps things simple. He isn't trying too many fancy variations. He has a lot of experience, an excellent seam position and tremendous control. Those qualities make a big difference," says Harbhajan.
"Experience teaches you to trust your strengths and bowl the right line and length consistently. What impressed me the most was his attitude. His mindset is always about taking wickets. Today, many bowlers are focused on simply getting thr
In the caption, Saransh mentioned a line Harbhajan Singh told him that touched him the most. It read: "Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona nahi, kuch karna padta hai (To achieve something, you don't have to lose something, you have to do something)." Saransh further wrote: "These aren't just words. They were deeply felt and will stay with me."
Now, months later, the 33-year-old has earned his maiden India call-up.
"He is a very humble guy who knows exactly what he needs to do. I wish him all the very best because this is a special moment for him, his family and everyone who has supported him," Harbhajan told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
Saransh, who has played extensive First-Class cricket and has been a regular for Madhya Pradesh, impressed the selectors with his consistency during the domestic grind and was recently rewarded with an India A call-up. In his outing for India A against Sri Lanka A, Saransh picked up seven wickets in the two unofficial Tests. In the second match, he claimed six wickets and scored an unbeaten 70 in the first innings, paving the way for India's 10-wicket victory.
"He has worked incredibly hard and spent many years in domestic cricket, which, in many ways, is tougher than people realise. Bowling long spells of 40 or 50 overs across a match teaches you a lot. The more you bowl, the more you learn," says Harbhajan, while lauding Saransh's domestic grind.
Washington Sundar's injury opened the door for Saransh. With Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, Saransh is the fourth spinner but the lone off-spinner. If he goes on to make his debut, Saransh will become the first India player to debut after the age of 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
"At 33, he is still young for a spinner, but he now has the experience of bowling to some of the best players of spin in domestic cricket. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to spend four or five days with him," says Harbhajan, backing Saransh to do well.
Over the years, Saransh's flight, dip and high-arm action have proved difficult for batters to pick. Those are exactly the attributes that caught Harbhajan Singh's attention during the specialist camp for off-spinners at the CoE.
"The first thing I noticed was his action. He has a very good action and keeps things simple. He isn't trying too many fancy variations. He has a lot of experience, an excellent seam position and tremendous control. Those qualities make a big difference," says Harbhajan.
"Experience teaches you to trust your strengths and bowl the right line and length consistently. What impressed me the most was his attitude. His mindset is always about taking wickets. Today, many bowlers are focused on simply getting thr
27 days ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India have announced a 15-member squad for India's upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka next month.
The Test squad, led by captain Shubman Gill, will return to action on August 15 as India take on the hosts in the first match of the series at Galle.
India have named a strong squad that saw the return of star players like Jasprit **** rah and Ravindra Jadeja to the Test squad, however, the team will miss all-rounder Washington Sundar, at least for the first Test, owing to an injury.
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan's participation in the series is not a 100 per cent yet as them playing against Sri Lanka is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
ssssssssss
#lanka #bumrah
The Test squad, led by captain Shubman Gill, will return to action on August 15 as India take on the hosts in the first match of the series at Galle.
India have named a strong squad that saw the return of star players like Jasprit **** rah and Ravindra Jadeja to the Test squad, however, the team will miss all-rounder Washington Sundar, at least for the first Test, owing to an injury.
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan's participation in the series is not a 100 per cent yet as them playing against Sri Lanka is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
ssssssssss
#lanka #bumrah
27 days ago
India squad for Sri Lanka Test series 2026: Full team lists for IND vs SL red-ball series originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India announced their Sri Lanka Test series 2026 squad on Tuesday.
Shubman Gill to continue as Test captain, with KL Rahul in the leadership group.
Jasprit ******* rah and Ravindra Jadeja returned for the two-match series.
Washington Sundar will miss the first Test.
#test #India #lanka
India announced their Sri Lanka Test series 2026 squad on Tuesday.
Shubman Gill to continue as Test captain, with KL Rahul in the leadership group.
Jasprit ******* rah and Ravindra Jadeja returned for the two-match series.
Washington Sundar will miss the first Test.
#test #India #lanka
2 months ago
New Delhi: Hardik Pandya has become one of the most sought-after players since the all-rounder decided to leave Mumbai Indians (MI) after the five-time champions' disastrous campaign in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The race to sign the 32-year-old has intensified, and TimesofIndia.com can confirm that seven franchises have expressed interest in acquiring the all-rounder. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have remained spectators.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the race late but have now set up an exciting contest with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also in the fray. Pandya is a perfect fit for CSK, especially in the post-MS Dhoni era, but there is no guarantee that he will wear the captaincy armband. Meanwhile, KKR are looking for a captain, and RR, too, are ready to offer both leadership and a long-term role. It will be interesting to see how MI positions itself, given the strong interest in their captain.
The communication channels are currently active between MI, CSK and KKR. While the three parties have not confirmed anything yet, various options are being explored. Who will CSK let go? Will it be an all-cash deal? Do KKR have a tangible **** et to trade? Or will it be a roadblock like the one in KL Rahul's case last year?
CSK have remained patient observers as the buzz around Pandya's movement has grown stronger. The five-time champions are timing their entry exactly the way they did during the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran last season. Currently, CSK are in a very strong position to sign Pandya, but late hiccups cannot be ruled out as player trades remain a tricky business in the IPL ecosystem. The role of an influential figure in the CSK set-up could hold the key to the trade's direction.
The most important aspect is player consent, and it will be interesting to see whether Pandya is keen to move to a franchise without the captaincy armband. Two highly respected former international captains have also expressed interest, one offered the captaincy, but the initial discussions did not materialise into anything meaningful. A fresh round of talks cannot be ruled out in the North, especially if conversations continue to gather pace in the South.
Pandya might not be the only high-profile Indian cricketer involved in a trade this season. It has been learnt that MI will have to finalise the all-rounder's move before addressing the future of one of his teammates. MI and the interested franchises are likely to factor that into their negotiations for Pandya. While this may not have a direct impact, it could influence the franchise's approach to the two possible transactions.
132107803
If MI agree to an all-cash deal for Pandya, will they do the same for his India and MI teammate? How will the other franchises position themselves? There are no immediate answers, but clarity is expected to emerge soon. One trade
The race to sign the 32-year-old has intensified, and TimesofIndia.com can confirm that seven franchises have expressed interest in acquiring the all-rounder. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have remained spectators.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the race late but have now set up an exciting contest with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also in the fray. Pandya is a perfect fit for CSK, especially in the post-MS Dhoni era, but there is no guarantee that he will wear the captaincy armband. Meanwhile, KKR are looking for a captain, and RR, too, are ready to offer both leadership and a long-term role. It will be interesting to see how MI positions itself, given the strong interest in their captain.
The communication channels are currently active between MI, CSK and KKR. While the three parties have not confirmed anything yet, various options are being explored. Who will CSK let go? Will it be an all-cash deal? Do KKR have a tangible **** et to trade? Or will it be a roadblock like the one in KL Rahul's case last year?
CSK have remained patient observers as the buzz around Pandya's movement has grown stronger. The five-time champions are timing their entry exactly the way they did during the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran last season. Currently, CSK are in a very strong position to sign Pandya, but late hiccups cannot be ruled out as player trades remain a tricky business in the IPL ecosystem. The role of an influential figure in the CSK set-up could hold the key to the trade's direction.
The most important aspect is player consent, and it will be interesting to see whether Pandya is keen to move to a franchise without the captaincy armband. Two highly respected former international captains have also expressed interest, one offered the captaincy, but the initial discussions did not materialise into anything meaningful. A fresh round of talks cannot be ruled out in the North, especially if conversations continue to gather pace in the South.
Pandya might not be the only high-profile Indian cricketer involved in a trade this season. It has been learnt that MI will have to finalise the all-rounder's move before addressing the future of one of his teammates. MI and the interested franchises are likely to factor that into their negotiations for Pandya. While this may not have a direct impact, it could influence the franchise's approach to the two possible transactions.
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If MI agree to an all-cash deal for Pandya, will they do the same for his India and MI teammate? How will the other franchises position themselves? There are no immediate answers, but clarity is expected to emerge soon. One trade
2 months ago
As Ben retirement announcement was being made official at Trent Bridge on a blazing Sunday afternoon, the crowd stood up and started cheering. The England captain, at the top of his bowling mark, stopped for a moment, showed no reaction and charged in. And what resulted seemed surreal.
A tiring Stokes induced a nick off New Zealand batter Zak Foulkes’ bat and the second slip Harry Brook completed a catch, the team celebrating as if there’s no tomorrow. The cheer across the ground turned into an eruption of emotion — a celebration of England’s greatest allrounder after Ian Botham and the best world cricket has seen since Jacques Kallis. Stokes was coming back from a one-match ban following a bar brawl in this Test match. On the morning of Day 4, he had told his teammates that this would be his last Test, saying “reasons can wait for another day”. Playing only one format, one felt Stokes was good enough for a few more years of Test cricket. But it wasn’t to be.
Probably, this latest controversy was the last straw in a career that has had its share of troubles — he was once banned in 2017 after a bar brawl in Bristol. Injuries, too, had taken a severe toll on his body, Stokes was often forced to take breaks in the past few years. An all-format matchwinner, an ODI and T20 World Cup winner, scorer of one of the greatest Ashes centuries of all time, Stokes had achieved everything. But numbers can’t explain Stokes — the 35year-old was way more than that. He was an iconoclast, a player who could face fire with fire.
His 135 against Australia at Headingley, taking his team to a miraculous one-wicket win will always be remembered as one of the greatest Test innings ever played. Playing with No. 11, the attack that he launched on Australia was a turning point for English cricket.
It wasn’t one-off. Every time England were in trouble, Stokes seemed to rise, be it during the ODI World Cup final win in Lord’s in 2019 or the 2022 T20 World Cup final triumph against Pakistan in Melbourne. Stokes was everywhere, guiding England through choppy waters.
132066317
Brief scores: New Zealand 438 & 288/9 dec (D Mitchell 100*, R Ravindra 94, J Archer 4/53) vs England 354 & 103
A tiring Stokes induced a nick off New Zealand batter Zak Foulkes’ bat and the second slip Harry Brook completed a catch, the team celebrating as if there’s no tomorrow. The cheer across the ground turned into an eruption of emotion — a celebration of England’s greatest allrounder after Ian Botham and the best world cricket has seen since Jacques Kallis. Stokes was coming back from a one-match ban following a bar brawl in this Test match. On the morning of Day 4, he had told his teammates that this would be his last Test, saying “reasons can wait for another day”. Playing only one format, one felt Stokes was good enough for a few more years of Test cricket. But it wasn’t to be.
Probably, this latest controversy was the last straw in a career that has had its share of troubles — he was once banned in 2017 after a bar brawl in Bristol. Injuries, too, had taken a severe toll on his body, Stokes was often forced to take breaks in the past few years. An all-format matchwinner, an ODI and T20 World Cup winner, scorer of one of the greatest Ashes centuries of all time, Stokes had achieved everything. But numbers can’t explain Stokes — the 35year-old was way more than that. He was an iconoclast, a player who could face fire with fire.
His 135 against Australia at Headingley, taking his team to a miraculous one-wicket win will always be remembered as one of the greatest Test innings ever played. Playing with No. 11, the attack that he launched on Australia was a turning point for English cricket.
It wasn’t one-off. Every time England were in trouble, Stokes seemed to rise, be it during the ODI World Cup final win in Lord’s in 2019 or the 2022 T20 World Cup final triumph against Pakistan in Melbourne. Stokes was everywhere, guiding England through choppy waters.
132066317
Brief scores: New Zealand 438 & 288/9 dec (D Mitchell 100*, R Ravindra 94, J Archer 4/53) vs England 354 & 103
2 months ago
Third Rothesay Test, Trent Bridge (day four of five)
New Zealand 438 (Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70) & 288-9 dec: (Mitchell 100*, Ravindra 94; Archer 4-53)
England 354 (Duckett 113, Bethell 74; Smith 4-91) & 103-4 (Duckett 36; Foulkes 3-42)
England need 269 more runs to win
Scorecard
New Zealand 438 (Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70) & 288-9 dec: (Mitchell 100*, Ravindra 94; Archer 4-53)
England 354 (Duckett 113, Bethell 74; Smith 4-91) & 103-4 (Duckett 36; Foulkes 3-42)
England need 269 more runs to win
Scorecard
2 months ago
New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first in the decisive third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Thursday. However, the visitors have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the winner-takes-all contest, with two key players ruled out through injury.
The three-match series is finely poised at 1-1. England claimed the opening Test at Lord's by 115 runs before New Zealand responded emphatically with a crushing 253-run victory at The Oval. With valuable ICC World Test Championship points on offer, the Trent Bridge encounter will determine the series winner.
New Zealand have been forced into major changes after pace spearhead Matt Henry and star all-rounder Glenn Phillips were ruled out of the final Test. Henry, who starred in New Zealand's victory at The Oval and recently climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, misses out with a calf injury. Phillips, meanwhile, has been sidelined due to a side strain.
England have also shuffled their lineup following the heavy defeat in the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes returning to lead the side after being rested at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also returns, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is back after missing the previous Test following the birth of his child. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been recalled to strengthen England's spin options.
Despite being declared fit, Ollie Robinson has not been included in the playing XI.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, William O'Rourke
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
The three-match series is finely poised at 1-1. England claimed the opening Test at Lord's by 115 runs before New Zealand responded emphatically with a crushing 253-run victory at The Oval. With valuable ICC World Test Championship points on offer, the Trent Bridge encounter will determine the series winner.
New Zealand have been forced into major changes after pace spearhead Matt Henry and star all-rounder Glenn Phillips were ruled out of the final Test. Henry, who starred in New Zealand's victory at The Oval and recently climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, misses out with a calf injury. Phillips, meanwhile, has been sidelined due to a side strain.
England have also shuffled their lineup following the heavy defeat in the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes returning to lead the side after being rested at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also returns, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is back after missing the previous Test following the birth of his child. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been recalled to strengthen England's spin options.
Despite being declared fit, Ollie Robinson has not been included in the playing XI.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, William O'Rourke
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
2 months ago
CHENNAI: Every successful Indian team has eventually unearthed an all-rounder who quietly solves multiple problems at once. In Harsh Dubey, India believe they may have found another such cricketer for the future.
The 23-year-old left-arm spinning all-rounder is still at the beginning of his international journey, but the early signs have already convinced the team management that he is a player worth investing in. The confidence being shown in him was evident from captain Shubman Gill's words, who sees Dubey as an important addition to India's pool of all-rounders.
"If we look at the pool of all-rounders, especially left-arm spinning all-rounders who can bat, he is one of those players. He is very young and it's important that we show confidence in players like him. He is someone who can bowl 10 overs for us and, if required, can also get the job done with the bat in situations where you need 80 runs in the last 10 overs," Gill said.
Those comments came before India's squad for the England ODI series was announced. However, despite Gill's endorsement and a promising start at the international level, Dubey did not find a place in the squad as Axar Patel returned to the side after being rested for the Afghanistan series.
Yet, his omission is unlikely to alter the long-term plans India appear to have for him. With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired and India managing the workload of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar, the team management has already started grooming the next generation of spin-bowling all-rounders.
The selectors had named Dubey in both the Test and ODI squads against Afghanistan, signalling a long-term investment rather than a short-term experiment.
That faith was further underlined in the first ODI when Dubey was preferred over the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav. In his debut, the youngster came under pressure in his opening over, but he responded impressively, showing the temperament and finished with figures of 3-47 from five overs and ended his two-match ODI stint with four wickets. While his economy rate of 7.08 remained on the higher side, he managed to strike at crucial moments and showed an ability to bounce back under pressure.
While his bowling credentials are already well established, his batting potential is an untapped area in the series. India believe there is more to come from him with the bat, particularly because he possesses the ability to finish innings and contribute valuable lower-order runs.
His numbers across formats further strengthen his case. In the IPL, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 28.50. In List A cricket, he has picked up 35 wickets in 32 matches and scored 296 runs in 17 innings, including two half-centuries, averaging 26.50 with the bat.
His first-class record is even more impressive. In 27 matches, Dubey has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket matc
The 23-year-old left-arm spinning all-rounder is still at the beginning of his international journey, but the early signs have already convinced the team management that he is a player worth investing in. The confidence being shown in him was evident from captain Shubman Gill's words, who sees Dubey as an important addition to India's pool of all-rounders.
"If we look at the pool of all-rounders, especially left-arm spinning all-rounders who can bat, he is one of those players. He is very young and it's important that we show confidence in players like him. He is someone who can bowl 10 overs for us and, if required, can also get the job done with the bat in situations where you need 80 runs in the last 10 overs," Gill said.
Those comments came before India's squad for the England ODI series was announced. However, despite Gill's endorsement and a promising start at the international level, Dubey did not find a place in the squad as Axar Patel returned to the side after being rested for the Afghanistan series.
Yet, his omission is unlikely to alter the long-term plans India appear to have for him. With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired and India managing the workload of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar, the team management has already started grooming the next generation of spin-bowling all-rounders.
The selectors had named Dubey in both the Test and ODI squads against Afghanistan, signalling a long-term investment rather than a short-term experiment.
That faith was further underlined in the first ODI when Dubey was preferred over the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav. In his debut, the youngster came under pressure in his opening over, but he responded impressively, showing the temperament and finished with figures of 3-47 from five overs and ended his two-match ODI stint with four wickets. While his economy rate of 7.08 remained on the higher side, he managed to strike at crucial moments and showed an ability to bounce back under pressure.
While his bowling credentials are already well established, his batting potential is an untapped area in the series. India believe there is more to come from him with the bat, particularly because he possesses the ability to finish innings and contribute valuable lower-order runs.
His numbers across formats further strengthen his case. In the IPL, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 28.50. In List A cricket, he has picked up 35 wickets in 32 matches and scored 296 runs in 17 innings, including two half-centuries, averaging 26.50 with the bat.
His first-class record is even more impressive. In 27 matches, Dubey has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket matc
2 months ago
Second Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day four of five)
New Zealand 391 (Phillips 100) & 362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68)
England 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*; Henry 5-80) & 182-5 (Root 75*, Jamieson 3-37)
England require 281 more runs, New Zealand need five wickets
Scorecard
New Zealand 391 (Phillips 100) & 362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68)
England 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*; Henry 5-80) & 182-5 (Root 75*, Jamieson 3-37)
England require 281 more runs, New Zealand need five wickets
Scorecard
2 months ago
New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls marked his return to the Test side with an unbeaten century as the visitors tightened their grip on the second Test against England at The Oval on Friday.
Recalled to the squad after Kane Williamson's retirement, Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119 at stumps as New Zealand reached 252/3 in their second innings. With a first-innings lead of 100 runs, the visitors ended day three with an overall lead of 352 runs and seven wickets still in hand.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand secured that advantage by bowling England out for 291 just before lunch.
Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra then rebuilt the innings after early setbacks. Ravindra scored 76 before being dismissed, while the pair added 161 runs for the fourth wicket from 201 **** . It is New Zealand's highest partnership at The Oval.
The visitors steadily extended their lead before taking control after tea, leaving England with a difficult task heading into the fourth day.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said the match was becoming a major challenge for stand-in captain Joe Root.
Root is leading the side in place of Ben Stokes, who was left out following the nightclub incident after the first Test.
England's bowling attack has little Test experience. Sonny Baker is making his debut, Matt Fisher is playing only his second Test and first in four years, while Josh Tongue is appearing in his 11th Test. Jofra Archer, playing his 19th Test, is the most experienced member of the pace attack.
The lack of experience extends beyond the bowling unit. Wicketkeeper James Rew and batter Jordan **** are also making their debuts, while opener Emilio Gay is only playing his third Test.
Broad told the Sky Sports Cricket Vodcast: "It has almost been Root's worst nightmare."
"He has an inexperienced bowling group, a flat pitch, the sun is out, England are behind in the game and tactically he has no one, particularly, to lean on."
"They have looked starved of tactical ideas. It's not just up to the captain to decide what to do but the lack of experience in the England side has been overshadowed by a bit of game nous from New Zealand."
New Zealand now have a strong chance to level the series at 1-1 and force a decider at Trent Bridge from June 25.
However, they will remain cautious after England chased down targets in all three Tests during New Zealand's previous tour in 2022.
With seven wickets in hand, the visitors will look to stretch their lead further before asking England to attempt one of the biggest fourth-innings chases in Test history.
England's highest successful run chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest successful chase in Test cricket is 378/3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022.
Recalled to the squad after Kane Williamson's retirement, Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119 at stumps as New Zealand reached 252/3 in their second innings. With a first-innings lead of 100 runs, the visitors ended day three with an overall lead of 352 runs and seven wickets still in hand.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand secured that advantage by bowling England out for 291 just before lunch.
Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra then rebuilt the innings after early setbacks. Ravindra scored 76 before being dismissed, while the pair added 161 runs for the fourth wicket from 201 **** . It is New Zealand's highest partnership at The Oval.
The visitors steadily extended their lead before taking control after tea, leaving England with a difficult task heading into the fourth day.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said the match was becoming a major challenge for stand-in captain Joe Root.
Root is leading the side in place of Ben Stokes, who was left out following the nightclub incident after the first Test.
England's bowling attack has little Test experience. Sonny Baker is making his debut, Matt Fisher is playing only his second Test and first in four years, while Josh Tongue is appearing in his 11th Test. Jofra Archer, playing his 19th Test, is the most experienced member of the pace attack.
The lack of experience extends beyond the bowling unit. Wicketkeeper James Rew and batter Jordan **** are also making their debuts, while opener Emilio Gay is only playing his third Test.
Broad told the Sky Sports Cricket Vodcast: "It has almost been Root's worst nightmare."
"He has an inexperienced bowling group, a flat pitch, the sun is out, England are behind in the game and tactically he has no one, particularly, to lean on."
"They have looked starved of tactical ideas. It's not just up to the captain to decide what to do but the lack of experience in the England side has been overshadowed by a bit of game nous from New Zealand."
New Zealand now have a strong chance to level the series at 1-1 and force a decider at Trent Bridge from June 25.
However, they will remain cautious after England chased down targets in all three Tests during New Zealand's previous tour in 2022.
With seven wickets in hand, the visitors will look to stretch their lead further before asking England to attempt one of the biggest fourth-innings chases in Test history.
England's highest successful run chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest successful chase in Test cricket is 378/3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022.
2 months ago
Henry Nicholls made an instant impact on his return to New Zealand colours, stepping in for the retired Kane Williamson and delivering a composed unbeaten century to push his side into a dominant position against England on day three of the Test at The Oval.
By stumps on Friday, New Zealand had reached 252 for 3 in their second innings, effectively stretching their overall lead to 352 after bowling England out for 291 just before lunch. Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119, anchoring the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra, who made a fluent 76 before his dismissal after tea.
The pair added 161 runs from 201 ******* , setting a new record for New Zealand's highest partnership at The Oval. Their stand first stabilised the innings, then steadily built control before shifting gears after tea, when they began scoring at nearly six an over with crisp timing and clean strokeplay.
New Zealand's position puts them firmly in charge of the match, with seven wickets still in hand and the opportunity to push towards a 500-run lead. That would leave England facing a steep fourth-innings challenge, especially given their history at the venue. Their highest successful chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest ever fourth-innings chase anywhere is 378 for 3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 during the Bazball era.
Nicholls, who arrived in London only last Sunday after Williamson's shock retirement, admitted the transition was unexpected. "(Williamson retiring) was a bit of a shock to everyone," he said. "I've been lucky enough to play a lot of my cricket with Kane. I wasn't ever going to be able to replace him. I just really enjoyed being back in test cricket, you want to contribute. It was fun, the partnership with Rachin and with Daryl (Mitchell) at the end there."
Walking in early at 8 for 1, Nicholls faced Jofra Archer bowling at high pace and had to settle quickly. He survived the initial burst, then rebuilt after Devon Conway's dismissal alongside Ravindra, who played the more attacking role while Nicholls provided stability.
There were a couple of early alarms, including a dropped chance on 7 by debutant wicketkeeper James Rew, who endured a difficult outing behind the stumps. England's bowling struggled to break the stand through the middle session as the duo methodically drained energy from the attack and the crowd.
After tea, however, the tempo shifted dramatically. Nicholls reached his half-century from 72 ******* , with Ravindra following shortly after off 79 deliveries for his first fifty against England. Ravindra's innings ended on 76 when he was trapped lbw by Jacob Bethell, who once again proved decisive after taking three wickets in the first innings.
Nicholls brought up his century soon after, reaching the milestone off 133 ******* with his 14th boundary, driven through midwicket off Bethell. It was his 11th Test hundred in his 59th match and his second against England, having previously
By stumps on Friday, New Zealand had reached 252 for 3 in their second innings, effectively stretching their overall lead to 352 after bowling England out for 291 just before lunch. Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119, anchoring the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra, who made a fluent 76 before his dismissal after tea.
The pair added 161 runs from 201 ******* , setting a new record for New Zealand's highest partnership at The Oval. Their stand first stabilised the innings, then steadily built control before shifting gears after tea, when they began scoring at nearly six an over with crisp timing and clean strokeplay.
New Zealand's position puts them firmly in charge of the match, with seven wickets still in hand and the opportunity to push towards a 500-run lead. That would leave England facing a steep fourth-innings challenge, especially given their history at the venue. Their highest successful chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest ever fourth-innings chase anywhere is 378 for 3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 during the Bazball era.
Nicholls, who arrived in London only last Sunday after Williamson's shock retirement, admitted the transition was unexpected. "(Williamson retiring) was a bit of a shock to everyone," he said. "I've been lucky enough to play a lot of my cricket with Kane. I wasn't ever going to be able to replace him. I just really enjoyed being back in test cricket, you want to contribute. It was fun, the partnership with Rachin and with Daryl (Mitchell) at the end there."
Walking in early at 8 for 1, Nicholls faced Jofra Archer bowling at high pace and had to settle quickly. He survived the initial burst, then rebuilt after Devon Conway's dismissal alongside Ravindra, who played the more attacking role while Nicholls provided stability.
There were a couple of early alarms, including a dropped chance on 7 by debutant wicketkeeper James Rew, who endured a difficult outing behind the stumps. England's bowling struggled to break the stand through the middle session as the duo methodically drained energy from the attack and the crowd.
After tea, however, the tempo shifted dramatically. Nicholls reached his half-century from 72 ******* , with Ravindra following shortly after off 79 deliveries for his first fifty against England. Ravindra's innings ended on 76 when he was trapped lbw by Jacob Bethell, who once again proved decisive after taking three wickets in the first innings.
Nicholls brought up his century soon after, reaching the milestone off 133 ******* with his 14th boundary, driven through midwicket off Bethell. It was his 11th Test hundred in his 59th match and his second against England, having previously
2 months ago
England seamer Sonny Baker revelled in a strong start to his Test career as he banished the bad memories of his white-ball debuts.
Baker was given a bruising introduction to international cricket last summer as he went wicketless and took plenty of punishment in a one-day international against South Africa and T20 international in Ireland.
His first day as a Test cricketer was rather better, though, with the 23-year-old striking twice against New Zealand to help leave the hosts just about on top at the Oval.
Baker first drew an indeterminate shot from Rachin Ravindra to have the left-hander caught in the gully before hurrying Daryl Mitchell with a sharp short ball to have him caught at midwicket.
The Hampshire quick celebrated each dismissal with his trademark energy and ebullience, and was delighted to give a better account of himself in front of a packed crowd.
Baker was given a bruising introduction to international cricket last summer as he went wicketless and took plenty of punishment in a one-day international against South Africa and T20 international in Ireland.
His first day as a Test cricketer was rather better, though, with the 23-year-old striking twice against New Zealand to help leave the hosts just about on top at the Oval.
Baker first drew an indeterminate shot from Rachin Ravindra to have the left-hander caught in the gully before hurrying Daryl Mitchell with a sharp short ball to have him caught at midwicket.
The Hampshire quick celebrated each dismissal with his trademark energy and ebullience, and was delighted to give a better account of himself in front of a packed crowd.
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar announced his arrival on the Test stage in stunning fashion, producing a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in his maiden appearance for India at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
