They had backed Azam Khan to keep the stumps and appear in the middle order from number 6. The batter who broke into the scene through his aggressive performances in the Pakistan Super League, could not make an impact whatsoever and was eventually dropped from the last two T20Is, having scored just 22 from the first three matches.

“Nowadays social media comes after you”, Hafeez claims Pakistan didn’t want to deteriorate Azam Khan’s confidence

While speaking to A Sports recently, Mohammad Hafeez stated that Azam Khan was dropped from the final two T20Is for his own good as he was anyways experiencing a lean run of form. Hafeez claimed that if Azam had failed to produce a turnaround in those remaining matches then it would have shattered his self-confidence and also highlighted that fans on social media would have trolled him severely which could have further damaged the youngster’s morale.

Hafeez also said that he was left with no option but to drop Azam even if he wanted to give him some more playing time. But since he couldn’t match the expected standards, it was best that he sat out for the final two matches.

“We’ve given clarity to him that he is not going anywhere. Personally, I wanted to give him more matches, but after 3 matches, we thought that he’s not performing well enough so that his confidence wouldn’t shatter to the extent that he couldn’t make a comeback, because you know nowadays social media comes after you immediately after one or two performances.” – Hafeez said via A Sports.

Such has been Azam Khan’s short international career in which he has been picked based on promise and potential rather than match-winning performances. Since making his T20I debut in 2021 in England, the 25-year-old has played 7 matches after his debut and has only disappointed his father Moin Khan, Pakistani fans, and of course the Pakistan Cricket Board. The power hitter has scored only 1 six from 7 innings and only has 29 runs to his name with a highest of 10. That pretty much sums up his case.

“He will get those 10 to 15 matches before the World Cup”, Hafeez on Azam’s T20 WC chances

Mohammad Hafeez did not make it obvious but he did indicate that Azam Khan could be in line to appear for Pakistan in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Hafeez revealed that when he told Azam that he is being dropped, the 26-year-old was reassured that he would get his chances in the future and that there was no reason to worry.

The former team director stated that the management had thought of giving him a long rope until the World Cup and that Azam will get his chances when New Zealand arrive for a T20 series tour to Pakistan before they head over to England for another T20I series.

“The plan was that we’ll play him, give him a full run, till the World Cup he’s not going anywhere. The 3-4 matches he got here (New Zealand), New Zealand’s team is coming here in April and then we’re going to England so he will get those 10 to 15 matches before the World Cup.” – Hafeez concluded. 

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Jonny Bairstow has had a tour to forget until now as he has looked like a shadow of himself, not being able to score as many runs as McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes would have expected. Bairstow along with Joe Root have faced difficulties scoring runs so far and that has directly impacted England’s result in the last two Tests in Vizag and Rajkot where the visitors blew away the lead they took in the 1st Hyderabad Test.

“I’m taking him out”, Alastair Cook opines on Bairstow’s position in the 4th Test

Bairstow had scores of 37, 10, 25, 26, 0, and 4 across the six innings from the crucial number 5 position. It has intrigued Alastair Cook to claim that the right-hand batter should be excluded from the side in the next Test match starting from February 23rd onwards at the JSCA stadium, claiming that India is always a tough place to get going, especially when someone is going through a lean patch.

“I’m taking him out of the firing line to protect the player, as I think he’s had a tough tour so far and India is a tough place to keep going on the treadmill. I’m not saying he’ll never play Test cricket again, but it’s good to have someone who’s fresh of all the debris of this series so far.” – Cook told TNT Sports. 

It is not that England have an incapable batting order but it’s just that the middle order is severely out of form. Only Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Ben Stokes to some extent have showcased individual brilliance and it goes without saying that if Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root start to fire from the middle-order, the Three Lions will become an even more dangerous side for the Indian bowlers to handle.

They had a very good chance of displaying the aggressive Bazball in the Rajkot Test which had a rather batting-friendly track as compared to the previous venues where the ball spun quite a lot. With the pitch report in Ranchi claiming that Batters are expected to get assistance until day 3, it will be an important toss to win for Ben Stokes.

While Cook wants Dan Lawrence to come in, Michael Atherton wants England to keep backing Jonny Bairstow

When asked about the possible replacement for Jonny Bairstow at number 5, Alastair Cook brought forward the name of 26-year-old Dan Lawrence who is known for his exceptional wrist work. However, his senior from the national side, Michael Atherton has a different view, claiming that McCullum and Stokes should keep backing Bairstow as he has been a central part of their Bazball project.

“Bairstow has been so central to this project that I don’t see them leaving him out now, at a critical juncture.” – Atherton said via Sky Sports Cricket. 

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Ravichandran Ashwin became the ninth bowler in international cricket to pick up 500 wickets in Test cricket. The 37-year-old became the second bowler, after the legendary Anil Kumble, to reach this milestone. He has taken 501 wickets in 98 Tests at an average of 23.94.

The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer achieved the milestone by dismissing England opener Zak Crawley in the first innings of the third Test in Rajkot. However, he returned to Chennai due to a family medical emergency. He rejoined the team on the fourth day’s play.

What A Tremendous Cricketer – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar believes Ravichandran Ashwin deserved the captaincy for India a few years ago, praising his exceptional cricketing intellect and innovative approach. Gavaskar wished for Ashwin to continue his success in bowling.

“Congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin on capturing his 500th Test wicket. What a tremendous cricketer he has been! One of the finest thinkers in the game and always willing to try something new and different, be it a run-up, delivery action, or, of course, deliveries to bamboozle the batter,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

“He should have been honored with the India captaincy a couple of years back when there were two India teams playing around the same time. Well done, Ashwin, and I wish you many more wickets, newer deliveries, and different actions in the future,” he added.

Virat Kohli stepped down from the captaincy of the Test team following India’s 2-1 loss to South Africa in January 2022. Rohit Sharma, who was leading in the limited-overs formats, was appointed as the Test captain by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Very Simple Answer Is No – Ravichandran Ashwin

In a post-match press conference following his 500th Test wicket, Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the idea of targeting Anil Kumble’s record. Ashwin expressed satisfaction with his current approach, which has proven effective over the past few years.

“The very simple answer is ‘no’… 120 wickets away. Every day is what I want to live for, and, I’m 37 years old. I don’t know what’s in store next. What’s in store for the next two months?” Ashwin said.

“You play this series and then what lies ahead, you really don’t know. I don’t want to really jump the gun. I’ve kept it this way for the last 4-5 years and it’s been very simple and it’s worked for me. Why change anything that’s working for you?” Ashwin added.

On February 20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul would not participate in the fourth Test against England. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, while KL Rahul has not fully recovered from his injury.

The fourth Test of the five-match series is scheduled to be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi starting on Friday, February 23.

Also read: “Longest 48 hours…” – Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife Prithi posts heartfelt message as spinner achieves 500 wickets milestone

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The penultimate match of the five-Test series is scheduled to be played in Ranchi from February 23. India are set to make at least one change to their bowling lineup after resting Jasprit Bumrah for the forthcoming game. The India pace spearhead played in all three Tests so far before being rested as a part of the workload management.

And according to a report in The Indian Express, 27-year-old Akash Deep is in line to replace him in the playing eleven. While Mukesh Kumar has rejoined the squad for the game, the news outlet has reported that Akash Deep is likely to get the nod ahead of him.

Akash Deep to get the nod:

Mukesh Kumar played the second Test in Vishakhapatnam when Mohammed Siraj was rested. He did not manage to make an impact in that game, managing just a solitary wicket before being released from the squad just ahead of the third Test after Siraj returned. He joined the Bengal squad for their Ranji game against Bihar and picked up an impressive ten wickets.

While Mukesh was expected to replace Bumrah in the playing eleven, the team management has decided otherwise. The report claimed that the team management and the selectors were impressed with the way Akash Deep bowled in the matches between India A and England Lions.

In two unofficial Tests, the right-arm pacer picked up 11 wickets with the help of two four-wicket hauls. In first-class cricket, he has played 30 games so far and has picked up an impressive 104 wickets at an average of 23.58.

Meanwhile, India will be aiming to wrap up the series by winning the fourth Test in Ranchi. The hosts are leading the series 2-1 after their thumping 434-run win in the third Test. India lost the opening Test by 28 runs before bouncing back in style.

The post Mukesh Kumar to be snubbed, Akash Deep to debut in Ranchi Test: Report appeared first on CricketAddictor.

It is normal for every cricketer in the country to get shell-shocked by meeting someone of the stature of MSD himself and Dhruv Jurel is no exception. He remembers pinching himself after Dhoni came in front of him and going spellbound for a while before asking for a picture and getting valuable pieces of advice from Thala.

“I stood up and started thinking is this MS Dhoni”, Jurel on his maiden interaction with the 2011 WC-winning captain

In a recent video uploaded by the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the BCCI, Jurel explained that he was just sitting and watching him over before realizing that it was Dhoni himself.

“I was just watching him and I stood up and started thinking is this MS Dhoni standing in front of me. My first interaction with him was in IPL 2021 which was my first season. At that time, I was pinching myself to see whether it is a dream or not.” – Jurel said via BCCI. 

Dhruv Jurel would then disclose his ultimate dream to be fulfilled in the 4th Test which will take place in the hometown of MS Dhoni at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The 23-year-old claimed that his dream in the match will not be scoring a century or stumping a could of players but to meet Dhoni after the match.

“My dream is to meet Mahi bhai especially after the match after an international game. Whenever I have talked to him, I have always learnt something new from him so I hope that I get a chance to meet him during the fourth Test at Ranchi.” – Jurel added. 

“Just go out, watch the ball, and play”, Dhruv Jurel reveals chat with MSD

Then Dhruv Jurel would reveal the chat he had with the former India captain after a league stage match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. He recalls going straight towards MS Dhoni and stumbling upon thinking as to what should be asked.

Jurel then stated that he just asked for a picture before Dhoni told him to just watch the ball and play according to the merit of the ball.

“So I met him back in 2021 when it was my first IPL season. Then I went straight to him and I was like “Sir-Bhaiya, Sir-Bhaiya”, I couldn’t figure out what to say. And then I asked him ‘can I have one photo with you’. Then he gave me only one advice to just go out, watch the ball and play.” – Jurel concluded. 

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel on his debut Test match, missed out on what could have been a memorable half-century by just 4 runs but overall he had a decent outing. The youngster was good with the gloves too as he led to the run-out of England’s dangerous opening batter Ben Duckett who had scored a full century in the 2nd innings at Rajkot. Jurel is expected to retain his position in the team in place of KS Bharat.

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He revealed during the press conference after the 3rd Test that he is setting his sights on bowling in the next Test match, claiming that he feels a lot better and that his knee injury has also recovered faster than he thought.

Ben Stokes had not been bowling ever since he went through knee surgery which was operated by Dr. Andy Williams who has also performed operations for England players like Andrew Flintoff and Chris Woakes among others. Stokes underwent the surgery on November 2023, right after the Cricket World Cup in India concluded.

He had come out of retirement from the ODI format only to participate in the World Cup which England had entered as reigning champions before eventually finishing in the 7th position.

His doctor had asked him to not bowl any time soon as it can put further pressure on his knees but now it seems as if he is nearing making a return with the ball to help the side regain form in the ongoing series.

Do-or-Die situation awaits England in Ranchi

Ben Stokes’ England currently have their backs against the wall as they find themselves behind by 2-1 in the 5-match Test series in India. The visitors have looked like a shadow of themselves and the team that won the 1st Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs.

They were able to win that Test match on the back of an individual performance from Ollie Pope, something that England have lacked in the last two Tests.

It is also time for senior batters like Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow to fire from the middle order as their lack of runs has heavily affected England’s results.

Their underwhelming performance also has a lot to do with the individual brilliance shown by Indian batters, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Couple that batting unit with the bowling department which has seen Jasprit Bumrah lead from the front while Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jadeja have played the supporting roles pretty well.

It will all be down to the 4th Test at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association stadium from February 23 onwards when England will look to start staging a comeback.

Watch Ben Stokes putting extra effort in the nets

Ben Stokes bowling on one of the side pitches in Ranchi. Session lasted 20 minutes! pic.twitter.com/jjvuwTfbGY

— Pratyush Sinha (@prat1204) February 21, 2024

After confirming during the press conference in Rajkot about being able to bowl at 100% intensity during nets, Ben Stokes made a cryptic claim about bowling in the 4th Test. He sounded quite unsure about that during the statement he made but the latest video which came out about 9 AM, could be an indication that Ben Stokes will bowl in Ranchi.

“I had my first bowl (in the nets) at 100 percent. As a ­person, I like to jump the gun a ­little bit too much. I have to get my whole body to get used to bowling. So I am not saying no, but I am not ­saying yes, either.” – Stokes told reporters in Rajkot. 

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Since the ODI World Cup 2023, Shaheen Shah Afridi has experienced a dip in form. The left-arm pacer faced criticism during the Test series in Australia, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash. Afridi blamed speed guns for displaying lower speeds in Australia.

I’m Still Fit And Young – Shaheen Afridi

In a recent conversation, Shaheen Afridi emphasized that consistently bowling above 145 kph is not required in T20 cricket, highlighting the importance of timing and bowling variety. Afridi mentioned that he can still achieve speeds of 140 or 145 kph.

“I know I can still bowl 140 or 145, but you have to do everything when the time is right. In T20 cricket, no bowler bowls 140-plus as their average ball. In T20 cricket, you only need to bowl three or four balls at express pace. There are a lot of slower balls, variations, and the like. I have never felt my pace has dipped. I know I can bowl 140 or 145. I’m still fit and young, just 23,” Afridi said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have started their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 campaign disastrously, losing their first two matches. The Lahore-based franchise felt the absence of Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, who is sidelined with a back injury.

The Shaheen Afridi-led side will take on the Multan Sultans in their next match of the tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Wednesday, February 21.

I Don’t Know A Lot Of Things – Shaheen Afridi

Reflecting on his journey as captain, Shaheen Afridi stressed the significance of inclusive leadership and fostering positive relationships within the team. He admitted to learning fundamental leadership aspects since assuming the captaincy role.

“When I wasn’t captain, I didn’t know a lot of things. Some so them are so basic I don’t even want to tell you about them. When you’re a bowler you only focus on yourself and your bowling,” Afridi added.

“When you’re captain, the 11 who play and the five sitting on the bench are all your players. You have to treat them as individuals, talk to them all, and keep a friendly atmosphere. You even have a responsibility to conduct yourself in a particular way with the coaching staff, because you’re all pursuing the same goals.”

Shaheen Afridi assumed leadership of the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, guiding them to consecutive titles in the league. Following his success in the league, he was appointed as Pakistan’s T20I captain after Babar Azam stepped down from the T20I captaincy.

However, Pakistan suffered a series of defeats in his captaincy debut, losing 4-1 to New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June. The Men in Green are placed in the same group alongside India in the marquee event.

Also read: “Rashid Khan was our main bowler…” – Shaheen Afridi opens up on Lahore Qalandars’ poor start in PSL 2024

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He was sidelined after suffering a quadricep strain in the first Test in Hyderabad. Apart from him, Ravindra Jadeja was also sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the series-opener. Both the players were included in the squad for the last three Tests although the BCCI announced that their participation will depend on their fitness.

Jadeja recovered in time for the third Test but KL Rahul did not. After the third Test in Rajkot, India captain Rohit Sharma delivered a promising update on the batter, saying that ‘he should be okay’ for the fourth Test in Ranchi. Almost a week before Rohit’s update, the BCCI had stated that the Karnataka star ‘has reached 90 percent of match fitness’.

Unsurprisingly, he was expected to be fit for the upcoming fourth Test, scheduled to start from February 23. However, the BCCI, on Tuesday (February 20), announced that the batsman is out of the Test and his participation in the fifth Test is not confirmed as well.

“KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness,” the BCCI stated.

Why is KL Rahul not playing?

According to a report in CricketNext, injury is not the sole reason behind KL Rahul’s absence. The report stated that the star batsman did recover fully before the third Test in Rajkot but was not ‘confident enough to return to the field’ for that crucial game.

There was a gap of more than a week between the second and third Test and KL Rahul had enough time to recover. Although he was progressing well and was close to returning to action, he eventually decided against it.  Talking about the series, India thrashed England by a record 434 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

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Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali had sat together along with a few more panelists on a local Pakistani channel called A Sports. They usually discuss various aspects of cricket, from players’ analysis to putting forward blunt and honest opinions. One of the best things about the show is that they do not spare the country’s cricketing system at all and are known for voicing their opinions.

Currently, they have been discussing the ongoing 9th edition of the Pakistan Super League which went underway from February 17th onwards. Among the topics of discussion were the reigning champions Lahore Qalandars and their youth system which was initiated with the thought of creating a pipeline of young cricketers to represent the national side.

What is the Qalandars Players development program?

Back in 2016, when the first edition of the Pakistan Super League was played, the Lahore-based outfit launched its youth system which they named the Lahore Qalandars Players Development Programme (PDP). The scheme aims at scouting untouched nationwide talents, giving them thorough exposure by organizing camps.

The scouts would then spot several talents and put them in city-based teams with the best performers getting a chance to practice and further nourish their skills at the Qalandars High-Performance Center (QHPC) in Lahore. Until now, the plan has only unearthed a single talent and that is right-arm pacer Haris Rauf who used to play a lot of Tape ball cricket but has now been declined from the central contract list.

“We haven’t seen a product of the PDP”, Mohammad Hafeez criticizes Lahore Qalandars’ plan to promote talent

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez who was recently sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board from the role of senior team’s director, bashed the Qalandars PDP for not doing enough to identify talents that have been as impressive as their first found – Haris Rauf.

Mohammad Hafeez openly claimed that he hadn’t seen a single product from that scheme that has caught the eye. He claimed the plan is a good one as it will help the franchise boost its popularity and give the Pakistani team some new names.

However, Hafeez also feels that the reality on the ground is something else even if they have remained very active in their scouting but the outcomes of it are yet to be determined.

“So far, whatever progress Lahore Qalandars have made within the PDP, there is no doubt that they are very active. But so far, apart from just Haris Rauf, we haven’t seen a product of the PDP that has caught our eye at the international level.” – Hafeez told A Sports.

“And that product of the PDP, which you have found, is performing. When they started to think outside, they started picking the right players. The PDP program is good for cricket promotion, it enhances the franchise’s hype, but it is not performing on the ground.” – Mohammad Hafeez concluded. 

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Rishabh Pant began rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy after his hospitalization. The wicketkeeper-batter has shown remarkable recovery and played in a practice match in Alur. Pant is anticipated to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for the forthcoming IPL edition.

Cricket Is A Very Small Part Of Life – Aakash Chopra

In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise at the possibility of Rishabh Pant participating in the IPL. Chopra described Pant’s potential comeback as remarkable, considering his past challenges and current achievements.

“There are filtered reports that Rishabh Pant will be seen playing this year in the IPL, which is absolutely phenomenal. It is miraculous, considering where he came from and where he has reached,” Chopra said.

“Cricket is a very small part of life. It’s very important but cricket is there only if there is life. The sort of accident it was, I was just happy that he was alive. I am pretty sure he would have had to work very hard during the journey from there to here because it’s difficult and extremely lonely as well,” he added.

The Delhi Capitals are yet to confirm if Pant can manage the dual roles of wicketkeeper-batter and captain in IPL 2024. However, he could feature solely as a batter, utilizing the Impact Player rule. DC remains optimistic about Pant securing clearance for the IPL 2024.

Rishabh Pant Solves Extremely Important Problem – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra noted that Rishabh Pant’s inclusion would resolve a significant issue for the Delhi Capitals. Chopra stated that Pant’s ability to bat in the middle order would benefit the team, particularly given the strong top-order lineup.

“He will bat and captain. With batting, he solves an extremely important problem for the Delhi Capitals because he can bat slightly down the order as, unfortunately, all their good players are top-order batters,” Chopra further stated.

The 26-year-old has scored 2838 runs in 98 IPL matches with an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of 147.97. However, his performance in IPL 2022 was not remarkable, as the southpaw scored 340 runs at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of 151.79 across 14 games.

It’s A Very Good Thing – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that Rishabh Pant’s captaincy would benefit the Delhi Capitals. Chopra highlighted that David Warner faced scrutiny over his captaincy in the IPL last year.

“It’s a very good thing if he (Pant) captains because David Warner, as much as he is a good player, there were serious questions over his captaincy last year. Although Ricky Ponting said Warner would manage, Axar Patel might be saying that he can bat and bowl,” Chopra added.

In the previous IPL season, the Delhi Capitals, led by David Warner, finished second-last, winning only five out of 14 matches and securing 10 points. If Rishabh Pant misses any matches in the upcoming season, the veteran Australian opening batter might lead the team.

Also read: Watch: Rishabh Pant comes up with big surprise, does wicket-keeping in full throttle

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The southpaw is set to ply his trade for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 and his preparations could take a hit due to the legal issue. According to a report, the cricketer has landed in the controversy about the suicide case of Surat-based model Tania Singh. She was working in the field of fashion and modeling and had a good following on social media.

The Ahmedabad Mirror has reported that the 28-year-old model hailed from Rajasthan and resided at the Happy Elegance in the Vesu area. She was studying fashion design before ending her life by hanging herself from the ceiling of her apartment.

The local police suspected a love affair behind the suicide and checked out the call details which eventually led to Abhishek Sharma’s name getting involved in the matter.

According to the report, the cricketer was the last person she contacted with her phone. While there is reportedly no real contact between the deceased and the cricketer, the police have decided to call him for questioning since he had been the model’s friend for a long time.

Abhishek Sharma fails to impress:

Abhishek Sharma is currently plying his trade for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and has not managed to make an impact with the bat. In four first-class games this season, he has registered just one half-century. His scores in the ongoing Ranji season read – 26, 91, 29, 4, 6, 7 and 36. He has picked up three wickets with his spin bowling.

The southpaw will be hoping to get out of the controversy and focus on the upcoming IPL 2024. He has scored more than 600 runs in the last two seasons of the IPL and will be eyeing a successful campaign in the upcoming edition. So far, he has played 47 matches in the IPL and has scored 893 runs with a top score of 75.

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Taking to social media, the batting superstar announced the arrival of his son Akaay while also revealing that the child was born on February 15. Virat Kohli as well as Anushka Sharma had managed to keep their location under wraps although few reports claimed that they were outside India and Virat Kohli’s latest photo very much proves that.

Soon after the India star announced the birth of his son, several fans took to X to share the ‘latest picture’ of him walking on the streets of London. Many are now convinced that the couple indeed welcomed their second child in England.

Latest Picture Virat Kohli in London pic.twitter.com/JOQoq13EQQ

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) February 20, 2024

“With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay and Vamika’s little brother into this world! We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love and gratitude – Virat and Anushka,” read the post from Kohli and Anushka.

Virat Kohli to return in IPL 2024:

Virat Kohli is likely to return to action next month when IPL 2024 gets underway. The veteran batsman has not played a competitive game since the third T20I against Afghanistan last month. While he was named in the squad for the first two Tests against England, he decided to pull out at the last moment.

It was expected that he would be available for the last three Tests but Virat Kohli decided otherwise. The BCCI announced that the former captain would miss the final three games of the series as well. Talking about the ongoing five-match series, India are leading it 2-1.

They lost the first Test in Hyderabad before winning the second and third games to take the lead for the first time in the series. The fourth Test is scheduled to be played on February 23 in Ranchi.

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Wasim Akram made these comments during an interview with Star Sports which also had the likes of Dale Steyn, Tom Moody, and Matthew Hayden as fellow panelists.

The official Television broadcasters of the IPL brought all of them together virtually to pick an all-time best-playing XI of the richest cricketing which will turn 17 years old this March.

The tournament throughout its history since 2008, has provided countless breathtaking moments but most importantly, it has garnered and given young uncapped-untouched players a platform to go on and represent the Indian national team India isn’t the only to benefit as other nations have also been benefitted from the league.

Panelists agree for David Warner and Rohit Sharma as the Greatest IPL openers

The entire panel agreed upon the names of David Warner and Rohit Sharma as the openers for the combined IPL playing XI concerning those who have performed consistently in the last 16 years.

While Warner received the maximum, 3 votes, Rohit was tied with Chris Gayle with 2 votes to their names. Among the options were Warner, Rohit, Virat Kohli and Gayle.

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody was the only one to pick Kohli as the opening batsman of the combined XI, otherwise, Dale Steyn and Wasim Akram among others were unanimous in their choice of Rohit And Warner as the openers.

It was shocking why everyone was so reluctant to choose Virat Kohli as the opening batsman even after the batting stalwart is the all-time highest run getter of the tournament.

The 35-year-old has 7263 runs from 237 matches at an average of 37.24 including 7 centuries and 59 half-centuries, all for the Royal Challengers Bangalore since the inception of IPL.

Virat Kohli is the epitome of loyalty in this league and can be named alongside MS Dhoni as a one-club man. Another shocker was that Star Sports did not even include Shikhar Dhawan in the shortlist of greatest openers.

The left-hand batter who has represented franchises like Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, has scored 6617 runs from 217 matches and is the 2nd highest IPL run-getter.

Virat Kohli welcomes baby Boy! Can he now finally win the elusive IPL title?

Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma announced last night that they have welcomed a baby boy whom they have named Akaay. Since they revealed the news, social media has been buzzing with positive reactions, and cricketers as well as cricket outlets have showered their love and support for Kohli since then.

The birth of his second child was the reason why he opted out of the entire 5-match Test series against England but now the question is, can his baby Boy Akaay prove to be a lucky charm and maybe help Virat Kohli win the elusive IPL title with RCB this season?

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The two teams have been playing continuous cricket since the World Cup. Australia first played a Test series against Pakistan and then a T20I series against West Indies. 

They won both of them. New Zealand played a T20I series against Pakistan that they won. Next, they played a Test series against a second-string South African side which they won 2-0 as well.

Leading into this series, they will be led by Mitchell Marsh who led them in the series against West Indies. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who rested from the Windies series return to the side.

Nathan Ellis who missed out of the West Indies series with a rib injury was retained in the T20I squad for the series against New Zealand. Australia are placed fourth in the T20I rankings leading into this series. 

New Zealand also have a handful of changes and some key players missing due to injury. First and foremost Kane Williamson is absent from this series as he is on parental leave.

Tim Southee will only play the first T20I and will then manage his workload by resting in the next two games. Mitchell Santner will lead the Kiwis in the remaining two games. 

Also Read: Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan – PSL 2024, Match 3

Josh Clarkson, an uncapped all-rounder is part of New Zealand’s 14-man squad for the AUS vs NZ T20I series. Tim Southee is also back in the T20I squad with a vision to play in the next T20 World Cup. He did not play the Test series against South Africa. Boult will replace Southee for the last two games.

Among injury concerns are Daryl Mitchell (foot injury) and Michael Bracewell (finger injury) who are unavailable in the series. Mitchell will return for the two-match Test series. Meanwhile, Jimmy Neesham is unavailable as he is playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. 

Thus despite injury concerns in both camps, both teams have been able to name strong squads that will make the AUS vs NZ T20I series worth watching.

AUS vs NZ 2024 Broadcasting Rights in India

The AUS vs NZ T20I series will not be broadcast in India. However, the series will be broadcast live on respectively in the two countries. Fox Cricket will broadcast the series in Australia while TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+ will broadcast it live in New Zealand. Indian fans sadly cannot watch it live on television. 

AUS vs NZ 2024 Live Streaming Platform in India

The Indian fans can watch the live streaming of the AUS vs NZ series on the Amazon Prime video app and website. The viewers need to buy a subscription to watch matches on the Prime Video app.

Subscription Plan in India

To enjoy Prime benefits, you can currently purchase Prime membership at an offer price by paying 1499 per year, 299 per month,599 for 3 months (basis eligibility), or purchase Prime Lite plan by paying ₹799 per year (basis eligibility).

Amazon Prime Video has also expanded its sports programming with the launch of FanCode on Prime Video Channels. Indian fans can watch more than 15 sports including cricket, football, rugby, kabaddi, and basketball amongst others. Prime members will have to buy an annual add-on subscription to FanCode for 249.

Official Broadcaster in India

As said earlier, Indian fans cannot watch the AUS vs NZ series live broadcast in India. However, the fans of the two respective countries respective countries can watch it on Fox Cricket and TVNZ channels.

AUS vs NZ Live Streaming In India– 1st T20I, 2024: When and Where To Watch Australia vs New Zealand Live In India?

When will the AUS vs NZ 1st T20I match begin? 

The match begins at 11.40 am IST on February 21, Wednesday. 

Where will the AUS vs NZ 1st T20I match take place?

The match will be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington. 

How to Live Telecast the AUS vs NZ 1st T20I match on television?

The New Zealand vs Australia live telecast on TV in India will not be available.

How to Livestream the AUS vs NZ 1st T20I match on mobile Online?

The AUS vs NZ Live Streaming in India will be available on the Amazon Prime Video app and website. 

Conclusion

Cricketing action continues for non-India matches for Indian fans on Amazon Prime Video with Australia and New Zealand playing out a three-match T20I series. Indian fans can also watch leagues like the Pakistan Super League and the Bangladesh Premier League simultaneously on the Fancode app.

Also Read: MUS vs KRK Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s PSL 2024 Match? Match 3

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Afghanistan are winless in the series so far. They lost the one-off Test by 10 wickets, were humbled in the ODI series, and have lost the first two T20Is too. The Afghans lost the first T20I by four runs and the second by 72 runs.

They are ranked tenth in the ICC T20I rankings heading into this series. The visitors had a chance to make a turnaround in the T20I series with a power-packed side at their disposal. However, they lost the two games and were outplayed in the process.

The side is led by the young Ibrahim Zadran who is the stand-in skipper for the series. Rashid Khan is not a part of this series as he is recovering from his lower back injury. His absence has been richly felt by the side.

Heading into the final T20I, the batters need to step up, especially the top-order. The likes of Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz who have not scored too many runs in the series need to be back amongst the runs and give the team a substantial total.

Also Read: MUL vs ISL Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today PSL Match? Match 5, PSL 2024

Afghanistan Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I, 2024

Hazratullah Zazai

Afghanistan decided to open with Zazai and Ibrahk zadran. The southpaw scored just one in the previous game and should look to score a big one in the final T20I. He scored just one in the previous game.

Ibrahim Zadran (C)

Zadran will open the batting with Zazai. He scored an unbeaten 67 in the first T20I and just 10 in the second game. The skipper needs a big knock in the decider.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)

Gurbaz was moved down to three in the last game and scored just 13. He scored 13 in the first T20I as well. The keeper-batter needs to be back to his belligerent batting form.

Gulbadin Naib

Naib the big-hitter will bat at four. He batted at number three in the first game and scored 16. In the second T20I, he scored just four. He is inching closer to 1000 T20I runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai

Omarzai was out for a first-ball-duck in the last game. The all-rounder has looked like the best batter for his side since the ODI World Cup. He also scored a century in the previous ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Mohammad Nabi

Nabi is the most experienced player in this T20I side. He scored nine in the first T20I and 27 in the second. He is 19 short of 2000 T20I runs and 10 short of 100 T20I wickets. He scored 9 in the first T20i and 27 in the second.

Karim Janat

Janat scored 28 in the last game with the bat and bowled two overs with the ball for 20 runs. He is another experienced all-rounder in the lineup.

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Farooqi will lead the pace attack. He has been playing white-ball cricket continuously for the visitors. He picked up three wickets in the first T20I and one in the second. He is 15 shy of 50 T20I wickets.

Naveen-ul-Haq

Naveen will share the new ball with Farooqi. He retired from ODI cricket after the ODI World Cup and does not play Test cricket. He picked up two wickets in the first T20I and one in the second. He is seven shy of 50 T20I wickets.

Noor Ahmad

Noor will be one of the two spinners to conclude the XI. He picked one wicket in the first T20I and went wicketless in the second. He was recently charged with by the ILT20 on disciplinary grounds.

Qais Ahmad

Qais concludes the Afghanistan T20I playing XI for the final T20I against Sri Lanka. He played the first T20I and picked up a wicket but did not play the second. In Rashid and Mujeeb’s absence, he should play in the XI.

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Sri Lanka won the first T20I by four runs and the second by 72 runs. Batting first they piled up 187/6 with Sadeera Samarawickrama (51) and Angelo Mathews (42* off 22) scoring runs in the lower order after a good start from the top order.

The bowlers then came together to dismiss Afghanistan for a paltry 115. All six Sri Lankan bowlers got wickets with skipper Wanindu Hasaranga picking up 2/19. Mathews picked up 2/9 in two overs to win the Man of the Match award.

Sri Lanka have been thoroughly dominant in this series against Afghanistan and have remained unbeaten. They have extended their winning streak in T20Is to five out of seven games. Heading into the last T20I, Sri Lanka can either play with the same squad or ring in a few changes to give changes to a few players as well.

Also Read: Unbelievable player! Andre Russell picked in greatest IPL XI by Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn

Sri Lanka Playing 11 vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I, 2024

Pathum Nissanka

Nissanka will open the batting. He has scored 6 and 25 in the first two games and will look to finish on a high. The batter became the first Sri Lankan to score a double-century in ODIs in the ODI series.

Kusal Mendis (WK)

Mendis the ODI skipper was chosen as the specialist keper batter over Kusal Perera. He scored 10 and 23 in the first two games. It will be interesting to see if the ODI skipper is rested for the final game.

Dhananjaya de Silva

Test skipper Dhahnanyaja de Silva will slot in at three. He scored 24 and 14 in the first two games and will look to finish on a high in the third T20I. Previously he led his side to a Test win against Afghanistan in the series.

Sadeera Samarawickrama

The batter is fresh off his 51 off 42 balls in the second T20I. He plays spin well and is becoming a dependable player with the bat for his side. He notched up his first fifty-plus score in the format.

Charith Asalanka

Asalanka will bat at five. He has managed to single-digit scores in the first two games and will look to finish strongly. The southpaw is 85 short of 1000 T20I runs and can target it in the final T20I.

Angelo Mathews

Mathews scored an unbeaten 42 batting at seven in the second T20I. Number six or seven is an ideal batting position for him in the format since he is a finisher for the side. He also took two wickets.

Dasun Shanaka

Shanaka can bat at seven. As the Sri Lankan T20I skipper, he batted at seven mostly and finished games for the side. He scored just six in the first T20I and did not bat in the second game.

Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga can bat at eight. He scored an unbeaten 22 off just nine balls in the second T20I and took 2/19 with the ball. He is now the second Lankan bowler with more than 100 T20I wickets after Lasith Malinga.

Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana can bat at nine. He can hit the long balls in the lower order and pair up with Hasaranga as the spin twin for the Lankans. He has picked up two wickets in two games.

Dilshan Madushanka

Madushanka can replace Binura Fernando in the last game. He was not picked for the first two games while Fernando picked up wickets in both the game. The management might look to give the other left-arm pacer a chance.

Matheesha Pathirana

Pathirana concludes the likely Sri Lankan XI. He picked up four wickets in the first game and two in the second. He has now picked six wickets from just three T20Is.

Also Read: Irfan Pathan dissects Punjab Kings’ bowling attack for IPL 2024; predicts top-4 finish for the team

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India secured their biggest-ever Test victory in terms of runs (434) in the recent match. Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased dominance against the English bowlers, scoring an unbeaten 214 runs during India’s second innings. He hit three consecutive sixes off James Anderson.

Sarfaraz Khan patiently awaited his chance with the national team, excelling in domestic cricket. The right-handed batter made his international debut during the Rajkot Test. He made the most of the opportunity by smashing two half-centuries in his first match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Is Capable Of Playing All Formats – Sourav Ganguly

In a conversation with Mid Day, Sourav Ganguly stated that Yashasvi Jaiswal is capable of playing well across all cricket formats. Ganguly acknowledged Sarfaraz Khan’s promising start but stated that he has to deliver in overseas conditions.

“Jaiswal is not only a good player, he’s capable of playing all in formats of the game. Sarfaraz has started well. He now has to score in foreign countries. Sarfaraz is a good example for budding cricketers, who must keep in mind that if they score consistently, they will get their chances,” Ganguly told Mid-Day.

Team India faced a challenge when Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew from the Test on Day 2 due to his mother’s illness. However, the 37-year-old spinner returned to the field during the post-Tea session on Day 4. He picked up one wicket in England’s second innings.

India Are So Confident – Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly highlighted Indian team management’s decision to allow Ravichandran Ashwin to leave mid-Test, indicating their confidence in the team’s capabilities.

“India are so confident that they allowed R Ashwin to go back home in the middle of a Test. India look much more motivated in this series,” Ganguly added.

It’s Difficult For England To Be Successful – Sourav Ganguly

The former Indian skipper expressed skepticism about England’s success in Indian conditions. Ganguly highlighted India’s strength despite the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

“Bazball is good, but it’s difficult for England to be successful in Indian conditions. I will be surprised if India lose the series. Please remember that India are playing without Virat [Kohli], KL [Rahul]. It’s a young team with many new faces, and yet, England are struggling,” Ganguly further stated.

The England team started the series with a 28-run victory during the series opener in Hyderabad. However, the Ben Stokes-led team failed to maintain winning momentum and suffered losses in the next two matches, conceding a 2-1 lead to the opposition team.

England’s last Test series win in India was under Sir Alastair Cook’s captaincy in 2012 with a 2-1 victory. Ben Stokes requires a significant turnaround to secure wins in Ranchi and Dharamshala. The hosts have remained unbeaten in home Test series over the last decade.

Also read: Sourav Ganguly passes defining verdict on Rohit Sharma taking over as India’s captain for T20 World Cup 2024

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Date and Venue

The SL vs AFG third T20I will be played in Dambulla on February 21. The match starts at 7 pm IST. The series was expected to be closely contested but the hosts have outplayed the visitors in the first two games by registering victories. 

Team Analysis- SL vs AFG Match Preview- 3rd T20I, 2024

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka into this series after beating Afghanistan handsomely in the Test and ODI series. They won the one-off Test by 10 wickets and earned biog victories in the three ODIs. Sri Lanka won the first ODI by 42 runs, second by 155 runs, and third by seven wickets. 

They have swept them away in the T20I series as well. They held their nerves to snatch up a win in the first match which was a close finish. In the second T20I, they bowled out the opposition for just 115, after putting up 187 on the board. 

Everything has fallen into place so far for the Islanders, Their batters have scored runs, and their bowlers have taken wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga has had a good start to stint as Sri Lanka’s T20I captain. A clean sweep will be the ideal way to finish the series on a high. The team has ticked many of the boxes correctly ahead of the T20 World Cup. 

Sri Lanka Squad 

Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando

Also Read: IPL 2024 likely to start on March 22 – Arun Dhumal

Afghanistan 

Nothing has gone right for the Ibrahim Zadran-led Afghanistan team in this tour so far. They lost the one-off Test and the ODI series. They were expected to bounce back in the T20I series, a format where they have achieved a lot of success in the last few months. However, the gulf between the two teams only widened. Now Sri Lanka have won five out of the seven T20Is played against Afghanistan. 

The batters have let the team down in the series so far especially Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He earned a reputation of being a hard-hitting opener but has not taken the responsibility at the top. He scored 13 each in the first two games putting too much pressure on the middle and the lower-order. 

The absence of Rashid Khan has weakened the bowling attack a lot more. He is out of the team since he underwent the surgery after the World Cup but the other spinners could not make the most of his absence. 

Afghanistan Squad 

 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Wafadar Momand, Mohammad Ishaq

Key Battles

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Wanindu Hasaranga 

The Gurbaz vs Hasaranga is one of the most important battles in the SL vs AFG T20I. So far the leggie has dismissed the Afghan keeper-batter once each in ODIs and T20Is. He has dismissed Gurbaz one each in ODIs and T20Is as well. Given that Gurbaz needs to score quick runs for his team, the hosts will look to dismiss him early and Hasaranga will be the ideal match-up against him. 

Angelo Mathews vs Mohammad Nabi 

This should be a nice battle between the two experienced customers. Mathews played a lovely cameo in the last game while Nabi being the most experienced of the Afghanistan bowlers should look to gun down his wicket in the final overs. 

Key Players 

For Afghanistan, Gurbaz and Ibrahim are the key players with the bat. The Afghan batters have let themselves down in the ODI series and the first two games hence need to up their game in the T20I series.

They will need to give enough runs to their bowlers to win the contest. With the ball, the spin twins, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the key bowlers. Both teams will employ the spin to win formulae to win the game and the Afghans have their key weapons ready. 

For Sri Lanka, after the last game, Mathews becomes a crucial player in the final overs. Charith Asalanka is the other as he can score quick runs in the final overs. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are the two key bowlers from Sri Lanka for this game. 

Weather and Pitch

The weather prediction for the SL vs AFG third T20I is pretty clear on Wednesday. The temperature will be around 31 degrees during the day while it will drop to 22 degrees and the sky will be fairly clear in the evening. 

The venue has hosted just five T20I games with two three matches won by the team batting first and two chasing. The average first innings score is close to 150. With the batting firepower on both sides, we can expect a high-scoring contest. 

Conclusion

Sri Lanka will look to rise the T20I rankings if they manage to clean sweep Afghanistan. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will look to salvage a victory, avoid a clean sweep, and finish the series on a positive note.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya included in Matthew Hayden’s all-time best IPL XI

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Sri Lanka won the first T20I by four runs and then thumped Afghanistan in the second T20I by 72 runs. They scored 187/6 batting first and bowled out the Afghans for a paltry 115. 

Afghanistan who were expected to make a comeback in the T20I series after their ODI series drubbing have played even worse and let themselves down. The head-to-head count now in SL vs AFG T20Is sits 5-2 in favor of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga in the series. He was named the new T20I skipper for Sri Lanka after the ODI World Cup. The SLC decided to change the leadership responsibilities choosing three different captains for different formats.

Hasaranga was chosen as the T20I skipper. He won his first series as captain against Zimbabwe. Kusal Mendis was named the new ODI skipper and Dhananjaya de Silva the new T20I skipper.

Also Read: Nepal to visit India in March for T20 tri-series ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Ibrahim Zadran will continue to lead Afghanistan as the stand-in skipper. Regular T20I skipper Rashid Khan is still recovering from his lower back surgery. Zadran and his fellow opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be the key batters for the Afghans with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmead the key bowlers in the series. The players have let themselves down in the series. 

SL vs AFG Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Dambulla Stadium – 1st T20I, 2024

Weather Report Of Dambulla

The weather conditions will be mostly cloudy throughout the day with temperatures up to 31 degrees. There is a 3-5 percent chance of rain during the day.

The weather conditions will be partly cloudy during the evening with a negligible chance of rain. There has been no rain interruption in the first two games. Hopefully, the rain will stay away in the final game as well.

Pitch Analysis

So far the Dambulla pitch has remained a good one for batting. Sri Lanka scored 160 in the first T20I. Afghanistan scored 156 in response. Sri Lanka scored 180 plus in the second T20I and Afghanistan were bowled out for just 115.

That performance does not reflect the truth as the wicket was still good enough for batting. As is expected the pitch will turn spin and dew is expected to play a role as well if it does not rain.

Weather Impact on SL vs AFG 3rd T20I

There is a 3-5 percent chance of rain in Dambulla on February 21. Thus rain might not affect the SL vs AFG third T0I. Rain has stayed away from the first two games and we have seen a full 40 overs of play which is expected to be the same way in the third T20I as well. The temperature in the evening will be around 22 degrees which will be pleasant conditions for cricket.

Conclusion

The match might not be hugely impacted by rain which gives Sri Lanka the chance to complete a clean sweep. Afghanistan will all their might expect to win the third T20I and avoid a clean sweep.

Also Read: AUS vs NZ Today Match Prediction- 1st T20I, Who Will Win Today’s T20I Match? 2024

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Afghanistan are yet to win a single match in this tour so far. They came the closest in the first T20I when they lost the match by just four runs. They lost the second T20I by 72 runs and are now staring at a clean sweep. 

The hosts have been dominant throughout. They won the ODI series by big margins and have also managed to keep the winning run by winning the first two games. Hasaranga as the skipper has made all the right moves and has achieved success. 

Team Analysis

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka are led by Wanindu Hasaranga. He won his maiden T20I series as captain against Zimbabwe and has done pretty well to lead his team in the first two games. Sri Lanka seems to be well prepared for the T20 World Cup with their players slowly getting back to form. 

Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Angelo Mathews, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis are the core of the side right now and their T20 World Cup squad should be prepared around them. 

Afghanistan 

Afghanistan are yet to win a single match in this series so far. They lost the one-off Test and were whitewashed in the ODI series. They lost the first two T20Is too are and staring at a clean sweep.

The batting looks the stronger suit of the visitors in the absence of Rashid Khan. There will be added pressure on the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad to deliver in the absence of Rashid Khan. Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mohammad Nabi are the likely key batters for Afghanistan in the first SL vs AFG T20I. 

Key Factors 

Pitch Conditions 

The pitch at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla has been a very good one for batting so far. The first T20I saw Sri Lanka post 160 batting first. The second T20I saw them post 187. There is a spin on the track and the Lankan spinners have used the conditions better than the Afghan spinners. It will be interesting to see how the pitch plays in the third T20I. The pitch has no demons and Afghanistan’s batting in this series has been below par.

Form and Fitness 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s form throughout the series has been a big concern for the team. He failed to score runs in the ODI series and has not scored too many in the T20I series as well. The keeper-batter scored 13 each in the first two games. Fitness-wise, Afghanistan are missing Rashid Khan who is out and rehabilitating after undergoing a lower-back surgery. 

For Sri Lanka, there have been different players standing up for them in different matches. It was Pathum Nissanka in the ODI series. In the T20I series, it was skipper Wanindu Hasaranga who scored an unbeaten 67. In the second T20I, it was Angelo Mathews who played an important came. The bowlers have shared the wickers between themselves in the series. The team has no injury concerns. 

Also Read: BCCI fines Manoj Tiwary 20% of his match fees for asking to scrap the lifeless Ranji Trophy

Tactical Acumen

Sri Lanka are banking on their home advantage to win the T20I series against Afghanistan. They beat them in the one-off Test and the ODI series banking on their spinners. Afghanistan has a young captain Ibrahim Zadran and he needs support from senior players.

SL vs AFG Scores Prediction

Recent Venue Records (Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla)

STATS – T20

Total matches 5

Matches won batting first 3

Matches won bowling first 2

Average 1st Inns scores 149

Average 2nd Inns scores 128

Highest total recorded 187/6 (20 Ov) by SL vs AFG

Lowest total recorded 115/10 (17 Ov) by AFG vs SL

Highest score chased 141/3 (17 Ov) by SLW vs INDW

Lowest score defended 160/10 (19 Ov) by SL vs AFG

Who Will Score Most Runs For Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews / Pathum Nissanka

Who Will Take Most Wickets For Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga / Maheesh Theekshana

Who Will Score Most Runs For Afghanistan: Rahmaullah Gurbaz / Ibrahim Zadran 

Who Will Take Most Wickets For Afghanistan: Noor Ahmad / Mujeeb Ur Rahman 

SL vs AFG Today Match Prediction- 3rd T20I, Who Will Win Today’s T20I Match? 2024

Sri Lanka have won the first two T20Is convincingly against Afghanistan and is poised for a clean sweep. The Lankans are likely to win the match and complete clean sweep.

Also Read: Nepal to visit India in March for T20 tri-series ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2024

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After the close encounter in the first T20I, Sri Lanka humbled Afghanistan in the second T20I. They scored 187/6 with the bat and bowled out Afghanistan for just 115. All the Sri Lanka bowlers got wickets with Wanindu Hasaranga the skipper taking 2/19. In the process, he went past 100 T20I wickets. 

Afghanistan needs their openers Rahmaullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to score runs. Mohammad Nabi becomes a key figure in the middle-order and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad are the key bowlers for Afghanistan. The visitors have dearly felt the absence of Rashid Khan. 

Also Read: Khawaja Nafay creates PSL history with an iconic knock for Quetta Gladiators

Speaking about SL vs AFG head to head, in seven T20Is now, Sri Lanka have won five and Afghanistan two. Sri Lanka won the one-off Test previously and clean-swept them in the ODI series as well. The series which was seen as a dress rehearsal for both teams has been dominated by Sri Lanka barring the closely fought first T20I. Afghanistan are staring down the barrel ahead of the third T20I.

SL vs AFG Head To Head Records (Overall Stats)

SL vs AFG: Key Statistics

The two teams have played one Test match that was won by Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. In 15 ODI matches between the two sides, Sri Lanka have won 10 games and Afghanistan five. In seven T20Is, The Lankans have won five and Afghanistan just two. The visitors are yet to win a game in this series.

SL vs AFG: Recent 5 Encounters

The two teams have played seven SL vs AFG T20Is with Sri Lanka winning five games and Afghanistan two. If we talk about the last five games between the two sides, Sri Lanka have won four games and lost just one. On the other hand, Afghanistan has lost four games, including the first two T20Is. Sri Lanka lost to Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2023 last year. The other defeat was in an Asia Cup 2022 match. 

Key Moments and Stand-out Performances (Players)

One key moment in this SL vs AFG T20I series was in the first game when Afghanistan came very close to beating Sri Lanka for the third time in T20Is. Chasing 161 to win, Afghanistan finished 156/9 and lost the match by just four runs. The hosts then humbled the visitors in the second T20I. 

Speaking of stand-out performances, Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 67 was one of the stand-out performances of this T20I series. Unfortunately, the knock came in a losing cause. Wanindu Hasaranga’s two-wicket spell helped him go past 100 T20I wickets. He has picked up three wickets in two games.

Trends and Patterns

Afghanistan lost to Sri Lanka easily in the first few games in ODIs and T20Is. However, since the Asia Cup 2022 win for Afghanistan, matches have been closely fought. Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup as well last year. However, since then they have not won a single game against the Lankans. 

SL vs AFG Head-to-Head Records in T20Is- 3rd T20I, 2024

Matches Played: 7

Afghanistan Won-2

Sri Lanka Won- 5

Most Runs For Sri Lanka- Dhananjaya de Silva- 90

Most Wickets For Sri Lanka- Wanindu Hasaranga- 5

Most Runs For Afghanistan- Rahmanullah Gurbaz-165

Most Wickets For Afghanistan- Mujeeb Ur Rahman-6

Conclusion

Sri Lanka have now won five out of the seven T20Is against Afghanistan. Two of those wins came in this series and they are looking for a clean sweep to boost their performance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Also Read: Shubman Gill announced as Punjab’s ‘state icon’ for 2024 Lok Sabha elections

The post SL vs AFG Head to Head Records in T20Is- 3rd T20I, 2024 appeared first on CricketAddictor.

The third and final SL vs AFG T20I starts from 7 pm IST which is 7 pm local time as we.ll. Sri Lanka hammered Afghanistan by 72 runs in the second T20I. Sri Lanka posted 187/6 in their 20 overs with all their batters getting starts. Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 51 while skipper Wanindu Hasaranga scored 22. Angelo Mathews played an important cameo of 42 off 22 balls. 

Afghanistan were bowled out for just a paltry 115 in the chase. Mohammad Nabi (27) and Karim Janat (28) were the two top scorers in the innings. Sri Lanka used six bowlers to defend the target all of who got wickets. Hasaranga the skipper picked up 2/19 and in the process went past 100 T20I wickets. 

Sri Lanka now have won five out of the seven T20Is played against Afghanistan and in this series, there was a huge difference in how the two teams played. The Afghans were no match for the dominant Lankan side at home. 

Also Read: LAH vs QG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today PSL 2024 Match? Match 4

SL vs AFG Broadcasting Rights in India

Sony Sports Network has the official broadcasting right for the SL vs AFG T20I series in India. Hence, Sony Sports channels and their app will present the match to viewers in India.

SL vs AFG Live Streaming Platform in India

The live streaming of SL vs AFG 2nd T20I will be available on the SonyLiv app and website in India. It is the official OTT platform of Sony Sports in India. However, viewers will need a premium package to watch the match live.

Subscription Plan in India

The subscription for SonyLiv app starts at Rs. 599 for a year. For six months, the cost is Rs. 699. The cost of 1 month is Rs. 299. Sony Network’s sports channels are priced between Rs. 17 to Rs. 23 per month.

Official Broadcaster in India

Star Sports channels will broadcast SL vs AFG 3rd T20I live on television in India. Indian fans can watch the live telecast of the match on the Sony Sports Ten 5 channel.

SL vs AFG 3rd T20I Live Streaming In India– When and Where To Watch Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Live In India? 2024

When will the SL vs AFG 3rd T20I match begin?

The match starts at 7 pm IST on February 21, Wednesday. 

Where will the SL vs AFG 3rd T20I match take place?

The match will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. 

How to Live Telecast the SL vs AFG 3rd T20I match on television?

SL vs AFG live streaming will be available on the Sony Sports Network.

How to Livestream the SL vs AFG 3rd T20I match on mobile Online?

SL vs AFG Live Streaming will be available on the Sony LIV App. Users will need to have a premium or monthly subscription play to enjoy the live-streaming of the series.

Conclusion 

The SL vs AFG first T20I was a close game with Sri Lanka managing to win by just four runs. Afghanistan were rolled over by Sri Lanka in the second T20I who will now aim for a clean sweep in the third T20I. If that happens, Afghanistan will remain winless in the series. 

Also Read: PSL 2024 Live Streaming In India– Match 4, When and Where To Watch Pakistan Super League Live In India? LAH vs QG

The post SL vs AFG 3rd T20I Live Streaming In India– When and Where To Watch Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Live In India? 2024 appeared first on CricketAddictor.

Jaiswal will look to break the records of most runs in a single bilateral series as well as most runs against their English counterparts in a red-ball series.

No other batter than Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in better form as he has already smacked 2 back-to-back double centuries across the last two Test matches in Vishakhapatnam and Rajkot.

He is turning out to be the most prolific batter from both the teams which have some experienced names, mostly in England’s camp like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes among others.

As for India, the most experienced batter in the team is of course Rohit Sharma, and after him in the batting front is Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill.

After the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the last 3 Tests and KL Rahul’s absence due to injury in the 3rd, the batting order got a bit more in-experienced but regardless, the home team has done very well without them, gaining a 2-1 lead already.

Jaiswal eyeing to break Gavaskar’s 700+ run tally in a single series

Former Indian batting legend and 1983 World Cup winner, Sunil Gavaskar before he won the 1983 Cricket World Cup under Kapil Dev’s captaincy at Lord’s, had become the first Indian batter to amass over 700 runs in a single bilateral series against the West Indies twice in 1970/71 and 1978/79 series. No Indian batter after him be it Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid among others have been able to break it to this day.

At the moment, given his form as well as rhythm, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks like the one to break it after these many decades. Gavaskar had scored 774 and 732 in 1970/71 and 1978/79 respectively and Jaiswal will need to add another 229 runs to his tally of 545 runs that he has scored across the 3 Tests.

The UP-born batter has scores of 80, 15, 209, 17, 10, and 224 across 6 innings. Whenever Jaiswal has scored over 100 runs in an innings, the hosts haven’t lost and the Indian team management will be expecting him to do something similar in the 4th Test as well.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been nothing short of a sensation already in his short Test career which began in July 2023 at West Indies where he had amassed 171 in only his debut international red-ball outing.

After Gavaskar, Yashasvi Jaiswal eyeing to hunt down Virat Kohli’s 2016/17 tally

On his way to Sunil Gavaskar’s record, Yashasvi Jaiswal will first have to make sure he crosses Virat Kohli’s run tally of 655 runs he scored against England in the 2016/17 Test series, which is also the most by an Indian against them in a red-ball series.

That’s not it, Jaiswal will become the highest Indian run-scorer in a 21st Century Test series, which is also held by Kohli with 692 runs.

Lastly, Yashasvi will have the chance to become the joint-fastest Indian batsman to amass 1000 Test runs, which is currently held by Vinod Kambli who did so in 14 innings. Jaiswal is at 861 runs from 13 innings and to overtake Kambli, the left-hand batter will need to score a 150 at least. Can he achieve these records in Ranchi? Time will tell.

The post Yashasvi Jaiswal on the verge of breaking Virat Kohli’s long-standing record in the Ranchi Test appeared first on CricketAddictor.

The former allrounder was appointed as the team director by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in November in the aftermath of the team’s poor show at the ODI World Cup. Pakistan failed to progress ahead of the league stage after managing just 4 wins in 9 games.

Soon after the campaign ended, Babar Azam stepped down as the captain in all three formats while the likes of Grant Bradburn, Arthur, and Morne Morkel were sacked from the backroom staff too. Mohammad Hafeez replaced Arthur as the team director and also served as the interim head coach during the tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Mohammad Hafeez exposes Babar and Arthur:

Mohammad Hafeez’s first assignment as the team director was the tour of Australia where Pakistan played three Tests. The former cricketer revealed that he told the players straightaway to work on their fitness. He further revealed how the fitness trainer was told by Babar and Arthur to stop checking the fitness of the players and let them play freely.

“When we went to Australia, I told the players to take care of their fitness levels. I also asked the trainer about the fitness of the players. He told me a shocking thing that six months ago captain (Babar Azam) and Director of Cricket (Mickey Arthur) told me to stop checking the players on the fitness parameters and let them play the way they want.

“When the fat levels of the players were checked, the skin fold of all of them was high. They were unfit and some of them couldn’t complete a 2 KM trial. The decision taken 6 months back overruled the set criteria for fitness. You will suffer defeats if the fitness is like that,” Mohammad Hafeez said on A Sports.

Mohammad Hafeez reveals a shocking fact, how 6 months ago captain Babar Azam along with coaching panel had told team fitness trainer, fitness isn't the priority at the moment just let the boys play how they want to pic.twitter.com/yaq2iE7vto

— Ghumman (@emclub77) February 20, 2024

Pakistan struggled on both tours and ended up suffering a crushing loss. In Australia, they lost all three Tests before losing the T20I series in New Zealand 1-4. Meanwhile, Hafeez recently announced that he would step down as the team director of the Pakistan team. The PCB is yet to announce his replacement.

The post Babar Azam and Mickey Arthur stopped fitness Tests in Pakistan Cricket Team alleges Mohammad Hafeez appeared first on CricketAddictor.

He has been plying his trade for the franchise since 2008 and has also been their captain since then. He briefly gave up captaincy in 2022 but took charge of the team once again after Ravindra Jadeja failed to deliver as a captain.

Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK have been one of the most dominant and consistent teams in the IPL. They have won a record five IPL titles in addition to finishing runners-up five times. They have failed to make it to the playoffs just twice so far. Apart from the success on the field, MS Dhoni has also developed a strong bond with the Chennai crowd and is one of the most popular cricketers in that part of the country.

One heart and it belongs to you! #16YearsOfThala pic.twitter.com/1mllUqXUFL

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 20, 2024

MS Dhoni on signing for CSK:

While MS Dhoni has enjoyed a very successful journey with CSK so far, things could have been very different had he not backed his intuitions. In a recent interview with Star Sports, the former India captain revealed how he ended up signing up for the Chennai-based franchise.

The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed that he was receiving an offer of $1 million from a franchise to sign as a marquee player. However, he decided against it and registered his name for the auction at a base price of USD 400,000. CSK went all out for him in the auction and eventually bought him for $1.5 million.

“Initially when five marquee players were announced, I was also approached to become a marquee player of a certain franchise. I had to make a quick decision. I thought that I was the captain of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, I would easily go for 1 million dollars.

“So let’s take a risk. Let’s enter the auction. If two out of three teams that don’t have marquee players get interested in me, along with the other franchises, this will increase the chances of your price going up,” MS Dhoni told Star Sports.

“If you become a marquee player, the franchise owner thinks that if I am buying a player for a certain amount, then I will have to pay 10 or 15 percent more to the marquee player.

“So I thought that for me, at this point in time, it’s better to enter the auction – if any franchise without a marquee player buys me, then I have more chances of getting more money. And when the auction happened, when CSK bought me, I went for 1.5 million dollars (6 crore approx). So the thinking worked at that point of time,” he added.

He could've made $1 million as a marquee player!

He entered the auction instead… and made #1.5 million! #JustThalaThings

Relive the story of how #MSDhoni ended up at #Chennai by making a shrewd move.

The rest is history!#IPLOnStar #Cricket pic.twitter.com/5quBLXUhZA

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 20, 2024

MS Dhoni would be aiming for another successful season with CSK in IPL 2024. CSK are the defending champions and would be looking to become the first-ever team to win the IPL six times.

The post MS Dhoni finally reveals why he didn’t sign up as a marquee player ahead of IPL 2008 appeared first on CricketAddictor.

Glenn Maxwell scored his fifth T20I ton in the series against the Windies and now stands as the only batter with five T20I centuries in the format.

Heading into this series, they are ranked fourth in the ICC T20I rankings. They will be led by Mitchell Marsh and have a few injury concerns. The squad misses the likes of Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie due to injury concerns.

Spencer Johnson was named as Harie’s replacement who was named the replace for Marcus Stoinis. However, the Aussie all-rounder injured himself in a Sheffield Shield game.

Aussie selectors have picked a full-strength side for the series ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. When the squad for New Zealand was announced before the three T20s against West Indies, National Selection Panel chair George Bailey said the games would play a part in their selection for the World Cup.

Also Read: New Zealand squad for Australia Tests announced, Daryl Mitchell returns

The squad sees the return of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and also Nathan Ellis who missed the series against West Indies due to a rib injury. The players will take this series as an opportunity to show their potential for the T20 World Cup. In this article, we predict Australia’s playing XI for the first T20I.

Australia Playing 11 vs New Zealand, 1st T20I, 2024

David Warner

Travis Head

Head has returned to the T20I side for this series and should open the batting with Warner. He has not played too many games since Australia’s victorious World Cup campaign and rested in the series against West Indies too.

Mitchell Marsh (C)

Marsh opened the batting with Warner against West Indies but can slot in at three for this series. He is still very fresh as an international captain and is expected to be tested against the Kiwis.

Steve Smith

Smith is a part of this series as well. He was rested from the West Indies series. The senior batter can bat at four show his might with the bat and make a case for his T20 World Cup selection. He has played a fair bit of T20 cricket since the ODI World Cup.

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell can slot in at five. He scored his fifth T20I ton in the second T20I against West Indies and ended with 142 runs in the series at a strike rate of 184.42. Maxwell is also 10 short of 50 T20I wickets which he can get to in this series.

Tim David

David the big-hitter can slot in at six. After playing the series against West Indies he flew back to the UAE to play in the ILT20 for the MI Emirates and is back again to play the series against New Zealand.

Matthew Wade (WK)

Wade will be the specialist wicketkeeper. He has been the favored keeper in the T20I format. Alex Carey has been favored in Test and ODI cricket. He has played 83 matches and closing in on 1500 runs.

Pat Cummins

Cummins will bat at eight and lengthen the batting order. He was rested from the series against West Indies but is back for this series as the selectors are looking to fine-tune their squads. He has picked up 55 wickets from 50 matches.

Mitchell Starc

Starc too has returned for this series after being rested from the series against West Indies. He has picked up 73 wickets from 58 T20Is and does not play the format regularly.

Nathan Ellis

Ellis should play the first match ahead of Jos Hazlewood after the bowler was ruled out from the T20I series against West Indies. He was ruled out due to a rib injury but has now returned fit.

Adam Zampa

Zampa concludes Australia’s likely playing XI. The Aussie spinner is 13 short of 100 T20I wickets and can get to that if he has a good series with the ball. He has picked up 87 wickets from 77 T20Is.

Also Read: Aaron Hardie ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand, replacement announced

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Date and Venue

The AUS vs NZ first T20I will be played in Wellington on February 21. The match starts at 11.40 am IST which is 7.10 pm local time. Auckland hosts the next two T20Is on February 23 and 25. In 10 T20I games in New Zealand, the Kiwis have won four while the Aussies six

Team Analysis- AUS vs NZ Match Preview- 1st T20I, 2024

New Zealand 

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner. Trent Boult has returned to the New Zealand T20I series for this series. He did not play the Test series against South Africa. The Kiwis previously played a T20I series against Pakitan that they won. 

Boult will play the final two games with Tim Southee to be rested. The squad is without the likes of Daryl Mitchell (foot injury), Michael Bracewell (finger injury), and Jimmy Neesham (playing in BPL 2024).

They have added an uncapped all-rounder in Josh Clarkson who has the reputation of being a big-hitter. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, this will be a nice Test for the Kiwis at home. It is an opportunity for the players selected to make an impression and stay in contention for T20 World Cup selection.

New Zealand Squad 

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1)

Australia

Australia have a few injury concerns heading into this series. They will be without the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Harie in this series. Both are ruled out with injury concerns. The Aussies will be led by Mitchell Marsh. He will have plenty of leadership experience to fall back on with Pat Cummins returning to the squad for the series.

Also back is Mitchell Starc who was rested from the West Indies T20I series. Glenn Maxwell, Azam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Ellis make up the bowling attack. Cricket Australia has named Spencer Johnson as the replacement for Stoinis. 

Australia Squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Also Read: “That’s their character” – David Warner calls out New Zealand fans for vulgar behavior, ready for hostile reception

Key Battles

David Warner vs Tim Southee

This matchup will be an enticing contest between the two senior players. Warner had had the wood over Southee in T20I cricket. He has scored 67 from the 33 balls he faced against the Kiwi pacer. Southee has managed to dismiss him just once. The Kiwi pacer will play only the first T20I and should eye his wicket. 

Glenn Maxwell vs Mitchell Santner

Another key battle is expected to be between Maxwell and Santner. The Australian all-rounder seems to be in the form of his life. He recently scored his fifth T20I century that came in the series against West Indies. The Kiwi left-arm spinner has just dismissed Maxwell once in T20Is.

Key Players 

In the absence of Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway becomes the key player with the bat for the Kiwis. The likes of Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, and Glenn Phillips will need to bat around him. With the ball, Southee and Santner hold the key. 

For Australia, David Warner’s batting at the top always holds the key. Glenn Maxwell with the kind of form he is in becomes a key player in the middle-order. Azam Zampa is gunning down 100 T20I wickets and Starc with his pace and swing is always a lethal option with the ball. 

Weather and Pitch

As per reports, there are drop-in pitches used in Wellington since there is a lot of rain at the venue. There is a forecast of rain during the day for the AUS vs NZ first T20I.

The weather is expected to clear out by the time the match starts in the evening. However, the rain might mean a delayed start in case of a wet outfield.  The pitch as said earlier becomes a batting-friendly one in T20Is with scores over 200 posted and chased down regularly. 

Conclusion

The AUS vs NZ T20I series is expected to be exciting. New Zealand who have just won five out of the 16 T20Is against the Aussies have a chance to add to that tally by pushing the Aussies for a potential clean sweep. The Aussies are in form after beating West Indies 2-1 in their previous T20I series. 

Also Read: Australia, New Zealand to play T20I series too for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

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Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand with Kane Wliimaosn out of the series on parental leave. Along with him, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell are also not a part of the squad due to injury concerns. Meanwhile, Jimmy Neesham is playing in the BPL and thus unavailable for the series.

New Zealand last played a Test series against South Africa that they won. Before that, they won a T20I series against Pakistan at home. Trent Boult is back in the side and will play the last two games. he will replace Tim Southee in the XI for the final two games.

In 16 T20Is, overall, New Zealand have won five and Australia 10. The Kiwis have won four games at home and the Aussies six. In terms of form guide for the last five T20Is for both teams, Australia have won two and New Zealand four. In this article, we take a look at New Zealand’s predicted XI for the first T20I against Australia.

Also Read: Aaron Hardie ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand, replacement announced

New Zealand Playing 11 vs Australia, 1st T20I, 2024

Devon Conway (WK)

Conway will open the batting. In the absence of Williamson, he is the most experienced batter in the side and will need to anchor the side with the bat. He is approaching 1500 runs in the format.

Finn Allen

Allen might open the batting with Conway. The young Kiwi opener has not been able to maximise his chances in the format. However, he scored a hundred in the last T20I series against Pakistan.

Rachin Ravindra

The southpaw will slot in at three. He has shown a lot of maturity with the bat since the ODI World Cup and also provides a bowling option in the top five. He is an all-format cricketer. He has played 19 T20Is scoring just 146 runs.

Mark Chapman

Chapman will bat at four. He made a switch from Canada to New Zealand to prolong his international career and has done a good job so far with the bat. He is approaching 1400 runs in the format.

Glenn Phillips

Phillips can bat at five and play the finisher’s role. In the absence of Daryl Mitchell, he might be promoted to number five which will give him more overs to bat. He also provides a right-arm spin bowling option.

Mitchell Santner (C)

Santner will slot in at six. He will also lead the side in the three games. He has led this Kiwi side in T20Is more than once. The Kiwis have won 12 off the 19 matches under him as captain. He has taken 17 wickets in these games.

Tim Southee

Southee will slot in at seven. He has also led New Zealand across formats. He will play only the first T20I after which Trent Boult will replace him in the last two games. He has picked up 157 wickets from 121 T20I games.

Lockie Ferguson

Ferguson will pair up with Southee as the second pacer in the lineup. His pace will be a factor in the series against Australia with the Aussies good players of fast bowling. He is one shy of 50 T20I wickets.

Matt Henry

Henry will be the third seamer in the XI. He has been injury-prone in the last few months playing games for New Zealand on and off. He last played in the 5th T20I against Pakistan in Christchurch where he took two wickets.

Adam Milne

Adam Milne will be the fourth seamer in this XI. This is a good chance for the Kiwis to unsettle the Australians with raw pace and push them on the back foot. Milne has picked up 57 wickets in 50 T20Is.

Ish Sodhi

Sodhi concludes the paying XI for New Zealand for the first T20I against Australia. he last played in the fifth T20I against Pakistan. He has picked up 132 wickets in 109 T20Is.

Also Read: Australia, New Zealand to play T20I series too for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

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The series continues preparations for both teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament will be played in June 2024 hosted jointly by USA and West Indies.

The first T20I will be played on February 21, the second on Fen 23, and the third on Feb 25. The two teams then play a two-match Test series. Wellington hosts the first Test from Feb-29-March 4 and Christchurch the second from March 8-12. 

Team Analysis

Australia 

Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh. He will continue to lead the side with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc returning to the side. Australia will miss a few key players Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinsi who played the last T20I series against West Indies.

The squad will also be without Spencer Johnson who replaced the injured Nathan Ellis who is back in this side. David Warner will continue to play T20I cricket after retiring from Test and ODI. 

New Zealand

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner. Trent Boult is back in New Zealand colors for the T20I series. He is aiming to play in the T20 World Cup and hence looking to play all T20Is for the side. The squad misses a few key players.

Kane Williamson is on parental leave. Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell is out with a foot injury along with Michael Bracewell who is recovering from a finger injury. Jimmy Neesham is playing in the Bangladesh Premier League and hence missing the series. The squad has an uncapped all-rounder in Josh Clarkson. 

Also Read: Kyle Jamieson ruled out of cricketing action for another year due to stress fracture

Key Factors

Pitch Conditions 

Generally conditions in New Zealand aid seam and swing bowling in Test and ODI cricket. However, the pitch conditions aid the batters in the T20I format as it does in any part of the world while playing this format. The venue has hosted 21 T20Is with 10 matches won by the team batting first and 11 by teams chasing.

Thus the pitch remains intact throughout the 40 overs of play. Meanwhile, due to the rain threat in New Zealand, the venue uses drop-in pitches like most other pitches in New Zealand for T20Is that aid batting.

Form and fitness

While the form of batters and bowlers from both teams is good there are injury concerns in both camps. New Zealand is missing Daryl Mitchell (foot injury) and Michael Bracewell (finger injury) due to injury concerns.

The Aussies on the other hand, are missing Marcus Stoinis (back injury). Aaron Hardie who was named as Stoinis’s replacement is also ruled out with a calf injury. Cricket Australia confirmed that Spencer Johnson has been called into the squad immediately to replace Aaron Hardie in the squad.

Tactical Acumen 

The Kiwis will be led by Mitchell Santner while the Aussies by Mitchell Marsh. While Santner has been leading the Kiwis for a few years now, especially in the T20I format, Marsh’s tactics as captain will be an interesting observation. He has plenty of leadership experience to fall back on. 

Recent Venue Records (Sky Stadium, Wellington)

STATS – T20

Total matches 21

Matches won batting first 10

Matches won bowling first 11

Average 1st Inns scores 150

Average 2nd Inns scores 125

Highest total recorded 219/6 (20 Ov) by NZ vs IND

Lowest total recorded 73/10 (15.3 Ov) by AUSW vs NZW

Highest score chased 163/6 (19 Ov) by NZ vs WI

Lowest score defended 128/9 (20 Ov) by ENGW vs NZW

Who Will Score Most Runs For New Zealand: Glenn Phillips / Rachin Ravindra

Who Will Take Most Wickets For New Zealand: Tim Southee / Mitchell Santner

Who Will Score Most Runs For Australia: David Warner / Tim David

 Who Will Take Most Wickets For Australia: Mitchell Starc / Azam Zampa

AUS vs NZ Today Match Prediction- 1st T20I, Who Will Win Today’s T20I Match? 2024

Given the team combinations and the kind of players in both the first T20I can be won by either of the two teams. Australia and New Zealand can both win the match. Hard to predict an outright winner.

Also Read: Marcus Stoinis ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand, replacement announced

The post AUS vs NZ Today Match Prediction- 1st T20I, Who Will Win Today’s T20I Match? 2024 appeared first on CricketAddictor.

Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh. He led the team in the recent T20I series against West Indies as well. He will have plenty of leadership experience to fall back on with senior players returning. Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins are back in the side for this series. They also have the likes of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell. 

The Aussies have been hit by a few injury concerns. They will be missing Marcus Stoinis who is ruled out with a back injury. His replacement Aaron Hardie is out with a calf injury that he picked up while playing in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania in Hobart.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Spencer Johnson has been called into the squad immediately to replace Aaron Hardie in the squad. Spencer Johnson was also a member of the three-match T20I series against West Indies. 

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner with Kane Williamson out on parental leave, There are injury concerns with Daryl Mitchell (foot injury), and Michael Bracewell (finger injury) while James Neesham is playing in the BPL.

Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson is ruled out of the entire 2024 with a stress fracture. Trent Boult has returned to the side and will be playing the last two games with Tim Southee likely to be rested. 

Also Read: “That’s their character” – David Warner calls out New Zealand fans for vulgar behavior, ready for hostile reception

New Zealand and Australia have played 16 T20Is with the Kiwis winning just five games and the Aussies 10. In the last five games, the Kiwis have lost thrice. In the last two T20I matches between the two teams, both have won one game each.

AUS vs NZ Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Wellington Stadium – 1st T20I, 2024

AUS vs NZ 1st T20I Weather Report

The AUS vs NZ first T20I starts from 11.40 am IST which is 7.10 pm local time. The weather conditions will remain mostly cloudy with a breezy spell in the afternoon. The temperature will be around 20 degrees in the daytime.

The weather conditions will be mainly clear in the evening with the temperature around 14 degrees. However, there is a likely chance of rain in the daytime which might mean a delayed start if the outfield is too wet. The venue uses a drop-in pitch due to heavy rain in Wellington as per reports. 

Pitch Analysis

As said earlier, the pitch at the Sky Stadium in Wellington uses drop-in pitches due to heavy rain at the venue. Thus the pitch remains a batting-friendly one and we can expect a high-scoring match. So far 21 matches have been played at this venue. 10 games have been won by the team batting first and 11 games chasing. 

Weather Impact On The Game

As per reports rain is always a threat in New Zealand in evening matches. The country and the city experience a lot of rainfall throughout the year. There is a slight forecast of rain during the daytime on Wednesday.

However, the weather will mainly remain clear in the evening. If it rains, it might result in a delayed start. If it rains too heavily it is also a possibility the match might even get rained out.

Conclusion 

The AUS vs NZ series starts with the first T20I in Wellington on February 21. The next two T20I matches will be played in Auckland on February 23 and 25. The two teams then play a two-match Test series with the first Test in Wellington and the second in Christchurch. 

Also Read: Neil Wagner angry on team New Zealand? Tim Southee breaks silence on pacer’s inappropriate gestures

The post AUS vs NZ Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Wellington Stadium – 1st T20I, 2024 appeared first on CricketAddictor.

Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh while New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner. Both teams have been in continuous cricket since the ODI World Cup.

New Zealand first played a T20I series against Pakistan that they won. They next played a Test series against South Africa and they won 2-0 as well. Heading into this series, the team has a few changes.

Trent Boult returns to the squad looking to get some match practice leading into the next T20 World Cup. They are without the likes of Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell who are struggling with injury concerns. Kane Williamson is on parental leave while Jimmy Neesham is playing in BPL 2024.

Australia on the other hand, sees the return of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who were rested in the T20I series against West Indies. Closing in the T20 World Cup, Australia are looking to play with their full-strength squad.

They played against Pakistan in a Test series where they swept the Men in Green. Against West Indies, they drew the Test series and won the T20I series.

Also Read: Aaron Hardie ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand, replacement announced

AUS vs NZ Head To Head Records (Overall Stats)

AUS vs NZ Head To Head Records In Tests

AUS vs NZ Head To Head Records In ODIs

AUS vs NZ Head To Head Records In T20Is

AUS vs NZ Head-to-Head Records in T20Is- 1st T20I, 2024

Matches Played: 16

Australia Won- 10

New Zealand Won- 5

Most Runs For Australia- Aaron Finch-269

Most Wickets For Australia- Ashton Agar-13

Most Runs For New Zealand- Martin Guptill-463

Most Wickets For Afghanistan- Ish Sodhi-17

AUS vs NZ Key Statistics

Australia and New Zealand have a rich heritage and rivalry across formats. Over the years, the two teams have played 60 Test matches with the Aussies winning 34 games and the Kiwis just 8. In 142 ODIs, Australia have won 96 games and New Zealand 39. In 16 T20Is, the Aussies have won 10 games and the Kiwis six. In 10 T20Is at home against the Aussies, the Kiwis have just won three.

Recent 5 or 10 Encounters

In the last five AUS vs WI T20Is, New Zealand have lost three games and won just two. While Australia have won three games and lost just two.

Key Moments and Stand-out Performances (Players)

Two of the last five T20I matches between the two sides have been in T20 World Cups. The Aussies beat the Kiwis to win their maiden T20 World Cup title in Dubai in 2021. The Kiwis returned the favor by beating them in the league match of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Sydney.

Standout players in this AUS vs NZ series for Australia are likely to be David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Azam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and skipper Mitchell Marsh. On the other hand, for New Zealand, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra are expected to be the key players.

Trends and Patterns

The matches have been very closely fought by both teams. Very often the two teams have won one game each in a bilateral series.  However, in the last five games, the Kiwis have lost three games. In the last two, the two teams have won one each.

Also Read: Australia, New Zealand to play T20I series too for Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

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As per the reports in Anandabazar Patrika, it is learned that as many as three franchises are interested in acquiring the services of Sarfaraz Khan. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) expressed the desire to get the batter as mentor Gautam Gambhir told the team management to rope in the batter to strengthen the batting line-up. 

The reports also claimed that Chennai Super Kings are also keen to sign Sarfaraz Khan for the IPL 2024. It is learned that MS Dhoni has given the green signal to the authorities to bid for him. Apart from defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore also wants the batter in their team. 

Sarfaraz Khan was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore for three IPL seasons between 2015 and 2018. He played decent knocks for the team but after that parted ways with the franchise. He represented Delhi Capitals in 2023 but went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction. 

Sarfaraz Khan has played 50 games in IPL between 2015 and 2023. The batter has scored 585 runs with a solitary fifty. He played for Punjab Kings as well between 2019 and 2021 before joining Delhi Capitals in the league. With all the reports around CSK, KKR, and RCB wanting him, it remains to be seen what will be his future in the league. 

Sarfaraz Khan was impressive on his debut for India in Test cricket. He scored 68 runs in the first innings as he got run out. He made sure that he made the most of the opportunity in the second innings. The batter slammed another half-century and ended with 62 not out in the second essay. 

He looks like the perfect No.6 – Michael Vaughan on Sarfaraz Khan 

Impressed with Sarfaraz Khan’s heroics, Michael Vaughan lauded the batter for his staggering debut. He pointed out that the batter is aggressive, plays spin brilliantly, and rotates the strike well, which makes him the perfect No.6 for India. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he explained: 

“I said after the first day, he looks like the perfect No.6. He is aggressive, plays spin brilliantly, rotates the strike. So even the good balls are going for ones and twos. And he’s hungry for runs. He has got huge amount of runs in first-class cricket. 

When you have done that throughout your career, and you get that opportunity to play for India in Test match-level. He has taken that chance well.” 

Sarfaraz Khan will be next seen in action when India will play the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. The match will be played on 23rd February. India is currently leading the series 2-1. The batter would be hoping to go one step ahead in the next match and seal his spot in the team in the longest format of the game.

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Jaiswal has taken the cricketing world by storm with his exceptional batting performance in his short international career. He has emerged as one of the best youngsters in world cricket and has been scoring runs consistently for the India National Cricket Team.

Jaiswal has been highly impactful for India in Tests and T20Is and his inclusion in the ODI squad isn’t very far away. The young batter has made himself a permanent member of the team in both the Test and T20I teams and is likely to represent the side in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies the and USA.

He is currently taking part in the five-match Test series against England National Cricket Team at home. In the first Test, Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 80 & 15, but unfortunately, India faced a defeat in the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal bettered his performance after the first game and smashed a sensational double century in the second Test and followed it up with yet another double century in the third Test. However, he turned out to be unlucky in both games as he wasn’t able to win the Player of the Match award. So far, Yashasvi Jaiswal has amassed 545 runs in 6 innings at an astonishing average of 109.00.

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Danish Kaneria said that Yashasvi Bhupendra Kumar Jaiswal is a combination of Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag. He said:

“Yashasvi Jaiswal is a combination of Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag. He is like a left-handed version of Virender Sehwag. James Anderson is one of the finest fast bowlers and has taken close to 700 wickets. He has been there for ages. He made a plan to trap Jaiswal, but that kid understood the game and destroyed the trap.”

Sarfaraz Khan had been knocking on the selectors’ doors for a long time – Danish Kaneria

Kaneria also spoke about the middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan, who made his debut in the Rajkot Test. Danish Kaneria said that Sarfaraz stamped his authority with his brilliant performance in the match. Notably, Sarfaraz Khan smashed a half-century in both innings and became just 4th Indian in history to achieve that feat.

“Sarfaraz Khan had been knocking on the selectors’ doors for a long time now, and when he finally got a chance, he stamped his authority. He showed the kind of cricket he plays. It was one of the best innings; he was brilliant.”

India National Cricket Team are currently leading by 2-1 in the five-match Test series against England National Cricket Team and the fourth Test match will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.

India have made a significant change to the squad for the fourth Test as Jasprit Bumrah has been released to manage his workload while star batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the match in a major setback for India. Rahul is also doubtful for the fifth Test.

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Abhishek Sharma, who is touted as one of the best youngsters in domestic cricket, has been in the terrific touch in the ongoing domestic circuit for the Punjab. The batter oozed his hitting class in the team’s last Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu. 

Abhishek Sharma played a brutal knock and slammed five sixes in an over against Sai Kishore. The batter timed the ball perfectly and hit big hits. While his innings impressed many, Hemang Badani wasn’t impressed with it as he seized an opportunity to lash out at the batter. 

Hemang Badani thrashed the batter for not playing the long innings. He pointed out that Abhishek Sharma needed to play the long innings as the team’s need was to stay there for long and save the game. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained: 

“And got out for 36 in a 4 day game which his team lost, where they were trying to save the game. One needs to play according to the format and situation.” 

And got out for 36 in a 4 day game which his team lost, where they were trying to save the game. One needs to play according to the format and situation

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) February 19, 2024

Abhishek Sharma ended with a knock of 36 runs in just 16 balls. With 5 sixes in an over, he became only the fourth Indian player in history to score five sixes in an over after Ravi Shastri, Reuben Paul, and Shivam Dube. His efforts however didn’t count as Punjab suffered a disappointing loss against Tamil Nadu to end their campaign on low. 

Hemang Badani further while elaborating his point on Abhishek Sharma said that he was glorified that the all-rounder was praised when the need of the game was different. He added: 

“Well I did last year but …let’s leave it at that.I am not criticising him but find it strange that this is being applauded and glorified when the need of the game was different . Pls feel free to go hard at me for saying the right thing.”

Well I did last year but …let’s leave it at that.I am not criticising him but find it strange that this is being applauded and glorified when the need of the game was different . Pls feel free to go hard at me for saying the right thing

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) February 19, 2024

Is Hemang Badani no longer with Sunrisers Hyderabad?

Former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani in a now-deleted tweet mentioned that he has parted ways with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Hemang Badani stated that he is no longer the batting coach of the franchise and hasn’t been in touch with them for a few months now.

Taking to his Twitter account, he stated: “I am not the batting coach for srh or sec. Haven’t been with them for more than a few months. Enjoyed the journey with them and thank @SunRisers for the opportunity .#IPL2024″

This explains that tweet pic.twitter.com/MFkKCPRMVT

— Shaan Waseem (@shaanwaseem2) February 20, 2024

He later deleted the tweet but he himself confirmed about the development and won’t be taking part in the IPL now for SRH.

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Bumrah has been the best performer for India National Cricket Team in the ongoing series in the bowling department. With his bowling masterclass, he has taken the pitch out of the equation and bagged 17 wickets in 3 matches. The right-arm quick has picked up his wickets at an average of 13.64.

He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series and he also won the Player of the Match award in the second Test as he dismantled the England National Cricket Team batting unit in both innings of the match.

The reason given behind the release of Bumrah from the squad has been termed as workload management by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the squad for the 4th IDFC First Bank Test against England in Ranchi. The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and the amount of cricket he has played in recent times,” the BCCI stated.

Along with Jasprit Bumrah, India to miss KL Rahul in the 4th Test

India will also be missing the services of the 31-year-old batsman KL Rahul in the fourth Test as he has been ruled out of the match. Also, the board has mentioned that the participation of Rahul in the fifth Test is subject to fitness.

Rahul had earlier missed the second Test due to a quadricep injury and the BCCI had informed that the batsman had reached 90 percent of match fitness. He was further ruled out of the third Test due to a sore knee. To replace Rahul in the squad, Devdutt Padikkal was handed his maiden Test call-up.

In other news, the right-arm pacer Mukesh Kumar has rejoined the team after being released for the third Test in Rajkot.

“KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness. Mukesh Kumar, who was released from the squad for the third Test in Rajkot, has joined the squad in Ranchi,” the BCCI added.

The absence of KL Rahul is a big blow for India as he looked in terrific touch with the bat in the first Test in Hyderabad. He scored 86 & 22 runs in the match. In Rahul’s absence, Rajat Patidar might be retained despite his failures or there is a possibility of Devdutt Padikkal making his India Test debut.

India are currently leading by 2-1 and the high-octane fourth Test match will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.

India’s updated squad for the 4th Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.

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Expectations were sky-high from Bairstow ahead of the India Test series and the batter has failed to live up to it. He has not been doing the wicket-keeping duties in the series and has been playing as a pure batsman. In Bairstow’s place, Ben Foakes has been given the responsibility to be the gloveman of the side and he has done a spectacular job so far, at least as a keeper.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow has registered the scores of 0 & 4, 25 & 26 37 & 10 in his previous three outings against India in Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, and Hyderabad. Overall, he is averaging 17.00 from six innings.

There have been calls to drop the batsman from the playing XI after his failures and the England head coach Brendon McCullum has finally reacted to the criticism faced by Bairstow. McCullum has stated that even though he has not seen the track for the fourth Test, he is expecting Jonny Bairstow to retain his place in the playing XI.

“You know I can’t answer that, I haven’t even seen the wicket,” McCullum said when asked about Bairstow’s position, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “But I’d anticipate Jonny would be playing, yes.”

The five-match Test series between India and England currently stands at 2-1 with the hosts in the lead. The Rohit Sharma & Co. faced a loss in the first Test but bounced back strong by defeating the Ben Stokes-led side by 106 and 434 runs in the next two Tests.

The crucial fourth Test match will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.

The Three Lions would be hoping for a good comeback in the game as a defeat in the 4th Test would mean that Ben Stokes would be losing his first-ever series as skipper and it would also be the first Test series defeat of England in the Bazball era.

He’s not scored the volume of runs he would have wanted – Brendon McCullum on Jonny Bairstow

Brendon McCullum further admitted that the wicketkeeper-batsman has failed to score the runs he would have wanted and highlighted that he got dismissed mildly a few times in the series.

“Yeah look, he’s not scored the volume of runs he would have wanted and a couple of times he’s got out kind of mildly for someone who’s got the power game Jonny’s got,” he said.

However, the England red-ball head coach asserted that Bairstow’s form is not a huge concern for him because the 34-year-old has been a great performer for England over the years. He also spoke about blocking the outside noise after the hammering against India and backing his players to the fullest.

“I don’t have concerns over him. I’m not blind but he’s done so well for us and he’s had such an impactful career. We know that a top-quality Jonny Bairstow is as good as anyone in any conditions. So from our point of view, we’ve got to keep on giving him confidence and block out a lot of the external noise as well and keep him really present and focused on what he’s trying to achieve, and I’m sure Jonny will come good.”

England don’t have many options on the bench to replace Jonny Bairstow as Dan Lawrence is the only spare batter in the squad. Earlier, England had named Harry Brook in the team, but he pulled out of the series due to a family matter and is unlikely to return for the matches in India.

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The Ben Stokes-led England are currently on the tour to India for a five-match Test series and their performance has gone downhill after a terrific win in the first Test. One of the main reasons behind the poor run of England has been the batting failure of Jonny Bairstow, who was expected to take on the Indian bowling attack with his Bazball approach.

In his fourth tour of India, Jonny Bairstow is averaging 17.00 from six innings and has registered scores of 0 & 4, 25 & 26 37 & 10 in his previous three outings in Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, and Hyderabad.

Notably, the expectations are very high from Bairstow because he is playing as a pure batter and the burden of wicket-keeping has been taken away from him. England have opted to hand the keeping duties to Ben Foakes, who is regarded as one of best glovemen in the world currently.

Although the glovework of Ben Foakes has undoubtedly been top-notch as he has grabbed some stunning catches and saved crucial runs for his side, his batting has been underwhelming. The England star has registered the following scores in 6 innings against India – 13, 16, 6, 36, 4 and 34.

I’m taking Jonny Bairstow out of the firing line, to protect the player – Alastair Cook

Speaking to TNT Sports, England batting great Alastair Cook stated that Jonny Bairstow has struggled on this India tour, and leaving him out of the playing XI would be in the best interest of Team England as well as Jonny Bairstow. To replace Bairstow in the line-up, Cook suggested the name of Dan Lawrence, who is the only spare batter in the squad at the moment.

“He’s had a tough tour so far. And India is a very hard place to continue going on that treadmill. I’m taking Jonny out of the firing line, to protect the player.”

Talking about the ongoing 5-match Test series between India National Cricket Team and England National Cricket Team, Rohit Sharma & Co. are leading by 2-1 and one more win would seal them yet another series win on the home soil.

India faced a disappointing loss in the first Test by 28 runs as the Bazballers stunned the hosts. However, since then India have bettered their performance and have absolutely hammered the visiting team. In the second Test, India earned a 106-run win and in the third Test, they won by 434 runs.

The high-octane fourth Test match will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. India National Cricket Team are expected to be without Jasprit Bumrah in the game as he is likely to be given rest after carrying the bowling unit on his back in the first three matches.

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah has been the top performer for India in the bowling department and despite the pitches not favoring pacers, he has managed to bag 17 wickets at an average of 13.64. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the series.

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Virat Kohli penned down a message, saying that he along with Anushka Sharma welcomed their second child on 15th February. The India batter sought blessings from the fans and also requested everyone to respect their privacy during this time.

He stated: “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world!

“We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love & Gratitude. Virat & Anushka.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma giving birth to a second child indicate as to why the batter opted out of the Test series against England. The batter made himself unavailable for the first two games and it was expected that he would return for the third game. 

However, it wasn’t the case as Virat Kohli then also didn’t feature in the last three games. It can be assumed that the batter wanted to stay with his family and that’s why he didn’t play in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, which is currently at 2-1 with India in the lead. 

Virat Kohli earlier also opted out of playing when he and Anushka Sharma gave birth to their first child. It was during the Test series against Australia in 2021 when he returned home after playing just one match in Adelaide. 

Virat Kohli’s absence in the ongoing Test series against England has been quite visible. The Indian batting lineup in the middle order has looked fragile in the series. Had he been there things would’ve been different for Team India in the series. 

Virat Kohli to make comeback in the IPL 

Virat Kohli is now expected to make a comeback to cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL).  The league reportedly will begin from 22nd March and will end on May 26. The tournament will played just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 and therefore it will serve as a great preparation for the batter. 

Virat Kohli will be playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the league. The upcoming tournament will be crucial for the team in the context of the T20 World Cup. He recently made a comeback in the Indian team after more than one year. He played in the series against Afghanistan. 

Although the batter didn’t set the stage on fire in the series but it indicated that he is very much in the plans of the team for the T20 World Cup 2024. The right-hander has always been at his best when any major tournament begins and he would be hoping to make a big impact for the team.

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Rishabh Pant on Tuesday (20th February) lighted the fans’ day when he came up with an Instagram post and showed glimpses of his training session at Alur in Bengaluru. The left-hander was seen keeping practice in full throttle as he took some brilliant catches by moving here and there. 

If this was not enough, Rishabh Pant then also was seen batting in nets. They played some glorious drives before hitting some big sixes. He was seen batting without trouble and this could well be an indication of what is expected to come when he makes a comeback. 

Here’s the video: 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rishabh Pant (@rishabpant)

Rishabh Pant has been working hard in the NCA to forge his comeback to cricket. The batter reportedly took part in the warmup game in Alur, near Bengaluru. The keeper-batter was for the first time seen in action after facing a torrid accident in December 2022. 

Rishabh Pant is expected to make a comeback in the IPL 2024. The reports have suggested that he will be captaining Delhi Capitals in the league. It is also learned that he be playing as a pure batter in the tournament and won’t be keeping, which means the franchise will have to play a separate keeper in the team. 

It is also learned that Rishabh Pant is batting with the same agility and freedom is exactly the same as it was before the accident. His mobility hasn’t been hindered and has been showing good signs of recovery ever since he got injured. 

The IPL 2024 is all set to take place from 22nd March. Rishabh Pant will be eager to make a strong comeback and make a statement. The keeper-batter will be crucial for the Delhi Capitals as well as the Indian cricket team going ahead. 

Rishabh Pant is very confident that he’s going to be right to play – Ricky Ponting 

Delhi Capitals head coach recently expressed his delight to see Rishabh Pant while playing. He said that the keeper-batter is very confident of playing in the league. He revealed a conversation with Pant and added: 

“Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet. You would have seen all the social-media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well. So we’re not sure if we’ll get wicketkeeping out of him this year. 

“But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed. He’s such a dynamic player. He’s obviously our captain. We missed him incredibly last year,” he concluded.

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Recently, Jay Shah issued a message to the centrally-contracted India players to participate in domestic cricket to make themselves available for the selection for Team India. He also fired a strict warning to the players, stating that the non-participation in domestic cricket would lead to “severe implications”.

This move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came after seeing the trend of the players giving priority to the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic cricket. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar, and Krunal Pandya have reportedly not been taking part in domestic cricket and have already started the preparation for the cash-rich league.

Talking about Shreyas Iyer, he was recently seen in action during the first two Tests of the home series against the England National Cricket Team. He failed to score significant runs in the matches, registering 35 and 13 in Hyderabad, and 27 and 29 in Visakhapatnam.

Following his poor performance in the first two matches, he was left out of the team for the remainder of the series.

There were conflicting reports on Iyer’s exclusion from the team with one side reporting that his non-selection was due to his poor form while the other side claimed that he was left out of the team because of his back issues. In Iyer’s absence, Sarfaraz Khan was able to make it to India’s playing XI in the Rajkot Test and he played spectacular knocks, registering half-centuries in both innings.

He has told Mumbai’s team management that he is unfit – Mumbai Cricket Association source on Shreyas Iyer

As per a Mumbai Cricket Association source, Shreyas Iyer is again facing back issues and he is unfit. Due to his back problems, Shreyas Iyer is also set to miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Baroda at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s BKC ground from February 23.

He was not picked by the selectors in the squad for the upcoming match and is likely to remain on the sidelines for a while.

“He has told Mumbai’s team management that he is unfit,” said a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association, as quoted by TOI. 

“He had told the Indian team management and the selectors that he got a backache after batting for 30-40 minutes. He needs some to recover from it,” a source in the BCCI told TOI.

Squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Bhupen Lalwani, Amogh Bhatkal, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Prasad Pawar (WK), Hardik Tamore (WK), Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Aditya Dhumal, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Roystan Dias.

Talking about the ongoing five-match Test series between the India National Cricket Team and the England National Cricket Team, Rohit Sharma & Co. are leading by 2-1 after winning the previous two matches. Next, the teams will be heading to Ranchi for the fourth Test which will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.

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Joe Root’s form with the bat has been one of the biggest concerns for the England team in the ongoing Test series against India. He has failed drastically with the bat and is one of the reasons why the visitors are 2-1 down in the series after the three games in series.

Coming into the series, a lot was expected of Joe Root because he has arguably been the best Test batter England has ever produced. The right-hander in the ongoing series is averaging 12.83 in the three matches so far. But it’s fair to say that he has himself to blame for his low scores.

Joe Root has got out while playing attacking cricket. He came under the radar after his dismissal in the third Test. The right-hander attempted a reverse scoop to Jasprit Bumrah and was caught in the slips. The pacer has removed him 9 times in his career.

This saw Joe Root getting a lot of flak with the way they got. There were even suggestions that he should play in his old way and not try Bazball. But the batter has got backing from the team management and they are hopeful that he will come good.

Mark Butcher feels that England’s use as a frontline spinner is not yielding the results in his batting. As quoted by Wisden, the former England cricketer stated:

“I think that having him having to do so much work as a frontline spin bowler is not likely to yield the sort of results that you’d expect from him with the bat.”

Joe Root has contributed more with the ball rather than bat in the ongoing series. With Jack Leach getting ruled out of the series, the batter has been utilized by skipper Ben Stokes as the main bowler in the team. He has done a decent job as well and he has picked crucial wickets for the team as well.

Joe Root is, a part-time spin bowler to hold the fort for you – Mark Butcher points out why England are down in the series

Mark Butcher further pointed out why India were favorites to win before the game even started. He highlighted their inexperienced spin attack with Joe Root being the part-time spin bowler. He added:

“Given the tosses coming down when you’re bowling first and third rather than second fourth, you need a bit more than guys who are just either making their way in the game or guys who are, as Joe Root is, part-time spin bowlers to hold the fort for you. It’s such a fundamental reason why India was a favourites before it started.”

Joe Root would be hoping to turn things around in the next game. The match will take place in Rachi from 23rd February.

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The Indian team arrived in Ranchi on Tuesday (20th February) and as per the reports in News 18, it is learned that Jasprit Bumrah didn’t land with the team and only Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were the two pacers with the team that took flight from Rajkot.

Jasprit Bumrah has been the main reason why India has been at the top in the series. The fast bowler is likely to be rested because of his workload management. The fast bowler has bowled over 80 overs in just three games that have happened so far in the series.

There were a few reports which stated that Jasprit Bumrah was in contention to be rested for the Rajkot Test. But with the series being at a crucial juncture,  team management wasn’t in favor of resting him as there was a 10-day break between the second and third game.

Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker for India in the Test series. He has been handling the Indian bowling lineup in the series. Despite the wickers being spin-friendly, the fast bowler has been magnificent and has taken over 15 wickets in the series.

With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, it is expected that Mukesh Kumar will be rejoining the squad ahead of the Test. He was released from the squad ahead of the third Test and turned up for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy contest. The fast bowler picked 6 wickets and showed great form.

There might also be a possibility that team management might give Akash Deep a debut. The fast bowler was named in the squad for the last three games. He was included in the team after his impressive performances in the domestic circuit for his team.

No Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit Sharma and Co. arrived at the Birsa Munda Airport

As the Indian team arrived in at the Birsa Munda Airport, they received huge cheers from the crowd.  There were loud cheers for Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid, and Shubman Gill as they made their way to the team bus waiting right in front of the exit gate. Ravichandran Ashwin also was greeted

Apart from that, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ravindra Jadeja also got a rousing reception on their arrival. The series between India and England is in favor of the hosts. The Rohit Sharma-led side suffered a loss in the first game and then made a strong comeback.

India won the last two games by a big margin and would be keen to seal the series in the next game itself. Without the services of Jasprit Bumrah, it will be tough for the team to tackle England batters. But it will be an opportunity for someone else to grab the spot.

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Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan dissected the PBKS bowling attack as he talked about the advantage that the Mohali-based franchise has after the arrival of Harshal Patel in the squad. Harshal Patel was bought for a massive sum of 11.75 crores in the auctions and was the most expensive Indian player in the auctions.

Irfan Pathan feels that players like Harshal Patel will add a lot of balance to the squad as the other two pacers; Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh are also in the squad and have international experience. He said that adding two spinners Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar will also strengthen the spin department with five bowlers and then if they play Liam Livingstone or Sikandar Raza they can be the sixth bowling option for the franchise.

Punjab Kings will be hoping to win their first IPL title. They reached the finals once in 2014 but since then, they have failed to reach the top 4.

“With the addition of Harshal Patel in the squad, now you can play Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel. Now these three fast bowlers can bowl in different positions and different situations and can make the game there. All three of them have international experience and if such a bowler is there in your franchise then you get a solid bowling lineup,” said Irfan Pathan on Star Sports

“Then you add spinners, if Rahul Chahar performs well then it is brilliant. Harpreet Brar comes for you as an all-rounder so you have five bowlers in the lineup then batters like Liam Livingstone or Sikandar Raza can also bowl so you get a sixth bowling option,” he added.

Watch- Irfan Pathan dissects Punjab Kings’ bowling attack in the upcoming IPL season

.@IrfanPathan & @Jatinsapru believe that the @PunjabKingsIPL look strong enough to break their Top 4 jinx this upcoming #IPLOnStar!

Will the addition of @Harshalpatel23 to the strong pace core help @SDhawan25 lead his team to Qualification?

Don't miss this incredible chat! pic.twitter.com/HewyzFZiF9

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 20, 2024

Punjab Kings also have purchased some good overseas players like Chris Woakes and Rilee Rossouw and has retained the services of players like Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran. The overseas battery of Punjab Kings is looking very strong and can be tough competition for other franchises. They also have Indian powers like Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma and now Harshal Patel has also joined the squad.

The Indian Premier League is scheduled to commence during the third week of March and will go on till the last week of May. Punjab Kings will be hoping to at least reach the top 4 and this team has the strength to qualify for the top 4 in the IPL 2024. Shikhar Dhawan is expected to lead the side to their maiden IPL title as they are one of the three teams who have failed to win a title since the inauguration of the tournament in 2008.

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Andre Russell has been one of the most prolific all-rounders in the league and has played some explosive cricket for his franchise the Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell has amassed 2262 runs in 96 innings during his IPL career and has also taken 96 wickets with the ball. He has a strike rate of 174 with the bat and a bowling strike rate of 15.48 which makes him a great all-rounder to feature in the competition.

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram highlights Andre Russell’s power-hitting ability stating that he can take a game away from the opponents in a matter of two or three overs. Apart from him, South African legend Dale Steyn also hailed ‘Dre Russ’ as a great all-rounder citing him as someone who can come and clock 145 with the ball consistently apart from his hard-hitting prowess. Both Akram and Steyn picked Ravindra Jadeja as the spin all-rounder.

“I’ll pick Russell because he’s just a big hitter, I mean Jadeja is a spin option and a gun fielder who can bat well at number 6 or 7. But, to have a guy at number 7 who can hit, and hit big regularly is huge. I’ve seen Andre Russell in the past 6, 7, 8 years, he still is an unbelievable player at number 7. He takes the game away from you in a matter of two or three overs, that’s how dangerous he is as a player,” said the former Pakistan pacer on Star Sports.

Dale Steyn reminds everyone of Andre Russell’s bowling abilities

“I’ve got two all-rounders and I suppose it would be up for debate if we were in a selection panel as to where these two would bat, 7 or 8, but I’ve got Russell and Jadeja. He (Andre Russell) also comes in and tips somebody else who is an all-rounder who could have made this team just because Andre, in his prime and when he’s fit, can bowl at 145 K per hour, so he comes in as my third seamer who bowls in at 145. I’ve got those two guys, where they bat is up for debate,” said Steyn.

Andre Russell has been out of form for the past couple of seasons in the IPL but he is someone who can contribute with both the bat and the ball. Kolkata Knight Riders have had his services for the past 10 years as he joined the franchise in 2014 and won the title with them in his first season. He will be one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2024 as he has been in good form in T20Is and can replicate his form in the IPL for KKR.

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Although Ben Duckett himself played out a 151-ball 153 run knock in the 2nd innings of the Test but he was not able to do the same or get closer to doing so in the 4th innings when England were in desperation for a blistering start. And that was because they needed 557 to win but in turn, the batters faltered against the wrath of the Indian bowling line-up.

What did Duckett say about Jaiswal?

After Jaiswal’s double ton on day 4 and England’s loss on the same day, Ben Duckett issued a statement that Yashasvi Jaiswal is definitely a star in the making and that the visitors should be given some credit for his performance as they apparently inspired the Indians to play with such flair, unlike other teams in the world.

“He looks like a superstar in the making. When you see players from the opposition playing like that, it almost feels like we should take some credit that they’re playing differently than how other people play Test cricket. We saw it a bit in the summer and it’s quite exciting to see other players and other teams are also playing that aggressive style of cricket.” – Duckett told reporters. 

His statement would eventually trigger fans on social media and a number of former cricketers as well. Among them was former England captain Michael Vaughan who stated that there have been players in the past who have played like this and also asked a number of England players to keep their thoughts in control.

“Heard of Matthew Hayden, Michael Slater, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist?”- Clarke asks Ben Duckett

While speaking to ESPN Australia’s show named “Around the Wicket”, Michael Clarke threw jabs at Ben Duckett about his Jaiswal comments and asked if he missed watching Australia in the last 20 years. He also asked if the Englishman knows players like Matthew Hayden, Michael Slater, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, and Adam Gilchrist among others, all of whom played in a similar brand of Test cricket which the English media coined as Bazball.

Clarke further bashed Duckett that he shouldn’t consider himself an aggressive batter just because he plays a few ramp shots and reverse sweeps among other unconventional shots and asked him to be a little realistic.

“He must have missed Australia for 20 years. As a youngster, he must not know what Test cricket Australia played. Has he heard of Matthew Hayden, Michael Slater, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist? These guys used to smack it as good as everyone. Because you play a reverse sweep or a switch hit or a ramp shot, that doesn’t mean you are batting aggressively either” Clarke said via ESPN Australia. 

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Ben Stokes made his intentions clear during a press conference that followed right after England’s 434-run loss in the 3rd Test against India in Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah stadium. He went at the rule makers in the context of Zak Crawley who departed in evident frustration after his DRS against the on-field umpire’s decision stood despite the ball from Jasprit Bumrah just clipping the leg-stump.

“Have technology that’s either good enough or don’t use it at all” – Finch opines on Umpire’s call

While appearing in a recent ESPN Australia show called “Around the Wicket”, Aaron Finch was critical about the system, claiming that it’s important to have a technology that’s 100% correct or else there is no point in having it. He claimed that having two decisions on a single appeal is ridiculous and since he has retired, he can openly back Ben Stokes on scrapping Umpire’s call.

“I think it should be scrapped. You need to have technology that’s either good enough or don’t use it at all. Having two decisions that can be out or not out and both are right is just ridiculous. I have been a beneficiary of a few umpire’s calls. Now that I have retired, I can say it should be scrapped,” Finch said via Around the Wicket show. 

Finch’s former teammate and fellow panelist Callum Ferguson had a totally opposite opinion as he took a dig towards England that they have gone mad just because that decision was not in their favor. “Nah I don’t think it should be scrapped. They’re just being bitter about it because one decision didn’t go their way,” Ferguson opined. 

Crawley’s umpire’s call instance isn’t the only one that has happened in the series but the fact that his presence was crucial for England in their unsuccessful chase of 557 runs, Ben Stokes became particularly furious about it in the press conference.

Regardless of it, England currently find their backs against the wall and are in danger of losing the series if they don’t come out on top of India in the 4th Test at Ranchi which starts in 3 days.

Michael Clarke asks Ben Stokes to keep his players’ blabbering mouth in check

Another former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke who led the Aussies towards their 5th Cricket World Cup title in 2015, cryptically asked Ben Stokes to keep his players’ waffling comments in check on the light of Ben Duckett’s remarks on Bazball inspiring Yashasvi Jaiswal to smack consecutive double centuries in the series.

Clarke lashed out at Duckett by stating that the latter should not proclaim himself as aggressive just because he plays a few unconventional shots and reminded him that there have been players like Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist among others have had an aggressive approach even before Bazball existed.

“Matthew Hayden, Michael Slater, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist. Mate, these guys used to smack them as good as anyone. So because you’re playing a switch-hit, a reverse sweep or a ramp shot, that doesn’t mean you’re batting aggressively,” Clarke said. 

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The reports claimed that Rishabh Pant has been taking part in the warm-up game in Alur, near Bengaluru. The keeper-batter has shown great signs of a comeback in what has been his first match after December 2022. He won’t be keeping wickets in the IPL 2024 for Delhi Capitals and the team will be fielding a separate keeper in the XI.

The reports claimed that the life-threatening accident hasn’t hindered his mobility. It is learned that Rishabh Pant’s ability to run and bat with the same agility and freedom is exactly the same as it was before the accident. He has been showing good signs of recovery ever since he got injured.

Rishabh Pant recently was sent by BCCI to London last month. He underwent treatment there and has gained full fitness. The keeper-batter has been cleared to take part in the games by the NCA and Delhi Capitals have shown confidence in him captaining the team.

Rishabh Pant underwent a tragic accident in December 2023 and since then has been out of action. He underwent knee surgery and since then has been training at NCA for his recovery. The keeper-batter went through various drills and recovered more quickly than expected.

Recently some reports suggested that BCCI even considered the England Test series as a window for Rishabh Pant’s comeback. But the development didn’t work as they didn’t want him to ease way into the cricket through the longest format of the game, which takes a lot of effort from players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to kick start from on March 22 or 23, with the final set to take place on May 26. Much more than the league, the excitement is for the Rishabh Pant’s return. It remains to be seen how the keeper-batter goes about his business in the league.

Till the time I start playing cricket, I don’t want to plan much for the future – Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant recently talked about the accident he suffered and said that he was lucky that things weren’t that serious. He also talked about his recovery process and said that till the time he makes a comeback, he won’t think about the future. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“First time in my life I had that feeling of letting it go. I felt my time in this world was over. It was the first time I had such a feeling in life. At the time of the accident, I was aware of the wounds, but I was lucky as it could have been even more serious.

“Till the time I start playing cricket, I don’t want to plan much for the future. I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover? I told him that everybody is speaking different things, but you will give me the most clarity about it. He said it would take 16 to 18 months. I told the doctor that whatever timeline you give me, I will reduce six months from it.”

It remains to be seen how Rishabh Pant will make a return. He will be eager for the team along with India going ahead.

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Hardik Pandya’s IPL career has been nothing short of brilliant as he won the title in his debut season as a player and as a captain. He made his debut in the IPL under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy for Mumbai Indians in the 2015 edition of the IPL. Hardik Pandya has won five IPL titles in his career four with MI as a player and one with GT as the skipper. He led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and then also reached the finals in the last season but lost the summit clash against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Matthew Hayden was asked for his all-time best XI for the IPL during a Star Sports show named ‘Incredible 16 of the IPL’. Hayden picked both Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in his XI stating that both are great fielders and Jadeja provides a left-arm option.

“I don’t want to waste, if there is such a thing where you’re picking greats, an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent, so Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure. I’m going to pick Jadeja as well, as I want that left-arm option, and a great fielder, which Hardik is as well. So Hardik at this stage is my choice,” Matthew Hayden said.

Hardik Pandya will lead the Mumbai Indians this season

The decision to announce Hardik Pandya as the new captain was not welcomed by the fans as they were agitated to see their most successful skipper being removed from the role. Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians from 2013 and has won five IPL titles with them as their leader and he was removed without any prior information. Hardik Pandya returned to his previous home after playing for the Ahmedabad-based franchise for two seasons leading them to their maiden title.

Mumbai Indians still has Rohit Sharma as a player and according to the franchise and their head coach Mark Boucher, the decision to remove him from captaincy may bring out his best as a batter. Rohit Sharma won five IPL titles as Mumbai Indians’ skipper and has also won a title with Deccan Chargers in 2009 as a player. Hardik Pandya has a big challenge in front of him to lead the team and fill in the shoes of Rohit Sharma who is one of the most successful captains in the competition.

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is expected to commence during the third week of March and will last till the last week of May. Mumbai Indians will be aiming to win their sixth IPL title and reclaim their throne of being the best and most successful team in the IPL.

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Zak Crawley was given out LBW in the second innings of the third Test by umpire Kumara Dharamsena and he had to go back to the pavilion as the DRS showed the umpire’s call in the ball-tracking. He was also given out in a controversial decision during the second Test which was played in Vizag. India won the third Test by a record 434 runs and took a lead of 2-1 in the ongoing five-match series against England with two Test matches remaining in the series that will decide the results.

Aakash Chopra was not happy with Ben Stokes calling to remove the umpire’s call in the DRS as according to the reputed commentator, it is not a howler. Aakash Chopra wasn’t convinced about Stokes’ argument that the umpire’s call should be done away with. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, he elaborated on the rule saying that DRS is not 100% correct and so the decision goes to umpire’s call as it is not completely certain.

“Ben Stokes has said that he dislikes DRS. He asked the umpire’s call to be removed. DRS is not foolproof. So you go towards the umpire’s call as you are not 100% certain. You say that is what was the umpire’s job, so you remain out if the umpire gave it out and not out if he gave it not out. That was the truth. It is not a howler. What you are trying to remove is already removed by default,” the former India opener added.

Ben Stokes is not happy with DRS going India’s way in the series

Ben Stokes is not happy with the decisions going in favor of India multiple times. Zak Crawley has been the victim of some controversial decisions in consecutive Tests. He was given out by the DRS in the second Test but from a naked eye, it looked like the ball will miss the leg stumps easily. In the third Test, he was given LBW by Kumar Dharamsena and the DRS said the umpire’s call which again led to his dismissal where if seen from the naked eye it was looking like the ball would bounce over the stumps.

India and England are facing each other in a five-match Test series where India is leading the series 2-1 and the fourth Test will be played at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi starting on February 23, Friday. The hosts will look forward to sealing the series in the fourth Test itself to mark their 17th consecutive Test series win at home with the last defeat coming against England in 2012. England needs to win the fourth Test to still hold a chance of winning the series.

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Graeme Smith would also send a clear warning to England that India will now become very hard to catch up to especially after the fashion in which they claimed victory in the 3rd Test at Rajkot by 434 runs. The Three Lions were bowled out for just 122 in their response to the 557 run target posted by the hosts on the back of Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s double ton and Sarfaraz Khan’s half-century in the 3rd innings.

Providing security to players has been the best thing in McCullum’s tenure, feels the former Proteas captain

The former Proteas captain stated that the best part about Brendon McCullum’s tenure as head coach has been the amount of security they have provided to players with their respective style of play. Smith claims that there was a big pool of talent before as well but the McCullum-led management has certainly worked towards removing the element of fear within the English players.

“There’s always been a lot of talent, but they seem to have taken away the fear, provided a lot of security for people and look at the game in a positive way. England are sticking true to the way they want to play in India by applying pressure on the opposition and making them think,” Graeme Smith told Wisden. 

Some of the English players like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope among others have excelled under the Bazball philosophy but an old school player like Joe Root has had to pay the price. The former England captain who has accumulated over 11,000 Test runs in his own style, has struggled to score runs in this series. Across the 3 Tests, Joe Root has scores of 29, 2, 5, 16, 18 and 7.

Jonny Bairstow is another name that has struggled in this series as he has scored only 102 runs across the Hyderabad, Vizag and Rajkot Test including a duck in the 2nd innings of 3rd Test. The Three Lions can still have a chance in this series if Bairstow and Root both get their form back and it has become a “must” for them in the 4th Test at Ranchi.

“If India get their noses ahead then they’ll be very difficult to chase down” – Graeme Smith opines on India’s home lethality

Graeme Smith who has captained the South African team towards 2 Test series draws (2008 & 2010) and a loss in 2004 over here, claimed that India tend to become more lethal once they get ahead in a particular series like they are already. The 43-year-old warned the Bazballers that the closing matches of a Test series in India gets very difficult due to the heat and in such cases, its important to stay mentally fresh and positive.

“It’s a very long tour an toiling against India like you have to with long days in the field combined with the heat can wear you down towards the back end. Staying mentally fresh and positive in your gameplan is important. England need to hang tough for as long as possible because if India get their noses ahead then they’ll be very difficult to chase down,” Graeme Smith concluded. 

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