The two limited-overs world champions meet to renew their century-old cricket rivalry at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Following Tuesday’s washout of their match at the same site, England and Scotland shared a point apiece. In an attempt to be the first team to win the trophy again, Jos Buttler’s team didn’t appear to be at their best, letting the Scots reach 90-0 in just 10 overs.
Australia is in second place in Group B with two points after defeating Oman in their opening match, while England is in fourth place with one point. Scotland leads the group with three points from two games, followed by Namibia in third place with two points from two games and Oman at the bottom following two losses.
England’s Super Eight qualification could be in risk if they lose against Australia, the ODI world champions, on Saturday, but batsman Jonny Bairstow is not concerned about the possibilities.
Bairstow said to reporters on Friday, “It doesn’t derail us either way.” “We understand that winning more games than losing is a necessary component of playing tournament cricket.
“Winning gives you a point in the group, but ultimately, you need to win the remaining two games [against Oman and Nambia].
“Beating Australia will be good for momentum and confidence,” he continued.
Australia is “pumped” for the England match. After a difficult start, Australia defeated Oman by 39 runs thanks to an all-around performance by Marcus Stoinis with the bat and ball.
Although their team was a little anxious throughout the match, captain Mitchell Marsh said they were pleased with the victory and eager for their matchup with old rivals England on Saturday.
For the match in Barbados, Marsh predicts that there will be a larger number of England supporters than Australians, joking that the mood will be similar to that of Headingly in Leeds.
In the ongoing series India again displayed a noteworthy performance. The 2nd match of the ODI series was being played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
After winning the toss, the Sri Lankan team choose to bat first. In the first innings, they posted a total of 215. In their inning, Nuwanidu Fernando scored the highest run of 50. From the Indian side, Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets.
In the second innings, India started on a strong note but lost Rohit Sharma and Shuman Gill in quick succession. After the fall of both the openers, India was at 41. Then came Virat Kohli, who lost his wicket at a score of 4 and India was at 62 at that moment. Then Shreyas Iyer tried to steady the ship with K L Rahul. Shreyas fell at a personal score of 28 when India was at 86. Then a partnership was built by K L Rahul and Hardik Pandya. They both took India to a respectable score of 161, which kept India in the hunt for the win. Then Hardik Pandya fell for a personal score of 36. After that Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also came in to take India home. Axar Patel continued his good form and scored 21 at a run-a-ball pace, which also had a six and a four. Kuldeep on the other hand scored 10 runs in 10 balls and made sure that India made it home with 219 on board in 43.2 overs and 4 wickets in hand. Along with this win, India secured another ODI series victory over their home turf. They are now head of Sri Lanka with a 2-0 lead.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka also performed well in the beginning. They were able to remove both openers in quick succession. Then, Viral Kohli also rapidly returned to the pavilion. But after that, K L Rahul and Hardik Pandya built a partnership that made sure that India won the match and also the series. In the bowling department, Chamika Karunaratne along with Lahiru Kumara took 2 wickets each. Also, Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva was the most economical bowler and gave away just 28 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
With this series win Indian cricket team put their foot forward on a positive note in the new year. This win will also help them in some way in their preparation towards the ODI World Cup, which will be played this year in India itself. It was an important series as Sri Lanka is the current champions of Asia after they won the Asia Cup in 2022. This series will also give them the confidence to face the next series. The next series for the Indian team will be against New Zealand, which is currently playing against Pakistan.NZ is also currently the winner of the ODI series against Pakistan with a lead of 2-1.
In the upcoming series against NZ, India will be playing 3 ODIs and 3 T20s. New Zealand will be touring India for this series, they will also have a chance to flex their muscle. In the last World Cup in 2019, New Zealand was unlucky to lose against England in the final.
Gone are the days when we had the opportunity to watch our favourite national cricket team play a game or a series in a year. Now, we have cricket throughout the year. Teams visit different countries and play several series in a year. Now the series also have various duration. Some are very short and some are of very long duration. It appears as if cricket has lost its shine.
Now, players play throughout the year. If they are free, then they take part in some domestic tournaments all over the globe. IPL has been one of the biggest influencers in such a manner. It gives the players a platform to showcase their skills and also provides them with a chance to earn big amounts. They are also paid handsomely in such tournaments and sometimes. Even get recognition in their respective countries.
But all of this is slowly creating problems. Now, the question arises that how can this round-the-clock behaviour be stopped. Is there any way that can ensure that cricket stays relevant for a longer duration? The new format of T20 is also taking the shine off the test matches.
With the exit of India, in T20 World Cup the talks are on several sections of society giving their opinion. The team reached the semi-final and then aced a 10- wicket defeat from the England cricket team.
After this defeat, questions are raised about the performance of the team. A blame game is also going on. Some blame the batsmen, some blame the bowlers, some blame the lack of experience and some even blame the coach.
But at the core, there is also some positive result in this year’s performance. The younger lot of the team has performed well to some extent. The team did reach the semi-final and this is a good sign. It can give some confidence to the team before they proceed to the ODI World Cup in 2023.
For the preparation part, the Indian team which is playing in NZ currently, has some changes. For starters, Dravid has been replaced by Laxman as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team.
For the time being, the team has been able to win the T20 series against the NZ team. There were three matches, out of which the first one was washed out. The second one was won by the Indian team. Then the third match ended in a tie. So, this results in the Indian team winning the series. Now, it’s time for the ODI series. The series will better prepare the team for the next year’s ODI World Cup.
After this series, there is also a series against the Bangladesh team in Bangladesh. It will also be helpful as the series will be played in friendly conditions. Another plus point is that as the next year’s World Cup will be played in India, so familiar conditions will give more exposure to the youngsters to play in the single-day format of the popular game.
Cricket is the most popular sport in india.Every part of the country they will play cricket Indian National cricket team also known as men in blue represent in world tournament like Odi, T20,Test.The Indian cricket team is governed by BCCI(Board of control of cricket in india).
Indian team started cricket in 1721 long ago.There are 38 first class clubs and 10 ipl clubs from 2022.There are many form of cricket first class,ipl,clubs etc.
List of cricket:-
First Class Cricket:-
Ranji Trophy Duleep Trophy Irani Trophy
List A Cricket:-
Vijay Hazare Trophy Deodhar Trophy
T20 Cricket:-
Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy
Club competitions:-
Indian premier league
International competitions:-
ICC World Test Championship ICC Cricket World Cup ICC World Twenty20 ICC Champions Trophy Asia Cup Women’s Cricket World Cup ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Under 19 Cricket World Cup
In 2007 first time T20 started india gone with a young team under ms dhoni without any star players and they won T20 world cup.
In ODI world cup india 2 times won the championship First in 1983 against West Indies under kapil dev And second time won in 2011 against Sri Lanka under ms dhoni.India has provided many legends in cricket.From children to youngster all will play cricket in india.
When we talk about biggest wastes of talent in Indian cricket ,Vinod Kambli is certainly one of the players that comes in our mind . and why not ? the kind of talent that he posssesesd , he had the ability to hit a 75 ball 100 in test cricket in that era .
Besides his memorable unbeaten 664 run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar in the harris shield trophy match where he scored 349 runs along with Sachin who scored 326 runs , Kambli also took 6 wickets for just 37 runs . perhaps this was the reason that Ramakant Achrekar , the guru of these two players , considered Vinod Kambli more talented than Sachin. But today ,Sachin Tendulkar is called the God of cricket , while Vinod Kambli is counted among the failed the cricketers .
After making his Test debut in `1993 , Kambli matched Don Bradman and Wally Hammond by hammering successive double test centuries , almost overshadowing Sachin Tendulkar for a brief period . having that said , he did absolutely nothing outside the Indian Subcontinent .
At a time , when he enjoyed a lot of attention , fan following and adulation , he somehow lost his head . he got himself into a lot of trouble with his off field activities and started making headlines for many wrong reasons including alcohol ,affairs and brawls . bad attitude , lack of discipline and lack of work ethic made things worse for him.
Not to mention , his technique had flaws like the high backlift where fast bowlers were able to get through the gate.
To add to his misery , this low coincided with a poor run with the bat where he was bounced out by curtly Ambrose at home , in 1994-95 season. He had played what turned out to be his last test in 1995 , aged only 23.
What happened thereafter ? He was dropped from the one day side after 1996 World cup on disciplinary grounds and since then he could never cement his place . The same world cup had also seen Kambli publically breaking down after the disgrace exit of the Indian cricket team in the semifinal and not-so-publically , allegedly, creating a showdown in the team as well .
If this wasn’t enough, he made some controversial statements against Sachin Tendulkar in a TV Show named Sach ka Samna where he alleged Sachin for not supporting him in his difficult times
After he was terminated from the national team for one last time in 2000 due to his poor form and poor record , India saw the emergence of two future greats namely Rahul Dravid and Saurav Gaunguly .
Kambli later blamed his own failures on his captain , teammates , selectors and cricket board.
To conclude , Kambli was a colossal waste of talent . he let success go to his head and was an entitled brat. I remember a comment he made after his breakthrough double tons saying something to the effect of” Sachin took the elevator and I took the stairs but we’re both here now “.
I think his cricketing journey is a perfect example of how hard work and strong ethics beats talent regardless of what anyone says.Having a lot of talent makes you complacent as it gives you the false illusion and security that you are better than everyone else.
“ If you travel deep inside some 340 +km from Chennai, you get to see a small village called Chinnappampatti. With barely any transportation available you would only find buses that will take you there. If you happen to visit the place , ask for Natarajan , the whole village loves to talk about their humble chella paiyan, which loosely translates into go boy ,” says a local resident .
And rightly said . Cricket has no limits. It doesn’t have the foggiest idea where and which place you are . In India , people are so determined by cricket that each and everyone wants to break into the national team as if it is super easy and then you will find strict mothers who chase you for playing the game and breaking the windows. Having said that , nobody believes in you as they do.
In Tamil Nadu, cricket was never a career option but a pass time . however , with hard work , proper path and determination some do make it . And one of them is Thangarasu Natarajan .
Natarajan’s family wasn’t monetarily wealthy. While his dad functioned as a coolie at a railroad station , his mother ran a road side snack stall. being the eldest child , Natarajan was constantly stressed about his family , but cricket has been a friend in need for the Natarajan family .
In an interview with Times of India ,the left arm quick recalled his early days of struggle , “ We didn’t had enough food on the table, it was truly a struggle .”
“ we all studied in a government school and there were no facilities or mentors who could help me with my cricketing ambitions ,” says Natarajan.
At a time when basic necessities like food and water were hard to come by let alone cricket gear , the bowler sharpened his skills by playing tennis ball cricket .
His fortunes started changing after his breakthrough performances in Tamil Nadu premier league ( TNPL) , first with dindigul dragons and then with lyca kovai kings that caught the attention of former kings XI Punjab ( now Punjab kings ) coach , Virender Sehwag , and was bought for a Whooping 3 crore, making him the highest unpaid Indian uncapped player in the auction .
However , his dream came true when he was selected for the Indian national team , after some stellar performances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian premier league 2020.
The left arm quick picked up two wickets in his ODI debut and three wickets for 30 runs in his T20 Debut , helping the team win on each occasions . Upon his return from Australia , the Yorker king was taken on a chariot in his village in Salem district of Tamil Nadu.
Natarajan’s cricketing journey is full of inspiration. It teaches us that with hard work and dedication , anything can be accomplished . We , as Indian cricket fans , wish Natarajan carries his good form for team India in the foreseeable future and keep on making his fans and his loved ones proud .
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cricketers and one of the world’s best captains, retired from cricket last year on Independence day (Aug 15). But tales of his adventures are still on the tongue of every cricket lover. He achieved everything that every cricketer dreams in his 16-year career. Apart from being a great wicketkeeper, his captaincy was also excellent. Dhoni played 538 matches for India in his career, in which he scored 17,266 runs with the help of 16 centuries.
‘Mahi’, as Mahendra Singh Dhoni is popularly known, was born on 7th July, 1981 to Pan Singh and Devaki Dev at Ranchi in Bihar (now Jharkhand). Dhoni’s parents had moved to Ranchi from Uttarakhand where his father works in a junior management position in Mecon. He has a sister and a brother.
Lets read why MS Dhoni is the greatest Indian cricketer of all time.
Major ICC Trophies as Captain
MS Dhoni is the only captain in the history of Cricket to win all ICC trophies. Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World T20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
He’s the best captain we’ve had
No cricket captain in the past has been as successful as Dhoni across all formats of cricket. As of today, his captaincy boasts of two world titles in 50-over ODI cricket, one world title in the T20 format besides Champions League and IPL, where he holds two titles in each format. If this isn’t enough for you, remember that it was under Dhoni’s captainship that put us on top of ICC Test Cricket rankings.
He is India’s highest impact ODI player
According to ‘Impactindex’, MS Dhoni is India’s most high impact ODI cricket player, followed by Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar. Purely as a batsman, he stands behind Sachin and Virat. But it’s his varied skill-set that makes him the most impactful player of the lot.
He created the ‘Helicopter shot’
Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s helicopter shot has been emulated a number of times by fans and his teammates as well, whether in the nets or during the match. Dhoni’s helicopter shot became a rage in mid 2000s when he first played during his long hair days. Dhoni’s style and flamboyance gave that shot its name and made it famous more than any other cricketer’s signature shot.
The world’s greatest workload
From 2008 to 2014, Dhoni was the captain-cum-wicket-keeper-cum-attacking-batsman of the Test, ODI, T20 teams of India, whilst leading the IPL team Chennai Super Kings. That’s around 300 matches for India and 100 for CSK. Many international players have wilted with just half of this workload and chosen to retire early in the face of such pressure.
World’s greatest wicket-keeper
An oft-overlooked fact: MS Dhoni has a record of 700 international catches plus stumpings in the three formats and no other Indian wicket-keeper comes close. He is always alert and outwits the batsman by hitting the stumps when he sees a player out of the crease – especially after he has taken a spectacular catch and the umpire doesn’t yield!
Team India’s Phoenix
But more than mere records, it is his influence on Indian cricket that will outlive him. His cool-as-a-cucumber attitude has rubbed off on his team. Ganguly’s aggression followed by Dhoni’s “no fear cricket” (in the words of Aussie legend Ian Chappell) have transformed Indian cricket. When we were eliminated in the 2007 ODI WC, Dhoni took us out of the gloom and won us the T20 WC, which arguably ushered in the T20 revolution. In the 2007 Tests at Lord’s too we were on the verge of losing and Dhoni’s 76 off 159 helped us draw the match with one wicket to spare. We won the series and subsequently became Test No 1. Dhoni is the lone Indian captain who made winning a habit. After the debacle of 0-8, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and the 4-0 Australia whitewash (which featured his record double century) he brought back Team India’s winning streak after a dark cricketing period. When the opposition had figured out his attacking game, he transformed it to return to the reckoning. They threw stones at his house (not once, but twice), badgered him as captain, dragged him to court over a magazine cover, but he came out of every storm – dignified and unhurt. Dhoni is the most complex cricketer in the world as also the most thrilling – and inevitably the greatest!
Spectacular things that Legendary Cricketers say about MS Dhoni:
“Dhoni Is The Best Captain I Have Played Under.”
Sachin Tendulkar
“Dhoni Is My Hero. We talk a lot about Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, But this boy has as much talent as anyone in the game.”
Kapil Dev
“I Would Go To War With Dhoni By My Side.”
Gary Kirsten
“As Far As One-Day Cricket Is Concerned, Dhoni Is One Of The Greatest Captains Of All Times”
Sourav Ganguly
“I Am Really Gifted To Play Under The Leadership Of MS Dhoni.”
Michael Hussy
“I will pay to watch MS Dhoni Bat. Dhoni is not the next Gilchrist. He’s the first MS Dhoni.”
Adam Gilchrist
“Need A Six In Pressure Situation? Call MS DHONI.”
Ramiz Raja
“If Dhoni plays till the end, one thing is for sure. He will make his team Win.”
Harsha Bhogle
“If 15 Runs Are Needed Off The Last 6 Balls, Pressure Is On The Bowler & Not On MS Dhoni”
Ian Bishop
You can not describe him or cover all his achievements through the words.. He is a Living Legend and you know what is Dhoni’s biggest achievement that even if 37 runs in 6 balls were needed, people used to say “Dhoni Sambhal Lega Yaar!”.
A cricket player’s fitness and endurance on the pitch are controlled by what they do off the pitch. As a game dependent on quick, amazing developments it is fundamental for fuse strength preparing into your wellness routine to improve your game.
strength training for batsmen
There’s an actual interest in a cricketer’s body that requires the correct reinforcing and molding. As a batsman, you are utilizing your entire body to play out a smooth motion. The portability, strength, and vigorous wellness make up the collection of a batsman. You ought to likewise consider how your solidarity as a batsman is influenced by your stuff, as far as your cushions or the bat you use. Along these lines, you should zeroing in on each of these in your exercise center preparing program.
For batting, you depend upon the muscles in your back, shoulders, and biceps. You’re likewise captivating your center muscles to help turn the body as you swing the bat. Along these lines, your solidarity preparing should zero in on compound developments, for example:
i. Bicep twists ii. Hammer rows iii. Close-hold pull-ups iv. Overhead presses like military presses x. Hitting the rear arm muscles with plunges and rear arm muscle expansions will assist with fostering that dangerousness expected to present the bat. xi. Adjust your daily practice with center activities like boards and varieties of crunches.
strength training for bowlers
Bowling is another full-body development yet with more spotlight on the predominant bowling arm. Bowlers by and large notification their bowling arm has more strength and muscle tone because of the tedious development. The abs, obliques, and back muscles additionally advantageous from a fortifying project since they are fundamentally used to turn the body as the bowler runs and deliveries the ball.
It is encouraging zero in on rotator cuff strengthening, rotator strength, and dangerous development. The rotator sleeve contains the tendons that help the arm at the shoulder. In quick bowling, the shoulder inside and remotely turns as the hip and center muscles settle and force the development.
i. Free weight flys. ii. Link inside and outside turns. Focus on a 10-15 rep range zeroing in on legitimate structure. iii. For abs, attempt medication ball pummels to help reinforce the settling muscles.
strength training for fielding
Defenders play out a ton of sudden halting and dangerous speed while out on the pitch. Along these lines, zeroing in on lower body strength for speed and deftness and chest and shoulder practices for tossing the ball could profit from your on-pitch performance.
i. To heat up play out a case hop preceding your solidarity preparing exercise. The advantage of a container bounce is that it builds your instability. Begin by performing 3-5 reps at a difficult tallness. ii. Squats, strolling thrusts, and single-leg deadlifts with a leap enacts those muscles needed for speed, force, and execution. iii. For shoulder and chest strength, take a gander at joining shoulder presses and lat-pulldowns during your preparation program. iv. Another incredible exercise for field cricketers is frog squats, as this development can help in handling ground balls. 2 – 4 meetings seven days will assist with reinforcing and condition your entire body. v. As defenders spend extensive stretches on their feet switching back and forth between stopping and running, make certain to adjust your solidarity program with vigorous preparing like running, paddling, or cycling.
3 essential stretches for cricketers
Batting, bowling, and handling all convey a danger of injury. You’re putting a great deal of weight on the body with dreary development and extensive stretches of play. Extending may appear to be a little piece of your solidarity preparing program however it assumes an imperative part. Attempt these stretches after your solidarity preparing project to forestall injury and keep up on-field execution:
Hip abductor stretch: In a bowing position, bring the correct leg out in front, and push your left hip forward until you feel a stretch in the left hip. Rehash on opposite side.
Pectoral stretch: Standing sideways against a divider with one foot before the other, bring your back arm against the divider behind you, and delicately press the arm against the divider by turning somewhat toward the left.
Side stretch: Remaining with feet shoulder-width separated, bring the arms up to the roof catching the hands together. Gradually twist aside feeling a stretch in the side body. Rehash on the opposite side.
Regardless of what level you’re at as a cricket player, strength preparing will improve your game and by and large execution by expanding deftness and wellness. Cricket is a method-driven game, where strength and molding ought to be custom-made to your particular job in the game. Get more grounded to forestall injury, construct your unstable speed, and increment ideal execution with an extending program.
With the first final of the World Test Championship just around the corner, let us look at some of the less remembered greats of the game.
George Headley
For a common cricket follower of today – Lara, Viv Richards, Chanderpaul, Haynes – are the poster boys of legendary West Indian batsmanship. To the fan of the game before World War II, however, it’ll always be George Headley. The record holder for the test score by a West Indies batsman was born at Panama on May 30, 1909. With none to coach him during his early days, he taught himself the aspects of the game. Known for his impeccable timing, he made a name for himself during the Australian tour of 1930/31. The experts of the day were astonished at his timing and placement. In addition to his mastery of batsmanship, he was also a part time bowler and a great fielder. It won’t be further from truth to say that he the beginning of what was to come in the history of West Indies cricket.
Wally Hammond
The great legend of English cricket was born at Dover in the year 1903. He began playing cricket at the age of 8. As was not uncommon in those days, he was a yet another example of an autodidact. After witnessing some of his performance for his county team, the watchers were left with no doubt regarding his talent and went back home with their mind filled with expectations. His career did justify the great expectations. Loved for his aggressive and stylish batting, he was a significant contributor to his team’s performances. His numbers at the end of his career were impressive – 50,511 first class runs at an average of 56.10 with 167 centuries. He was overshadowed by the greatness of Sir Don Bradman during his career.
Douglas Jardine
The former captain of England test cricket team is remembered by history for reasons other than his batsmanship. Douglas Jardine was born at Bombay in 1900 and was coached by his father, also a cricketer, during his early days. Though he impressed with fine batting performances in the Australian tour of 1928/29, it is for his role as a captain in the tour four years later that the Australians remember him. Armed with the pace of H Larwood and Voce, he countered the threat of an intimidating Australian batting order by targetting their body with bouncers. This series is known as the bodyline series for this reason. This tactic was not well received by the Australian crowd and the cricket board. He was unperturbed by the angry response of the crowd and the board. He was called as “The Iron Duke” for his rock like character.
Victor Trumper
Regarded as a great batsman by his contemporaries, but now forgotten by many in the cricket world, Victor Trumper was the first of many great cricketing batters from Australia. The early period of cricket history is notorious for its terrible pitches. It was on these tracks Trumper astonished many with his batting performances. He was the first to score a hundred before lunch. His mates, who marvelled at his batting on sticky wickets, opined that he was worth 3 wickets. He was also known for his big hitting. Also an outstanding fielder to boot, he was a significant part of the team. Victor Trumper died at a young age of 37.
Palwankar Baloo
Palwankar Baloo, the first Indian Dalit cricketer, was also a great slow bowler. He is regarded as the first great of Indian cricket. He rose through the ranks from doing ground duties and bowling in the nets at a club to the leader of the attack of whichever team he represented. On his first tour to England, he picked over 200 wickets at an incredible average of 13 apiece. Hailing from a low caste family, his stuggles were more off the field than on the field. He conquered these inequalities through his skill in the game. He later on became a politician to fight for the rights of the depressed. Another interesting highlight of his life was that he contested against Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in an election and lost it by over 2000 votes. He was a role model for the depressed classes during his time. His contributions as a cricketer and a politician will be remembered for a long time to come.
Comebacks are always special more so when you’ve back against the wall and no one expects you to fight back. Similar was the situation for Indian cricket team as they were demolished when Australian bowlers ran over them for just 36 runs lowest score for India ever. It infamously known as “Summer of 36” (because its summer season in Australia). To make situation worse Indian captain and superstar batsman Virat Kohli went on parental leave, ace pace bowler Mohammad Shami was ruled out due to fractured arm, another star batsman Rohit Sharma placed in mandatory quarantine for 14 days and Indian bowler Umesh Yadav injured during the second test match. Despite all the odds and challenges India defy the great odds to claim victory in second test match of the series by 8 wicket at MCG and level the series 1-1.
Day 1
The second test began with a lot of questions after all Indian team were demolished for just 36 and lost the first match of 4 match test series. This was evident when Indian team announced 4 changes including 2 debutant on the eve of 2nd test match to be played on Boxing Day at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). Mohammad Siraj for Mohammad Shami, Ravindra Jadeja for Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill for Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant for Wriddhiman Shaha.
The first day of 2nd test match began with Australia winning the toss and opting to bat. An inspired Indian bowling unit, led by the menacing Jasprit Bumrah (4/56) Ravichandran Ashwin (3/35), steam-rolled Australia for a meagre 195. The debutant for India, Mohammed Siraj (2/40 in 15 overs) also repaid the faith shown in him. While Marnus Labuschagne (48) top-scored for Australia, Travis Head and Matthew Wade made 48 and 30 runs respectively.
India was 36 for one in its first innings in reply to Australia’s 195-10 at stumps on day 1 of the second Test at the MCG, Melbourne on Saturday. Debutant Shubman Gill batting on 28 in the company off Cheteshwar Pujara on 7.
Day 2
Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored a fine century as India reached 277 for five against Australia before rain forced an early stumps on the second day of the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. Rahane showed great determination as he made an unbeaten 200-ball 104, studded with 12 hits to the fence
Rahane (104) and Ravindra Jadeja 40 were at the crease when the stumps were drawn with India leading by 82 runs. In the third session, Rahane and Jadeja added 104 runs without losing a wicket. Australia were all out for 195 in their first innings on the opening day.
Day 3
India is well within distance of levelling the four-match Test series after reducing Australia to 133 for 6 in the second innings at stumps on the third day of the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday. Ajinkya Rahane’s 112 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 57 took India to a decent first innings score of 326 and a handy 131 run lead. India will now look to wrap up the proceedings on the fourth day as Australia has a slender lead of two runs with only four wickets in hand.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah bowled brilliantly to end the day with 1/34 while Ravindra Jadeja got 2/25. Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj also got a wicket each. The only worry for India is Umesh Yadav’s (1/5 in 3.3 overs) calf muscle injury after removing opener Joe Burns with a peach of delivery.
Day 4
India restricted Australia for 200 and required another 70 runs to win. Which India achieved with a loss 2 wicket and levelled the series 1-1 in what was incredible comeback story.
As the saying goes “Only darkness can make the stars shine” similarly in the most challenging times the stars of Indian cricket teams shine like brightest stars. Well whole series has not ended there are still two test matches to be played but this victory will be etched as among the most memorable victory of Indian cricket team as they defied great odds to clinched victory.
“Dhoni finishes off in style! A magnificent strike into the crowd. India lift the world Cup after 28 years. The party has started in the dressing room and it’s an Indian captain who has played an amazinginnings on the night of the final,” this commentary by Ravi Shastri is bound to never leave us, even on our deathbeds; MSD winning us the WC with a six. One of the best moments that captured the finesse of our former Indian Captain.
It’s Saddening to say former, There was more to Mahi, than just being an Indian captain. He was the human embodiment of the hopes, aspirations and dreams of many. An emotion to the masses across the world.
‘Whistle podu,’ to the superstar. Thaliva, indeed!
The news of Dhoni’s retirement from the International level was a shocker. Throwing many a fans and even cricket enthusiasts in different parts of the world into an emotional dilemma.
The only words that one could gather was ‘did he have to hang his boots this early?’ A testament of the perception, that people had of Dhoni wearing the jersey in blue at least for the next few years.
Like always, he left us all awestruck and taken aback. Accustomed to putting us by the end of our seats, Mysterious like always, Dhoni bowed out from the major leagues. For old times sake right?
What could be adding to the trauma would be the fact that it marks the end of an era. The end of the dream team of India. Dhoni was the last one to leave, after legends like Viru, Zak, Yuvi, Bhaji and many more.
He was the man, the myth, the legend. Finding someone with true hate towards him would be something unattainable. He was committed to the game and nothing else, truegentleman who excelled in all his cricketing spectrums.
His on-field focus was impeccable.
He was the best finisher, wk and captain India has ever produced. The man’s focus to his is impeccable. He always looked deep in thought, always a coupleofsteps ahead the rest.
Captain cool was mostly a man of few words, if you think about it now, we never got much glimpses of him talking away on the telly.
Just like his words, he kept his emotions to himself too. Never letting them clouding over his judgements. Those piercing glances from within the helmet and charging down the 22 yards will never be forgotten.
Dhoni’s methods were unorthodox, but super efficient. From his batting style to just wearingoneglove in tense situations to game changing bowler spell choices. A playmaker who steered the game of 22.
The story of a small time boy making upto the big leagues was beautifully portrayed in his biopic by the late star Sushant (RIP). I believe the movie just thickened our relationship with the man.
A man known for his humungous sixes and stepping down the pitch for taking charge at the bowlers, one after the other. It’d have been a far bigger injustice if the ‘hitman’ was not named ‘hitman’.
His cricketing career was reincarnated at the ‘13 ICC Champions trophy, when the middle order batsman was asked to open alongside his long time, still standing opening partner Shikhar Dhawan. This time he didn’t need much time to prove his salt; marked off his return by scoring an amazing Ton.
A cricketing genius, in whose capable hands lies the powers to get the nation of the mark. One guy for the aspirations of 136 crores. Setting the blood pressure levels at pleasant levels when he strolls off to the 22 yards to give the bowling side a beating. His story is one which draws similarities with that of the ‘God of Cricket.’
This Mumbaikar’s journey from humblebeginnings teaches us a grave lesson, that if we put our heart to it, anything under the sky is doable, period.
Rohit was called upto the National team in ‘07 as a middle order batsman who also knew his way around at the bowler’s end.
After debuting for the Nation, the first few years of his career went under a bit of turbulence.
With 4 IPL titles’ and a champions trophy under his belt for Mi, is superfluous accolades to prove his capabilities to adorn the Captain’s cap. Proving that luck without execution is just a whopping ‘duck’. (in cricketing terms.)
The Hitman being awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Retna award on 22nd August came no shock to the rest of the countrymen. His stats in all 3 formats brought home the prestigious award as the 4th Cricketer after The God, Captain cool and VK47.
He’s the only cricketer in the world to have 3 double tons in limited over cricket against his name. With the mammoth (264 vs SL) being the highest runs scored by a batsman in an ODI innings. The hitman is also the Second Indian cricketer to score centuries in all three formats and also bagged ‘19 ICC WC ‘Golden Bat’ award for hitting 5 centuries in that WC. These are just a few feathers of his colourful blue cap.
Rohit Sharma attained a hat-trick of the most number of sixes internationally for 3 consecutive years, across 3 formats, which aided him to cross the milestone of 400 sixes last year. Making him the first Indian and fastest to cross the milestone.
He’s one of the best players of the Modern cricketing world and plays the game effortlessly, making it seem like child’s play.
A wholesome mixture of calmness and aggressiveness; composed like Captain cool and an angry young man with the bat like none other than Viru.
Rohit Sharma once got into trouble with the cops, while hitting one of his huge sixes in gully cricket, which ended up smashing the neighbor’s window. A couple of decades later, the very folks, who taunted him back then might be sitting in some corner, reciting his tales and cheering him on to hit one of those world class ‘sixes.’
How fair is it to say that cricket has strangled other sports?
Despite the numerous irregularities in cricket, the level of the game prevailed while the other sports which remained under the government, their irregularities rose up to such serious deck that the game itself went into the abyss.
Cricket’s popularity in India has long been cited as a threat to other sports. There is also a section which believes that the popularity of cricket is a product of corporate houses. Cricket is a game of corporate and power, and it is played to benefit them. Therefore, this game should be resisted and its popularity should not be allowed to become intoxicating, otherwise, the ‘silverware‘ of corporate and controlling people will be lost.
But if you consider, every game has turned into a corporate one. From football to hockey, badminton, wrestling, tennis, kabaddi, corporate houses interfere in all these sports. Are the Premier Badminton League, Pro Kabaddi League, Pro Wrestling League being held without corporate intervention? Then why to oppose corporate interference in cricket?
Various sports associations of the country which are under the government, all have the intervention of corporate bodies and leaders. In every union, they hold large positions. Allegations of economic rigging are going on in the courts within the sports association. Corruption in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is not hidden from anyone. It is said that the BCCI has got the disease of corruption, disease; that for several years till now, the Sports Ministry has not been able to implement the Sports Code in the sports associations which falls under it. Because the sports associations do not want to do, the vested interests of their officials are coming in the way. More than half of the sports associations of the country have been disbanded because of the same.
Consider the boxing federation, players enter the Olympics but not with the Indian flag, because our federation does not have the recognition of the International Boxing Association. It is just because there is corruption, there is government intervention, there is opacity.
Instead of making cricket evitable on account of the corporate interference in it, the need is to understand why this shift happened! After all these, why the corporate houses were successful in getting entry into the games and the games rely on them? It went on because the government failed to encourage sports.
Football was supported by the government. The Indian football team played the Olympics, but where does India stand today? It has come a long way over five decades. After participating in the Olympics, we had to get up from the ground and reach the sky, but we reached Hades. Football has been gulped by the government machinery.
Basketball has become the wrestling arena of Congress-BJP in the country today. Players are searching for a future outside the country. The role of the Sports Ministry itself is questionable in the whole matter.
Weightlifting is under detention and the association itself is involved in it, according to a coach associated with weightlifting association himself. But what policy did the government make to prevent doping in weightlifting? If a coach made such serious allegations, then was it investigated?
A similar system ate hockey. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also reveals irregularities. Who can even forget the Commonwealth scam!
We can say that when the government could not handle the games, the corporate bodies interfered. The Games needed them to raise their standards. Today, almost every well-known athlete is playing under the mercy of some corporates. They are sponsoring them and earning through their popularity. That’s why not only cricket is the game of hegemony and corporate, all sports have become the same.
The only good thing with cricket is that despite the irregularities, the level of the game is retained.
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