'Franchise Cricket Has Surpassed Test Cricket': Ex-Ind Star's Blunt View

In the past decade or so, the franchise cricket has definitely impacted the international circuit with many players choosing to play the cash-rich tournaments rather than being on national duty. At times, players with a national team contract don't hesitate from leaving their side's game for playing in events like the Indian Premier League or the Big Bash League. Reacting to a user's query regarding the comparison between franchise cricket and Test cricket, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad came out with a blunt reply.

The user asked the question as South Africa named seven uncapped players in their Test squad for New Zealand. More and more newcomers have been included in the squad as the senior players will be missing the series due to SA20 -- a T20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa.

"What is your take on SA sending third grade teams to NZ tests? Have tests become luxury?" asked the user.

"Sets a very bad precedent. Sad that it has reached this state where Franchise cricket has surpassed Test cricket in priority . Hope this doesn't become the way forward," replied Prasad.

Sets a very bad precedent. Sad that it has reached this state where Franchise cricket has surpassed Test cricket in priority . Hope this doesn't become the way forward. https://t.co/6iy1ctQeBf

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 31, 2023

Only two of the players who were in South Africa's Test win over India on Thursday are in a 14-man squad for the two Tests in New Zealand in February.

Cricket South Africa on Saturday named a squad which includes a new captain in left-handed opening batsman Neil Brand.

Batsman Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham are the only players who were part of South Africa's innings win in the first Test against India in Centurion. Due to a ruling by Cricket South Africa, no players contracted to franchises in the SA20 competition, which overlaps with the Tests, were eligible for selection.

Despite having to travel with a makeshift squad, Test coach Shukri Conrad said he was confident that the team would be competitive.

The early announcement of the touring party appeared to end speculation that opening batsman Dean Elgar might be persuaded to delay his retirement from international cricket beyond the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town, starting on Wednesday.

Elgar was named man of the match in the first Test against India after scoring 185 in South Africa's only innings. He will lead the team in the second Test following an injury to Temba Bavuma.

South African squad for New Zealand Tests: Neil Brand (captain), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wicketkeeper), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.

(With AFP Inputs)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/0vLn3cH

David Warner Retires From ODIs, Says "Will Play Champions Trophy If..."

Dynamic Australian opener David Warner called time Monday on one-day international cricket ahead of his farewell Test against Pakistan this week, but kept the door open to play the 2025 Champions Trophy if needed. The 37-year-old will pad up in his 112th and final Test in his home city Sydney on Wednesday, having plundered 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, with 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries. At a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he also announced his retirement from ODIs, where he has been a fixture since his debut in 2009, helping the team win the World Cup in 2015 and 2023. 

"I've got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I'm definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well," he said.

"That was something that I had said through the (2023) World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that's a massive achievement.

"So I'll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (Twenty20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit. 

"I know there's a Champions Trophy coming up," he added. "If I'm playing decent cricket in two years' time and I'm around and they need someone, I'm going to be available."

The Champions Trophy has not been played since 2017, but is set to be resurrected in 2025 in Pakistan. Traditionally 50-over cricket, reports have said there is a push underway to make it T20.

Warner leaves ODIs after 161 matches, smashing 6,932 runs at an average of 45.30, with 22 centuries. Among Australians, only Ricky Ponting with 30 has scored more one-day tons.

He will continue to be available in the T20 format, with the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States a target.

Warner's decision to depart one-dayers means Australia will need a new opener for their three-match series against the West Indies in February, which follows a two-Test series in Adelaide and Brisbane.

Vital role

Ahead of his ODI announcement, Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley paid tribute to Warner's "amazing Test career". 

"We are all extremely grateful for his immense contribution to this form of the game," he said in a statement.

"David's wonderful attacking style not only played a vital role in many Australian victories, it also enthralled and entertained fans across the world and drew many to Test cricket."

A larger-than-life character, Warner was described by Australia coach Andrew McDonald over the weekend as "probably our greatest ever three-format player".

But he will forever be remembered for the role he played in the notorious ball-tampering scandal of 2018 in South Africa.

Along with skipper Steve Smith, he was banned for a year for his part in the third Test debacle in Cape Town that saw Cameron Bancroft use sandpaper to scuff the ball before a crude attempt to conceal the evidence down his trousers.

Reflecting on his Test career, Warner said it was a "fairytale ending" to hang up his gloves in Sydney.

"I would have never imagined opening the batting for New South Wales or anyone to be honest when I first started but to be here, 112 Tests I think, I still pinch myself," he said.

He added that he would like to be remembered as someone "authentic and honest" who has "gone out there and given it his all".

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/T2CenxJ

'Aussies Believe Lara Was Better Than Sachin. Rubbish!': Ex-SA Captain

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the living legends of the game of cricket. The star batter made his debut in 1989 at the age of 16 and retired in 2013 as one of the best batters in the history of cricket. Tendulkar went on to register numerous batting records to his name during his 24-year long international career. Similar was the performance of West Indies' batting legend Brian Lara, who made his debut a year after Tendulkar and retired in 2007.

Former South Africa captain Ali Bacher, who played 12 Test matches for the national side, praised Tendulkar for his batting and personality. He added that Tendulkar was a better player than Lara.

"He (Sachin Tendulkar) is a freak, he's from a different planet. I've seen so many of his great innings but for me, it's all about how he is as a person. Jeez, has he ever had an argument? I don't think so. He's just this greatness, this happiness, personified. You know, the Australians believe Brian Lara was better than him, I say rubbish. I say Brian Lara played before four million people. Man, this bloke had 1.4 billion people. Can you imagine the pressure of this bloke? Don't tell me that," Bacher told Hindustan Times.

Among the several records to his name, Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest scorer in international cricket till date. Tendulkar has registered 100 centuries across all three formats of the game and one can only dream of this record being broken.

The Master Blaster called time on his Test career after registering 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries in the longest format, most by any player.

When one talks about the ODIs, Tendulkar is at the top of the run-scoring charts with 18,426 runs, including 49 tons. Tendulkar had represented the country in six World Cups. He was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/gDLreAn

Realme Teases New Smartphone With Periscope Camera; Tipped to Be Realme 12 Pro+

Realme is gearing up to launch a new smartphone in India with a periscope zoom camera soon. The Chinese electronics brand has shared a teaser on social media platforms to offer hints about the launch of the new flagship smartphone without confirming the exact moniker and launch date. The upcoming handset is being speculated to be the Realme 12 Pro+. It could succeed the Realme 11 Pro+ that went official in the country in July.

Through a teaser post on X, Realme announced the launch of a new smartphone in the country. The tweet carries the tagline “No Periscope. No Flagship" hinting at enhanced optical zoom capabilities. The poster image shows the rear portion of the device with a ring. The company launched the Realme GT 5 Pro earlier this month as its first flagship phone equipped with a periscope telephoto camera. Although Realme has not confirmed the moniker yet, it is has been speculated that the Realme 12 Pro+ may break cover soon.

Separately, tipster Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) reposting the teaser image claimed that the Realme 12 Pro+ will launch by the end of January or in February next year. It is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series chipset, most likely the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC.

Going over the rest of the expected Realme 12 Pro+ specifications, it is said to get a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The handset may debut in the mid-range smartphone segment priced around CNY 2,000 (roughly Rs. 23,000). It could be launched alongside the Realme 12 and Realme 12 Pro.

Realme 11 Pro+ made its India debut in June with an initial price tag of Rs. 27,999. It runs on Android 13-based Realme UI 4.0 custom skin and carries a 5,000mAh battery. The phone also features a 200-megapixel triple rear camera setup and a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC.

---

The Motorola Edge 40 recently made its debut in the country as the successor to the Edge 30 that was launched last year. Should you buy this phone instead of the Nothing Phone 1 or the Realme Pro+? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/6RH9Q8M

Nothing Phone 2a Price, Colour Options, RAM and Storage Configurations Tipped

Nothing Phone 2a is expected to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2024. Over the past few weeks, details of a new smartphone from Nothing have surfaced online. The UK-based OEM is said to be working on the Nothing Phone 2a, which is likely to launch with trimmed specifications as compared to the company's last handset, the Nothing Phone 2. Design renders alongside several key features of the purported phone have been tipped previously. Now, a tipster has suggested the price, colour options, and RAM and storage configurations of the Nothing Phone 2a.

Tipster Roland Quandt (@rquandt) shared in a post on X that the Nothing Phone 2a is likely to launch in Black and White colour options. He also claimed that the base variant of the smartphone with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage could be priced below EUR 400 (roughly Rs. 36,800). The tipster added that the handset could also be available in a 12GB + 256GB variant but did not hint at a price range for this option. 

Nothing Phone (2a)
8/128GB
12/256GB
White or Black
Sub 400 Euro price for base model.

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) December 28, 2023

An earlier leak suggested that the Nothing Phone 2a will be listed at $400 (roughly Rs. 33,200). This leak also showed a PVT unit of the phone that featured a horizontal camera module placed centrally towards the top of the back panel, while the front panel was seen with a centred hole-punch slot for the front camera. It was also seen with a redesigned Glyph Interface.

Meanwhile, a recent report had claimed that the Nothing Phone 2a could include a 1/1.5-inch 50-megapixel Samsung S5KNG9 primary sensor alongside a 1/2.76-inch 50-megapixel Samsung S5KJN1 sensor with an ultrawide lens at the back. It may also get a 32-megapixel Sony IMX615 front camera sensor.

The Nothing Phone 2a has been tipped to come with a MediaTek Dimenisty 7200 SoC and a 6.7-inch  120Hz AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1,084 x 2,412 pixels. It is likely to ship with Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5. The phone is expected to launch at the 'Nothing to See' MWC event in Barcelona on February 27.

---

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/TfyKmr2

Warner "Probably Our Greatest Ever All 3 Format Player": Aus Head Coach

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald on Saturday showered praise on David Warner and said that he is probably the greatest all-format Aussie player. Speaking to cricket.com.au ahead of the third Test match against Pakistan, McDonald said that Warner's retirement from the Test format would be a great loss for the Aussie squad. The Aussie head coach added that it would be hard to find the left-handed batter's replacement. "In time, he will probably go down...but probably at the moment as it sits, he is probably our greatest ever all-three format player. He is going to drop out of one of those formats in terms of Test match cricket. He will be a loss. I know that people have been gunning for him for a period of time, but for us internally, we have seen the great value in what he brings to the table, hence why we have kept picking him. He repaid a bit of that faith in the first Test match. He's going to be hard to replace. Someone who strikes at 70 averaging 45, and most ever runs as an Australian opener," McDonald said.

Talking about Australia's performance in 2023, McDonald said they had a successful year.

"...It is been a long 12 months, we have had a successful 12 months. So we will be able to sit back at the end of that and celebrate as a team, the success that we have had, another series win here. We want to make it 3-0 as well and then be able to appreciate what Davey's brought to Australian cricket," he added.

After the third Test against Pakistan at his home ground, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), from January 3-7, Warner will call time on a legendary Test career.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/fv26KoD

New Zealand vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I Live Score Updates

New Zealand vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I Live Updates: Bangladesh aim to win the series while New Zealand eye a 1-1 finish as the two teams take on each other in the third and final T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Bangladesh won the first game by 5 wickets in Napier to take a 1-0 lead before heavy rain forced the second game between hosts New Zealand and Bangladesh to be called off Friday, with the home team on 72-2 after 11 overs. (Live Scorecard)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/qmOt2kC

"They Don't Win Anything": England Great Slams 'Underachieving' Team India

Former England cricket team skipper Michael Vaughan called the Indian cricket team "one of the most underachieving sports teams in the world" following their heavy loss in the first Test match against South Africa in Centurion on Thursday. India were completely outplayed by the hosts and it meant that their wait for a Test series win in South Africa continues following the defeat.  “Do you think, in terms of cricket, India are one of the most underachieving sports teams in the world?” Vaughan asked fellow expert and former Australia cricketer Mark Waugh during their discussion on FOX Sports.

Waugh did not give a direct answer with Vaughan continuing - “They haven't won much in recent times. I think they are (an underachieving side). They don't win anything. When was the last time they won something? With all the talent they have, all the skill set.”

People here might be abusing Michael Vaughan for this but he's absolutely correct. With the amount of talent and resources in the country, India is the most underachieving cricket team in the world!

pic.twitter.com/3auwWxoaNj

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) December 29, 2023

Vaughan further said that India were successful in winning their last two Test series against Australia away from home but when it comes to white-ball World Cups, they have failed in both formats.

“They've won in Australia twice (Border-Gavaskar Trophy series wins in 2018/19 and 2020/21). Magnificent, but the last few World Cups, been nowhere, in the last few T20 World Cups, been nowhere.”

“You go to South Africa, who are, you know, useful in Test match cricket and to produce a performance like that…I mean, with all the talent they have, and the resources they have, I don't think they win anything,” the former England cricket team captain added.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/HOYSmIo

Gurbaz Blitz Powers Afghanistan To 72-Run Win Over UAE In 1st T20I

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's century powered Afghanistan to clinch a 72-run win over United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first T20I match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. After winning the toss, UAE opted to field first but their decision did not go in their favour after the hosts' bowling attack failed to keep a check on Afghanistan's run rate in Sharjah. Afghan opener Hazratullah Zazai (13 runs from 16 balls) failed to make a mark but Gurbaz (100 runs from 52 balls) shined against the UAE bowling attack to post 203/3 for the Afghans. Ibrahim Zadran (59 runs from 43 balls) also played a crucial role by making a solid partnership with Gurbaz.

Maiden T20I Century! A Magnificent Innings By Gurbaz #UAEvAFG pic.twitter.com/RKkVCbaG5Q

— FanCode (@FanCode) December 29, 2023

On the other hand, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique and Aayan Khan were the only wicket-takers for the host.

In the run chase, Vriitya Aravind (70* runs from 64 balls) played an unbeaten knock in the second inning but could not make a solid partnership with his teammates.

Meanwhile, the Afghan bowling attack displayed a quality performance to defend the target. Fazalhaq Farooqi scalped two wickets in his four-over spell and gifted 19 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmad took one wicket each in their respective spells to seal a 72-run win in the first match of the three-game series.

Gurbaz was named the 'Player of the Match' after his onslaught in the first inning.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/JZQHFGz

"Team Really Misses Him": Karthik On India Star After 1st Test Loss

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels India pacer Mohammed Shami's injury has proved to be a huge setback for the team in the ongoing first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Dean Elgar led South Africa's charge after India were bowled out for 245 in the first innings. Elgar scored 185 as the Indian pacers struggled to pick wickets at regular intervals, allowing South Africa to take a sizeable lead in the first innings. Shami was ruled out of the two-match series due to an ankle injury.

"The man has grown in stature as a bowler and as a leader of the pack. He is an able lieutenant to Jasprit Bumrah. You can imagine with the upright seam on this kind of pitch. I promise you, he would have definitely gotten a few wickets. The Indian team really misses him," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Karthik also suggested that Bumrah and Siraj did not get enough support from debutant pacer Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, who were pretty expensive in the first innings.

"Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna going for close to 118 runs in their 27 overs. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj going for just 111 in their 31 overs. Siraj was a tad bit expensive, especially in the last spell, they also bowled some brilliant balls. You could see every time they were on, you got the feeling that they could get you a wicket or two. Whereas with Shardul or Prasidh, you had to wait for a batter to make a mistake," he added.

Elgar missed out on a double century as Shardul Thakur got the better of him before Lunch on Day 3.

For India, KL Rahul had earlier flexed his batting muscles in the visitors' middle-order as he scored 101 out of their total of 245, hitting 14 fours and four sixes.

India are searching for a first series win in South Africa. 

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/dnUlFkg

"When You Get Opportunity...": Rohit's Blunt Message To "Other 3" Pacers

Jasprit Bumrah lacked support from other end as there was no reason to concede 400 plus runs on a bowling friendly track where South African speedsters showed how to go about the job, a dejected Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said on Thursday. India lost the opening Test inside three days by an innings and 32 runs after scoring 245 and 131 in the two innings but the game-changer certainly was being taken for 408 runs by South Africa in their first innings.

Save Bumrah, who took four wickets and to an extent Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna got pasting of their lives.

"This was not a 400-run wicket and we gave too many runs. We sprayed the ball all around, but it happens. One can't depend on one particular bowler (Bumrah), the other three pacers also needed to perform their roles, we could learn from how South Africa bowled," Rohit said after the match.

He admitted that although there wasn't lack of effort but Bumrah couldn't alone keep the pressure on Proteas batters.

"Bumrah bowled well and we all know his quality. All he wanted was a bit of support which he didn't get. That happens. All three tried hard, bending their backs but didn't happen the way we wanted to. But games like these teaches you a lot as to what you want to do as a bowling unit," the skipper observed.

Young Prasidh, who has just had 12 first-class matches under his belt, couldn't get the measure of bounce and carry at Supersport Park and went for 93 runs in 20 overs on Test debut.

The skipper conceded Prasidh is a bit under-cooked but also insisted that his team would show faith in him.

"Of course, he is a little bit inexperienced. He has got the tools to come out here and play the game. Obviously, if I look at the bowlers that we have back in India, some of them are injured, some not available, so we tried picking guys who are available, based on conditions," he reasoned.

"I completely agree that he (Krishna) hasn't played a lot of (red ball) cricket but there are three guys in their team also, who haven't played a lot of (red ball cricket) but they showed what is required.

"More than what's there in the legs, I think it's in the mind. How you treat your mind and how you play the game is more important. If you think that oh, I haven't played, lot of Tests or FC cricket, then it's not going to help," the skipper was clear.

"When you get an opportunity, you should be grateful and come out and do the job for the team. Obviously, it didn't work out well for him and playing your first game, we all would have been nervous, he would have been nervous as well.

"These things happen, the guy has game to excel but we will back him and has a great attitude about his game which holds us in good stead going forward."

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/h8W6lvy

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4 Live Score Updates

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4 Live Updates: Resuming at 187/6 on Friday, Australia will aim to extend their lead over Pakistan in the ongoing second Test on Day 4 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The side that leads by lead by 241 runs will be banking on set batter Alex Carey to take the innings forward. After scoring 318 in their first innings, Australia had bundled out Pakistan for 264, taking a lead of 54 runs. (Live Scorecard)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/brx70Os

"If We Have To Win Tests...": Rohit's Honest Admission After Loss To SA

India skipper Rohit Sharma had no qualms about admitting that his team was simply not good enough to challenge South Africa, putting the blame for the embarrassing innings and 32 run loss in the first Test on the lack of collective effort. India put up a shoddy show both with bat and ball as they were bundled out for 131 in 34.1 overs in their second innings after they allowed South Africa to score 408 in 108.4 overs in their first essay. The visitors had scored 245 in the first innings.

"We were not good enough to win. Having been put in to bat, KL (Rahul) batted well to get us that score but then we didn't exploit the conditions with the ball and then again didn't show up today with the bat," said Rohit during the post-match presentation.

"If we have to win Test matches, we have to come together collectively and we didn't do that. Guys have come here before, we know what to expect and everyone has their own plan.

"Our batters were challenged and we didn't adapt well. This is a boundary-scoring ground, we saw them score many but we need to understand the opposition and their strengths as well. We didn't bat well in both innnings, that's why we stand here."

The India skipper struggled to find much positives with the match ending inside three days.

"Not too many positives to finish the game within three days, but KL showed what we need to do on this sort of pitch," he said.

KL Rahul had scored a century in the first innings.

"Our bowlers, a lot of these guys haven't been here before so I don't want to be too critical.

"Important for us to regroup, we go through these times as sportsmen and we need to be ready for the next Test now."

Playing his last international series, Dean Elgar slammed a magnificent 185 and the opener termed it a "special" knock and highlighted his partnerships with Tony de Zorzi (28) and Marco Jansen (84).

"Pretty special knock. Sometimes what we want to do hasn't worked out as plans, but happy that it worked today. I think you need to keep things nice and simple, the game is already pretty complex," said the 36-year-old, who was adjudged the Player of the Match.

"Focus on the ball, play nice and straight. Play late and be great. You got to ride the roller when it is in your favour.

"Good partnerships with Tony, and then Jansen showed his talent as well. You need fast bowlers and a spinner potentially to take 20 wickets, that's how we win Test matches."

Proteas pace trio of Nandre Burger (4/33), Kagiso Rabada (2/32) and Marco Jansen (3/36) smothered the visitors with a disciplined attack as India folded for 131 in 34.1 overs.

"(Rabada) KG was brilliant, but then Nandre showed why he has been such a shining light for South African cricket," Elgar said.

"You can't win a two-Test series if you don't win the first one, the Indians are difficult to beat.

"We'll have a few days out to relax and enjoy this. We were pretty clinical, our fielding wasn't the best and we didn't make it too easy for ourselves at times."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/e6hYR7t

Pakistan Fielding Worst In Cricket: Gambhir, Drops India 'WC Finals' Hint

After the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup, the next marquee ICC event is less than six months away. The 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup will take place in June in the West Indies and the USA. India's wait for a first ICC Trophy since 2013 got extended by a year when they lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final at home. The 2024 T20 World Cup is another chance for India to end that drought. In an engaging discussion Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir, both members of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams, deliberated on India's chances at the T20 World Cup.  

On the question, "Biggest threat to India In T20 World Cup?", Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir gave interesting replies.  

"Afghanistan, in those conditions can be very very dangerous. Australia, because they have got impact players, and England because they play T20 cricket the way it should be played," Gautam Gambhir said. 

"I have different angle. I think South Africa should win. They have not won a white-ball tournament. The way I saw their progress in the 50-over World Cup and obviously Pakistan who are very dangerous," Yuvraj Singh said.    

"See Pakistan, their fielding is, I saw in the 50-over World Cup, probably the worst in international cricket. They will have to literally pull their socks up if they really want to compete in the T20 format," Gautam Gambhir added. 

"The amount of finals that India have reached...I don't think Pakistan have reached anywhere close to the amount of finals that Indi have reached in the last five or six years. And you are just one step away from the trophy. hopefully in the T20 World Cup could be one."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thums Up (@thumsupofficial)

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir is eager to see if Samson is even persisted with in the Indian team after his century in Paarl.

Samson has an average of over 50 in ODIs yet he wasn't picked in India's squad for the Cricket World Cup 2023. His run in the Indian team has been quite sporadic and it's fair to say that Samson hasn't truly managed to capitalise on the chances given to him. But, Gambhir is hopeful of things changing from here on.

"We all know how much talent he has. Not just us, everyone has talked about it given the kind of innings he has played in the IPL. But today through this knock, somewhere he has kickstarted his international career. Before this, he always received sporadic chances - sometimes he would get a game, something he would be left out. But when you score a 100, you not only impress the selectors but even put pressure on them to pick you," Gambhir said in a chat with Star Sports.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/TUWsyp6

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 3 Live Score Updates

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 3 Live: Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon put Australia in the driving seat of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday to leave Pakistan tottering at 194-6, still 124 runs behind on day two. At stumps, Mohammad Rizwan was on 29 and Aamer Jamal not out two after Cummins took the crucial wickets of Abdullah Shafique (62) and Babar Azam (one), then Agha Salman (five). Lyon chipped in by removing Imam-ul-Haq (10) and Shan Masood (54), while Josh Hazlewood bowled Saud Shakeel for nine as Pakistan's dream of a first Test win in Australia since 1995 faded. (LIVE SCORECARD)

Here are the LIVE updates of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 3:

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/qxmCFNP

'Would Have Beaten SA But For This Fellow': Shastri's Blockbuster Verdict

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri said on Tuesday that the Rohit Sharma-led side has the perfect chance to win their first Test series ever on South African soil because of the absence of a single cricketer. Shastri referenced the brilliant record of former Proteas cricketer Vernon Philander and said that the fact that he is not part of the team automatically gives India the advantage. The fast bowler enjoyed a tremendous run of form against India during his playing career and in the five Test matches that he played at home, he ended up taking 25 wickets at an average of 18.

"This is India's best chance, you know why? Because this bloke is not playing," Shastri said pointing towards Philander during the pre-match show for Star Sports.

"We would have beaten South Africa at least twice when I came here but for this fellow. We've seen Rabada's record, and Ngidi's record. Take a look at his record as well against India. He always gets the important wickets when we don't want one to fall," Shastri added.

In 2018, Shastri was the head coach of the Indian cricket team when they were beaten 1-2 in the Test series against South Africa with Philander emerging as the top performer in the series with 15 wickets.

South Africa won the toss and sent India in to bat in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday. The start of play was delayed by 30 minutes because of damp patches on the pitch, which had been covered since Sunday while a reported 51mm of rain fell. 

"The wicket has been undercover for the past two days and there is a bit of moisture in the wicket, so we would like to make use of it," said South African captain Temba Bavuma.

South Africa opted for an all-seam attack and included two debutants in batsman David Bedingham and left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger.

(With AFP inputs)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/UVgv28H

India vs SA - Virat Kohli Got One That Swung Away Late: Kagiso Rabada

Star batter Virat Kohli was covering the swing well although he played and missed often until one ball moved away late to send him back to the dressing room, a pleased as punch Kagiso Rabada said after getting his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. India were restricted to 208 for 8 in 59 overs by South Africa on a truncated first day of the opening Test at Supersport Park here on Tuesday, and the awkward bounce became the visiting team batters' undoing.

"It swung away late," Rabada's smile said all about the delivery which deviated and took the outside edge of Kohli's bat even as the Indian tried to play for inswing.

"For some reason, most of the times he played and missed, he covered the channel. With him, you always need to be on. I was glad that I could get that fainty (faint edge)," Rabada said.

There are days when the process that one follows gives immaculate results. Rabad had one this day.

"(Such) days happen in cricket. This was my day. Pretty happy with the way I bowled. India have quite a bit of experience and if anyone told us that it will be 208 for 8, we would have taken that before the game," said Proteas pace spearhead.

He also praised KL Rahul's attritional batting.

"His (stroke-making) options were good, he defended well, always someone stands out and he was that batter today," he added.

The Proteas pacers bowled 65 deliveries on the leg-stump channel with a leg slip in place during the first session.

"The two left-armers were in attack and were swinging the ball in. It seemed like a tactic after lunch. It was Temba (Bavuma), who had a gut feel about how to get wicket and did feel logical to keep leg slip.

We almost got Virat at square leg. After lunch, it was again a gut feel thing, after lunch, we changed tactics," said Rabada.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/e6xK3yV

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 2 Live Score Updates

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 2 Live: A stubborn Marnus Labuschagne weathered a storm to help steer Australia to 187-3 on a rain-disrupted opening day of the second Test in Melbourne on Tuesday against a probing and resilient Pakistan attack. At stumps, he was unbeaten on a glacial 44 off 120 balls and Travis Head was not out on nine after nearly three hours' play were lost to rain. Pakistan's bowlers found plenty of movement in the overcast conditions and were rewarded with the wickets of David Warner (38), Usman Khawaja (42) and Steve Smith (26). (LIVE SCORECARD)

Here are LIVE updates Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 2

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/wuQ9YgX

SA Skipper Temba Bavuma Sustains Hamstring Injury vs India In 1st Test

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma sustained an injury to his left hamstring while fielding against India in the second session of the first Test match in Centurion on Tuesday, according to ESPNcricinfo. Following the injury, the 33-year-old was taken to a hospital for scans, where the initial reports revealed that he suffered an injury to his hamstring. The hospital added that he would go through further "medical evaluations" to make sure he could take part in the long-format game or not. According to ESPNcricinfo, a Cricket South Africa statement said he will "undergo daily medical evaluations to determine" if he will play any further role in the match.

Bavuma suffered the injury during the 20th over of India's first inning. While chasing the ball off a shot from Virat Kohli's bat, the Proteas skipper managed to stop the ball but unfortunately injured his left hamstring while saving. Following the incident, Bavuma walked off the field immediately.

If the skipper is unable to come to the crease to bat, then the hosts will be a player short for the rest of the first Test match since Bavuma cannot be replaced due to an external injury. He will also be doubtful for the second Test match against India, which will start on January 3 in Cape Town.

Recapping the first Test, rain played spoilsport as the majority of the third session was ruled out on Day 1 of the first Test between India and South Africa on Tuesday at the SuperSport Park.

At the end of Day 1, India posted a total of 208/8 in 59 overs with KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj unbeaten with respective scores of 70(105)* and 0(10)*.

KL Rahul fought valiantly throughout the time that he spent on the field. While the rest of the batters failed to overcome Kagiso Rabada, he fought with vigour to take India's score past the 200-run mark. Siraj also showed patience during the 10 balls that he faced.

The only casualty in the final session was Jasprit Bumrah, who lost his patience and ended up losing his wicket to Marco Jansen after playing 19 balls.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/NkEuylZ

India's Predicted XI vs South Africa, 1st Test: Will Ashwin Get A Chance?

With an aim to register their maiden Test series win in South Africa, India will face the Proteas in the 1st Test of the two-match series, starting December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be back in the team alongside pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as India will restart their quest for the historic series win. India have played a total of 8 Test series in South Africa. Out of that, they lost 7 and drew 1. Under the captaincy of Rohit, the Indian team will aim to turn the tables this time.

Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the series while Ishan Kishan has opted out due to "personal reasons".

Here is what we think could be India's playing XI for 1st Test against South Africa:

Rohit Sharma (c): It will be the first game for the India skipper post the Cricket World Cup 2023 final heartbreak. He will aim to forget the past and march into the first Test with added energy as India continue their quest to clinch their maiden Test series win in South Africa.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: It will be a superb test for the prodigy, who has shown promising signs at the start of his international career. India are likely to give him chance as an opener.

Shubman Gill: The star batter will also be in the spotlight, especially if he bats at number 3 - a position that for long belonged to the solid Cheteshwar Pujara. As India aim to move forward without the Test veteran, Gill's performance in the tough South Africa tour will speak a lot about the impact of the decision.

Virat Kohli: The right-handed batter will be back into the Indian colours after a break post the Cricket World Cup final. He is touring the side as a batter this time, unlike the previous series in 2021-21 in which he was the captain. However, Kohli will anyhow be having the same hunger to score runs and to win the match for his team.

Shreyas Iyer: In his 10-match Test career, Iyer has proved himself really well but South Africa will be a different challenge for him, especially because short balls have been a nemesis for him in the past.

KL Rahul (wk): Apart from giving his crucial contributions with the bat, KL Rahul will also be the man behind the stumps in South Africa. He duly impressed with his improved wicketkeeping in the ODIs and now a new test awaits the classy player.

Ravindra Jadeja: The southpaw will be another crucial member in the Indian team during the South Africa Test series. While spinners don't get much help from the pace-friendly surfaces in the country, Jadeja's quality to contain runs will play a huge role for India.

Shardul Thakur: His swing bowling on the pace-friendly wicket of South Africa could play an important role in providing breakthroughs to India. However, it will be a good test for Shardul Thakur the batter.

Prasidh Krishna: Given the kind of bounce the right-arm pacer extracts from any surface, he might get a chance ahead of Mukesh Kumar. He could be used to fill the spot left vacant by Mohammed Shami, who is out of series due to injury.

Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead will be returning to the Indian team after a break post the World Cup. Bumrah is a star performer on any surface and the conditions in South Africa will be a treat for him.

Mohammed Siraj: Over the years, Siraj has transformed himself into one of the best active pacers in Test cricket. India will be needing crucial breakthroughs from him.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/KIRZPDm

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 1 Live Score Updates

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 1 Live Updates: Australia will aim for a series-clinching victory as they take on Pakistan in the second Test of the three-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground. On the other hand, Pakistan aim to bounce back and keep the series alive. The hosts won the first game by 360 runs to take a lead of 1-0 in the series. In that contest, Pakistan pacers faced a lot of flak for their lack of pace. (Live Scorecard)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/I0Skq6z

How Has Bumrah Performed In Boxing Day Tests? Here's A Look At Statistics

During the first Test between India and South Africa at Centurion, a much-anticipated Boxing Day affair, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be wearing the whites for the first time in around one and the half years. The first Test of the two-match series will be starting from Tuesday at Centurion. Bumrah, who last played a Test for India against England at Birmingham in July last year as a captain, will be playing his first Test in a long while after struggling with injuries that kept him out for much of this year.

With 128 wickets in 30 Tests with the best bowling figures of 6/27, Bumrah has a reputation and numbers by his side. In just six Tests in South Africa, Bumrah has taken 26 wickets at an average of 24.38, with the best figures of 5/42.

Besides these great overall numbers, this pacer also has great numbers in 'Boxing Day' Tests played in Australia and South Africa. India has never lost a Test match with Bumrah throwing down his rocket-like deliveries on the pitch. India has played three Boxing Day matches with Bumrah in their squad, two against Australia in Australia and one against Proteas in Centurion. India has won all of these matches.

In his first-ever Boxing Day outing against Australia back in December 2018, Bumrah ripped through an Australian batting line-up already struggling without Steve Smith and David Warner, who were completing their bans faced due to a ball-tampering scandal that year.

After India made 443/7 in the first innings, Bumrah's 6/33 which included wickets of Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and Travis Head bundled out Australia for 151, giving India a 292-run lead in the first innings. Later when India came to defend 399 runs, Bumrah took 3/53, helping India bundle out Australia for 261, giving them a 137 run win.

Bumrah got the 'Player of the Match'.

The pacer's next Boxing Day Test was the second Test against Australia, which had come after India was bundled out for just 36 at Adelaide and faced an embarrassing loss. In this Test, Bumrah bowled with vengeance in his mind, removing Joe Burns, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon to get figures of 4/56, bundling out Aussies for 195 in the first innings.

Posting 326 in the first innings, India gained a 131 run lead and allowed Australia to take a slender 69-run second innings lead. Australia was all out for 200, with Bumrah (2/54) removing Steve Smith and Pat Cummins. India won that match by eight wickets to turn the tables in what would turn out to be one of the greatest bilateral cricket events ever.

Bumrah played his first Boxing Day Test in South African territory next year. After India made 327 in first innings thanks to a superb century by KL Rahul, Bumrah took 2/16, removing skipper Dean Elgar and Keshav Maharaj to give India a 130-run lead. India gained a 304-run second-innings lead by scoring 174 in their second innings. In defence of 305 runs, another Bumrah special followed as he removed Maharaj and Rassie Van Der Dussen and got the crucial wicket of Elgar to finish with 3/50, bundling out SA for 191 and winning the game by 113 runs.

Overall in three Boxing Day Tests, Bumrah has taken 20 wickets with the best figures of 6/33.

Bumrah will be a lethal weapon in India's pace armoury and it would be important that he shines if India has any chance of taking a 1-0 series lead.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/KSyYedt

No Ashwin-Jadeja Pairing? Gambhir Picks India's XI for 1st Test vs SA

As the Indian cricket team gears up for the ultimate test in South Africa, a country where it has never won a series in the longest format, the debate over the team's best XI has engaged social media, with fans contemplating if India should go with two spinners or just one. When it comes to SENA countries, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja haven't played together a lot, and ahead of the first Test, former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels only one of the two spinners will get the team management's nod.

In a chat on Star Sports, Gambhir picked his XI for the opening Test between India and South Africa. At the top of the batting order, Gambhir went with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the opening pair while Shubman Gill came in at the No. 3 spot. 

As has been the case in Tests, Virat Kohli took the No. 4 spot while KL Rahul came in at the No. 5 spot as the wicket-keeper batter in the team.

Gambhir feels only one of Jadeja or Ashwin will take the No. 6 spot while 4 pacers will be selected in the team.

The pace quartet, for Gambhir, will consist of Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj. Mohammed Shami, who arguably would've slotted into the team directly, couldn't be available for the series due to an injury. For the emerging all-format pacer Mukesh Kumar, Gambhir could only find a spot on the bench.

Gautam Gambhir's India XI vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja/ R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/Ou8kQDK

REPLACE COPY

REPLACE

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/FA24Ke7

Coinbase Gains Licence to Operate as Virtual Asset Services Provider in France

US-based crypto exchange Coinbase has successfully acquired a licence to operate as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) in France. This also means that Coinbase is now a registered entity with Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the French financial markets authority. While Binance has amassed approval internationally outside US, Coinbase appears to be following the same trajectory amid increasing scrutiny from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The third-largest crypto firm by trading volume globally, Coinbase can now offer retail, institutional, and ecosystem products service options in France.

Bonjour la France. :fr:

We've received approval in France as a registered VASP. This is an important market for us and represents another chapter in our Go Deep, Go Broad international strategy.

Learn more: https://t.co/OGiAcSyY3c pic.twitter.com/Z50oojEWV3

— Coinbase :shield::telephone_receiver: (@coinbase) December 21, 2023

Furthermore, this fresh registration also opens doors for Coinbase to extend custody service for digital assets along with facilitating their buying and selling deals as well, said the exchange in a blog post.

“We're focused on bringing the benefits of crypto to the world. Achieving VASP status in France allows us to continue to grow globally in the best possible way, onboarding the next 1 billion people into crypto while ensuring consumer's assets are secure and that compliance is prioritised. France has a thriving Web3 ecosystem,” said Daniel Seifert, Vice President and Regional Managing Director, EMEA at Coinbase.

Earlier in May this year, France invited crypto players looking to set their businesses outside of the US. At the time, this invitation had come just a day after European Union (EU) gave its final approval to MiCA — a comprehensive set of regulations that have been curated to uniformly govern the digital assets sector in all of the EU regions.

Coinbase has especially mentioned that the clarity which the MiCA laws bring to the crypto sector in the EU has been of great help growing for its business there.

“The recent adoption of MiCA by European Union policymakers represents a pivotal moment for cryptocurrencies in the region. The regulatory clarity MiCA provides to the industry is hugely welcome,” the Coinbase blog noted.

---

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/z5sI2fF

R Ashwin Reveals "One Of The Biggest Enemies" Of Team India. Know More

The Indian cricket team is currently gearing up for the two-Test series against South Africa, starting on December 26. The white ball-leg of the tour saw many young faces getting a chance as the veterans were rested. However, for the Test series, all the big boys are back including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin among others. India have never won a Test series in South Africa, and according to former South Africa pacer Fannie de Villiers this is India best chance to clinch their maiden series win in the Rainbow nation. 

Though pace is expected to dominate the contests, all eyes will be on Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to show the spin magic. Ahead of the first Test in Centurion, Ravichandran introduced a special person in video vlog on Saturday.    

"Sir should we introduce you as 'Paapa' or 'R Venkatesh'?" Ashwin asked the person on his YouTube Channel.

"Paapa Venkatesh is good enough," came the reply. 

Ashwin then revealed who the gentleman was and then called him by a special moniker. 

"So, right now he is one of the biggest enemies of the Indian cricket team. He was the local manager of the World Cup-winning Australian cricket team until last month. Why did you did this to us, sir?" R Ashwin asked. 

"My life was peaceful until that happened. My entire peace has been lost since then," Venkatesh replied.

"So, you were the local manager of the Australian cricket team. Wherever they go, they refer to you by your name and call you over. And now you are travelling with the Indian A team. How was the experience?" Ashwin asked. 

"I am doing the same thing I did with Australia here too. But then, since I am doing it with known faces, it's a lot better, " Venkatesh said.

"I was thinking whether to call him or not. But he got caught up like a scapegoat." Ashwin then said. 

"A scapegoat that came by itself!" he replied. 

"So, he is the local manager. He handles the local needs of the team," Ashwin said.  

Meanwhile, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad on Saturday expressed confidence that India won't be able to breach their 'Final Frontier' in the upcoming series.

Rabada was rested from the white ball leg as he was nursing a heel niggle while Ngidi pulled out after sustaining a left ankle injury ahead of the T20Is.

On Saturday afternoon though, Rabada and Nigidi bowled full tilt at the centre training wicket of the Supersport Park and facing them was Dean Elgar, who is playing in his last series.

The Centurion track is a pacer's dream although India did get the better of South Africa last time around. The head coach would want his lethal weapons to fire on all cylinders.

With PTI inputs

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/tlR18hK

'Would've Been Worst Decision By BCCI...': Gambhir's Straight Talk On IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to host its 17th edition. The marquee T20 event was started in 2008 and since then it has been a huge success. IPL gives India's domestic players an opportunity to brush shoulders with top international cricketers. This, in turn, hugely helps the domestic players to learn and improve. Hence, there is no surprise that IPL has seen the rise of many Indian stars over the years. Former India batter Gautam Gambhir has opined that it would have been a "worst decision" if Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had not started the tournament.

In a Q&A session on Sportskeeda's YouTube channel, Gambhir was asked, what if the BCCI had never started the IPL. 

"I think it would have been the worst decision made by BCCI because IPL is the best thing that has happened to Indian cricket," told Gambhir.

As per several media reports, the window to organise IPL 2024 is from March 22 to May end. The final dates for the 17th season of IPL will be announced once the dates for India's general elections are finalised by the Election Commission.

Mitchell Starc, Australia's World Cup-winning pacer, became the most expensive player in the history of IPL, after he was bought for Rs 24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders in the auction on December 19.

The left-arm pacer became the second player to breach the 20-crore mark after team-mate Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.5 crore on the same day in the IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai.

In all 72 players (30 overseas) were picked as the teams spent a total of Rs 230.45 crore in the auction.

Harshal Patel was the costliest Indian player as he was roped in by Punjab Kings for Rs 11.75 crore while batter Sameer Rizvi bagged the highest sum among uncapped Indian players after being picked by Chennai Super Kings for for Rs 8.4 crore.

Apart from them, Daryl Mitchell (Rs 14 crore, CSK), Alzarri Joseph (Rs 11 crore, RCB), Rilee Rossouw (Rs 8 crore, PBKS), Rovman Powell (RR, Rs 7.40 crore), Shahrukh Khan (Rs 7.40 crore, GT), Kumar Kushagra (Rs 7.2 crore, DC), Travis Head (SRH, Rs 6.80 crore) were the other top buys.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/J5NVqOH

"Like A UFC Fighter": KKR Star's Humongous T20 World Cup 2024 Promise

West Indies explosive all-rounder Andre Russell, who also plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League, has vowed to arrive in the 2024 T20 World Cup "looking like a UFC fighter" following their T20I series win over reigning champions England. The experienced all-rounder returned to international cricket after two years of absence. The last time he represented the West Indies was at the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Russell was the leading wicket-taker for the hosts with seven wickets in the five-match series and was influential with the bat as he scored at a strike rate of 169.35. He expressed his hope of returning to the team.

"I'll be in better shape, to be honest: I'll be looking like a UFC fighter. This series win means so much. It [makes me] want to push myself to the limit. It means a lot, to be honest, getting the call-up to come back and join the West Indies team. I've been working for the last two years, waiting on a call-up," he told TNT Sports as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I'm just excited to be back and have a win, highlighting the role that Daren Sammy has played in his return. The coach has been backing me a lot. I'm so happy. I feel like I've won a big, big championship with just a series win, that's how much it means to me," he added.

Russell joined the team immediately after playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. He stated that the long flight had affected his performance.

"I was coming from Abu Dhabi where it's a big time difference. Flying back into Barbados I tried to stay up as late as possible to make sure that I get enough sleep so that I can [be] fresh for the game," Russell said.

"When I got to Grenada, I just couldn't sleep. I started feeling sleepy at 6 am, which would be the time that I would sleep in Abu Dhabi. Fans won't know that, but I still get the pressure and the backlash and all of that. It just makes me stronger. I love my Caribbean fans and I know they are passionate about the game, and when we're messing up, they will be on our backs," Russell added.

Coming to the series, West Indies clinched the first two games and England bounced back to win the next two. With the series level, the hosts outclassed England and clinched the series with a four-wicket victory.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/IyiqpUn

On RCB's IPL Auction Performance, De Villiers' Blunt 'X Factor' Verdict

Legendary South African batter AB De Villiers believes that Royal Challengers Bangalore are still missing a quality spinner even after the IPL 2024 Auction. While reviewing RCB's performance in the auction, De Villiers pointed out that RCB released Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the new season but they failed to buy a proper alternative who can prove to be a 'X factor'. He also mentioned veteran India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who was released by RCB in 2022 and Gujarat Titans star Rashid Khan while making his point that spin bowling is a department which has been a problem for the franchise.

"One or two incredible spinners I would say, X factor. Spinners. We need a leg spinner like Rashid Khan. We got rid of Yuzvendra Chahal not long ago. We missed him over the last few years, I think. And I think that's still the missing link, So we'll see it. They also released Wanindu Hasaranga after last season."

"So I don't know what the plans are there. Yes. There are some spinners there. I do think we miss the mystery X-factor spinner that gets you four or five wickets like Rashid Khan. Unfortunately, no one could get hold of him because he is pretty much cement. Very much cemented in that GT side. But hopefully, in the future, you know. So I should get to try to get him over, maybe do a trade. I don't think Rashid Khan is tradable at the moment, though," De Villiers added on his official YouTube channel.

Here is the list of all the players bought by RCB:

1. Alzarri Joseph (Rs 11.5 crore)

2. Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore)

3. Tom Curran (Rs 1.5 crore)

4. Lockie Ferguson (Rs 2 crore)

5. Saurav Chuahan (Rs 20 lakh)

6. Swapnil Singh (Rs 20 lakh)

Players retained: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijaykumar

Players released: Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Wayne Parnell, Sonu Yadav, Avinash Singh, Siddharth Kaul, Kedar Jadhav

Players traded in: Mayank Dagar, Cameron Green (traded from Mumbai Indians).

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/3uEjg9G

"What A Year...": Ex-India Star's Huge Praise For Rahul After SA Triumph

Former Indian cricket team all-rounder Irfan Pathan was all praise for KL Rahul for his captaincy following India's historic ODI series victory over South Africa on Thursday. India beat South Africa in the series-decider by 78 runs as Rahul became the second India skipper ever to win an ODI series on South African soil. Pathan pointed out that Rahul has been having a brilliant 2023 - both as skipper and batter - and mentioned the huge record that the cricketer achieved as captain of the Indian cricket team.

"And what a year KL Rahul is having, nearly an average of 70 with bat in hand. As only the 2nd Indian captain to win a series on the South African soil." Irfan posted on X (formerly called Twitter).

Rahul praised his group of young players after Sanju Samson hit a maiden international century and set up a series-deciding win for India against South Africa in the third one-day international in Paarl.

Samson made 108 in an Indian total of 296 for eight at Boland Park. 

And what a year @klrahul is having nearly an average of 70 with bat in hand. As only the 2nd Indian captain to win a series on the South African soil.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 22, 2023

South African captain Aiden Markram's decision to send India in to bat on a slow pitch on a hot afternoon backfired as the hosts were bowled out for 218 in reply.

India arrived in South Africa without most of the players who took the country to the World Cup final last month. But they won two of the three matches in convincing fashion.

"It's a really young group of players," Rahul said at the post-match presentation. "They have played a lot of cricket but not at international level. 

"The message was to let them adjust to international cricket and let them get used to the pressure. Have fun initially and after a few games start expecting things from them."

Left-arm opening bowler Arshdeep Singh rose to the challenge spectacularly. He took 10 wickets in the series, including four for 30 on Thursday, and was named player of the series.

South Africa were well-placed when Tony de Zorzi (87) and Markram (36) put on 65 for the third wicket to take the total to 141 in the 26th over. 

But the innings fell away when Markram gloved an attempted reverse sweep off Washington Sundar to wicketkeeper Rahul and De Zorzi was leg before wicket to Arshdeep 20 runs later.

Former international players in the commentary box were surprised at Markram's decision to bowl first but Markram said he didn't believe it influenced the result. 

"We were good in small patches," he said. "I still don't think the surface changed much."

Samson summed up the conditions well, batting patiently as stroke-making became challenging when the two white balls lost their hardness.

Samson and Tilak Varma (52) took 88 balls to post a fifty partnership for the fourth wicket but they picked up the pace and eventually added 116 off 136 balls.

Samson made his runs off 114 balls with six fours and three sixes.

The foundation laid by Samson and Varma enabled India's lower order batsmen to score rapidly towards the end of the innings, with 51 runs scored off the last five overs.

(With AFP inputs)

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/i4n2xQg

IPL Auction 2024: Is Mitchell Starc Worth The Monumental Bill For KKR?

The IPL auction 2024 emerged as an intense battleground where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) engaged fervently to add Mitchell Starc's firepower to their squad. While there was no doubt that Starc, especially after the ODI World Cup success in India, would be a highly sought-after player in the auction, his acquisition by the KKR for a record-breaking sum of Rs 24.75 crore raised the eyebrows of many. Breaking it down, if KKR play a maximum 17 matches in IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc's acquisition would amount to over Rs 6 lakh per ball bowled or Rs 1.45 crore per match. This prompts the question: Does this investment truly justify the expense?

"Things have changed. When the auction is over, all the 10 teams are going to walk out having spent 100 crores and each team decides to slice it differently," Venky Mysore, the Kolkata Knight Riders' CEO, said while justifying the price tag after the auctions.

"So what you have paid to somebody is a matter of perspective. Ultimately, we're all spending the same amount of money. When you plan your team, from a retention standpoint, with the auction far away, you've no idea of who are the players being released from other teams, trades happening, and all that. So it's a very dynamic environment."

To support Venky Mysore's argument, Kolkata Knight Riders do possess a well-balanced squad despite spending that much on Mitchell Starc.

The side has a formidable batting lineup with the likes of Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Manish Pandey in the squad. KKR also have a couple of top-quality all-rounders in Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer and spinners in Sunil Narine, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy and Mujeeb Ur Rehman.

Before Starc's arrival, the pace bowling options appeared rather limited. However, the acquisitions of Chetan Sakariya (Rs 50 lakh) and Gus Atkinson (Rs 1.00 crore) during the IPL auction 2024 have significantly bolstered the team's bowling arsenal. Starc leading the bowling attack and injecting the firepower adds to KKR's capabilities.

In fact, KKR emerged from the auction with a total of 10 players - the most in IPL 2024. KKR's 10 buys included four overseas talents, among whom Starc stands out.

KKR made a bold move by shelling out the record sum for Starc, whose name on the roster comes at a staggering cost,

History is peppered with instances where big-ticket players like Yuvraj Singh, Chris Morris, Kevin Pietersen and Ben Stokes failed to live up to the expectations.

The burden of justifying the price tag falls squarely on Starc's shoulders. While his track record in international cricket is commendable, adapting to the demands of IPL is a different ball game altogether. Factors like adjusting to different conditions, the competitive nature of the league and handling the weight of expectations will determine the success of his stint with KKR.

Only time will tell if Starc's acquisition for the record price was a masterstroke or a gamble that didn't quite pay off for Kolkata Knight Riders.

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/OybuJnQ

South Africa vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, South Africa vs India Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports

Follow the South Africa vs India, 2023/24 live cricket score on Sports.NDTV.com. After 20.1 overs, South Africa, chasing a target of 297, are 96/2. Get live score, ball by ball commentary and much more. Keep track of South Africa vs India, 2023/24 today match between South Africa and India. Everything related to South Africa and India match will be available on Sports.NDTV.com. Stay updated with South Africa vs India live score. Do check for South Africa vs India scorecard. You can get scorecard updates, match related facts. Get quick live updates with ads, Sports.NDTV.com, which is the perfect destination for live cricket score.

19.6 overs (0 Run) Again a bit short over off. Aiden Markram waits for it and punches it to the fielder at cover to end a good over from Mukesh Kumar.

19.5 overs (0 Run) On a very good length just outside off. Aiden Markram slaps it back to the bowler. A good over so far from Mukesh Kumar.

19.4 overs (1 Run) On the hard length again and around off. Tony de Zorzi slaps it towards covers and scampers away for a quick run.

19.3 overs (1 Run) Drops it short outside off. Aiden Markram punches it on the bounce to deep point. The batters run one.

19.2 overs (1 Run) Sticking with the right length and on middle. Tony de Zorzi drives it to long off for a single to get to the other end.

19.1 overs (0 Run) On length and around off. Tony de Zorzi drives it but fails to find the gap at covers.

18.6 overs (0 Run) Angled in from around the wicket. Aiden Markram edges it to short third to end another tidy over from Axar Patel.

18.5 overs (1 Run) Shortish outside off. Tony de Zorzi whips it wide of mid on for one more run.

18.4 overs (0 Run) Very full right on the toes. Tony de Zorzi flicks it off the pads to short fine leg where the fielder collects it.

18.3 overs (1 Run) A bit short over middle. Aiden Markram punches it to long on for one run.

18.2 overs (0 Run) Full again around off. Aiden Markram drives it to the fielder at point.

18.1 overs (2 Runs) Tssed up on off. Aiden Markram drives it to deep cover and runs a couple. Good running between the wickets.

17.6 overs (0 Run) Uppish again around off. Tony de Zorzi leans into a drive and sends it to the fielder at covers.

17.5 overs (1 Run) Fullish again on leg. Aiden Markram pats it down towards square leg and takes one quick run.

17.4 overs (0 Run) A bit short now over middle. Aiden Markram rocks back and blocks it on the leg side.

17.3 overs (1 Run) Flatter and fuller on the pads. Tony de Zorzi nudges it away to square leg for one run.

17.2 overs (2 Runs) Looped up outside off. Tony de Zorzi slaps it to the right of deep point and runs a brace.

17.1 overs (1 Run) Bowls it full and on leg. Aiden Markram drives it down to long on for one run to begin the over.

Drinks break! It was a fine start by the South African openers as they were going at around 8 runs per over but once Reeza Hendricks fell, the innings slowed down. They were still better than run-a-ball after 10 overs but the Indian spinners have since been prolific in slowing things up. Tony de Zorzi is well set and has skipper Aiden Markram with him. The middle phase will be crucial for both sides. Let's find out how it pans out.

16.6 overs (1 Run) Uppish again on off. Aiden Markram drives it to long off for a single to end the over.

16.5 overs (0 Run) A bit short over middle. Aiden Markram blocks it back to the bowler.

16.4 overs (1 Run) FIFTY UP FOR Tony de Zorzi! Axar Patel bowls it full and on middle. Tony de Zorzi sweeps it to deep square leg for a single to complete his half-century. A second consecutive score of 50 or more for the southpaw and he will look to get another big one.

16.3 overs (0 Run) Tossed up on off. Tony de Zorzi blocks it safely this time on the on side.

16.2 overs (0 Run) Slow and full outside off. Tony de Zorzi blocks it out on the off side.

16.1 overs (1 Run) Full and on middle. Aiden Markram rocks back and punches it to long off for a single to start the over.

15.6 overs (1 Run) Short length on the off stump channel, Aiden Markram punches it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for an easy single.

15.5 overs (0 Run) Back of a length outside off, Aiden Markram looks to rock back and play it square but gets an inside edge off the sharp angle in and the ball sticks to his pad.

15.4 overs (1 Run) Flat and quick around the off stump, Tony de Zorzi drives it towards long off and jogs for a single.

15.3 overs (1 Run) Drags his length this time around the off stump, Aiden Markram steers it towards fine leg for a quick single.

15.2 overs (0 Run) Full and on off stump this time, Aiden Markram clips it straight to mid-wicket.

15.1 overs (1 Run) Fuller and on the middle stump line, Tony de Zorzi drives it towards long on for a single.

Match Reports

• South Africa vs India: South Africa vs India Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• South Africa vs India: South Africa vs India Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• South Africa vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, South Africa vs India Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports

from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/UJOoYbr