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  • Pat Cummins Suggests Specific Window For Test Cricket And IPL | Cricket News

    Cummins calls for schedule streamlining to avoid clash between IPL and Test matches London, Jul 7 (PTI) Australia skipper Pat Cummins feels that a more dedicated window for Tests is needed so that players can chalk their individual schedule and preparation, particularly by those cricketers who wish to play in franchise-based leagues such as the IPL. The Indian Premier League now has a specific window every year across April and May, where not too many Test matches take place.

    “Franchise cricket for some countries is more lucrative, more appealing than international cricket,” Cummins was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

    “If I went and played franchise cricket, I could probably be away for a half or a third of the amount we are for Australia. (IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Records Tumble As Abhishek Sharma Hits Maiden Century For Team India)

    “In Australia, Test cricket is from November to January, and basically, no other cricket is going to get in the way of us playing Test cricket then. If we can have specific windows for IPL, but then also Test windows, that makes the decision-making for the players a lot easier,” Cummins said while speaking at the MCC World Cricket Connects 2024 at Lord’s.

    In 2025, Australia could play the World Test Championship final in June, right after the conclusion of the IPL, followed by the tour to the West Indies, which includes two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is.

    Additionally, Cricket Australia Chairman, Mike Bird called for the sustainability of playing Test cricket.

    “Do you have a smaller amount of Test-playing nations that are sustainable, as opposed to trying to prop up a system with additional cost that is adding to the economic challenges of maintaining Test cricket?” he wondered.

    Bird also called for ideas that would be sufficiently suited to playing the traditional format.

    “We (Cricket Australia) don’t feel (we) should dictate to any country, but we’re open to ideas and proposals on how to support Test playing full stop.”

    “There’s a summer to fill, and white-ball cricket can play a role, but (Test cricket) still remains the dominant game in Australia. It is very clear Australia will support and invest and grow Test cricket opportunities as long as we possibly can,” Bird added.

  • Sri Lanka eyeing one other shot at WTC remaining in Pakistan assessments

    Sri Lanka was in competition for the World Test Championship remaining till March. That prospect has whetted its urge for food to get there within the new cycle.

    The marketing campaign begins on Sunday, when Sri Lanka performs Pakistan in Galle within the first of two assessments.

    “We had a pretty good campaign in the last World Test Championship and at one point we had a chance to make it to the finals,” Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne mentioned. “We would have liked to finish things off better but our last series in New Zealand didn’t go the way we want. But this is a new opportunity and we are looking forward for the challenge.” Left-arm fast Shaheen Afridi returns for Pakistan after a yr out of the take a look at aspect because of a knee damage, and the guests are pinning their hopes on him.

    When these groups met on the similar floor final yr, Afridi claimed 4 wickets within the first innings however suffered a severe proper knee ligament damage whereas fielding within the second innings. He aggravated the damage months later on the T20 World Cup. Pakistan nonetheless received that first take a look at however misplaced the second. They are mirroring the identical sequence this yr.

    “Very pleased with the return of Shaheen Afridi,” Pakistan skipper Babar Azam mentioned. “Besides his wicket-taking abilities, his presence always motivates and lifts the side. I know Shaheen has badly missed red-ball cricket and is hungry for test cricket.” Shaheen is on 99 take a look at wickets and set to change into the fourth quickest Pakistani fast to 100.

    Sri Lanka will miss the companies of seam bowler Asitha Fernando, who’s recovering from dengue fever.

    Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando are anticipated to share the brand new ball though they’ve within the squad uncapped left-arm fast Dilshan Madushanka, who was extremely spectacular throughout the Asia Cup final yr when his wickets included Virat Kohli.

    Sri Lanka’s key weapon shall be left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who has an enviable report in Galle of 46 wickets from 5 assessments together with six five-wicket hauls.

    Both groups have settled sides with Pakistan carrying 13 gamers within the squad who had been in Sri Lanka 12 months in the past.

    The vacationers may even be hoping for an uptick in fortune throughout the sequence. Since the start of 2022, Pakistan has received solely certainly one of 10 assessments. Even so, it’s sixth on the planet rating, one place greater than Sri Lanka.

  • Scott Boland my favorite participant, Australia made most of dropping toss: Pat Cummins

    Australia captain Pat Cummins recommended Scott Boland for taking part in a decisive function in his group’s complete 209-run win within the World Test Championship remaining, saying the seamer stays his favorite participant.

    Boland troubled India all through the sport along with his incisive bowling, not permitting the famed Indian batting line-up to breathe straightforward at any level within the contest which lasted slightly over lunch on the fifth and remaining day.

    The right-arm seamer Boland accounted for Shubman Gill (18), Virat Kohli (49) and Ravindra Jadeja (0) within the second innings as India have been bowled out for 234 whereas chasing 444.

    “We left Day One feeling like we were on top of the game. When it counted, we played really well. We could have really driven the game, didn’t have our best day and let India closer back in. For the most parts, we were in control. Boland – he’s my favourite player. He just continues to be my favourite,” Cummins mentioned.

    “Coming off a break, everyone switched on when it mattered. Everyone played really well and we’ll savour this for a few days before we turn our attention (to the Ashes),” he mentioned.

    The Australia captain Cummins additionally praised Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121) for his or her first-innings heroics, with their 285-run fourth wicket stand placing up the platform for Australia’s win.

    “We made the most of it (losing the toss). We were certainly going to bowl. The way Travis (Head) and Smithy (Steve Smith) put on that partnership, gave us comfort after a nervy morning,” Cummins informed the broadcaster after Australia added yet one more trophy to their kitty.

    “He (Head) has been brilliant right throughout this campaign, started with the Ashes a couple of years ago. He just puts the pressure right back on the bowlers and suddenly you are thinking about how to contain runs rather than taking wickets,” he mentioned.

    For Boland, it was all about hitting the correct areas persistently in such an enormous contest.

    “It was good enjoyable. Nice for our bowling group to come back over right here and put up efficiency and take 20 wickets. You wanted to hit related areas on a regular basis.

    “There was a little bit of bounce and we tried to exploit that. It felt pretty good to get Kohli out. Some amazing catching from our cordon, it’s nice to have the confidence that if you get the nicks they’re going to get taken,” mentioned the quick bowler.

    Head mentioned the win was a end result of the laborious work put in over the past two years.

    “A lot of hard work over two years. [Positive approach] has been the approach for two years. I wanted to be proactive and score if the balls were there and then if they bowl in nice areas you try and be good enough to stay out there for long periods. I was tested through my innings,” he mentioned. The prolific batter mentioned he all the time had the arrogance to carry out on the massive stage.

    “It was good to have the ability to bat in addition to we did with [Smith]. It was a tremendous Test from him. I’ve all the time had confidence. It’s been about going on the market and expressing that.

    “It took me some time to find a blueprint in first-class cricket and Test cricket. I’ve always been open to change. Always been committed to knowing what I needed to do to step up. I’ve bedded down somewhat. I’m trying to be as consistent as I possibly can for the team,” he mentioned.

    Smith mentioned it was essential for Australia to do away with Kohli on the ultimate day, whose 49 within the second innings regarded ominous for the eventual winners.

    “We know how good Virat is, he’s an exceptional player and when chasing totals, he becomes dangerous. Boland was excellent in the morning spell, hit the right areas consistently, we knew he would produce that outside edge and it did come (talking about his catch),” Smith mentioned.

    Left-am pacer Mitchell Starc additionally mentioned Kohli’s wicket was essential for Australia to show the match of their favour on the ultimate day.

    “We have been affected person sufficient towards a top quality line-up, and managed to get the breakthroughs wanted. Rub off the inexperienced went our manner, a wise catch from Smith and to get Kohli early on was a giant enhance.

    “He played well in the first innings (about Rahane), was a nice partnership as well, we knew if we stick to our task we will get chances and they did come,” Starc mentioned.

    The left-arm pacer mentioned being within the IPL collectively additionally helped among the gamers from each the groups.
    “Both sides were familiar to each other (having played a Test series recently), a lot of the guys have played with each other in the IPL, so we know a lot about watching others games, Lyon did a good job as well and we enjoyed ourselves,” Starc mentioned.

  • Never anticipated that shot from Pujara: Shastri

    Former India head coach Ravi Shastri didn’t anticipate the orthodox Cheteshwar Pujara to check out an uncharacteristic ramp shot towards Pat Cummins after getting set and felt that even skipper Rohit Sharma will probably be kicking himself for enjoying the sweep shot which wasn’t on.

    “Never expected that shot from Pujara…that is get-out shot and he is back in the hut. It’s not the scoreboard pressure but poor shot selection.

    “Rohit and Pujara must be kicking themselves for the shots they played,” Shastri mentioned in a chat on Star Sports after the day’s play.

    Shastri feels “weathering the storm in the first session” on Sunday will probably be key to the possibilities of Rohit Sharma’s males profitable the World Test Championship closing towards Australia.

    India reached 164 for 3 at stumps on fourth day Saturday in pursuit of an enormous 444-run goal with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane batting on 44 and 20 respectively, needing one other 280 runs in 90 overs on the ultimate day for a win.

    “Weathering the storm in the first session will be the key tomorrow. That is where the sting, if all, will be (on the pitch),” Skipper Rohit Sharma (43) and Cheteshwar Pujara (27) had been dismissed in fast succession within the closing session, and Shastri got here down arduous on the senior participant duo for enjoying poor pictures.

    Opener Shubman Gill fell for 18 after a controversial catch by Cameroon Green and Shastri mentioned the Indian teenager was “unlucky”

  • Oval monitor wasn’t totally ready for a sport like WTC remaining: Shami

    After Shardul Thakur, senior speedster Mohammed Shami has mentioned that the pitch getting used for the World Test Championship remaining towards Australia was not totally prepared for a sport of that magnitude.

    The pitch continues to supply variable bounce however behaved higher on day 4 than the primary three days.

    “In Test matches, pitches tend to get slower as the game goes on. But I don’t think this pitch was fully prepared for World Test Championship final. It was not fully ready but day by day it does change in a Test match,” mentioned Shami after stumps on day 4.

    India have been 164 for 3 chasing a report 444 with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane within the center.
    Shami thinks his staff has likelihood of making historical past on Sunday.

    “Test matches ought to be selected day 5 and within the final session. That is what known as a correct Test.

    In the final 4 years, we have now performed nicely towards Australia. Both have fought exhausting. We must bat nicely tomorrow.” India gained a again to again collection in Australia in 2021 after staging exceptional comebacks in Sydney and Brisbane.

    Asked if India will take confidence from these memorable video games, he mentioned:”We consider we will win the match. We have carried out nicely abroad not simply in England. We will come collectively to win this. 280 runs if you happen to bat nicely it’s gettable.” Rahane didn’t take the sector in second innings after being hit whereas batting on Friday. But Shami mentioned he’s totally match to bat.

    “He is batting well. In sports, you get hurt but you keep playing.” Shami too is ready to make a lower-order contribution if the necessity arises.

  • WTC last: Pitch was below ready going into day one says Shardul Thakur

    India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has referred to as The Oval pitch below ready, saying it is vitally totally different from the floor they performed on again in 2021.

    India had received that sport by 157 runs in September 2021 with Thakur getting a fifty in every innings.

    Thakur copped two nasty blows on Friday however managed to attain a vital 51. He and Ajinkya Rahane shared a helpful 109-run stand to take India to 296 in reply to Australia’s first-innings whole of 469 within the World Test Championship last.

    “The pitch is unquestionably totally different. Last time we performed the pitch was doing one thing and everybody is aware of if there’s cloud cowl in England the ball strikes round.

    “As the game went forward last time and the team started taking rollers it became flat. But this time it was not anything like that. It was under prepared I felt going in to the game. Like we saw yesterday and today it was a bit up and down,” Shardul stated.

    From one explicit finish, the ball took off from size and the Australian pacers exploited that successfully.

    “If we see yesterday’s play additionally, pitch modified slightly. Ball was onerous and bouncing from odd size. With six wickets down on the board, not too many runs, below strain, sure you’ll say the hardest hour although I’ve performed handful of sport however felt like welcome to Test cricket.

    “There is an space from the place the ball is developing, there’s a little grass across the crack and the size is such that batsmen can’t depart the deliveries simply. You must play, commit as a result of we noticed as we speak many balls saved down and I imply that’s an space of fine size, and I imply, that space is at a great size, slightly wanting size.

    “So that’s the area where the batsmen can’t immediately see and leave the ball. You have to play it. And if it bounces from there – then good luck for the batsmen. It was bouncing from the other end too – but from a bit behind, so the batsmen were getting time to adjust,” stated Thakur.

    Thakur asserted that India stay very a lot within the sport regardless of trailing Australia by 296 runs.

    “Cricket is a funny game. You can never say what is the right total, especially in an ICC final. One good partnership and you can chase down 450 or maybe more than that. We saw last year England chased 400 here and they did not lose too many wickets.” He was all reward for Rahane who made a gritty 89 in his comeback Test.

    “Ajinkya is one of the top players in the world. He has scored runs in England Australia and South Africa. It did not seem that he was batting badly though he wasn’t getting the runs (before being dropped). Even today he was using all his experience of batting in English conditions.”

  • Even 450 could be chased: Shardul Thakur hopeful of document chase from India in WTC ultimate vs Australia

    By India Today Sports Desk: India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has stated that even 450 runs could be chased down within the ultimate of the World Test Championship. Australia are presently main India by 296 runs on the finish of Day 3 within the WTC Final on the Kennington Oval.

    World Test Championship Final: Full Coverage

    Speaking on the press convention after Day 3, Shardul stated even 450 runs could be chased down on the again of 1 good partnership. Shardul scored a half-century to assist India put up 296 runs of their first innings within the WTC Final.

    “Well, cricket is a funny game. You can never say what is the right total and this one-off game, especially ICC finals, you never know, I mean, who can handle the pressure better out there, one good partnership when you can even chase down 450 or maybe more than that,” stated Shardul.

    He went on to say that final 12 months England chased down a goal near 400 runs in opposition to India of their one-off Test in Birmingham. England chased down a 378-run goal in opposition to India to degree the five-match sequence 2-2 in June final 12 months.

    “Last year England chased 400 here and they did not lose too many wickets. So that’s a positive sign for us. Whatever they put up on the board, it’s too early to make any predictions. We see a lot of times in Test cricket that game changes within an hour. So yes, we like to be optimistic tomorrow going on the field. And yeah, we’ll take it on from there,” Shardul added.

    Speaking about his partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul stated they needed to take up the stress and stored speaking to one another all through their 109-run stand for the seventh wicket on Day 3.

    “We didn’t decide anything. There was no situation to decide anything. We just had to absorb the pressure. We were talking to each other a lot,” stated Shardul.

    Meanwhile, Australia pacer Mitchell Starc stated they are going to proceed batting on Day 4, including that hopefully the pitch can play just a few methods within the fourth innings.

    “I haven’t spoken to Pete (Pat Cummins) yet, so I don’t know. It’s not my decision. I’ll keep batting for now. I’ve still got two days to play. The weather’s been good. I think it’s warmer tomorrow. Hopefully the pitch starts playing a few more tricks but as far as I know it, we’re still batting tomorrow,” stated Starc.

    India will likely be aiming to get their palms on an ICC trophy for the primary time in virtually a decade by defeating Australia within the WTC Final in London.

  • On day two, we deliberate to bowl solely bouncers to Head: Mohammed Siraj

    India pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday mentioned the crew deliberate to bowl solely bouncers to Travis Head no matter the end result after his counterattacking hundred on the opening day of the World Test Championship last.

    Head’s 163 off 174 balls has put Australia in a commanding place on the second day on the Oval. The Indians’ techniques of not utilizing the quick ball in opposition to Head was questioned on day one, forcing them to alter their plans the next day.

    Siraj ultimately removed him with a brief ball on the leg facet.

    “There was sticky bounce yesterday morning and seam movement. Thereafter, there was not enough swing from the six metre length and batters were having it easy. Head batted extraordinarily as well. We could have bowled with better lines,” mentioned Siraj, who was India’s standout bowler with 4 wickets in Australia’s first-innings complete of 469 all out.

    Siraj felt they bought the required luck with the quick ball on day two.

    “We determined to bowl bouncer solely to Head and if he get hit from there then so be it. We caught to it and bought success. We constructed stress didn’t give too many runs that additionally helped. We used bouncers yesterday as effectively however the possibilities went within the hole.

    “There were four-five chances off my bowling only. If we did not bowl well, Australia would have crossed 500,” he mentioned.

    Siraj added that the wicket had extra tempo and uneven bounce on day two.

    “There is more pace in the wicket and there is uneven bounce. We also bowled well but the way Head batted he forced us to push our lengths back.” On throwing the ball again to Steve Smith after the Australia accomplished his hundred within the first over of the day, he added: “It was nothing. I was just enjoying. It is important to do that as it is a long day,” he added.

  • Length at off stump is vital on this wicket: Steve Smith

    Australian batter Steve Smith on Thursday mentioned his bowlers reaped the advantages of relentlessly concentrating on the off stump on a pitch with variable bounce within the World Test Championship last in opposition to India.

    India discovered themselves in huge bother at 151 for 5 on day two, trailing Australia by one other 318 runs on the Oval.

    Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara supplied no shot to balls that crashed into the stumps whereas Virat Kohli received an unplayable supply from Mitchell Starc.

    Australian pacers bowled higher lengths and received extra buy out of the wicket than their Indian counterparts.

    “The size at off stump I feel is vital. We’ve clearly seen a little bit of variable bounce and a few seam motion. So if we’re difficult the highest of the stumps as a lot as potential, I feel that’s the quickest approach house.

    “You can certainly get the outside edge from there if it seams away and bounces or takes off, which a couple have. And then pads and stumps are in play with the ones that shoot low or seam back. So it’s about as simple as we need to keep it, I think,” Smith mentioned.

    Australia’s batting mainstay received to his thirty first hundred with a few fours off half volleys from Mohammed Siraj within the first over of the day. It was his third hundred at The Oval the place he averages near 100.

    “Yeah, I feel once I first began this morning I couldn’t ask for something greater than two half volleys on my pad to get me going. That was good to recover from that milestone.

    “But, no, I was proud of the way I played. I thought I applied myself nicely. Left well yesterday morning. Hit the balls in my area and yeah it was pretty solid in defense. So yeah, felt good out there,” he mentioned.

    “Obviously a really good partnership with Trav who batted beautifully in that middle session yesterday. I thought the way he took the game on, put the pressure back on their bowlers, got them off their lengths, which I think helped me at the other end as well. Yeah, set us up for a nice innings.” Talking about his love for the bottom, he added: “I feel when it comes to English wickets it’s most likely as near Australia as you get I suppose.

    “The pace and bounce that you can get in the surface and if you get yourself in the outfield is obviously the square goes the whole way across so you get good value for your shots. So, yeah, I’ve enjoyed playing here and it was nice to score a few out here again.”

  • Not choosing Ravichandran Ashwin was purely primarily based on circumstances, bowling coach Mhambrey defends flop transfer

    India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey mentioned the powerful resolution to go away out the world’s primary ranked bowler Ravichandran Ashwin from the World Test Championship closing was primarily based purely on circumstances.

    Conditions have been chilly and overcast at The Oval, particularly within the morning, over the previous three days however day one noticed vivid sunshine within the afternoon and night session.

    “It is at all times a really tough resolution to drop a champion bowler like him. Looking on the circumstances within the morning we thought a further seamer could be useful.

    “It has also worked in the past for us. Seamers have done well out here for us. You can always look back and say that additional spinner would have been beneficial but we took the call looking at the conditions,” mentioned Mhambrey, after Australia reached 327 for 3 on day one after being put in to bat.
    Asked what sort of communications happen with the participant who will not be included within the eleven, he mentioned: “When staff dialogue occurs, we speak about composition over a interval of days. We skilled right here for 3 4 days earlier than the sport and seeing the wicket, conversations occur with gamers.

    “The players also understand that (the importance of team combination).” The bowling coach mentioned India can certainly bounce again within the recreation.

    “The second new ball did a bit. The morning session will be important. The wicket played better than our expectations in the last two sessions today,” he mentioned.

    No health points with Umesh Yadav

    Umesh Yadav bowled solely 14 overs within the day however Mhambrey mentioned he had no health points. He additionally felt bowlers may have carried out higher.

    “We could have been more disciplined. After 12-13 overs, we lacked discipline. I felt we conceded more runs that we would have preferred,” he mentioned including that they may have employed the quick ball techniques sooner than they did.