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Day: December 29, 2022

Sports

Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena puts Kerala on cusp of victory

Kerala’s Jalaj Saxena took six wickets (6/75) in Chhattisgarh’s second innings to finish with a match-haul of 11/123 at St Xavier’s College Ground in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala, after dismissing Chhattisgarh for 287, will chase 126 for a victory on Day 4. For Chhattisgarh, captain Harpreet Singh Bhatia scored 152. Brief scores: Chhattisgarh 149 & 287 in 89.4 overs (Harpreet Singh Bhatia 152; Jalaj Saxena 6/75) vs Kerala 311. Bengal rout NagalandDebutant Karan Lal bagged five wickets as Bengal defeated Nagaland by an innings & 161 runs. Spin trio of Karan (5-47), Shahbaz Ahmed (3-38) and Pradipta Pramanik (2-24) bowled superbly to bundle out Nagaland for just 123 in their second innings on Day 3 and bag seven points.Brief scores: Nagaland 166 & 123 (Karan Lal 5/47, Sh...
Sports

There should be good communication between selectors and senior players about their place in the team: Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir called for clarity in team selection from BCCI and said on Thursday that there should be good communication between the selectors and the senior players if they are looking for players beyond them going forward.The BCCI announced squads for the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday but has not clarified if the senior trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul along with Rishabh Pant has been rested or dropped for white-ball series starting January 3."There should be clarity. There should be good communication between the selectors and these players. If the selectors have decided to look beyond these guys, so be it. I think a lot of countries have done that," Gambhir told ESPNcricinfo.Gambhir wants more clarity when...
Sports

India vs South Africa second U-19 Women’s T20 abandoned due to wet outfield

The second T20I match between the India U-19 Women’s team and their South African counterparts was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to wet outfield on Thursday. Initially the toss and start of play were delayed due to rain and later, following an inspection, the match at the Steyn City Ground here was called off due to wet outfield. The Indian cricket board posted an image of the Indian players trooping out of the ground, shaking hands with their South African counterparts. “The 2nd T20I between IND U19 women & SA U19 women at the Steyn City Ground, Pretoria has been called off due to wet outfield,” tweeted BCCI. India U-19 are leading the five-match series 1-0, following their 54-run win in the opening match here on December 27. Riding on Shweta Sehrawat and Soumya Tiw...
Sports

Ranji Trophy: Gutsy Pradosh scores ton as Tamil Nadu eye outright win against Delhi | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Young left-hander Pradosh Ranjan Paul showed admirable character while notching up his maiden first-class ton, keeping Tamil Nadu firmly in sight of their first outright win against a circumspect Delhi on day three of the Ranji Trophy Group B game here on Thursday.Courtesy a career-best 124 from Pradosh along with useful contributions from all-rounder Vijay Shankar (52) and tailender Aswin Crist (32), Tamil Nadu declared their first innings on 427 for 8.Delhi lost Anuj Rawat by close of play to reach 28 for 1 and are still 96 runs behind going into the final day.Only one team can log home full points from this game and that is Tamil Nadu, provided they can bundle out Delhi within two sessions keeping the light-factor in mind.On three days, 76, 75.1 and 70 overs of play has be...
Sports

Green set to undergo surgery, Starc could miss opening Test against India

Australia’s Cameron Green. File | Photo Credit: AP Young Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will require surgery to repair a fractured right index finger, though surgeons are hopeful the 23-year-old should recover in time to be considered for selection for the Border-Gavaskar series in India beginning on February 9. However, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc faces a potentially longer stay on the sidelines and will be in a race against time to prove his fitness for the four-Test series in India after he too suffered a finger injury while fielding during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. The pair is already out of the third and final Test against South Africa at Sydney. A report in cricket.com.au said on Thursday after Australia's innings and 182-run win against the Proteas in th...
Sports

Kyrgios withdrew from United Cup to give himself best chance at Australian Open | Tennis News – Times of India

Nick Kyrgios said he withdrew from the inaugural edition of the United Cup to be in peak condition for next month's Australian Open, adding that he did not expect everyone to understand the reasoning behind his decision.Kyrgios, who is ranked 22nd in the world, was set to lead Australia in the joint ATP and WTA event but withdrew from the tournament due to injury on Wednesday, taking his own team mates by surprise with the late announcement."People underestimate the pressure and the nerves with being a part of one of the biggest tournaments of the year," Wimbledon runner-up Kyrgios told The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald in an interview published on Thursday."Throw in an injury and knowing you didn't give yourself the best chance only adds to the mountain of pressure you face. So fee...
Sports

Pak vs NZ 1st Test, Day 4 | Pakistan in trouble after Williamson hits 200

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson celebrates after scoring 200 runs during the fourth day of first Test cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, Pakistan, on December 29, 2022 | Photo Credit: AP New Zealand pushed Pakistan onto the backfoot in the first Test after Kane Williamson hit a marathon unbeaten double century on Thursday.Williamson’s 200 not out in 10 hours earned New Zealand a meaningful 174-run lead as the visitors declared at a monumental 612-9 at tea, with tailender Ish Sodhi scoring a career-best 65.New Zealand spinners Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi made early inroads in the final session to reduce Pakistan to 77-2 at stumps. Pakistan still trails by 97 runs on a wicket which has some encouragement for spinners from the bowlers’ footmarks.Imam-ul-Haq saw...
Sports

1st Test: Williamson double hundred puts New Zealand in charge against Pakistan | Cricket News – Times of India

KARACHI: New Zealand's Kane Williamson, liberated from the burden of red-ball captaincy, struck a classy 200 not out to put his team in control of the opening Test against Pakistan on Thursday.Williamson relinquished Test captaincy earlier this month but proved he remains New Zealand's batting mainstay steering them to a mammoth 612/9 before skipper Tim Southee declared with a lead of 174.Pakistan finished day four on 77/2, still 97 behind and needing to bat out of their skin to deny New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.Opener Imam-ul-Haq was batting on 45 at stumps with nightwatchman Nauman Ali on four at the other end.Pakistan bowlers had to break their back for the occasional success on a flat track at the National Stadium and more toil awaited them after New Zealand resumed...
Sports

Transitions are inevitable but Hardik Pandya has ingredients to be successful: Sangakkara | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Transition period in an international team is always "difficult to handle" but India has abundant talent and a potentially good leader in Hardik Pandya to smoothly see through the phase in T20 cricket, feels former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara.India will play six white ball matches against Sri Lanka in the new year with Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as captain for T20Is starting January 3.The squad also doesn't have KL Rahul and Virat Kohli which is an indicator that Indian cricket will undergo transition from this series."Transition is inevitable. You have to be always ready for it. But you need supporting players to come through the system for it to be effective smoothly," Sangakkara told PTI during an interaction organised by Star Sports, official broadcaster of the ...
Sports

‘The one thing he shouldn’t do is…’: Kumar Sangakkara has a word of caution for Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara believes that Sanju Samson, who has been added to the India team for the T20I series against Sri Lanka needs to remain calm and not be “desperate.” Sangakkara also said that Samson needs to do justice to his talent when the series begins on January 3. Talking to Star Sports on their show ‘A Chat with Champions’ Sangakara said, “He’s got to keep things simple, just concentrate on batting. The IPL is one thing, playing for India is another. What you got to concentrate on, as Sanju Samson in the Indian side, is understanding what your job is. When you go out, make sure you’re relaxed, you have the clarity about how you’re going to play your role,” said Sangakkara. Talking about his Samson’s batting position, Sangaka...
Sports

Rashid Khan named Afghanistan’s T20 captain | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan was on Thursday named Afghanistan's new in T20I captain. The 24-year-old replaces veteran Mohammad Nabi, who stepped down post the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia."Rashid Khan is a massive name in Afghanistan Cricket. He has colossal experience of playing the format around the world which will help him take the team to a new level in the format," said Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf in a statement.Rashid, 24, was appointed captain ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup as well but had stepped down following the announcement of the squad, claiming he was not consulted over selection."Rashid Khan has the experience of leading AfghanAtalan in all three formats before and we are happy to have him as our skipper for the T20I format again. I ...
Sports

AB de Villiers: ‘IPL changed our lives, SA20 comes at a really good time for South Africa’ | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The inaugural edition of SA20 kicks off from January 10 and former South Africa batsman AB De Villiers hopes that the league will give the youngsters a base and the foundation to get exposure at the highest level. De Villiers, who played in the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008, said that IPL changed his life and hoped the SA20 will do the same for young cricketers in South Africa. The SA20 will feature six newly-constructed teams with the opening local derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals setting up an explosive start to South African cricket's new-kid-on-the-block. All teams are owned by IPL franchises.De Villiers said that the SA20 is just the boost the game required in South Africa.“I think the SA20 comes at a really good time for South African cric...
Sports

Want a game against Sri Lanka to impress Hardik Pandya, says Shivam Mavi | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Having overcome his fair share of injuries and done the hard yards in domestic cricket, all Shivam Mavi wants from India skipper Hardik Pandya is an opportunity to shine in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.A week after he was snapped by Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs 6 crore in the IPL mini-auction, Mavi celebrated another big moment of his career when he was selected in India's T20 squad for the upcoming three T20Is against Sri Lanka, starting January 3 in Mumbai.The 24-year-old is supremely confident that he won't let Hardik down."Hardik Pandya supports every player. He is a great leader. It is very difficult to be the IPL champions in the first outing but he managed to do it. He led Gujarat Titans from the front and became champions. He is a calm leader but too...
Sports

Cameron Green set to undergo surgery, Mitchell Starc could miss opening Test against India

Young Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will require surgery to repair a fractured right index finger, though surgeons are hopeful the 23-year-old should recover in time to be considered for selection for the Border-Gavaskar series in India beginning on February 9. However, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc faces a potentially longer stay on the sidelines and will be in a race against time to prove his fitness for the four-Test series in India after he too suffered a finger injury while fielding during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. The pair is already out of the third and final Test against South Africa at Sydney. A report in cricket.com.au said on Thursday after Australia’s innings and 182-run win against the Proteas in the second Test that Green had consulted a specialist, ...
Sports

Suryakumar Yadav, Smriti Mandhana among nominees for ICC T20 Cricketer of the Year honour | Cricket News – Times of India

DUBAI: Swashbuckling Indian batters Suryakumar Yadav and Smriti Mandhana were on Thursday nominated for the men's and women's T20 Cricketer of the Year awards, respectively, for their exploits in 2022.Suryakumar has been nominated alongside T20 World Cup-winning England all-rounder Sam Curran, Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and Zimbabwe's batting all-rounder Sikandar Raza for the top honours in the men's category.Pakistan bowling all-rounder Nida Dar, New Zealand's Sophie Devine and Australian Tahlia Mcgrath will give Mandhana competition in the women's category.Suryakumar had a sensational 2022 in the shortest format of the game, becoming just the second batter to score more than 1000 runs in a year in the format.He ended the year as the highest run-getter, scoring 1164 r...
Sports

WATCH: Mitchell Starc threatens Theunis de Bruyn with ‘Mankad’ dismissal after batsman crosses the line | Cricket News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Mitchell Starc threatened South Africa number three Theunis de Bruyn with a 'Mankad' dismissal on Thursday after the batsman wandered way outside his crease at the non-striker's end during the second Test in Melbourne.The run-out dismissal, named after former India all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, is legal but has long generated debate as to whether it is in the spirit of the game.On day four at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Australia wrapped up a thumping innings and 182-run victory, paceman Starc aborted a ball during his run-up after seeing De Bruyn leave his crease early."Just stay in your crease, it’s not that hard," Starc barked at him."The line's there for a reason, mate."If I was De Bruyn, I will keep doing itBecause it's practically impossible for a fast bowler to mankad...
Sports

Cameron Green set to undergo surgery, Mitchell Starc could miss opening Test against India | Cricket News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Young Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will require surgery to repair a fractured right index finger, though surgeons are hopeful the 23-year-old should recover in time to be considered for selection for the Border-Gavaskar series in India beginning on February 9.However, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc faces a potentially longer stay on the sidelines and will be in a race against time to prove his fitness for the four-Test series in India after he too suffered a finger injury while fielding during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.The pair is already out of the third and final Test against South Africa at Sydney.A report in cricket.com.au said on Thursday after Australia's innings and 182-run win against the Proteas in the second Test that Green had consulted a spec...
Sports

Australia captain Pat Cummins hails ‘gutsy’ efforts from wounded team mates | Cricket News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Australia captain Pat Cummins hailed team mates Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green for their courage under fire after the injured duo played through pain to help the side complete a series-sealing victory over South Africa on Thursday.Paceman Starc snapped a tendon in the middle finger of his bowling hand during a fielding mishap on day one of the second Test in Melbourne but bowled a full load and took a wicket on day four as Australia won by a thumping innings and 182 runs.All-rounder Green retired hurt after his index finger was broken by an Anrich Nortje delivery but returned to the crease on day three to score an unbeaten 51, adding to his five-wicket haul earlier."(It's) probably a good time to mention all the incredible achievements this week. Starcy with a finger that's...
Sports

Djokovic can’t forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia

Novak Djokovic will never forget how it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this year but the Serb said his willingness to return for next month’s Grand Slam at Melbourne Park shows the depth of feeling he has for the country. Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country. However, the former world number one’s visa ban was waived in November, opening up a path for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and giving him a chance to tie Rafa Nadal’s mark of 22 Grand Slam titles. “You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that stick with you,” said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia. “It stays with you for the ...