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Day: June 12, 2023

Sports

WTC 2023 | Honest self-assessment and tough calls the need of the hour for India

Far from the action: It was a puzzle to see Ashwin, right, missing in the huddle given that Australia had four left-handed batters at the top of the order. | Photo Credit: Reuters Even before the first delivery of the ICC World Test Championship Final was bowled, India was behind the eight ball. The team looked up to the sky before the toss, saw the dark clouds, and decided to field.It was an instinctive distinction without keeping in mind that things are bound to change over five days. The help for the seamers lasted all of the first session before the sun came out and the pitch started to ease up.India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey later stated that it was the “conditions in the morning” that prompted the inclusion of a fourth pacer. This led to off-spinner R. Ashwin, the top-ranked T...
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‘India a bit lazy, Australia grabbed their moments’: Kaif explains the importance of slip catching in WTC Final

Slip-catching in cricket requires hand-eye coordination, anticipation and immnese concentration, and it’s an aspect of the game India has often faltered in after Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman set high standards. The present fielders have not always been able to judge the speed and direction of the ball, resulting in costly and often match-turning mistakes.“It is all about coordination because it is a specialist position. In England, most wickets fall to catches behind the wicket since the ball moves a lot. So a slip fielder is always in play throughout the game,” observes former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, one of the best fielders the country has produced.Hence, the chances missed in the cordon can make or break a game for a team. India missed one such opportunity in Australia’s second...
Sports

Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, BCCI: The Big 3 that failed to end India’s ICC trophy jinx

After yet another ICC event went by without a triumph, Indian cricket needs to answer a couple of tough questions if it dares to embark on a bold transition process: Should their coach Rahul Dravid remain unscathed? Does future-proofing Indian cricket involve his continuing presence?To further complicate matters, those in the BCCI who will be in-charge to enforce that change, have their own excesses and ill-conceived whims to reckon with. Another interesting activity would be to take a peek at the self-appraisal form of captain Rohit Sharma. Together, astonishingly despite their obvious merits, earnest intent, intelligence and capabilities, all three – Dravid, Rohit and BCCI – haven’t yet set in motion what they were brought in for.One of the key features of the captaincy reigns of Sour...
Sports

TNPL 2023: Sai Sudharsan sizzles as Kovai Kings rule the roost

Golden run: Sai Sudharsan has hardly put a foot wrong these days.  | Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY The seventh edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League could not have had a better start as Sai Sudharsan produced an exhibition of high-quality batsmanship. His sensational knock of 86 (45b, 8x4, 4x6) set up a 70-run win for Lyca Kovai Kings against iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans at the Sri Ramakrishna College ground here on Monday.Asked to bat, Kovai Kings were reduced to 14 for three in the third over before Sai Sudharsan took charge and guided his side to a big total of 179 for seven. He found support from U. Mukilesh (33), the duo adding 82 for the fourth wicket.In reply, Tiruppur Tamizhans’ chase began well as Tushar Raheja (33) and K. Vishal Vaidya scored quick runs in the PowerPlay before S...
Sports

ODI WC 2023: Ten venues in draft schedule 

India is set to begin its World Cup campaign in Chennai on October 8 against Australia. | Photo Credit: File Photo R. V. MOORTHY Twelve venues, including two only for warm-up matches, have been finalised for the 2023 men’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to begin in less than four months.Despite BCCI secretary Jay Shah having stated last month that the official fixtures of the World Cup will be revealed during the World Test Championship, The Hindu understands that due to logistical issues yet to be sorted out by the BCCI, the ICC hasn’t been able to announce the schedule.However, according to the draft schedule, the tournament will have 10 main venues, including three in the South. Of the main venues, only Hyderabad will host warm-up games too, with Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati scheduled...
Sports

Novak Djokovic, the tiebreaker king and the clutch Ninja who knows how to win

The first set in the French Open final was hurtling along towards its climax. Casper Ruud wasn’t content playing the bit-part but seemed intent on being the star of the night. Then, came the tie-breaker and Novak Djokovic showed why he is the Grand Slam boss. Ruud was the better player up until that point, hardly putting a foot out of place, but Djokovic slam-dunked him 7-1 in the tiebreaker, with five winners, and swept the match in straight sets. The tie-break king was at it again. Yet, Ruud had made a promising start at the tiebreaker. He made a smart first serve, finding depth and cutting angles with his remarkable forehand, and looking the physically fitter player.And then, just as he felt he had Djokovic right where he wanted him by hitting a vicious forehand crosscourt, Djokovi...
Sports

Why Carlos Alcaraz should try the pickle juice next time he suffers from cramps

In the backdrop of Novak Djokovic’s 23rd Grand Slam victory lay the ruins of what could have been a match of epic proportions between the Serbian and Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, Spain’s latest sensation on clay, was geared to be Djokovic’s biggest test on his run to Roland Garros’ summit. But what followed was two sets of intense action followed by cramps faced by Alcaraz, who then had to lower his gears down and play the rest of the match at a lower level. With that magical ability to chase down impossible balls lost, he eventually gave way in the last two sets and succumbed to Djokovic 3-6, 7-5, 1-6, 1-6.While Alcaraz clutched at different parts of his body in pain, at one point being comforted by Djokovic himself, commentators spoke off the magic of unconventional treatments like pickle...
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‘Sometimes it can happen’: McGrath on India’s capitulation in WTC final vs Australia – Times of India

CHENNAI: "Sometimes it can happen", was what fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath said on Monday about India's capitulation in the World Test Championship final against Australia in London.India suffered a crushing 209-run defeat to Australia on the fifth day of the summit clash at the Oval on Sunday."Sometimes, it can happen like that. Yeah, conditions in England are a lot different to what Indian cricket has been playing in.Sometimes that happens that way, it's called that bit of dressing room pressure," McGrath, who is Director of Coaching at MRF Pace Foundation, told reporters here."Both teams haven't played a lot of Test cricket lately but that's the way it goes. You get on a bit of a roll going into that last day, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane needed to put on a big partnership. You...
Sports

Lionel Messi will increase MLS popularity, says Neymar

Paris St Germain striker Neymar Jr said he already knew Lionel Messi was going to join MLS side Inter Miami and predicted the U.S. top flight is set to change because of the popularity the Argentine will attract. Messi, 35, announced on Wednesday that he plans to take his talents to South Beach after his contract with French champions expires at the end of this month. “I already knew… Messi is one of my best friends, it’s a gift that football has given me to have the opportunity to meet him, play with him and then establish such a beautiful friendship,” Neymar said in an interview with ESPN Brazil on Sunday. “I told him he’s going to be very happy for the city, for the lifestyle and for the opportunity to live and play here in Miami. “I’m sure Leo is going to change the league in the Un...
Sports

Suresh Raina’s name in LPL 2023 player auction list

Former India cricketer and one of the most successful batters for IPL side Chennai Super Kings, Suresh Raina’s name figures in the list of players who will go under the hammer during the Lanka Premier League 2023 auction, scheduled here on June 14. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday issued a list of international and domestic cricketers who will be up for auction in the five-team tournament, which will begin on July 31. Raina, 36, a solid striker of the ball at the top of the order, played every season of the IPL tournament between 2008 and 2021, barring 2020 when he returned to India from the UAE — where the IPL was held due to Covid. Raina has played 205 IPL matches and scored more than 5500 runs, including an unbeaten century. The India cricketer played for CSK and Gujarat Lions in th...
Sports

BCCI announces schedule of India’s tour of West Indies – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to Twitter to announce the schedule for India's upcoming tour of the West Indies, which is set to commence on July 12.The series will consist of a total of 10 matches and will span over the course of one month. India will begin the tour with a two-match Test series.The first Test will be held from July 12 to July 16 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica.The second Test match is scheduled to take place from June 20 to June 24 at the Queen's Park Oval inTrinidad. Both Test matches will start at 7:30 pm IST.Following the conclusion of the Test series, there will be a two-day gap before India face West Indies in a three-match ODI series.These ODIs will serve as preparation for the upcoming World Cup 2023. The first OD...
Sports

Suresh Raina’s name in Lanka Premier League 2023 player auction list | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer and a key player for the Chennai Super Kings side in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to feature in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 auction.The auction is scheduled to take place in Colombo on June 14, with the tournament itself commencing on July 31.Raina, known for his powerful batting at the top of the order, has been a consistent performer in the IPL. He participated in every season of the tournament from 2008 to 2021, except for 2020 when he returned to India due to the COVID-19 pandemic.With 205 IPL matches under his belt, Raina has amassed over 5500 runs, including an unbeaten century.During his IPL career, Raina represented both the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Lions. In domestic tournaments, he play...
Sports

Afghanistan confident ahead of Bangladesh Test without Rashid Khan | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper of the Afghanistan cricket team, exudes confidence as his side prepares to make a highly anticipated return to Test cricket after a hiatus of over two years. Despite the decision to rest key leg spinner Rashid Khan, Shahidi remains optimistic about Afghanistan's chances against Bangladesh in the upcoming one-off Test series, set to commence on Wednesday in Dhaka."Expectation is high, we are here to play good cricket and want to win the game," Shahidi told reporters, emphasising his team's ambitions ahead of the match.Acknowledging the long gap in Test cricket, Shahidi mentioned the team's participation in domestic first-class games, which provided crucial playing opportunities for the players. He expressed confidence in their readiness for th...
Sports

Ivan Toney describes FA as ‘spiteful’, says he’ll come back stronger after betting ban

England striker Ivan Toney has described the Football Association as “spiteful” for its handling of his ban for breaking betting rules.Toney was handed an eight-month suspension last month after admitting to 232 counts of breaching English soccer’s betting rules.The FA announced Toney had been charged with 262 breaches in November, effectively ruling him out of contention for the World Cup in Qatar, but had to wait until May before receiving his ban and a fine of 50,000 pounds ($62,000). “It came out just before the England camp,” the Brentford striker said in an interview on Kick Game’s YouTube channel that was released Monday. “Obviously I missed that and the World Cup. Honestly, that would have been my biggest dream. “It was like, get it out now so he doesn’t go with England, and the...
Sports

Nitin Menon to officiate in third Ashes Test – Times of India

MUMBAI: In what will surely be a proud moment for him, Nitin Menon, the only Indian in the ICC elite panel of umpires, will officiate in the third Test of the iconic Ashes, which kicks off with the first Test at Birmingham on Thursday.The 39-year-old from Indore will be the on-field umpire in the third Test (at Headingley, Leeds, from July 6-10) of the iconic series between England and Australia.His on-field partner in Leeds will be former Sri Lankan off-spinner Kumar Dharmasena.Menon was inducted into the elite panel back in 2020.Meanwhile, India's Jayaraman Madangopal will be the on-field umpire for three games- the Zimbabwe versus Scotland match on June 15, West Indies versus USA match on June 18 and Netherlands vs USA match on June 22 during the ongoing ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Z...
Sports

Haddad Maia first Brazilian to reach WTA top 10

Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to reach the top 10 of the WTA rankings on Monday following her dream run to the semi-finals of the French Open. The 27-yaer-old beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the last eight in Paris to become the first Brazilian woman in 55 years to reach a Grand Slam semi-final. She was eventually beaten by eventual champion Iga Swiatek. Brazilian women’s has had precious little success since the days of Maria Bueno who claimed seven Grand Slam titles between 1959 and 1966 — long before the advent of the WTA rankings which were introduced in 1975. Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten reached number one in the men’s ATP rankings in 2000. Haddad Maia will take a ranking of 10 into the grasscourt season in which she impressed last year and wi...
Sports

Starc’s wicket-taking ability is crucial for Australia’s Ashes pace attack: Coach McDonald | Cricket News – Times of India

In the wake of the World Test Championship final against India, where Mitchell Starc leaked runs, coach Andrew McDonald has emphasised the significance of Starc's wicket-taking prowess to the balance of Australia's pace attack in the upcoming Ashes series against England.Despite Starc's economy rate of 5.34 runs per over - the most expensive performance in his 78-Test career - the left-arm quick managed to claim four crucial wickets at The Oval in London, contributing to Australia's resounding 209-run victory. Scott Boland also impressed all among the Australian seamers during the match.With Pat Cummins secure as the captain of the Australian side, a fit-again Josh Hazlewood would join Starc and Boland in the race for the remaining two spots in Australia's pace attack for the first Ashe...
Sports

Will selectors phase out Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara? Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma in line for Windies T20Is | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final defeat may not result in knee-jerk reactions, but there is speculation that senior players Cheteshwar Pujara and Umesh Yadav could face scrutiny over their places in the team.As India prepare for a two-Test series in the West Indies, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mukesh Kumar are being considered as potential replacements for Pujara and Umesh.The selection committee, led by Shiv Sunder Das, is focused on identifying and grooming the next generation of players for more challenging assignments. India's tour of the West Indies will consist of two Test matches starting on July 12, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is.It is expected that a completely new team under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya will be selected, with IPL perf...
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Novak Djokovic: Is Novak Djokovic the ‘Greatest ever’?: What the numbers say | Tennis News – Times of India

He divides the tennis fans right down the middle - either you love him or you hate him, there is no middle ground. But you surely can't ignore him.Undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes of all time, Novak Djokovic is the epitome of hard work and mental strength. His confidence is unaffected despite controversies and it is driven by his determination to be the greatest ever.On Sunday, Djokovic, who won a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title at French Open, left his greatest rival Rafael Nadal behind. He now has the most number of major titles among male players in tennis history.Also, with his third title at Roland Garros, Djokovic became the only male tennis player ever to win all the four Slams at least thrice. The 36-year-old, who became the oldest winner in Paris since 1968 (break...
Sports

IOA plans to hold WFI elections on July 4, appoints Retd. Justice Mahesh Mittal as returning officer | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday appointed former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar as the returning officer to conduct the impending Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections on July 4.Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, after his meeting with protesting wrestlers on June 7, had said that WFI elections will be conducted by June 30 but it was clear that this deadline will be difficult to follow because a 21-day notice is required to call the Special General Meeting (SGM) of the WFI.The elections can be conducted either at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or SGM.Thakur had assured the wrestlers that the government will not allow any of the family members or associates of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to contest elections...