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Tag: test Cricket

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Virender Sehwag, India vs Pakistan, Multan Test, Sultan of Multan, Rahul Dravid | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Two decades ago, on March 29, 2004, cricket witnessed an iconic moment as the then-India opener Virender Sehwag etched his name in history books by becoming the first Indian player to score a triple century in Test cricket.The second day of the Multan Test between India and Pakistan will forever be remembered for Sehwag's breathtaking batting display.True to his characteristic aggressive style of batting, Sehwag reached the coveted milestone with a six over mid-wicket against off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who bid adieu to international cricket following this match.The journey to his triple-century was not short of extraordinary feats as Sehwag shattered multiple records along the way. He surpassed the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's 236, Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten 241 and VVS Laxm...
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On this day in 1955: Lowest score in Test cricket history was registered | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: On this day, March 28, 1955, New Zealand cricket faced a harrowing moment in its history as its national team endured its darkest day at Eden Park, Auckland, against England, then touring as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). In the infamous Test match, New Zealand's eleven batsmen could only muster a mere 26 runs collectively, marking a record low that still stands to this day.The match began with promising signs for the home team, as they reached a respectable 154 for 4 in their first innings, with John Reid leading the charge with a gritty 73. However, their fortunes took a drastic turn as they collapsed to a total of 200 all out. Despite a valiant effort to dismiss the MCC for 246, New Zealand's joy was short-lived.In their second innings, New Zealand faced a disastrous c...
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‘Arre bhai, insaan hai’: Rohit Sharma swats away Ravichandran Ashwin’s critics | Cricket News – Times of India

India's ace off-spinner Ravichandra Ashwin had to wait for three Tests in the recently-concluded five-match series against India before claiming a five-wicket haul. He eventually ended up as the bowler with most wickets (26) in the series, but was still analysed as not at his best.Backing the veteran, India captain Rohit Sharma said it's not fair to expect a player to deliver everytime he is out on the field as players too are humans and can have off days despite putting their best foot forward."If there is an innings where he has not taken wickets, people start talking 'Oh, he is not bowling well. This is happening, that is happening'," Rohit said on his Instagram handle 'Team Ro'."Arre bhai...insaan hai (guys, he is human). At the end of the day, he is trying his best. But imagine, fo...
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Double, or triple Ranji Trophy fee to prevent pull-outs: Sunil Gavaskar | Cricket News – Times of India

MUMBAI: The legendary Sunil Gavaskar has hailed the BCCI's decision to provide an additional incentive to India's players to play more Tests, but has recommended that the BCCI should make the players' fees for participating in the Ranji Trophy lucrative by making it "double, or triple", "in order to prevent pull-outs.The BCCI had recently denied central contracts to a couple of players for non-participation in the Ranji Trophy."I think what Rahul Dravid (India head coach) said, when it was announced in Dharamsala, that he would like to call it a reward. That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing, but I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, that is also looked after. (If) the Ranji Trophy fees ca...
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Musheer Khan ‘not disappointed’ at missing IPL 2024 | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: While many cricketers dream of having an IPL contract, Mumbai's young Ranji Trophy hero Musheer Khan is glad he wasn't selected in the player auction of the previous year since it will allow him more time to "understand" the T20 format.The 19-year-old was certain he would leave his mark in the IPL eventually, having become the youngest Mumbai batsman to score a century in a Ranji final, surpassing the record set by the great Sachin Tendulkar."My name is not in the IPL. But I don't feel disappointed. My father tells me to play Test cricket and play for Team India. IPL will eventually happen, if not today then tomorrow," Musheer told PTI Video recalling the words of his father and formative coach Naushad."It's good that I got another year to prepare for the IPL. I will understa...
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Australia coach says Steve Smith likely to stay on as opener for India series despite horror show in new role

Steve Smith’s reinvention as an opener in Tests for Australia has so far been a disaster, with the batter managing just 171 runs at an average of 28.50 since taking up the new role. Slotting in as an opener after David Warner’s Test retirement, Smith has managed to score just 51 runs at 12.75 during the recent Test tour of New Zealand. This has led to calls Down Under to abandon the Steve Smith experiment. Australia are currently second in the standings for the World Test Championship final with 90 points, behind India. But Smith has received crucial backing to continue in the role by Australia coach Andrew McDonald. “Not to say there won’t be changes, but at the moment we’ve won 2-0 here (vs New Zealand), and had a 12-Test run where we won eight with (four) of those being away from h...
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My place in the team is not a given: James Anderson | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: England's veteran fast bowler James Anderson is determined to prove himself worthy of a spot in the national Test squad ahead of the upcoming home summer series, despite his illustrious career and status as the first fast bowler to claim 700 Test wickets.In an interview with the BBC Tailenders podcast, the 41-year-old expressed his desire to continue performing at his best and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming three-match series against West Indies in July and Sri Lanka in August-September."I want to make sure I'm playing well and earn my place in the team," Anderson emphasized, highlighting his commitment to maintaining high standards and competing for his position.Despite his age, Anderson believes he is currently in the "best shape" of his life, attributing ...
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Watch – ‘When I celebrated my double century…’: Yashasvi Jaiswal on being named ICC Player for February | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal won the ICC Men's Player of the Month title for February 2024, beating competition from Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka and seasoned New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson.Jaiswal has had one of the best starts to an international career of any player, and the figures indicate that he has the potential to be among the world's best Test openers.Jaiswal is now leading the ICC World Test Championship in runs scored, and two brilliant double hundreds in back-to-back Test matches in February have helped him along.In the five-Test series at home against England that was a part of the World Test Championship cycle, Jaiswal was at the top of his game. He hit a massive 219 in the first innings of the second Test in Vizag and then went on to record a double...
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Hope money alone won’t be the incentive to play Tests: Rahul Dravid | Cricket News – Times of India

DHARAMSHALA: India's head coach Rahul Dravid has urged that the BCCI's new Test incentive scheme should not be viewed as a mere sop to attract the best players and safeguard the format's future. Instead, the staggering hike in rewards for Test regulars should be seen as an acknowledgment of the immense rigours and challenges of the red-ball format, he insisted."I really hope money is not going to be the incentive to play Test cricket," Dravid said. "It's just nice that the hard work - and how tough Test cricket can be - is being recognized. I wouldn't see it as an incentive to make people play Test cricket. I hope not. I hope it never really comes to that. It's probably a recognition that it is a tough format."It takes a special person to do what Ashwin has done, play 100 Tests. All of ...
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‘Rs 45 lakh per game…’: BCCI introduces ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ to promote traditional format | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a new reward scheme on Saturday aimed at promoting Test cricket and providing financial incentives to Indian cricketers.In line with their commitment to emphasize the traditional format of the game, the BCCI announced the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,' designed to encourage budding cricketers to participate in Test matches.BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to announce the initiative, stating, "I am pleased to announce the initiation of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes." The scheme, effective from the 2022-23 season, offers additional rewards on top of the existing match fee for Test matches, set at INR 15 l...
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Watch: Shubman Gill’s six off James Anderson gets Ben Stokes’ nod of approval | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Batsmen are generally tentative early in the day's play. That was how Test cricket was used to be played in the good old days.But modern day cricketers are fearless and don't have second thoughts while taking risks even when the opposition bowlers are fresh and charging in at full steam.That's exactly what happened on the second day of the fifth Test between India and England at Dharamshala.It was only the fourth over of the day and England's highest wicket-taker James Anderson was steaming in.On the second ball of the over, a nonchalant Shubman Gill charged down the pitch and lofted the full delivery bowled at 131 kmph handsomely straight down the ground into the crowd.So elegant was the shot that it left commentator Harsha Bhogle in awe and on air wondered what Gill had for...
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How Kuldeep 2.0 emerged as India’s most impactful spinner against England | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After the fall of the last wicket, Kuldeep Yadav tossed the 57.4-over-old red SG Test ball to his senior teammate, the milestone man Ravichandran Ashwin, who, in turn, insisted on returning it. After a round of catching, Ashwin, in a gesture reminiscent of an older brother, literally pressed the ball into Kuldeep's hands. While Ashwin had taken four wickets in his 100th Test, Kuldeep achieved a five-for, a feat he had narrowly missed in the previous game against England.This symbolic exchange might subtly indicate a changing of the guard in terms of who will lead the spin attack in the coming years. Despite Ashwin having claimed 21 wickets in this series with one more innings to go, Kuldeep, who was initially left out of the opening match, has stood out in terms of impact.The...
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Watch: Sunil Gavaskar celebrates anniversary of his historic 10,000 Test runs in style | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the anniversary of the monumental achievement of Sunil Gavaskar reaching the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket, making him the first batter to accomplish this feat in the longest format of the game.Gavaskar, amidst his commentary duties in Dharamshala for the fifth and final Test, fondly remembered the significant day on March 7, 1987, when he etched his name in cricketing history by crossing the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. The legendary cricketer marked the occasion by cutting a cake, expressing gratitude to the BCCI for acknowledging the special moment.Commenting on the significance of the day, Gavaskar highlighted the shared importance of the milestone for both himself and veteran spinner Ravichandran ...
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‘When you finish, it is Test wins that stand really tall’: Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on milestone 100th Test and career highlights – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, ahead of his 100th Test appearance, reflected on his best bowling spells and the turning point of his Test career. India and England are set to face off in the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala, marking Ashwin's milestone match. With 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an average of 23.91, Ashwin has established himself as one of the most successful all-rounders of the modern era.Ashwin's best Test spellsDespite his joint-most five-wicket hauls for India, Ashwin considers three specific spells as his best. These include a 3/59 performance against England at Edgbaston in 2018, a 4/113 spell against South Africa at Centurion in the same year, and a marathon 2/84 in 49 overs against Australia in Bengaluru in 2017. Ashwin values these spells not just ...
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I’d love for him to keep going: Cummins backs Lyon to play Test cricket till 2027 | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After securing a commanding 172-run victory over New Zealand, propelling Australia to a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, captain Pat Cummins expresses confidence in the longevity of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon's Test cricket career, suggesting that Lyon could continue playing until 2027.Lyon's stellar performance in the Wellington match, where he took 6-65 to dismiss New Zealand for 196 in the second innings, resulted in an impressive match haul of 10-108."I'd love for him to keep going until 2027. The only barrier really is his body, so if he looks after his body and makes sure he's right for 10 Test matches a year, or whatever it is, I'd absolutely love him to play until 2027."And I don't think there's much that's going to get in his way. I've already told him the day ...
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Sourav Ganguly on the Importance of Red-Ball Cricket and the Selection Process | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sourav Ganguly has observed the evolution of Indian cricket both as a Team India captain and also as an administrator during his three-year stint as BCCI president. Now working with young Indian players as director of cricket for Delhi Capitals, Ganguly spoke to TOI about the importance of red-ball cricket for the growth of players.Excerpts from a conversation during Delhi Capitals’ camp at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday... With BCCI dropping Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts, the focus has shifted to the relevance of first-class cricket… I think this is the first time that someone has not played or ignored red-ball domestic cricket. Otherwise, all of them have played Ranji Trophy when they were free. I am sure the BCCI will take proper action. Maybe th...
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Australia’s Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood create history with record 10th wicket partnership against New Zealand – Times of India

Some might call the game of cricket a bat-and-ball game. While the definition may have worked back in the 16th century when it was first played in South-East England, it may receive unfavourable support now. We are now living in the 21 st century, and as things have undergone changes, evolution so to speak, the gentleman’s game too has evolved into becoming something bigger. Though initially stated to be a children’s game by historians, the game has only gone on to become sophisticated and technical, and hence no longer just a game of bat-and-ball. In order to celebrate what we have currently, we ought to honour the past as well. And to take a little walk down the line in regard to the game of cricket, we go to England in the old days. Although cricket now attracts money from all corne...
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Watch | How India became a pace-bowling superpower

Watch | How India became a pace-bowling superpower India’s success in Test cricket has always been associated with its batting prowess and its unique spin-bowling core, several generations of which have helped build India as a Test fortress. But in the past half a decade or so, a breed of fast bowlers have changed the script. India has since became a pace-bowling superpower, highlighted by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj at the centre of it all and well supported by other stalwarts like Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and more. How did India get so good at fast bowling? What does the data say?The Hindu spoke to Bharath Arun, the former India bowling coach who was in instrumental in getting the likes of Shami, Siraj and Bumrah to find their peak. Arun gives insights into...
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Aakash Chopra on Rohit Sharma’s ‘hunger’ remark in Test cricket | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra said that India captain Rohit Sharma's recent remark about the importance of 'hunger' in Test cricket, emphasizing that it was not intended as a dig at any specific individual."Rohit Sharma has said that this is the toughest format and if you have to succeed in that, you need a lot of discipline and dedication.He also said that it's evident if someone does not have that hunger, but he was not hinting at anyone," Chopra explained.During the post-match press conference in Ranchi, Rohit Sharma emphasized the significance of players exhibiting hunger and desire to excel in Test cricket, stating that opportunities would be provided to those who demonstrate the requisite passion and commitment."It's a tough format and if you want succe...