Tag: Ind vs Eng

  • EXPLAINED: How Australia’s Win Over Scotland Helped England Qualify For Super 8 Stage Of T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    Australia secured a convincing victory over Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match held on Sunday, June 16. Playing in Group B at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, Australia successfully chased down a target of 181 runs , reaching 185/5 in 19.4 overs. Opener Travis Head and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis both contributed half-centuries, ensuring Australia maintained their perfect record in the ongoing tournament.

    How Australia’s Win Helped England Qualify For Super 8 Stage?

    England was eager for Australia to win as it would have helped them qualify for the Super 8s. If Australia had lost the game, Scotland would have qualified alongside Australia, as Australia had already secured qualification with 3 wins and 6 points. However, if Scotland had won, they would have accumulated 7 points and qualified. Despite Scotland also finishing with 5 points from four matches, England’s superior net run rate ensured their advancement to the Super 8s.

    Australia’s Tricky Chase

    Australia successfully chased down the target of 181 runs in a thrilling encounter, reaching 186/5 in 19.4 overs against Scotland. The match remained closely contested as Scotland fought hard until the end to stay in contention. Despite reducing Australia to 60/3 at one point, Scotland’s efforts weren’t enough to contain Australia’s key batsmen of the tournament, Travis Head (68) and Marcus Stoinis (59), who once again rose to the occasion. Initially asked to bat, Scotland had set a competitive total of 180/5, showing resilience against the formidable Australian side.

    England vs Namibia T20 WC

    Earlier, on Saturday, defending champions England kept their hopes alive for advancing to the second round of the T20 World Cup by securing a 41-run victory over Namibia in a rain-affected Group B match in Antigua. This crucial win brought England level on points with Scotland, underscoring their determination to progress in the tournament.

    Australia vs India Super 8 WC Match On 24th June

    Australia will compete in Group 1 of the Super 8s alongside India and Afghanistan. The final team for Group 1 will be determined based on the results of upcoming matches between Nepal-Bangladesh and Netherlands-Sri Lanka on Monday, June 17. Australia’s Super 8s journey begins with a match against either Bangladesh or the Netherlands on June 20, followed by games against Afghanistan on June 22 and India on June 24.

  • 'This Is Clownery..': Social Media Furious After Ben Stokes' Ball To Dismiss Rohit Sharma Hailed By British Media As 'The Best In Series' | cricket news

    Ben Stokes decided it was enough waiting for the first ball in eight months. Wickets were hard to come by in Dharamsala and despite no nod from the team's physio, Stokes felt he needed to lead from the front and bowl a few overs. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's partnership had already pushed England on back foot on day 2 of the fifth and last Test. England were desperate for a breakthrough and not many had expected that Stokes would provide that so soon.

    Also Read | After Rohit Sharma's 2nd Test Hundred Vs England, Geoffrey Boycott's Controversial Statement Is Viral Again

    The first delivery in 251 days from Stokes landed outside off at good length. It held its line before shaping away ever-so-slightly to hit the off. Rohit could not do much about it. That was a peach from one of cricket's greatest all-rounders. Rohit had a smile on his face as he walked back. He knew he had been done by an excellent delivery and he needed not regret the dismissal.

    Stokes was happy but he stopped himself from celebrating it in an animated way. However, his teammates were maybe impressed. Mark Wood had his hand off his head and a big shock on his face. Stokes bowled the first ball in 251 days and it worked. It cleaned up a batter who had faced over 160 deliveries and never looked like getting out.

    The social media was soon abuzz with reactions to Stokes. While many hailed Stokes for being a great leader and risking his injury to come and deliver the goods, many went on to call the delivery the best in the series. BCC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew went on to compare Stokes first-ball wicket to that Ian Botham's first-ball wicket after he came back from 63-day drugs suspension.

    “Ben Stokes provided an Ian Botham moment of scene-stealing drama to announce his return…,” wrote Telegraph's Nick Hoult.

    Stokes, who is going through a lean patch as batsman, began to get massive praise for this one ball. This was not appreciated by many Indian fans on social media, who reminded the world that Bumrah had bowled a screamer to Ollie Pope not long ago. Another Twitter user and a fan said that sports website talkSport called Stokes' delivery to Rohit as the ball of the series. That user ranted, “Last piece of rant for today..TalkSport called Stokes ball as the best ball of the series. I mean..Bumrah literally had stokes cleaned up in Hyderabad and then Pope in Vizag. These are just two of so many I can put across here. This is beyond delusion..this is clownery.”

    Check some reactions to Stokes receiving praise for this delivery to Rohit below:

    Last piece of rant for today..TalkSport called Stokes ball as the best ball of the series.

    I mean..Bumrah literally had stokes cleaned up in Hyderabad and then Pope in Vizag. These are just two of so many I can put across here.

    This is beyond delusion..this is clownery — Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 8, 2024

    IND bowler delivers a world class spell, runs through the middle of the ENG order Press: Bazball blah blah blah

    Ben Stokes bowls 5 Ok overs and gets one ball to misbehave off the pitch

    Press: THE GREATEST BALL OF THE SERIES! WHO WRITES HIS SCRIPTS!

    — cricketingview (@cricketingview) March 8, 2024

    Man for this insane PR Ben Stokes deserves the National Creator award Modiji… https://t.co/PUDigPjc5n — Varun (@wizardrincewind) March 9, 2024

    India are in a commanding position in the fifth Test, leading by over 255 runs on the morning of Day 3. The hosts are already leading 3-1 in the series and a 4-1 result looks almost certain now.

  • 'Ek Century Tera, Ek Century Mera': Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill Hundreds Begin Meme Game On Twitter | cricket news

    India captain Rohit Sharma and opening batsman Shubman Gill truck brilliant hundreds in the first innings of the Dharamsala Test to put India in driver's seat. Gill, in the process, surpassed 400 runs in the series while Rohit was just one short of this mark before lunch on the second day of the Test. Both Rohit and Shubman looked in complete control in the morning session, not putting one wrong foot forward.

    Also Read | Mark Wood Tries To Scare Rohit Sharma With 151 kph Delivery, Here's How Hitman Replied; watch

    India were hoping that Rohit and Shubman carried on the good work and aimed for the personal double hundreds as it would have completely pushed England on the back foot but Ben Stokes came in to bowl for the first time and removed the India captain. Off the field, over social media fans began meme game as they reacted on Rohit and Gill bossing around in the middle in Dharamsala.

    Take a look at some of the best memes and reactions borne out of Gill and Rohit's hundred:

    _ _ _, __ ________ _#INDvENG #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/LmyHBzcJvG — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 8, 2024

    As _ as it gets in Dharamsala. _ _#INDvENG #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/2lrnhAVXmT

    — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 8, 2024

    Patidar watching Rohit and Gill smoke all these runs #IndvEng pic.twitter.com/ngahM8j0eU — Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) March 8, 2024

    Patidar watching Rohit and Gill smoke all these runs #IndvEng pic.twitter.com/ngahM8j0eU — Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) March 8, 2024

    Patidar watching Rohit and Gill smoke all these runs #IndvEng pic.twitter.com/ngahM8j0eU — Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) March 8, 2024

    In what was a strange moment in the game, Stokes decided to roll his arms finally in the series and struck gold. He bowled a peach, getting some help by the crack on the surface, and got the ball the move just slightly away to hit the top of off and Rohit could not do anything about it but smile all the way to the dressing room an even the English players were shocked by the development.

    Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav and R Ashwin had shone with the ball to bowl out England for just 218 after Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first. Kuldeep completed an impressive five-wicket haul while Ashwin got four wickets. Ravindra Jadeja got one wicket as pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj went wicketless at the end of the England's first innings.

    India have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. England are playing to restore their pride and prove that they are not as bad a side as the scoreline looks like. India, on the other hand, are now playing for more points that strengthens their position in the World Tets Championship Points Table.

  • 'He's Never Been One…', What Ricky Ponting Said On R Ashwin Playing His 100th Test Shouldn't Be Missed | cricket news

    R Ashwin played his 100th Test for India when the Dharamsala Test between India and England began at the HPCA stadium. With 507 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin is India's second most successful bowler in Tests. The only Indian bowler ahead of Ashwin is Anil Kumble who finished his career with a staggering 619 wickets. Ashwin has also become the oldest cricketer to have played the 100th Test.

    The off-spinner had spent a few seasons at Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL where he received coaching from Ricky Ponting, the Australia great. Ponting heaped praise on the off-spinner on achieving the landmark of 100 Tests when he spoke to International Cricket Council (ICC).

    Also Read | WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar Gets Out To Big Boss Winner Munawar Faruqui As Stadium Goes Silent During ISPL Match Between Celebrities

    Ponting called Ashwin a master of spin and an incredible cricketer in an interview to ICC. The former Aussie captain said that Ashwin has got many philosophies and theories which he really likes.

    “I had a chance to coach him for a couple of years at Delhi, and loved working with him. He's got a lot of theories and philosophies on the game, which I really like. He's always done things a little bit differently and done things his own way. But he just continued to evolve as a bowler,” said Ponting.

    Ponting mentioned that Ashwin wants to do something different every time and that makes him stand out. He is always looking to get better.

    “That's the thing that I loved about him when I was coaching him, he'd stand at the end of his mark and he'd be working on something different, a little tweak to his action or a change of grip or a different delivery. . He's never been one that was going to die wondering about trying to find ways to get better,” he added.

    Ashwin has picked up 507 Test wickets for India since making his debut in Delhi vs West Indies on November 6, 2011. Ashwin has 35 five-Test wicket hauls and 8 ten-wicket hauls as well. Not to forget that Ashwin has also hit 5 Test centuries for India. If he picks one more five-wicket haul, he will cross the great Anil Kumble as India's most five-for taker in the format.

    Ashwin reached the landmark of 500 Test wickets also in the ongoing series against England. His next target will be the 600 Test mark. Only one Indian has taken more than 600 Test wickets for India, and he is Kumble.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal After Epic Sir Don Bradman Record; Also Very Close To Breaking 75-Year-Old World Record In 5th Test At Dharamsala Vs England | cricket news

    Some more records are set to be broken in the fifth Test vs England in Dharamsala. R Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow are set to play their 100th Test in the beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh. England pacer James Anderson is also on verge of 700 Test wickets as he is just two away from joining the likes of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. Yashasvi Jaiswal is also on brink of a huge record, not one but three.

    Also Read | R Ashwin To Play 100th Test: A Look At His Iconic Career So Far

    Let's talk about the first record he is very close to achieve. Yashasvi can become the first batsman after the great Sir Don Bradman to smash three double centuries in a series. The UP-born batsman has already hit two in the ongoing series vs England. Bradman had hit three in an Ashes series vs England in the year 1930.

    Yashasvi has, so far, scored 655 runs in the series after playing four matches that includes two double tons. If he manages to score 125 more runs, he will not only become the leading run-scorer in a Test series played by India but also the highest run-getter in a Test series played in India.

    pic.twitter.com/v6jRU1PIQt— BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2024

    Currently, both of these records are held by West Indies Everton Weeks who hit 779 runs in a five-match Test series vs India in 1948 and 1949. Sunil Gavaskar sits on the second spot in both of these lists (most runs in Test match involving India and also played in India).

    Right now, Yashasvi is tied with Virat Kohli at number 3 in most runs in a Test series played in India list. Gavaskar is on 2nd with 732 runs against West Indies in 1978 and 79.

    In the list of cricketers with most runs in Test series involving India, Steve Smith is at the third spot with 769 runs when he hit these runs in 2014-15. Pakistan's Mudassar Nazar had smashed 761 runs in 1982-83 and is at the fourth place. England's Graham Gooch scored 752 runs in 1990 vs India in just 3 matches. Joe Root is next with 737 runs in 5 Test matches on England's last tour of India in 2021-22.

    Coming to the Test series between India and England, the hosts are leading 3-1 in the series and will aim to finish on a high while the visitors are looking to make it 3-2 and sign off from India on a good note.

  • Ishan Kishan Saga: New Report Suggests Batter Refused To Play India vs England Test Series, Read Details Here | cricket news

    Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, the BCCI has excluded the duo from its latest list of contracted players due to their absence from the Ranji Trophy matches. Numerous reports suggest that both players opted out of representing their respective state teams despite being fit and not engaged in national duty. Additionally, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Ishan Kishan declined BCCI's offer to participate in the ongoing Test series against England when approached by the board.

    “ESPNcricinfo understands the team management had got in touch with him (Kishan) during the ongoing Test series against England, but Kishan said he was not ready yet,” read the report on the cricket website. (BCCI Omission Sends Shockwaves: What Lies Ahead for Ishan Kishan And Shreyas Iyer?)

    Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after it handed Hardik Pandya a Grade A category Annual contract despite not featuring in international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 while denying the same to Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer for not playing domestic cricket.

    The BCCI on Wednesday released the list of players that have been awarded annual central contracts for 2023–2024. Contracts were denied to players like Iyer and Ishan Kishan, while Hardik was placed in the Grade A category.

    Hardik suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup 2023 in the match against Bangladesh in Pune in October and the all-rounder has been out of action ever since. Fans on social media also pointed out Pandya's unavailability from domestic cricket regularly.

    However, Aakash Chopra defended the BCCI's decision and reckoned that Hardik cannot be punished for not playing first-class cricket, given he has not been contesting for a spot in India's Test squad. (Watch: Kane Williamson's Unfortunate Run Out Amid Mid-Pitch Collision Shocks Cricket World)

    “Hardik Pandya's case is very simple. Why would you punish him if he has not made a mistake? He is not playing red-ball cricket. That ambition or aspiration does not exist anymore. He has not said that as such, but the truth is that he is not available at all for any Test series,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

    “So if you are not at all auditioning for Tests, no one will ask you to play first-class cricket. Why would you play four-day games when you don't have that much strength in your body to bowl so many overs and Have injury problems? So why should he play – fair play,” Chopra added.

    Chopra also emphasized the unavailability of Hardik Pandya's unavailability from domestic and international cricket and explained that the all-round player never missed a game like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, therefore Hardik's situation cannot be compared to Kishan and Iyer's.

    “Let's try to understand the chronology slightly. It will just clear up your mind why a different rule has been kept for him and why it is wrong to include him with Ishan and Shreyas. He got injured during the World Cup, that was October- November,” Chopra explained.

    “The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was over in October-November. He was playing in the World Cup for India at that time. The last match that Baroda played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was on 5th December. He was not fit and available. He Wasn't practicing anywhere but was recovering from his injury in the NCA,” he added.

    Hardik Pandya returned to competitive cricket at the DY Patil T20 Cup leading the Reliance 1 team. He picked 2 for 22 against Bharat Petroleum.

  • India Vs England 5th Test Playing 11s: Will KL Rahul And Jasprit Bumrah Return For Dharamsala Test? What We Know So Far | cricket news

    India’s wicketkeeper and batsman KL Rahul played just one Test before he was ruled out of the second due to an issue in his quadriceps. He was rested in Visakhapatnam but even after a long gap before the Rajkot game, Rahul was only at 90 percent fitness and BCCI didn’t risk including him in the squad. He has not attained full fitness yet and also missed the Ranchi Test. As per a new report on Cricbuzz, Rahul’s participation in Dharamsala is still unclear as the batsman has flown to London for an expert opinion on his injury.

    Also Read | Ind Vs Eng Test Series: Report Cards Of Debutants

    Rahul is still feeling pain in his right quadriceps for which he had undergone a surgery in London. He made his comeback in Asia Cup 2023 after which he successfully played in the ODI World Cup and in South Africa. But the pain is back and BCCI as well as National Croquet Academy (NCA) don’t want to take any risks with him as the cricketer is of utmost importance to them.

    With India already 3-1 up in the series, BCCI might not want to take any risk with a 90 percent fit Rahul. It has also been reported that one more batter and one bowler might be rested in Dharamsala as BCCI looks to manage workload of players.

    The good news for Jasprit Bumrah fans is that he is likely to return for the Dharamshala Test. This is the ground which offers assistance to the Pacers and for the first time in the series we might get to see three paces in both the playing 11s.

    No words just pure emotions_

    A series win to remember _#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/AtyB7tJq4c — BCCI (@BCCI) February 26, 2024

    Coming back to Rahul, he also leads Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The fact that he is very close to regaining full fitness means Rahul is certain to play IPL 2024. Even if he misses the first few games, he should be able to get back to LSG midway through the season.

    As far as England are concerned, they are unlikely to make massive changes to the playing 11 knowing they would want to finish the series on a high note, going back with a 3-2 scoreline rather than 4-1. One change that may want to make is including Dan Lawrence in place of Jonny Bairstow. Lawrence has been warming the bench so far and with Bairstow in such a poor form, Lawrence can be tried at the No 5 slot. Knowing fast-paced nature of Dharamsala pitch, we might also see three pacers also in England XI in the form of James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson. As per report, England and India are set to fly to Dharamsala on March 2.

    India’s playing 11 for 5th Test Vs England may look like this: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Devdutt Padikkal), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

    England probable playing 11: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow/Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson

  • Fact Check: Is Virat Kohli Returning For 5th Test vs England After Becoming Dad Again? , cricket news

    Since Virat Kohli has become dad again, the rumor is high on the internet that the former India captain is set to make a comeback to the Test side which is currently engaged in a five-match series vs England. On February 20, Virat and wife Anushka Sharma posted an announcement which had the details of the arrival of the baby boy. They have named him ‘Akaay’.

    Virat and Anushka’s announcement note on Instagram read: “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world! We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time.”

    Also Read | Virat Kohli And Anushka Sharma’s Love Story: From Secret Romance, Ups And Downs To Growing Family; Seven Key Moments In Their Relationship; In Pics

    Ahead of the start of the Test series, BCCI had announced that Virat will be missing the first two Tests vs England due to personal reasons. The fans discussed what it could be that keeps Virat away from cricket. Rumors began that Virat’s mother was not well. But his elder brother Vikas ended the rumors by posting an update on his Instagram, underlining the fact that their mother was fine.

    Others had rightly guessed that Anushka was pregnant with their second child as she had been spotted during the World Cup last year and many events after it with a baby bump. However, these remain just speculations as unlike the last time, Virushka had kept mum on the birth of the child.

    __ pic.twitter.com/BgpfycayI4 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 20, 2024

    On February 20, the world got to know what those personal reasons were because of which Kohli missed the Tests vs England. As soon as the news was announced, rumors spread that Kohli may not join the India squad for the fourth Test but he could be flying to Dharamsala to play the fifth and final match. However, all of that is untrue.

    In its squad announcement press release, BCCI had clearly mentioned that Virat was not available even for the last 3 Tests due to personal reasons and that the BCCI fully understands and supports his decision to be with family at this time.

    Virat Kohli set to back for the 5th Test vs England, which is scheduled from 7th March at Dharmshala. pic.twitter.com/kBlp8GhbCc— Abhi (@Abhikricket18) February 20, 2024

    Let us reiterate the fact that Kohli is reportedly in London right now and won’t be taking part in the Test series vs England as he focuses on the well being of his wife and newly born Akaay.

  • Dear Ben Duckett, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Fiery Double-Hundred Is Not Baseball-Inspired; Here’s Proof | cricket news

    Dear Ben Duckett, I hope this letter finds you well. First of all, commiserations on the loss in the third Test vs India in Rajkot. You were exceptional in the first innings where you constructed a superb 153 off 151 balls. That was one electrifying innings of yours where you dominated from Ball number one. Even Jasprit Bumrah could not stop you. The authority with which you batted reflected the true nature of the current style of cricket England have adopted in the Tests. Bazball, which you and the English media likes to call it.

    We, outside of England, have no problem with it. You guys have created a style of cricket that is rarely seen in a team for such a long time. And honestly, congratulations for that.

    Test cricket has seen players like Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, Kevin Pietersen, and most recently Rishabh Pant play with a sense of urgency and clarity in their head. But for a team to collectively play the same style is probably the first time. And I must admit that while this brand of cricket is attached with huge risks, like we saw in the 2nd innings in Rajkot, continuing to take these risks shows your courage.

    Also Read | Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Sensational Six-Hitting Spree Against James Anderson

    Having said that, your comments after Day 3 didn’t land well in India and elsewhere, including your own country. While no one is denying that Bazball has actually created a storm, to take undue credit for any aggressive display of batting by the opponents does not look great on English cricket.

    Jaisball supremacy _ _

    Yashasvi Jaiswal _ scores another mighty ton in the #IDFCFirstBankTestSeries! __#INDvENG #JioCinemaSports #BazBowled pic.twitter.com/FTufkA6YqJ — JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 17, 2024

    While you rightly called Yashasvi ‘a superstar in the making’ after his 100 in the second innings, you were completely wrong when you said, “When you see players from the opposition playing like that, it almost feels like we should take some credit that they’re playing differently than how other people play Test cricket.”

    Do you know the strike rate of Yashasvi before this England series began? I am assuming the answer is a ‘No’. So here’s a quick look: Jaiswal had batted with a strike rate of 75 thrice in the seven innings before the home series vs you all. Two of these innings were played with strike rate of over 120.

    Yashaswi’s first-class average and Test strike rate is nearing 70. The point is this: while Yashasvi showed great urgency and was helped by a lucid track to score runs freely, also thanks to some poor bowling by England, if tomorrow the situation arises where he needs to dig in the whole day to save a Test match, he will do that. This is playing for a draw or time. This, I’m pretty sure, you guys don’t associate with Bazball.

    Many of former English cricketers like Nick Knight, Michael Vaughan feel that while Bazball is exciting, one must admit that England have got carried away by the name, at times. Remember that despite Bazball, you have not really won anything substantial except maybe the series in Pakistan. Remember the Ashes? When you guys could have beaten Aussies at home?

    England lost the last 18 wickets for 234 inside 75 overs .. a warning sign to them in tough conditions against a good side that if you give them a sniff things can escalate very quickly .. India have been brilliant this last 2 days .. # INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 18, 2024

    Even when this England team have lost in the last 2 years you have always been able to take positives .. or they haven’t been hammered .. this is looking like a wake up call that surely sends a message you can’t just play one way against quality teams .. #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 18, 2024

    Here’s what Vaughan said on your team’s performance after the Rajkot Test: “Even when this England team have lost in the last 2 years you have always been able to take positives .. or they haven’t been hammered … this is looking like a wakeup call that surely sends a message you can’t just play one way against quality teams.”

    Vaughan also reminded you that just because you have started playing attacking cricket from the last two years, it does not mean that the world was not playing this style ever before. “Duckett also reckons they deserve credit for the way Yashasvi Jaiswal is batting, as if no player in history has ever played an attacking shot. They talk about not playing for the draw, but to me that’s disrespectful to Test cricket. The draw is a Crucial part of the game, and in the five-Test contest has often provided the bedrock of some great series victories,” Vaughan said.

    Former England cricketer Nick Knight had warned you guys of not playing an ‘extreme’ version of ‘Bazball’ before the series, underlining the setback England faced in the last Ashes. Knight wrote in his Dafa News column, “I am sure Indian fans are curious to see ‘Bazball’. I think they have watched England play this brand of cricket and are familiar with it. I think in the Ashes summer, the England team played extreme Bazball but now they must play a more refined Bazball to be effective. A refined ‘Bazball’ is to find the right moment to express yourself and put the opposition under extreme pressure. There were a couple of times in the Ashes series where they got the focus wrong. If they learn from that experience and find the right moment to fire, they can benefit from it. Perhaps when the condition suits England, you will see them attack the India bowlers. That will make for a great watch.”

    I know that any style of cricket is brutally criticized after a loss. But the crux of this open letter to you is to send a reminder that England are not ‘inspiring’ the world yet to play a certain style of cricket. Every team has its own DNA and it would not change overnight. Various factors like changes in domestic cricket, nature of pitches, board’s word have a role to play on how a team plays on the ground.

    So, while England are free to play Bazball and hopefully they reach the top playing it and dominate the world cricket too. But one must admit that baseball is still a work in progress. If you guys, go on to win a World Test Championship one day and two to three teams decide to fully adopt Bazball, then you can take this credit. For now, we are happy playing Jais-Ball.

    Thanks and regards,

    A cricket enthusiast.

  • Ashwin Completes 500 Test Wickets; Sachin Tendulkar Gives Him A New Name After Achieving Landmark | cricket news

    R Ashwin finally grabbed his 500th Test wicket when he dismissed Zak Crawley in the first innings of the third Test going on at Rajkot. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his milestone Test wicket as he dismissed Zak Crawley, providing India with a crucial breakthrough in a tense moment of the match. Ashwin delivered a tossed-up full delivery on leg-stump, causing Crawley to lean in for a sweep. However, the ball dipped unexpectedly, landing slightly shorter and creating a puff of dust as it made contact with the pitch.

    Also Read | India Vs England: Sarfaraz Khan To Hardik Pandya, Fastest Fifties On Test Debut For India; In Pics

    This slight variation deceived Crawley, resulting in a top-edge that was safely pouched by Rajat Patidar, who sprinted back from fine-leg to complete the catch over his shoulder. Ashwin’s achievement marks him as a modern-day great for India, and he was rightfully swarmed by his teammates in celebration of this exclusive milestone. Crawley departed after scoring 15 runs from 28 deliveries, including two boundaries.

    Watch Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket here:

    5__0__0__* ____ _______ ___ _____ _________

    Ashwin becomes only the ______ Indian to achieve this remarkable feat! _#INDvENG #JioCinemaSports #BazBowled #IDFCFirstBankTestSeries pic.twitter.com/uNqd7a87iF — JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 16, 2024

    There were many congratulatory wishes that poured in social media after Ashwin touched the remarkable figure. India legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the first notable figures to acknowledge the achievement on X (formerly Twitter). He also gave a new name to the off-spinner from Tamil Nadu. He tweeted: “500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler! In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!”

    Ashwin also got congratulatory message from Indian film star Dhanush. He tweeted: “Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on this incredible achievement. Thank you for making us proud.”

    “From Chennai to the cricketing cosmos, @ashwinravi99’s journey to 500 Test wickets is a saga of grit, guile, and unrivaled skill. A monumental achievement that cements his legacy in the annals of cricketing history. Bravo, Ashwin,” tweeted Dinesh Karthik.

    Check out the tweets here:

    From Chennai to the cricketing cosmos, @ashwinravi99’s journey to 500 Test wickets is a saga of grit, guile, and unrivaled skill. A monumental achievement that cements his legacy in the annals of cricketing history. Bravo, Ashwin!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/R7hNC7QV9M — DK (@DineshKarthik) February 16, 2024

    Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on this incredible achievement. Thank you for making us proud #ashwin500 — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) February 16, 2024

    500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler!

    In Ashwin the Spinner, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/Cb48ZJE3XO

    — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 16, 2024

    Having made his Test debut in 2011, Ashwin has come a long way.The engineering graduate from Chennai started out as a top-order batter and tried his hand at medium pace bowling before settling for the role of an off-spinner, a decision that was forced by a back injury during his teenage years.

    Following the Kumble and Harbhajan Singh era, Ashwin had big shoes to fill and he has done that with remarkable consistency. In his first 16 Tests, Ashwin snared nine five-wicket hauls and became the fastest to the 300 wickets club.Ashwin has also proved his worth in the shorter formats, having played 116 ODIS for his 156 wickets in the format. He has 72 wickets in 65 T20 International appearances.