India's spirited avoidance of the follow-on in the Brisbane Test against Australia, thanks to a late partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, surprised the Australian team. The Indian dressing room's exuberant celebration, particularly over Akash Deep's boundary, prompted speculation from Nathan Lyon that India's top-order batsmen were keen to avoid batting late on day four.
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The Dubai Capitals ended the Desert Vipers' unbeaten streak with a six-wicket victory, thanks to strong bowling from Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan, along with Gulbadin Naib's 78-run innings. Naib's performance guided the Capitals out of a three-match losing streak in the International League T20.
India women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma have been retained in the highest tier of BCCI central contracts. New players Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, and Uma Chetry have received their first central contracts in Grade C. Pacer Renuka Thakur, all-rounder Jemimah Rodrigues, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, and opener Shafali Verma have secured their spots in Grade B.
KL Rahul's resilient 84 in the third Test against Australia highlighted his defensive approach as key to success on the challenging tour. Focusing on respecting bowlers early on, leaving deliveries, and tightening his defense during the initial overs, Rahul believes this strategy allows batsmen to capitalize later.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to bolster the Indian cricket team's support staff by appointing Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach. Kotak, an experienced former cricketer and current India A head coach, will join head coach Gautam Gambhir and other coaching personnel for the home series against England.
Karun Nair's unbeaten 132 helps Vidarbha take a commanding lead of 286 runs over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final. After being dropped by Kerala's Akshay Chandran, Nair's century, along with Danish Malewar's 73, steadied Vidarbha after early blows. The pair's 182-run partnership puts Vidarbha in a strong position for the final day.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc paid tribute to recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin, acknowledging the Indian off-spinner as a formidable opponent. Ashwin concluded his Test career with 537 wickets, including 115 against Australia. Starc praised Ashwin's remarkable career and his close relationship with fellow spinner Nathan Lyon.
Tamil Nadu opening batter N Jagadeesan hit six consecutive fours in an over during the Vijay Hazare Trophy pre-quarterfinal match against Rajasthan on Thursday. Tamil Nadu bowled Rajasthan out for 267. Varun Chakaravarthy took five wickets. Rajasthan's innings collapsed after a strong start, losing their last nine wickets for just 83 runs.
Sachin Tendulkar, 51, was honored with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI's Naman Awards ceremony for his extraordinary 24-year cricket career. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were recognized as the best male and female international cricketers for 2023-24.
India's use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England sparked debate. Dube was struck on the helmet, and Rana took three crucial wickets, including Liam Livingstone's. England's captain Jos Buttler questioned the move, while Kevin Pietersen felt it wasn't a like-for-like replacement. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel defended the decision.
England's Harry Brook risks a two-year IPL ban after pulling out of his Delhi Capitals contract, citing his commitment to England's upcoming series. IPL's new rule disallows overseas players who withdraw before the season. Brook had opted out of the 2024 IPL following personal loss. Delhi Capitals have yet to name a new captain or Brook's replacement.