India, having won the last two Test series in Australia, aims for a historic third consecutive victory. With the current series tied at 1-1, Ravindra Jadeja expresses confidence in India's ability to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The upcoming Melbourne Test holds crucial significance for the team's aspirations. India began the series with an emphatic 295-run win in Perth but faced a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide. The rain-marred third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.
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Former cricketer Sanjay Bangar has suggested India's spin-bowling lineup for the T20I series against England, with Kuldeep Yadav as the top choice if fit. Varun Chakaravarthy is recommended as backup, and Axar Patel is favored for the spin all-rounder role due to his ability to bowl in the powerplay.
Joe Root's unbeaten 78 and two vital wickets propelled Paarl Royals to an 11-run win over Pretoria Capitals, securing their SA20 playoff spot. Coach Trevor Penny praised Root's on-field and off-field contributions. The Royals' unique strategy of using 20 overs of spin was effective. Captain Rilee Rossouw remained optimistic about the Capitals' playoff chances despite the defeat.
Despite a narrow defeat against Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants' assistant coach Lance Klusener lauded Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, Ravi Bishnoi, and Avesh Khan for their performances. Mentor Zaheer Khan delivered an inspiring speech, emphasising the team's resilience and ability to compete in any situation.
Steve Smith will lead Australia in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka as Pat Cummins is on paternity leave and attending to an ankle issue. The squad is without Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh. Travis Head is Smith's deputy.
Mohammed Shami makes a comeback to the national team after a year of injury and rehab, practicing at the Eden Gardens for the T20I series against England. Bowling coach Morne Morkel oversees his session, with Shami showing encouraging signs. Set to lead India's attack in Bumrah's potential absence for the Champions Trophy, Shami prepares under a strict regimen.
Virat Kohli has already begun his preparations for IPL 2025, leading RCB's quest for their first IPL title. Following his strong performance in India's recent Champions Trophy win, where he scored 218 runs, Kohli aims to continue his impressive form in the upcoming season.
MI Cape Town inched closer to securing a spot in the SA20 Playoffs after their match against Durban Super Giants was called off due to bad weather. While MI Cape Town accumulated two points to tie with Paarl Royals, Durban remains at the bottom of the standings, making their playoff chances slim.
Harbhajan Singh comments on the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing the impact it could have on India’s performance in the Champions Trophy. Despite this setback, he believes India remains a favorite due to experienced players like Shami and Kuldeep, along with the batting form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
In a decisive nine-wicket victory, Joburg Super Kings pacers Lutho Sipamla and Hardus Viljoen dominated the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Sipamla and Viljoen's impressive performances with the ball restricted the Sunrisers to 118, while Devon Conway's stroke-filed unbeaten half-century led Super Kings' successful run-chase.
Pakistan secured a dominant 127-run victory over West Indies in the first Test in Multan, with spinners Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed sharing nine wickets. Pakistan's spinners dismissed West Indies for 123 in their chase of 251. Sajid bagged five wickets, while Abrar picked up four to seal the win.