India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma's form, highlighting his recent performances, while emphasizing that occasional failures are normal. He praised the team's overall batting performance against England, noting key contributions from Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Axar Patel, despite losing early wickets. Virat Kohli's fitness was also given the green light.
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Australia dominated the first Test against Sri Lanka, posting 654-6 declared thanks to Usman Khawaja's double century and Josh Inglis' debut ton. Sri Lanka struggled, ending Day 2 at 44-3. Key contributions came from Steve Smith, reaching 10,000 Test runs with 141, and left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc with early wickets.
Former batter Umar Akmal criticizes Babar Azam for not building a strong bench during his captaincy, attributing Pakistan's current team struggles to his leadership. Umar expressed disappointment at being ignored despite good domestic performance, suggesting Babar's strategic shortcomings hurt the team.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib was fined 15% of his match fee for dissenting against an umpire's decision during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Naib mocked the umpire's rejection of an LBW appeal with a mock prayer, despite the unavailability of DRS. He accepted the sanction, receiving one demerit point. The incident occurred during Afghanistan's 50-run victory, leveling the series 1-1.
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.
Workload management is crucial for modern cricketers to stay fresh and injury-free. Jasprit Bumrah's heavy bowling schedule during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series raised concerns, especially after he suffered a back spasm. Despite bowling 151.2 overs, his teammates and Aussie bowlers bowled more, highlighting the need for careful workload management. Historical comparisons show varying workloads of Indian bowlers in past series.
Ryan Rickelton (176 not out) and Temba Bavuma (106) led South Africa to 316 for four on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan. Their 235-run partnership countered early setbacks and dominated a lacklustre Pakistan bowling attack. Rickelton scored his second Test century, and Bavuma recorded his fourth before getting out just before the close.
Shubman Gill's century in the third ODI against England highlighted his talent, making him the fastest to 2,500 runs in ODI history. Gill's 112-run knock helped India set a strong foundation at 226/3. Virat Kohli's 52, alongside contributions from other top-order batsmen, set the stage for a potentially thrilling finish with India eyeing a series sweep.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of not only winning the ICC Champions Trophy but also defeating India in Dubai on February 23. He expressed confidence in the team's capabilities and praised the renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The event celebrated the completion of stadium renovations with performances by prominent artists and a vibrant fireworks display.
Delhi Capitals' left-arm medium-pacer T Natarajan faces challenges in the upcoming IPL season due to limited recent playtime and high price-tag pressure. Despite this, he leverages his experience and is optimistic about regaining form under the guidance of head coach Hemang Badani and learning from teammate Mitchell Starc.
The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, starting December 14, is likely to be affected by rain, with showers predicted throughout the five-day match. The series is currently tied 1-1. The Gabba pitch is expected to be fresh, offering pace and carry, and assistance to the fast bowlers in overcast conditions.