Ahead of the "Border-Gavaskar Trophy", Australian star batsman Steve Smith said that Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne hated him opening for the side in the Test format as his presence in the middle order provided security for the team. Steve Smith's stint as David Warner's replacement ended after Australia's national selector, George Bailey confirmed that Smith will bat at number four position. Bailey stated that Steve Smith expressed his desire to move back to his batting position and also revealed that the decision was made by Australian skipper Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald. Smith revealed that McDonald asked him about his preferred batting position. He also spilt beans about Khawaja and Labuschagne, expressing their discontent about him opening bat for Australia. "I got asked where I'd prefer to bat, and I said four. I didn't ask [to move] though. I also said I'm happy batting wherever. I'm not really too fussed. I got asked where my preference would be, and I said four. I saw a few things last week saying that I've requested to bat at four. That wasn't the case. I said I'm happy to bat wherever you'd like me to bat. But, yeah, four would be my ideal position," Smith said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo. Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: This Indian player has been named in the team of the tournament "Obviously there's a spot there now with Greeny [Cameron Green] out. And I think just conversations we had after New Zealand with particularly Marnus and Uzi, they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. They just like the...they call it security behind them, in a way. They were pretty strong on me not batting there. So that was a big part of it. And then, obviously, I've got a decent record at four," he added. Steve Smith was promoted to the top of the order after David Warner had his last dance in Test cricket. However, the 35-year-old's time turned out to be a forgettable run. He could only garner 171 runs at 28.50, which raised concerns over him playing the role of an opener. "It was good fun having a crack at something new, batting up top. I still feel like I could do a job there, for sure. It was a pretty small sample size. But I've done pretty well at four for a number of years now. I feel like it's probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment," he remarked. The 35-year-old is not too "fussed" about moving back to the spot where he yielded success and remarked, "Honestly, I'm not that fussed. I said it when I took that job. I'm not really fussed about where I bat. The conversations I had with the other guys, they didn't like it at all. They wanted some security, I suppose, behind them, where I've done really well for a number of years, and I can understand that as well. So it is what it is, and I'm not going to be opening this summer. That's it." (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 10:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe ICC Board has recommended changes to the term of its Chair and Independent Director to two terms of three years, which, if implemented, would mean doing away with the current three terms of two years each. The recommendation, if approved by the members, would mean that BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is set to take over as the global cricket body's chief on December 1 this year, will head the ICC for three years, after which he can seek a second three-year term with the board's approval. The bulk of Shah's first term will overlap with his cooling off period of three years in the BCCI, which would have started in September 2025. One can be an office bearer in the Indian board for a cumulative period of 18 years with nine years in the board and an equal number of years in the state unit. Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: This Indian player has been named in the team of the tournament However, as per the Supreme Court-approved constitution, a person needs to go for a mandatory cooling off period of three years after he has been in the BCCI or its state unit as an office bearer for a consecutive period of six years. During the ICC board meeting, the global body also approved a series of women's Associate Member T20 competitions to boost the competitiveness of smaller cricket-playing nations as it prepares for the expansion of women's events in the 2028-2031 cycle. "The strategy includes the creation of two annual T20 International tournaments between 2025 and 2028, which would offer structured cricket with context to 24 teams in the pathway ahead of the 16-team ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2030, with further details to be announced in due course," said the ICC statement.The ICC board also approved the 2025-2029 women's Futures Tour Programme (FTP) and calendar, which will be published soon. "It was also approved by the ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) that the Women's rankings annual update will now move to May 1 from October 1 of each year and teams will now need to have played a minimum of eight matches from six, due to the significant increase in women's international cricket." The Chief Executives' Committee also confirmed the mechanism for ODI status for the five Associate Member women's teams of the 16 for the 2025-2029 cycle. It will comprise a maximum of two Associate Members that qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 with the remaining slots determined by the ICC T20I team rankings at the time of the annual update. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 October,2024 09:38 PM IST | Dubai | PTITeam India captain Harmanpreet Kaur made the cut to the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 team of the tournament on the back of her strong batting performances. The team is dominated by players from New Zealand and South Africa. New Zealand won their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title after they defeated South Africa by 32 runs in the finals. Team India failed to make it to the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, but Harmanpreet Kaur was the standout performer for her side. Previously, the "Women in Blue" lost the Asia Cup 2024 final against Sri Lanka women's cricket team. She finished as India's top scorer and the fourth-highest overall in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, amassing 150 runs in four innings. Also Read: "Should have won the final": Mohammed Shami on ODI World Cup 2023 With two fifties to her name, she boasted an incredible average of 150. Her strike rate of 133.92 was the fifth-best in the tournament. Kaur's quick-fire 52 off 27 balls against Sri Lanka was crucial in keeping India's hopes alive for a semifinal spot. Champions New Zealand have three members in the world team announced by the ICC on Monday, including 12th player Eden Carson, while runners-up South Africa also have three. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr won the "Player of the Tournament" award. She was also named as the "Player of the Match" for the finals against South Africa. She scalped 15 wickets in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, following which she became the player with the most wickets in a single Women's T20 World Cup. Women's T20 World Cup 2024 team: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa, captain), Tazmin Brits (South Africa), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Melie Kerr (New Zealand), Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Nigar Sultana Joty (Bangladesh, wk), Afy Fletcher (West Indies), Rosemary Mair (New Zealand), Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa), Megan Schutt (Australia). 12th: Eden Carson (New Zealand). (With PTI Inputs)
21 October,2024 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India star speedster Mohammed Shami reflected on his side's heartbreaking loss against Australia in the finals of the ODI World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad. He said that it was not our day. Mohammed Shami stated that Team India gave their all in the hunt for the triumph but fell short on the final stage. "We should have won the final," Mohammed Shami told ANI on the sidelines of Eugenix hair sciences event. "We should not blame anyone, we cannot question anything," he said, underscoring the collective effort that was put in by every member of the squad. "If we look at it from the batting point of view, it's not that we did not look to score runs. Our target was not limited. From the bowling side, we gave 100 per cent effort. There was a luck factor for them," Shami noted. Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup: New Zealand's triumph, records and veterans "We were almost unbeaten. We always wanted to win. The whole country was with us, their blessings were with us. Only one thing was missing, that we could not win the final. That was not our day," he added. In the ODI World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami featured in seven matches and snapped 24 wickets. He played with an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20. The "Men in Blue" were unbeaten until they fell short against Australia in the finals of the ODI World Cup 2023. Since then Mohammed Shami has not featured in any of the international matches for the country. Later, Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating South Africa in the finals. The pacer is on the way to recover from his injuries and will aim to represent India in the upcoming "Border-Gavaskar Trophy." This time, it will be a five-match affair between the cricketing giants, India and Australia. (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed his availability for the upcoming IPL 2025, revealed the franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan. After CSK's shocking exit from the IPL 2024 group stage, MS Dhoni decided to remain tight-lipped about his participation in the IPL 2025. With the mega auction left on the line, CSK CEO Viswanathan is optimistic that MS Dhoni will confirm his availability for the upcoming IPL 2025. "We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us. Hope he will confirm before 31st [October]," Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. Also Read: Tests: Most wickets for South Africa October 31 is the date that has been set for all ten franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction. For the upcoming edition, CSK has the option to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player after a change in rules. IPL brought back the rule that was scrapped in 2021, according to which players could be considered uncapped even if they had retired from international cricket for five years. If MS Dhoni confirms that he will play in the IPL 2025, then CSK will likely retain him as an uncapped player. The franchise will need to spend just Rs. 4 crores out of Rs. 120 crores of their purse. Each IPL franchise is allowed to retain up to six players before the IPL 2025 mega auction. MS Dhoni's last appearance in India colours was in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand when the Men in Blue suffered a heartbreak. After his retirement in 2020, Dhoni didn't feature in any other tournament apart from the IPL. In the 2024 season, Dhoni garnered 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 as he played the role of a finisher for the five-time champions. (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand's rising star Rachin Ravindra said that his Indian heritage helped him to play spin between during the first Test match against Team India. Rachin Ravindra was born to Bengaluru parents in New Zealand. He shone in the Kiwis' first Test win against India in India after 36 years. The youngster played a knock of 134 runs which helped his side to take a lead of 365 runs. In the run chase of 107 runs, Rachin Ravindra played an unbeaten knock of 39 runs by guiding the "Black Caps" to a historic win. Speaking exclusively on JioCinema, 'Player of the Match' Rachin, shared insights into his approach against spin after New Zealand's victory over India in the 1st Test of the series. Also Read: Tata Steel Chess India: Magnus Carlsen leads star-studded lineup at this year's tournament Reflecting on his game plan, Ravindra said: "I do not necessarily play in the traditional style of Westerners who come over here. I have Indian heritage and have played a lot of cricket in India, which has helped me develop those game plans. I am not a massive sweeper or reverse sweeper, so I stick to my strengths. I was able to play against the spin, and with fewer fielders on that side, it helped me accumulate runs." He also opened up on playing in Bengaluru by saying that the city is special for him, both on and off the field due to his family connections. "Bengaluru is always special for me, not just for cricket but off the field too. It is a great city, and I feel very welcomed by the fans and the people here. Having family connections here makes it even more special, as I don't get to see them often. Playing in front of them is always an amazing feeling," he said. Rachin Ravindra said that as far as his batting approach is concerned, he is well aware of the class of his opposition and focuses on manipulating their lengths and getting in good positions to score. "I was able to get some good practice in Chennai before this series, and that definitely helped," he concluded. (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHis fitness becoming a topic of swirling speculation, seasoned India pacer Mohammed Shami said on Monday that he is completely pain-free and is still not out of reckoning for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 starting next month. Shami bowled full tilt in the nets after India's opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Sunday. This was a few days after skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that he had swelling in his knees which has affected his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained last year. "I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that because I didn't want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full tilt, and I bowled at a 100 per cent," the 34-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of an event by Eugenix Hair Sciences where he spoke about his cricketing journey. "The result was good. I am 100 per cent pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time about whether I will make it for the Australia series but it is still some time away," he said referring to the five-match contest that begins November 22 in Perth. Also Read: Know how CSK shaped New Zealand's first Test win in India after 36 years Rohit had said that he was not in favour of taking an "undercooked" Shami for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Shami also said he would like to play a couple of matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy for his state team Bengal. "The only thing on my mind is to ensure that I am fit and how strong I can be for the Australia series. I can see what kind of attack we need in Australia. I have to spend more time on the ground," he said. "I want to play a couple of (Ranji) matches before I go," he added. Shami has not played for India since 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19 owing to the injury.
21 October,2024 02:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSouth African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed his 300th Test wicket Monday as Bangladesh collapsed to 106 all out in 40.1 overs on the first day of the BAN vs SA 1st Test. Four of Bangladesh's top six batsmen failed to reach double figures in Mirpur, with opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scoring with 30. After captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat on a lively pitch, Bangladesh fell to 60-6 at lunch and were dismissed in the second session. Rabada, fellow seamer Wiaan Mulder and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took three wickets apiece for South Africa. Mulder removed Shadman Islam for a duck when he edged to captain Aiden Markram at slip with his fourth ball. In his next over, Mulder accounted for Mominul Haque, on four, who nicked an inswinger to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne to leave Bangladesh 13-2. Najmul had made just seven when he became Mulder's third victim, chipping to mid-off where Maharaj took the catch. Bangladesh were teetering at 21-3, which became 40-4 when Mushfiqur Rahim on 11 was bowled by Rabada between bat and pad as the South African celebrated reaching the 300-wicket landmark. He managed the feat in 11,817 balls, the fastest of all time, beating Waqar Younis (12,602). Also Read: Know how CSK shaped New Zealand's first Test win in India after 36 years Rabada soon made it 301 Test wickets, removing Litton Das for one, with Tristan Stubbs taking a stunning catch diving to his left in the gully. Following his mouthwatering spell, Rabada became the fastest to reach 300 Test wickets after bowling 11,817 deliveries. He established his prowess by surpassing the iconic Waqar Younis (12,602), Dale Steyn (12,605), Allan Donald (13,672) and Malcolm Marshall (13,728). Mehidy Hasan Miraz was trapped lbw by Maharaj for 13. After lunch Bangladesh lost two more quick wickets, with Dane Piedt removing Mahmudul and Maharaj trapping debutant Jaker Ali, before Rabada and Maharaj polished off the tail. The BAN vs SA 1st Test is the first international cricket fixture in Bangladesh since a student-led revolution toppled autocratic premier Sheikh Hasina in August. Bangladesh are missing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after security fears forced him to cancel plans to return home. Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said that he wanted to play one last red-ball series at home. The 37-year-old was also a former lawmaker in the government ousted by the revolution, making him a target of public anger. Security was heavy around the stadium, a day after fans of Shakib clashed with those protesting against the player near the venue. The series carries points towards the World Test Championship (WTC), with the final in England next year. Bangladesh have never beaten South Africa in a Test. The second Test begins in Chattogram on October 29. (With agency inputs)
21 October,2024 02:05 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentWill Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75 to guide New Zealand to a first Test win in India for 36 years on day five of the rain-hit match in Bengaluru. Chasing a tricky 107 on a rain-delayed day of the IND vs NZ 1st Test, New Zealand lost captain Tom Latham without scoring and Devon Conway for 17. But Young and Ravindra guided the visitors to 110-2 in the first session and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. First-innings centurion Ravindra, a wristy left-hander, looked comfortable as he hit six fours in his 46-ball stay and was named player of the match after the eight-wicket victory in the IND vs NZ 1st Test. Young struck the winning boundary, one of his seven fours, as his New Zealand teammates exchanged hugs in the pavilion. He also hit one six, while facing 76 balls. It was New Zealand's third Test victory in India after their wins in 1969 at Nagpur and at Mumbai in 1988. Latham, who took over from Tim Southee after New Zealand were swept 2-0 in Sri Lanka, marked his first Test as full-time captain with a resounding victory. New Zealand stars Rachin Ravindra and Ben Sears train at #SuperKingsAcademy ahead of their Tests in the subcontinent against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka!🤩💛#TrainLikeASuperKing💪 pic.twitter.com/P8JsOiALSh — Super Kings Academy (@SuperKingsAcad) September 2, 2024 Before joining the national team, Rachin made a trip to Chennai, where he trained at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) academy in September. This preparation was crucial for the Black Caps as they geared up for a demanding Test season, which included six matches in the subcontinent. Also Read: Positivity reigns supreme in India dressing room despite defeat to NZ The season commenced with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, but unfortunately, the match was washed out without a single ball being bowled. Following that, the team traveled to Sri Lanka for two Test matches, where they faced defeats in both encounters. After New Zealand's historic victory in Bengaluru, Rachin attributed a significant portion of his success in Indian conditions to his training at the CSK Academy. The experience he gained there proved invaluable, enhancing his adaptability and performance in challenging environments. In the 2024 IPL auction, CSK acquired Rachin for a modest sum of Rs. 1.8 crore, positioning him as a promising talent within the franchise. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as the 2025 IPL mega auction approaches. It remains to be seen whether CSK will choose to retain him or exercise their Right to Match (RTM) card, a decision that could impact both Rachin’s career trajectory and the team's strategy moving forward.
21 October,2024 12:57 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentMembers of the New Zealand White Ferns cricket team which beat South Africa by 32 runs in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Sunday will split prize money of around USD 2.3 million. That works out at around USD 155,000 or NZD 256,000 per team member, a life-changing windfall for players who for years have struggled for years to achieve financial parity with their male counterparts. New Zealand's first-ever victory in the World Cup of cricket's shortest format was a massive surprise. The White Ferns had lost 10 consecutive T20 matches before beating South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match. Also Read: New Zealand's triumphant 'Grandmas' revel in World Cup triumph That pre-tournament success proved a turning point for New Zealand who beat India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, losing only to Australia on the way to the semifinals. South Africa ousted six-time champion Australia in a massive upset in the semi in which New Zealand beat the West Indies. New Zealand made 158-5, batting first in the final, helped by Suzy Bates who made 32, Amelia Kerr who made 43 and Brooke Halliday who made 38. Kerr then took 3-24 and Rosemary Mair 3-25 as New Zealand restricted South Africa to 126-9. "Pretty unbelievable to be honest," Mair said. "Coming into the tournament all the odds were against us so for the group to bounce back like they have is unbelievable. "We just care so much about each other. We've been through a lot of lows in the last 18 months, and we've just stuck by each other and kept working hard for each other." Also Read: New Zealand revels in a 'golden 48 hours' of sporting glory Captain Sophie Devine was leading the New Zealand team for the last time. She and Bates have played in all nine T20 World Cups since the first in 2009. New Zealand reached the final of the first two tournaments in 2009 and 2010, losing to Australia on both occasions. "This means everything to us," Bates said. "When you play team sport, you want to be a world champion. We've fought our way back to the top. (Devie) has been so outstanding leading this team... so calm and believing in us. We'll probably have a cuddle for even longer later because there's been some dark times that only the people in the (locker room) understand." New Zealand was coached to victory by Australian Ben Sawyer and former Black Caps batters Dean Brownlie and Craig McMillan. The White Ferns' success was praised Monday by New Zealand Sports Minister Chris Bishop. It came at the end of a weekend in which New Zealand also retained sailing's America's Cup and in which the New Zealand men's cricket team beat India in a test in India for the first time in 36 years. "And then to round out a truly amazing sporting weekend, at 3am Monday morning (NZT) the White Ferns, led by Sophie Devine, stepped up to face South Africa in the women's T20 World Cup final in Dubai and absolutely smashed it, bringing home their first World Cup since the One Day International in 2000," Bishop said. "Amelia Kerr's 43 runs off 38 balls and then taking 3 wickets for 24 set our team up for their magnificent performance." (With agency inputs)
21 October,2024 12:37 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondent
Upon taking the helm of a recast New Zealand Test team earlier this month, skipper Tom Latham pledged to restore pride in the national men's team through their preparedness to battle out even the most forlorn of causes. In pushing India to the brink on a rain-curtailed opening Test, he might have felt the need to pat his back now and then. Latham’s ambition to overturn nearly four decades of disappointment by winning a Test match in India could hardly have started in better shape despite the frayed nerves that began to appear as India youngsters Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan raised hopes of an improbable win in the second innings. It showed on his face. The joy of beating the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their own backyard is no trivial achievement. Sharma, on the other hand, had a mixed bag of emotions to unpack as he sat before the media, ready to face scrutiny and offer explanations. Despite the palpable disappointment stemming from an eight-wicket defeat, Sharma, for most of the press conference, reiterated that he found a silver lining in the aftermath of a truly abysmal first innings that culminated in their lowest home total of 46 runs. Yet, as any good leader would, he chose to highlight the resilience displayed by his young comrades as they battled back to make a contest out of the first Test. The stark contrast between India’s dismal first innings and their spirited second innings was all that cricket stands for. Ever-evolving and full of surprises. After being skittled for just 46 in 31.2 overs, an embarrassing feat that left many questioning their approach in overcast conditions, India regrouped. Also Read: New Zealand revels in a 'golden 48 hours' of sporting glory Khan, playing in only his fourth Test, stepped up and delivered a magnificent 150, while Pant, in typical fashion, electrified the pitch with a blistering 99. Their efforts propelled India to a respectable total of 462 in the second innings, transforming the narrative from one of despair to one of spirited defiance. So much so that Sharma admitted to having ‘felt like we were ahead in the game at one stage’. This sentiment, however, stood in stark contrast to the reality that New Zealand had already amassed a staggering 402 in their first innings, leaving India with a daunting lead of 356 runs to overcome. Sunday wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill defeat, it marked India’s second home Test loss in 2023, the first being against England earlier in the year. However, Rohit remained undeterred, reminding each of us in the room that the team has a history of bouncing back from such setbacks. The overarching theme of his remarks revolved around mindset, an essential aspect in the high-pressure world of Test cricket. Also Read: Maharashtra skipper Gaikwad inspires fightback, but Mumbai hold strong Despite the initial calamity of their first innings, the Indian team showcased flashes of brilliance that suggest a latent potential ready to be unleashed. Khan’s century and Pant’s near-century indicate that the batting lineup, while momentarily shaken, possesses the firepower to challenge any opposition. As the second Test looms on the horizon, Sharma’s India will undoubtedly have a few lessons to ponder. The focus will be on ensuring that the first innings performance doesn’t become a recurring nightmare. It’s time to turn potential into performance, and with Sharma at the helm, one can only hope that the team rises to the occasion, not just for the sake of pride, but to silence any lingering doubts about their capabilities.
21 October,2024 11:51 AM IST | Bengaluru | Srijanee MajumdarADVERTISEMENT
