Australia's star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said that he may not have donned the "Baggy Green" for seven years, but he feels that giving up on his Test cricket dream would be doing injustice to his younger self. From battling with cramps to smashing Australia's fastest double century during the ODI World Cup 2023, Glenn Maxwell has enjoyed the highs in his career. The last time when Glenn Maxwell donned Australia's Test jersey was in 2017 during their tour of Bangladesh. "I think if I gave up on that Test dream now, I don't think I'd be doing justice to that younger Glenn Maxwell who was dying to put on the baggy green when he was a kid," he tells ESPNcricinfo. "And I think while there's still a glimmer of hope, I'll keep going for it." His chances of cementing a place in the Aussies' squad during the upcoming India tour are unlikely, but he still will be looking to make a cut in the side for the Sri Lanka tour in January. "I think the hard thing with Test cricket is, when I grew up, that's all I wanted to do," Maxwell says. "I definitely got my chance at Test level a bit prematurely. It all happened really fast when I got my chance to debut. It was just a whirlwind. I had no idea what I was doing. I probably hadn't had the experience at first-class level that I would have liked. Also Read: "We need to score first-innings runs, but we haven't been doing it": Morne Morkel "And then when I came back in 2017, I felt like I was a ready-made first-class cricketer and was really at peace with my game and where I was at. A lot of these things in Test cricket are timing. Adam Voges is probably the perfect example. He came in and he averaged 60-odd (61.87) in his Test career. He got his opportunity when he was at the top of this game." "I suppose the thing I'm proud about in my Test career -- I was able to sort of fight back at different times, get back in squads and be really resilient that way." Maxwell's lack of first-class centuries, only seven in 69 matches, including a lone Test ton in Ranchi has been a hurdle for Test selection, Glenn Maxwell writes in his soon-to-be-released autobiography. He recalls a frustrating exchange with selector Trevor Hohns during the 2017-18 season, after notching scores of 60, 64, 45 not out, 278, and 96 in consecutive games. When Maxwell questioned his exclusion from the Ashes squad, "The answer was blunt: 'Not enough tons.'" "It's the only time I've come close to losing it in a situation like that," Maxwell writes in The Showman. Australia's selectors have eased requirements for Shield cricket in preparing for Sri Lankan Tests, encouraging Maxwell's quiet red-ball return with Victoria's second XI. Managing a leg injury, Maxwell feels ready to adapt quickly to red-ball batting if picked for the Sri Lanka tour. "The interesting thing about last week, even just playing the second XI game, was having a few technical changes and working through them, having a few different sets of eyes looking at your batting, and just trying to work your way through that has been really enjoyable," he says. "I remember in 2022 (in Sri Lanka) the first couple of net sessions that I had working through all those cracks, and working through your different techniques of facing spin that's exploding, was so enjoyable. And it doesn't take long when you're really experienced in those conditions to work out a way to play over there. "It's probably what makes Cameron Green's success over there so extraordinary, the fact that it's the first time he's played Test cricket over there in those conditions, and he was so successful and strong-minded in the way he was going to go about it. It takes a strong mind to have success over there. I'd just love to be over there." The Aussie gun allrounder also recounts his mental-health journey, his turbulent relationship with coach Justin Langer during his tenure from 2018-20. Maxwell also reflects his past tensions with Steven Smith under his captaincy were partly his fault, but their relationship has since strengthened. Glenn Maxwell also writes about his freak golf cart injury in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. (With PTI Inputs)
25 October,2024 10:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSpeaking exclusively to Star Sports about the potential IPL retentions for the Chennai Super Kings, Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts on who should be prioritized for CSK ahead of the IPL 2025 season. He said, “I’m not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he’s available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention." Speaking exclusively to Star Sports about the potential IPL retentions for the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, Australian cricket legend Tom Moody outlined SRH’s retention strategy and highlighted the players he believes should be prioritized ahead of the IPL auctions. Also Read: "We need to score first-innings runs, but we haven't been doing it": Morne Morkel He said, "When I look at SRH, they’ve got one of the tougher jobs among franchises during this retention period. At the top, I’d look to secure captain Pat Cummins, followed by Travis Head and then Abhishek Sharma. I’d extend it even further, which would be costly, but I think it’s worth it to retain a player of Heinrich Klaasen’s caliber. Then there’s Nitish Reddy, who has recently been capped, and I believe it’s crucial they secure him before he enters the auction. Among uncapped players, I’d definitely consider Abdul Samad, who is a rare talent. He’s a powerful hitter who can come into the middle order and change the game." "I believe these four players will be retained. Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad. And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but it’s possible CSK will only retain five players. So in my view, the likely retentions -are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana.” 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.
25 October,2024 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India's bowling coach feels that the constant failure of the batsmen to score runs in the first innings is costing the side. Also, the chances of India losing the first Test series at home since 2012-13 are increasing. From being all-out for 46 runs in the first Test match to being all-out for 156 runs in the first innings of the second Test match against New Zealand, the hosts' are losing their control of the match. "I never like to have a punch up between batters and bowlers but, in Test match cricket you need to score the first innings runs", Morne Morkel told the media during the post-day press meet. "If we put our hand up, we haven't been able to do that. There are world class players in our batting line up. I know that individually, they've got their processes and they know how to go about those things", he added. Ahead of the second innings, Morne Morkel is expecting a better performance from the batsmen. "Hopefully, we can iron those mistakes out because it's costing us at the moment, not getting the runs on the board, but I'm pretty sure there's enough experience, enough knowledge amongst them to rectify that", he added. Also Read: IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Current and former Indian cricketers' stats in Test cricket "I back the team (to come up) with a strong response in our second innings. I'm excited to see how they bounce back and how they play this situation and the conditions", Morne Morkel said. The bowling coach further stated that the side will have to back their knowledge about home conditions to avoid losing the match and the series. "We have to believe. This game is a funny game. Our guys are attacking players, there's guys that know these conditions well. Our talk before this game was that we are masters in these conditions, we know how to sum these conditions up", he said. "Let's be honest, it's going to be a tough task. But what an opportunity for somebody to really inspire and put in a fighting and a top performance, that's the way I see it. When conditions are tricky and tough you'll see real people stand up and fight and if we show that fight and somebody gets the momentum going in these conditions, you never know", he said. Morkel said the hosts wanted to see off the overs on Day One when they reached 16/1 in 11 overs and then find momentum on Day Two. "I think they (New Zealand) bowled very well in partnership. Watching from the outside, it was very hard for us to rotate strike, to keep the scoreboard ticking", he said. "In these sort of conditions where the ball is turning and asking a lot of questions, it is important to do that." "The pace that (Mitchell) Santner bowled today in particular, was spot on for this surface. On Day Two, arriving here this morning being one down, our camp was very confident that we were going to bat big but unfortunately we just couldn't get that momentum going", he added. Morkel praised New Zealand for coming to this tour well-prepared. "I must give credit to New Zealand. The way they've adapted to conditions, the way they've sort of blocked out what is in front of them and just played the game, it's been incredible so far in this series", he said. "Definitely in Bangalore and here, playing those sessions, playing those important moments they've done it better than us at the moment." "And that's one of the reasons why they're on top of this game at the moment. They're creating pressure with the ball. They're putting our bowlers under pressure by sweeping and reverse-sweeping well. They're a team that plans well, they go into tours and really leave no stone unturned so I'm not surprised by the way they're playing at the moment", he added. (With PTI Inputs)
25 October,2024 08:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand, aided by a career-best seven-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and a half-century by skipper Tom Latham took a sizeable 301-run lead against an embattled India on day two of the second Test here on Friday. Santner (7/53 in 19.3 overs) demolished India for 156 as New Zealand took a first-innings lead of 103 runs after the visitors had notched up 259 on the opening day. Also Read: "It is a misconception that modern Indian batters are better playing spin...": Simon Doull Latham then scored a fine 86 in the second innings and shared fruitful partnerships with Will Young (23) and Tom Blundell (30 batting) to guide New Zealand to 198 for 5 in 53 overs for an overall lead of 301 runs. Earlier, India's poor batsmanship saw the team slump to 107 for 7 at lunch. They started the day on a positive note with Shubman Gill (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) adding 49 for the second wicket before six wickets fell for the addition of 53 runs as the hosts were left struggling at lunch. Santner then returned in the post-lunch session to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah cheaply. Brief scores: New Zealand: 1st Innings 259 and 198 for 5 in 53 overs (Tom Latham 86, Will Young 23, Tom Blundell 30 not out; Washington Sundar 4/56). India: 1st Innings 107 for 7 in 38 overs (Shubman Gill 30, Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Mitchell Santner 7/53, Glenn Phillips 2/26). 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.
25 October,2024 05:00 PM IST | Pune | PTIFormer New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull castigated Team India batsmen for their poor batting show against spinners Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips during the second Test match. He said that, there's a misconception that modern Indian batsmen are good against spinners, rather they are at risk as overseas players on good turning wicket. A confused batting display during the first innings of the second Test match might put an end to Team India's record of a series loss at home in 12 years. Also Read: IN PHOTOS: Shane Warne stand unveiled at Melbourne's Junction Oval Speaking about Team India's innings, Simon Doull said that it is not true that current Indian players are as good as their former cricketers against spin bowling. Further, he stated that even during the Indian Premier League (IPL), whenever the pitches turn, players complain about it. "I think it is a misconception around the world now that these modern Indian players are better playing spin than anyone else. They are not. They are the same as everyone else around the world. Gone are the days of Ganguly, Gambhir, Laxman and Dravid. Sachin was so, so good against spin, and the era before them. I think good quality spinners are just as good as getting India out on turning tracks as Indian spinners against good quality opposition batters. And the moment they see a turning track in IPL, they complain," Simon Doull said. Team India's 18 series-long unbeaten record is also in jeopardy. Ravindra Jadeja was the highest run-scorer from India's first innings. He scored 38 runs, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill who played a knock of 30 runs, each. New Zealand's spinner Mitchell Santner claimed seven wickets in the first innings for 53 runs in 19.3 overs against India in the Pune Test. Starlwart Virat Kohli, too was nutmegged by Santer during the match. Kohli departed after scoring just one run in the first innings. (With ANI Inputs)
25 October,2024 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Virat Kohli's dismissal during the second Test match against New Zealand by saying that he played worst shot of his career. During Team India's first innings, Virat Kohli returned to the pavilion after scoring just one run. He missed a low full toss from Mitchell Santner, where the Indian misjudged it. The ball sneaked under his bat and crashed into his stumps. Also Read: No drinking water shortage for fans in Pune on second day of India-New Zealand Test Taking to X, Manjrekar wrote, "Oh dear! Virat will know himself that he has just played the worst shot of his career to get out. Got to feel for him...coz as always he came out with solid & honest intent." Oh dear! Virat will know himself that he has just played the worst shot of his career to get out. Got to feel for him…coz as always he came out with solid & honest intent. — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 25, 2024 Following this dismissal, it marks Virat Kohli's inconsistent run in Test cricket this year. In five matches, the right-hander scored 228 runs with an average of 28.50. He has one fifty with a best score of 70 runs. In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 though, Virat Kohli has been rather solid. He has scored 539 runs in eight Tests at an average of 44.91, with a century and three fifties in 13 innings, with best score of 121. The decade of 2020s has not been kind to Virat the Test batter, with him having made 1,816 runs in 33 Tests at an average of 33.01, with just two centuries and nine fifties in 57 innings and the best score of 186. Team India was only able to score 156 in their first innings of the second Test match against New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja was the highest run-scorer where he smashed 38 runs in 46 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, both departed after scoring 30 runs, each. The Kiwis's Mitchell Santner claimed seven wickets for 53 runs in 19.3 overs. (With ANI Inputs)
25 October,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter facing difficulties in finding drinking water during the opening day of the IND vs NZ 2nd Test, the host state association has made the necessary arrangements on Friday and the fans are no longer complaining. Around 1 lakh litres of RO water in 20-litre cans have been arranged for the second day's play on Friday, well distributed among the booths to avoid the lapse on the first day, an official informed PTI. As many as 3,800 bottles for 20 litre each have been made available for use on the second day as it remains hot and humid on Friday, while another 500 are kept in the stadium's vicinity for back-up. Another batch of 700 are also kept elsewhere, in case of requirement at later stages, the official said. Angry fans had raised slogans against the hosts Maharashtra Cricket Association on Thursday after finding no water at the booths. Also Read: IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Fans in Pune brave intense heat without water, roof MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal had tendered apology later in the day on Thursday. "Our sincere apologies to all the fans for the inconvenience caused. We will ensure things will be alright going forward. We have already addressed the water issue," he said. The volunteers and security personnel had swung into action immediately to provide packaged water bottles to the fans from other storage areas, but the distribution of the same took time and that had led to fans being upset. The issue occurred due to delay in arrival of the vehicle which was transporting water from the plant to the stadium. Since the ODI World Cup last year, the hosts cricket boards have been arranging free drinking water at stadiums. (With agency inputs)
25 October,2024 02:53 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentOpener Tom Latham and Will Young batted with confidence in the second innings as New Zealand consolidated their position in the IND vs NZ 2nd Test reaching 85/2 at tea to take an overall lead of 188 runs against India on day two on Friday. Latham (37 not out) and Young (23) overcame the early hiccup of losing Devon Conway by stitching together a 42-run partnership after Kiwi spinner Mitchell Santner had demolished the Indian batting line-up for 156 in the first innings with career-best figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs. New Zealand had made 259 in the first innings. Also Read: IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Fans in Pune brave intense heat without water, roof India started the day on a positive note with Shubman Gill (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) adding 49 for the second wicket before six wickets fell for the addition of 53 runs as the hosts were left tottering at 107 for 7 at lunch. Virat Kohli played the most forgettable shot of the morning to be clean bowled for one run. Also Read: Kohli's misjudgment sees him dismissed for 1, fans call it 'rare failure' Santner then returned in the post-lunch session to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah cheaply. Earlier on Thursday, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. It was half-centuries from Devon Conway (76 in 141 balls, with 11 fours) and Rachin Ravindra (65 in 105 balls, with five fours and a six) that gave Kiwis a huge platform before Washington's seven-fer triggered a collapse, taking NZ from 197/3 to 259 all out. Ashwin (3/64) also delivered a fine spell with the ball. Brief scores: New Zealand - 1st Innings 259 and 85 for 2 in 20 overs (Tom Latham 37 batting, Will Young 23). India - 1st Innings 107 for 7 in 38 overs (Shubman Gill 30, Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Mitchell Santner 7/53, Glenn Phillips 2/26).
25 October,2024 02:36 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentSouth Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram exudes confidence in the team's chances of qualifying for the ongoing World Test Champions final, which is scheduled to take place in London in June 2025. Proteas recently broke a 10-year winless drought in the subcontinent in Tests after cruising to a seven-wicket victory in the BAN vs SA 1st Test. Following the victory, South Africa now stand just five wins away from qualifying for the one-off Test final next year. The second Test between South Africa and Bangladesh will begin on Tuesday in Chattogram. Following the conclusion of the Bangladesh series, the Proteas will engage in two Tests each against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also Read: BAN vs SA 1st Test: Bangladesh Cricket Board unable to provide safety for Shakib Al Hasan Ahead of the final Test of the series against Bangladesh, Markram expressed that the belief is growing within the camp and backed his side to follow up on their performance in the opening Test. "To come to the sub-continent and get a win is great for us and the (team) environment. It creates a nice buzz in the change room and gives us belief that we can compete in conditions where the odds seem to be stacked against us. It does a lot for us and gives us a taste of what playing cricket in the sub-continent is like," Markram said as quoted from ICC. "I don't think (winning on the sub-continent) something South Africans will ever take for granted. Having said that, the biggest thing you take from it is the belief and the confidence that you actually can do well here as a team. That's where a lot of the game is played, from a confidence and a belief perspective; from the mental side of things. That will help the team move forward and see if we can put back-to-back performances together," he remarked. (With agency inputs)
25 October,2024 02:09 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentSpinner Mitchell Santner took seven wickets as New Zealand bowled out India for 156 runs to take a lead of 103 on day two of the IND vs NZ 2nd Test on Friday. Starting the day on 16-1 in response to New Zealand's 259, the Indian batting fell apart on a turning pitch in Pune with the hosts dismissed in the second session in 45.3 overs. India started the opening session at 16/1, with Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) unbeaten. At the end of the first session, India was 107/7, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar unbeaten. Jaiswal and Gill tried putting together a partnership, bravely taking on the experienced bowling duo of pacer Tim Southee and spinner Mitchell Santner with some classy hitting. However, Gill was trapped leg-before-wicket by Santner for 30 in 72 balls, with two fours and a six. India were 49 for two. Virat Kohli was next up on the crease. However, his inconsistent run in Tests continued as he missed a full toss which crashed into his stumps. Santner removed the veteran for just one run. Spinners were all over India as New Zealand scalped a huge wicket of Jaiswal for 30 in 60 balls, with four boundaries. Daryl Mitchell took a fine low catch at slips, giving Glenn Phillips a wicket. Also Read: Fans in Pune brave intense heat without water, roof All eyes were on the attacking duo of Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan, who had stitched a game-changing partnership in the IND vs NZ 2nd Test. However, Phillips and Santner averted any possible danger for their team, getting Pant for 18 in 19 balls and Sarfaraz for just 11 runs. India hobbled to the 100-run mark in 35.1 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin was trapped leg-before-wicket by Santner, giving him his fourth wicket. Sundar and Jadeja took the team through the remainder of the first session without any further loss. NZ won the toss and opted to bat first. It was half-centuries from Devon Conway (76 in 141 balls, with 11 fours) and Rachin Ravindra (65 in 105 balls, with five fours and a six) that gave Kiwis a huge platform before Washington's seven-fer triggered a collapse, taking NZ from 197/3 to 259 all out. Ashwin (3/64) also delivered a fine spell with the ball. (With agency inputs)
25 October,2024 01:01 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Not long after it came to be known that Pune would host the second Test between India and New Zealand, Bhavesh Patil hatched a plan to attend. “Watching my life’s first Test match today”, his voice rang out like a clarion call, as if swelled with pride, while brother Sachin kept busy raising the tricolour flag high each time India's Washington Sundar brought an end to Kiwis’ stay at the crease. “But not the kind of first experience I wanted,” Bhavesh quickly added, endlessly flapping his hands near his face to beat the sweltering October heat. “A middle-aged man, probably in his 40s, nearly collapsed due to the heat. The least the stadium men (officials) could do in this heat was to give us access to free water. Anybody would fall ill, we are humans, not machines.” “We bought four bottles at 150 Rs each. They (vendors) knew people will buy those in bulk, hence they were overpriced. What could we have done, we were helpless. Complete mismanagement by the MCA stadium officials. As fans, we will now think twice before coming here,” a visibly irate Sachin remarked. Unlike the Patil brothers, the Mehrotras turned their back on the promise of access to free water and left for home shortly during the lunch break. “I could not stand the heat, on top of that, they did not give us access to free water as they promised earlier. My brother is 60 plus, and the situation worried me. I wanted to leave earlier, but he (brother) insisted that we stay till the lunch session and so we did,” said Swapnil. “We heard Mr Pisal (Kamlesh Pisal, MCA Secretary) apologised later and assured everyone that this would not happen again.” Also Read: Pretty Sundar show! Asked whether he would be back on Friday for the second day of the Test match, Swapnil shot back a swift 'no' without hesitation. "Our sincere apologies to all the fans for the inconvenience caused. We will ensure things will be alright going forward. We have already addressed the water issue," Pisal later told the media as quoted by PTI. "This time we (have) decided to provide the spectators with chilled drinking water and there were some sort of logistical issues as some of the stalls ran out of water during the lunch break owing to heavy rush. It took us 15 to 20 minutes to refill the water containers and since it was delayed, we decided to offer them free bottled water.” Perched on the outskirts of the city, the MCA stadium, that boasts a grand capacity of nearly 43,000 seats, felt underwhelming with less than 20,000 in attendance. With over half the crowd braving the sweltering sun and oppressive humidity since the toss, the lack of a roof became a test of who could survive the longest. With only six stands being equipped with roofs, the majority of attendees on Thursday were left at the mercy of the blazing sun. Hundreds of parched fans flocked to the North Stand in search of water but in vain. As the crowd began getting increasingly restless, police intervention was summoned to manage the burgeoning throng. Also Read: Shreyas granted leave While many reported symptoms of dehydration and dizziness, a few others even required attention at the first-aid kiosk. With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius, one would expect better planning for such an event, especially in a city known for its summer heat. Instead, it felt like spectators were part of some twisted endurance test, where the prize was merely the chance to watch cricket while risking heatstroke. “If fans cannot avail a basic necessity like water, then why shoulder the burden of hosting an important match like this? The BCCI should get involved. We deserve better. No amount of apologies can undo the challenges we faced as fans today. Why should I go anymore? Is it my fault? No, it’s theirs. We paid for our tickets, and they are robbing us of the right to enjoy the game peacefully. This should not go unnoticed,” Sachin added. Yet, amid the discomfort, the spirit of the game persisted. Despite their trials, they remained hopeful, cheering for India with a fervour that could even rival the sun’s intensity.
25 October,2024 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Srijanee MajumdarADVERTISEMENT
