Author: Staff Reporter

England captain Ben Stokes has hit back at former players who have criticised the team’s preparation for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. Speaking ahead of their warm-up match against the England Lions in Perth, Stokes said his side will go “balls to the wall” in the three-day game and they are fully ready for the upcoming match. The first Test starts on November 21 inPerth. Former players like Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan, and Graham Gooch have questioned the limited build-up before the big match. Botham said it ‘borders on arrogance’, Vaughan called it a ‘huge risk’ and Gooch marked…

Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has dismissed any talk of competition with Rishabh Pant. He said that both share the same goal of helping India succeed in Test cricket. Speaking to JioStar, the host broadcaster, Jurel said, “There is no competition between me and Rishabh bhai. Both of us are playing for India, and whoever plays, the motive is the same: to make India win. If he plays, I am happy. If I play, I am happy. If we play together, even better. The only focus is the team.” Jurel has performed well since his Test debut against England in February…

England captain Ben Stokes is delighted to have all his fast bowlers fit and available for the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 21. Stokes is considering playing both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together in the Ashes opener, giving England a fiery pace combination. England’s pace department looks well-stocked, with Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Archer, and Wood all in good rhythm. Speaking ahead of the warm-up match against England Lions, Stokes said it’s a huge boost to have both Archer and Wood ready again. “It’s great to have the X-factor that Joff and Woody possess…

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Aaron Finch believes that the franchise should release Venkatesh Iyer to accumulate more funds and buy him back in the auction for a lower price. Speaking on JioHotstar, Finch said that Venkatesh could not justify the price that he got from KKR in the 2025 season. “Paying 23.75 crore is too high for a player like Venkatesh Iyer, who hasn’t been able to back that price tag with consistent performances.” Finch said. “He’s been moved around in the batting order, used out of position, and hasn’t been given clarity on his role. KKR should…

Bengal continued to set the pace in Group C of the Ranji Trophy after crushing Railways by an innings and 120 runs in Surat. They are the only team in the competition to win three games this season (from four rounds). Bengal won the toss and elected to bat first. They had a poor start, losing four wickets for just 61 runs. After that, the old warhorse Anustup Majumdar and all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed stitched together a partnership of 134 runs that not only provided the innings much-needed stability but also laid the foundation for a big score. After Shahbaz…

Sourav Ganguly, the former BCCI president, has backed Mohammed Shami to again play for India in international cricket. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ganguly said Shami’s ‘fitness and skill’ makes his case stronger for an international comeback. “Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he’s won Bengal on his own.” Ganguly said. “I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know of. So, I really…

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has praised the in-form wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, acknowledging his recent performances. Ganguly told the agencies that Sai Sudharsan and Jurel could be competing for the No. 3 slot. “He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking,” he said. “Basically, the spots are taken — two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy it will be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know. But it depends on whom…

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes Dhruv Jurel has the best technique to bat at No. 3 for India in Test cricket. Speaking to Times of India, Dasgupta said: “At this moment, Jurel looks to have the best technique to bat at No. 3. But the team management has to be clear with its vision because No. 3 will be a big call. If Jurel is only seen as a wicketkeeping backup for Pant, then it will be a problem in the long run. It’s tough for a wicketkeeper to consistently keep wickets and bat at No. 3 in Tests.…

Australian legend Greg Chappell believes England’s fast bowlers could pose a serious challenge for the Australian batting line-up in the upcoming Ashes series, starting later this month. Writing in his column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell stated: “If Archer and Wood are both fit for purpose, England could surprise the Australians on a surface that will favour pace. Very few people enjoy batting against real pace. We would all rather bat against medium-pacers and spinners, but at this level, it has to be done.” He further added: “Normally, it is one or two really quick bowlers in the line-up and then the…

The Abu Dhabi T10 (ADT10) and T10 Global have proudly announced that His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan has graciously accepted the role of Supreme Patron of the league. The organization expressed its heartfelt gratitude for His Excellency’s valuable guidance and continued support. Recognized as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing formats in modern cricket, the Abu Dhabi T10 has been instrumental in further elevating Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global sporting powerhouse. With a viewership that now exceeds 400 million worldwide, the tournament has become an international spectacle, combining world-class talent with unmatched entertainment.…