Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghosal in London It was almost a repeat of Day 2. The first session was easier for batting, but the session after lunch brought more movement and sharper bowling. Gus Atkinson struck straight after the interval, dismissing Indian captain Shubman Gill first ball with one that shaped back in—exposing Gill’s recurring issues against incoming deliveries. But Yashasvi Jaiswal was immovable. Though he suffered cramps, he remained in sublime touch, punishing anything short or over-pitched. He brought up his well-deserved sixth Test hundred—his second of the series. Karun Nair was dropped, making it five missed chances for England in this…

Trisha Ghosal in London The India–England Test series has entered its penultimate lap. With India’s second innings already underway on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test, a result looks all but certain and it’s all to play for from here. India are two wickets down, with a 52-run lead. Night-watcher Akash Deep is at the crease with Yashasvi Jaiswal. On the post-show, Nasser Hussain highlighted how, over the past couple of years, Day Three at the Kia Oval has consistently proven to be the most challenging for batters in County matches. It’s the indentations on the pitch, he…

Trisha Ghosal in London “Yeah, that was the plan” – Krishna confirms attempt to provoke Root Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna revealed that the verbal exchange with Joe Root wasn’t accidental. Asked about the rare show of emotion from the usually composed English batter, Krishna said the plan was indeed to rattle him. “Yeah, that was the plan, to try and get him to react a bit,” he admitted. “But I didn’t really expect a couple of words to get such a strong response from him. He’s a legend of the game. And when two people are both out there trying…

Trisha Ghosal in London Injury replacements? “Test cricket doesn’t need fixing” England’s lead batting coach Marcus Trescothick believes the purity of Test cricket should not be tampered with, even as debates continue around allowing replacements for injuries like dislocations and fractures. Speaking after a gripping day’s play at The Oval, Trescothick stood firm on preserving tradition. “It’s a good question, and I know there’s been plenty of media discussion around it,” he said. “But personally, I think we tinker with the game too much already. Test cricket has stood the test of time. I wouldn’t change anything at the moment.”…

Trisha Ghosal in London On the eve of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Mohammed Siraj faced the press. When asked whether he bowls better in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, he had said, “I feel proud. Even in 2023, I was India’s top wicket-taker when Bumrah wasn’t around. That responsibility brings the best out of me.” And today at The Kia Oval, it was no different. With Bumrah released from the squad and unavailable for the fifth and final Test, Siraj once again took on the role of pace spearhead. Before lunch, he couldn’t quite find his rhythm and…

Trisha Ghosal in London On 1st August, The Kia Oval is celebrating “A Day for Thorpey”. It’s former England great Graham Thorpe’s 56th birthday. On 4th August last year, Thorpe took his own life after struggling with anxiety and depression. Thorpe was a brilliant batter, but he was also a deep thinker of the game and a fine coach. One cricketer who gained a lot in his career thanks to Thorpe’s coaching is none other than England great — and safe to say, the No. 1 in the Fab Four — Joe Root. Last year, after Thorpe’s passing, Root dedicated…

Trisha Ghosal in London There are moments in sport when the scoreboard barely tells the story. Karun Nair’s unbeaten 52 at the end of Day 1 at The Oval wasn’t just a number. It was a lifeline. A sigh of relief. A whispered thank you to a game that had made him wait, wander, and almost wither. In December 2022, Karun Nair had put out a tweet asking cricket for another chance. It was simple, heartfelt, and vulnerable, not something athletes often show in public. That plea was answered, albeit in fragments. He got six chances before this game. And…

By Trisha Ghosal in London After watching from the sidelines for four matches, Gus Atkinson finally played his first Test at The Oval and it was a homecoming that mattered. “Obviously disappointing to miss the first four games, but to come back for this last one, especially at my home ground, it’s nice,” he said. “A special occasion, and I’m glad to be part of it.” Two wickets and a run-out, a good day’s work Atkinson impressed with the ball, picking up two wickets and running out Shubman Gill with a direct hit. “Yeah, I felt like I bowled well…

By Trisha Ghosal in London On a stop-start, rain-hit opening day at The Oval, India scrapped their way to 204/6, with Karun Nair standing tall on 52 not out. While conditions were favourable for the bowlers, England struggled to capitalise — bowling too wide, too often. India, meanwhile, had a mixed day. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early, Shubman Gill was run out, and KL Rahul chopped on. None of the top-order batters settled in, but Nair’s grit and some resistance from Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar kept India afloat. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the media after stumps. Is…

Trisha Ghosal in London India’s batting has flourished this series not by chance, but through the strength of four standout performers. KL Rahul is the first of those pillars, the foundation that has helped the innings stand, stretch, and often soar. While he’s an opener by role, his significance has extended far beyond mere starts. Rahul has been the calm bridge between collapse and control, a batter who has carried not just the burden versus the new ball but the hopes of stability. And in a country like England, where openers often perish before they settle, Rahul has rewritten that…