Author: Vaibhav Tripathi

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj provided a glimpse into the tactical changes he has made from the first Test to the second in Cape Town. Siraj acknowledged the challenging conditions favouring batters during the initial phase of his bowling in the first Test. In response to this observation, he deliberately shifted his focus to the release of the ball, opting for precision over excessive force. This strategic adjustment proved to be highly effective, delivering positive outcomes for both Siraj and the team collectively, on a manic Wednesday. “When I was bowling in the beginning, I felt like my end favoured…

Australia’s opening batter, David Warner, reflected on his cricketing journey, singling out Dale Steyn as the toughest bowler he has ever faced. Warner, who is set to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), on January 3, recalled a challenging face-off with the Proteas legend at WACA, Perth. In that intense session at WACA, facing Steyn alongside Shaun Marsh, Warner vividly remembered the difficulty of dealing with Steyn’s deliveries. “Without doubt it’s Dale Steyn. I go back to the WACA (the first Test of the 2016-17 home series against South Africa)…

Australian cricketing legend Glenn McGrath has encouraged David Warner to take a positive approach in his farewell Test match against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia aim for a 3-0 series sweep, this match holds special significance as it marks Warner’s final appearance in Test cricket, concluding a remarkable career spanning 111 matches since his debut in 2011. McGrath stated, “Go out, be positive. We saw him come out and get a good hundred over in Perth, just going back to the way he plays. Hopefully he can go out on…

Nepali cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane was convicted over rape charges, on Friday, as reported by Kathmandu Post. The court, after final hearings that commenced on Sunday, issued the order, also determining that the girl was not a minor at the time of the incident. The next hearing will determine the jail term for the leg-spinner. The allegations against Lamichhane surfaced last year when he was accused of the offence in a Kathmandu hotel. The victim had filed the case against the Nepalese cricket star at the Metropolitan Police Station in Gaushala while he was playing for Trinidad and Tobago in…

Following a demoralizing innings defeat in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, the Indian team received a glimmer of hope with the potential return of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming second and final match in Cape Town. Jadeja had to sit out the first Test due to an upper back spasm that arose on the morning of the first day. Nevertheless, there are positive signs as Jadeja actively participated in the warm-up session on the third morning at SuperSport Park, displaying no signs of discomfort as he engaged in multiple short strides. During the Lunch break on…

KL Rahul, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, scored a scintillating hundred while batting at No. 6 for only the second time in his Test career. At the end of the second day’s play at SuperSport Park in Centurion, he provided valuable insights into batting in the middle order and the art of playing long innings. Rahul, known for his versatility, highlighted the significance of staying adaptable and embracing the dynamic nature of the game. Rahul had ended the first day unbeaten on 70, after steering India to 208-8 at stumps. On Wednesday, he went on to complete his century in remarkable fashion with…

India’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, praised KL Rahul’s resilience in challenging conditions on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. Rahul played a crucial role when the bowlers dominated in overcast conditions. His unbeaten 70 took India to 208/8 before rain and bad light brought an early end to the day’s play. Describing Rahul as a “man for crisis,” Rathour commended his clarity in executing plans. He acknowledged Rahul’s consistency in handling tough situations. “He is the man for a crisis. Every time there is a tough situation, most of the times he is there.…

Ahead of the two-Test series against India, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma highlighted the importance of maintaining their unbeaten home record against India, acknowledging the challenges presented by Rohit Sharma’s team. The 33-year-old noted that the scrutiny associated with matches against India underscores their significant skill factor featuring seasoned Test players well-versed in diverse conditions. “There’s a lot of pride attached to that. That we’ve been able to keep that record intact as a South African team… all of us as players also feel that. But we understand playing against India comes with certain challenges and it’s those types of…

India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has hinted that KL Rahul might play as the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming first Test of the two-match series against South Africa in Centurion, starting December 24. Despite Rahul having kept wickets in 35 ODIs and 8 T20Is, this series marks his first time performing the role in Test cricket. Dravid, confident in Rahul’s abilities, pointed out that his experience in limited-overs formats should translate well into Tests. While KS Bharat is another wicket-keeping option, Dravid acknowledged Rahul’s preparedness for this new challenge, emphasizing the possibilities it brings in its wake. “It’s an exciting challenge…

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali has been forced to withdraw from the remainder of the Test series against Australia due to ‘acute appendicitis’. The 37-year-old experienced sudden, intense abdominal pain on Friday evening, leading to an emergency scan that confirmed the diagnosis. Noman underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy on Saturday morning. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provided an update, stating, “Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain on Friday, leading to examination and scans in emergency that confirmed acute appendicitis. On the surgeon’s advice; he underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in the morning. Post-surgery, he is stable and doing fine. He will…