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Why MCG setback is more than just a test loss
As the post tea session began on the final day of the riveting Boxing day test at the MCG, the average cricket fan could more or less see a draw on the cards. Although India required some 230 odd runs at run-a-ball, going after the chase was never really on anyone's mind given the stakes. A draw here would have meant the scoreline would be 1-1 going into the New Year's test at Sydney and WTC prospects very much open for the visitors. The pair of Pant and Jaiswal was well set, and Australia were going flat with their bowling. Not to mention they gave the ball to Labuschagne to bowl a few innocuous bumpers at Pant before tea. Pat Cummins started bowling Lyon and Head in tandem in the third session, preempting a possible deduction of WTC points due to slow over rate. The Aussie skipper could also picture a draw as the most probable result. But, it simply wasn't meant to be. India had to do something extraordinary to avoid a draw in the last session, and they did just that. After showing immaculate defense, Pant couldn't resist a half tracker from Head and miscued a lofted shot to Mitch Marsh at long on. Travis Head, India's nemesis, will turn the match one way or the other ! That particular incident brought back life into the Aussie attack as they then started attacking at full throttle. Jadeja was first dismissed followed by the first innings saviour Reddy. Once Jaiswal 'nicked' the ball trying to play the hook shot, it was all but a mere formality from thereon. It would be all too convenient to put the blame on Pant, since it was his wicket that triggered the collapse of 7 wickets for just 34 runs on a rather benign Day 5 pitch. But the problem is somewhere else. The form of Kohli and Rohit is a cause of huge concern, especially the latter who is averaging 6 on this tour. For too long the pressure is on the lower middle order to bail the team out of trouble after poor starts. There have been calls suggesting Rohit should be benched in favour of Shubman Gill, who has shown decent form this series and was unlucky to miss out on the Boxing day test. To be honest, the Indian skipper is quite selfless and one shouldn't really be surprised if this thought is indeed put to reality by Rohit himself. What this effectively means is that India no longer have their WTC final aspirations in their own hands. A match which broke the records for highest attendance by spectators, will go down as a bitter pill to swallow for the Indian team and their fans, who outnumbered their Aussie counterparts significantly throughout the five days. All is still not lost, there is still a test match to be played and a Border Gavaskar trophy to be retained, but the momentum is well and truly with the hosts who are one step away from booking the ticket of WTC final at Lord's against the Proteas.
Why MCG setback is more than just a test loss
As the post tea session began on the final day of the riveting Boxing day test at the MCG, the average cricket fan could more or less see a draw on the cards. Although India required some 230 odd runs at run-a-ball, going after the chase was never really on anyone's mind given the stakes. A draw here would have meant the scoreline would be 1-1 going into the New Year's test at Sydney and WTC prospects very much open for the visitors. The pair of Pant and Jaiswal was well set, and Australia were going flat with their bowling. Not to mention they gave the ball to Labuschagne to bowl a few innocuous bumpers at Pant before tea. Pat Cummins started bowling Lyon and Head in tandem in the third session, preempting a possible deduction of WTC points due to slow over rate. The Aussie skipper could also picture a draw as the most probable result. But, it simply wasn't meant to be. India had to do something extraordinary to avoid a draw in the last session, and they did just that. After showing immaculate defense, Pant couldn't resist a half tracker from Head and miscued a lofted shot to Mitch Marsh at long on. Travis Head, India's nemesis, will turn the match one way or the other ! That particular incident brought back life into the Aussie attack as they then started attacking at full throttle. Jadeja was first dismissed followed by the first innings saviour Reddy. Once Jaiswal 'nicked' the ball trying to play the hook shot, it was all but a mere formality from thereon. It would be all too convenient to put the blame on Pant, since it was his wicket that triggered the collapse of 7 wickets for just 34 runs on a rather benign Day 5 pitch. But the problem is somewhere else. The form of Kohli and Rohit is a cause of huge concern, especially the latter who is averaging 6 on this tour. For too long the pressure is on the lower middle order to bail the team out of trouble after poor starts. There have been calls suggesting Rohit should be benched in favour of Shubman Gill, who has shown decent form this series and was unlucky to miss out on the Boxing day test. To be honest, the Indian skipper is quite selfless and one shouldn't really be surprised if this thought is indeed put to reality by Rohit himself. What this effectively means is that India no longer have their WTC final aspirations in their own hands. A match which broke the records for highest attendance by spectators, will go down as a bitter pill to swallow for the Indian team and their fans, who outnumbered their Aussie counterparts significantly throughout the five days. All is still not lost, there is still a test match to be played and a Border Gavaskar trophy to be retained, but the momentum is well and truly with the hosts who are one step away from booking the ticket of WTC final at Lord's against the Proteas.
Why MCG setback is more than just a test loss
As the post tea session began on the final day of the riveting Boxing day test at the MCG, the average cricket fan could more or less see a draw on the cards. Although India required some 230 odd runs at run-a-ball, going after the chase was never really on anyone's mind given the stakes. A draw here would have meant the scoreline would be 1-1 going into the New Year's test at Sydney and WTC prospects very much open for the visitors. The pair of Pant and Jaiswal was well set, and Australia were going flat with their bowling. Not to mention they gave the ball to Labuschagne to bowl a few innocuous bumpers at Pant before tea. Pat Cummins started bowling Lyon and Head in tandem in the third session, preempting a possible deduction of WTC points due to slow over rate. The Aussie skipper could also picture a draw as the most probable result. But, it simply wasn't meant to be. India had to do something extraordinary to avoid a draw in the last session, and they did just that. After showing immaculate defense, Pant couldn't resist a half tracker from Head and miscued a lofted shot to Mitch Marsh at long on. Travis Head, India's nemesis, will turn the match one way or the other ! That particular incident brought back life into the Aussie attack as they then started attacking at full throttle. Jadeja was first dismissed followed by the first innings saviour Reddy. Once Jaiswal 'nicked' the ball trying to play the hook shot, it was all but a mere formality from thereon. It would be all too convenient to put the blame on Pant, since it was his wicket that triggered the collapse of 7 wickets for just 34 runs on a rather benign Day 5 pitch. But the problem is somewhere else. The form of Kohli and Rohit is a cause of huge concern, especially the latter who is averaging 6 on this tour. For too long the pressure is on the lower middle order to bail the team out of trouble after poor starts. There have been calls suggesting Rohit should be benched in favour of Shubman Gill, who has shown decent form this series and was unlucky to miss out on the Boxing day test. To be honest, the Indian skipper is quite selfless and one shouldn't really be surprised if this thought is indeed put to reality by Rohit himself. What this effectively means is that India no longer have their WTC final aspirations in their own hands. A match which broke the records for highest attendance by spectators, will go down as a bitter pill to swallow for the Indian team and their fans, who outnumbered their Aussie counterparts significantly throughout the five days. All is still not lost, there is still a test match to be played and a Border Gavaskar trophy to be retained, but the momentum is well and truly with the hosts who are one step away from booking the ticket of WTC final at Lord's against the Proteas.
India and Bangladesh Lock Horns in Chennai
The first Test match of the India-Bangladesh series has commenced in Chennai, with India batting first after winning the toss. The Indian batting lineup, led by the talented Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, is making steady progress, having crossed the 200-run mark on Day 1. Ashwin and Jadeja Shine Despite losing six wickets, including the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's batting resilience has been on display. Ashwin and Jadeja have formed a crucial partnership, playing cautiously and strategically to guide the team forward. Bangladesh's Bowling Challenge The Bangladesh bowlers are facing a formidable task in trying to dismiss the Indian batting lineup. With Ashwin and Jadeja in control, Bangladesh will need to find a breakthrough to put pressure on the Indian team. A Fierce Contest Awaits The first Test match between India and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams boasting talented players, the battle for supremacy is set to be fierce. Cricket enthusiasts can expect a high-quality match filled with exciting moments and strategic play.
India and Bangladesh Lock Horns in Chennai
The first Test match of the India-Bangladesh series has commenced in Chennai, with India batting first after winning the toss. The Indian batting lineup, led by the talented Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, is making steady progress, having crossed the 200-run mark on Day 1. Ashwin and Jadeja Shine Despite losing six wickets, including the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's batting resilience has been on display. Ashwin and Jadeja have formed a crucial partnership, playing cautiously and strategically to guide the team forward. Bangladesh's Bowling Challenge The Bangladesh bowlers are facing a formidable task in trying to dismiss the Indian batting lineup. With Ashwin and Jadeja in control, Bangladesh will need to find a breakthrough to put pressure on the Indian team. A Fierce Contest Awaits The first Test match between India and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams boasting talented players, the battle for supremacy is set to be fierce. Cricket enthusiasts can expect a high-quality match filled with exciting moments and strategic play.
India and Bangladesh Lock Horns in Chennai
The first Test match of the India-Bangladesh series has commenced in Chennai, with India batting first after winning the toss. The Indian batting lineup, led by the talented Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, is making steady progress, having crossed the 200-run mark on Day 1. Ashwin and Jadeja Shine Despite losing six wickets, including the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's batting resilience has been on display. Ashwin and Jadeja have formed a crucial partnership, playing cautiously and strategically to guide the team forward. Bangladesh's Bowling Challenge The Bangladesh bowlers are facing a formidable task in trying to dismiss the Indian batting lineup. With Ashwin and Jadeja in control, Bangladesh will need to find a breakthrough to put pressure on the Indian team. A Fierce Contest Awaits The first Test match between India and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams boasting talented players, the battle for supremacy is set to be fierce. Cricket enthusiasts can expect a high-quality match filled with exciting moments and strategic play.
Bangladesh Cricket Controversy
The 2021 T-20 World Cup ended two days ago. Australia has won the World Cup in this small format of cricket. Bangladesh also participated in this World Cup. But Bangladesh's performance was disappointing. Bangladesh has won only two matches. Won both matches in the qualifiers. Bangladesh has lost six of the eight matches.
Bangladesh Cricket Controversy
The 2021 T-20 World Cup ended two days ago. Australia has won the World Cup in this small format of cricket. Bangladesh also participated in this World Cup. But Bangladesh's performance was disappointing. Bangladesh has won only two matches. Won both matches in the qualifiers. Bangladesh has lost six of the eight matches.
Bangladesh Cricket Controversy
The 2021 T-20 World Cup ended two days ago. Australia has won the World Cup in this small format of cricket. Bangladesh also participated in this World Cup. But Bangladesh's performance was disappointing. Bangladesh has won only two matches. Won both matches in the qualifiers. Bangladesh has lost six of the eight matches.
A feat that none other than Liton Das has
Liton Das was playing after watching the balls on the stumps. Pakistan leg spinner Abrar Ahmed was also bowling along the stumps as there was not much spin. But he bowled the fifth ball of the 65th over just outside the off-stump. That was enough for Lytton. Lyton Udbahu celebrates his century in Test cricket with a late cut to send the ball to the boundary. 171 balls, 11 fours and 2 sixes - Lytton's century came in the 11th four. It was Lytton's fourth century in the 43rd Test, the second against Pakistan. Previous century against Pakistan in Chittagong in 2021, served for 114 runs. Litton is the first batsman of Bangladesh to score multiple Test centuries against Pakistan.
A feat that none other than Liton Das has
Liton Das was playing after watching the balls on the stumps. Pakistan leg spinner Abrar Ahmed was also bowling along the stumps as there was not much spin. But he bowled the fifth ball of the 65th over just outside the off-stump. That was enough for Lytton. Lyton Udbahu celebrates his century in Test cricket with a late cut to send the ball to the boundary. 171 balls, 11 fours and 2 sixes - Lytton's century came in the 11th four. It was Lytton's fourth century in the 43rd Test, the second against Pakistan. Previous century against Pakistan in Chittagong in 2021, served for 114 runs. Litton is the first batsman of Bangladesh to score multiple Test centuries against Pakistan.
A feat that none other than Liton Das has
Liton Das was playing after watching the balls on the stumps. Pakistan leg spinner Abrar Ahmed was also bowling along the stumps as there was not much spin. But he bowled the fifth ball of the 65th over just outside the off-stump. That was enough for Lytton. Lyton Udbahu celebrates his century in Test cricket with a late cut to send the ball to the boundary. 171 balls, 11 fours and 2 sixes - Lytton's century came in the 11th four. It was Lytton's fourth century in the 43rd Test, the second against Pakistan. Previous century against Pakistan in Chittagong in 2021, served for 114 runs. Litton is the first batsman of Bangladesh to score multiple Test centuries against Pakistan.
Bangladesh vie for face-saving win, Afghans eye clean-sweep
In-between all the drama surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s shock retirement and prompt unretirement, it’s easy to forget that the national team is actually in the middle of a home series against Afghanistan, where so far they have been bested by the visitors. The Tigers have already lost the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan after losing the first two ODIs. Now, Bangladesh will play the third ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday hoping to avoid a series clean-sweep, something they haven’t suffered in the 50-over format at home in nine years. The last time Bangladesh got clean-swept in a three-match ODI series at home was against Sri Lanka in February 2014. Bangladesh was winless in the home ODI series against India later that year as well but the third match of that series was washed out, meaning the visitors won the series 2-0. Bangladesh won 14 out of their next 16 bilateral ODI series at home before the 17th one against Afghanistan rolled along. Before Afghanistan, England were the only team to defeat the Tigers in their own den in this period, winning in their tours in 2016 and 2023. But both of England’s series wins were of 2-1 margin. Afghanistan now have the chance to emulate what Sri Lanka did in 2014 and in the process bring up their third ODI series clean-sweep against a Test team after doing it against Ireland and Zimbabwe. After losing the rain-hit first ODI by 17 runs in the Duckworth and Lewis System, Bangladesh were outplayed by Afghanistan in the second ODI, losing by 142 runs and subsequently losing the three-match seriesI Inboth ODIs, Bangladesh batters had no answers to the questions posed by the Afghan spinners. In the pre-match press conference, Bangladesh’s assistant coach batted for his players and said that the entire world struggles to handle the Afghanistan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. “I think it is not a question of whether we struggled, It is a question of how the world struggles to pick them (Afghan spinner). Where they are ranked in the world will tell you everybody in the world struggle pick them. I had Mujeeb with me at Middlesex. Even after I was talking to him as a wicketkeeper, I struggled to pick him from behind,” Pothas said. He then went on to compare Afghanistan’s spin trio with the likes of legendary spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, “Could everyone pick Shane Warne, Muralitharan? That’s why they are the best in the world. That’s why every competition in the world puts up so much money for mystery spin. Question is, what are we going to do about it, and how is it going to make us better?” The South African coach also claimed that facing the Afghan spinners will help the Bangladesh batters in the long run. Technically, the challenge that they have presented, is a huge advantage to us. It will make us better. If you can face this level of spin, you can face anybody,” he added. Afghanistan’s fast bowling coach Hamid Hassan hopes his team will take confidence from the series win against Bangladesh and carry that confidence into the forthcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup. If you believe in yourself, you can beat anyone. This time we think bigger, hoping for a very good result the way the team is performing. The world is aware of Afghanistan… Hopefully, this World Cup will be good for Afghanistan. Maybe we can win a few matches with good results.”
Bangladesh vie for face-saving win, Afghans eye clean-sweep
In-between all the drama surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s shock retirement and prompt unretirement, it’s easy to forget that the national team is actually in the middle of a home series against Afghanistan, where so far they have been bested by the visitors. The Tigers have already lost the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan after losing the first two ODIs. Now, Bangladesh will play the third ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday hoping to avoid a series clean-sweep, something they haven’t suffered in the 50-over format at home in nine years. The last time Bangladesh got clean-swept in a three-match ODI series at home was against Sri Lanka in February 2014. Bangladesh was winless in the home ODI series against India later that year as well but the third match of that series was washed out, meaning the visitors won the series 2-0. Bangladesh won 14 out of their next 16 bilateral ODI series at home before the 17th one against Afghanistan rolled along. Before Afghanistan, England were the only team to defeat the Tigers in their own den in this period, winning in their tours in 2016 and 2023. But both of England’s series wins were of 2-1 margin. Afghanistan now have the chance to emulate what Sri Lanka did in 2014 and in the process bring up their third ODI series clean-sweep against a Test team after doing it against Ireland and Zimbabwe. After losing the rain-hit first ODI by 17 runs in the Duckworth and Lewis System, Bangladesh were outplayed by Afghanistan in the second ODI, losing by 142 runs and subsequently losing the three-match seriesI Inboth ODIs, Bangladesh batters had no answers to the questions posed by the Afghan spinners. In the pre-match press conference, Bangladesh’s assistant coach batted for his players and said that the entire world struggles to handle the Afghanistan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. “I think it is not a question of whether we struggled, It is a question of how the world struggles to pick them (Afghan spinner). Where they are ranked in the world will tell you everybody in the world struggle pick them. I had Mujeeb with me at Middlesex. Even after I was talking to him as a wicketkeeper, I struggled to pick him from behind,” Pothas said. He then went on to compare Afghanistan’s spin trio with the likes of legendary spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, “Could everyone pick Shane Warne, Muralitharan? That’s why they are the best in the world. That’s why every competition in the world puts up so much money for mystery spin. Question is, what are we going to do about it, and how is it going to make us better?” The South African coach also claimed that facing the Afghan spinners will help the Bangladesh batters in the long run. Technically, the challenge that they have presented, is a huge advantage to us. It will make us better. If you can face this level of spin, you can face anybody,” he added. Afghanistan’s fast bowling coach Hamid Hassan hopes his team will take confidence from the series win against Bangladesh and carry that confidence into the forthcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup. If you believe in yourself, you can beat anyone. This time we think bigger, hoping for a very good result the way the team is performing. The world is aware of Afghanistan… Hopefully, this World Cup will be good for Afghanistan. Maybe we can win a few matches with good results.”
Bangladesh vie for face-saving win, Afghans eye clean-sweep
In-between all the drama surrounding Tamim Iqbal’s shock retirement and prompt unretirement, it’s easy to forget that the national team is actually in the middle of a home series against Afghanistan, where so far they have been bested by the visitors. The Tigers have already lost the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan after losing the first two ODIs. Now, Bangladesh will play the third ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday hoping to avoid a series clean-sweep, something they haven’t suffered in the 50-over format at home in nine years. The last time Bangladesh got clean-swept in a three-match ODI series at home was against Sri Lanka in February 2014. Bangladesh was winless in the home ODI series against India later that year as well but the third match of that series was washed out, meaning the visitors won the series 2-0. Bangladesh won 14 out of their next 16 bilateral ODI series at home before the 17th one against Afghanistan rolled along. Before Afghanistan, England were the only team to defeat the Tigers in their own den in this period, winning in their tours in 2016 and 2023. But both of England’s series wins were of 2-1 margin. Afghanistan now have the chance to emulate what Sri Lanka did in 2014 and in the process bring up their third ODI series clean-sweep against a Test team after doing it against Ireland and Zimbabwe. After losing the rain-hit first ODI by 17 runs in the Duckworth and Lewis System, Bangladesh were outplayed by Afghanistan in the second ODI, losing by 142 runs and subsequently losing the three-match seriesI Inboth ODIs, Bangladesh batters had no answers to the questions posed by the Afghan spinners. In the pre-match press conference, Bangladesh’s assistant coach batted for his players and said that the entire world struggles to handle the Afghanistan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. “I think it is not a question of whether we struggled, It is a question of how the world struggles to pick them (Afghan spinner). Where they are ranked in the world will tell you everybody in the world struggle pick them. I had Mujeeb with me at Middlesex. Even after I was talking to him as a wicketkeeper, I struggled to pick him from behind,” Pothas said. He then went on to compare Afghanistan’s spin trio with the likes of legendary spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, “Could everyone pick Shane Warne, Muralitharan? That’s why they are the best in the world. That’s why every competition in the world puts up so much money for mystery spin. Question is, what are we going to do about it, and how is it going to make us better?” The South African coach also claimed that facing the Afghan spinners will help the Bangladesh batters in the long run. Technically, the challenge that they have presented, is a huge advantage to us. It will make us better. If you can face this level of spin, you can face anybody,” he added. Afghanistan’s fast bowling coach Hamid Hassan hopes his team will take confidence from the series win against Bangladesh and carry that confidence into the forthcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup. If you believe in yourself, you can beat anyone. This time we think bigger, hoping for a very good result the way the team is performing. The world is aware of Afghanistan… Hopefully, this World Cup will be good for Afghanistan. Maybe we can win a few matches with good results.”