SPORTS MANIA

Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik is set to return to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Fortune Barishal on February 2 and will be available for their next game against Khulna Tigers, according to ESPNcricinfo. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/bpl-shoaib-malik-to-link-up-with-fortune-barishal-after-sudden-departure/articleshow/107307515.cms

England's Jack Leach has been ruled out of the second Test against India through injury, with his Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir now nearer an international debut as a result. Left-arm spinner Leach, 32, played a limited role in England's stunning 28-run win in the series opener, where Ben Stokes's men overcame a first-innings deficit of 190 runs, following a problem with his left knee. "He's ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately the knock he took resulted in a haematoma," Ben Stokes told British media. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/englands-jack-leach-out-of-second-test-against-india/articleshow/107307001.cms

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch expressed disappointment over the lack of centuries from Australia's batting lineup following their Test series against the West Indies. Finch highlighted Marnus Labuschagne's below-par performance and the team's need for more substantial contributions. He noted that there are a few cracks in the team, including Usman Khawaja and the bowlers who have done a brilliant job for a long time. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/aaron-finch-criticizes-australias-batting-display-praises-west-indies-bowlers-after-test-series/articleshow/107278536.cms

India batter Mayank Agarwal was rushed to a hospital in Agartala after he consumed an unidentified liquid — assumed to be water — on board an Agartala-New Delhi flight on Tuesday. He is learnt to be out of danger, but has been kept under observation. Members of the state Ranji Trophy team, which defeated the hosts on Monday, were heading to Surat for their next engagement. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/mayank-agarwal-rushed-to-hospital-after-onboard-medical-emergency/articleshow/107275873.cms

On Monday, the BCCI selection committee included Sarfaraz, left-arm spinner Sourabh Kumar, and all-rounder Washington Sundar in the squad for the second Test against England. This marks Sarfaraz's inaugural national call-up following an impressive display in domestic cricket and notably in the India A series against England Lions. Sarfaraz was included in the squad after India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batter KL Rahul were ruled out due to injuries. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/ind-vs-eng-sarfaraz-khans-first-reaction-to-maiden-india-call-up/articleshow/107248391.cms

Team India received a double setback as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and star batsman KL Rahul were declared unfit for the second Test against England due to injuries, announced the cricket board on Monday. Rohit Sharma's India, already missing their key player Virat Kohli, suffered a narrow 28-run defeat in the thrilling opening Test in Hyderabad on Sunday. The upcoming Test, scheduled to commence in Visakhapatnam on Friday, poses a challenging scenario for the team. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/dont-fall-into-own-trap-by-harbhajan-singh-expresses-concerns-about-team-india-ahead-of-second-test-against-england/articleshow/107246453.cms

Ollie Pope's reverse sweep, influenced by the 'Bazball' philosophy, played a crucial role in England's Test win against India. The England team prepared for the Indian spinners by practicing different variants of the sweep shot, including the reverse, scoop, and traditional sweeps. Pope's commitment to playing the shot effectively disrupted the bowlers' line and length, leading to more scoring opportunities. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/india-vs-england-2nd-test-can-kuldeep-yadav-reverse-the-trend/articleshow/107240878.cms

Knowing more about the 24-year-old Joseph, who hails from Guyana, and what he endured to don the national colours, one could easily decipher that his words "sacrifices" and "what got you here" are actually an understatement. The rookie fast bowler scripted Caribbean history in Australia, with a memorable triumph over the formidable hosts in the pink-ball Test at Brisbane's Gabba, bowling an incredible spell of seven wickets in the fourth innings. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/australia-vs-west-indies-shamar-joseph-the-exsecurity-officer-who-wrote-a-caribbean-dream-with-a-crushed-toe/articleshow/107215693.cms

England beat India by 28 runs on day four of the opening Test to go 1-0 up in the five-match series at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/know-tom-hartley-the-debutant-spinner-who-spun-england-to-victory-against-india/articleshow/107215660.cms

Despite facing injury from a toe-crushing yorker by Australian paceman Mitchell Starc, West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph showcased an outstanding performance to lead his team to one of the most extraordinary upsets in Test cricket history, stunning Australia by eight runs in Brisbane on Sunday. Arriving in Australia with a weakened squad for the Test series, the West Indies provided debuts to four players, including Joseph, over the course of the two Tests. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/watch-brian-lara-carl-hooper-break-down-after-shamar-joseph-inspired-west-indies-breach-gabba-fortress/articleshow/107215499.cms

Debutant Tom Hartley's extraordinary performance, taking 7/62, led England to a stunning 28-run victory against India in the first Test match in Hyderabad. Hartley's figures were the fourth-best for a visiting debutant bowler in India. England overcame a 190-run deficit in the first innings with Ollie Pope's 196 runs, securing a record-breaking win on Indian soil. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/indias-loss-in-the-first-test-against-england/articleshow/107214259.cms

England batsman Jonny Bairstow faced a challenge from Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja on Day 3 of the first Test between India and England in Hyderabad. Bairstow, who had initially left the ball, was deceived by Jadeja's brilliant delivery, causing his stumps to be dismantled. This marks Bairstow's second consecutive innings being outsmarted by an Indian spinner. In the first innings, Axar Patel outfoxed Bairstow with an unplayable delivery. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/watch-jaddugar-ravindra-jadeja-deceived-jonny-bairstow-with-a-magical-delivery/articleshow/107197504.cms

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Yashasvi Jaiswal is relishing his first Test in India after playing overseas. He scored 171 on debut against the West Indies and had mixed performances in South Africa. Jaiswal is enjoying the different environment and is proud to represent his country. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/india-vs-england-1st-test-yashasvi-jaiswals-positive-approach-and-strokes/articleshow/107175426.cms

Cricket West Indies on Friday committed to gender pay equity among its players having signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the West Indies Players Association. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/west-indies-commits-to-gender-pay-equity-among-cricketers-news-article/articleshow/107165172.cms

Axar Patel was preferred over Kuldeep Yadav in India's playing XI and proved to be the most economical bowler on the first day of the match against England. Despite the pitch not having excessive spin, Axar managed to effect a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Jonny Bairstow. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/india-vs-england-1st-test-pitch-is-slow-but-no-excessive-spin-says-axar-patel/articleshow/107158198.cms

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source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-england-live-score-updates-1st-test-cricket-today-ind-vs-eng-5-days-test-match-hyderabad/liveblog/107158558.cms

Mohammed Siraj has been in roaring form, delivering exceptional performances in the Newlands Test, Asia Cup final, and World Cup. On Thursday, the 29-year-old pacer will play his 24th Test, but only his first on ho me turf when he takes the field against England at what is popularly known as Uppal stadium. For the record, Hyderabad's other legend VVS Laxman, who played most of his first-class matches at the Gymkhana, had to wait for 116 matches before playing a Test at home. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/india-vs-england-mohammed-sirajs-meteoric-career-comes-full-circle-with-first-test-at-home/articleshow/107131269.cms

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/live-cricket-score-updates-of-ind-vs-eng-1st-test-day-1-cricket-match/liveblog/107128197.cms

England's uncapped spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the first Test of the India tour due to visa issues. Bashir, of Pakistani heritage, was unable to join the squad from Abu Dhabi's training camp. The England and Wales Cricket Board initially sought assistance from the BCCI, but Bashir was instructed to address the matter directly with the Indian High Commission. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/england-spinner-shoaib-bashir-ruled-out-of-first-test-in-india-due-to-visa-issues/articleshow/107096885.cms

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Monday witnessed the presence of numerous celebrities. While it remains uncertain whether the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli, was among the Indian cricketers attending the event, his doppelganger garnered significant attention from the crowd. The look-alike, sporting Team India's blue jersey, was surrounded by people eager to take selfies in a video captured after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. PM Narendra Modi played a pivotal role in the inauguration ceremony. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/watch-when-virat-kohli-duplicate-felt-like-the-original-in-ayodhya/articleshow/107066407.cms

Cricket Australia is investigating an incident involving all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was hospitalized after a night out in Adelaide. The 35-year-old is expected to be questioned about the incident, which occurred after attending a concert featuring Six & Out, a band comprising former cricket greats like Brett Lee. Cricket Australia is aware of the incident and is seeking further information. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/glenn-maxwell-under-investigation-by-cricket-australia-for-adelaide-incident/articleshow/107065184.cms

Pujara reached 20,000 runs in first-class cricket during Saurashtra's Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha in Nagpur. His impressive performance, including 43 runs in the first innings and a resilient 66 in the second, contributed significantly to the team's success. Pujara now has 20,013 runs from 260 matches, boasting an impressive average of 51.98 in his first-class career. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/cheteshwar-pujara-joins-elite-club-becomes-fourth-indian-to-score-20000-firstclass-runs/articleshow/107040992.cms

The Indian skipper has been preparing for the upcoming five-Test series against England, which begins on January 25 in Hyderabad and ends on March 11 in Dharamshala. The Mumbai Indians, the reigning five-time IPL champions, have shared images of Rohit's intense training regimen on social media platform X. Rohit boasts an impressive record against England, having accumulated 747 runs in nine Tests at an average of 49.80. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/rohit-sharma-starts-practicing-ahead-of-test-series-against-england/articleshow/107039267.cms

Andy Flower, former Zimbabwe captsin who coached the England team from 2009 to 2014, is well-acquainted with the squad. Remaining actively engaged with their performances, he anticipates an intriguing five-Test series between India and England that begins with the first Test in Hyderabad from January 25. The last series between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw. Though spinners play an important role on India wickets, Flower believes the Indian pace attack can also be very lethal. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/indiaengland-series-not-only-about-spin-says-andy-flower/articleshow/107039353.cms

Despite losing the series 4-1, the tourists finished on a positive note by defending their total of 134 for 8, as the Black Caps crumbled for a meager 92. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/pakistan-register-consolation-win-beat-new-zealand-in-5th-t20i/articleshow/107023604.cms

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-5th-t20i-live-cricket-score/liveblog/107021660.cms

source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-bangladesh-live-score-ind-vs-ban-u19-odi-world-cup-2024-live-score-updates-from-bloemfontein/liveblog/107007068.cms

New Zealand have already taken a 4-0 lead in the five-match series and Mitchell would be rested as part of his workload management, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Saturday. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/daryl-mitchell-rested-rachin-ravindra-returns-for-final-new-zealand-vs-pakistan-t20i/articleshow/107005010.cms

The victory achieved in the last session of the game was spearheaded by Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89. Noteworthy performances also came from Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored 91 and 56, respectively, in the top order. Challenged with a formidable task of chasing 328 runs, the visitors put on a remarkable show. Reflecting on that momentous day, Pant revealed exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes in a Star Sports interview, sharing Rohit Sharma's words that he always remembers. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/tujhe-nahi-pata-rishabh-pant-recalls-rohit-sharmas-words-after-gabba-win/articleshow/107003983.cms

Former Australian player Tom Moody, director of cricket for Desert Vipers, is confident in their preparation for the DP World ILT20. Moody acknowledges the quality of the league and the dominance of the IPL. He believes Test cricket will continue despite the rise of franchise events. Moody would have enjoyed playing T20s and considers franchise cricket a privileged opportunity. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/its-difficult-to-match-quality-of-ipl-tom-moody/articleshow/107002073.cms

The second edition of DP World ILT20 kicks off with a match between Sharjah Warriors and Gulf Giants at Sharjah Stadium. This tournament will help players prepare for the T20 World Cup in June. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are looking for a better season, while Sunil Narine hopes to find the right combination for his team. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ilt20-will-help-prepare-for-t20-world-cup-nicholas-pooran/articleshow/106974654.cms

Australia secured a 10 wicket victory over the West Indies at Adelaide Oval, thanks to Josh Hazlewood's impressive five-wicket haul of 5/35. The match saw Usman Khawaja retire injured after a head injury, while Marnus Labuschagne sealed the win off the second ball he faced. Australia's dominance was evident throughout the match, with a substantial first-innings lead of 95. Hazlewood's dismantling of the West Indies top order set the tone for the victory. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/1st-test-australia-crush-west-indies-by-10-wickets-at-adelaide-oval/articleshow/106971520.cms

Joyful festivities erupted both in the Indian dugout and the stands following the exhilarating victory of the home team. Virat Kohli, embracing his inner child, added to the jubilation by playfully sliding on the grass to join the team photograph. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed an intense double 'Super Over' climax, with India clinching a 3-0 triumph over Afghanistan in their final T20I series before the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/watch-virat-kohlis-funny-entry-for-victory-photo-after-india-swept-afghanistan-30/articleshow/106942612.cms

India overcame Afghanistan in second Super Over in heart-stopping T20 International to complete 3-0 series sweep on night of high drama on Wednesday. The final match of the three-match series provided the most drama as Afghanistan, replying to India's mammoth 212-4, racked up 212-6 resulting in deadlock. In first Super Over, Afghanistan managed 16-1, which India matched as stalemate continued. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/bengaluru-blockbuster-how-india-won-t22-against-afghanistan/articleshow/106942150.cms

The third T20I clash between India and Afghanistan in Bengaluru made cricket history by necessitating two Super Overs to establish the winner of the match. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/when-dramatic-super-over-ended-in-a-rare-tie-in-history-of-cricket/articleshow/106937321.cms

Zimbabwe secured their first T20 international victory against Sri Lanka in a dramatic match in Colombo. With a target of 174, Zimbabwe required 20 runs off the last over, bowled by Angelo Mathews. They ultimately triumphed by four wickets with a ball to spare. Match-winner Luke Jongwe smashed three sixes, guiding his team to a remarkable victory. Jongwe was named man of the match for his outstanding all-round performance. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/2nd-t20i-zimbabwe-clinch-thrilling-victory-to-level-series-against-sri-lanka/articleshow/106912587.cms

New Zealand opener Finn Allen set a new record by striking a 137 off 62 deliveries in the third Twenty20 international against Pakistan. His innings surpassed the previous highest score by a New Zealander in a T20 international, Brendon McCullum's 123, and equaled the world record for the most sixes in an innings, held by Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai. Haris Rauf leaked 27 runs off a single over. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/new-zealand-opener-finn-allen-equals-world-record-with-16-sixes-against-pakistan/articleshow/106911605.cms

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source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-3rd-t20i-live-cricket-score/liveblog/106911473.cms

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson will be sidelined for the final three matches of the Twenty20 series against Pakistan due to a minor hamstring strain sustained during the second T20I match in Hamilton. Despite the setback, the Black Caps secured a 2-0 lead in the series. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the injury occurred while Williamson was batting and is establishing a timeline for his rehabilitation and return to cricket. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/kane-williamson-ruled-out-of-remaining-t20i-matches-against-pakistan-due-to-hamstring-strain/articleshow/106881258.cms

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson is unlikely to play in the remaining T20 matches against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during the second Twenty20 match. He was ruled out of the third T20 scheduled for Wednesday and is likely to miss the final two games. Coach Gary Stead emphasized the importance of prioritizing Williamson's fitness for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/kane-williamson-likely-to-miss-remaining-t20is-against-pakistan/articleshow/106850517.cms

Sri Lanka won the first Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe in a thrilling match at Colombo. Dushmantha Chameera's decisive four off the penultimate ball and two runs off the last delivery secured a three-wicket win for the hosts. Veteran Angelo Mathews, making a comeback to T20 Internationals after nearly three years, top-scored with 46 runs. Mathews credited Chameera for scoring six runs in two balls, stating that all their hard work would have been useless without his contribution. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/1st-t20i-sri-lanka-clinch-a-thrilling-last-ball-victory-over-zimbabwe/articleshow/106848541.cms

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube smashed half-centuries as India thrashed Afghanistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Indore on Sunday to clinch the three-match series. Jaiswal, who hit 68 off 34 balls, returned to the team along with star batsman Virat Kohli after the two missed the opening win. Jaiswal put on key partnerships including a 92-run stand with left-handed partner Dube, who hit an unbeaten 63, as India chased down their victory target with 26 balls to spare and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/india-vs-afghanistan-2nd-t20i-the-yashasvi-jaiswal-and-shivam-dube-show/articleshow/106847389.cms

Over the years, the essence of IPL franchises has been to ‘catch them young and watch them grow’. On Friday evening, as Paarl Royals began their campaign in the Betway SA20 league here with a resounding win over Pretoria Capitals, it was a day of double delight for the Royals’ director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara. As the contest was under way, the news of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel’s maiden national senior team came in. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/dhruv-jurels-worked-hard-to-get-where-he-is-kumar-sangakkara/articleshow/106828964.cms

On Sunday, marking their first T20 International appearance since the disappointing exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals, where Team India suffered a ten-wicket defeat against England in Adelaide, cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to play together. Virat Kohli is likely to replace Tilak Varma in the lineup. Both players had been absent from India's T20 squad for the past 14 months, but the selectors controversially reintroduced them for this series. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/all-eyes-on-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-as-india-face-afghanistan-in-2nd-t20i/articleshow/106826637.cms

KL Rahul’s role as a wicketkeeper in Test cricket has lasted just one series against South Africa. TOI has learnt that the 31-year-old, who cracked a brilliant 101 against in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, will play as a specialist batter in the five match home Test series against England, which begins with the first Test in Hyderabad on January 25. This decision provides KS Bharat a golden opportunity to make a Test comeback. In five Tests, Bharat has made 129 runs @ 18.42. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india/kl-rahul-relieved-from-test-wicketkeeping-duties/articleshow/106823549.cms

For the first time-ever, the Cooch Behar Trophy (for men’s Under-19) is being telecast live. The final, between Mumbai and Karn9, which began on Friday in Shimoga, is being telecast live. The summit clash is being live streamed by JioCinema, the BCCI's official broadcaster for home matches-international and domestic-since September 1 last year. source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/in-a-first-cooch-behar-trophy-final-being-telecast-live/articleshow/106800021.cms