Ahead of his debut against Team India, Australia's Sam Konstas is super confident to face visitor's lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Sam Konstas received a maiden call-up for the remaining two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Melbourne and Sydney. The five-match Test series against India and Australia are currently tied at 1-1. The fourth Test match will kick start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Sam Konstas said that the analysts of Team Australia had already given a little feedback on each bowler. Also Read: Ben Stokes out of Champions Trophy 2025, Root returns to England's ODI squad "I won't watch too much [of him]. I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe," Konstas was quoted by ICC as saying. Further, Konstas stated that he is just backing up his skills and trying to keep things simple. "I'm super confident. Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it's a huge honour if I do get in," he added. Sam Konstas played a vital role in Australia's ICC U19 World Cup 2024 triumph, scoring 191 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.28, including a century. He also featured in a two-match series between Australia A and India A ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 92 runs in four innings, highlighted by a match-winning 73*. In the warm-up pink-ball game against India, he stamped his authority with a classy 107 off 97 balls against a formidable Indian attack. In the ongoing Sheffield Shield season, Konstas is the fifth-highest run-getter with 471 runs in five matches at an average of 58.87, including two centuries and a fifty, with a best score of 152. (With ANI Inputs)
22 December,2024 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEngland's Test skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The mega event will be hosted by Pakistan. Stokes will also be absent for the white-ball tour of India. Ben Stokes was not considered for both assignments as he pulled a left hamstring injury during England's loss against New Zealand in the third Test match. Ben Stokes did not come out to bat in the second innings of the match to avoid further damage. England suffered a 423-run defeat, but a result that meant his side still won a three-match series 2-1. With England facing a five-match Test series at home to India starting in June before their pinnacle 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia, team management has decided against risking inspirational red-ball skipper Stokes in the Champions Trophy 2025. Also Read: Unstoppable Smriti Mandhana takes India to 314/9 Joe Root who has been in an exceptional form has made a comeback in the ODI squad for the first time since the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Speedster Mark Wood who missed the recent matches due to an elbow injury has been named in both squads. The India series and Champions Trophy will mark England's first limited-overs tour and tournament under coach Brendon McCullum, previously just in charge of the Test side. Jos Buttler has retained the captaincy of the two white-ball teams despite England surrendering both their 50-over and T20 world titles since November 2023. But it is possible the dashing batsman may not keep wicket, as he has for much of his limited-overs career. Both the ODI squad for the India tour and the Champions Trophy, as well as the squad for five T20s in India in January, feature two other wicketkeepers in Test gloveman Jamie Smith, who missed the New Zealand series to attend the birth of his first child, and Phil Salt. The 21-year-old Jacob Bethell who made his Test debut with three half-centuries in New Zealand also secured his spot in both teams. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed joins the T20 squad, while Root is selected only for the ODIs. The tour party leaves for India on January 17, with the first match of a five-game series against T20 world champions India in Kolkata on January 22. India and England will then play a three-match ODI series, in preparation for the Champions Trophy, starting in Nagpur on February 6. Match dates for the Champions Trophy, which also features Pakistan as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, have yet to be announced, with the tournament due to run from February 19 to March 9. England ODI squad for India tour and 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan: Jos Buttler (capt/wkt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith (wkt), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt (wkt), Mark Wood. England T20I squad for India tour: Jos Buttler (capt/wkt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith (wkt), Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt (wkt), Mark Wood. (With AFP Inputs)
22 December,2024 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStylish opener Smriti Mandhana extended her purple patch with a classy 91 off 102 balls, propelling India to 314/9 in the first Women's ODI against the West Indies, here Sunday. Mandhana, who recorded a 50-plus score for the fifth time in as many innings, got the bulk of the runs in her 110-run stand alongside debutant Pratika Rawal (40 off 69). The launch pad was provided by Mandhana for the middle-order to go big and that is what the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur (34 off 23), Harleen Deol (44 off 50), Richa Ghosh (26 off 12) and Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19) did to take India past 300. Also Read: Should KL Rahul make way for Rohit Sharma at the top? Know Ravi Shastri's opinion After dropping hard-hitting Shafali Verma, India have tried multiple batters to open alonside Mandhana and on Sunday it was the turn of Delhi cricketer Pratika, who batted at a strike rate of 57.97. The 24-year-old was also dropped at mid-off when she was batting on three in the 10th over. Her four boundaries came on the leg-side as she employed the sweep multiple times. Mandhana, at the other end, entertained the crowd with her trademark shots including a cover drive and pull. India changed gears after the arrival of fit-again skipper Harmanpreet who struck at close to 150 to give the innings a timely move on. The momentum was carried by Richa and Rodrigues who has been in top form of late. For the West Indies, the pick of the bowlers was left-arm spinner Zaida James who took five wickets for 45 runs in eight overs. India could have got a lot more in the death overs but the last three overs only yielded 20 runs with James picking three wickets in the final over. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 December,2024 05:55 PM IST | Vadodara | PTITravis Head's ability to judge the short ball early is the reason behind his success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, feels Ravi Shastri. He further stated that Team India would like to have a balm for the "Headache." Travis Head after being dismissed for 11 in the first innings went on to score 89, 140 and 152 runs in the next three appearances. He played a crucial role for Australia in the pink ball Test match which the hosts won by 10 wickets. "I think he (Head) is very smart. From what I saw of him three years ago, he has improved immensely. Especially with the way he plays the short ball. He's prepared to leave it. He has learned to leave it well at times," Shastri said on the ICC Review. The former India coach Ravi Shastri added that Travis Head's ability to judge the delivery's line and length quickly gives him time to play the right stroke. Also Read: KL Rahul attended to by physio after getting hit on hand "It's not a big shot all the time off a short delivery angled at his armpits or something. He's prepared to either ride it or go for the big shots. And if it is middle, middle and off, then he hits it in front of square as well," Shastri said. The Indian legend further said when on song, Head is difficult to stop. "He picks up length very well. That's one of his great strengths. And he has a flashing blade for the offside. So he's a hard man to contain. And he's in the form of his life." Ravi Shastri labelled Travis as a "Headache" and India is looking for a balm. "They are looking for balms in India. For foot problems, ankle problems (and) even a headache they are looking for a balm. He is ideal for that." Team India lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been a troublemaker for every Australian batsman. The speedster claimed 21 wickets with an average of 10.9 in the ongoing series. But Travis Head has been on a solid run against Bumrah. The left-hander has garnered 83 runs off 91 deliveries. "We all knew he was dangerous, but that first shot he played off Jasprit Bumrah, that cover drive, off the front foot. It was in many ways a little bit on the up, off a good delivery, decent delivery. It told me that this is a player in prime, prime form," said Shastri. The cricketer-turned-commentator said Head's batting prowess gave an insight into his uncluttered mind. He went on to show exactly that (clear mind). And the thing with him is there's no, his mindset is very clear. There's no clouded mindset. He's very clear about the situation. This is my strength. "I am going to play in that fashion. Yes, I will watch the state of the game. I might shift from fourth gear to third gear. But I will always be in third and fourth gear once I get my eye on," Ravi Shastri added. (With PTI Inputs)
22 December,2024 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeenage spinner AM Ghazanfar's impressive bowling figures of 5-33 propelled Afghanistan to defeat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in third ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday to clinch a 2-0 series win. It’s also the sixth successive time Afghanistan have got an ODI series win over Zimbabwe. Electing to field first, Afghanistan ran through Zimbabwe’s fragile batting line-up to skittle them for 127 in 30.1 overs. Ghazanfar, 18, bowled his quota of overs unchanged to torment Zimbabwe and picked his second ODI five-wicket haul in just 11 matches. Providing ample support to Player of the Match Ghazanfar was premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who took 3-38. For Zimbabwe, the veteran Sean Williams top scored with 60 off 61 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes and be the long ranger for the hosts’ with the bat. Also Read: KL Rahul attended to by physio after getting hit on hand In reply, Afghanistan completed the chase in 26.5 overs, despite losing two wickets. Opener Sediqullah Atal scored 52 off 50 balls, laced with four fours and two sixes, after having scored 104 in the second ODI. He shared an 84-run opening stand with Abdul Malik (29) before Rahmat Shah (17 not out) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20 not out) finished off the chase well. Atal was also bestowed with the Player of the Series award in Afghanistan’s emphatic series triumph after first ODI was washed out due to rain. Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will now play a two-match Test series starting in Bulawayo on Thursday. The match will also be Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day Test at home since playing a rain-hit draw against England in 1996. Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 127/10 (Sean Williams 60; AM Ghazanfar 5-33, Rashid Khan 3-38) lost to Afghanistan 131 /2 (Sediqullah Atal 52; Trevor Gwandu 1-27, Richard Ngarava 1-32) by eight wickets This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 03:33 PM IST | Harare | IANSTeam India batsman KL Rahul was hit on his hand during the session ahead of the fourth Test match against Australia. The batsman was further attended by the team physio. India's star batsman KL Rahul was hit on his right arm and was seen in discomfort at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The same venue will host the fourth Test match which will kick start from December 26. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is levelled at 1-1. There is no clarity on the extent of injury and the team management has also not issued any statement on why KL Rahul had sought medical attention. In a video that surfaced on social media, Rahul was seen holding the right hand while receiving treatment. Rahul has been the team's in-form batter in the ongoing tour, scoring 235 runs from six innings at an impressive average of 47. Also Read: "Only Hindi" questions in Melbourne leave Australian media disappointed The elegant right-hander has so far struck two half-centuries and is set to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth Test. Overall, he is the second-highest scorer in the marquee series behind Australia's swashbuckling middle-order batter Travis Head, who has already smashed two centuries. Battling through multiple rain interruptions, Rahul held firm with a vital knock of 84 in India's first innings of the third Test in Adelaide, the innings going a long way in helping India to save the match. In the ongoing series, KL Rahul has been opening the innings for India. This has made traditional opening batsman and skipper Rohit Sharma come down the order. The further point to be noted is that the skipper has been struggling to find himself among the runs. Ahead of the fourth Test, will Rohit return to his opening slot or Rahul will continue to shoulder Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top? (With PTI Inputs)
22 December,2024 03:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKL Shrijith’s whirlwind unbeaten 150 trumped Shreyas Iyer’s fiery 114 as Karnataka etched a memorable seven-wicket win over Mumbai in a Group ‘C’ match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Saturday. Shreyas’ unbeaten 55-ball knock (5x4, 10x6) combined with fifties from Hardik Tamore (84), Ayush Mhatre (78) and Shivam Dube (63 not out) guided Mumbai to an imposing 382 for four in 50 overs. Also Read: ‘Mum was in tears, I was trying not to cry’ But Shrijith, who was sold to Mumbai Indians for Rs 30 lakh in the recent IPL auction, hammered 150 off 101 balls with 20 fours and four sixes to help Karnataka scale down 383 with 3.4 overs to spare. He was ably supported by KV Aneesh (82), Praveen Dubey (65 not out). Meanwhile in Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh pacer Avesh Khan took three wickets to restrict Bihar to 196 all out. MP then rode on an unbeaten 55 by skipper Rajat Patidar and an 83 by Harsh Gawali to secure six-wicket win. Brief scoresMumbai 382-4 in 50 overs (S Iyer 114*, H Tamore 84, A Mhatre 78; P Dubey 2-89) lost to Karnataka 383-3 in 46.2 overs (K Shrijith 150, K Aneesh 82; J Khan 2-70) by seven wickets This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:55 AM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIAustralian batter Sam Konstas, 19, currently representing Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, reflected on his maiden Test call-up to the men’s national team on Saturday. Also Read: T20I: Smriti Mandhan-led India dominate West Indies by 2-1 series win “Mum was in tears, I was trying not to cry and dad was super proud. I was in the nets and I got the call from George Bailey, he told me I was in the Test squad so I called my parents straight away,” said Konstas. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:52 AM IST | Sydney | IANSIndia will be eager to exploit their recent form and a historical advantage to subdue the West Indies in the three-match Women ODI series, beginning here on Sunday. India notched up their first home T20I series win in over five years with a 2-1 victory over the Caribbeans in Mumbai earlier this week. Also Read: "Only Hindi" questions in Melbourne leave Australian media disappointed Dating back to 2017, India also hold a significant 4-1 head-to-head lead over the Windies in ODIs. The lone worry for India will be the fitness of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who missed the last two T20Is with a knee niggle. Smriti Mandhana led India in Harmanpreet’s absence and she made a strong impression in the T20Is, striking three fifties. The graceful batter will be keen to continue in the same vein in the ODIs as well. Her form in the last 10 ODIs is outstanding, scoring 599 runs at an average of 60 while striking at 98. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:50 AM IST | Vadodara | PTIThe temperature on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test is expected to soar to 39 degrees, but tensions between the Indian and Australian media seem to have already hit boiling point. After Virat Kohli’s disagreement with a Channel 7 reporter at Melbourne Airport last Thursday, a fresh controversy erupted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday during Ravindra Jadeja’s press conference following the team’s practice session. The interaction, organised primarily for the travelling Indian media, saw only Hindi questions being asked, with Jadeja responding in the same language. While neither the player nor the Indian media team had any issue with taking questions in English, the reporters present chose to ask only in Hindi. Also Read: Rishabh Pant waiting to explode The Indian media manager clarified that the session was arranged for Indian journalists as part of regular touring engagements, given the week-long gap between the fourth and fifth Tests. While Australian reporters attended without being explicitly invited, the Indian team welcomed their presence without imposing restrictions.Time constraints, however, prevented even several Indian journalists from posing their questions as the team bus was scheduled to leave. This appeared to frustrate some Australian media members, who voiced objections over the absence of English questions—a demand outside the session’s intended purpose. Matters escalated after the nine-minute session ended, with a few Australian journalists confronting the Indian media manager and journalists in a visually aggressive manner. An Australian videographer’s attempt to film the incident, despite protests from the Indian contingent, further heightened tensions.
22 December,2024 07:46 AM IST | Melbourne | Sandipan BanerjeeRishabh Pant is a huge star in this part of the world. It’s not hard to see why. He made a century six years back, on his first tour of Australia, in the final Test in Sydney. In January 2021, he fashioned an outstanding Indian Test and series victory in Brisbane with a supremely composed unbeaten 89 when the team was missing more than half the regulars and chasing a venue record 328. He is also the peoples’ champion. Through the course of this tour, he has obliged requests for selfies with a smile, remaining grounded and humble. Smart and thoughtful lad Pant has stared death in the face and lived to tell the tale, so it’s unlikely that he will be too fazed by the pressures that a game of cricket can impose. Even before that horrendous accident of December 30, 2022, the likeable young man came across as smart, thoughtful and equanimous in success and failure. He is perhaps even more so now, considering the last 24 months of his life and the manner in which he has bounced back when many feared whether he would even walk again. Also Read: "When top order doesn't score runs, pressure increases in lower order": Ravindra Jadeja Since returning to competitive cricket nine months ago at the IPL, Pant has waltzed back into the national team. After a strong start at the T20 World Cup in New York, he went somewhat cold when the tournament moved to the Caribbean but celebrated his return to Test cricket in September against Bangladesh with a flowing second-innings century. His grand form with the bat spilled over to the NZ series when he made 99 in the second innings of the first Test and almost hauled India to victory in Mumbai until a contentious TV umpire decision thwarted those designs. Pant made a splendid 64, his second half-century of the game on a decidedly dodgy surface, and it was then widely believed that in Australia, on truer wickets with more pace and bounce, he would positively enjoy himself. That hasn’t been the case. Five innings have produced a mere 96 runs with a highest of 37 and an average of 19.2. At No. 5, he has almost always walked into a newish ball — in the 17th over in the first innings in Perth, 21st and 15th overs in Adelaide, and the eighth over in Brisbane — against which batting has been very tricky against a terrific pace attack. New ball challenge Pant’s counterpart at No. 5, Travis Head, has had the luxury of coming in mainly after the new ball has been blunted, after which he has been able to play his shots with impunity. Early forays to the batting crease haven’t helped Pant’s cause, but the left-hander has been around long enough to not use that as an excuse. Pant’s Test career received a second lease in Melbourne four years back, when he was recalled after being benched in the series opener in Adelaide. Maybe it’s here too that he will turn his series around next week. Now, what a story that will be.
22 December,2024 07:40 AM IST | Melbourne | R KaushikADVERTISEMENT
