Jasprit Bumrah has always loved responsibility and taking on tough jobs which is why he is relishing the prospect of leading India against fierce rivals Australia in a much-anticipated Test series opener in their backyard. This is the second time that Bumrah will captain the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma after the Edgbaston Test against England in 2022, and the 30-year-old would like to skin the cat in his own way. Also Read: "It’s a pleasure to be part of it": Devdutt Padikkal on Team India “I don’t look at captaincy as a post, but I have always loved responsibility,” Bumrah said at a press conference ahead of the first Test.“I wanted to do the tough job since I was a child. You want to do things and get thrown in tough scenarios, this adds a new challenge for me,” India’s pace spearhead said, summing up his feelings about leadership. “Obviously, I won’t be telling Rohit ki main kar leta hoon [I would do this] [laughs]. He is our captain and he is doing a wonderful job and right now it’s one game and you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.” “In the next game, things change and that’s how cricket works. Right now, I am in the present. I have been given a responsibility. I am thinking how I can contribute to the best of my capacity,” he added. 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 November,2024 07:07 AM IST | Perth | PTIDevdutt Padikkal, who has impressed with his consistent performances in domestic and A-level cricket, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to represent the national side in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The 24-year-old showcased his temperament and skill during India ‘A’s recent series against Australia ‘A’, scoring 36, 88, 26 and one across matches. His ability to handle pressure situations and counter both pace and spin will be crucial on the bouncy Optus Stadium pitch in Perth, where the first Test is set to begin on Friday. Also Read: "If you want to play for India for long, imbibe good habits": Virat tips to Yashasvi Jaiswal The BCCI released a video on social media on Thursday, showing Padikkal joining the Indian squad and sharing his thoughts on the opportunity. “It feels quite surreal, to be honest. The intensity during practice sessions is incredibly high — you can feel the challenge and sense that everyone is ready and eager for the big series ahead. Training with the Indian team always feels as intense as an actual match, and it’s a pleasure to be part of it. “When I came here for the eight-hour stint, I had a hope in the back of my mind that I could perform well enough to stay longer. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity now, and I hope to make the most of it,” Padikkal said in a video posted by BCCI on X. 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 November,2024 07:03 AM IST | Perth | IANSYashasvi Jaiswal has enjoyed a stunning start to his Test career and the left-hander says Virat Kohli's advice to be discipline in every aspect of life is the guiding principle of his ambition to have a long career in Team India. Yashasvi Jaiswal has already registered three centuries and eight half-centuries in 14 Test matches with an average of over 56. He is now gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "When I started playing senior cricket, I spoke to Virat Paaji about how he manages himself," Yashasvi Jaiswal told bcci.tv. "Paaji (Kohli) said to me that if I have to play all that cricket (as long as he has), then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines, follow the process." "I have seen him (Kohli) doing the stuff consistently day-by-day (day in day out), he motivates me to work on myself and make a difference in my habits," he said. Also Read: "People used to literally do puja": Ravi Shastri on this Indian player Yashasvi Jaiswal then elaborated on his routine. "I have always believed in consistency in my work. I have always had a plan when I go for practice. The focus is on recovery, to remain fresh for next practice, taking care of my diet," he said. "The desire to play for India is the biggest motivation I have, really blessed to have these opportunities and ready for it," Jaiswal added. The Mumbaikar echoed stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah's confidence in the team's ability to adapt quickly. "This is a different place. Ball comes at a different height, but that we all know and we are ready mentally. I really want to go in, see it and be there," he said. Yashasvi Jaiswal wants to stand true to the opportunities coming his way and believes that he is up for the challenge. "I always see this as an opportunity for me to go out there and learn," he said "People, a lot of times, talk about stuff, that this happens and that happens but I want to go and face that stuff and want to enjoy that smile, that is all I think about. Till you are not there (in person), you don't feel what it is." (With PTI Inputs)
21 November,2024 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRavi Shastri guided Team India to back-to-back Test series win in Australia and his advice to current head coach Gautam Gambhir is that to stay calm and avoid unthinking response to anything. Known for his aggressive temperament, Gautam Gambhir has been recently labelled as prickly by a few Australian cricketers. "The first thing would be to stay calm and not let outside elements influence you in any way," Ravi Shastri advised Gambhir while talking to media in the Star Sports press room. "Avoid getting into positions where knee-jerk reactions happen. Stay calm and focus on understanding your players. You'll notice what it takes for a player to thrive." Ravi Shastri said that the key to success is understanding players and where they can be best suited. "You'll understand team situations where a certain player might be better suited than another, based on your understanding of their temperament. "These insights don't come overnight -- it took me some time to understand everyone. Gautam might already have a basic understanding of the players' temperaments. He might have seen them in the IPL or sat in the dressing room with them when he played." "However, there are many players with different mindsets, cultures, and backgrounds. For example, there could be a player who's an introvert, but with the right push and confidence, he could become a match-winner for you. "Understanding those kinds of players and enabling them to work and play in a way that brings out their best would be crucial." Also Read: "Reddy is talented and believes in his game", says skipper Jasprit Bumrah Team India will face Australia after suffering a loss against New Zealand, but Ravi Shastri feels that Australia will never underestimate the visitors who have held the title since 2016-17. "One thing is clear -- this Australian team will never underestimate India, no matter who has come to play. They'll be quietly confident but won't let that confidence get too high. "They'll be desperate to win, as they haven't won in their own country the last two times and haven't had their hands on the trophy in close to 10 years. That desperation will be there," he added. Asked if there would be additional pressure on premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who would stand in as skipper in the Perth Test with Rohit Sharma on paternity leave, Shastri said he should not "overtry". "These are things that happen naturally, beyond your control. There's nothing you can do about it. You have to think ahead, see what's in your hands, and act accordingly. "You've got the ammunition and players with experience, so it's important for Gautam to motivate them to take on Australia," Shastri said. Ravi Shastri believes Bumrah will face pressure as captain. "Pressure will be on Bumrah, no doubt about that. Any captain will feel the heat in this situation. But Bumrah is a mature and competitive cricketer. Let's not forget he's the best fast bowler in the world right now. The Aussies know what they're up against, they might come after him, but they also know he'll come after them." "He shouldn't overtry due to captaincy pressure. If he sticks to his strengths and bowls like a team player, he'll be fine." With India's Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara missing from the squad, Ravi Shastri feels that KL Rahul is one player who can bat long. "Pujara is Pujara. Please don't compare him with anyone. People used to literally do "puja" to Pujara, asking him to stay at the crease, and we'd win the series in Australia -- and it happened that way. So don't compare. What he did was outstanding. "When you look at this team and who's got the technique, KL Rahul is one player who can bat long if he gets a good start. He has runs in overseas conditions and is on his third tour of Australia. Shastri feels the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide could prove decisive in the final outcome of the series. "If one team takes the upper hand in these two games, they'll likely go on to win the series," Shastri concluded. (With PTI Inputs)
21 November,2024 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJasprit Bumrah was not ready to reveal his playing XI for the opening Test match against Australia. But he has given enough indications that the management believes in Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round abilities. As a captain of the Indian team, Jasprit Bumrah is impressed with the youngsters for not being confused about their roles and not being overwhelmed as well by the sense of occasion of playing their first Test series Down Under. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Devdutt Padikkal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna and Dhruv Jurel are on their maiden Test tour to Australia. "Reddy is quite talented and we are positive about him. You have seen in IPL also, he believes in his game", Jasprit Bumrah said at the pre-match media conference on Thursday. Bumrah admired the fact that this generation of players is fearless and clear-headed in their approach. "The best thing about youngsters in our team is that when you talk to them, no one looks confused, overawed", he said. "When you have belief in your abilities, you get a lot of confidence as a leader that a youngster wants to perform the tough job." Also Read: SA20 Season 3: With 50 days to go, AB de Villiers excited for upcoming mega action "He wants responsibility and wants to be thrown at the deep end of the pool as they want to prove themselves. Nothing could be more heartening for a captain." Virat Kohli's recent run in Test cricket could be a matter of debate, but Jasprit Bumrah has no doubt that the Indian stalwart looks in fine touch which could turn out to be ominous for the opposition. Further, the pacer said that he would not like to jink it. "I don't have to say anything about Kohli the batter. I have made my (Test) debut under him. I don't need to give him any kind of special inputs and he is the utmost professional you have in our team and he is one of the leaders", Bumrah was loud and clear. Jasprit Bumrah is on his third tour to Australia and he keeps telling the youngsters that once a player performs here, his career graph goes on an upward scale. For him, it doesn't matter if he is 100-Test old or 50-Test, it is the self-belief that makes all the difference. "If you believe you are good enough, then you can make an impact. It doesn't matter if you have played 100 Tests or 50 Tests. What matters is what is going on inside you. If I believe I can do it, it can make a difference. On a given day, anyone can make a difference and doesn't matter who you are, because you gain experience by playing, nobody is born with experience and if that self-belief is there that's what matters." Bumrah believes that there are lessons to be learnt from the 0-3 defeat against New Zealand but the team has moved on as they embark on a fresh journey fraught with challenges. In the end, whether one wins or loses, the fresh start is still from zero. "Obviously, we won the World Cup doesn't mean that we become complacent and obviously we were disappointed and we had a tough series last time but we are not carrying any baggage. We need to absorb the learnings (from NZ series) and move on. The conditions in India were different and conditions here are different and we have had very different results over here," he said. One pro-tip Bumrah has for the youngsters is learning to cope up with the bad days in the same manner as they handle the good days. "Our players know how to handle good and bad days. Like good days, you need to learn to cope up with bad days too if you need to play international cricket", he added. (With PTI Inputs)
21 November,2024 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentProteas legend AB de Villiers is excited ahead of their opening match of the SA20 Season 3 between double champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on January 9. With only 50 days to go until the first ball is bowled, de Villiers, the brand ambassador of SA20, on Wednesday analysed the chances of the teams. The opening match will return to St George’s for a second year running, and De Villiers, who has fond memories of the oldest international ground in the country, feels there could be no better place to kick off an incredible month of cricket. “St George’s Park has the best atmosphere of all the grounds I feel. Certainly, during my playing days over there, they got right behind me,” De Villiers said. “There is nothing better than playing at St George’s Park. With the band there, there is always music in the background. It’s almost like you have earpods in your ears. Dancing to some tunes while you’re playing cricket.” Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy | "You might see Shami here as well": Jasprit Bumrah The home side, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, have been the standout team over the past two seasons, winning back-to-back titles under the guidance of their dynamic leadership duo of coach Adrian Birrell and captain Aiden Markram. De Villiers, having played under Birrell for many years with the Proteas men’s team, feels their edge over the opposition is due to their tremendous team ethic and culture created by the Eastern Cape farmer. “The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been incredibly successful in SA20 - both seasons’ champions. It is an incredible achievement for them. They will try their absolute best to go three in a row,” De Villiers said. “I feel their strength lies in their ability to play as a team. It is something Adrian Birrell has achieved over there in the setup, their ability to hunt as a pack. Captain Aiden Markram is calm and composed. You also feel that anyone can chip in at any time. Adi Birrell is a true legend. He brings a lot of calmness and composure. He is a down-to-earth farmer from the Eastern Cape, an absolute legend over there. His humility is what stands out. He never talks down to anyone. He always sees the basics of the game as the most important thing,” de Villiers was quoted as saying in a release on Wednesday. De Villiers, though, is expecting a crackerjack opening game due to MI Cape Town having bolstered their already power-packed squad with England Test captain and double white-ball World Cup winner Ben Stokes for Season 3. “MI Cape Town are a star-studded team. They have been for the past two seasons, and now with the addition of Ben Stokes, makes that side even better,” De Villiers said. “But it also shows that the best teams don’t always win championships. I do, however, expect a better performance, looking at that line-up on paper, it's just pure power,” said the former South Africa captain, considered by many as the best 360-degree batter in the cricket world. De Villiers, who was part of the SA20 commentary team over the past two seasons, also expects another bumper month of action-packed cricket and incredible entertainment. “We are 50 days out of Betway SA20 Season 3,” he said. “We all know there was big hype and excitement in the first two seasons. That’s what I am looking forward to the most: big crowds, everyone coming in to support Betway SA20 Season 3. I am urging everyone to come in and have a lot of fun with us.” 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
21 November,2024 03:09 PM IST | Cape Town (South Africa) | IANSAustralian batsman Marnus Labuschagne wants to play the Test match to dominate the Indian bowlers just like how Cheteshwar Pujara did in the past two Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. In the 2018-19 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India's Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara played 1,258 deliveries across seven innings. He smashed three centuries and dominated the unchanged set of Australian bowling attacks throughout the four-Test series, helping India secure a famous victory Down Under. He used a similar approach in the 2020-21 Test series by facing 928 balls, the most by any batsman in the series as he once again contributed to another memorable win for the tourists. Marnus Labuschagne plans to use a similar strategy. The right-hander feels that keeping India's relatively inexperienced pace attack, aside from Jasprit Bumrah, on the field for as long as possible could be the key for the hosts in the five-Test series beginning here on Friday. "It's going to be important for all of us. I think the way we play, we're at our best when we're playing the long game," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by 'ESPNCricinfo'. Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy | "You might see Shami here as well": Jasprit Bumrah "We understand that getting them back for their second and third spells, putting them under pressure and letting them come to us and us putting pressure back on them through overs in the field and time in the game, especially over a five-Test series, that's really important. "Because as you get into the third, fourth, fifth Test, if they're trying to play the same team, and those bowlers are rolling into 100, 150, 200 overs by the third Test, it's going to make a big difference in the series," he added. Bumrah will be supported by the likes of Mohammed Siraj and the trio of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy, all playing their debut series in Australia. Labuschagne, who bowls medium pace as well as leg spin, bowled a barrage of bouncers to skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Mitchell Starc at the nets on Monday. "I bowled one bouncer and I think Mitchell Starc said, 'We've got short memories'. And I said, 'Well, I'm going to get them anyway, so I might as well dish them out'. "There's nothing more enjoyable than bowling bouncers. I love it. "There was a bit worry. When I bowled I think about 28 overs of pace in a Shield game, and my workloads were zero before then, so some would say that's a big spike. But my body's pretty durable. "It's something that I've done from a young age. I've always bowled pace." The 30-year-old will like nothing more than bowl bouncers. "I would love nothing more than to be that guy." Marnus Labuschagne said during the build-up to Friday's series opener in Perth when asked if he was primed to fill pace all-rounder Cameron Green's bowling boots. "But we've got to convince the Australian captain of that. We'll see, but there's nothing more enjoyable than bowling bouncers. I love it," Labuschagne added. (With PTI Inputs)
21 November,2024 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMohammed Shami is making a return to the game after nearly a year. The last time he represented Team India was during the ODI World Cup 2023. Mohammed Shami who plays for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) recently learnt that former Team India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar commented on his future in the cash-rich league. "There will definitely be interest from teams, but given Shami's injury history--and this recent one took a significant amount of time to recover--there's always a concern about a potential breakdown during the season. If a franchise invests heavily and then loses him mid-season, their options become limited. This concern might lead to a drop in his price tag", Manjrekar said on Star Sports. Also Read: Inputs from support staff vital: Kapil Dev Mohammed Shami recently shared a story on his official Instagram account which read, "Baba ki jai ho. Thodsa gyan apne future k lie bhi bacha lo kaam ayega Sanjay G? Kisi ko future janna ho to sir se mile." Taking to X: Mohammed Shami's Instagram story on Sanjay Manjrekar's statement about the price tag for IPL 2025 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/04fCmsoK7U — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 21, 2024 In the 2023 season of the cash-rich league, Shami exuded dominance by racking up 28 wickets from 17 matches at an economy rate of 8.04. His exploits with the white-ball remained unmatched throughout the season. He ended the season as the leading wicket-taker and won the purple cap ahead of Rashid Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh and other star players. As of now, Shami will continue to feature in the domestic circuit after he was named in Bengal's squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami made his much-awaited return to competitive cricket after a year of absence due to an ankle injury. He notched up his scorching pace to take Bengal past the finishing line with a mouth-watering display in the Ranji Trophy, finishing with match figures of 7/57. (With ANI Inputs)
21 November,2024 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIs the India-Australia series more significant than the Ashes?It is an important series. There is no need to compare. India and Pakistan will have their reasons for playing the game and call it the biggest. England and Australia have the Ashes. So, let’s not compare. India-Australia cricket has its own positioning. What are India’s strong points? If I look at India’s strong point over the years, it would be the increase in their self-belief. Sometimes, you look over-confident, but the belief in the Indian team has improved. It is a critical component for any team looking to excel on the big stage. Kapil Dev Also Read: India deal with sure scrap Would India have done well to include a player like Cheteshwar Pujara to strengthen the middle-order? Whatever the best team you have, you are making them play, and that’s it. One can then ask whether India needs players like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Why not Don Bradman for Australia? Why talk about the people who are not in the team. Having been one yourself, what should Jasprit Bumrah’s approach be as a fast bowling captain? He should stay as normal as possible and not look to do something extra. He should go with the flow, and over some time, he will learn. It’s unfair to say, ‘What more can he do?’ I don’t expect anything beyond what he encounters. Let the contest begin, and he will find his way. We must not burden him with expectations. On your first tour to Australia in 1980-81, you bowled India to victory in the Melbourne Test despite a thigh injury. Your memories?I was too young [21] and didn’t know much about international cricket. I made my debut in 1978. Passion was more critical and I didn’t look at anything else. I just wanted to enjoy the game. I was aware of my responsibilities and role. Picking up that injury made me feel guilty, and I was determined to give my best to the team. I was not going to let the team down. It was a great team performance. We bounced back as a team rather than individuals. How do you look at so many newcomers in the Indian team for a tough series?I want to see how the support staff guides the youngsters. The management needs to tell them to stay calm when they come across a helpful surface with a lot of bounce. They generally try to go flat out when the ball bounces off the surface. I have seen this happen in the past when they bowled too many short deliveries and came to grief. What would you tell them?They must understand that line and length is important. They should let the ball do something. Bowling quick is not important, good line and length with movement is important. The short ball should be your surprise delivery. What is the formula to win the series, according to you?The batsmen have to do their job, and the bowlers must obviously pick up 20 wickets to win a Test match. We should give more emphasis on the bowlers. Indian cricket has always depended on the batsmen, but I think recently the bowlers have started winning matches. Does India have the bowlers to take 20 wickets?It depends again on how they get used to the pitches. See how the New Zealand spinners came to India and exploited the pitches so well. That’s what we always look out for.
21 November,2024 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | AKSHAY LOKAPALLYAustralian captain Pat Cummins on Thursday said the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against arch-foes India is going to be more "attritional" as the two heavyweights of world cricket will be sparring over five Test matches instead of the traditional four games. The blockbuster series will be a survival of the fittest as Australia look to avenge successive losses on home soil when they go head-to-head from Friday."Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been very tight every series, five Test-match series gets really attritional, it's a big one really," Cummins said at the pre-match press conference. The Australia captain admitted there will be pressure on the home team, especially because of the fact that they lost the last four Test series against India, including the two humiliating reverses on their own soil. "There will always be pressure when you are playing at home. India are a very talented side and it will be a good challenge. But we are not looking too far ahead," Cummins said. "It would be great to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India are a great side but we are well prepared." The leading pacer also said said newcomer Nathan McSweeney should not try to imitate David Warner, the legendary opener who retired from international cricket earlier this year. "He should play his natural game. He shouldn't try to imitate David Warner. That's not his game. As long as he makes the bowlers bowl again and again, that's his game," Cummins said of the man who is going to be handed his Test debut at Optus Stadium. Asked about India's talented all-rounder Nitish Reddy, Cummins said they shared the dressing room for IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and praised the 21-year-old. "He is and impressive youngster. Didn't bowl much for SRH. he can swing the ball and is a really talented kid. 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
21 November,2024 12:09 PM IST | Perth (Australia) | PTIWACA head curator Isaac McDonald on Wednesday said the unusual rain in Perth has impacted the pitch preparation for the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy and though he doesn’t expect the surface to develop snake cracks, there will still be plenty of bounce and carry. The surface at the Optus Stadium or at the nearby WACA ground is known for its pace and bounce and when the cracks open up in dry conditions, it provides more assistance to the seamers besides bringing the spinners into play. Some of those cracks often take shape of a snake and therefore termed as snake cracks. The city has witnessed rain over the past few days and the pitch was covered for the whole day on Tuesday, cutting down preparation time for the curator. Also Read: "He’s obviously one that bats time": Hazlewood on Cheteshwar Pujara “Yeah, it’s definitely not traditional Perth Test prep. Yesterday [Tuesday] we pretty much lost the whole day of prep with it being under cover. So we kind of saw the forecast early on and we started prep a little bit earlier than we normally would. “So we’re sitting quite comfortable still. It’d be nice if the sun would pop out and do its job but as of this morning we’re in a good spot, we’re really comfortable as a curating team,” McDonald told media ahead of the series opener beginning on Friday. “It’ll just come in how well they look after the ball and how true the surface stays. We’re meant to get to 30-32 degrees over the weekend so we’ll see what the grass on top does there but in terms of coming off cracks I just don’t think we’re going to get there,” felt McDonald. 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
21 November,2024 07:09 AM IST | Perth | PTIADVERTISEMENT
