The International Cricket Council has told Pakistan to either accept the 'Hybrid' model of hosting for next year's Champions Trophy or be prepared to be ousted from the event after the PCB's adamant stand led to an inconclusive meeting of its executive board here on Friday. The emergency meeting was meant to thrash out the schedule of the event in February-March next year but could not achieve a consensus after Pakistan once again rejected the 'Hybrid' model despite India's firm refusal to travel there owing to security concerns. It is understood that most of the ICC board members were sympathetic towards Pakistan's situation, but PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was, nonetheless, advised to accept the 'Hybrid' model as the only "plausible solution" for the current imbroglio. If a 'Hybrid' model is adopted, India's share of Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE. "Look, no broadcaster will give a penny to an ICC event which does not have India and even Pakistan knows that. The ICC meeting on Saturday will only happen if Mr Mohsin Naqvi agrees with the 'Hybrid Model'," an ICC Board source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "If not, then ICC Board might have to shift the tournament entirely to a different country (could be UAE too) but it will be held without Pakistan," he added. Friday's meeting, which was chaired by deputy chairperson Imran Khwaja owing to outgoing head Greg Barclay's absence for unspecified reasons, was brief after Naqvi reiterated his country's position once again. This was to be Barclay's last official engagement before the taking of charge by new chair Jay Shah early next month. "All parties continue to work towards a positive resolution for the Champions Trophy 2025 and it is expected that the Board will reconvene on Saturday and continue to meet over the next few days," a senior administrator of an ICC full member nation, who is also a part of the Board, told PTI. Also Read: Why did Champions Trophy get the axe in 2017? In Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated BCCI's stand that that the Indian team cannot travel to Pakistan due to security reasons. "BCCI has issued a statement. They have said that there are security concerns there and it is therefore unlikely that the team will be going there," an MEA spokesperson said in a routine briefing when the country's Champions Trophy participation was mentioned. Naqvi attended the meeting in person as he has been in Dubai since Thursday to push Pakistan's stance. BCCI secretary Jay Shah attended the meeting online. Shah will take charge as the new ICC head on December 1. It is understood that if the tournament is rescheduled, the PCB will have to forego its hosting fee of USD six million along with gate revenue. There could also be a significant cut to their annual revenue, which is to the tune of USD 35 million. Unless the 'Hybrid Model' is implemented, even the ICC will be in a spot of bother as official broadcaster Star would then renegotiate the multi-billion dollar deal with the body. Also Read: This Indian veteran makes history for all wrong reasons after IPL auction snub The only window available for the tournament is between February 19 to March 9 and all other participating nations have their bilateral engagements after that. As things stand, the PCB can negotiate for a hefty compensation for having to share the hosting rights but a full tournament in Pakistan is unlikely. Pakistan also have the option of hitting back at India by not coming come for the ICC T20 Women's World Cup in India in 2025. A veteran BCCI official, who has followed the politics of ICC closely, explained the scenario. "Look, they can ask for Hybrid Model for 2025 Women's T20 World Cup but that will be a long shot. As far as the men's T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan's matches will be in Sri Lanka mostly. "The India vs Pakistan can be decided later," 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
29 November,2024 10:29 PM IST | New Delhi/Dubai | PTIThe eagerly anticipated return of the Champions Trophy, after an eight-year hiatus, has been overshadowed by controversy as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) find themselves embroiled in a dispute over the hosting rights. The BCCI, led by President Roger Binny, has firmly rejected the idea of sending the Indian team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. While the PCB is steadfast in its position to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, the BCCI is advocating for a hybrid model, which would see some matches played at neutral venues. The stakes are particularly high for Pakistan, which is the defending champion and will be hosting its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, a moment of national pride. The 2017 Champions Trophy, held in England, remains a painful memory for Indian fans. Their hopes were dashed in a humiliating defeat to their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in the final. Adding to the disappointment, the tournament was scrapped by the International Cricket Council (ICC) shortly afterward, leaving fans with a sense of unfulfilled potential and a void in the global cricketing calendar. Also Read: Proteas captain Temba Bavuma fights to free his thumb from helmet: WATCH The Champions Trophy was introduced in 1998 with the intention of improving the quality and accessibility of the sport, particularly by involving only associate nations in the early editions. Over time, the tournament grew in stature, eventually including full ICC members, and became one of the premier events in world cricket, alongside the ICC Cricket World Cup. Originally, the tournament was held biennially, but in 2006, the ICC made a significant change, aligning it with the World Cup’s four-year cycle. However, by 2017, the governing body of world cricket decided to consolidate its international events. The ICC determined that holding multiple major tournaments in the same format, particularly in the fifty-over category, led to an overcrowded calendar and diminishing returns. Given the complaints from fans and stakeholders about the overlap with the World Cup, the ICC opted to discontinue the Champions Trophy, leaving the 2021 edition on the cutting room floor. Also Read: PCB's bold stand on Champions Trophy shakes up talks, meeting gets adjourned This decision was met with disappointment, especially as the Champions Trophy had often delivered thrilling, high-stakes cricket. However, with the introduction of new global events, the ICC felt that a single marquee tournament for each format would be more sustainable and beneficial for the sport's growth. As a result, the Champions Trophy was officially shelved until its revival, which is now scheduled for 2025, giving fans renewed hope for the tournament’s return. Looking ahead, the BCCI and PCB are set to meet on November 30 to try and resolve the ongoing dispute regarding the venue and format of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
29 November,2024 10:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Africa is currently engaged in an intense battle with Sri Lanka in the first Test of their three-match series in Durban. After a dramatic collapse in their first innings, where they were bowled out for just 191, the hosts staged a remarkable recovery thanks to an outstanding bowling performance. Marco Jansen was the star of the show, claiming 7 wickets for just 13 runs, while Gerald Coetzee supported him with figures of 2 for 18. Together, they dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, sending them back to the pavilion for a mere 42 runs in just 13.5 overs. With a commanding lead of 149 runs, South Africa took to the crease in their second innings with renewed vigor. However, by the close of play on Day 2, they had lost 3 wickets for 132 runs, leaving captain Temba Bavuma and young Tristan Stubbs to continue the fight at the crease. As the match unfolds, South Africa is well-positioned, with a lead of 281 runs, and the pair at the crease showing promise for the hosts. Also Read: This Indian veteran makes history for all wrong reasons after IPL auction snub While Day 1 was full of dramatic cricket, it also provided some lighter moments. A particularly bizarre incident involving Temba Bavuma went viral, providing some comic relief amidst the tense atmosphere. The Proteas’ skipper found himself in a rather uncomfortable situation while standing at the non-striker’s end with Kyle Verreynne on strike. Lord bavuma ke anguthe fas gye 😭😭#SAvSL pic.twitter.com/OBXwVIlbgX — biharmeme (@biharmemes) November 28, 2024 As the bowler, Lahiru Kumara, began his run-up, Bavuma attempted to adjust his helmet, only for his thumb to get stuck. Struggling to free his thumb, Bavuma’s flustered efforts were caught on camera, leading to some awkward but hilarious moments. Despite the discomfort, Bavuma managed to get his thumb out just in time to avoid a delay in play. The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and meme pages having a field day poking fun at the skipper’s misfortune. Bavuma, who is no stranger to online trolling, once again found himself the subject of light-hearted ridicule. On a more serious note, Bavuma also earned accolades for his remarkable batting display on Day 1. The South African captain displayed incredible skill and athleticism when he launched a stunning flying upper cut six off Lahiru Kumara’s short-pitched delivery. The shot, a combination of perfect timing and audacious flair, wowed the crowd as the ball sailed over the boundary for six. Bavuma’s efforts with the bat were instrumental, as he played a crucial knock of 70 runs off 117 balls, the highest score in South Africa’s first innings. His knock helped stabilize the innings after the early collapse, with South Africa eventually posting a total of 191. In the second innings, Bavuma continued to make his presence felt with a steady 24 runs off 45 balls, contributing to South Africa’s growing lead. As the match progresses, the hosts are in a strong position, thanks in no small part to their captain’s contributions both with the bat and his leadership on the field. With Day 2 drawing to a close and South Africa leading by 281 runs, the contest remains finely poised. As Sri Lanka looks to make a strong response, all eyes will be on Bavuma and his team to maintain their advantage and push for a decisive victory.
29 November,2024 06:56 PM IST | Durban | mid-day online correspondentThe International Cricket Council (ICC) said talks were continuing to settle uncertainty around next year's Champions Trophy, sources told AFP, after India refused to travel to host nation Pakistan. The event's fate has been hanging in the balance since earlier this month, when the ICC said India had declined to visit Pakistan for the eight-team tournament. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars since being carved out of the subcontinent's partition in 1947 and that rivalry is often reflected on the cricket field. A meeting by the Dubai-headquartered ICC was held briefly on Friday but adjourned without a decision, according to several sources with knowledge of the talks who were not authorised to speak to media. "All parties continue to work towards a positive resolution," said one source, adding that "it is expected that the board will reconvene in the next few days". VIDEO | "The ICC is holding talks (with PCB), and I think a solution to this would be found. It's not right to make a comment right now," said Congress MP Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) earlier today when asked whether India should visit Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy. (Full… pic.twitter.com/I4X7VE8gF7 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 29, 2024 The Pakistan Cricket Board has previously ruled out proposals allowing India to play in a neutral third country, insisting the full schedule from February 19 to March 9 must be staged on their turf. Another source said the 'Pakistani stance remains the same' following Friday's brief meeting. Also Read: This Indian veteran makes history for all wrong reasons after IPL auction snub The meeting on Friday was brief after Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the 'hybrid' model won't be acceptable despite India's firm refusal to travel to his country owing to a lack of government clearance. "The Board did meet briefly today. All parties continue to work towards a positive resolution for the Champions Trophy 2025 and it is expected that the Board will reconvene on Saturday and continue to meet over the next few days," a senior administrator of an ICC full member nation, who is also a part of the Board, told PTI. Naqvi attended the meeting in person as he has been in Dubai since Thursday to push Pakistan's stance. BCCI secretary Jay Shah attended the meeting online. Shah will take charge of ICC on December 1. 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
29 November,2024 06:04 PM IST | Dubai | PTIHardik Pandya continued his rich vein of form by smashing five sixes and scoring 28 runs in an over bowled by left-arm spinner Parvez Sultan as Baroda crushed Tripura by seven wickets in a Group B game of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Friday. Chasing a meagre target of 110, Baroda rode on Hardik's 47 off 23 balls to complete the task in just 11.2 overs, after elder brother Krunal Pandya did well with the new ball to finish with figures of 2/22. The highlight for the sparse crowd was the entertainment provided by Hardik as he launched into Sultan, hitting him for three sixes between long-off and extra cover region and another two in the cow corner. Hardik has had a fantastic Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament so far with contributions in all four wins for Baroda. His sequence of scores read 74 not out, 41 not out, 69 and 47, and he has also picked up a couple of wickets along the way. Shardul Thakur records worst bowling figures Snubbed at the IPL auction, Shardul Thakur recorded the worst bowling figures in the history of SMAT T20 by going for 69 runs in four overs in Mumbai's 43-run defeat in a Group E match against Kerala in Hyderabad. Shardul Thakur, who went unsold at IPL mega auction, concedes 69 from his four overs vs Kerala today. The all-rounder was hit for five boundaries and six sixes! pic.twitter.com/e1uFw4TRRr — Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) November 29, 2024 Shardul was hit for six sixes and five fours even as he got Sanju Samson's (4) wicket early in the game. Unheralded Salman Nizar blitzed his way to an unbeaten 99 off 49 balls, which completely overshadowed Ajinkya Rahane's stroke-filled 68 off 35 balls in this high-scoring game. Also Read: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Shreyas Iyer’s century sends IPL auction buzz through the roof Batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Kerala piled up 234 for 5 riding on Salman and Rohan Kunnummal's (87 off 48 balls) 140-run stand for the third wicket in just 13.2 overs. Salman hit eight sixes and Kunnummal had seven maximums to his credit. In reply, Mumbai were restricted to 191 for 9 despite Rahane's efforts. Prithvi Shaw started well with two fours and two sixes but could only contribute 23 off 13 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer, despite a good beginning, could contribute only 32 off 18 balls. Pacer MD Nidheesh took 4 for 30. Delhi use 11 bowlers vs Manipur A confident Delhi used all their 11 players, including regular wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat, for bowling during an easy four-wicket victory over Manipur headlined by opener Yash Dhull's patient 59 off 51 balls in a Group C game in Mumbai. Opting to bat, inexperienced Manipur could manage only 120 for 8 in their 20 overs with keeper-batter Ahmed Shah scoring 32. Shah's 52-run stand with skipper Rex Singh (23) helped Manipur get past 100-run mark after being reduced to 41 for 6 in the 10th over. Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni, in an unusual move, even used his keeper Rawat for an over while donning the big gloves himself. This was after he got a wicket with his off-breaks. Left-arm spinner Harsh Tyagi (2/11) and off-spinner Digvesh Singh (2/8) got a couple of wickets apiece. Delhi took 18.3 overs to compete the chase with Dhull anchoring it with eight boundaries and a six over deep mid-wicket off Kishan Singha. However, seasoned T20 players like Badoni and Priyansh Arya fell cheaply. Himmat Singh's poor run of form also continued. (With agency inputs)
29 November,2024 05:54 PM IST | Indore | mid-day online correspondentPrithvi Shaw’s struggles with the bat continue to plague his career, as the young Mumbai opener suffered yet another underwhelming performance in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite a bright beginning, Shaw was unable to build on his early promise, departing for just 23 runs off 13 balls against Kerala on Friday. This marked another disappointing chapter in what has been a challenging season for the 25-year-old. Despite his potential, the young opener went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His exclusion from the auction was a significant blow, following a series of poor performances. In his previous outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw was dismissed for a duck against Maharashtra. While he managed to post a 33-run knock against Goa, it was far from enough to silence the growing criticism of his batting. Shaw’s frustrations were further compounded by the relentless trolling he faces on social media. A video in which he candidly discussed the abuse and ridicule he endures went viral, shedding light on the emotional toll of being under constant scrutiny. In the video, Shaw remarked on the paradox of online criticism: “If he is not following me, then how will he troll? That means he has eyes on me,” he said, highlighting the irony of being targeted by people who are not even part of his fanbase but seem obsessed with his every move. Also Read: This Indian veteran makes history for all wrong reasons after IPL auction snub While Shaw has learned to take some of the trolling in stride, he admitted that certain memes and comments can sting. “If people make memes on me, I see them as well. I sometimes get hurt. Sometimes I feel it was a bit wrong, he should not have said like this," Shaw shared. The emotional toll of the constant negativity is evident in his words, especially when he spoke about public perceptions of him. “Whenever I am seen in public, people start saying what is Prithvi doing, he should be practising,” he added, underlining the pressure and judgment he faces from all corners. Shaw’s cricketing journey has been a tumultuous one, characterised by moments of brilliance and unfortunate setbacks. In 2018, he was hailed as one of the most promising young players in world cricket, earning recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) as one of the top five breakout stars in men’s cricket. His raw talent and aggressive approach made him one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket. However, Shaw's career took a major hit in 2019 when he was handed a doping ban by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sidelining him for several months. The ban ruled him out of action until November of that year, disrupting his momentum and leaving a stain on his early promise.
29 November,2024 05:16 PM IST | Indore | mid-day online correspondentOn the possibility of Team India travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that the players' safety is the board's top priority and hybrid model is an option. With the Champions Trophy 2025 just a couple of months away, the possibility of Team India travelling to Pakistan is low. Speaking to ANI, Rajeev Shukla said, "Our discussions are going on. A decision will be taken after looking at the situation. Our top priority is the safety of the players. Hybrid mode is also an option; discussions are going on." #WATCH | Delhi: On Champions Trophy in Pakistan, BCCI vice president & Congress leader Rajeev Shukla says, "Our discussions are going on. A decision will be taken after looking at the situation. Our top priority is the safety of the players. Hybrid mode is also an option,… pic.twitter.com/daIaqIEyZ2 — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024 Also Read: "Biggest difference is just Marnus Labuschagne's intent to score": Former Australian cricketer The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to hold a virtual meeting on November 29 to decide whether the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Pakistan. According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC Board will aim to reach a consensus during the meeting before making a final decision. The tournament is scheduled to take place between February 19 and March, but the ICC has yet to release the official schedule. The report also highlighted that the meeting will address whether the tournament will be hosted solely in Pakistan or under a hybrid model, where Pakistan shares hosting responsibilities with another, yet-to-be-decided, country. The meeting was convened following a written communication from the ICC to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in early 2025. The PCB, after consulting the Pakistan government, is preparing to present its stance during the discussions. Due to strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. The two archrivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, comprising white-ball matches. Currently, they primarily face each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. Following security reasons, India is firm with their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla recently reiterated this stance, stating that the team would visit Pakistan only if the Indian government granted permission. It is worth noting that Pakistan hosted last year's Asia Cup in a hybrid model, where India's matches were played in Sri Lanka while the rest of the tournament was held in Pakistan. (With ANI Inputs)
29 November,2024 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Australia batsman Michael Hussey feels that Marnus Labuschagne can turn around his fortunes if he focuses on scoring runs instead of just occupying the crease with an aim to soak all pressure and deliveries. Marnus Labuschgane's poor run in the longest format of the game continues. In the Perth Test, the right-hander could accumulate just two runs in 52 balls. Later, in the second innings, Labuschagne departed after playing a three-run knock. Australia lost the match by 295 runs against Team India. Marnus Labuschagne's form came under surveillance as he has not been able to score a century since July last year against England. In 13 ICC World Test Championship (2023-25) matches, the batter has managed just 658 runs at an average of 27.41, with barely a century and five fifties to show in 26 innings. His best score is 111. Also Read: Brilliant Brook's 132 puts England on top against New Zealand This year, Marnus Labuschagne has scored just 245 runs in six Test matches. With an average of 24.50, he has two half-centuries. Since his last Test century, he has scored just 352 runs in nine matches, averaging a poor 22.00, with four fifties to his name. His best score is 90. Speaking to SEN, Hussey said that he went back to old highlights of Labuschagne, and the difference as compared to his current self is not that much. The only issue is the "tentative defensive frame of mind" of the batter trying to fulfil his role as a senior batter and not fully expressing himself. "I actually went back and had a look at some of his highlights of some of his great innings from a few years back. It was just to see if I could see anything different than what we have been seeing in the last week or so," Hussey told SEN. "From a technical perspective, there is actually not a lot of difference from when he was playing really well in scoring a lot of runs compared to the last Test match against India. The biggest difference I have noticed is just his intent to score. He is probably looking at it thinking, 'I am a senior player now, I have got to take responsibility, I have got to bat time, be there for the team, soak up the pressure, and all of that." "That gets you into a tentative defensive frame of mind--of batting time, being there, and being patient. Whereas when I watched some of those highlights from a few years back, he was just confident and decisive in everything he did, even in defence and when he was letting the ball go he was getting into really strong positions," he concluded. Hussey has pinned most of the batter's recent setbacks to his mindset and wants him to be more confident, decisive, and positive while batting. "I feel as though it is something that can be fixed really quickly just with a mindset shift. If he can just change that mindset of just looking to occupy the crease ...into, 'Whatever I do, I am going to do it confidently, decisively and be a little bit more positive with an intent to score.' I feel like he can turn it around really quickly," he concluded. The second pink-ball Test will take place at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards. (With ANI Inputs)
29 November,2024 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fearless Harry Brook slammed an unbeaten century to give England the upper hand in the first Test against an error-strewn New Zealand on day two in Christchurch on Friday. At stumps Brook was 132 not out with the visitors recovering from 71-4 to be 319-5, trailing the hosts by 29 runs and with five wickets in hand. Captain Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 37 after being dropped by Tom Latham on 30 -- New Zealand's sixth dropped catch and the third by their skipper. After England's woeful start the 25-year-old Brook, in partnership with Ollie Pope, went on the attack. Aided by luck from poor fielding and several edges sailing just wide or over slips, the pair belted 151 off 171 deliveries for the fifth wicket. Brook was dropped four times -- on 18, 41, 70 and 106 -- with the last detected by television replays after the umpire ruled the ball spilled by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was byes. England's batting onslaught came as the cloud cover which aided the New Zealand seamers in the first session gave way to blue skies. Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara feels this player should open with Jaiswal instead of Rohit Sharma - Stunning Phillips - New Zealand, 319-8 overnight, were all out for 348 and then reduced England to 45-3 by lunch. When Ben Duckett went for 46 after lunch England were on the ropes at 71-4, but it would be 30 overs before New Zealand claimed their next wicket. Pope was on 77 with eight fours to his credit when he slashed at a wide delivery from Tim Southee and a diving Glenn Phillips grabbed a stunning one-handed catch. He threw his arms in the air in celebration, in stark contrast to when he put his head in his hands earlier after Devon Conway dropped Brook off his bowling. In the early cloudy conditions the New Zealand seamers were in their element with plenty of movement. A Matt Henry delivery that nipped in trapped Zak Crawley lbw without scoring. Debutant Nathan Smith followed with an angled delivery to Jacob Bethell which was edged to Blundell and England's debutant was gone for 10. Four balls later, of which two were no balls, a similar angled delivery cramped Joe Root, in his 150th Test, for room and it deflected off his pads and on to the stumps for nought. Duckett refused to be subdued and chanced his arm at anything loose. He was dropped by Latham on 23 and survived two inside-edges before he pulled a rising Will O'Rourke delivery to Conway waiting on the boundary. In the following over Brook was dropped for the first time and momentum began to shift in England's favour. The partnership with Pope galloped along at five an over and Brook brought up is seventh Test century steering a Tim Southee delivery past backward point to the boundary. New Zealand had added a further 29 runs to their overnight 319-8, the bulk of them by Phillips. He ended unbeaten on 58, his fifth half-century and the second-highest New Zealand score behind Kane Williamson's 93. Brydon Carse finished with 4-64, the best figures for England, after taking both wickets to fall on the second morning. With his first ball of the day he had Southee caught on the boundary for 15, then ended the hosts' innings by bowling O'Rourke for a duck. 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.
29 November,2024 12:18 PM IST | New Zealand | AFPAfter an hour-and-a-half flight delay, the Indian cricket team touched down in Canberra on Wednesday evening from Perth, preparing to face the Australia PM XI in a two-day pink-ball warm-up fixture starting Saturday. The time difference between Perth and Canberra necessitated a rest day on Thursday, allowing the team to recover and acclimatise to the local conditions. The downtime wasn’t all about relaxation, though. In the evening, the Indian contingent, led by captain Rohit Sharma, made a significant visit to the iconic Parliament House, courtesy of an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The team spent an hour at the historic venue, where the PM personally met and interacted with every player and member of the support staff. Rohit introduced each individual, highlighting the camaraderie between the two nations. Also Read: "You drop Boland out… and add Beau Webster": Ian Healy Australia’s assistant minister for foreign affairs, Tim Watts, later took to social media, praising Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. Back on the cricketing front, India are set to resume their preparations on Friday with a practice session at Manuka Oval. However, looming rain in Canberra threatens to disrupt their plans. The warm-up game itself, a day-night pink-ball affair, will provide the team with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their skills ahead of the highly anticipated Adelaide Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which the visitors currently hold a 1-0 lead. The visit to the Parliament House and the warm reception from the Australian government underline the significance of this bilateral cricketing rivalry, not just on the field but also as a cultural exchange. With two intense days of cricket around the corner, all eyes now turn to Canberra’s skies, hoping for clear weather.
29 November,2024 12:07 PM IST | Canberra | Sandipan BanerjeeAhead of the second Test match against Australia, Team India's veteran Cheteshwar Pujara feels that KL Rahul should open along with Yashasvi Jaiswal despite the arrival of skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma's absence from the first Test match allowed Team India to move KL Rahul to the top spot from the middle order. Cheteshwar Pujara, the current wall of Indian batting on the previous two tours of Australia, feels the opening combination should not be tinkered with after a 295-run win in the series opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a remarkable century, whereas KL Rahul on the other hand was quite impressive, collecting 26 and 77 in the two innings in Perth. Also Read: Team India's net session ahead of two-day Test match against Australia's Prime Minister XI "I think, for some reason if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five," Pujara said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo. "If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order, because it suits his game really well. I hope we don't tinker around with that." Shubman Gill who missed out on the first Test due to an injury is also expected to make his appearance in the second match. "Ideally No. 5 (for Gill). Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball," Cheteshwar Pujara said. "But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game. And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball. "[Pant] doesn't have to face the new ball. I wouldn't want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new," Pujara added. Gill has opened the batting in Australia but has now moved down to number three. India also plays a two-day warm-up game in Canberra ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. (With PTI Inputs)
29 November,2024 11:14 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
