shot-button
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Articles

Read Cricket News

Jaiswal, Rahul make fifties to give IND command; BAN 26/2 at close on Day 4

Star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took two quick wickets to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for two in their second innings as India grabbed complete command of the rain-hit second Test at close on the fourth day here on Monday. Bangladesh still trail by 26 runs. Ashwin did the damage with a two-wicket haul (2/14). Earlier, aggressive fifties by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul placed India in a commanding position. Also Read: Team India record fastest 50, 100 and 200 during 2nd Test against Bangladesh Jaiswal (71 off 52 balls) and Rahul (68 off 43 balls) helped India declare their first innings at 285 for nine for a lead of 52 runs. Virat Kohli made a fluent 47 off 35 balls. For Bangladesh, veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan picked four wickets (4/78) along with off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4/41) to check the free-flowing Indian batters as they scored runs in excess of eight an over. Earlier, Bangladesh were bundled out for 233 in their first innings. Brief scores: Bangladesh: 233 all out and 26/2 in 11 overs (R. Ashwin 2/14) and India: 285/9 declared in 34.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 71, KL Rahul 68, Shakib Al Hasan 4/78, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4/41). 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.

30 September,2024 06:14 PM IST | Kanpur | PTI
Persistent rain has played havoc with the second Test between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park (Pic: @BCCI/X)

Shukla defends Kanpur as Test venue: 'Everything is being criticised'

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla on Monday put up a stout defence of Kanpur as a Test centre, saying the venue can't be denied the chance to host long format matches as it is set to undergo an upgrade to improve its infrastructure. Persistent rain has played havoc with the second Test between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park as two full days of play were washed out without a ball being bowled. The stadium has an outdated drainage system and three super soppers were used to dry the ground after rain. On Sunday, it did not rain much and the sun also came out for a brief period but the wet outfield did not allow play to begin. Only 35 overs could be bowled across the first three days of the Test. "Well criticism is one thing which we are used to being in administration of BCCI in cricket. But everything is being criticized. When we were not giving matches to Kanpur then also I was being criticised. Now we are giving the match and I am being criticized... why it has been given to Kanpur," Shukla said. He said they can't control weather and never before a match has been abandoned at this centre. "This ground is around 80 years old. It is our heritage ground. If you remember it used to be a permanent Test centre. So the whole idea was to have Test matches here. "This is for the first time in 80 years that it has rained so much that we were not able to host the match for two days. But the history suggests that no match has been abandoned here. There are many venues in the world where because of rain, matches were abandoned. Also Read: Cricket needs an indoor revolution to combat weather woes "I don't think there should be a hue and cry because when this ground was being built, stadium was being built, then those technologies were not available. Now technologies are available. "Like in our Lucknow stadium, we have got that technology. And in Varanasi, we are building another stadium. There we have got high-tech, modern technology to take away the water. Here also we are planning." Back in 2019, star batter Virat Kohli had proposed that Test cricket should be played only at five major centres. Top cricketing nations like Australia and England also have permanent centres. Asked if he supports the idea? Shukla said India have five major centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Beglauru, Chennai and Kanpur. "Kanpur was also one of them. So, it's a permanent Test centre. Then we have to keep other aspects also in mind. Second is our rotation policy. So, we have to go by the rotation policy. "And three, India has now got a lot many venues. We have got maximum number of venues which Australia and other countries don't have. And we have to provide opportunity to all of them." Shukla said smaller centres with infrastructure should host Tests to keep the fans interested in the game in these cities. "The number of spectators that goes down in those cities, because people are used to watching, you know, these T20 and one-day cricket, all that. So, that's why we had, you know, this idea was floated that in B-grade cities, where we have got infrastructure, we should organise Test matches. "Look at here, it's almost packed. And during the rains also last two days, lot many people turned up to watch the match. That means there is appetite. People are eager to watch cricket. So, that's why we are keeping all those things in mind." Shukla hinted that the BCCI may conduct the upcoming IPL auction abroad like the last time. "We are contemplating with both the options. It may be abroad also. Last time we had in Dubai. And it went very successfully. The whole idea is to take some element of cricket overseas also. So, overseas cricket fans also get attracted. "And they associate themselves with the cricket. So, that's the basic idea. If we can't have matches there, at least we should organise such events there. Keeping that in mind, all the options are open." 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

30 September,2024 06:07 PM IST | Kanpur | PTI
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)

Team India record fastest 50, 100 and 200 during 2nd Test against Bangladesh

Team India batsmen went on a rampage to set the world records for the fastest team 50, 100 and 200 runs in men's Test cricket history. The side managed to accomplish all the achievements during the second Test match against Bangladesh. Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 10 fours and 1 maximum during his knock to complete his half-century. His innings ended with a score of 72 runs off 51 balls which included 12 fours and 2 sixes. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 23 runs in just 11 balls which was laced with 3 sixes and 1 four. Team India reached the score of 50 in a mere three overs as the openers went all guns blazing at the Green Park Stadium. With this, the hosts broke England's record for the fastest team fifty in 4.2 overs. The Englishmen registered the record against the West Indies in July. Also Read: Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's another record during 2nd Test vs BAN Alongside Jaiswal, Shubman Gill coming to bat at number three continued the momentum. Team India crossed 100 runs in 10.1 overs, improving their own record. India had recorded the fastest century for any team in terms of overs faced when they went past the 100-run mark in 12.2 overs against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 2023. Later, with the help of KL Rahul's 68 runs and Virat Kohli's 47-run knock, India crossed the 200-run mark in a mere 24.2 overs. This was the quickest by any team in the format. India broke Australia's record for the fastest 200, which had set against Pakistan during the Sydney Test in 2017. India eventually declared their innings at the fall of the penultimate wicket, at 285 for nine from only 34.4 overs, having scored their runs at 8.22 per over. Only 35 overs' play was possible on the first three days of this final Test due to persistent rains and ground conditions. (With PTI Inputs)

30 September,2024 05:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)

Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's another record during 2nd Test vs BAN

Team India's stalwart Virat Kohli scripted history by becoming the fastest-ever player to complete 27,000 international runs. He accomplished this milestone on Day four during the second Test match against Bangladesh. Virat Kohli surpassed legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. He achieved the feat in 594 innings which is 29 innings less than Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar completed 27,000 international runs in 623 innings. Sri Lanka's decorated wicketkeeper batter Kumar Sangakkara achieved the feat in 648 innings. Australia's celebrated skipper Ricky Ponting amassed 27,000 international runs in 650 innings. As Kohli continued to pull off his effortless drives and eye-catching stroke play, he looked destined for an extended stay on the crease. Also Read: "We always seek the permission of ...": Rajeev Shukla on India travelling to Pakistan for CT 2025 Later, the Indian star fell short against Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh all-rounder's ball kept low and found his way through the gap between Virat Kohli's bat and pad. Kohli was bowled on the score of 47 runs which came in 35 deliveries. During his knock, he smashed 4 fours and 1 six. With this, Virat Kohli has now accumulated 27,012 runs in international cricket which is the fastest by any batsman in the game's history. With more than two days of play washed out by rain, India showed aggressive intent moments after bowling out Bangladesh on 233. After witnessing two days of rain, the people in Kanpur witnessed boundaries pelting down relentlessly. The mayhem of boundaries in Kanpur was started by Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma. The quickfire stand of 55 runs between the opening duo ended in 3.5 overs, with spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz cleaning up Rohit for a quickfire 23 in 11 balls, with a sole four and three sixes. During Rohit's dismissal, the scoring rate of these two was 14.34 runs per over, the highest scoring rate in a Test partnership with a minimum of 50 runs, outdoing the England duo of Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett, who stitched a stand of 87 in just 44 balls against the West Indies at Edgbaston this year, scoring at a rate of 11.86 runs per over. Even after Rohit was dismissed, the protective, anchor-like approach of Shubman Gill provided Jaiswal with a safety net to go even harder at bowlers, helping India reach the hundred-run mark in just 10.1 overs, outdoing the team's record of registering the milestone in 12.2 overs against the West Indies just last year. (With ANI Inputs)

30 September,2024 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajeev Shukla (Pic: File Pic)

"We always seek the permission of ...": Rajeev Shukla on India travelling to Pak

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla said that the decision of Team India to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be taken by the Indian government. Pakistan are all set to host the ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9. Following the schedule, Rajeev Shukla said, "No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government. It's up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country." "In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that," he added. Also Read: "Yeh fizool ki baatein hai": Zaheer Abbas on comparing Babar to Kohli Rajeev Shukla was talking to the media on the sidelines of the ongoing second Test between India and Bangladesh here. India and Pakistan only face each other in the ICC tournaments. Team India has not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 after the Mumbai terrorist attack in which more than 150 people were killed. Last year, India hosted the ODI World Cup 2023 following which their arch-rivals Pakistan travelled in their neighbourhood after a gap of nearly seven years. Currently, Team India is busy facing Bangladesh for the second Test match. The Rohit Sharma-led side are leading the two-match Test series by 1-0. Team India will then lock horns with New Zealand for the Test series. The iconic "Border-Gavaskar Trophy" between India and Australia will kick start on November 22. Following Team India's consistency across all three formats, former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas said that the Indian side will be a tough contender in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He also brushed out the comparisons between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam by saying that the Indian is more consistent than Babar.(With PTI Inputs)

30 September,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)

"Yeh fizool ki baatein hai": Zaheer Abbas on comparing Babar to Kohli

Former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas feels that comparing Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is baseless as the Indian star is way more consistent than Babar. Babar Azam was once regarded as part of the "Fab Five" alongside Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson, but currently he is delivering consistent flop performances. "Yeh fizool ki baatein hai (the comparisons are pointless). Virat Kohli scores in every match the other player (Babar) doesn't score in any match so then how can you compare. The person who scores, he is the bigger player," Abbas told PTI on the sidelines of the Cricket Predicta Conclave here.Kohli has 80 international hundreds to his name while the much younger Babar has scored 31 centuries across formats. Zaheer Abbas also highlighted the consistency shown by Team India across formats and said that the Rohit Sharma-led side will be a tough contender for the upcoming Champions Trophy. "Indian team overall is very good. Their batters are doing well and the bowlers both are good. It is a very balanced team, one that plays soch samajh kar (thoughtfully)," said Zaheer Abbas. "They have a very good captain, who understands cricket very well. So, when everything is going in your favour it is smooth sailing. That's the case with India right now. "There is a very good chance of them doing well (at the Champions Trophy) because they have a balanced team," the 77-year-old said. Also Read: Rohit-Jaiswal's explosive hitting helps India bring up fastest team century in Test history Hailed as the 'Asian Bradman' for insatiable appetite for runs, Zaheer Abbas was one of the most elegant batters of his time. He played 78 Tests and 62 ODIs for Pakistan, accumulating 5062 and 2572 runs respectively. The 77-year-old strongly believes that Test cricket truly tests the players' character, resilience, mental strength, technique, and consistency. "Test cricket is real cricket. That it is the real Test of any player, bowler. At one point India and Pakistan's Test team used to be good. And now the boards are realising that we can't go on without Test cricket. "How many T20s can you play? How many white-ball tournaments can the ICC organise? Maybe 2 or 3 but in the end you have to return to ODI or Tests. "If you continue Test cricket the cricket will last longer. I know people like to get results fast but slowly they will get bored of T20s and we need Tests and ODIs." An increasing number of players are turning down central contracts from their boards to focus on careers in T20 franchise leagues, a worrying trend that Abbas believes should be addressed. "Test cricket is ultimate. Anyone can win in T20. Teams can win by fluke. But that is not the case in Test cricket as it has two innings. You have the scope to do well in one innings. Test cricket teaches you a lot. "I know a lot of the players don't want to play Test cricket and play T20 instead. That needs to be stopped. They need to come up with something... "Something like you have to play at least 5 or 6 Test matches a year then you can play ODI or T20s. Every year a minimum number of Test matches need to be allotted," he added. Pakistan was once considered as a cricketing powerhouse. But the side is now struggling to find their rhythm back. Their downfall started the last year's Asia Cup followed by the ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024. Earlier this month they suffered their first-ever Test series loss to Bangladesh. "Bohot bada dhakka tha (It was a huge setback) that Pakistan lost to Bangladesh. We never thought that not only Pakistan will lose but it will lose so bad. "Pakistan cricket abhi daamadol hai (is not doing great). The performance has dropped. I am hopeful that it will get better. The reasons behind this are many. "It happens, the West Indies used to be the best in the world, that's not the case now. But I'm hopeful that Pakistan cricket returns to the top, the boys are working hard." Abbas urged the PCB to take some action before the issue escalates further. "Yes, there have been rivalries in the Pakistan teams in the past but the board should take note of the rivalry between Babar and Shaheen fast. The faster the better because it will keep on escalating. "Rivalry is good, but it should not become serious, if it does, it harms the team," said Abbas. Abbas, former Pakistan player Mudassar Nazar and former Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore spoke at the conclave to celebrate the the centenary episode of Cricket Predicta, the largest cricket live stats-based show in Asia. (With PTI Inputs)

30 September,2024 03:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Pic: X)

Rohit-Jaiswal's partnership helps India secure fastest team century in Tests

The Indian opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in helping the team make history by enabling them to reach the fastest team 100 in Test cricket history. During the IND vs BAN 2nd Test in Kanpur, assigned with a task to overcome Bangladesh's score of 233 in the first innings, Rohit-Jaiswal started attacking from ball one, with Jaiswal hitting Hasan Mahmud for three fours in the first over, giving his team a total of 12 runs. In the next over by Khaled Ahmed, the skipper Rohit started off by launching him for two sixes and Jaiswal hit the final ball for a four, getting 17 runs from the over. Hasan was once again at the receiving end of the punishment from the fiery Indian duo in third over as a six from Rohit and a six with two fours from Jaiswal helped India cross the 50-run mark in just 3 overs, the fastest ever in Test cricket. The quickfire stand of 55 runs ended in 3.5 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz cleaning up Rohit for a quickfire 23 in 11 balls, with a four and three sixes. At that time, the scoring rate of these two was 14.34 runs per over, the highest scoring rate in a Test partnership with a minimum of 50 runs, outdoing the England duo of Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett, who stitched a stand of 87 in just 44 balls against West Indies at Edgbaston this year, scoring at a rate of 11.86 runs per over. Even after Rohit was dismissed, the protective, anchor-like approach of Shubman Gill provided Jaiswal with a safety net to go even harder at bowlers, helping India reach hundred-run mark in just 10.1 overs, outdoing team's own record of registering the milestone in 12.2 overs against West Indies just last year. Also Read: Jadeja bags 300th Test wicket as India bowl out Bangladesh for 233 Coming to the IND vs BAN 2nd Test, India had won the toss and opted to field first. The action stopped at day one at 107/3. After that, no play took place on day two due to rains and on day three due to a wet outfield. Play could only commence on day four. After some positive cricket by Shadman Islam (24 in 36 balls, with four boundaries) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (31 in 57 balls, with six fours), Mominul kept the Bangladesh inning together with his 13th Test ton, battling bravely against spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He stitched a 54-run stand with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20) which took Bangladesh to 233/10.Jasprit Bumrah (3/50) was the pick of the bowlers for India. Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin and Akash Deep took two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja got one. India had won the toss and opted to bowl first. India is 1-0 up in the two-match Test series. (With agency inputs)

30 September,2024 02:58 PM IST | Kanpur | mid-day online correspondent
Resuming at 205 for 6, Bangladesh added just 28 runs for the loss of four wickets in the post-lunch session (Pic: AFP)

India bowl out Bangladesh for 233 in 1st innings of second Test

India bowled out Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings on the fourth day of the second Test on Monday. Resuming at 205 for 6, Bangladesh added just 28 runs for the loss of four wickets in the post-lunch session. Mominul Haque hit a gritty century and India took two stunning catches as Bangladesh reached lunch at 205-6 as the weather-hit second Test finally got back under way on Monday. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed at 107-3 under clear skies on day four in Kanpur after rain and a soggy outfield had washed out the whole of Saturday and Sunday. Left-hander Mominul, who began the day on 40, reached his 13th Test hundred with a boundary off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, removing his helmet and bowing as he celebrated. Also Read: Kirmani delighted as Duleep may return to zonal system For India, Jasprit Bumrah (3/50) picked up three wickets, while Akash Deep (2/43), Ravichandran Ashwin (2/45) and Mohammed Siraj (2/57) shared six wickets between them.  Meawnhile, spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed his 300th Test wicket, while taking the final wicket of Khaled Ahmed, caught and bowled, to reach the milestone during the afternoon session. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 107. The sun shone bright in the Kanpur sky after two gloomy days and the on-field action finally began after a loss of eight sessions. It was still a first-day pitch but there was not much either for pacers or spinners. Brief Scores: Bangladesh 1st Innings: 233 all out in 74.2 overs (Mominul Haque 107 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 3/50, Akash Deep 2/43, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/45, Mohammed Siraj 2/57). 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

30 September,2024 02:34 PM IST | Kanpur | PTI
Ravindra Jadeja (Pic: PTI)

Jadeja bags 300th Test wicket as India bowl out Bangladesh for 233

Spinner Ravindra Jadeja took his 300th Test wicket as India bowled out Bangladesh for 233 in the first innings on day four of the rain-hit IND vs BAN 2nd Test in Kanpur on Monday. Jadeja took the final wicket of Khaled Ahmed, caught and bowled, to reach the milestone during the afternoon session. Mominul Haque was unbeaten on 107. Jadeja came into his 74th Test with 299 wickets and became the seventh Indian bowler to reach 300 on a list headed by Anil Kumble with 619 Test victims. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets while Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin and Akash Deep took two each. Bangladesh resumed at 107-3 under clear skies after rain and a soggy outfield had washed out the whole of Saturday and Sunday. That's the milestone wicket for @imjadeja 👏👏He picks up his 300th Test wicket. Becomes the 7th Indian to achieve this feat.#TeamIndia #INDvBAN @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/8JlBn3hKfJ — BCCI (@BCCI) September 30, 2024 Left-hander Mominul, who began the day on 40, reached his 13th Test hundred before lunch with a boundary off spinner Ashwin, removing his helmet and bowing as he celebrated. Also Read: After Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj shines with jaw-dropping catch in Kanpur Bumrah began with an incisive spell, bowling Mushfiqur Rahim on 11 with a delivery that pitched and nipped back to rattle the top of off-stump. Litton Das came in and counter-attacked, hitting Bumrah for three fours in one over. Skipper Rohit Sharma brought the crowd alive with a remarkable one-hand grab at mid-off to send Litton back in the pavilion off Siraj for 13. Siraj then hung on to a catch with his left hand while running back from mid-off as Ashwin dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for nine. Former captain Shakib, 37, announced his international retirement on Thursday and could be playing his last Test match if he is unable to return home for a scheduled South Africa series. Only 35 overs had been possible on Friday's opening day of IND vs BAN 2nd Test before the umpires took the players off for bad light nine overs after lunch. India lead the two-match series 1-0 after they won the opener in Chennai by 280 runs. (With AFP inputs)

30 September,2024 02:27 PM IST | Kanpur | mid-day online correspondent
(L-R) Mohammed Siraj sprints back to take the catch, Rohit Sharma takes one-handed ripper (Pic: X/Screengrab/Jiocinema)

After Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj shines with jaw-dropping catch in Kanpur

Mohammed Siraj left the Kanpur crowd in disbelief with an extraordinary one-handed catch to dismiss Shakib al Hasan on Day 4 of IND vs BAN 2nd Test. September 30 proved to be a showcase of exceptional fielding from the hosts, starting with captain Rohit Sharma's breathtaking one-handed catch to remove Litton Das earlier in the day. Siraj’s stunning effort only amplified the excitement, as his athleticism and sharp reflexes captivated fans. To execute his remarkable catch, Siraj covered considerable ground, sprinting back rapidly before executing a phenomenal dive with his back to the ground. The ball had swerved in the air, complicating Siraj’s ability to judge its trajectory, yet his quick instincts and unwavering focus enabled him to make the catch. This, in turn, sent Bangladesh's star all-rounder, Shakib al Hasan, who may be playing his final Test match in Kanpur, back to the pavilion after a disappointing innings of just 9 runs off 17 balls. Watch the video here. Mohammed Siraj Amazing catch 🔥🔥Superman ✨ pic.twitter.com/h5GlExEhrJ — SK Choudhary (@sksbikaner) September 30, 2024 WHAT. A. CATCH 👏👏Captain @ImRo45 with a screamer of a catch as Litton Das is dismissed for 13.@mdsirajofficial picks up his first.Live - https://t.co/JBVX2gyyPf… #INDvBAN@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/60saRWTDtG — BCCI (@BCCI) September 30, 2024 Shakib's struggles with the bat persisted throughout the match, and his dismissal further undermined Bangladesh's batting order. Also Read: India bowl out Bangladesh for 233 in 1st innings of second Test After rain washed out Days 2 and 3 of IND vs BAN 2nd Test, both teams were eager to return to the field on Day 4. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Siraj, maintained relentless pressure on the visitors, who found themselves struggling at 170/6 when Shakib was dismissed. Mominul Haque emerged as the lone bastion of resistance for Bangladesh, displaying commendable grit at the crease. However, with little support from his teammates, Bangladesh's prospects of building a substantial total dwindled, as India’s fielders and bowlers exerted their dominance throughout the day.

30 September,2024 02:00 PM IST | Kanpur | mid-day online correspondent
Samit Dravid (Pic: X)

Injury keeps Samit Dravid out of U19 series opener

Injured Samit Dravid was ruled out of the opening four-day game between India U-19 and Australia U-19 and is also unlikely to be fit in time for the second match of the series. The series opener began on Monday. Samit is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) recuperating from a knee injury that forced him to sit out of the three-match youth one-dayers against the Aussies recently. He was expected to make his India U-19 debut at Puducherry but did not feature in any of the three matches. India had won the series 3-0. "As of now he's at the NCA, recovering from his knee injury. So, I don't know yet. It looks unlikely," head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. In fact, for Samit, son of former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, this is the last chance to represent India at the U-19 level. Also Read: Rain threat after England sets Australia target of 310 to win deciding ODI He is set to turn 19 on October 11 this year, which will also make him ineligible for playing for India in the ICC 2026 Under-19 World Cup. "His MRI scan was done during the one-day matches. We thought of giving him a go at the four-day game, but let's see how he progresses at the NCA. We are waiting for their report. We also have a second match," a source close to the development told PTI. The second four-day match will start from October 7 at Chepauk, hence Samit has another week to recover from the knee injury. Kanitkar said playing four-day red-ball game at the Under-19 stage will help the development of players. "It's a great initiative to play Test games because red-ball [cricket] really tests you. There's enough time for the bowlers to plan and make strategies. So, for both batters and bowlers and even for fielders it's the ideal challenge to see where you stand. "To be able to play against a foreign side is a great thing. I know a lot of people, including myself who played Under-19 cricket against foreign teams and it really helped us a lot," Kanitkar added. 

30 September,2024 01:39 PM IST | Chennai | PTI
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK