India captain Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, on Saturday announced the arrival of their newborn child. Rohit Sharma took to Instagram to share the news, revealing that their family of three had now grown to four, with a subtle reference to the beloved sitcom 'Friends'. He wrote, "The FAMILY, the one where we are four." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) Rohit Sharma captioned the post with the date "15.11.2024," indicating the birth date of their second child. The couple have a daughter Samaira, who was born in 2018. Rohit Sharma did not travel with the Indian team to Perth ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series opener owing to the birth of his second child. With less than a week remaining before the series begins, it is still uncertain whether Rohit will feature in the opening Test against Australia. Meanwhile, Rohit's compatriot KL Rahul and actress Athiya Shetty are also soon to be parents. The couple recently announced their pregnancy on Instagram with a note: "Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025 (baby feet emojis)." The post also featured clip art of the evil eye. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have both been included in India’s squad for the series. The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia kicks off on November 22, with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night fixture, will be held under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. Fans will then turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14-18. The traditional Boxing Day Test, scheduled from December 26-30, will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and will mark the penultimate stage of the series. The fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7, 2025, and promises to be a thrilling climax to what is expected to be a highly competitive series. India squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar Travelling reserves Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed Australia Squad for BGT Series OpenerPat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc (With ANI inputs)
16 November,2024 06:29 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Australian opener Matthew Hayden said that the national team selectors backed themselves into a corner following their decision to pick a non-specialist opening batsman for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia was in search of an opening batsman after Steve Smith was restored in the middle order. Options were available in the form of Sam Konastas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, but the selectors decided to hand young Nathan McSweeney his Test debut alongside Usman Khawaja. Nathan McSweeney who usually bats at number three will surround himself with a new environment when he walks into Perth to open the innings with Usman Khawaja. Before speaking about McSweeney's selection, Matthew Hayden opened up about Steve Smith's promotion to the opening slot. After David Warner's retirement, Steve Smith took the opener's responsibility on his shoulders. In his opening stint which did not last for much time, the right-hander accumulated 171 runs with a strike rate of 28.50, making it much more of a forgettable run. Also Read: T20I series win in SA special: Laxman "This is exactly my point and why I disagreed with Steve Smith opening the batting. It wasn't a slight on Steve Smith's career. It was more of a plea and call to action around the [domestic] system itself," Matthew Hayden said, as quoted from The Sydney Morning Herald. With McSweeney entering the fray, at least for the series opener, Hayden was quick to point out the lack of first-class cricket. "Now the Australian selectors have done exactly what I thought was going to happen, and that was back themselves into a corner, knowing that you had T20s and one-dayers right through the early part of 2024 and zero Test match cricket," he noted. During the buildup of the BGT series, India A and Australia A played two unofficial Tests, allowing both sides to look at probable in case of an unwanted situation. In both games, Australia A opener failed to put up a stand big in number. McSweeney was among those players who were asked to take a swing at the opening slot. After hammering an unbeaten 88 in his usual spot, the youngster was promoted to the top of the order in the second unofficial Test. But the decision was up to no avail. He failed to replicate the success he had during the first outing. During his time as an opener, McSweeney could only post 14 and 25 across both innings. "There has been very little first-class cricket and two Australia A games where they chopped and changed the opening batters. There wasn't one [sizeable] opening partnership. "Can you imagine how Marcus Harris is feeling right now? He's carried the drinks forever and been the incumbent opening batsman, and Bancroft is the same. We just didn't allow ourselves the luxury of enough time to select on the basis of weight of runs. It's something which, if you want to quote [my situation], banging down the door was almost an understatement. They were record-breaking years," he said. As questions continue to linger about Australia's new-looking opening pair, Matthew Hayden only hopes that McSweeney delivers in one of the most challenging Test series. "I wouldn't have had it any other way because I became a better player. It's fantastic that Nathan gets his opportunity, and God I hope he bangs down the door at Test match level," Matthew Hayden added. (With ANI Inputs)
16 November,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia head coach for South Africa tour VVS Laxman has hailed the T20 International series triumph as "a special effort" after his team secured a massive 135-run win in the last match here. India won the four-match T20I series 3-1, with the likes of batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, and bowler Varun Chakravarty making big impact. "Really proud of our guys for the spirit with which they played this entire series. 3-1 win is a special effort, brilliantly led by @surya_14kumar, @IamSanjuSamson and Tilak were unstoppable with the bat and V arun Chakravarty was outstanding with the ball," Laxman posted on his "X" account. "... the entire team the way they played and enjoyed each others success, couldn't be prouder of the boys. Congratulations on a memorable win," the batting great said in a post on X. Taking to X: Really proud of our guys for the spirit with which they played this entire series. 3-1 win is a special effort, brilliantly led by @surya_14kumar , @IamSanjuSamson and Tilak were unstoppable with the bat and Varun Chakravarty was outstanding with the ball, the entire team the… pic.twitter.com/BeVe8zmZ5V — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 16, 2024 Also Read: India captain Suryakumar Yadav names player who delivers in crunch situations Captain Suryakumar also described the series win as a "special" one. "Well done boys, congratulations to all. Everybody knows how difficult is to win series overseas. The last time when we came here, it was 1-1," he said while addressing the team at the dressing room after the series win. "This time, even after we led 2-1 in the series, we decided how to play the last match (aggressively), everybody stepped up. Credit goes to everybody. We won this series as a team." He also thanked the non-playing members of the team, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Jitesh Sharma and Yash Dayal -- for their support. He also thanked the support staff for their valuable inputs. "It's a special win and I am sure everyone must be happy. At the same time we take a lot of learning and will go back and reflect. All the best to all those who are turning up in domestic matches, I am also going (for that)."
16 November,2024 02:34 PM IST | Johannesburg | PTITeam India captain Suryakumar Yadav heaped praises on pacer Arshdeep Singh for delivering performances in crunch situations. Arshdeep Singh who was struggling to bring his A game out in the first two T20Is, found his rhythm in the later two games against South Africa. After Tristan Stubbs smashed him all over Gqeberha during the second T20I, the left-armer returned to his classy act by rattling South Africa's batting order. After India hammered 283/1 in the fourth T20I, Arshdeep left the Proteas shell-shocked with his spell in the powerplay. Also Read: Mike Tyson beaten by Youtuber Jake Paul in heavyweight return Arshdeep Singh single-handedly pulled the sheets in India's favour when he removed Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen in the first six overs. The pacer returned with the figures of three wickets for 20 runs in three overs. "Arshdeep has been an important part of this team. He has delivered in crunch situations every time, and today was no different. We were actually, we came here last time, and it was the same wicket and same conditions," Suryakumar Yadav said in the post-match press conference. The 25-year-old went over the wicket to deliver a peach to dismiss Hendricks. He then lured Markram into mistiming his shot and pinned Klassen in front of the stumps with another inswinging beauty. Notably, there was a striking contrast in the way both sides batted. While India adopted a free-flowing approach, South Africa struggled to get going right from the first delivery. Later, Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the Indian bowlers had a word with the batsmen to find the patch where they found it difficult to play. "It was cold a little bit after the lights got on, and we just went back to basics. All the fast bowlers spoke to the batters. How was the wicket? What were the lengths which were good on the track and we just wear ourself and the way they delivered with the ball in the first six overs. I think the game was almost over at that time," he added. Team India clinched the T20I series against South Africa by 3-1. (With ANI Inputs)
16 November,2024 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter winning the series, Team India rising star Tilak Varma shared his thoughts on his stellar performances and the triumph against South Africa. Tilak Varma was named the "Player of the Match" as well as the "Player of the Series." Speaking about his innings, Tilak Varma said, "Last year, when I played here, I got out on the first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series." Tilak emphasized the importance of staying calm and sticking to his basics. "I just wanted to hold my shape and follow my basics, just like I did in the last game. I remained calm throughout," he added. "Unbelievable" is how Tilak Varma described the feeling of getting two back-to-back centuries in South Africa. "I never imagined I'd score two hundreds in South Africa in such challenging conditions," he said. Tilak Varma expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his skipper Suryakumar Yadav by saying, "Thanks to our captain Surya for this." Also Read: "Completely outplayed in all three aspects of the game": Aiden Markram Reflecting on his recent injury struggles, he shared how his belief in God and his process helped him recover and perform at his best. "As I said last match, I was injured in the last few games. I believe in God and my process, that's why I celebrated like that to God," he added. His performances not only helped India secure the series but also earned him recognition as one of the standout players of the series. Coming to the match, after winning the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as the team delivered an exceptional performance. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened for India, forging a solid 73-run partnership. Abhishek displayed an impressive knock, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes, but his innings ended in the sixth over when Lutho Sipamla dismissed him. As the innings entered the death overs, the partnership of Tilak Varma and Samson showed no signs of slowing down. In the 18th over, Sanju Samson brought up his century in just 51 balls, followed by Tilak Varma scoring his second T20I hundred in the very next over. The record-breaking 210-run partnership between Samson and Tilak lifted India to a formidable 283/1. Samson contributed an explosive 109 runs off 51 balls, while Tilak smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 47 deliveries. The South African bowling unit appeared lacklustre, with Lutho Sipamla being the only bowler to take a wicket. However, Sipamla also conceded the most runs, allowing the Indian batters to capitalise. During the run chase, Tristan Stubbs (43 runs from 29 balls, 3 fours and 2 sixes) and David Miller (36 runs from 27 balls, 2 fours and 3 sixes) were the only top batter for the Proteas, apart from the rest failed to put up a show in Johannesburg. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy led the Indian bowling attack as the visitors were successful in restricting South Africa to 148 with one over remaining. With the massive 135-run victory over the Proteas in the fourth match, India clinched a 3-1 series win. (With ANI Inputs)
16 November,2024 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the side's loss in the fourth T20I match against India, South Africa's skipper Aiden Markram admitted that the visitors completely outplayed them in Johannesburg. Team India registered a solid 135-run victory over South Africa in the fourth T20I and won the series by 3-1. In the post-match presentation, Aiden Markram said that Team India dominated them in all three aspects of the game. Further, he also praised the "Men in Blue" for their stellar performances with the willow as well as the ball. The Proteas skipper accepted that India put India under pressure and it was tough for them to make a comeback. "Completely outplayed in all three aspects of the game. Have to give them credit, bat and ball they put us under pressure and it was tough for us to come back. Some good honest reflections need to be done. As a team we will have a good reflection, as a white-ball team we have some time off, get stuck into some work and ultimately come back better players with better skills and better execution," Aiden Markram said. Also Read: Bumrah will be the most critical player for India in Oz: Kumble After winning the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as the team delivered an exceptional performance. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened for India, forging a solid 73-run partnership. Abhishek displayed an impressive knock, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes, but his innings ended in the sixth over when Lutho Sipamla dismissed him. As the innings entered the death overs, the partnership of Tilak Varma and Samson showed no signs of slowing down. In the 18th over, Sanju Samson brought up his century in just 51 balls, followed by Tilak Varma scoring his second T20I hundred in the very next over. The record-breaking 210-run partnership between Samson and Tilak lifted India to a formidable 283/1. Samson contributed an explosive 109 runs off 51 balls, while Tilak smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 47 deliveries. The South African bowling unit appeared lacklustre, with Lutho Sipamla being the only bowler to take a wicket. However, Sipamla also conceded the most runs, allowing the Indian batters to capitalise. During the run chase, Tristan Stubbs (43 runs from 29 balls, 3 fours and 2 sixes) and David Miller (36 runs from 27 balls, 2 fours and 3 sixes) were the only top batter for the Proteas, apart from the rest failed to put up a show in Johannesburg. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy led the Indian bowling attack as the visitors were successful in restricting South Africa to 148 with one over remaining and won the match by 135 runs in the fourth T20I. (With ANI Inputs)
16 November,2024 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAccording to former head coach Ravi Shastri, India would be better off with returning fast-bowler Mohammed Shami back in the team as soon as possible for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After being out of competitive cricket for 360 days due to an achilles injury needing surgery, Shami made a successful return to competitive action for Bengal in their ongoing Ranji Trophy clash against Madhya Pradesh at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Also Read: Fellow ‘All 10-man’ Sunderam hails Kamboj Shami bowled for 19 overs and took an impressive 4-54 to signal that he’s slowly getting back to being at his best. “If anything, I would have wanted a little more support for Jasprit [Bumrah] in the pace-bowling attack. So the quicker Shami gets fit and is on a flight, I think it’s better for India,” said Shastri on the ICC Review show. If all goes well, then Shami will most likely be available for the second half of India’s trip for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 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
16 November,2024 07:53 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSFormer pacer Pradeep Sunderam, who claimed all 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy in 1985-86, reckons Haryana paceman Anshul Kamboj’s All 10 show against Kerala on Friday is an achievement of a lifetime. Kamboj, 23, claimed 10-49 against Kerala in their Ranji Trophy Group ‘C’ game in Rohtak and entered the record books to become only the third bowler in the history of Ranji Trophy to bag all 10 wickets in an innings. Earlier, Bengal pacer Premangshu Chatterjee (10-20 v Assam in 1956-57) and Rajasthan’s Sunderam (10-78 v Vidarbha in 1985) enjoyed this special feat in the national championship. Also Read: Centurion Satpute shines for Chembur Karnataka HS Thanks to Kamboj’s fiery bowling (30.1-9-49-10), Kerala were all out for 291 in their first innings. “Tremendous performance… it’s a once-in-a-lifetime feat, a great achievement. I am very happy to have him [Kamboj] in our club,” Sunderam told mid-day on Friday. When Sunderam, 64, learnt about Kamboj’s feat on Friday afternoon, he recalled his game against Vidarbha: “I must have been around 27 or 28 when I took all 10 wickets. He [Kamboj] has a very good future. When somebody informed me about his achievement, I replied: ‘Brilliant, at least somebody has done it. This is a record you cannot break, only equalled.’ “It’s too early for him to have achieved this feat so my message to him is keep working hard. You have set a milestone and I strongly believe if you work on the same trend you might come across many other records and this may lead to playing for the country as well.” Sunderam claimed 145 wickets from 40 first-class games. “My father [GR Sunderam] played for India, but I could not. My mother once asked my dad, ‘You played for India, but have you taken 10 wickets in an innings?’ Playing for India is one thing and taking all 10 wickets in an innings at any level is totally different and a big thing,” Sunderam signed off.
16 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayurePacers Mohit Avasthi and Shardul Thakur shared seven wickets between them as Mumbai dismissed Services for 182 in their second innings at the Air Force ground at Palam here on Friday. Also Read: England beat Windies by 3 wickets to win series It meant that Mumbai will be chasing a modest 135 for victory. They closed the day at 24 for one, requiring another 111 runs to register a victory. 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
16 November,2024 07:47 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIOpener Aniket Satpute struck an unbeaten 108 to steer Chembur Karnataka High School (Chembur) to a seven-wicket win over IRA Global School (Dombivli) in a second-round match of the MSSA 128th Harris Shield inter-school cricket tournament on Thursday. Chasing 238 for victory, the Chembur lads easily achieved their target, scoring 240-3 in 26 overs. Lavaib Sayyed (48) and Shreyash Gowari (37) were their top scorers. Also Read: England beat Windies by 3 wickets to win series Earlier, IRA Global School had posted 237-8 from their 42 overs. Lower-order batter Akshansh Singh scored an impressive 84 while Kanvesh Alimkar contributed a valuable 43.
16 November,2024 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Gordon D’CostaFast bowler Saqib Mahmood again knocked the top off the West Indies innings to set up England’s three-wicket win in the third T20I which clinched the series with two matches remaining. Also Read: Cubs roar to help Three Lions soar Set 146, England reached its target with seven wickets down and four balls to spare. The chase was led by Sam Curran who made 41 in partnerships of 38 with Will Jacks (32) and 39 with Liam Livingstone (39). 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
16 November,2024 07:39 AM IST | Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | AP | PTIADVERTISEMENT
