Discontent brewing in PCB over hybrid model for CT 2025: Sources

Coimbatore, Dec 21 (IANS) DTS Racing’s Liron Jaden Samuels (37 points) edged out Aditya Patnaik (31 points) from Momentum Motorsports and emerged the overall champion of the Novice Cup, which forms part of the 27th FMSCI National Racing Championship, at the Kari Motor Speedway in Chettipalayam here on Saturday.

Both Liron and Aditya Patnaik completed a grand double on a day that witnessed a dramatic sequence of events. In fact, the latter scored a creditable win in the fourth and final race of the day to secure a triple victory. But, as luck would have it, was imposed a 10-second penalty for the jump start in the fourth race which saw him slide to the fourth position. Liron, having finished second in the race, was elevated to the top and that further boosted his points tally.

Momentum Motorsports, however, was pleased to take home the team championship with 63 points to its kitty. DTS Racing, despite a stiff fight from their boys, fell short by two points.

Earlier, M-Sport’s Abhay, who finished third and second the other day, came out better prepared for the final hunt. The 16-year-old from Bengaluru blended caution with aggression en route to winning the third race, the first for the day, in a rather commanding manner. Starting from P3, he got past leader Liron midway through and thereon clocked consistent times to hit the top spot.

On Friday, Liron (from Tirunelveli) and his DTS Racing teammate Lokith L. Ravi (from Pollachi) took the top two positions in the first race. The leading racers, who were in contention for the podium spots, made costly mistakes in the penultimate lap, allowing Liron and Lokith to seize the opportunity and cruise to victory.

Abhay secured the third place, while the other top contenders were left to reflect on their mistakes. Liron, feeling fortunate, explained that the key to their success was maintaining composure and capitalising on the mistakes of others.

In the second race, Aditya took control right from the start. However, he faced fierce competition from Abhay, who was always within striking distance. Despite the pressure, the 18-year-old from Navi Mumbai managed to hold his ground, even after a safety car situation, and ultimately crossed the finish line to claim victory.

Race results:

JK Tyre Novice Cup:

Race 1 (10 laps): 1. Liron Jaden Samuels (DTS Racing) 13:33.268; 2. Lokith L. Ravi (DTS Racing) 13:33.639; 3. M. Abhay (MSport) 13:34.421.

Race 2 (10 laps): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Momentum Motorsport) 16:24.261; 2. M. Abhay (Msport) 16:242.547; 3. Liron Jaden Samuels (DTS Racing) 16:25.093.

Race 3 (9 laps): 1. M. Abhay (MSport) 12:18.579; 2. Saishiva Sankaran (Momentum Motorsport) 12:21.601; 3. Aditya Patnaik (Momentum Motorsport) 12:23.864.

Race 4 (10 laps): 1. Liron Jaden Samuels (DTS Racing) 15:08.194; 2. Neil Singh Kalsi (Momentum Motorsports) 15:09.284; 3. Lokith L. Ravi (DTS Racing) 15:10.549.

Race 5 (10 Laps): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Momentum Motorsport) 13:12.582; 2. Saishiva Sankaran (Momentum Motorsport) 13:18.258; 3. Liron Jaden Samuels (DTS) 13:18.391.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) Australia captain Alyssa Healy has confirmed she will play as a specialist batter in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, marking her return from a knee injury that prematurely ended her WBBL season.

The star opener, who missed Australia’s 3-0 ODI series sweep over India, is on track to feature in the first game in New Zealand on December 19. However, Healy will not don the wicketkeeping gloves, as her left knee injury limits her ability to crouch for extended periods.

Beth Mooney will take over the wicketkeeping duties, with Healy focusing on contributing with the bat and fielding at first slip.

Speaking on the Willow Talk Podcast, Healy explained her decision. “I’m keen to play and I’ll be doing everything to get on the field, (but) I won’t be keeping. That’s where my knee’s at, and the problem is getting down into those positions,” she said.

The 34-year-old added that she’s excited to get back to action but acknowledged she might need to temper expectations about her fielding skills.

“I’m terrified by the prospect because I overrate my fielding. I think I’m really good, but I’m not. I’m not Beth Mooney, and I know that, so I’ve just got to put myself in not-hotspots,” Healy joked.

Despite her challenges, Healy expressed determination to play, particularly with limited opportunities for game time before the highly anticipated Ashes series, which begins next month in Sydney.

Healy’s absence as wicketkeeper during the India series allowed young talent Georgia Voll to shine. Voll scored a sensational century in the second ODI and paired well with Phoebe Litchfield at the top of the order. Although Voll suffered a minor knee injury in the third game, reports suggest she is fit and ready for the New Zealand series.

Australia’s incredible squad depth provides reassurance to Healy as she continues her recovery. “We’ve got incredible depth within our squad, so if something does go wrong and I need an extra day off, we’ve got the coverage there,” she said.

Reflecting on her recent string of injuries, including a tournament-ending foot issue during the T20 World Cup, Healy admitted there’s some stress about her body’s durability late in her career.

“I think there’s an element of stress to it, but at the same time I’m really blessed that I can play multiple roles for the side,” she said. “Later in my career, I want to still be playing as much cricket as I can. Unfortunately, my body is saying ‘no.’”

–IANS

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