Category: Sports

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has in a way opened the door for Indian players to quit playing at home and figure in franchise T20 leagues abroad which has given rise to hopes that more and more Indian players will seek fortunes in similar leagues in future.

Though the BCCI’s rules prohibit Indian players from playing in foreign T20 leagues, former South Africa pacer and an SA20 Ambassador, Allan Donald says he would one day love to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah playing in the SA20 league, South Africa’s domestic T20 league.

Karthik will be turning out for Paarl Royals in the upcoming Season 3 of the SA20, which will be played from January 9 to February 8, 2025.

Speaking on which Indian players he would love to have in the SA20, SA20 Ambassador and South Africa fast bowling legend Donald said: “Oh my gosh, that’s a – where do I start? Where do I start getting a player from there? My goodness me, jeez. If it’s a batter, it’s Virat Kohli all over there. Suppose it’s a bowler, 100 per cent (Jasprit) Bumrah. My goodness me, can you imagine that? Can you actually imagine some Indian players, and I would be allowed to pick one? Oh my, that would be the most special thing.”

“That’ll just put it to another level. That’ll add another level of how big this tournament can become if you’re allowed to. Imagine two – oh, imagine two per team. But we’ll keep it there at one. I’ll have those two players for sure – Kohli and Bumrah. If I have to pick from a batter or a bowler – 100 per cent sure,” Donald said at an online interaction organised by SA20 India on Monday.

Speaking on Karthik’s involvement in the SA20, Donald, who is the assistant coach of Durban Super Giants, said: “I think, since I’ve seen him come on board, I think it’s awesome. It really is awesome that an absolute Indian legend – a guy who, for me, is such an intelligent cricketer. I actually really enjoy listening to him commentating. I think he’s just a breath of fresh air. And it’s great to see an Indian guy who’s an ex-international – a guy who’s had a wealth of experience in the IPL -being signed up. It’ll be awesome to see him play if he does play.

Donald, known the world over as ‘White Lightening’ for his fiery pace that rattled batters for over a decade in international cricket following South Africa’s return from the Apartheid ban, said Karthik playing in SA20 is a great thing for young cricketers.

“Young cricketers, like everywhere in the world, are looking up to the Indian superstars, the Indian Premier League, and what it stands for. It’s just getting bigger, better, and faster. And to have one of your own playing in the SA20 is just a masterstroke. It really is. I think it’s wonderful to see. He’s still a fine cricketer. You know, he can play. And I think just listening to the launch and him being around and doing his stuff over there in India and promoting the SA20 – I thought it was… He was just superb. It was great. It’d be absolutely wonderful to have him around. It’ll mean a lot to the young cricketers, that is for sure,” said Donald, who retired from Test cricket with 330 wickets in 72 Tests and with 272 scalps in 164 ODIs.

After retirement, Donald has worked as a bowling coach and consultant with the England team, County Cricket Club Warwickshire and Kent, domestic teams in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka national teams.

In IPL, he was the bowling coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 and the bowling and head coach of Pune Warriors India in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara feels Yashasvi Jaiswal is trying to rush through things while batting in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and advised left-handed opener to give himself a bit more time at the crease.

Jaiswal has amassed 193 runs in three Tests so far, out of 161 came in his brilliant second innings knock in Perth, where India won by 295 runs. But after that, Jaiswal has struggled to get going, which is evident from his scores of 0, 24, 4 and 4 not out.

“He needs to give himself a bit more time, the way he is playing, he is trying to rush things, he is trying to play shots a bit more. He should only play shots if he is quite sure about it, especially in the first 5-10 overs because it seems that he is in a hurry to score runs, he wants a quick start, and he wants to score those first 15-20 runs quickly.”

“When you are an opener in Test Cricket then you don’t go out searching for the ball, you play the deliveries on merit. Even if you are an aggressive player, even Virender Sehwag was an aggressive player but he used play shots only when the ball was pitched in his zone.”

“There are a lot of aggressive batters and openers in Test Cricket today but they play the shots when the ball is pitched in the hitting zone, but here it looks like Yashasvi is trying to convert the shots, he is trying to drive the deliveries which are not pitched up,” said Pujara on Star Sports.

In this series, Jaiswal has been dismissed four times by left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and Pujara has called upon the youngster to defend well and take a leaf out of how his senior opening partner KL Rahul in terms of capitalising on fuller balls. “He needs to be a bit calm, he needs to spend a bit more time, if he will show some confidence on his defence then that’s when he’ll come across some shot playing deliveries.”

“It’s because the moment when you show some respect to the bowlers and you defend well then they’ll look forward to getting a wicket and gradually they’ll starting pitching the ball a bit up and that’s when you can play those drives. They way KL Rahul is playing, the way he is playing those drives on the overpitched deliveries, Yashasvi also needs to do the same.”

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is interestingly poised at 1-1 ahead of the Boxing Day Test, set to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.

–IANS

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Newcastle, Dec 23 (IANS) Premier League clubs are gearing up for the festive period which is one of the most exerting in the footballing calendar. In-form Newcastle United side will be hoping to continue their winning momentum as they face a treacherous run which includes games against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Head coach Eddie Howe has displayed full confidence in his team as they come into the boxing day fixture against Villa having scored eight goals in their last two fixtures.

“Every reason for us to be excited about those games [against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur], I have been really pleased with how we have played in recent games, and I think we need to take that into the next week. We have some brilliant games on paper for everyone to attack and enjoy.

“When you are playing at home over the festive period, these games are brilliant things to be a part of. So, yeah, we are looking forward to the game. When you perform and play well, you want the games to come to you,” said Howe in a press conference.

The Magpies welcome Villa to St. James’ Park on Thursday looking to continue their fine recent run which has seen them win their last three games in all competitions, scoring 11 and conceding just one in the process.

Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town, inspired by a hat-trick from Alexander Isak, was their latest convincing triumph, meaning they go into the clash with Villa, who beat Manchester City at the weekend, full of confidence.

“We had two games against Aston Villa last season. This will be a really good challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their squad, they have some really good players. Their style is very difficult to play against, very well coached, very well drilled,” he added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay, all-rounder Freya Kamp, spinner Linsey Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Linsey Smith have been named in England’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Ashes.

Ryana, who made her white-ball debut on England’s tour of Ireland earlier this year, took two wickets on her Test debut against South Africa and retains her place in the longer format team for the trip to Australia.

Freya and Linsey are in an Ashes squad for the first time and are a part of the T20I team only, while Bess is included in T20I and Test squads after suffering a fractured thumb, which kept her out of the South Africa tour.

Left-arm pacer Mahika Gaur will be with the group, continuing her return to bowling following the injury that made her unavailable for the recent South Africa tour. England travel to Sydney on January 2 and will play a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9.

“We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series’ are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead,” said head coach Jon Lewis in a statement.

England begins their Women’s Ashes trip with three ODIs in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart from January 11-16. It is followed by three T20Is taking place in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide from January 20-25.

The four-day Test, also the maiden day-night game, is set to be held from January 30 to February 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The game will also end the multi-format Women’s Ashes series for the first time since it was introduced in 2015.

During the last Ashes in England in 2023, Australia won the Test match at Trent Bridge but England triumphed in both white-ball formats, resulting in an eight-all draw of the multi-format series.

England ODI squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England T20I squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England Test squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge

–IANS

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Colombo, Dec 23 (IANS) Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has returned to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, starting on January 5 in Wellington.

Sri Lanka will travel to New Zealand for three T20Is and as many ODIs before moving to Australia for the two-Test series in late January.

Hasaranga returns to the ODI squad after missing the previous series against Afghanistan in November due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage, who was dropped from the T20I squad for this tour, retains his spot in the 50-over format.

The team has made four changes to the squad from last month, leaving out Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dishan Madushanka. Notably, Perera, who made his ODI comeback during the New Zealand series after the 2023 World Cup, did not get a chance to play. Hemantha, who replaced Hasaranga in the previous series, has also been excluded.

In addition to Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has included batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who debuted against India in 2023 and has played five ODIs, and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, returning after last featuring in March against Bangladesh. The squad also sees the addition of uncapped medium-pacer Eshan Malinga for the 50-over matches.

Sri Lanka squad for ODI series: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) As the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) approaches, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has cautioned under fire skipper Rohit Sharma to reconsider his aggressive batting style against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.

Sharma, who has been struggling for consistency in Test cricket this year, needs to recalibrate his approach to make a meaningful contribution to India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, currently tied at 1-1.

Rohit’s form in Test cricket has been underwhelming in 2024. From 13 matches, he averages a modest 26.39, a sharp decline from his usually reliable standards. He missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child but returned for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, only to score a meagre nine runs across two innings. In Brisbane’s rain-affected third Test, he batted at No. 6 and managed just 10 runs in his sole outing.

“He has got that big game. In South Africa, he had that one innings where it was a small target and they went after the bowling, and Rohit Sharma looked really good. But in a Test match in Australia with the kind of bowlers he is contended with, all bowling superbly, it is not easy to take those guys on because his shots are really high-risk shots. He tried that in the home series against New Zealand as well, just to put the bowlers off but got out playing the attacking shot,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

While Rohit started the year strongly in the home series against England, his form took a significant hit during the Bangladesh series in September and the subsequent New Zealand series.

“He is short of confidence with self-doubts. And it was a bit of a rude shock when he played in that home series against New Zealand and his defence was getting breached on Indian pitches,” Manjrekar added.

According to Manjrekar, Sharma’s inability to focus on a solid defensive foundation is costing him dearly in Test cricket. He compared Rohit’s current struggles to his performances during the 2021 England tour, where he batted with remarkable discipline and a defence-orientated approach.

In 2021, Rohit had an exceptional Test series in England, scoring runs at a strike rate of 42. Manjrekar praised that series as a testament to Rohits’s potential as a disciplined Test batter.

“I remember commentating on that series (2021 England) and kept saying ‘this is Pujara-like’, the way he was grinding away. And I thought it was the rebirth of Rohit Sharma, the Test cricketer, who got those two centuries in his first two Tests. I also felt this is his true calling; this is what he loves to do – which is playing for time like a typical Mumbai batter,” he said.

However, Manjrekar pointed out that Rohit has been unable to replicate that form and approach in recent matches. “Now when he has to bring that game back, he just can’t find the defensive game…,” Manjrekar concluded.

With the series level at 1-1 and two Tests to play, India will face Australia for the fourth Test at MCG starting on Thursday.

–IANS

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Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Australia fast-bowler Sean Abbott was effusive in his praise for Jasprit Bumrah, saying that the current generation is seeing a master at work, adding that his unusual bowling action being never tinkered is a big blessing.

In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently locked at 1-1, Bumrah has picked an impressive 21 wickets, while averaging 10.9, making him the leading wicket-taker overall in the five-match series.

“He has any delivery on tap, the accuracy, the pace. He just ticks all the boxes, session after session. There’s not been one time when he’s bowled in this series where he hasn’t been putting pressure on the Australian batsmen. I take my hat off to him, it’s been unreal. We’re seeing a master at work.”

“Maybe it was a good thing he never had it coached out of him. He just remained Jasprit Bumrah for his whole life so far and his whole career. We all get to witness (his bowling) … he’s one of the greatest we’ve seen. At this level you want to take on the best at their best. I’m pretty glad he didn’t change, because we get to experience something different,” said Abbott to reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The uncapped Abbott, who earned a recall to Australia’s Test squad for the last two matches, said he is relishing the chance to share the dressing room with Australia’s first-choice pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.

“Anyone who comes into the side, they always have this growth mindset even when they’ve been playing Test cricket for however many years. I’m very lucky that whenever those guys have come back to play for NSW … or I’ve been on tour for Australia or especially this week, they’re so good with their time, to help those around them.”

“They’re pretty invested in the journey of those around them … they’re busy cricketers, there’s a lot of pressure on the guys to go out and do their job. Obviously if I’m not getting a game, it’s a good thing for the team because it means we’re at full strength and the guys are feeling quite good at the moment.”

“While it’s my dream to play Test cricket for Australia, I’m pretty realistic that these guys who are playing, are doing a pretty amazing job. I really want to be the one out there contributing … (but) I’m dealing with some generational cricketers.”

Abbott signed off by being excited about what teenage opener Sam Konstas can offer to the Australia Test team if he gets to make his debut in the Boxing Day Test starting on Thursday.

“If he gets the chance to play, turn the stump mics up when he’s at short leg because he’s got some good banter. He’s a funny young kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about it if he gets an opportunity.”

“(He was) just getting into blokes about being scared, as I would be if Starcy (Mitchell Starc) was bowling fast thunderbolts. It wouldn’t matter if it’s Rohit (Sharma) or me batting there, it’ll be exactly the same. You’re in for some entertainment.”

“The way he approaches the game, it doesn’t bother him who he’s up against, whether its guys like Marcus Harris and Pete Handscomb who’ve got a fair bit of experience, but he was pretty unfazed … it’s probably his most admirable attribute.”

–IANS

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Wellington, Dec 23 (IANS) Ashleigh Gardner, who capped off a stellar year with a match-winning performance in Australia’s 75-run victory over New Zealand in the third ODI at Wellington, reflected on the team’s dominance in 2024 and expressed excitement for the challenges ahead, including the historic Women’s Ashes series.

Australia rounded off a remarkable year with a 2-0 series sweep over New Zealand. The win capped off a dominant year for the reigning ICC Women’s World Cup champions, underlining their prowess in 50-over cricket.

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Gardner emphasised the significance of their success in 2024. “It caps off a pretty good year for us,” she said during the post-match press conference. “Coming off the World Cup, we had a point to prove, and 50-over cricket is probably our best format. We were clinical in all games. To finish off the year like that, going home with another trophy that’s got Australia written all over it, is pretty pleasing.”

“We saw people shine in different spots. Where the team is at the moment, we’re in a really positive space. We’ve done a lot of talking, and now it’s about action.”

Gardner praised the contributions from across the squad, particularly Annabelle Sutherland, whose consistent performances stood out throughout the series. Sutherland’s efforts with both bat and ball were pivotal to Australia’s success in the series. Scoring 147 runs and taking three wickets, she showcased her ability to deliver under pressure.

“To watch Belsy (Annabelle Sutherland) do what she does with both bat and ball in hand, at number 5, breaking records like she always does. To see people like that standing up under pressure.

“For such a young player, she’s gotten her head switched on. The conversations we have around the field are really simple. The language is really clear and concise in what we both do really well. Sometimes where you’re at the other end and Belsy’s firing it, good to just give her the strike.”

Australia’s dominance in ODIs is reflected in their outstanding record in the ICC Women’s Championship. Winning 18 out of 24 matches, with only three losses, they have set the benchmark for consistency in women’s cricket.

Gardner highlighted the team’s commitment to excellence and said, “It’s such a long period of time to accumulate all those points. The ODI series we’ve played in have been pretty clinical. We always speak about wanting to win 3-0 in every series. I think we’ve lost only three games in 24-25 games; it’s a pretty good feat.”

Looking ahead, Gardner expressed her excitement for the upcoming Women’s Ashes, particularly the historic day-night Test at the MCG.

“To be playing at a venue like the SCG, which is my favourite ground in the world. There’s so much history there, and we haven’t played many international games since I’ve been involved in the team.

“To have the Ashes there, what better way to draw some crowds in. And to top it off with the Test match at the MCG, day-night, it’s going to be a pretty good spectacle.”

–IANS

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Johannesburg, Dec 23 (IANS) Despite suffering a 3-0 ODI series defeat to Pakistan, South Africa head coach Rob Walter said he is confident of the team shining in major tournaments like next year’s Champions Trophy, citing his team’s track record in last two World Cups.

Pakistan winning the final ODI by 36 runs via DLS method at Johannesburg confirmed South Africa being clean-swept in a home series for the first time. “I know they’ll shine through when it comes to these world events, these marquee events. The guys tend to step up. They tend to bring their best cricket. We’ve seen that for two World Cups in a row,” Walter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

In the run-up to the Champions Trophy, South Africa are scheduled to play a tri-series in Pakistan. But they might be without some of their first-choice players for the tri-series as it clashes with the ending stages of SA20, which Walter believes would pose a challenge.

“The reality is the lead up into the Champions Trophy won’t be anything, like the lead up to the World Cup. That’s the reality of the way the schedule is stacked up. But at the end of the day, I’ve just got to trust in the quality of the players.”

“Obviously, the switching in codes will potentially pose a little bit of a challenge to us. But again, it’s not like the guys have not played 50-odd cricket. So I trust that when the time comes, we’ll be there.”

In their ODI series defeat to Pakistan, barring Heinrich Klaasen’s three fifties, none of the other batters stepped up in the line-up, which has left Walter concerned.

“As a batting unit, we’ve spoken about someone taking pride in getting in and getting a big hundred. And to be fair, we just haven’t been able to convert anything into really substantial knocks or partnerships in this series. It’s not like we’re unaware. Some of it is down to batting error and others down to bowling quality and we also have to acknowledge that,” he concluded.

–IANS

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Sydney, Dec 23 (IANS) Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur reflecting on a stellar 2024 season that saw him break into the world’s top 10, stated, his career-best performances, including three Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances, has fuelled him to strive for “bigger and better things.”

The 25-year-old Australian ended the year ranked world No.9 after his madien ATP Finals appearance. De Minaur will start the 2025 season on home soil in Sydney. He has reached the Round of 16 at the Australian Open in the past three years. A deeper run is on the cards for the improving Aussie.

“I definitely have plenty of goals in my head for 2025. I’m not really one to voice them out loud too often, but ultimately keep pushing myself. I’ve had my best year to date, but at the same time I’m not satisfied with that. I want more. I want to keep pushing myself,” De Minaur was quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I want to one day finish my career knowing that I gave the absolute max, and everything I could do to be the best possible tennis player. So that’s still the goal. Still pushing, still striving for more, keep trying to work hard, get better, and keep tweaking parts of my game to hopefully get those results,” he added.

De Minaur’s journey in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. He progressed to quarterfinals at Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open and also became the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 20 years to qualify for the ATP finals after finishing the year as world No.9.

The Australian is eager to begin the new season on home soil at the United Cup, where Team Australia will face Argentina in their opening clash.

“It was extremely important the United Cup 2024, obviously for my confidence, for using it as a springboard to take my game to a different level. I’ve been blessed to play some of the best players in the world at the start of the year, and it is the perfect way to kind of get ready for the Australian Open and see where your level is at,” he said.

–IANS

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