Category: Sports

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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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) After chess veteran Tania Sachdev, former world champion boxer Gaurav Bidhuri came forward to slam the Delhi government for discrimination towards athletes and overlooking their achievements.

On Monday morning, Tania vented out her frustration and expressed how the Delhi government had failed to recognise her achievements. “Having played for India since 2008. It’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions, directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step,” she posted on X.

Highlighting her recent achievements, which include the historic Chess Olympic gold, Tania said, “Till date there has been no acknowledgement or recognition by the state govt.”

Bidhuri, who won the bronze medal in the 2017 Boxing World Championships, was quick to express his agreement with Tania’s claims and said Delhi-based players win medals for the country but are treated differently in the national capital than other states, pointing out Delhi government’s lack of recognition for medal-winning athletes.

“Why no one raise this issue of discrimination that athletes from Delhi are facing? We win same medal for India but are treated differently in different states,” Bidhuri posted on X.

He further said the Delhi government gets away from its responsibility by reiterating the national capital’s Union Territory status. “Hum Delhiwale toh orphans hai, UT bolkar sab Central govt. pe daal dete hain (We people of Delhi are like orphans; they call it a Union Territory and shift all responsibilities to the central government).”

Reacting to the chess player’s post, Chief Minister Atishi insisted that the Delhi government has always supported its athletes, and she is looking forward to hearing suggestions on what more can be done for the players.

“Hi Tania, we have always supported all our athletes, sportsmen, and sportswomen, especially in our schools. Would love to meet you and understand what more can be done, especially for chess players. My office will reach out to you and I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions,” Atishi replied to Tania’s post on X.

This is not the first instance when the players from Delhi have raised the concern of getting overlooked by the city government for their achievements.

After the Tokyo Olympics, 400m runner Sarthak Bhambri, who was part of the 4x400m relay team that set the Asian record in the Tokyo Games, had also pointed out that there was no monetary help offered to him from the Delhi government.

“I can tell you that the Delhi government never came to my help, no monetary help was ever offered to me,” said 22-year-old Bhambri, who lives in Rajouri Garden and is currently pursuing his under-graduation education. “Posters have been put up saying, ‘Delhi bole jeet ke aana’, kaise jeet ke aana? (Delhi says win medal at Olympics. How to win this way?),” Sarthak had told IANS.

“I saw somewhere that crores have been spent on hoardings and posters for the Olympics. Even If they gave us 10-15 per cent of that for our preparations months before going to the Olympics, we could have put it to good use on our performance,” he had added.

Indian wrestler Divya Kakran too had slammed the Delhi government for not providing her promised financial support to prepare for the international competitions.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia starting on Thursday, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed concerns over the visitors’ bowling line-up looking weak, adding that currently the combination is not good enough to pick 20 wickets collectively.

Barring Jasprit Bumrah’s 21 wickets and Mohammed Siraj’s 13 scalps, the rest of Indian bowling line-up hasn’t stepped up to expected lines. The trio of Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep, touring Australia for the first time, have picked 10 wickets collectively.

“My biggest question and the reason for a little bit of concern is that the Indian bowling is looking a little weak. Batting is a little better, like the top five didn’t do well, but the middle order and lower middle order, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish, and even tail enders, Bumrah and Akashdeep contributed with the bat. Now, there is a weakness in the bowling, so what will you field?”

“That is the biggest question, because you can’t drop Nitish, you can’t drop Jadeja, so what will be the team combination? Ashwin has taken retirement, so two spinners, I don’t think they will play in Melbourne. So, how will you strengthen the bowling?”

“Because the three seamers are very good, but their supporting role, fourth and fifth seamer, Nitesh Kumar is the fourth seamer and Ravindra Jadeja is the fifth bowler. If you add both of them together, the bowling is not that good.”

“We will have to think about that, because if you want to win a test match, then you have to take 20 wickets, and the ability to take 20 wickets is not that good, the supporting role of the other bowlers is not good, so we will have to improve that as soon as possible, and how that will be, I don’t know, but that is a big question,” said Pujara on Star Sports.

For Australia, left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has been a standout bowler with 14 scalps, with Pujara declaring him as the best bowler for the hosts’ in the series so far. Pujara pointed out that Starc’s work on improving his accuracy and giving less loose balls is yielding him good results in the series.

“He has been the best bowler for them in this series. And the way Mitchell Starc has played in the last 1-1.5 years, he has brought a lot of improvement. And he has a lot of ability. If I talk about my personal experience, when he used to play in the last series in 2018 or 2021, I used to feel that if he plays against me, I will get runs.”

“And now, when he is playing in this series, it feels like he will take wickets. So what is the difference? The difference is that his line, length, and accuracy has increased a lot. He is bowling very less loose deliveries. He is bowling on the stumps. Every ball is hitting on the good length spot. He is getting swing. So the change he has brought in his game has made him a different player.”

Pujara signed off by saying the Indian batters need to survive Starc’s first spell with the new ball and tire him to get runs. “He is looking more dangerous than Cummins and Hazlewood. So we will have to take care of his game, especially from the new games.”

“In the first 5 overs, his first spell, he has taken the most wickets there. So if there is a good batting in the first 5 overs, bring him for the 2nd or 3rd spell. Because he gets tired. So the batting of the top order so far, our top order has never played him in the 3rd or 4th spell.”

“The ones who have played are the lower middle order and the tail enders. And there we saw that when Bumrah and Akash were batting, when Mitchell Starc was bowling, he was not that effective. So they will have to play their new game well.”

–IANS

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London, Dec 23 (IANS) Max Purcell, Australia’s prominent tennis player and two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has taken a voluntary suspension following a breach of anti-doping rules.

The 26-year-old, who achieved significant success with titles at Wimbledon 2022 and the US Open 2024, admitted to violating Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which pertains to the use of a prohibited method.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension in a statement, noting that Purcell had requested to begin his provisional suspension on December 10, 2024. The suspension took effect two days later, and time served will be credited against any future sanctions.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Australian tennis player Max Purcell has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).

“26-year-old Purcell, currently ranked world number 12 in doubles, has admitted to a breach of Article 2.2 of the TADP relating to the use of a Prohibited Method, and requested to enter into a provisional suspension on 10 December 2024. The suspension came into effect on 12 December 2024, and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction,” ITIA said in a statement released on Monday.

The ITIA statement disclosed few specifics about Purcell’s violation, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. According to Article 2.2, the use or attempted use of a prohibited method constitutes an anti-doping rule violation unless justified by a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). While the exact prohibited method involved has not been revealed, the rule emphasises that athletes are personally responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations.

“During the provisional suspension, Purcell is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Federation Francaise de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.

“As the matter is ongoing, the ITIA is unable to offer any further comment until its conclusion.

“The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events,” the statement concluded.

During his provisional suspension, Purcell is barred from participating in or attending any ITIA-sanctioned events, including those under the governance of organizations such as the ATP, WTA, ITF, and Tennis Australia.

Purcell turned professional in 2016 and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in October 2023, his greatest accomplishments have come in doubles. In addition to his Wimbledon and US Open victories, Purcell reached the Australian Open doubles final in 2020 and 2022.

Currently ranked No. 12 in doubles and No. 105 in singles, Purcell has been a key figure in Australian tennis. His most recent doubles triumph at the 2024 US Open, alongside compatriot Jordan Thompson, solidified his status as one of the sport’s elite doubles players.

–IANS

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Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Uncapped Australian opener Sam Konstas said he does have a plan for countering India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah if selected for playing the upcoming Boxing Day Test starting on Thursday.

But at the same time, Konstas insisted on being present in the current moment – of being at the MCG with the Australian Test team. Konstas, 19, was called into the Australia Test squad for last two games against India at the expense of Nathan McSweeney.

The expectation from Konstas is for him to be a more aggressive partner for veteran opener Usman Khawaja. “I do but I’m not going to say what it is, but (I will) just be trying to put pressure back onto the bowlers. They are all very good bowlers.”

“Obviously, they’re the best in the world, but I’m looking forward to the challenge, and hopefully I’ll get to experience that this week. I’ve watched (Bumrah) quite a bit, but (I’m) just trying to be in the moment. And hopefully I get the opportunity on Boxing Day.” said Konstas to reporters on Monday.

In his first practice session with the Australian team, Konstas talked about being welcomed by skipper Pat Cummins and premier batter Steve Smith in the dressing room. “I think for me, what an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in, so it feels like a family. It’s been awesome, a dream come true, and hopefully I get to represent my country.”

“It’s a huge honour, as a kid I’ve always dreamed of it. I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible, get my prep right and see what happens. It’s happened really quick … I wasn’t too fazed. But I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person and I’m just trying to live in the moment.”

He also revealed about the advice he got from his mentor, former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, who will be arriving in Melbourne along with Konstas family members on Thursday. “Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless. I admire Shane Watson a lot. I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers.”

“He’s a legend of the game and hopefully I can do that this week on my debut. I don’t do too much on social media, but I will take it as a compliment. It’s pretty simple – just back myself and just ‘see ball, hit ball’ really.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers made a significant addition to their squad by acquiring Rupinder Pal Singh in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction for Rs 12.5 lakhs earlier this year. The 34-year-old drag flicker, known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, returns to the league with an impressive record of 234 goals in 223 appearances.

Rupinder, who last played in the historic bronze medal match against Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and ended a 42-year drought for an Olympic medal, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Bengal Tigers. He was a star performer for the Delhi Waveriders in the previous edition of the HIL, and his return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.

“Playing in the Hockey India League again is truly thrilling for me. After spending years with international teams and facing the best in the world, to be back on the turf, alongside familiar teammates and rising stars, is a feeling I can’t describe. This time, I’m fortunate to play with players like Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet – some I haven’t had the chance to play alongside at the international level. It’s a huge opportunity for me to share the field with them and to be back in the action after so long,” Rupinder shared.

The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have crafted a formidable lineup, boasting the dynamic pairing of Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh, alongside the prolific Belgian forward Florent van Aubel. In defence, Rupinder will be joined by fellow dragflicker Jugraj Singh, strengthening the team’s already potent goalscoring unit.

“I’ve always believed that competition within the league, playing against top players from across the world, pushes us to improve. The teams are packed with exceptional talent, including players from the national team and foreign internationals like Belgian forward Florent van Aubel.

“I am looking forward to playing against the likes of Harmanpreet and Gurinder as well. The excitement of seeing the best players in action will be immense. The Hockey India League is where we all come together, and it’s an exciting platform for the next generation of hockey,” he signed off.

–IANS

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