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KL Rahul left the field after being struck on the elbow in an injury concern for India ahead of the first Test, while Virat Kohli shrugged off speculation over his fitness but was one of several batters caught behind the wicket in an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA.After three days in the WACA nets, India ramped up their preparations a week before the series-opener at Optus Stadium with an XI featuring their main stars out in the middle against a side filled with mostly their fringe and India A players.In perhaps an indication that he is earmarked to open the batting if captain Rohit Sharma misses the first Test, Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in overcast conditions.Related

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Rahul looked in fluent touch and appeared to be handling short bowling well until he was struck on his right elbow by a rising delivery from quick Prasidh Krishna. The blow left him grimacing and he trudged off the ground after seeking medical attention.Rahul did not come out to bat later in the day as India’s main batters had another turn at the crease.Jaiswal started aggressively with a belligerent whack through the covers, but on 15 he nicked off to second slip in what would become a common sight through a simulation that lasted two-and-a-half hours before lunch.Amid reports that he has undergone scans in recent days, Kohli looked in fine touch and hit a couple of gorgeous shots through the covers. But on 15 he nicked seamer Mukesh Kumar to second slip before he then spent around 30 minutes in the nearby nets.Short-pitched bowling had been a priority for India’s batters on Thursday, with local club quicks unleashing rapid speed while some batters took part in a drill where a tennis ball was fired from close range aimed at their heads.The WACA surface so far in this simulation has had considerably less bounce and carry than Sheffield Shield matches this season. But there has been some movement off a length and India’s batters looked wanting.Rishabh Pant, who had struggled against the short ball at times during his net sessions earlier in the week, smoked a boundary through the off-side early in his innings but he seemed shaken after copping a blow to the groin. He was cleaned bowled by a quick delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was a standout after also later claiming Dhruv Jurel in the slips.KL Rahul walks off after being hit on the arm•Getty Images

No. 3 Shubman Gill started slowly and struggled to get the strike for his two-hour stay at the crease. He started looking more comfortable before on 28 fending to gully a short of a length delivery from quick Navdeep Saini who celebrated with gusto.The rare sight at the WACA of spin from both ends occurred just before the interval with Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian bowling in tandem as the batting side reached the break at 106 for 5 after 28 overs.Befitting the simulation, with it not being an official match, India’s main batters had another go of it. It appeared there were more specific match situations being tested as Jaiswal and Gill, who was scratchy the first time around, went all-out attack.But they soon reverted to a cautious approach as they mostly dead-batted in a sedate passage of play as India’s coaching staff walked laps around the boundary.Jaiswal has looked the most comfortable against the short ball, including during the net sessions, and he was also ultra-attacking when spin came into the attack. He finished 58 not out, while Gill, who sometimes appeared anchored to the crease, made an unbeaten 42.After the final interval, Kohli and Pant returned and they were confronted by sharp short of a length bowling from Prasidh and Reddy. Kohli was particularly troubled and played and missed on several occasions. But he found his rhythm and played a few gorgeous backfoot strokes, including a pull shot to the boundary which damaged his bat and required a change.Kohli did not look in any discomfort, quelling injury fears, as he batted for an hour before finishing up on 30.Pant tried to counter the length by skipping down the pitch and he had mixed success. He was eventually bowled on 24 by the impressive Mukesh – the second time in the day his wickets had been rattled.Jurel returned and was joined by Akash Deep in the final passages as the batting side finished on 339 for 8 in a match simulation that lasted 75 overs.The simulation is expected to continue over the weekend.

Alisha Lehmann’s move from Juventus to Como has been confirmed, with the Swiss embracing a new challenge that “aims to change rules of the game”.

Won Serie A title during season in TurinPenned deal through to 2028 with ComoCombining passions for football and fashionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Former WSL star Lehmann spent one productive season in Turin after moving to Italy in 2024, with Serie A and Coppa Italia titles being captured. After representing her country at Euro 2025, a fresh start is now being made with an independent outfit that matches her ambition and mindset on and off the pitch.

AdvertisementWHAT LEHMANN SAID

Lehmann said after committing to a three-year contract with FC Como Women: “It’s the first time I’ve joined an independent club — not linked to a men’s team. That was an important factor in my decision. It shows that there’s a different way to approach football, and maybe it can inspire others to follow this path. I want to be part of that.

“Here, I can grow both as a footballer and as a person. I want to help the team compete at the highest level, but also inspire a new generation of fans and athletes. F.C. Como Women is a space where you don’t have to choose between being strong on the pitch and being yourself off it. Here, I can be all of who I am – and turn that into something positive, especially for those watching.”

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Lehmann added on buying into Como’s long-term project: “This club wants to build something that lasts. What immediately struck me about F.C. Como Women was the vision. It’s not just a club that wants to win – it’s a project that aims to change the rules of the game, on and off the pitch. Here, football, identity, style, and ambition come together in a way I had never seen before. I felt like this was the right place to truly express who I am, both as an athlete and as a person.”

She went on to say: “I know it’s a young club, but with a very clear sense of purpose. It’s not afraid to do things differently – and to me, that’s a sign of strength. F.C. Como Women wants to become a benchmark in women’s football, not just in Italy but across Europe & the world. It’s a project that blends sport, fashion, culture, and real values – and I believe that’s exactly what women’s football needs right now.”

FC Como WomenDID YOU KNOW?

Nicola Verdun, CEO of F.C. Como Women, said of completing a notable deal for one of the most recognisable players in the women’s game: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alisha to the F.C. Como Women family. She brings not only talent on the pitch but also personality and a true passion for the game. Together, we’ll continue building a club that reflects who we are: authentic, ambitious, and proud to do things our own way.”

England’s star seamer hasn’t won a Test against Australia since 2015, and time is running out

Matt Roller27-Jun-2023At London Stadium on Saturday night, Adam Wainwright had one of the worst games of his career. A St Louis Cardinals pitcher, Wainwright conceded seven runs – his worst performance of what is his final Major League Baseball season, at the age of 41. Watching from the stands was James Anderson.Along with Nathan Lyon, Anderson threw the ceremonial first pitch of the match before joining the BBC commentary team, which featured his podcast co-host Felix White. “Remind you of anyone?” White asked Anderson after explaining Wainwright’s back story. “Definitely,” Anderson replied with a wry smile.Anderson’s performance in Birmingham earlier that week was not as bad as Wainwright’s in London – but it was not a Test match that he will look back on with any fondness. He took a solitary wicket in his 38 overs across both innings and admitted in his column this week: “I wasn’t on top of my game”.It could easily have been three wickets, however. Anderson had two chances missed off his bowling: in the first over of the third morning, Jonny Bairstow put Alex Carey down, and in the first over of Australia’s run chase, Usman Khawaja’s outside edge flew away between Bairstow and Joe Root at first slip for four.But uncharacteristically, he played a bit-part role. He bowled fewer overs than England’s other main bowlers; the first innings was the first time in 14 years that he had played in a home Test and not taken the new ball; in the second, he was unused for the final 36.3 overs as Australia snuck home.That stretch included not taking the second new ball. “We agreed it was the type of pitch the taller bowlers were getting more out of,” Anderson said. In a match that was decided in the 93rd over, his final ball was in the 56th – and was crashed over mid-off for four by Cameron Green.James Anderson walks out for practice ahead of his record 28th Test at Lord’s•PA Images via Getty ImagesIt all added up to a familiar sensation for Anderson on the final evening: walking off the field after losing an Ashes Test. This was his 19th defeat to Australia, the third-most of any Englishman after Alec Stewart and Mike Atherton, and his 10th consecutive Ashes Test without a win.Remarkably, the last time Anderson won against Australia was eight years ago at Edgbaston, a Test in which Alastair Cook captained England and Steven Finn was named Player of the Match. This summer, both men are working as pundits for the second successive Ashes series.Four years ago, Anderson came into the Ashes undercooked – and his series lasted four overs. He had not played in over a month after a calf niggle, missed a Test match against Ireland, and suffered a recurrence of his injury at Edgbaston that ruled him out for the summer.This summer, he came into the series after a similar break since his last first-class match and admitted during the first Test: “I feel like I do need a bit of game time to get back into it.” England’s hope is that he will be better for the run, and will have a greater impact at Lord’s this week.”Jimmy’s flying,” Stokes said on Tuesday. “He had a good bowl yesterday and a good bowl today and was completely fine.” England’s decision to pick an extra seamer might alleviate his workload, but Stokes clarified: “We didn’t pick four seamers to make this week easier for Jimmy – just to make that clear.”He’s good,” Stokes added. “I mean, he’s just an unbelievable athlete, still doing what he’s doing at 40 years old… it is just unbelievable to watch him go about his business.” Anderson celebrates his 41st birthday on the penultimate scheduled day of this series.Related

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Cummins and Australia will stay true to their approach

Anderson has a remarkable record in the Stokes-McCullum era, with 46 wickets at 19.60 even after his quiet outing in Birmingham. He has spoken of feeling reinvigorated by the new regime, enjoying a new lease of life as he approaches the end of a long and storied career.But the first Test was a reminder of his humanity. Anderson has defied retirement for so long that it is hardly worth speculating how long he has left, but told the before the series: “I don’t want to drag it out and people are thinking: ‘Can you just do one?’ I would like to be able to go out on a nice note.”It is often said that England players are remembered for their feats against Australia but Anderson might be an exception to that rule. They are the opponent against whom he averages the most (34.43), with a slightly worse record at home (45 wickets at 35.06) than away (68 at 34.01).The next five weeks provide him with an opportunity to change that. Anderson has thrived at Lord’s and conditions for the second Test looked ideally suited to him: a covering of live grass on a pitch that MCC hope will have more pace than last week’s, plus cloud cover throughout the five days.There are five months between the end of the Ashes and the start of England’s next Test series in India, an obvious opportunity for Anderson to bow out if he decides it is time to move on. What better stage for it than a potential Oval decider?

But there are more reasons at play than just the sentiment around former coach Justin Langer

Tristan Lavalette28-Nov-20220:42

Green: I’m trying to learn how to leave the ball again

Allan Border once observed that Australia playing a Test match in Perth was akin to them being overseas.Whether it was said in jest or not is hard to tell because Perth Test matches hit differently due to the innate parochialism of locals, who have a particularly strong identity unique from the rest of the country.Western Australia, separated to the east coast by the vast Nullarbor Plain, in the 1930s became the only Australian state to ever attempt being its own country.Talk of secession half-jokingly resurfaced during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when WA closed its border for much of 2020 and 2021.While tough talking premier Mark McGowan became a divisive figure nationwide, he had celebrity status within his state that is extraordinary in Australian politics, as he shrewdly antagonised those ‘over east’ which was lapped up by increasingly secluded West Australians.Related

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'It is not true' – Langer adamant no cricket rift exists

The one-eyed fervour spills over into sports, where local teams are passionately supported to the degree that you sense WA cricket fans care more for Perth Scorchers than the national Australia team.With low crowds tipped for the first Test at Optus Stadium against West Indies starting on Wednesday, amid favourite son Justin Langer’s messy exit as Australia coach going through the wringer, the relationship between West Australians and the national team is in focus.Amplified by social media, there is a perception that West Australians aggrieved over the Langer saga will essentially boycott the first Test played in Perth since December 2019. With ticket sales sluggish, the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium could look something of an eyesore with dire predictions of less than 10,000 fans attending day one.There are low expectations of what the crowd will be like this week•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesWhile public support is undoubtedly behind Langer, whose gravitas once saw him flagged as a potential saviour of the state’s lifeless opposition political party, there are several factors contributing to the lack of interest over a Test starting mid-week that might struggle to reach the weekend if West Indies’ past struggles in Australia rear.Unlike when they used to dominate at the WACA during their heyday, West Indies simply aren’t a drawcard and lack marquee players. Marketing this event has not been easy.When Perth missed out on hosting an Ashes Test last summer, due to its hard border, it was instructive that WA Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews publicly campaigned to host South Africa this season.In a notable contrast to years gone by, there is a lack of WA players in the national selection frame despite the state currently dominating men’s domestic cricket. The notable exception is Cameron Green who will be the sole WA cricketer playing in the first Test.Even though on the cusp of superstardom, as he eyes riches in the IPL, Green is still relatively unknown to the masses as the unassuming 23-year-old starts slowly becoming more comfortable in the public spotlight.As he prepares for his first home Test, Green has been something of a hook to fuel media coverage of the match, fronting the cameras several times in recent weeks and given a lengthy profile in the magazine of the local Sunday newspaper.It was noteworthy press for cricket, which has increasingly been pared back in Perth amid a saturation of coverage for the obsessively followed Australian Football League, which has eaten into cricket season with its never-ending post-season transactional period.The two-day AFL draft, where the best youngsters are selected into the system, concludes on Tuesday and has predictably dominated the local airwaves and print.Justin Langer had a stand named after him at Perth Stadium•Getty ImagesAnticipation for a long-awaited Test in Perth has been tempered too by a number of international matches having already been played there well before it is officially summer.It will likely cause a chuckle from those on the other side of the country, but there could already be international cricket fatigue in Perth after hosting five games of the men’s T20 World Cup, highlighted by an India-South Africa blockbuster and Australia-Sri Lanka in matches attracting a combined 70,000 fans.There was also a quickly forgotten Australia-England T20I before that in early October, which more than 25,000 attended, consistent with the mishmash of a saturated international calendar that most people can’t keep track of.But, perhaps most importantly, it’s increasingly difficult to pinpoint the public sentiment over the current Australian team, who some believe are on the nose nationwide after they generated modest home support during the T20 World Cup.There has been some ire directed at captain Pat Cummins, reasons which don’t totally make sense, but could chip away at the team’s overall popularity.It all means there is the potential awkwardness of Australia getting a frosty reception on home soil. But given the apparent apathy for this inconspicuous Test, that’s probably unlikely.

Caen's recruitment manager has opened up on Kylian Mbappe's ownership role at the French club, following their recent relegation from Ligue 2.

• Caen has been relegated to the National League
• Fans upset with Kylian Mbappe's involvement
• Recruitment manager speaks on the striker's involvement in club's decisions

• WHAT HAPPENED

  Mbappe became the majority majority shareholder of Caen in 2024 after acquiring 80 per cent of the club through his investment firm, Coalition Capital, in a deal reportedly worth as much as €20 million (£17m/$23m). The Caen supporters were excited to see a rejuvenated side under the new ownership, but things have not gone as expected as the club experienced a decline in form, issues in the dressing room, and fans turning against the Real Madrid star by displaying banners saying: "Mbappe, SMC is not your toy". The recruitment head, Reda Hammache, has now opened up about the striker's role at the club and how much the forward participates in decisions regarding running and operating the club.

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• Getty
  

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  Caen have been relegated to the National League for the first time in 41 years. This comes as a major financial setback for the club, with internal dressing room disputes over the selection of players and blaming the approach taken by the new ownership. This has affected the 26-year-old striker as things have declined on a much greater level after his takeover. As per , Mbappe is involved in the decisions but doesn't intervene in the match-to-match selections, with sporting matters mostly falling first on president Zihad Hammoud, general manager Josselin Flamand, technical director Pascal Plancque and the recruitment manager.

• WHAT CAEN SAID

  "He gets updates naturally and regularly, but he's not the type to call. It's a system we've set up for ourselves; he's not intrusive. He stays in his role as a shareholder who wants to enjoy things from a distance, knowing everything but letting people get on with their work. Our discussions are always focused on football, the value of the players, the spirit and the consistency of the team. We stick to technical considerations and never talk about money," Hammache told .

  He also confirms that Mbappe does not remain passive when key decisions are made. "For this kind of big decision [appointing a coach], he is more than informed. When we chose Bruno Baltazar, Michel Der Zakarian or, more recently, Maxime D'Ornano, he was informed and he supported us in our decision. If there are things that really bother him, he'll say so, and we obviously give him that space. But so far, he's trusted us. We've stood by our decisions," he explains.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CAEN?

  According to Hammache, Mbappe does not dictate the team line-up or tactical choices. He finds out the line-up like everyone else, sometimes before kick-off, sometimes even on television. Although he shows concern, he does not interfere where his role ends.

  Caen now face a crucial rebuilding phase in the National League, focusing on stability, youth development and financial restructuring. Head coach d'Ornano leads efforts to restore confidence and aim for promotion back to Ligue 2.

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Bumrah had a significant say with three wickets although it was Australia who edged the honours with their top four all passing fifty

Andrew McGlashan26-Dec-20241:51

Manjrekar explains how Konstas took down Bumrah

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old making his Test debut, lit up the MCG with an audacious display of strokeplay against Jasprit Bumrah which in the process riled Virat Kohli on a compelling Boxing Day at the MCG. The world’s best fast bowler still had a significant say with three wickets although it was Australia who edged the honours with their top four all passing fifty.By stumps, Steven Smith was the key figure in how much further Australia’s first innings would be able to extend as he eyed his second hundred in three innings after Bumrah had sparked a middle-order wobble. Yet it was the opening passage of the Test that could well go down as defining.Within an hour of his first Test innings Konstas, who became his country’s fourth-youngest men’s player, was the most talked-about figure in the game having brazenly taken 32 off two overs from Bumrah. While he was stopped on 60 off 65 balls, he had already written himself a chapter among the most remarkable debuts and more than repaid the selectors’ desire to provide something different at the top of the order after Nathan McSweeney’s struggles.Related

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Bumrah still pocketed key top-order scalps of Usman Khawaja, the prolific Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh although it did little to downplay talk India are over-reliant on him. The latter two came as Australia lost 3 for 9 in the final session with Akash Deep then claiming a much-deserved wicket with the second new ball when he removed Alex Carey to end the fourth significant partnership of the innings.Khawaja, Smith and Marnus Labuschagne all brought up half-centuries at more sedate tempos than Konstas. It was the first time since Rawalpindi in 2022 that Australia’s top four had all reached fifty in the same innings. Khawaja and Labuschagne will have been left wondering what could have been but Smith played a vital role in keeping Australia ahead.Sam Konstas celebrates his fifty•Getty Images

But it was all about how the day started. Konstas’ first over in Test cricket was against Bumrah and consisted of four plays and misses. Off his eighth delivery he worked a brace into the leg side to a loud ovation and two deliveries later signaled his intent with an attempt to reverse scoop Bumrah which brought a combination of cheers and gasps.He missed another an over later and with Mohammed Siraj also troubling Khawaja, Australia were 12 without loss after six overs when Konstas unleashed a passage of play that will never be forgotten. Off Bumrah’s fourth over he scooped to fine leg, reverse scooped for six over deep third and was an inch away from repeating it three balls later.He had dispatched the world’s leading bowler for 14 but wasn’t done there. In Bumrah’s sixth over he took him for 18, this time by peppering the boundary with drives including lofting a slower ball over wide long-on. By this point, he had been shoulder-checked by Kohli between overs with Khawaja trying to act as peacemaker with all eyes on how the match referee would adjudicate the confrontation.Not long after, a quickly run two brought up his fifty from 52 balls and he grabbed the Australian emblem on his shirt while pointing to the name on the back. What were you doing as a 19-year-old on Boxing Day? The mind started to wander towards something even more spectacular, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped Konstas lbw in a manner many a more experienced batter has been removed.The tempo then reverted to something more traditional: the stand of 89 between Konstas and Khawaja took 116 balls, the next of 65 between Khawaja and Labuschagne required 150. The afternoon session started with four consecutive maidens from Bumrah and Akash, the latter again bowling without luck. Both batters had edges fall short of slip and another from Khawaja which bisected the cordon took him to just his second fifty of the year.Jasprit Bumrah removed Travis Head for a duck•Getty Images

India were largely keeping the scoreboard under control but were not overly threatening, only for Khawaja to toe-end a pull against the first ball of Bumrah’s third spell to midwicket which left the bowler a little embarrassed to celebrate.Labuschagne was still not quite at his fluent best, but was looking as good as he had all series with some delicate glides to third off Jadeja and the types of drives to suggest better days lie ahead for Australia’s No. 3. There was a shift in gears after tea with Labuschagne and Smith adding 41 in the first six overs of the final session against the older ball, although there remained enough assistance from the surface to challenge the batters as another luckless spell from Akash showed.However, the door was opened for India by offspinner Washington Sundar, who had been brought into the side in place of Shubman Gill, when Labuschagne picked out mid-off with a skimming drive the ball after a drinks break. Labuschagne threw his head back as Kohli took the catch, knowing the chance of a first Test century since last July had gone begging.Rohit Sharma sensed a moment and immediately brought back Bumrah and against his third delivery Travis Head shouldered arms to one that clipped his off stump. A batter who has caused India nightmares with his attacking strokeplay departed not offering a shot. In Bumrah’s next over Mitchell Marsh, having slotted away one thumping cover drive, edged an expansive pull to continue what has been a lean series after the summer of his life in 2023-24.As the ground rose for the hats-off commemoration of Shane Warne at 3.50pm (to match Warne’s Test cap number), Smith had slotted consecutive boundaries off Jadeja when Australia looked to be taking control but now his presence was vital in ensuring the innings didn’t lose its way. He and Carey added 53 before Akash produced a terrific delivery from round the wicket. Smith remained firm and walked off to warm applause from those who remained of an 87,242 crowd but it was nothing compared to the ovations earlier in the day.

Nabi, 39, is Afghanistan’s highest capped ODI cricketer and has been a constant since their debut in the format in 2009

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2024

Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi has said he wants to retire from the ODI format after the Champions Trophy 2025. Nabi revealed his plans at the end of the ODI series against Bangladesh in the UAE, while claiming his Player-of-the-Series award in Afghanistan’s 2-1 series victory.”In my mind, from the last World Cup, I was retired but then we qualified for the Champions Trophy and I felt if I could play that, it would be great,” Nabi told the host broadcaster after the third ODI.It is understood he has communicated the decision to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and will continue playing T20Is. To the ACB media team, he said: “We will see, but no, I will not play for long. God willing, after the Champions Trophy, we will say goodbye to the ODIs.”With 167 appearances in the format, Nabi is Afghanistan’s highest-capped ODI cricketer and the current World No. 1 ODI allrounder according to the ICC rankings.He has represented Afghanistan ever since their debut ODI against Scotland in 2009. With the bat, his 3600 ODI runs puts him at second on the list of Afghanistan’s highest run-getters. He has also hit 17 fifties and two centuries at 27.48. As an offspinner, he has 172 wickets, the second-highest for Afghanistan, at an average of 32.47.The 2025 Champions Trophy will be Afghanistan’s maiden appearance at the event. They made the cut by virtue of finishing sixth at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The eight-team Champions Trophy features the top seven teams from the latest ODI World Cup, along with hosts Pakistan.In both T20Is and ODIs, Nabi has been a constant in Afghanistan’s rise up the ranks that culminated in ODI, T20I and Test recognition. He was ODI captain in Afghanistan’s maiden 50-over World Cup appearance in 2015, and featured in the 2019 and 2023 editions too. He retired from Tests in 2019.

His 10th Test ton took him past Tamim Iqbal for most centuries by a Bangladesh batsman

Mohammad Isam06-Feb-2021By reaching his 10th Test century, Mominul Haque now holds a significant record in Bangladesh cricket.Related

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Haque will be tussling with Tamim Iqbal for the top position for most Test tons for a few more years, just like Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim are neck-and-neck for Bangladesh’s most Test runs. Bangladesh’s highest individual Test score has also exchanged hands quite a few times between Rahim, Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan.Iqbal is currently in top position among Bangladesh’s ODI run-makers and centurions, with Shakib and Rahim not too far behind. These three names feature in nearly every Bangladeshi batting chart, but Haque is closing in. He has valuable milestones to his name, and two in particular that were unheard of before Haque got them.With his ton at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Haque is now tied with Michael Clarke (Adelaide Oval), Mahela Jayawardene (Galle) and Kumar Sangakkara (Galle) for scoring seven centuries a single ground. Among current players, he is best placed to challenge the world record. Haque also got near the top of another record with his eleven fifties in consecutive Tests from 2013 to 2015. In addition, he is Bangladesh’s highest scorer in Tests since his debut, and holds the Bangladesh record for most runs in a two-match Test series. He is Bangladesh’s highest run-getter at No. 4 and second highest at No. 3, also having the most hundreds in both positions.No Bangladesh player has scored more Test runs than Mominul Haque since his debut•BCBFor most Test teams, these are highly valued records. But most teams play far more Tests than Bangladesh where one-day cricket is favoured. Still, Haque’s contribution in red-ball cricket cannot be overstated enough; all of his previous Test hundreds have come in Bangladesh wins or draws .On the third afternoon in Chattogram, Haque walked in with his team having lost two wickets for just one run. They had a handsome first-innings lead but another batting collapse would have handed West Indies the advantage. Going by how both batting line-ups looked to be heading towards a freefall, Haque’s innings was priceless.He saw off the two major threats to his batting: fast short-pitched deliveries and orthodox offspin. He tackled both Shannon Gabriel and Rakheem Cornwall in tandem. Notwithstanding the Shadman Islam dismissal to a peach of a bouncer, Haque’s own survival till stumps on the third evening itself was a huge boost to the team.Bangladesh were actually thinking of a 250-plus lead as West Indies’ fourth-innings target, but by the time Haque added 133 for the fifth wicket with Liton Das, the lead had swelled to more than 375.Mominul Haque acknowledges the applause on getting to a landmark•AFP via Getty ImagesCornwall, who couldn’t dislodge Haque having bowled 90 deliveries to him in a long tussle, said that the left-hander forced him to bowl to his strengths.”I think he played spin well. I think he hangs back a lot, forcing me to bowl a bit fuller and bowl to his strength. We just have to keep working. There’s another Test coming up so we know how to bowl to him,” Cornwall said.Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo said that Haque gave them the sound platform needed to win a Test match.”He has been fantastic. He has back-to-back hundreds. In the last Test in February last year, he got a hundred against Zimbabwe in Dhaka,” he said. “He has backed it up with another good hundred today. He has set the game really well for us, so we are very pleased with the way he is playing at the moment.”Haque’s pragmatic approach, in which he often sacrifices style over substance, is one of the major ways he has distinguished himself from other flashier Bangladesh batsmen of his generation. He has worked out ways to tackle the short ball, as well as a perceived weakness against offspin, and yet has kept his shape as a largely positive batsman. His average strike-rate in Test hundreds is 65.By moving into the higher stratums of Bangladesh’s batting, he has also left daylight between himself and those who, like him, made their Test debuts since 2011. Forget about 10 hundreds, only Shamsur Rahman and Soumya Sarkar have made a Test century each batting in the top six from that list.Among the batsmen other than Iqbal, Rahim and Shakib in the current Bangladesh line-up, Das, who made his debut in 2015 with a huge billing as the next big thing in Bangladesh cricket, has so far made six fifties in his 21 Tests. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who now has supplanted Haque as the Test No. 3 just because he showed promise in domestic cricket, has hit a single half-century in five Tests over four years. Shadman Islam is in the revolving door of Iqbal’s opening partner, having returned to the team in this game with a second half-century.Haque has showed that through sheer will and mindfulness that a young Bangladeshi player can rise through the ranks to not just to be an international cricketer, but to give the seniors in the side a run for their money. This, despite being tagged as a Test-only cricketer who is yet to make a real mark away from home. When he had scored his sixth hundred at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, the running joke was that a stadium should be named after him. Maybe now a serious thought that can be given to the matter.

There is a view that the mega auction should only be held once every five years, and not three

Nagraj Gollapudi24-Jul-202413:31

Runorder: Is the mega auction good for the IPL?

Conduct a mega auction only once in five years. Allow teams to retain between four and six players. Give each franchise eight right-to-match (RTM) options. These are some of the significant suggestions franchises have shared with IPL officials during feedback sessions on player retentions ahead of the 2025 auction. The next steps will be discussed when IPL officials meet the franchises, possibly as early as next week though a date is yet to be finalised.According to a senior official at a franchise, there is more than one advantage in having the mega auction every five years instead of the present three-year cycle. A longer gap between mega auctions would help teams build continuity by developing young players, especially uncapped Indians. Franchises that have been around since the first IPL season in 2008 have invested heavily in this area, by building academies to find talented players at grassroot level and develop them into international quality. A mega auction every five years would incentivise teams to keep doing this, whereas in a three-year cycle there is a risk of losing a player that they have nurtured to a rival franchise.Incidentally, the IPL had four-year cycles between mega auctions twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, which was the first mega auction since 2014, when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals returned after two-year suspension. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year. On both occasions franchises extended their player contracts by a year.As part of the same suggestion, the franchise official said teams could also be allowed to work directly with its players to renegotiate salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams to not just retain core players but also help them reach better terms with players who were bought at base or lower prices at previous auctions. While the negotiation would be transparent and the new contract declared to the IPL, the official wanted the franchise to have control of proceedings without the player having the option of getting released.The 2025 IPL auction will be the first mega auction since 2022•BCCIThe RTM optionA CEO at another franchise said teams could be allowed to retain one big player, possibly the captain, and the rest could be through RTMs. Such an approach would allow the market to determine a player’s price, and also remove any monetary disappointment a player may have if they are last in the retention pecking order.What about a combination of retaining players and RTMs? It was the method used in the 2018 mega auction, when a maximum of five players could be retained by each team. Of the five, a maximum of three players could be retained before the auction, and up to three could be bought back by a team through RTM options during the auction. If a franchise did not retain any players before the auction, it would still have only three RTM options at the auction. A RTM option gives the franchise the ability to buy back their player during the auction by matching the price once bidding for the player is over.While such a combination is favoured by some franchises, at least one team official said it had potential to cause disgruntlement among the players retained ahead of the auction, if those bought back via the RTM option happened to secure higher bids. In 2022 mega auction, when Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL, the eight other teams were allowed to retain four players via two different combinations: three Indians and one overseas, or two Indians and two overseas. RTM options were not available three years ago because the IPL wanted Titans and Super Giants to have a larger player pool to choose from.The challenge for all teamsSeveral players, especially those who were uncapped and bought at low prices, have gone on to play for India or grown into match-winners since the previous auction. They might want to go back into the auction instead of being retained so that they could get a higher price. While that might seem fair for the player, it may not be so for the franchise, especially one that spotted and developed the player.A possible solution, proposed by one franchise to the IPL, is to have eight RTM options and no retentions. The idea has received mixed response from other franchises: some agree it creates a level-playing field, others don’t want to put their biggest players in the auction. There’s also the concern that rival teams will drive up prices to disrupt auction strategy.One of the key points, something the franchises have highlighted increasingly over the years, is creating a loyal fan base. There’s a word for that in sport: tribalism. But how can a franchise accomplish this if, even after 17 years, they are being asked to overhaul their squads every three years? It’s a question being asked by a few of the top officials who have been part of the IPL for 15-plus years. Officials agree the IPL needs to find a way for players to be retained long term to cultivate better fan engagement. The official in favour of mega auctions every five years said it is time teams stop being selfish and look at the bigger picture.At the upcoming meeting between the IPL and the franchises, team officials expect that all ideas will be discussed further. They are also likely to discuss the Impact Player rule, which has got a mixed reaction from teams, the purse for the 2025 auction, and perhaps the salary cap deduction for retained players.

Rain in Rawalpindi may impact the Test as well with the visitors leading 1-0

Danyal Rasool29-Aug-2024

Big picture: Pakistan in perilPakistan cricket, right now, isn’t exactly going through a golden era, but few expected the bloody nose Bangladesh gave them last week.For much of that Test match, Pakistan’s chief frustration appeared to be they would end up with a draw, a draw would inhibit their efforts, which captain Shan Masood bullishly talked up in the build-up, at having a real crack at reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Five days later, Pakistan would lose, and to add insult to injury, have half-a-dozen points docked for slow over rates, placing them ever so close to the bottom of the table. A home series defeat to Bangladesh would bring its own ignominy, which has little to do with whether they’re in the race to prove themselves the best Test side in the world. Bangladesh had, until last week, won just six away Tests in a quarter century of being Full Members, two against an enfeebled West Indies in 2009, and another two against Zimbabwe.Related

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Masood suddenly finds himself in a battle for the captaincy so soon after assuming it, having lost each of the four Tests he’s been in charge. While flashes of quality against Australia over the winter meant the overall result could potentially be overlooked in favour of a long-term plan, such forgiveness will not come if Pakistan drop a home series against Bangladesh. With a busy time ahead that includes the sterner challenges of England and South Africa, ensuring they avoid handing this Test trophy over next week remains the bare minimum for this red-ball side to retain credibility with its supporters.Bangladesh played the Rawalpindi Test at their own pace and won•Associated Press

That task is complicated by the weather in Rawalpindi once more. Rain forced the cancellation of practice sessions on the eve of the game, with more forecast for the first day. It has led Pakistan to hesitate before officially confirming a spinner for the Test, naming a 12-man squad with Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza both in contention. Masood pointed out Pakistan were the more proactive side last week, and with Bangladesh only needing a draw, his side will have to find a way to repeat that while also ensuring they get a better result.And what, really, can you say about the position Bangladesh have created for themselves? Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side outplayed as well as outthought the hosts, doing the basics right. Like making sure they had spinners in case they came in handy on the final day, which they did. Or not leaving runs out by declaring early owing to ultimately unrealised concerns it might rain, which it did not. They let Pakistan’s wobbles do the rest, and the ten-wicket win was as clinical as it was merited.There are more important things going on back home, but the uncomplicated joy of last week was as welcome as it was unexpected. This, remember, is not a vintage Bangladesh side, and did not come in saddled with high expectations. They came in last week, saw an opponent making unforced errors and didn’t interrupt them. They didn’t get sucked into playing fashionably aggressive cricket, or bullied into doing anything they didn’t want to do. They had no qualms about batting at under three runs an over for large parts of the first innings, and when Pakistan turned to declaration bowling, they simply didn’t decare.It secured Bangladesh arguably their greatest Test win, but they will know they need to hold off on wild celebrations for now. With one Test on the horizon and no clear signs Pakistan will be able to produce the pitch they want, all Bangladesh may need to do is pick up where they left off in the first Test. Pakistan must make all the moves, and as Bangladesh demonstrated, they are not going to be displaced too easily.Babar Azam’s recent form has been a big concern for Pakistan•Associated Press

Form guidePakistan: LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first) Bangladesh: WLLLWIn the spotlight: Babar Azam and Mushfiqur RahimBabar Azam’s slump aligning perfectly with the team’s nosediving Test form has been aggravating. Pakistan are used to dry patches and players out of form, but it isn’t quite obvious why this generation’s best batter is now struggling to achieve the big scores that came so easily to him. There isn’t a particular type of bowling or kind of shot that’s ailing him nor does he have other responsibilities now that he has been relieved of the armband. Babar fell to two basic unforced errors in the first Test, a squeeze down leg side and a drive without footwork doing for him. Home runs on flat surfaces against Bangladesh seemed like a no-brainer, and he now has one more Test to try and fix that.Mushfiqur Rahim played the role of the senior pro to a tee in the first Test. He used his strong defensive technique to good effect over the course of three partnerships that allowed the batters at the other end to operate with more freedom. Shadman Islam only opened up his repertoire in a 52-run stand with Mushfiqur, while Litton Das finally showed some form, after Mushfiqur allowed him to bat his way. Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued to shine with his batting mentor, playing out 178 balls in his innings. Mushfiqur continuing this role is bad news for Pakistan.Team news: Taskin in, Nahid out?Shaheen Afridi has been omitted from the squad for the second Test, with Abrar and Hamza part of the 12-member squad Pakistan have announced.Pakistan: 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Shan Masood (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Ali Agha, 8 Abrar Ahmed/Mir Hamza, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Mohammad Ali, 11 Khurram ShahzadMushfiqur Rahim tunes up for the second Test against Pakistan•PCB

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is back fit, and should replace Nahid Rana. Having secured one of their greatest Test wins, Bangladesh are unlikely to make further changes.Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, 2 Zakir Hasan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Litton Das (wk), 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Shoriful Islam, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Taskin AhmedPitch and conditions: Rain on the radarPakistan have made no secret of their desire for a pace-friendly wicket, though achieving it proved difficult in the first Test. There will be more than a tinge of grass on this new pitch, but monsoon rain lashed the city in the days since the end of the first Test. More rain is forecast during the game.Stats and trivia: Babar’s slump Mushfiqur, who was named Player of the Match in the first Test, is the only Bangladesh player to have taken part in all seven of his nation’s away Test wins Since the start of 2023, Babar averages 21.15 in 13 Test innings with a highest score of 41Quotes”We’re loathe to make a decision [on who to play] purely on over rates. Our over rates were poor in the first Test and unacceptable. We need to be better and get through our overs quicker. Our opposition like to call for gloves and drinks at very regular intervals so we need to be mindful of that but we can’t control that. What we can control is our energy levels and making sure we’re getting through our overs as quickly as possible.”