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Ipl 2025 Revised Schedule Is Out, Virat Kohli’s Rcb Faces A Big Blow? ( Photo Credit – Indian Premier League / X )

Amid the tension between India and Pakistan, Ipl 2025 was suspended on May 9. Before the cricket league was officially suspended, the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was stopped mid-way for security reasons, resulting in no result. Finally, after a week-long halt, the most popular cricket league will resume officially this Saturday, as announced by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (Bcci). Keep reading for a detailed report!

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces avenged the death of innocent civilians by carrying out Operation Sindoor, destroying terror infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. This was followed by a tense situation between the two countries, and finally, the ceasefire was announced on May 10.

Ipl 2025 is back on track!

As things seemed to be getting back on track, there...

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at Ipl 2025 (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Cricket fans are over the moon as Ipl 2025 (Indian Premier League) begins today! Shah Rukh Khan, Disha Patani, Karan Aujla, and Shreya Ghoshal will reportedly perform at the opening ceremony. It’s going to be an epic battle between Kolkata Knight Riders (Kkr) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rcb). Scroll below for a detailed comparison between the highest-paid and the least members from both squads.

Rcb highest-paid vs lowest-paid squad member for Ipl 2025

Most would have guessed it by now: Virat Kohli is the highest-paid member of Royal Challengers Bangalore. For Ipl 2025, Rcb retained him by paying a whopping sum of 21 crores. The second highest-paid player is Josh Hazlewood (12.50 crores), followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (10.75 crores).

On the other hand, the least-paid auction bid is 30 lakhs, and Royal Challengers Bangalore hit gold as they brought as many as four players at such a low price.

Kusal Mendis’ Century and Wellalage’s Four-Wicket Haul Lead Sri Lanka to Record Victory

Sri Lanka secured a dominant 2-0 whitewash over Australia, registering their biggest Odi win against the visitors with a 174-run victory in the second and final Odi at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, February 14.

Mendis’ Heroics Power Sri Lanka to 281/4

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka put up an impressive 281/4 in their 50 overs, led by a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis (101 off 11 fours). Captain Charith Asalanka (78)* and Nishan Madushka (51) added crucial runs to set up a challenging total.

Australia Collapses for 107 in 24.2 Overs

Defending 281, Sri Lanka’s bowlers ran riot as they bowled Australia out for just 107 runs. Dunith Wellalage starred with four wickets (4/35 in 7.2 overs), while Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with two wickets each.

Australia’s Struggles Continue Before Champions Trophy

Skipper Steve Smith was the top scorer,...

Durban, Aug 31 (Ians) Australia have handed big-hitting finisher Tim David a maiden Odi call-up for the upcoming series against South Africa, giving him the chance to make a last-minute entry into a World Cup squad for the second time in as many years.

David smashed 64 off just 28 balls to play a pivotal role in Australia’s 111-run win over South Africa in the T20I series opener. His addition in the Odi squad boosts the Australian middle-order missing Steve Smith (wrist injury), and Glenn Maxwell (ankle injury and impending the birth of his first child).

“Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format. He will provide an extra option for us in that power role at the back end of an innings,” said selector Tony Dodemaide

Due to his career as a globe-trotting T20 finisher,...

Melbourne, Aug 18 (Ians) Australia’s premier batter Steve Smith and left-arm pace spearhead Mitchell Starc have been ruled out of the white-ball tour of South Africa due to injuries to the wrist and groin, respectively.

A report in cricket.com.au said despite the duo missing the South Africa tour, they are expected to be fully fit for the Men’s Odi World Cup in India from October 5 to November 19. As a result, Mitchell Marsh will be taking over as Australia’s captain for both white-ball formats in South Africa.

Starc’s absence means uncapped left-arm quick Spencer Johnson will remain on for the Odi leg of the tour after being previously named in the T20I squad. Smith’s absence means Marnus Labuschagne is added to the Odi squad, with Ashton Turner called in as his replacement in the T20I squad.

It has been revealed that Smith is...

Cricket Unfiltered notches up a significant milestone next week celebrating its 10 year anniversary on August 21st. The podcast was founded in 2013 by Andrew Menczel (aka Menners) and was the first ever regular weekly cricket podcast in Australia and was a pioneering show for all sports podcasts.

The show started as The Australian Cricket Podcast with hosts Andrew Menczel, James MacSmith and Joe Karsay and then rebranded as 'Cricket Unfiltered' in 2017.

Menners began the show because he felt Aussie cricket podcast fans needed a show about their team because the only cricket podcasts were mainly concerned with the old enemy, England! Menners on starting the show "I went on an English cricket podcast and I thought Aussie fans deserve a podcast! I have always wanted to do a great show for cricket fans and especially fans of the Aussie cricket team".

The show started just before The Oval Ashes Test in...

Melbourne, Aug 15 (Ians) Australia captain Pat Cummins has given every indication he will be fit for this year’s Icc Men’s Cricket World Cup by declaring his injured wrist is recovering well and he is on track to return prior to the six-week tournament in India.

Cummins fractured his wrist while batting during the final Ashes Test against England at The Oval last month and was initially diagnosed to be sidelined for up to six weeks ahead of Australia’s first game at the World Cup against hosts India on October 8.

But Cummins has allayed any fears that he will be battling to prove his fitness prior to that clash, with the fast bowler aiming to travel to South Africa next month to join up with his teammates during their five-match series against the Proteas and then return to playing during the three-game series against India at the end of September.

Melbourne, Aug 7 (Ians) Australia have announced some surprise selections in their 18-player squad for this year’s Icc Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Uncapped leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and inexperienced all-rounder Aaron Hardie are the surprise inclusions, with Test star Marnus Labuschagne the notable omission from Australia’s squad that will be reduced to 15 players closer to the start of the tournament on October 5, reports Icc.

Under Icc regulations squads must be finalised prior to September 28, with Australia’s first game at this year’s World Cup coming against hosts India in Chennai on October 8.

Captain Pat Cummins will be racing against the clock to be fit for that opening contest, after it was revealed the fast bowler picked up a fractured wrist during the recent Ashes series against England.

Cummins has been advised to let the injured area rest for six weeks and the right-armer is hoping to...

Manchester, July 22 (Ians) The start of play on the fourth day of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test between England and Australia at the Old Trafford stadium was delayed due to rain, here on Saturday.

“The update nobody wanted… We’re going to be heavily delayed at Old Trafford as the rain is still falling in Manchester,” England Cricket said in a tweet.

It’s been pelting down all morning in Old Trafford and Britain’s Met Office has predicted high chances of precipitation throughout the day.

England were in a commanding position at the close of play on the third day on Friday. Australia were 113/4 in their second innings, trailing England by 162 runs after the hosts posted a colossal total of 592.

Notably, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said that he would welcome relentless rain, as it would tilt the odds in their favour, making it easier for them to secure a draw and retain the Ashes.

Manchester, July 22 (Ians) Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said that he would welcome relentless rain, as it would tilt the odds in their favour, making it easier for them to secure a draw and retain the Ashes.

England find themselves in a favourable position in the fourth Ashes Test with Australia (113-4) trailing by 162 runs at the end of the third day’s action. The hosts have a chance to take control of the game, but the weather forecast for the fourth day adds a twist to the match.

“I’d be very pleased,” Hazlewood when asked about his thoughts on two days of relentless rain. “It’s obviously forecast, and forecasts can change all the time (but) rain and light plays a big part in cricket and has done forever. So it’d be great to lose a few overs here and there and make our job a little easier of hanging in there.

Manchester, July 20 (Ians) Opener Zak Crawley slammed a magnificent 189 off 182 deliveries and put England in commanding position against Australia as hosts were 384-4 with a vital lead of 67 runs at stumps on day two of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford, here on Thursday.

With an eye on the weather in Manchester coming into play on days four and five, Crawley led England’s batting charge from the front, hitting 12 fours and a maximum to hit a sensational maiden Ashes century in just 93 balls, as Australia were left rattled by the opener’s blazing knock.

Moeen Ali justified him being slotted on number three with a knock of 54 before Mitchell Starc took him out. Crawley and Joe Root (84 off 95 balls) joined forces to hit a jaw-dropping 178 runs from 25 overs in an extraordinary show of stroke-play in the second session, as England bossed the day’s play, leaving Australia listless.

Manchester, July 20 (Ians) Opener Zak Crawley slammed a magnificent 189 off 182 deliveries and put England in commanding position against Australia as hosts were 384-4 with a vital lead of 67 runs at stumps on day two of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford, here on Thursday.

With an eye on the weather in Manchester coming into play on days four and five, Crawley led England’s batting charge from the front, hitting 12 fours and a maximum to hit a sensational maiden Ashes century in just 93 balls, as Australia were left rattled by the opener’s blazing knock.

Moeen Ali justified him being slotted on number three with a knock of 54 before Mitchell Starc took him out. Crawley and Joe Root (84 off 95 balls) joined forces to hit a jaw-dropping 178 runs from 25 overs in an extraordinary show of stroke-play in the second session, as England bossed the day’s play, leaving Australia listless.

Old Trafford (Manchester), July 18 (Ians) Fast-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green and pace Josh Hazlewood made their return as Australia announced their Playing XI for the fourth match of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, with visitors to go into a Test without a specialist spinner for the first time in over a decade.

Scott Boland and Todd Murphy make way for Green and Hazlewood from the side that lost by three wickets at Headingley.

Fit-again Green, who missed the Leeds Test with a hamstring injury, has been listed to bat at seven, behind Mitch Marsh at No.6, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey to come in at No.8 as the Aussies rejigged the balance of their side to squeeze in their two all-rounders.

Marsh struck a blazing century in Leeds to guarantee his spot, leaving Murphy as the fall guy with Green coming back into the side to give captain Pat Cummins five pace bowling options.

Manchester, July 17 (Ians) Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine said he would prefer Josh Hazlewood instead of Scott Boland and sees no place for Cameron Green in the playing eleven for the fourth Ashes Test, set to start on July 19 at Old Trafford. Australia are currently leading five-game Ashes 2-1.

Boland has picked only two wickets in the two Tests he’s played, compared to Hazlewood taking eight wickets in the same period of time. At the third Ashes Test in Headingley, Mitchell Marsh marked his return to Test cricket with a century in the first innings and picked a few scalps as Green sat out due to a low-grade hamstring injury.

“People are going to be slightly disappointed if you’re looking for any headlines or any drastic changes. Both of these teams under their new coaches have tried to set an environment where guys feel really comfortable to...

London, July 12 (Ians) Mitchell Starc has expressed his intention to rely on his own strengths throughout the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, rather than attempting to emulate the approach of players like Pat Cummins and altering his own methods.

The 33-year-old took six scalps at Lord’s to lead Australia to a 43-run win. He backed it up with seven wickets in the third Test at Headingley, including a fifer in the second innings.

In Ashes 2019, Starc was mainly overlooked for his high economy rate. He had appeared only at Manchester, where the teams head next in this series, and claimed four wickets in the victory at Old Trafford, but he felt it had a detrimental impact on his game that lingered when he returned home.

“There was a big (focus) on economy rates last time which plenty of guys spoke about throughout the tour, and we all bought into that. And...

London, July 2 (Ians) When it mattered the most for England, captain Ben Stokes dished out yet another heroic and stunning 155 in the pursuit of chasing 371. But it was not enough for the hosts to avoid a 43-run loss to Australia on a thrilling fifth and final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Sunday.

Resuming the final day on 114/4, Stokes and Ben Duckett (83) added a further 63 runs before the former fell to Josh Hazlewood just after the first hour of the morning session was over.

Jonny Bairstow was run-out in controversial circumstances for 10, as wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps after the batter wandered out of the crease while avoiding a bouncer, leaving England at 193/6, with the crowd booing Australia and some confrontational scenes happening in Long Room at lunch break.

In between, Stokes went for an ultra-attacking approach with the bat, reaching his...

London, July 1 (Ians) After setting a stiff target of 371, Australia put in a strong bowling performance to leave England at 114/4 at the close of day four’s play in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Saturday.

For England, Ben Duckett (50 not out) and captain Ben Stokes (29 not out) shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the fifth wicket after being reduced to 45/4, as the hosts now need 257 more runs for an improbable win on an exciting day five to level the five-game series.

In what was another enthralling day of Test, England pulled things back with the ball to bowl out Australia for 279 in 101.5 overs, with Stuart Broad the pick of the bowlers with 4/65 in 24.5 overs.

But Mitchell Starc’s burst with the new ball, one that accounted for Zak Crawley, caught down leg-side attempting an ambitious flick, and Ollie Pope, cleaned up a fast inswinging beauty, put Australia...

London, July 1 (Ians) Australia’s premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon got a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd as he came out to bat with a seriously injured calf in his team’s second innings in the ongoing second Ashes Test on Saturday.

In their second innings, Australia were well-placed at 187/2, before falling prey to England’s short-ball ploy and slipping to 264/9 in the final session of day four’s play.

Very few people expected Lyon to walk out to bat after leaving the field on Thursday, with Cricket Australia confirming that the premier off-spinner has suffered a significant right calf strain which could rule him out for the rest of the Ashes, and him arriving at the ground in crutches.

But after Josh Hazlewood fell, broadcast visuals showed Lyon struggling to come down the pavilion steps before limping out to bat. Lyon’s commitment to his team was given...

London, June 30 (Ians) Australian bowlers wreaked havoc with the ball in the morning session to take a 91-run lead over England, before a steady showing with the bat, led by Usman Khawaja’s 58 not out on Day 3 helped them strengthen their grip on the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Friday.

In what turned out to be a horror morning session for England, who resumed from 278/4, they lost their next wickets for only 47 runs in a 90-minute spell of superb bowling by Australia despite missing the services of Nathan Lyon.

England were eventually bowled out for 325 in their first innings, gifting a crucial 91-run lead to the visitors. Australia then ended the Day 3 at 130/2, with a healthy lead of 221 runs.

Mitchell Starc was the main architect of England’s downfall, ending up with figures of 3/88, but mainly picking two of his wickets on the morning of day three. Starc started the procession,...

New Delhi, June 30 (Ians) Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has reiterated that the England seamer Ollie Robinson has not looked particularly dangerous so far in the Ashes series, even after a three-wicket haul in the second Test at the Lord’s.

Robinson returned figures of 3-100, removing Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon in the first innings of the Lord’s Test match.

Those three wickets leave Robinson with the most wickets of any pace bowler in the series so far, with a lower average and economy than any of Australia’s pace attack.

But speaking on the Icc Review podcast, Ponting said that the stats are skewed by Robinson picking up lower-order wickets and that Robinson, although skilful, has lacked threat.

“I don’t think he’s looked dangerous in the series at all,” Ponting said. “I mean, if you look at the wickets, he’s got the tailenders out in each game.

London, June 29 (Ians) Opener Ben Duckett led England’s response on day two of the second men’s Ashes Test at Lord’s with a fine 98 as the hosts’ reached 278/4 in 61 overs at stumps and trail Australia by just 138 runs on Thursday.

On a day where the action was chaotic and swung like a pendulum, Australia were bowled out for 416, with premier batter Steve Smith making 110, his 32nd Test hundred. Pacers Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson took three wickets each as Australia lost their last five wickets for 65 runs.

In reply, England’s opening pair of Duckett and Zak Crawley shared a 91-run opening stand, also England’s highest partnership from its openers in an Ashes Test since 2010/11.

But a stunning collapse of three wickets for 34 runs in 7.3 overs saw Australia fightback in the match despite losing Nathan Lyon to right calf injury in the 37th over.

But England captain...

Dubai, June 28 (Ians) Following their impressive performances in the group stage of the Men’s Odi World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, all-rounder Sikandar Raza and West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran have made big gains in the latest men’s player rankings for the format.

Raza jumped seven places to 27th position in the batting rankings, released on Wednesday, following three powerful innings in the Qualifiers at home. The 37-year-old opened the campaign with a sizzling 102 not out against Netherlands, and followed it up with 68 against the West Indies and 48 against the USA.

With his off-spin, Raza is also among the top six wicket-takers at the Qualifier with eight scalps. The dazzling form with both bat and ball has resulted in Raza climbing two spots to third in the Odi all-rounder Rankings, only behind Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi in first and second place respectively.

On the other hand,...

New Delhi, June 26 (Ians) Australian spinner Nathan Lyon responded to a recent comment made by English seamer Ollie Robinson that Australia’s lineup has three players who bat at number eleven and said that ‘it was all bit of a banter’.

Robinson’s comments came after Australia were bowled out for 386 in the first innings of the Ashes opener. English bowlers unleashed a series of short-pitched deliveries, leading to the dismissal of the final four Australian wickets for a mere 14 runs on Day 3 of the first Ashes Test.

However, Lyon and Pat Cummins displayed remarkable composure when faced with a similar situation during the second innings, guiding the visiting team to victory.

Speaking about Robinson’s no.11 comment from Robinson, Lyon admitted that he is a no.11 batter. But, Josh Hazlewood doesn’t allow him to bat there.

“To be honest with you, I am a no.11. It’s just...

Birmingham, June 20 (Ians) The First Test of the 2023 Ashes series hangs in balance as Australia shot out England for 273 and knocked off 107/3 in their second innings, leaving them 174 runs behind with one day’s play remaining at the Edgbaston on Monday.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins (4-63) and spinner Nathan Lyon (4-80) shared eight wickets between them as Australia, who had conceded a small lead to England, shot out the hosts for 273 in their second innings.

Joe Root inspired a quickfire England start to the day, with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes also making valuable contributions.

But four-wicket hauls for the outstanding Cummins and Lyon saw England bowled out for 273, leaving a target of 281 for the tourists to win the Test.

Stuart Broad took two crucial late wickets to leave an England win still very much in the mix with some cloud and possible rain delays expected on the fifth day.

Birmingham, June 16 (Ians) Australia made a steady start in their first innings after Joe Root’s excellent century steered England to a surprise declaration on an intriguing opening day of the first Ashes 2023 Test, here on Friday.

Root’s unbeaten 118 not out, his 30th century in Test cricket, was the stand-out contribution on a surface that offered little for the bowlers, and was the 32-year-old’s fourth hundred against Australia but his first since 2015. His ton drew him level with Matthew Hayden and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the all-time list, just three behind Alastair Cook’s England record of 33.

England opted for a first-evening declaration with the score on 393/8 in their first innings after scoring at a rate of more than five-an-over across the day. And Australia’s openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner will resume on 14/0, 379 behind, having survived a tricky mini-session at the end of Friday’s play.

Earlier,...

Birmingham, June 15 (Ians) Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted seamer Scott Boland hasn’t done anything wrong in the chances he’s got with the Test team, saying he has given selectors a headache when picking the playing eleven for the highly-anticipated Ashes.

Boland played a key role in Australia bowling out India for 234 on day five of the World Test Championship Final at The Oval, taking out Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession to set the base for a 209-run victory.

The seamer took five wickets overall in the match after Australia preferred to pick him over Michael Neser with Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injuries. Ahead of the first Ashes Test starting from June 16 at Edgbaston, Australia have to make a selection call between Boland and Hazlewood vying for a spot in the playing eleven.

“He’s done everything that he can. Every time he’s...

New Delhi, June 14 (Ians) Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his belief that Brendon McCullum’s team would adopt a strategy of treating Australian fast bowler Scott Boland “like a spinner” during the upcoming Ashes series, starting from June 16.

Having endured a lengthy period on the sidelines, Boland has made a remarkable beginning to his international career. The fast bowler has impressively claimed 33 wickets in just eight Test matches, maintaining an average of 14.6.

The 34-year-old, who was selected in the Wtc final playing eleven over Michael Neser with Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injury, played a key role in Australia bowling out India for 234 on day five of the marquee clash, picking up five wickets in India’s two innings.

Since McCullum was appointed as England’s Test coach in May 2022, the aggressive style of play, dubbed ‘Bazball’, has delivered impressive results for England with 12 wins and only four losses.

New Delhi, June 13 (Ians) Australian fast bowling great Brett Lee has expressed his backing for Scott Boland to feature in the upcoming Ashes Test opener against England, starting on June 16 at Edgbaston.

Boland, Boland was selected in the Wtc Final playing XI over Michael Neser with Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injury, played a key role in Australia bowling out India for 234 on Day Five of the marquee clash, including the double scalp of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings to set the base for a 209-run victory.

While the Australian batting lineup is firmly established, there is still uncertainty surrounding the composition of the bowling attack.

It certainly will be a selection headache for Australia when they pick their bowling attack for the first Ashes Test with Hazlewood now fit and available for selection.

“It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? I’m a massive Hazlewood fan,...

New Delhi, June 13 (Ians) Former captain Allan Border has backed pacer Scott Boland to retain his place in Australian team for the upcoming first Ashes Test against England, starting on Friday and feels that Pat Cummins led side should play the same eleven from the World Test Championship (Wtc) final.

Boland played a key role in Australia bowling out India for 234 on day five of the Wtc Final, including the double scalp of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings to set the base for a 209-run victory. The seamer took five wickets across India’s two innings.

He was selected in the Wtc final playing eleven over Michael Neser with Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injury.

Five wickets against India at Wtc final was the latest chapter in Boland’s stunning rise since his 6/7 in the second innings on Test debut in the Boxing Day Ashes Test...

The Oval, June 13 (Ians) Veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon watched on as teammates lifted two World Cup trophies over the past decade but he finally tasted glory on a global stage by winning the Icc World Test Championship title.

Lyon made the most of his opportunity when finally called onto the biggest stage in his preferred format in the Wtc Final against , after missing selection in Australia’s triumphant Icc Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015 and Icc Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 outfits.

The off-spinner was critical on the fifth day of the Wtc Final as Australia wrapped up India’s second innings to seal a 209-run victory, as Lyon finished with 4/41 including the key early wicket of Rohit Sharma and the last wicket that completed the victory.

While teammates Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have now won world titles in all three formats,...

London, June 12 (Ians) Former Australia white-ball skipper Aaron Finch believes seamer Scott Boland is a certainty to play the first Ashes Test at the Edgbaston from Friday, citing his superb performance in the recently-concluded World Test Championship Final.

Boland played a key role in Australia bowling out India for 234 on day five at The Oval, taking Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja out in quick succession to set the base for a 209-run victory, as the seamer took five wickets overall in the match. He was selected in the Wtc final playing eleven over Michael Neser with Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injuries.

With little clarity on Hazlewood’s availability for the Edgbaston Test, Finch thinks Boland is a certainty for the highly-anticipated Ashes opener. “He was outstanding, I think he’s well and truly sewn up that third quick spot in the first Test.”

“I’m not sure of Josh...

London, June 7 (Ians) India and Australia teams as well as match officials were seen wearing black armbands ahead of the start of 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval to pay respect to victims of the Odisha train tragedy, which happened earlier this month.

Before the national anthems, everyone at the ground offered a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragic train accident which happened near Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Balasore district of Odisha.

Last Friday, 288 people died and more than 1000 were injured in a collision of three trains – two passengers and one goods, seen as one of the worst train disasters in India in nearly two decades.

“The team mourns the deaths and offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives,” said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (Bcci) in a statement.

Coming to the match,...

London, June 7 (Ians) India captain Rohit Sharma has won the toss and elected to bowl first against Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval here on Wednesday.

Both captains Rohit and Pat Cummins will be playing their 50th Test match through the Wtc final. The winner of the 2023 Wtc final will become the first team to win all Icc titles in men’s international cricket.

After winning the toss, Rohit said India have picked Ravindra Jadeja as sole spin option ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin, while going with four fast bowlers in Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur.

Ajinkya Rahane also returns to the Test team after last playing in the format in January 2022, with Ks Bharat being the wicketkeeper-batter. “The conditions and also the weather being overcast (led to bowling first). The pitch won’t change too much.”

“He (Ashwin) has been a match-winner for us,...

London, June 6 (Ians) The Rohit Sharm-led India will be desperate to break their barren run in Icc events and win the coveted ‘mace’ when they face Pat Cummins’ formidable Australia in the much-awaited World Test Championship (Wtc) final at the Kennington Oval, here on Wednesday.

Undoubtedly, India’s team has been the most consistent one over the past two Wtc cycles. They have also managed to reach knockout phases of major white-ball tournaments over the last 10 years but a trophy has eluded them. On the other hand, Australia will be looking to add to their enviable collection of world titles after missing a spot in the Wtc final last cycle.

As far as the competition between the two sides is concerned, India have dominated Australia in the recent past. They have won their last four Test series against Australia — two at home and two away — all by 2-1 margins.

Once again,...

London, June 6 (Ians) Australian captain Pat Cummins on Tuesday confirmed that fast bowler Scott Boland will be a part of the their playing XI for the World Test Championships (Wtc) final against India, starting on Wednesday at The Oval.

Boland will pace in place of Josh Hazlewood, edging out Michael Neser, a late injury replacement to the 15-man Wtc squad. Neser had been called into the Australian squad for the Wtc final on Sunday after Hazlewood was ruled out of the marquee match due to his ongoing left Achilles and left side issue.

Australia made the selection call on Tuesday and while Cummins did not name the complete side for the final, he expressed to reporters that there are “no surprises” in the rest of the side’s make-up.

Boland’s selection comes off the back of a supreme record of his Test career, taking 28 wickets in his first seven matches,...

London, June 4 (Ians) Fast-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been named as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in Australias squad for the World Test Championship Final clash against India starting at The Oval from June 7.

As per the International Cricket Council (Icc), Hazlewood has been ruled out of the marquee match due to his ongoing left Achilles and left side issue. Neser, who has played two Tests and as many ODIs for Australia, has been brought in for the Wtc Final squad after his inclusion was approved by the Event Technical Committee.

Hazlewood had also missed this ‘ear’s tour of India due to a left Achilles tendon issue, which delayed his arrival in Indian Premier League (Ipl) 2023. He then left the tournament after playing only three games for Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rcb) due to a side issue.

Hazlewood had also missed a majority of the last two home summers due to side strains.

London, June 4 (Ians) Australia captain Pat Cummins has defended the move of not playing any warm-up matches ahead of the World Test Championship final and Ashes, citing the nature of the hectic schedule, which leaves them with no time for playing practice games.

Australia adopted a no tour match policy since their tour of Pakistan last year, and is being continued for their all-important trip in England which features a Wtc final against India at The Oval from June 7-11 and is quickly followed by the Ashes from June 16-July 31.

“It’s the nature of the schedule. But we feel really good. We’ve had a good prep up in Brisbane for a few days. It’s a pretty busy couple of months coming up and six Tests in two months is really hectic. You’d rather be fresh at the end of it than worn out. We’ve got...

Hazlewood had missed Australia’s tour of India due to a left achilles tendon issue, which delayed his arrival in Ipl 2023. He then left the tournament after playing only three games due to a side issue.

Recently, Hazlewood had said that he is nearing full fitness to play in the Wtc final against India starting from June 7 at The Oval in London. He had also missed a majority of the last two Australian home summers due to side strains.

Boland, on the other hand, is coming off a ten-week break since his last outing via the Sheffield Shield final in March. With concerns over Hazlewood gaining full fitness in time for the Wtc final, Boland, who averages 13.42 with the ball in the second championship cycle, is firmly in the picture to play his first-ever Test in England.

"Hazelwood had some injury concerns over the last couple of years really and...

London, June 2 (Ians) Australia’s white-ball assistant coach Daniel Vettori is hoping that a lengthy stint in T20 format during the Indian Premier League (Ipl) will not hinder preparations of his players, especially key all-rounder Cameron Green. Vettori said a strong performance in the Ipl 2023 has boosted the confidence of Green and the young allrounder is looking forward to doing well in his maiden Test tour of the United Kingdom.

Green was among the last players to join the Australia squad as he arrived late following his stint with Mumbai Indians in Ipl Playoffs and joined the squad that had a four-day acclimatisation stint in Formby near Liverpool.

Despite joining the squad just 24 hours ago, Green was at hand as the Aussies’ held their first major training session in Beckenham on Thursday ahead of their campaign in World Test Championship final and Ashes series.

“Any cricket is preparation now. He...

Formby (England), May 31 (Ians) Experienced Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is hopeful of getting fit for the World Test Championship final against India at the Oval next month and working hard in the practice sessions.

Hazlewood has been battling a side issue in recent times and had to cut short his time in the Indian Premier League (Ipl) with Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this month when the injury flared up.

But Hazlewood has returned to full training and was bowling at ‘close to full pace’ when Australia enjoyed a training session at Formby Cricket Club in England’s north on Tuesday in preparation for the one-off Test against India at The Oval that commences on June 7.

The session at the picturesque ground here was just the second time the 32-year-old pacer had rolled his arm over since arriving in England last week and the 32-year-old is confident he will be fit...

New Delhi, May 31 (Ians) Ahead of the World Test Championship Final, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has played alongside Virat Kohli on more occasions than against him in recent times, revealed what makes the India star so good at his craft.

Hazlewood has spent the past two years with Kohli by his side at Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rcb) in the Ipl and the experienced Australia quick has seen up close just why the India great continues to be rated as one of the best batters in world cricket.

While Hazlewood — if selected — will be doing everything he can to take the key wicket of Kohli and lead Australia to glory in the Icc World Test Championship Final, the pacer has spent the last two years watching the India star closely and trying to work out why he is so good.

The 32-year old Australian feels it is Kohli’s strong...

London, May 28 (Ians) The International Cricket Council (Icc) has confirmed the 15-member squads and reserve players for both India and Australia ahead of the World Test Championship (Wtc) 2023 Final to be played at The Oval from June 7-11.

For India, uncapped in-form left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included as a stand-by player alongside middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav and right-arm pacer Mukesh Kumar.

Jaiswal, who amassed 625 runs in 14 innings of Ipl 2023 for Rajasthan Royals, including a century and five fifties, replaces Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is reportedly getting married in the initial days of June.

In the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, Jaiswal scored 315 runs in five matches, averaging 45, including making a fifty and a century. He went on to make 213 and 144 in the Irani Trophy for the Rest of India against Madhya Pradesh, with his aggregate of 357 runs in the match the most-ever for a batter in an Irani Trophy match.

Fast...

New Delhi, May 28 (Ians) Australia great Mike Hussey believes the collective experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play a pivotal role in determining India’s success in the upcoming Icc World Test Championship final against Australia, scheduled to be held from June 7 at The Oval.

Hussey, who was among England’s coaching setup during last year’s Icc Men’s T20 World Cup title and is currently a batting coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the Ipl, thinks Kohli and Rohit must use their vast experience of batting in England to their advantage if India are to prevail against Australia.

“It’s hard to see past Virat Kohli. He is obviously coming back into some great form again in all forms of the game really, so both he and Rohit Sharma with the bat are going to be important for India,” Hussey was quoted as saying by Icc.

Melbourne, May 26 (Ians) Former captain Ricky Ponting expects fast bowler Scott Boland to be named in Australia’s playing eleven for the Icc World Test Championship final against India that begins on June 7 at The Oval, if fellow quick Josh Hazlewood is not fit.

Boland has taken 28 wickets in seven Tests for Australia since picking stunning figures of 6/7 against England at the McG in 2021 and now looms as a key weapon for Australia in the Wtc Final against India, with reports suggesting Hazlewood may not be available due to recently returning to bowling after recovering from a minor side niggle which led to him returning early from Ipl 2023.

Boland is yet to play a Test in England and went wicketless in playing his only Test match in India in Nagpur earlier this year.

“Boland’s record when he’s played over the last 12 months has been absolutely outstanding. He’s one that would really,...

Melbourne, May 24 (Ians) Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said he’s been mightily impressed, though not surprised, by all-rounder Michael Nesers form for Glamorgan in the ongoing season of County Championship, saying the team is aware of what he can do in red-ball cricket.

As of now, Neser has scored 311 runs and taken 19 wickets, with scores of 123, 86 and 90 so far being a standout from his time in the county championship.

Neser was left out of the initial 17-man Australia squad for the Wtc final and Ashes, but is set to join the team camp ahead of the one-off championship final against India.

“It (Neser’s county form) is very impressive. As I said, it’s not surprising though as we know what he can do. He had an outstanding Sheffield Shield year last year, I think it was 40-odd wickets averaging less than 20.

The more impressive part is probably his...

New Delhi, May 22 (Ians) Australia have issued a fitness update on Josh Hazlewood’s availability ahead of World Test Championship final and followed by the Ashes, saying the fast bowler’s scans have shown no soreness despite him returning early from the Royal Challengers Bangalore campaign in Ipl 2023.

Hazlewood had to miss Australia’s tour of India earlier in the year due to a left achilles injury and had to sit out of the first half of Ipl 2023 due to recovery from the injury. He eventually played three games for the Faf du Plessis side, the last of which came on May 9 and bowled nine overs overall.

A report in ESPNCricinfo on Monday said Hazlewood has now returned to bowling as scans showed no damage and is gearing up to be part of the Australian squad departing for England, to pair up with captain Pat Cummins and left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc.

New Delhi, May 21 (Ians) Former Australia captain Ian Chappell said India will be badly affected by the absence of injured cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant while playing in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval from June 7-11.

He further expressed surprise at the unavailability of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who last played a Test match in 2018. Apart from the trio, Shreyas Iyer and Kl Rahul are unavailable for the one-off finale due to injuries.

“The injuries to Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant will badly affect India, as they would be outright favourites with these two playing. The somewhat surprising unavailability of allrounder Hardik Pandya also harms India, as he could have provided them with the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle,” wrote Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

Chappell also feels Australia’s fast-bowling attack is slightly ahead of India when compared while adding that the...

Jaipur, May 14 (Ians) Royal Challengers Bangalore (Rcb) won the toss and elected to bat first against Rajasthan Royals (Rr) in an Ipl 2023 match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, here on Sunday.

Rcb captain Faf du Plessis said Wayne Parnell came in for Josh Hazlewood and Michael Bracewell replaced Wanindu Hasaranga in the playing XI.

“We will have a bat first. The conditions might favor that, looks like a dry wicket. It is very clear from here on for us, that is not a bad thing sometimes. We need to execute better. 3-4 guys are putting their hand up every game, we need a bit more probably to cash in on some good positions. Wins are important, net run rate is not something we can bother about now,” Du Plessis said at the toss.

On the other hand, Rr captain Sanju Samson said Adam Zampa came in for Trent Boult in the playing XI.

Mumbai, May 10 (Ians) In a match of two third-wicket partnerships, the 140-run stand between Surykumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera prevailed over the 120-run effort by Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell as Mumbai Indians defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets in Match No 54 of Indian Premier League (Ipl) 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium, here on Tuesday.

Yadav put on display a power-hitting masterclass to post his highest score in Ipl — a 35-ball 83 — and with Nehal Wadhera blasting an unbeaten half-century, Mumbai Indians handed Royal Challengers Bangalore a six-wicket defeat in Match No 54 of India Premier League (Ipl) 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium here on Tuesday.

Suryakumar started on a sedate note after Ishan Kishan had given Mumbai Indians a whirlwind start with a 21-ball 42, and raced to his half-century in 26 balls. He raised 140 runs for the third wicket partnership with Wadhera (52 not out off 34 balls) in just 66 deliveries as Mumbai raced to 200/4 in 16.3 overs,...

Mumbai, May 9 (Ians) Suryakumar Yadav put on display a power-hitting masterclass to post his highest score in Ipl — a 35-ball 83 — and with Nehal Wadhera blasting an unbeaten half-century, Mumbai Indians handed Royal Challengers Bangalore a six-wicket defeat in Match No 54 of India Premier League (Ipl) 2023 at Wankhede Stadium, here on Tuesday.

Suryakumar started on a sedate note after Ishan Kishan had given Mumbai Indians a whirlwind start with a 21-ball 42, and raced to his half-century in 26 balls. He raised 140 runs for the third wicket partnership with Wadhera (52 not out off 34 balls) in just 66 deliveries as Mumbai raced to 200/4 in 16.3 overs, chasing Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 199/6 in 20 overs built around blazing half-centuries by Faf du Plessis (65) and Glenn Maxwell (68).

Thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s 83 and an unbeaten 52 by Wadhera, Mumbai twice survived double-strike overs by Wanindu Hasaranga and Vijaykumar Vyshak to race to their sixth win of the season and zoomed...