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Most expensive players in IPL 2024 & major squad changes

Charbel Coorey
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Most expensive players in IPL 2024 & major squad changes

Cricket News: A look at the most expensive players in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season + major squad changes

The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction saw franchises battle to secure the services of top domestic and international cricketers for the upcoming season. 

The latest IPL auction took place on December 19, 2023, and it was held at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai. The auction saw big-money deals and even surprises that many fans are hyped up about. In this article, we’ll look at the 2024 IPL auction results in some detail.

IPL 2024: Most expensive players – who got the big deals?

If Sam Curran was able to bag the biggest deal in the previous season, this year, Mitchell Starc was able to beat his record. The Australian left-arm pacer became the most expensive player in the IPL history when Kolkata Knight Riders purchased him for INR 24.75 crore (US$3.1 million). 

Another Australian player who secured a massive deal is Pat Cummins. Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased this pacer for INR 20.50 crore (US$2.6 million). New Zealand’s right-handed all-rounder was also notably purchased by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.00 crore (around US$1.6 million).

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore added West Indian quick Alzarri Joseph to their roster, purchasing INR 11.50 crore (approximately $1.4 million). Punjab Kings was also another franchise that made a big purchase during the same auction. They were able to secure Indian cricketer Harshal Patel. 

Other players who were signed with contracts over INR 5 crore were Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans), Rovman Powell (Rajasthan Royals), Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Umesh Yadav (Gujarat Titans), Shivam Mavi (Lucknow Super Giants), and Rilee Rossouw (Punjab Kings).

Major Squad Changes for IPL 2024

Most of the franchises retained many of their players. Gujarat Titans had a short list of players who left the team or were unavailable this year. That includes names like Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, and Pradeep Sangwan.

The same goes for Chennai Super Kings as some of the players they released for the upcoming season are Kyle Jamieson, Akash Singh, and Ambati Rayudu. 

It’s also worth noting that English cricket star Ben Stokes also had to be released because he’s still reconvening from multiple injuries. Stokes has undergone knee surgery after the ODI World Cup.

When it comes to retained players, Mumbai Indians is one of the franchises that have a lot of them. That includes Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. This year, Sharma will no longer serve as the captain of the team as he was replaced by Pandya.

Pandya is making a comeback to MI after having played with Gujarat Titans. Last year, it was already a rumour that he’ll be returning to MI. However, reports suggested Pandya only wanted to do that if he was allowed to captain the team.

While many were surprised about this, it most likely isn’t a big issue. After all, Sharma has already led the team to multiple IPL championships. In addition, based on reports, Sharma left it to the management to decide on the matter.

MI’s head of performance, Mahela Jayawardene, said that appointing Pandya as the captain is simply part of the team’s legacy. It’s them staying true to the team’s philosophy. Mumbai Indians also had to bring in a new bowling coach as Shane Bond has already resigned. He’s replaced by former Sri Lankan cricketer, Lasith Malinga.

When it comes to support staff, Lucknow Super Giants sacked Andy Flower and replaced by Justin Langer. Gautam Gambhir also resigned as LSG’s mentor. There’s no update yet on who will be replacing him.

Sunrisers Hyderabad also decided to change their head coach this year. Brian Lara was sacked and replaced by New Zealand’s cricket coach, Daniel Vettori. Meanwhile, defending champions CSK don’t seem to have any changes on their supporting staff this year as they look to successfully defend their title.

The IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best players in the world competing against each other. The tournament is set to begin on March 22, 2024, and will be played across various venues in India. That includes venues like the Wankhede Stadium, MA Chidambaram Chepauk Stadium, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports or stream it on Hotstar.

Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2024 T20I series schedule

Charbel Coorey
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Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2024 T20I series schedule

Cricket News: Pakistan tour of New Zealand T20I series schedule | NZ vs PAK 2024 series schedule

Pakistan are currently in New Zealand for a five-match T20I series that will kick off on January 12. The series serves as important preparation for both teams ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup, where both sides have aspirations of performing well in the tournament.

NZ vs PAK T20I series 2024 series schedule:

  • 1st T20I: Friday January 12, 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
  • 2nd T20I: Sunday January 14, 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
  • 3rd T20I: Wednesday January 17, 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
  • 4th T20I: Friday January 19, 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (7:10pm local, 11:10am PKT).
  • 5th T20I: Sunday January 21, 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1:00pm local, 5:00am PKT).

Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain Pakistan in their tour of New Zealand

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s reign as Pakistan captain will begin on this tour. The left-arm pacer was rested for the third Test in Australia last week, which brought about some criticism. But, with a World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan have viewed this series as an important step in their preparations of which Shaheen is a crucial piece in the puzzle.

Mohammad Rizwan is the vice-captain. “It is an honour to be named as the vice-captain of Pakistan Men’s T20I side,” Rizwan said. “I am thankful to the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am looking forward to working closely with the captain, coaching staff, and my team-mates to contribute to the team’s success.”

In terms of the squad, Shadab Khan is out with injury. Haris Rauf, who did not play in the Australia Test series, will return to Pakistan duty in this series.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand 2024 T20I tour: Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.

Cameron Bancroft debate – Is the opener unlucky to miss out?

Charbel Coorey
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Cameron Bancroft debate – Is the opener unlucky to miss out?

Cricket News: Cameron Bancroft debate – Is the opener unlucky to miss out? | Cameron Bancroft misses out on Australia selection for West Indies series

Steve Smith will be Australia’s next Test opener after the selectors opted for the experienced batsman to replace David Warner. Cameron Green, who was also a strong contender for the opening slot, will return to the team and bat at number four.

In other changes, 27-year old Matt Renshaw has made the West Indies squad. This means Cameron Bancroft, who has been magnificent in Sheffield Shield cricket over the past two seasons, has missed out on selection altogether.

In the end, the selectors opted for a move for Smith in an attempt to rediscover his best form. Recent months have been lean pickings by Smith’s lofty standards. In fact, since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8.

However, it has prompted debate far and wide in Australia as to whether Bancroft has been hard done by. Some fans believe that Bancroft’s comments on the ball tampering scandal in 2021 has meant his chances of selection were always going to be slim. However, it has been reported that Pat Cummins rang Cameron Bancroft to let him know that his non-selection had nothing to do with Cape Town in 2018. Also, selector George Bailey denied that the ball tampering saga had anything to do with their decision.

After all, the opener’s numbers have been superb in recent times and he could not have raised his hand any higher. Since the start of the 2022/23 Shield season, Bancroft has struck 1,457 runs at an average of 58.28, leading the run-scoring chart in both campaigns.

That being said, Cameron Green’s inclusion at number four could also catapult the all-rounder’s Test career. In 15 Shield matches batting at four, Green has smashed 1,413 runs at a superb average of 64.22. This includes six fifties, four hundreds, and a top score of 251.

Fans weigh in on the Cameron Bancroft debate

Fans and pundits shared their thoughts on social media over recent days, sparking debates on whether Bancroft was hard done by. Former cricketer Tom Moody was particularly critical of Bancroft’s exclusion. Here is a look at some of the reactions.

Arguments for Cameron Bancroft’s inclusion:

Support of the Australian selectors’ decision:

Australia’s Test series against West Indies kicks off on January 17 at Adelaide. The second Test will begin on January 25 in a day/night Test at the Gabba. The last time West Indies won a Test in Australia was way back in 1997, with the Australians winning 14 of 16 Tests since.

Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests?

Charbel Coorey
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Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests?

Cricket News: Will Steve Smith open the batting for Australia in Tests? | Steve Smith considered for opening slot in the Australia team

According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Steve Smith and all-rounder Cameron Green are considered the two frontrunners to replace David Warner as Australia’s Test opener. The decision is likely to be made on Tuesday evening (9th January).

During the third Test against Pakistan, Smith expressed his desire to move to the top of the order. “I’m actually happy to go up the top,” said Smith to ABC Grandstand. “I’m pretty keen if that’s what they want to do.”

A move away from number four for Smith has caused debate. Some believe it could be the spark he needs after a bit of a lean run in recent times. Since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Smith has scored 567 runs at an average of 37.8, well below his superb career average. “If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he’ll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months,” Michael Clarke said to ESPN’s Around The Wicket show.

However, others, including former opener Matthew Hayden, believe Smith should stay at four. “I just can’t see how strategically that [Smith opening] is going to work for Cricket Australia. They will need someone more concrete than that,” Hayden said.

“When you look at the success over the last two years of this Test team, it’s been based on a very solid foundation. It’s been such a key structure – that number one to four set in stone has been gold for Cricket Australia.

“I feel it’s not the story. The story is who is going to be the next Australian opener that they’ll pick.”

Steve Smith a chance to open the batting for Australia in Test cricket

Hayden believes Matt Renshaw is the best candidate to replace Warner in Tests. At 27, he is approaching what should be his peak period. Also, all but one player in the Australia Test side (Labuschagne) is under 30 years of age, so Renshaw could be a longer-term option.

However, the rumours are that Smith and Green are the leading contenders, even though Pat Cummins hinted he was against it during the third Test. “Obviously Marnus [Labuschagne], Smudge [Smith], Trav [Head] and [Mitchell] Marsh have been pretty impressive at Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. So first instinct isn’t probably to disrupt that,” he said.

Should Australia go with either option – even with Green never opening in First Class cricket – it would mean Cameron Bancroft misses out. The opener has been superb in Sheffield Shield cricket, averaging well over 50 in the past two seasons (including the current 2023/24 campaign). Marcus Harris has averages in the 30s in the same period, while Renshaw is averaging 31.63 this season.

The first Test against the West Indies begins on January 17 at the Gabba. Australia are hot favourites to take the series 2-0 which will further solidify their position at the top of the World Test Championship table.

List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG

Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG | What is the highest run chase at the SCG?

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has played host to 113 Test matches, with the first taking place way back in 1882. Sydney has traditonally been the ground in Australia that aids spin the most, which is reflective of the difficulty teams typically have in the fourth innings.

200+ has been successfully chased down just six times on this ground in history. Here is a look at the top five, including the years they were achieved and the context behind them.

Top 5 highest successful run chases at the SCG

5. Australia 219/4 vs England, 1980

Greg Chappell struck 98* in the fourth innings to guide Australia to a six-wicket win in the second Test of the 1979/80 Ashes series. It was an outstanding performance given the low-scoring nature of this game, with the first innings yielding scores of just 123 for England and 145 for Australia.

David Gower struck his own brilliant 98* in the second innings to guide England to 237, leaving the Australians with 216 to get. At 3/98, Australia needed a partnership, and Chappell combined with Kim Hughes (47) to help guide the hosts home in 85.3 overs.

4. Australia 260/6 vs New Zealand, 1985

New Zealand’s 1985/86 tour of Australia is remembered for Richard Hadlee’s superb haul of 33 wickets at an average of 12.15 that led the tourists to a famous 2-1 series win. In between their wins in the first and third Tests, Australia chased down 260 to level the series at Sydney after a hard-fought contest.

Australia had to fight back from a 63-run deficit in the first innings. Spinners Bob Holland (4/68 off 41 overs), Ray Bright (3/39 off 17.5 overs) and Greg Matthews (2/55 off 30 overs) led the way on a surface aiding spin to restrict New Zealand to 193.

But, a fourth innings chase of 260 looked tough. Wayne Phillips (63) and David Boon (81) got Australia to 1/131. But, they were reduced to 5/192, before David Hookes (38*) and Matthews (32) helped steer the ship towards safety.

3. Australia 275/8 vs England, 1907

The 1907 Test between Australia and England was neck and neck. England hit 273 in their first innings courtesy of George Gunn’s 119. Australia responded with 300 thanks to contributions right down the order, led by Clem Hill’s 87, to take a 27-run lead.

England then responded with their own 300. Gunn was strong again (74), combining with Joe Hardstaff (63) to take England to 3/218. But, Australia took the final seven wickets for 82 to leave the target at 274.

In the end, England were left to wonder how they didn’t win. They reduced the hosts to 5/95, 6/124 and then 7/185. But, Peter McAlister (41), Sammy Carter (61), Tibby Cotter (33*) and Gerrt Hazlitt (34*), all batting below number seven, struck 30+ scores to seal a brilliant two-wicket win.

2. Australia 276/4 vs England, 1898

The second-highest successful chase at the SCG was way back 1898. Australia chased 276 with ease to seal the series 4-1, with Joe Darling taking the England attack to all parts for his 160 in just 171 minutes.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing beforehand, though. England bowled Australia out for 239, taking a first innings lead of 96. Tom Richardson took an incredible 8/94 off 36.1 overs. In the second dig, England left the door open, accumulating just 178 to leave Australia with 275 to win. Darling, along with Jack Worrall (62), made light work of it.

1. Australia 288/2 vs South Africa, 2006

Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG | What is the highest run chase at the SCG?
Highest successful run chases in Tests at the SCG: Ricky Ponting hit twin tons in 2006.

Ricky Ponting at his peak. The Australian captain at the time became the first player in history to hit two centuries in his 100th Test. He struck 120 in the first innings followed by a glorious 143* in the second to guide Australia to what remains the highest total in successful run chases at the SCG.

South Africa, trailing 1-0 ahead of the final game of the three-match series, hit 9/451d in the first dig. Australia responded with 359, before South Africa went harder in the second innings to try force a result. They declared at 6/194, leaving the Australians with 287 to win.

After Charl Langeveldt dismissed Justin Langer with the score at 30, the Proteas never had a sniff as Ponting and Matthew Hayden (90) broke the back of the chase with a mammoth 182-run stand.

Don’t mind pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India – Rohit Sharma

Charbel Coorey
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Don’t mind pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India – Rohit Sharma

Cricket News: Rohit Sharma says he doesn’t mind playing on pitches such as those in Cape Town, but has called for the outcry over Indian surfaces to stop

India captain Rohit Sharma has shared some strong words after his team’s seven-wicket win over South Africa in the shortest Test match of all-time (by balls bowled). The pitch at Newlands has come under fire as a result, with excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce a common feature on the first day in particular where 23 wickets fell.

Rohit said surfaces such as that in Cape Town is one he doesn’t mind playing on. His attitude was replicated in a decent outing for the captain on what was a very challenging track, scoring 36 and 16* to ensure India got off to good starts in both innings. But, he bluntly pointed out the outcry when it comes to Indian pitches should stop given that helpful bowling conditions are a common theme right around the world.

Rohit Sharma shares thoughts on pitches after Newlands Test

“I don’t mind playing on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India & doesn’t complain about Indian pitches,” Rohit said. “You come here to challenge yourself and when people come to India it is challenging as well.”

ALSO READ: India fans highlight hypocrisy when it comes to helpful bowling pitches in Asia vs. SENA

Rohit’s thoughts come after sections of the media and supporters in England and Australia were less than impressed with Indian pitches in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Michael Vaughan was quite vocal during England’s tour three years ago, before Fox Cricket led the chorus of discontent over the surfaces in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit also spoke out about how the pitch for the World Cup Final at Ahmedabad was rated below average. He believes the pitch was fine as there was century scored on it (by Travis Head).

“I still can’t believe that the World Cup final was rated below average. A batter got a hundred. How can that be a poor pitch?”, said Rohit.

Next up for India is a five-match Test series at home to England starting later this month after finishing their South Africa tour with a 1-1 series draw. In the Newlands Test, Mohammed Siraj was far too good on the opening morning, taking 6/19 as India rolled South Africa for just 55. India then collapsed remarkably from 153/4 to 153 all-out, but they still won comfortably in the end despite Aiden Markram’s superb hundred that gave the Proteas a ray of hope of achieving an incredible victory.

List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history

Charbel Coorey
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List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history

Cricket News: List of the top 5 shortest Test matches in history | What is the shortest Test match in history?

India wrapped up the second Test of their 2023/24 series of South Africa by seven wickets in the second session of the second day. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of Test, with India rolling the Proteas for 55 in the opening session of the match before losing six wickets for no runs themselves to be bowled out for 153 as part of 23 wickets on the first day.

Where does the match rank among the shortest Test matches in history? It is the shortest ever. Here is a look:

  • 107 overs (624 balls): South Africa vs India, Cape Town, 2023/24.
  • 109.2 overs (656 balls): Australia vs South Africa, MCG, 1932/33.
  • 111 overs (672 balls): West Indies vs England, Bridgetown, 1934/35.
  • 197 four-ball overs (788 balls): England vs Australia, Manchester, 1888.
  • 198 four-ball overs (792 balls): England vs Australia, Lord’s, 1888.

Shortest Test matches in history by balls bowled

107 overs (624 balls): South Africa vs India, Cape Town, 2023/24

Test cricket in 2024 began in record-breaking fashion. However, while it brings attention to the longest format of the game, one wonders if a match that lasts one-and-a-half days is good for the format.

Mohammed Siraj led the onslaught in the first session, taking 6/15 in a superb display of fast bowling on a hostile pitch. The South Africans had no answer, crumbling to just 55 after winning the toss and batting. They then fought back with the ball to reduce India to 153 in remarkable fashion, but their eventual lead of 78 – courtesy of an outstanding and memorable hundred from Aiden Markram that led them to 176 in the second dig – wasn’t enough to seal a victory.

109.2 overs (656 balls): Australia vs South Africa, MCG, 1931/32

Australia’s 153 in 1932 remains the lowest total that has resulted in an innings victory. They rolled South Africa for just 36 and 45 back in 1932. Left-arm Bert Ironmonger wreaked havoc, taking 5/6 and 6/18 at 49 years of age.

Sir Donald Bradman did not bat in this game as he was unfit. Jack Fingleton (40) and Alan Kippax (42) together outscored South Africa’s entire match output of 81 runs.

111 overs (672 balls): West Indies vs England, Bridgetown, 1934/35

Back to the 1930s. There were two declarations in this Test as it was a shootout on a difficult Bridgetown pitch affected by rain. West Indies, who were sent in to bat, crawled their way to 102 courtest of George Headley’s 44. In a tactical move, England declared at 81/7 after Wally Hammond’s 43 to have another go at the Windies while the pitch was still extremely difficult for batting.

Windies then declared quickly themselves at 51/6 in 19 overs. The great Wally Hammong (29*) was at it again, leading the tourists to a four-wicket win in their chase of 73.

197 four-ball overs (788 balls): England vs Australia, Manchester, 1888

1888 was certainly a different time when it came to cricket pitches. It rained the day before the first day’s play at Manchester which made the pitch difficult to bat on. Day one ended with Australia 32/2 in response to England’s 172, but the surface became more difficult to bat on from day two as the sun baked the wet pitch.

Australia were then rolled for 81 and 72. Left-arm spinner Bobby Peel was too good, taking figures of 7/31 and 4/37 in the Test.

198 four-ball overs (792 balls): England vs Australia, Lord’s, 1888

This Test holds the record for the most wickets to fall in a single day. 27 wickets fell on day two, where Australia ripped through the England lineup to bowl them out for 53 in response to their 116. Australia only managed 60 in their second innings, but the lead of 123 was too much for England who fell short by 61 runs after getting bowled out for 62 in the fourth innings. W.G. Grace top-scored with 24.

Reactions to Newlands Cape Town pitch – 23 wickets fall on day 1 of SA vs IND Test

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to Newlands Cape Town pitch – 23 wickets fall on day 1 of SA vs IND Test

Cricket News: Fans react to the pitch at Newlands in Cape Town after 23 wickets fall on day one of the SA vs IND Test

Whoever coined day three as “moving day” wouldn’t have wanted to catch day one of the second Test between South Africa and India at Newlands. A remarkable 23 wickets fell on the opening day of the New Year’s Test at Cape Town, with India losing six wickets for no runs to collapse to 153 all-out after South Africa were rolled for 55 in the first session. The Proteas then finished on 62/3 in their second innings, still trailing by 36 heading into day two.

The day marked the end of Dean Elgar’s Test career from a batting perspective. He, along with Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, were dismissed twice on a manic day that has put spotlight on the Newlands pitch. Fans from the subcontinent, especially India, questioned what the furore would have been had 23 wickets fallen on a spinning track. After all, one can understand their reasoning given this surface had uneven bounce and cracks on the first day of the match, culminating in excessive seam movement plus deliveries that both reared up and stayed low.

Mohammed Siraj (6/15) and the South African trio of Kagiso Rabada (3/38), Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Nandre Burger (3/42) had a field day as only Virat Kohli (46), Rohit Sharma (39), Shubman Gill (36) and Aiden Markram (36*) crossed 20. A total of seven batsmen across both teams were dismissed without scoring, including five of India’s last six. A total of seven India players were dismissed for naught, a Test record.

Fans react to Newlands pitch in Cape Town

Ravi Shastri made headlines for his commentary after India collapsed to be bowled out for 153. “If someone went around the corner for a dump and has come back, India have been bowled out for 153,” he hilariously said. But, the spotlight was on the Cape Town surface, with fans making their views heard on Twitter. Indeed, it will be interesting to see how the ICC responds after the match.

“Plenty of chat about the Test match. India’s collapse, Ravi Shastri commentary, Siraj spell and batsman being out twice in a day. But little being said about the pitch curator? He would be under the spotlight elsewhere,” one fan said. Here are some of the reactions to the pitch at Newlands, including from Sachin Tendulkar and Aakash Chopra.

Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 all out

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 all out

Cricket News: Twitter reactions to India rolling South Africa for 55 | Fans react to South Africa bowled out for 55 at Newlands

India responded to their heavy defeat in the first Test in the best possible fashion, rolling South Africa for just 55 in the first session of the second match at Newlands in Cape Town. Mohammed Siraj was at his absolute best, producing one of his famous spells to finish with 6/15 off nine overs, with the Proteas batsmen having no answers against quality fast bowling on a challenging pitch.

Siraj partnered with Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) to deliver a devastating opening burst. South Africa were four down by the tenth over with just 15 on the board before David Bedingham and Kyle Verryenne attempted a reguard action. But, after Bedingham was out to rip-snorter of a delivery, the remainder of the session was simply a formality at Mukesh Kumar (2/0) also got in on the act amid wonderful slips catching by India.

That being said, some of the strokeplay would have disappointed the South African team, coaching staff and supporters. Numerous players were loose outside the off stump, most notably Dean Elgar and Kyle Verryenne, as the Proteas weren’t winning to let enough balls go. In the end, incredibly, they were out for 55 after choosing to bat.

Reactions to South Africa getting bowled out for just 55 at Newlands

Of course, fans were all over it on social media. Supporters took to Twitter to both analyse the situation as well as share some humorous takes. “No idea what Rohit told to his men in the dressing room, but this has been one hell of a performance from India,” one fan tweeted. “After being absolutely hammered in Centurion, the visitors have shown why they are the best Test team in the world.”

The great Sachin Tendulkar was thrilled, tweeting “Siraj weaving magic at Newlands! Impeccable length and a spellbinding display of seam bowling!” Here are some of the reactions to an utterly dominant first session by India, led by Siraj.

South Africa now have to produce a performance out of this world to come back from such a terrible position. Should India go on and win – which they should – they will leave the country with a drawn Test series, drawn T20I series, and ODI series win.

Fans slam Australia for slow over rate on day one of SCG Test vs Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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Fans slam Australia for slow over rate on day one of SCG Test vs Pakistan

Cricket News: Fans unhappy with slow over rate by Australia at the SCG against Pakistan in 2024 New Years’ Test

In a welcome change, rain did not have a say on the first day of a New Years Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, the forecast suggests some rain may fall over the coming days, and matters weren’t helped by a very slow over rate on day one of the Test.

By tea, Australia had bowled just 48 overs. In the end, just 78.1 overs were bowled as Pakistan recovered to be bowled out for 313 thanks to Aamer Jamal’s magnificent 82 that took the visitors to a respectable score after falling to 227/9. Australia then faced just the one over, with David Warner, in his final Test, scoring an unbeaten six off six balls to get through to stumps.

Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment. Over rates continue to be a problem in Test cricket which hurts the format as the faster-paced T20 format continues to take preference around the world. Some called called for the captain to be suspended for a Test as the current system of docking World Test Championship points doesn’t seem to be making a difference.

Reactions: Fans disappointed at slow over rate by Australia on day one of New Years Test against Pakistan

“Don’t care how well we’ve bowled, only getting through 48 overs by Tea is embarrassing,” tweeted one fan. “Appalling but not enough is being done about it! 12th man running drinks out to the fielding team happens regularly. It shouldn’t be allowed,” tweeted another.

Here are some reactions to the slow over rate during the first day of the 2024 New Years Test at the SCG.

https://twitter.com/AdV_76/status/1742405494365684221

Australia will begin day two no wicket for six after Pat Cummins took his third-consecutive five-wicket haul. The Australian captain’s career statistics took another boost, further enhancing his status as one of Australia’s greats.

ALSO READ: Top 10 wicket-takers among Australia fast bowlers – Where does Pat Cummins rank?

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