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Rohit Sharma has what it takes to succeed in Tests in Australia: Michael Hussey

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Rohit Sharma has what it takes to succeed in Tests in Australia: Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey believes that Rohit Sharma has the ability to succeed in Australia in the Test series later this year. The former Australia and CSK player spoke about a variety of things, including Dhoni’s retirement and India’s chances in the Test series against Australia.

India will play Australia in the Test series starting on the 3rd of December in Brisbane. The series also includes a day-night match in Adelaide.

Hussey spoke positively on Rohit’s chances to succeed in the Test series.

“It’s going to test any batsman in the world, but I think because he’s (Rohit) played a lot of One-Day cricket batting at the top of the order, and now he’s been having some success with the red-ball game as well, that’ll give him confidence coming in. I have no doubt in my mind that he’s got the ability and the skill and the temperament, to be able to handle it,” the left-hander believes. 

“I think he would adapt. No, worries at all of his batting at the top of the order. It will be challenging in Australian conditions against the top quality bowling attack with pace and bounce,” Hussey said.

Rohit Sharma has what it takes to succeed in Tests in Australia: Michael Hussey
Rohit Sharma has what it takes to succeed in Tests in Australia: Michael Hussey

The 45-year-old also believes that Australia will be tougher to beat for India than the series in 2018, as Smith and Warner will be back.

“Obviously, bringing back Smith and Warner into the team is huge, but the guys that were exposed and perhaps probably weren’t quite ready at the time from two years ago, have now managed to get a number of Test matches under their belt… India are going to be up for a stiff challenge in Australia this summer,” Hussey said in a chat show on Sony Ten’s Pit Stop.

“Put that with a world-class bowling attack in Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and (James) Pattinson as well with Nathan Lyon…I think the team looks extremely strong, they are playing some excellent Test cricket. We know India are a world-class team, but they have to be at their best to beat the Australian team on home soil.”

There are several rumours doing the rounds around Dhoni’s future. Dhoni hasnt played since the 2019 World Cup semi-final. But, Hussey who played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, believes it should be Dhoni who should take a call over his future.

“He’s been an incredible person and player for CSK for so long, and India for that matter, and we hope he keeps playing for another 10 years but I’m not sure we’re going to be able to see that so hopefully he can play for as long as he can.”

Hussey also appreciated Kohli’s captaincy.

“I think you got to give a lot of kudos to Virat Kohli, having someone like MS Dhoni still in the team who’s been, arguably, India’s most successful captain. Sometimes some people would find that threatening to still have that person in the team,” he said.

“But I think that’s where you need to tip your hat to Virat and so you know he’s obviously got the personality to say ‘no, no I would like this guy around. I can learn from this guy, and he’s going to help me get down the better skipper and obviously have a better team’.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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No reason to question the integrity of 2011 World Cup Final: ICC

Sarthak Karkhanis
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No reason to question the integrity of 2011 World Cup Final: ICC

The cricketers and selectors of the Sri Lankan cricket team have been cleared of charges of fixing. The charges put forward by former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage saw no evidence. The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit feels that there is no reason to question the integrity of the match.

Kumar Sangakkara, former Sri Lankan captain, was summoned for questioning along with then-teammate Upul Tharanga and chief selector Aravinda De Silva. All three were an integral part of the 2011 World Cup setup. After being questioned for several hours, the investigation was halted.

“From the three statements we’ve got, it was clear to us that the 14 points brought forward by Mahindananda Aluthgamage could not be substantiated. Although it was said that a complaint letter had also been sent to the ICC, the ICC itself has not indicated that. The ICC hasn’t opened up their own investigation either,” Senior Superintendent of Police Jagath Fonseka told Lankadeepa.

No reason to question the integrity of 2011 WC Final: ICC

The former sports minister made the charges of the basis of the four changes which were made it the playing XI from the side that played the Semi-Final. But those changes were justified because of injuries to key players like Angelo Mathews and Muralitharan. Mathews couldn’t play the Final, while Murali was not 100% fit for the clash.

“All three of the statements we took provided reasonable explanations [as to how that game panned out]. They especially gave explanations as to why the team was changed. The other thing is this happened back in 2011.” added Fonseka.

Quiz: How well do you remember ODI cricket from 2010-2014?

Aluthgamage also believes that Sanath Jayasuriya’s omission from the 2011 WC squad was suspicious, in spite of the fact that the former opener was a fringe player between 2009 to 2011.

“The ICC Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. At this time, we have not been presented with any evidence that supports the claims made or which would merit launching an investigation under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.” Marshall said.

“There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation,” Marshall said. “We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position.”

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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No more duke: Sheffield Shield 2020-21 will be played with Kookaburra ball

Sarthak Karkhanis
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No more duke: Sheffield Shield 2020-21 will be played with Kookaburra ball

Cricket Australia has decided to play with the Kookaburra ball in the upcoming season of the Sheffield Shield after the experiment of the Dukes ball in the last four seasons.

The aim of the introduction of Dukes ball in Australian domestic cricket was to enhance the performance of the Australian cricket team in England, as the national team failed to win the Ashes in England since 2001. But, one can say that the experiment paid off, as the Aussies retained the Ashes in England for the first time in 18 years after they drew the series 2-2.

“The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile exercise, particularly in the lead up to overseas Ashes series where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents. We have been happy with how the ball has performed when used in Australian conditions over the past four seasons.” believes Peter Crouch, the head of operations at Cricket Australia.

“We do, however, feel that reverting to one ball for 2020-21 will provide the consistent examination of our players over a full season that CA and the States are presently seeking. The Kookaburra is the ball used for international cricket in Australia and many parts of the world and we see benefits this season of maximising our use of it.” he added.

No more duke: Sheffield Shield 2020-21 will be played with Kookaburra ball
Kookaburra ball to return to Sheffield Shield in 2020/21

Roach talked about the decrease in significance of the spinners in the Australia domestic circuit. He indirectly spoke about the need to produce Test-quality spinners and batsmen who play spin well. Also, he didn’t rule out the Duke ball making a return in the future.

“We have noted that spin bowlers in the Marsh Sheffield Shield have been playing less of a role in recent seasons; most notably in games when the Dukes ball is in use. We need spinners bowling in first-class cricket and we need our batters facing spin. We hope that the change to one ball will have a positive benefit here. We see a definite opportunity to reintroduce the Dukes ball at some stage in the future,” Roach concluded.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Sam Curran tests negative for COVID-19

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Sam Curran tests negative for COVID-19

England all-rounder Sam Curran tested negative for Covid-19 on Friday, 3rd July. The player self-isolated himself after he fell ill on Wednesday and was withdrawn from the remaining part of England’s intra-team warmup match. Curran was representing Jos Buttler’s team in the warmup.

Curran developed sickness and was diagnosed with Diarrhoea and was suggested to test for the COVID-19. He was in quarantine at his team hotel at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Sam Curran tests negative for COVID-19
Sam Curran has tested negative for COVID-19

The negative report of Curran’s test means that the England vs West Indies series is safe to go ahead. Had Curran’s report been positive, the players who came in close contact with Curran would have been isolated and raised a lot of questions over the future of the tour and the bio-secure bubble.

Curran will return to training in a day or two and will now be a part of thet esting regime which will be applicable to all the players.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Shahid Afridi tests negative for COVID-19

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Shahid Afridi tests negative for COVID-19

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has recovered from coronavirus. Afridi previously tested positive for the contagious disease on June 13. He announced his recovery on Twitter.

“Alhamdulillah, my wife & daughters, Aqsa & Ansha have re-tested after our previously positive results for #COVIDー19, & are now clear. Thanking u all for your continuous well wishes, & may the Almighty bless you and yours. Now back to family time; I’ve missed holding this one,” he wrote on Twitter.

Shahid Afridi tests negative to COVID-19
Shahid Afridi’s tweet

Afridi was the fifth cricketer to be tested positive for the disease. Later, the list increased as Mashrafe Mortaza also tested positive for the virus. Later, 10 members of the Pakistan Cricket team, who were supposed to travel for the England tour, also tested positive. However, six have since tested negative and are set to feature in England later this year.

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Peter Fulton steps down as the batting coach of New Zealand

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Peter Fulton steps down as the batting coach of New Zealand

Peter Fulton, the batting coach of the New Zealand team, has stepped down from the position as he takes over the coaching reigns of Canterbury side. Fulton had been in charge of the post since the ICC 2019 World Cup.

Fulton said that one of the reasons for the change is that he will be closer to his family as he dons new gloves.

“It’s been an honour to get back involved with the national team and I’d like to thank the players and staff for making me feel so welcome. The Canterbury role appealed to me in terms of my aspirations to be a head coach and further my development in the game. The chance to spend more time at home with my young family and coach my home province were also motivating factors in applying for the job,” he said.

Peter Fulton steps down as the batting coach of New Zealand | Former New Zealand opener Peter Fulton steps down as NZ batting coach
Peter Fulton steps down as the batting coach of New Zealand

He wants to contribute to the journey of a domestic player’s transition to the international arena.

“There are guys there that have the potential to play international cricket and my job is to get them there. If those guys can make the step up to international cricket, then I’m sure Canterbury will have some success along the way,” he added.

New Zealand Cricket’s High-Performance General Manager Bryan Stronach said that the board is in no hurry to replace the batting coach. Fulton will take charge of his new role at Canterbury on August 1 and before that will be a part of the New Zealand cricket team’s national camp in Lincoln.

“Pete’s a respected figure who has contributed a lot to the Black Caps set-up and built strong relationships in his time with the team. With the Black Caps entering a winter period at home we’ll take some time to consider our options in terms of a replacement for Pete,” said Stronach.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Cricket South Africa to play 3TC Cricket on 18th July

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Cricket South Africa to play 3TC Cricket on 18th July

The 3Team Cricket exhibition match will be played on 18th of July, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed. The game will be played on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day.

The South African sports minister, Nathi Mthethwa gave a go-ahead to sports practice after 14 weeks of lockdown in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The match was earlier scheduled to be played on 28th of June but was postponed as the CSA failed to get government clearance for the exhibition game.

The cricket match won’t be played in any of the three conventional formats, but whole new format with different set of rules is all set to be tried by the board. The three teams will be led by Quinton De Kock, Kagiso Rabada and AB De Villiers. The excitement around the match is because of many reasons like the experimentation of a new format, the return of cricket to South Africa post the COVID-19 break and also the come back of De Villiers in CSA match. The Solidarity Cup, as the match is called, is meant to raise funds for people in the game who have suffered financially because of the enforced COVID-19 break.

Cricket South Africa to play 3TC Cricket on 18th July | CSA announce new date for 3TC Cricket (18th July) after original date of 28 June.
Cricket South Africa to play 3TC Cricket on 18th July

“It’s very exciting to get live cricket, featuring our top players, back on our TV screens again. I can’t think of a more appropriate day on which to hold this game than Nelson Mandela Day when its prime objective is to raise funds for those who have been badly affected by the Coronavirus,” said CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr Jacques Faul.

“It is still nearly three weeks away, so it also gives our players more time to prepare properly and to minimise the chance of injuries,” the administrator added.

The news comes as South Africa’s cricketers have been given the green light to return to training.

3TC Cricket Teams:

KG’s Kingfishers: Kagiso Rabada (captain), Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenton Stuurman.

Quinny’s Kites: Quinton de Kock (captain), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla.

AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (captain), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Quarantine period will be mentally tough for umpires: Nitin Menon

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Quarantine period will be mentally tough for umpires: Nitin Menon

Nitin Menon, the latest Indian entrant in the list of ICC Elite umpires panel, feels that the quarantine period before every series will take a toll mentally on the umpires. He also expressed that keeping an eye on the bowlers and restricting them from applying saliva will be a challenge for umpires.

“The main challenge will be of ball management, more so in Tests. Initially, we will give friendly warning to the players before applying the law, like we do it when someone is running dangerously on the pitch. The players are most likely to apply saliva by mistake than deliberately. So, we will act accordingly. More details on playing conditions will come after the series in England (starting this month), then we will know more on how to go about recent changes made in the game,” said the umpire, who was born into a family which has a history in umpiring.

Quarantine period will be mentally tough for umpires: Nitin Menon
Quarantine period will be mentally tough for umpires: Nitin Menon

The Indian umpire hopes to be a part of the Ashes series in the future.

“My dream series will be Ashes without a doubt. That is the only series I watch on TV. The atmosphere, the way the series is fought is something I want be involve in. Whether in England or Australia I would love to be part of it. And, umpiring in the World Cup, be it T20 or ODI,” the 36-year-old said.

The ICC has stated that in the aftermath of the COVID-19 break, there will be no neutral umpire rule.

“Mentally, it will be challenging, because we will have to quarantine ourselves. I am told the umpires for the England-West Indies series are in their hotel for the last 10 days. So, staying indoors for that long will be a challenge because normally we get to go out and relax after a long day in the field. We will be away from family also,” he said.

Also read: England vs West Indies Test series: Who are the key players to watch?

Menon, who made his umpiring debut back in 2016, said that will be a challenge to keep an eye on the bowlers.

“Wearing gloves could be an individual choice for umpires but we have decided that we will keep sanitisers in our pockets. After the fall of a wicket and drinks break, we have to hold the ball, so just to be safe. And by chance if a players put saliva on the ball, we will have to immediately sanitise it. That will be the job of the fourth umpire. He will come to the middle with wipes and sanitise the ball. But we need to follow that protocol only if we see the saliva being applied only then.”

In the near future, Menon will be officiating matches in India.

“We are waiting for the feedback of the umpires who will officiate in the England’s home series against West Indies and Pakistan. Whatever protocols the ICC sets, we will follow that. If you are a home umpire, there is additional pressure to get the decisions right. Now I am in the elite panel, that pressure will not be there. Obviously, being in the elite panel has its own challenges and you have to keep performing to remain there after the annual review.”

Of late, India has not able to produce the best umpires, but Menon believes that will change in the future.

“There is a culture shift happening in Indian umpiring. The umpires that are coming up in domestic cricket are in their early 40s. It is a flourishing profession and great platform for someone like me who wanted to play for the country but can can still represent it as an umpire. If we can develop our mentality that it is not just about umpiring in the elite panel, it is about match management, communication skills and body language, you will see more of us there. We are almost there.

“And players will test us for sure but if you feel the decision that you have taken is right, then you have to stand up to the the players. They will respect that even if you are a Virat Kohli or Steve Smith,” concluded Menon.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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India-Australia ODI rivalry at par with Tests: Finch

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India-Australia ODI rivalry at par with Tests: Finch

Australian ODI captain Aaron Finch says that India-Australia ODI rivalry is no less than the one in Tests. The skipper also talked about the planning for international cricket in the post-COVID-19 world and players being “ultra-flexible” post the break, among many other things.

“It’s hard to compare,” said Finch. “One is the traditional game and the grind of the five days wherever it is, India or in Australia, that mental battle day-to-day. I think the one-day game is a little bit more skill-based just on the day obviously. If a couple of players in your team have a day out, that goes a long way in winning the game. The rivalry is definitely there 100 per cent. It’s not a case of that being any less important or taken any less lightly because it’s a one-dayer or T20I or a Test match.”

India-Australia ODI rivalry at par with Tests: Finch
India-Australia ODI rivalry at par with Tests: Finch

As the series between Australia and Zimbabwe got postponed, Finch hinted that Australia’s ODI series against England may well be their first series post the coronavirus break. Ashley Giles, managing director of the England men’s team, is “quietly confident” the series will go ahead in September.

“In our minds we were planning for Zimbabwe, we’re planning for England. All going well that England tour I think – I think that was our next game wasn’t it? That’s what we’re planning for. As a player I know in my mind I’m preparing to go to England to play; whether that happens we’ll wait and see,” he said.

“We just have to be really conscious of being ultra-flexible – and there might be a tour that comes up on relatively short notice. Because we could get that and that’d be brilliant, whatever it takes, I know all the players are in the same boat. I know all of Cricket Australia, the ACA – whatever we have to do to get a game up and going, is in the best interests of world cricket, we’ll be looking to do that,” the 33-year-old said talking about how cricketers should behave in the coming months.

“It just comes down to doing whatever’s needed for world cricket to be back up and running and for all countries to be thriving and having the best opportunity to be successful. I think if you start looking at it as ‘we need to play against a certain opposition’ or something like that for your own betterment, that’s when a lot of things can fall down,” he said.

Australia’s domestic season isn’t affected due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Australia’s series in Bangladesh was also postponed.

“In the really short term, we just having to be focused on making sure that world cricket is back up and running and as many countries as possible are in a great state to be competing. I don’t think that right the be-all and end-all is where you finish in rankings for a World Cup or anything like that, I just think the health of world cricket is important, and whatever that looks like. And there’ll be some teams that probably have a tougher challenge to get where they need to be, but I think say over the next 10 years, that will all even itself out,” he added.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Shashank Manohar steps down as ICC Chairman

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Shashank Manohar steps down as ICC Chairman

Shashank Manohar, ICC Chairman, stepped down from the post as his tenure ended. The veteran administrator was in charge of the post for four years. He was elected unopposed in 2016 for two years. In 2018, he was re-elected in a similar fashion.

ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja added: “Everyone on the ICC Board extends their wholehearted thanks to Shashank for the commitment he has shown to our sport. There is no doubt that cricket owes Shashank a debt of gratitude for all he has done for the sport. He has left cricket and the ICC in a better place than he found it.”

The deputy chairman Imran Khwaja will take over for the interim period until the new chairman is elected. The process for the Chairperson election is expected to be approved by the ICC Board within the next week.

Shashank Manohar steps down as ICC Chairman | deputy chairman Imran Khwaja will take over for the interim period until the new chairman is elected
Shashank Manohar steps down as ICC Chairman

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said “On behalf of the ICC Board and staff and the whole cricket family, I would like to thank Shashank for his leadership and everything he has done for the sport as ICC Chairman. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Manohar changed the governing model of the ICC and also halted the dominance of the “Big 3” in cricket administration. These changes, especially the financial ones related to the revenue distribution, were strongly opposed by the BCCI.

One of the current directors in the board or a former director, who has not occupied the position for six or more years, will be eligible to fight the elections for the post of chairperson if proposed by any of the Member Nations.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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