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Reactions to Sri Lanka 42 all-out: Marco Jansen takes 7/13

Sri Lanka have been blown away for 42 in just 13.5 overs in Durban. This is their lowest-ever score in a Test innings, beating their 71 all-out way back in August 1994. It is also the lowest-ever score at Kingsmead.

Their batting lineup had very little appetite for the fight against an excellent bowling attack, with a number of players falling to loose shots outside the offstump. It was a shocking display. Angelo Mathews’ waft outside offstump was reflective of the entire batting display. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva also fell to loose drives. The tail were then out swinging.

That being said, Marco Jansen was magnificent. The tall left-arm quick ripped through the Sri Lankan lineup with a superb display of seam bowling on a pitch offering movement and bounce. He struggled with front-foot no balls at times, but he often followed it up with wickets and ended with his best-ever figures of 7/13.

Reactions: Marco Jansen leads the way as Sri Lanka rolled for 42

“South Africa is the toughest place to bat in Test cricket. Change my mind.” wrote South Africa batsman Rassie van der Dussen on X. “70 runs on that wicket…. worth way waaaay more,” wrote fellow Protea Tabraiz Shamsi about Temba Bavuma’s fine 70 during South Africa’s first innings.

Here are some reactions to the huge rout in Durban, including more gold from ESPNcricinfo’s Andrew Fidel Fernando. “Sri Lanka all out for 42 inside 14 overs in Durban. The good news, though, is they’ve managed to avoid the follow on.”

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 191. Skipper Bavuma top scored with 70. Just minutes later, they were back out batting with a lead of 149.

Should South Africa go on to win this Test – which they are well expected to do – they will go one step closer to reaching the World Test Championship final.

Ben Stokes criticised for World Test Championship comments

England captain Ben Stokes has come in for criticism regarding his comments on the World Test Championship (WTC). On the eve of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, Stokes said he hasn’t given much time to be thinking about the competition as it is a confusing concept.

“I can’t remember if I’ve ever even given any real time to be specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest, because it’s utterly confusing,” Stokes said to reporters.

“We play a lot more cricket than anyone else does; that’s just what we try and focus on, you know, if we play well, we’ll be there or thereabouts, but if we don’t, then we won’t be.”

England have underachieved in the WTC. They are yet to make a final in three editions and sit seventh with a win percentage of 40.79. Before the New Zealand tour, England had won seven and lost seven of their 14 Tests this year, including defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan which weren’t met well by their fans.

ALSO READ: World Test Championship 2023-25 Scenarios: Who’s best placed to reach the final?

Fans criticise Ben Stokes for his view on the World Test Championship

“Scandalous. Not sure that I’ll bother buying tickets to watch a team that can’t even be bothered to learn the rules of the competitions it plays in. The arrogance is exceptional,” wrote one fan in response to a post by Wisden Cricket on X (formerly Twitter).

“£175 a day next year to watch a team which doesn’t care about results and which can’t be bothered to learn the rules of the main competition it plays in,” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions from fans to Stokes’ comments.

Stokes himself has endured a difficult year in Test cricket. He is averaging 24 with the bat and his six wickets have cost 44 apiece.

Ravi Shastri interview: Rohit Sharma must adjust his game

India were absolutely sensational in the first of the five-match Test series against Australia. A clinical 295-run win by the visitors ensured that they lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0. Despite the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah left no stone unturned in putting the Aussies on the back foot.

One of the biggest positives from the first Test for India was Virat Kohli getting back into the groove. After blowing hot and cold with the bat this year, he finally managed to end his century drought and scored an amazing hundred. With Rohit returning for the remaining four Tests, it will be exciting to see if India changes their plans, or go with the same approach they had in the first Test in Perth.

During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Ravi Shastri gave his thoughts on some of India’s key players. He drew light on Virat Kohli, and his record in Australia. When asked about his thoughts on the batting maestro, the former Indian cricketer stated that Kohli has played his best cricket against Australia. Post which, Shastri also praised Rishabh Pant, and had high hopes from him.

It is to be noted that the keeper-batter has a superb record in Australia. As a matter of fact, he was the main reason why India went on to win the Gabba Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. Despite not getting a big score in the first Test, all eyes would be on Pant throughout the series.

While speaking at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket event organized by Fox Cricket, Shastri also had a word of caution for Rohit Sharma. He wanted the Indian skipper to be careful. When asked about Rohit’s aggressive approach, the former Indian coach spoke about the dynamics of the longest format of the game, and the importance of being careful while batting.

Ravi Shastri interview: Pant is a proven match-winner

Below is the entire conversation between Arvind Kalyana Krishnan and Ravi Shastri:

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: My first question to you is about Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive style has worked in limited-overs, but what about the longest format?

Ravi Shastri: No, he will have to mix caution with aggression here. Because Test cricket is a different game. You’ve got to see that new ball through as well.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And as far as Virat Kohli is concerned, what’s your opinion?

Ravi Shastri: Leave all that behind (talking about the poor form coming into the series). In Australia, he’s always played his best cricket against Australia, so he’ll think only of that and not the previous form.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And my last question to you is about Rishabh Pant. He has a proven record in Australia. Thoughts?

Ravi Shastri: He (Pant) is a champion. He’s a proven match-winner, he’s one of a kind and he’s a maverick.

CSK Possible Playing 11 for IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to field a strong playing 11 for IPL 2025, targeting a sixth title. They retained an experienced core of players, reunited with former players, and picked up arguably the steal of the mega auction in Sam Curran.

There are undeniable strengths in the CSK squad, with numerous quality bowling options to test batting lineups. However, their middle-lower order is a potential weakness, so how they address this will be interesting to see.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for IPL 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana (OS), Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad (OS), Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway (OS), Khaleel Ahmed, MS Dhoni, Rachin Ravindra (OS), Rahul Tripathi, Anshu Kamboj, Sam Curran (OS), Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis (OS), Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton (OS), Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Mukesh Choudhary, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddharth, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shreyas Iyer.

CSK Predicted Playing 11 for start of IPL 2025 season

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 2. Devon Conway (OS), 3. Rahul Tripathi, 4. Shivam Dube, 5. Rachin Ravindra/Sam Curran (OS), 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. MS Dhoni (wk), 8. R Ashwin, 9. Noor Ahmad (OS), 10. Matheesha Pathrirana (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed

CSK have a solid squad and different options to choose from. However, they have questions to answer, particularly around their finishing. The purchase of Jamie Overton could help them in this regard, as he boasts a strike rate of 176.3 in the final five overs of T20s since the start of 2021. Sam Curran is also capable of batting in the middle and offers a left-arm bowling option.

However, much will depend on conditions. Noor Ahmad was CSK’s most expensive purchase in the 2025 mega auction (INR 10 crore), so there will be the desire to play him. This leaves three overseas slots, likely to be occupied by Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana.

But, will number five be too low for Ravindra? Perhaps. Shivam Dube has occupied the number four position well, taking advantage of those middle overs as Kumar Sangakkara identified a few years ago. CSK may feel Curran is the better option.

CSK also have the impressive Nathan Ellis in their ranks, who is a good backup for Matheesha Pathirana and alternative to Noor Ahmad if conditions demand more pace bowling.

Coach Stephen Fleming has pinpointed Noor’s role. “The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle [overs] to attack. So if we do get turning conditions, then we’ve got an opportunity to keep taking wickets. We’ve got [Matheesha] Pathirana at the end, which is the death aspect,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

All in all, the XI looks a competitive one, with Jadeja and Ashwin reunited. Tom Moody was “a little bit surprised” by Ashwin’s INR 9.75 crore price tag, but Fleming believes he will be a good fit.

“It’s not so much the price – you look at how someone fits in, and there’s an emotional attachment for Ashwin with Chennai, so it’s a nice fit,” Fleming said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic. He’s obviously towards the latter part of his career, but the experience he brings, he’s handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in a number of ways.”

and a top four consisting mainly of Indian talent. How Rahul Tripathi performs will be key, and of course Ruturaj Gaikwad and Dube are vital to their hopes of big totals.

So, what do you make of this possible 11 for CSK for IPL 2025? Does it need more punch in the middle or does the Dube-Ravindra/Curran-Jadeja trio provide enough threat?

Greg Chappell: Stop questioning Jasprit Bumrah’s action

Former Australia captain and batsman Greg Chappell has heaped praise on India star Jasprit Bumrah following his man of the match performance in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.

In a column for Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell wrote Australia have a lot of work to do ahead of the second Test in Adelaide starting December 6. He pinpointed the Australian top order as the key area of focus, after Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith contributed just 44 runs between them.

“The (Australian) top order is a major concern. To avoid forced changes, they must deliver in Adelaide,” wrote Chappell.

Jasprit Bumrah a champion performer, his action is clean – Greg Chappell

Jasprit Bumrah was simply outstanding in the opening match. The champion fast bowler took 5/30 and 3/42, creating sheer panic among Australian players and fans, so much so that Fox Cricket commentators Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist were nervous about the prospect of Bumrah getting an extra delivery due to a no ball on day four.

Fans have taken to social media in recent days questioning Bumrah’s action, claiming the hyperextension of his elbow makes his action illegal. Chappell wrote that Bumrah’s action is clean and should not be questioned.

“By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah’s action. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up,” he wrote.

Australia face a huge fight to bounce back in the series after being completely outplayed at Optus Stadium. It drew huge criticism from Australian fans and pundits alike, and top order players are under pressure. Chappell does not expect there to be major changes for Adelaide, but another poor performance will mean a different story.

“At this stage, I don’t expect the Australian selectors to panic. However, if the same team takes the field in Adelaide and falters under the lights … watch out!”, he wrote.

Yashasvi Jaiswal will score more than 40 Test hundreds – Glenn Maxwell

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has made a bold prediction about India’s opening sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, claiming he will go on to score more than 40 Test centuries.

Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast following Jaiswal’s magnificent 161 at Perth, Maxwell said the opener does not have many weaknesses and can change gears so effortlessly.

Glenn Maxwell makes bold prediction about Yashasvi Jaiswal

Maxwell recalls being impressed by Jaiswal when playing against him in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But, it was the 2024 Test series against England, where Jaiswal made two double centuries, that really caught Maxwell’s attention.

“I think it was the Test series against England where he just pumped it everywhere,” Maxwell said. “I was watching it back going ‘he’s got an answer for everything, he’s got different gears, he’s got a great ability to go through the tempos of the game’.

“He played a lot of shots that will be on highlights packages, but the stuff he did in between… the balls he left, the balls he got in behind… his footwork is pretty crisp; doesn’t seem to have many weaknesses. Plays the short ball well, drives well, plays spin unbelievably well and can absorb pressure for periods of time.

“He’s a guy that will probably get more than 40 Test hundreds, and write some different records. He’s got a great ability to adapt to different conditions. It’s going to be scary if Australia can’t find a way to stop him over the next few games.”

Maxwell’s prediction is a big call. Just three players in history (Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting) have gone on to score over 40 Test centuries. If Jaiswal joins them, it will certainly be one hell of a ride that cricket fans will savour.

“He’s a guy that will probably get more than 40 Test hundreds, and write some different records.”

Glenn Maxwell on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal’s Perth masterclass was his fourth hundred in 15 Tests. He has converted each into a 150+ score. The left-hander has scored 1,568 runs at an average of 58.07, and the manner in which he bounced back from his first innings duck in Perth was mighty impressive.

Jaiswal, along with Jasprit Bumrah, led the way as India took a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, thumping Australia by 295 runs. The second Test begins on December 6 in Adelaide, and it will be fascinating to see how Jaiswal fares against the pink ball.

Pat Cummins reacts to 295-run loss against India in Perth

Australia captain Pat Cummins faced the media following his team’s heavy 295-run loss against India in Perth. It was a performance that drew widespread criticism from Australia fans, and the team now faces a huge fight to get back in the series in the second Test in Adelaide.

“Fairly disappointing,” responded Cummins to a question from Adam Gilchrist on how the last four days went. “We felt our prep leading in was really good, everyone was firing… Just one of those games. Not much went right, so a fair bit to look at ahead of next week.”

Cummins’ comments may come as a surprise to some given the sheer number of batsmen lacking form ahead of the series. Apart from under par returns in Test cricket over the past year, Steve Smith scored 3 and 0 in his lone Sheffield Shield appearance for New South Wales this season.

Marnus Labuschagne, who struggled significantly in the first Test, made scores of 77, 35*, 22 and 10 in the Shield along with low scores in both ODIs against Pakistan.

Usman Khawaja’s form also wasn’t crash hot, scoring 31, 64*, 0 and 9 in two Shield games this season for Queensland.

ALSO READ: “Seriously worried” – Ravi Shastri reacts to Australia performance

Pat Cummins identifies areas for improvement after 1st Test in Perth and address speculation of rifts in the camp

After bowling India out for 150, Australia lost 7/67 in the evening of day one to hand the advantage back to the visitors. Cummins identified this as a key time of the game where Australia slipped up given the batting conditions improved significantly on day two.

“We didn’t really give ourselves a chance in a few different facets. I think late on day one, if you just got through that period, maybe the game looks a little different on day two, and obviously a couple of a big partnerships when we were bowling. There’s a few different areas we’ve got to clean up,” he said.

Later in the press conference following the match, Cummins was wary of making too many changes.

“After every Test match you look at what your best matchup is, but this is a sample size of one,” Cummins said. “Four, five days ago we thought this was our best XI, so I dare say nothing… there won’t be many changes going into Adelaide… but I’m not a selector, I’m sure they’ll get together after the game.”

Cummins was then asked about Josh Hazlewood’s comments after day three and whether there is a rift between the batsmen and bowlers. Hazlewood said, “you probably have to ask one of the batters that question” when answering a question about how the team will approach chasing the remaing 522 runs. Hazlewood then spoke about his preparation for the next test

Michael Vaughan said he has never seen an Australian player say that publicly. Adam Gilchrist went as far to way that may mean a rift in the dressing room. However, Cummins was quick to deny the rumours.

“Don’t know what Joshy said, but no not at all,” Cummins said. “There’s plenty of times where the batters have dragged us bowlers out of tight situations and we’ve done the same. So it’s a really tight unit, probably one of the tightest teams I’ve ever played with.

“We really enjoy playing cricket together, we’ve been through a lot over the last few years the core group, so no problems there, everyone gets along really well. So all good.”

The second Test in Adelaide will be a day/night fixture starting on December 6. The pressure is rising on an Australian side that has won just two of their past 11 home Tests against India.

Top 5 best value buys in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Biggest steals

Amid the huge sums spent on players IPL 2025 Mega Auction, most notably Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore (approx. US$3.21 million) and Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million), there were some great value for money purchases as well.

In this article, we will look at our five biggest steals from auction.

Best value for money buys in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction: What were the biggest steals?

Washington Sundar to GT: INR 3.2 crore (approx. US$380k)

Washington Sundar at INR 3.2 crore (US$380k) is a magnificent deal for Gujarat Titans (GT). He is an economical bowling option in both the powerplay and middle period. In fact, he concedes just 7.54 per over in the IPL.

While his batting stats (378 runs, avg. 13.50, SR 116.30) are below par, he can bat up the order if GT so choose.

GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel said “We were expecting him [Sundar] to go much higher than the price which we got but you know, you don’t get that currency there, so we’re quite happy to have Washington in our team,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Sam Curran to CSK: INR 2.4 crore (approx. US$285k)

Sam Curran returns to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the incredible price of just INR 2.4 crore (approx. US$285k). He was a shining light for them in a difficult 2020 season, and has the ability to bat higher up the order as well as bowl in different phases of the innings.

In The Hundred 2024, Curran scored 201 runs at a strike rate of 164.75 and took 17 wickets at an economy of 7.40 and strike rate of 8.52.

Quinton de Kock to KKR: INR 3.6 crore (approx. $427k)

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) landed Quinton de Kock for just INR 3.6 crore (approx. $427k). The keeper-batsman has such a high ceiling, and can offer huge value at the batting-friendly Eden Gardens where scores were astronomical in 2024.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz to KKR: INR 2 crore (approx. $237k)

KKR also picked up a magnificent deal in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was part of the franchise in their title-winning season in 2024. Assuming de Kock and Sunil Narine open, Gurbaz provides a superb backup option should either pick up an injury or lose form.

In all T20s in 2024, including tricky conditions in the T20 World Cup, Gurbaz has scored 931 runs at an average of 28.21 and strike rate of 139.58.

Glenn Maxwell to PBKS: INR 4.2 crore (approx. $498k)

Glenn Maxwell had a very poor IPL 2024 season (nine innings, 52 runs). However, his ceiling remains very high and can deliver great value for PBKS at just INR 4.2 crore (approx. $498k).

He helped RCB qualify for the playoffs in recent seasons and PBKS will be hoping he can contribute in their quest to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Other noteworthy steals from the IPL 2025 Mega Auction

  • Ashutosh Sharma to DC for INR 3.8 crore (approx. US$451k): Sharma struck 189 runs in 2024 at a strike rate of 167.25 in IPL 2024. This includes a superb 61 off 28 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI), where he took Jasprit Bumrah head on.
  • Mitchell Santner to MI for INR 2 crore (approx. $237k): Santner is one of the world’s most accurate left-arm spinners and can offer value as a middle over holding option both at Wankhede and especially at more spin-friendly venues.
  • Will Jacks to MI for INR 5.25 crore (approx. $623k): MI have acquired one of the most exciting players who hit 230 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 175.57. “RCB are truly crazy. So much so that Akash Ambani went and gave them a handshake for not RTM-ing Will Jacks,” wrote Cricxtasy’s Rohit Sankar on X.
  • Faf du Plessis to DC for INR 2 crore (approx. $237k): Another decent purchase for DC. Faf du Plessis offers plenty of experience and is still in fine form. In all T20s in 2024, du Plessis has scored 1,097 runs at an average of 35.39 and strike rate of 160.15.

AUS vs IND 1st BGT Test reactions: India thrash sorry Australia by 295 runs

AUS vs IND 1st BGT Test reactions: India have made a huge statement in the quest of their fifth-straight Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series win, smashing Australia by 295 runs at Optus Stadium in Perth. They sealed victory in the final session of day four courtesy of a magnificent slower ball from Harshit Rana, reflective of their incredible bowling performance.

Starting day four at 12/3 chasing an impossible (more like impossible) 534 for victory, India didn’t allow Australia to get away. Usman Khawaja was out to a poor shot early, before Steve Smith and Travis Head attempted to get some crucial time at the crease.

It wasn’t to be for Smith, whose reduced trigger movement didn’t come up trumps as he was out squaring up to another fantastic piece of bowling from Mohammed Siraj.

ALSO READ: Australia fans slam team for horror performance against India Perth

Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) resisted, with Head in particular the bright spot in a dark Test for Australia. However, their partnership only delayed the inevitable, with the great Jasprit Bumrah coming back to dismiss Head via more superb bowling and take India closer.

After winning man of the match with eight wickets, Bumrah’s Test bowling average sits at a scarcely believable 20.06 after 41 Tests. It is hard to think of any established overseas bowler who creates so much fear each time he runs into bowl in Australian conditions, with a wicket expected to come almost every ball.

For a while, Australia looked set to succumb to one of their five biggest ever defeats. They avoided that in the end, but that is of little consolation.

AUS vs IND 1st Test BGT reactions: India thrilled, Australia worried

India’s win in Perth was their third in their past four Tests in Australia. In fact, Australia have won just one of the past 10 red-ball Tests at home against India since the start of 2018/19.

“This is not just a victory but a statement. Jasprit Bumrah for the fear he has instilled in the Aussie batters and led brilliantly, great support from Siraj. Yashasvi Jaiswal setting new benchmarks and playing a truly memorable innings and King Kohli back at his very best,” wrote former India opener Virender Sehwag on X.

“Australia has a long tradition of going after the head of the snake i.e. the captain of the opposition. This time, the head of the snake went after them, and they didn’t know where to hide,” wrote former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer.

Here are some of the reactions from the 1st Test of the AUS vs IND BGT series.

The Australians have ten days to pick themselves off the mat and bounce back in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Lose that, and their hopes of regaining the BGT – as well as qualifying for the 2025 World Test Championship – will be as good as gone.

ALSO READ: Australia fans slam team for horror performance against India Perth

Reactions to Punjab Kings purchasing Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore: Good buy or too expensive?

Shreyas Iyer broke the record for the most expensive IPL player in history (before Rishabh Pant did not long after) after Punjab Kings (PBKS) forked out a whopping INR 26.75 crore (approx. US$3.17 million) to acquire his services.

Shreyas led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third title in 2024. His leadership attracted the interest of new coach Ricky Ponting in particular.

After the huge purchase, Ponting told Star Sports, “I wanted to work with Shreyas, I have worked with him before. Ge is a great guy & great player. He will be a great leader if we decide to go that way which I am pretty sure we probably will and he won the Championship last year as Captain – so there is a lot of things that he brings to Punjab,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Reactions: Will Shreyas Iyer live up to his 26.75 crore price tag?

As always, there were plenty of reactions on social media. Fans took to X to share their views, with some believing the price is far too high despite PBKS coming into the auction with a huge purse. Others believe Shreyas can offer plenty from a leadership perspective.

Reactions against the decision to buy Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore

Dan Weston, Cricket Consultant, Strategist & Recruitment Specialist who has developed an IPL player valuation tool, was particularly critical of the amount Shreyas Iyer went for.

Reactions for the decision to buy Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore