India beat England by two wickets in the second T20I to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series here on Saturday. India came up with a tidy bowling display to restrict England to 165 for 9, with Axar Patel grabbing the crucial wickets of skipper Jos Buttler (45) and Liam Livingstone (13). Also Read: IND vs ENG 2nd T20I highlights: India win by two wickets In reply, India completed the chase in 19.2 overs with Tilak Varma making an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls. All-rounder Washington Sundar chipped in with 26 off 19 balls as the others failed to deliver with the bat. Varun Chakravarthy (2/38), Washington Sundar (1/9) and Abhishek Sharma (1/12) bowled tidy spells as England couldn't get going after they were reduced to 26/2 in the fourth over. England late-order batter Brydon Carse gave a fillip to the team's score with a quick-fire 31 off 17 deliveries. Carse was also impressive with the ball for England, finishing with excellent figures of 3/29 in four overs. Brief Scores: England: 165 for 9 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 45, Brydon Carse 31; Axar Patel 2/32, Washington Sundar 1/9, Varun Chakravarthy 2/38) India: 166 for 8 in 19.2 overs (Tilak Varma 72 not out; Brydon Carse 3/29). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
25 January,2025 10:52 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe IND vs ENG 2nd T20I is underway at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Yet again the batsmen from both teams are expected to showcase big hits. Team India is leading the five-match T20I series by 1-0 against England. The "Men in Blue" won the first T20I match against the "Three Lions" by seven wickets. Also Read: Arshdeep Singh named ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year Ahead of the IND vs ENG 2nd T20I, India has made two changes. Dhruv Jurel has replaced Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy has made way for Washington Sundar. For England, Jamie Smith has come in place of Jacob Bethell and Brydon Carse has replaced Gus Atkinson. IND vs ENG 2nd T20I live: RIDING HIGH ON TILAK VARMA'S UNBEATEN 72 RUNS, TEAM INDIA WON THE SECOND T20I MATCH AGAINST ENGLAND BY TWO WICKETS.IND: 166/819.1: JAMIE TO TILAK: 2 RUNS19.2: JAMIE TO TILAK: FOUR!IND: 160/818.1: LIAM TO TILAK: DOT18.2: LIAM TO TILAK: DOT18.3: LIAM TO TILAK: 2 RUNS18.4: LIAM TO TILAK: 1 RUN18.5: LIAM TO RAVI: FOUR!18.6: LIAM TO RAVI: DOTIND: 153/817.1: CARSE TO TILAK: DOT17.2: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN17.3: CARSE TO RAVI: 1 RUN17.4: CARSE TO TILAK: 1RUN17.5: CARSE TO RAVI: FOUR!17.6: CARSE TO RAVI: DOTIND: 146/816.1: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT16.2: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT16.3: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT16.4: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT16.5: RASHID TO TILAK: 1 RUN16.6: RASHID TO ARSHDEEP: OUT! ARSHDEEP SINGH LOSES HIS WICKET IN THE HANDS OF THE BOUNDARY FIELDERIND: 145/715.1: ARCHER TO TILAK: DOT15.2: ARCHER TO TILAK: SIX!15.3: ARCHER TO TILAK: SIX!15.4: ARCHER TO TILAK: 1 RUN15.5: ARCHER TO ARSHDEEP: FOUR!15.6: ARCHER TO ARSHDEEP: 2 RUNSIND: 126/714.1: LIAM TO TILAK: 1 RUN14.2: LIAM TO AXAR: 1 RUN14.3: LIAM TO TILAK: FOUR!14.4: LIAM TO TILAK: 1 RUN14.5: LIAM TO AXAR: OUT! IN AN ATTEMPT TO CLEAR THE BOUNDARY ROPE, AXAR PATEL LOSES HIS WICKET14.6: LIAM TO ARSHDEEP: DOTIND: 119/613.1: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN13.2: CARSE TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN13.3: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN 13.4: CARSE TO SUNDAR: OUT! BOWLED HIM!13.5: CARSE TO AXAR: WIDE!13.6: CARSE TO AXAR: 1 RUN13.7: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUNIND: 109/512.1: WOOD TO TILAK: 1 RUN12.2: WOOD TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN12.3: WOOD TO TILAK: 1 RUN12.4: WOOD TO SUNDAR: NO BALL12.5: WOOD TO SUNDAR: SIX! 12.6: WOOD TO SUNDAR: FOUR!12.7: WOOD TO SUNDAR: FOUR!IND: 95/511.1: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: FOUR!11.2: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN11.3: JAMIE TO TILAK: WIDE + FOUR!11.4: JAMIE TO TILAK: 1 RUN11.5: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: DOT11.6: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: DOT11.7: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: 2 RUNSIND: 82/510.1: RASHID TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN10.2: RASHID TO TILAK: 1 RUN10.3: RASHID TO SUNDAR: DOT10.4: RASHID TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN10.5: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT10.6: RASHID TO TILAK: DOTIND: 79/59.1: JAMIE TO HARDIK: OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND!9.2: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: DOT9.3: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: DOT9.4: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: DOT9.5: JAMIE TO SUNDAR: 1 RUN9.6: JAMIE TO TILAK: DOTIND: 78/48.1: RASHID TO HARDIK: DOT8.2: RASHID TO HARDIK: 1 RUN8.3: RASHID TO TILAK: FOUR!8.4: RASHID TO TILAK: 1 RUN8.5: RASHID TO HARDIK: 1 RUN8.6: RASHID TO TILAK: DOTIND: 71/47.1: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN7.2: CARSE TO DHRUV: 1 RUN7.3: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN7.4: CARSE TO DHRUV: OUT! REHAN AHMED TAKES A STUNNING CATCH7.5: CARSE TO HADRIK: FOUR!7.6: CARSE TO HARDIK: 1 RUNIND: 63/36.1: RASHID TO DHRUV: 1 RUN6.2: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT6.3: RASHID TO TILAK: 1 RUN6.4: RASHID TO DHRUV: 1 RUN6.5: RASHID TO TILAK: DOT6.6: RASHID TO TILAK: 1 RUNIND: 59/35.1: CARSE TO TILAK: SIX!5.2: CARSE TO TILAK: DOT5.3: CARSE TO TILAK: 1 RUN5.4: CARSE TO SURYAKUMAR: OUT!5.5: CARSE TO DHRUV: 1 RUN5.6: CARSE TO TILAK: DOTIND: 51/24.1: ARCHER TO TILAK: FOUR!4.2: ARCHER TO TILAK: SIX!4.3: ARCHER TO TILAK: DOT4.4: ARCHER TO TILAK: SIX!4.5: ARCHER TO TILAK: 1 RUN4.6: ARCHER TO SURYAKUMAR: DOTIND: 34/23.1: WOOD TO TILAK: WIDE!3.2: WOOD TO TILAK: DOT3.4: WOOD TO TILAK: DOT3.3: WOOD TO TILAK: DOT3.5: WOOD TO TILAK: 1 RUN3.6: WOOD TO SURYAKUMAR: FOUR!3.7: WOOD TO SURYAKUMAR: DOTIND: 28/22.1: ARCHER TO SANJU: DOT2.2: ARCHER TO SANJU: 2 RUNS2.3: ARCHER TO SANJU: OUT! SANJU SAMSON PULLS IT AND THE BALL LANDS IN THE HANDS OF THE BOUNDARY FIELDER2.4: ARCHER TO SURYAKUMAR: FOUR!2.5: ARCHER TO SURYAKUMAR: WIDE!2.6: ARCHER TO SURYAKUMAR: FOUR!2.7: ARCHER TO SURYAKUMAR: DOTIND: 17/11.1: WOOD TO SANJU: DOT1.2: WOOD TO SANJU: 1 RUN1.3: WOOD TO ABHISHEK: WIDE!1.4: WOOD TO ABHISHEK: OUT! MARK WOOD BEATS ABHISHEK SHARMA WITH HIS FIERCE PACE1.5: WOOD TO TILAK: 1 RUN1.6: WOOD TO SANJU: 1 RUN1.7: WOOD TO TILAK: DOTIND: 13/00.1: ARCHER TO SANJU: 1 RUN0.2: ARCHER TO ABHISHEK: DOT0.3: ARCHER TO ABHISHEK: FOUR!0.4: ARCHER TO ABHISHEK: DOT0.5: ARCHER TO ABHISHEK: FOUR!0.6: ARCHER TO ABHISHEK: FOUR!England posted 165 runs in 20 overs. Team India needs to chase a target of 166 runs to win the second T20I.ENG: 165/919.1: ARSHDEEP TO ARCHER: DOT19.2: ARSHDEEP TO ARCHER: 1 RUN19.3: ARSHDEEP TO WOOD: FOUR!19.4: ARSHDEEP TO WOOD: DOT19.5: ARSHDEEP TO WOOD: 1 RUN19.6: ARSHDEEP TO ARCHER: 2 RUNSENG: 157/918.1: HARDIK TO RASHID 1 RUN18.2: HARDIK TO ARCHER:1 RUN18.3: HARDIK TO RASHID: 1 RUN18.4: HARDIK TO ARCHER: 1 RUN18.5: HARDIK TO RASHID: DOT18.6: HARDIK TO RASHID: OUT!ENG: 153/8WIDE!17.1: ARSHDEEP TO ARCHER: DOT17.2: ARSHDEEP TO ARCHER: 1 RUN17.3: ARSHDEEP TO RASHID: DOT17.4: ARSHDEEP TO RASHID: 2 RUNS17.5: ARSHDEEP TO RASHID: DOT17.6: ARSHDEEP TO RASHID: 1 RUNENG: 144/816.1: RAVI TO CARSE: 1 RUN AND OUT! MISCOMMUNICATION LEADS TO BRYDON CARSE'S RUN OUT16.2: RAVI TO ARCHER: 1 RUN16.3: RAVI TO RASHID: DOT16.4: RAVI TO RASHID: FOUR!16.5: RAVI TO RASHID: 1 RUN16.6: RAVI TO ARCHER: 1 RUNENG: 136/715.1: VARUN TO CARSE: SIX!15.2: VARUN TO CARSE: SIX!15.3: VARUN TO CARSE: DOT15.4: VARUN TO CARSE: 2 RUNS15.5: VARUN TO CARSE: 1 RUN15.6: VARUN TO JAMIE: OUT! BOWLED HIM! WHAT A BALL!ENG: 121/614.1: RAVI TO CARSE: DOT14.2: RAVI TO CARSE: 1 RUN14.3: RAVI TO JAMIE: 1 RUN14.4: RAVI TO CARSE: 1 RUN14.5: RAVI TO JAMIE: DOT14.6: RAVI TO JAMIE: DOTENG: 118/613.1: AXAR TO JAMIE: 1 RUN13.2: AXAR TO CARSE: SIX113.3: AXAR TO CARSE: FOUR!13.4: AXAR TO CARSE: DOT13.5: AXAR TO CARSE: 1 RUN13.6: AXAR TO JAMIE: DOTENG: 106 /612.1: ABHISHEK TO SMITH: SIX!12.2: ABHISHEK TO SMITH: FOUR!12.3: ABHISHEK TO SMITH: OUT! AFTER TWO STELLAR STROKES FROM JAMIE SMITH, ABHISHEK SHARMA ENJOYS THE LAST LAUGH12.4: ABHISHEK TO CARSE: 2 RUNS12.5: ABHISHEK TO CARSE: DOT12.6: ABHISHEK TO CARSE: DOTENG: 94/511.1: AXAR TO LIAM: OUT! AXAR PATEL STRIKES AGAIN11.2: AXAR TO JAMIE: 1 RUN11.3: AXAR TO SMITH: DOT11.4: AXAR TO SMITH: DOT11.5: AXAR TO SMITH: 1 RUN 11.6: AXAR TO JAMIE: 2 RUNSENG: 90/410.1: VARUN TO SMITH: 2 RUNS10.2: VARUN TO SMITH: SIX!10.3: VARUN TO SMITH: 1 RUN10.4: VARUN TO LIAM: 1 RUN10.5: VARUN TO SMITH: 1 RUN10.6: VARUN TO LIAM: 1 RUNENG: 78/49.1: AXAR TO LIAM: 2 RUNS9.2: AXAR TO LIAM: 1 RUN9.3: AXAR TO JOS: OUT! THE DANGEROUS JOS BYTTLER DEPARTS ON 45 RUNS9.4: AXAR TO SMITH: DOT9.5: AXAR TO SMITH: 1 RUN9.6: AXAR TO LIAM: DOTENG: 74/38.1: VARUN TO JOS: 1 RUN8.2: VARUN TO LIAM: FOUR!8.3: VARUN TO LIAM: 1 RUN8.4: VARUN TO JOS: 1 RUN8.5: VARUN TO LIAM: 1 RUN8.6: VARUN TO JOS: DOTENG: 66/37.1: RAVI TO JOS: 1 RUN7.2: RAVI TO LIAM: DOT7.3: RAVI TO LIAM: DOT7.4: RAVI TO LIAM: 1 RUN7.5: RAVI TO JOS: 2 RUNS7.6: RAVI TO JOS: 1 RUNENG: 61/36.1: VARUN TO JOS: DOT6.2: VARUN TO JOS: 1 RUN6.3: VARUN TO BROOK: OUT!6.4: VARUN TO LIAM: 1 RUN6.5: VARUN TO JOS: 1 RUN6.6: VARUN TO LIAM: DOTENG: 58/25.1: RAVI TO JOS: SIX!5.2: RAVI TO JOS: 2 RUNS5.3: RAVI TO JOS: 1 RUN5.4: RAVI TO BROOK: 1 RUN5.5: RAVI TO JOS: 1 RUN5.6: RAVI TO BROOK: DOTENG: 47/24.1: AXAR TO BROOK: 1 RUN4.2: AXAR TO JOS: DOT4.3: AXAR TO JOS: 1 RUN4.4: AXAR TO BROOK: SIX!4.5: AXAR TO BROOK: FOUR!4.6: AXAR TO BROOK: DOTENG: 35/23.1: SUNDAR TO BEN: OUT! EDGED AND GONE!3.2: SUNDAR TO BROOK: 1 RUN3.4: SUNDAR TO JOS: 2 RUNS3.3: SUNDAR TO JOS: SIX! 3.5: SUNDAR TO JOS: DOT3.6: SUNDAR TO JOS: DOTENG: 26/12.1: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: DOT2.2: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: FOUR!2.3: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: 2 RUNS2.4: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: DOT2.5: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: SIX!2.6: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: FOUR!ENG: 10/11.1: HARDIK TO BEN: DOT1.2: HARDIK TO BEN: DOT1.3: HARDIK TO BEN: 1 RUN1.4: HARDIK TO JOS: DOT1.5: HARDIK TO JOS: DOT1.6: HARDIK TO JOS: 1 RUNENG: 8/10.1: ARSHDEEP TO SALT: FOUR!0.2: ARSHDEEP TO SALT: 1 RUN, LEG BYES0.3: ARSHDEEP TO BEN: 1 RUN0.4: ARSHDEEP TO SALT: OUT! PHIL SALT PULLS IT IN THE LEG SIDE BUT FALLS SHORT OF CLEARING THE BOUNDARY LINE0.5: ARSHDEEP TO JOS: 1 RUN0.6: ARSHDEEP TO BEN: 1 RUNIND vs ENG 2nd T20I live: Toss update Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second T20I match against England. IND vs ENG 2nd T20I live: Full squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (capt.), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (v-capt.), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk). England: Jos Buttler (capt.), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. IND vs ENG 2nd T20I live: Playing XI India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Axar Patek, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy. England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
25 January,2025 10:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was crowned the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 following his heroics in the national side's T20 World Cup triumph. Arshdeep Singh claimed a total of 36 wickets in 18 matches, last year. Arshdeep Singh was also named in the ICC Men's T20I team of the Year 2024 alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasorit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. In the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Arshdeep showcased his mastery in both powerplay and death bowling and ended the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi with 17 scalps at an average of 12.64 across eight matches. His standout performance was one of the major factors behind India's campaign culminating in a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa in the final in Barbados. In the final, he claimed 2/20, dismissing South African captain Aiden Markram early and breaking a threatening partnership by removing Quinton de Kock during the middle overs. Tasked with bowling the penultimate over, Arshdeep conceded just four runs, setting the stage for Hardik Pandya to seal the win. Also Read: Rohit Sharma named skipper of ICC men's T20I team of the year dominated by Indian players Arshdeep's T20I record in 2024 further underscores his dominance, 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 15.31 and an economy rate of 7.49. His strike rate of 10.80 was a testament to his wicket-taking prowess, especially given his challenging role in the powerplay and at the death. Only four players in the world have managed to register more wickets than Arshdeep Singh in a calendar year, namely Saudi Arabia's Usman Najeeb (38), Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (38), UAE's Junaid Siddique (40) and Hong Kong's Ehsan Khan (46). Arshdeep Singh's best bowling figures in 2024 are four wickets for nine runs which came against the USA during the World Cup group stage matches. With 97 scalps, Arshdeep is now the highest wicket-taker in the format for India. Since his international debut in 2022, Arshdeep has steadily risen as one of India's most reliable pacers. Arshdeep Singh had a number of impressive displays in the year, not least when he ripped through the USA in New York during the T20 World Cup group stage, bagging remarkable returns of 4/9 in his four overs. But Arshdeep's most significant performance of the year came on the biggest stage of all, as he played a huge part in helping India successfully defend their total of 176 in the final in Barbados. Excellent with the new ball up top, Arshdeep struck in the powerplay to have the dangerous South African skipper Markram caught behind in just the third over. And when India were in need of a wicket in the middle overs it was Arshdeep that provided the breakthrough, dismissing a set Quinton de Kock when the Proteas looked to be in control of the chase. India's collective effort at the death was astonishing as South Africa pulled up seven runs short of their target, and Arshdeep played a huge role in that, returning to the attack to bowl the penultimate over with South Africa requiring 20 from 12 deliveries. Arshdeep delivered a near-perfect death over under the greatest pressure, conceding just four runs to leave Pandya with 16 runs to defend in the final over, a job that he spectacularly did. (With PTI Inputs)
25 January,2025 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India captain Rohit Sharma who led the team to their second ICC T20 World Cup title last June, has been named the skipper of the ICC Men's T20I team of the year 2024. The ICC Men's T20I team of the year 2024 also have the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Rohit Sharma had an unforgettable 2024, both as a leader and a batter. Featuring in 11 matches, Rohit Sharma smashed 378 runs with an average of 42.00 and a strike rate of more than 160. The right-hander played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup triumph as he registered three half-centuries and smashed blistering 92 runs against Australia in the Super Eight match. His astute leadership was instrumental in guiding a young Indian side through high-pressure situations, cementing his legacy as one of India's greatest T20I captains. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya yet again proved to be one of the world's finest all-rounders. Also Read: Varun Chakravarthy credits domestic circuit for his international comeback In 17 matches, Pandya scored 352 runs and claimed 16 wickets, finishing as the top-ranked ICC Men's T20I all-rounder. His standout performance came in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where he defended 16 runs in the last over, securing India's title victory. His best bowling figures of 3/20 in the final underlined his ability to deliver under pressure. Bumrah made a remarkable return to T20I cricket in 2024, leading India's bowling attack with precision and consistency. He claimed 15 wickets in eight matches at an astonishing average of 8.26, making him a nightmare for opposition batters. His lethal yorkers and impeccable control at the death overs played a pivotal role in India's success, and his performances earned him a nomination for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy as ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year. Young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh emerged as India's most prolific wicket-taker in 2024, scalping 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.50. Arshdeep's ability to swing the ball early and deliver pinpoint yorkers in the death overs made him indispensable to the Indian squad. His standout performance came against hosts USA in the T20 World Cup, where he returned figures of 4/9. Apart from the Indian players, the ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year includes standout performers from other nations. Australia's Travis Head, England's Phil Salt, Pakistan's Babar Azam, West Indies' Nicholas Pooran, Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, and Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga complete the line-up. Men's T20I Team of 2024: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh (all Indians); Travis Head (Australia); Phil Salt (England); Babar Azam (Pakistan); Nicholas Pooran (wk; West Indies); Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe); Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) and Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka). (With PTI Inputs)
25 January,2025 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India's spinner Varun Chakravarthy has credited his strong performances in domestic cricket as a key factor behind his success in international cricket. Varun Chakravarthy played a crucial role in India's win in the first T20I match against England. He stated that his features in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy helped him maintain his rhythm and form. Varun Chakravarthy won the Player of the Match award and stated the importance of domestic cricket in sharpening his skills and adapting to challenging conditions. “Definitely the level of cricket in domestic cricket is very high. I would say almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play,” he remarked during a press interaction in Chennai on the eve of the second T20I. Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara turns 37: Here's all you need to know about India's Test specialist Speaking about SMAT, Varun Chakravarthy said that the matches played on smaller grounds make it difficult to contain the aggressive batting. “I would really suggest everyone to play SMAT because we play on small grounds and it is very challenging and even I find it very tough. So it has definitely helped me be more instinctive and to be on my toes and think correctly at the right moment,” Chakravarthy added The tournament witnessed a record number of boundaries and sixes this season, reflecting the influence of India’s aggressive approach to white-ball cricket. For Chakravarthy, who represents Tamil Nadu, playing group matches in Mohali, Mullanpur, and Indore served as ideal preparation for the high-pressure T20Is. The second T20I in Chennai will be a special moment for Chakravarthy as it marks his first international appearance at his home ground, the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). “Back in Chennai and in Blues is very important for me. Playing for my country in front of my parents and the home crowd. It is very special for me,” he said. Chakravarthy’s mystery spin has become a vital asset for India in the ongoing series, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable. In the opening T20I, Chakravarthy dismantled England’s batting line-up during the middle overs, setting the stage for India’s victory. His ability to vary pace and deceive batters with his unique grip has made him a match-winner in crucial games. “No, nothing as specific. My role is to just be aggressive and be brave and keep bowling at the stumps. That has been my role. There is no added responsibility. GG (Gautam Gambhir) and Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) make sure that there is no external stress on the players. They keep the external noise away,” Varun added. (With IANS Inputs)
25 January,2025 04:47 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting warned the selectors that they play Sam Konstas in the Test series against Sri Lanka and avoid changing his batting position so that they can invest more in him. Having already sealed the final berth of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) against South Africa, Australia will clash with Sri Lanka first with the most relaxed state of mind. The first Test against Sri Lanka will be starting from January 29. Keeping the Sri Lankan conditions in mind, Australia is reportedly considering the shuffling in their batting positions. With Travis Head likely to open with Usman Khawaja, there would be no slot left for Sam Konstas. He showcased the fearless brand of cricket against Team India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, something for which Australia are known. Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian lead Mumbai's batting charge vs J&K Speaking ahead of the first Test starting from Galle on August 29, the Seven commentator Ponting said about Konstas as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald, "I think they will pick Konstas and I think they should pick Konstas. He is the one they have identified, he has hit the ground running here in his first innings as well. He provided a lot of entertainment and a lot of buzz around that whole series (against India)." "I think they need to play him, to be honest. It is a hard place to play and a hard place to win. It will be a hard place to bat for all of our guys, but especially some of the younger guys who have not experienced those conditions much in the past. But I think they should pick him, it will be a great learning experience for him," he added. Ricky Ponting stated that during the Sri Lanka tour, Sam Konstas will get to know what it is like to be a travelling cricketer and how hard it is to play in different parts of the world. "I would be picking him if I was a selector," Ricky Ponting added. Ricky Ponting also said that the move to lead Travis Head to open the innings for the side will be suitable for the left-hander as he will smash the speedsters before the spin attack comes in. But at the same time, it is important to give Sam Konstas the required experience so that he can be a long-term opening batsman. "I think the order will stay the same. I think it will be the same with the option they have is maybe playing another spinner. They will have Beau Webster there who will give the seam-up overs, one of the quicks is going to miss out, so Cooper Connolly might find himself in a 7 or 8 batting spot and bowling a few overs as well," he added. Sri Lanka Test series v Australia:- January 29 to February 2 - Galle. -February 6 to February 10 - Galle. Australia Squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. (With ANI Inputs)
25 January,2025 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTop-order batter Harry Brook said on Friday that England will have to apply constant pressure on India if the visitors want to recover from the seven-wicket drubbing at Kolkata and level the series. India are leading the five-match series 1-0 after their victory at the Eden Gardens. “We’re pretty chilled. India is a very good side, so, we knew what they were gonna hit us with and yeah, they played an exceptional game,” Brook said on the eve of the second T20I here. “We just need to keep pushing, the same messaging Baz [Brendon McCullum] has been saying throughout. We need to look to put pressure on their bowlers, and try to take wickets throughout their innings. You’ve always got a go a little bit above and beyond to succeed,” he added. Also Read: Carse in, Atkinson out for 2nd T20I Brook hoped to take some cues from skipper Jos Buttler’s fine fifty at the Eden Gardens, a 44-ball 68. “Yeah, he is obviously very experienced in India. He’s done exceptionally well in the IPL and whenever he’s played for England here. “So, it’s really nice to watch him go out there and go about his business. It was a pleasure to watch him from the other end for a little bit.” The 25-year-old batter hoped that he can contribute more significantly towards a potential England victory at the Chepauk on Saturday, after being dismissed for just 17 runs off 14 balls in the series opener. “It was not an ideal start. But it was just one game. It [his aim] would be is to contribute to wins. “The only thing I really think about is trying to be a match-winner and if I win one or two games out of this series here, I’ll be very happy with it,” he noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2025 07:35 AM IST | Chennai | PTIPace-bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse will replace Gus Atkinson in England’s playing XI for the second T20I against India at MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Saturday. Also Read: More Shami uncertainty? The visitors made only one change to their side after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat in the series opener in Kolkata on Wednesday. Wicket-keeper batter Jamie Smith has also been added to the 12 player squad, England Cricket informed on X. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2025 07:33 AM IST | Chennai | IANSUnruffled by the lingering fitness concerns surrounding Mohammed Shami, the well-oiled machine that is India’s T20 team will be eyeing an encore of its opening performance against a stunned England in the second game of a five-match series, here on Saturday. India lead the rubber 1-0 after an impressive seven-wicket victory at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The hosts would certainly want to see Shami in action but his inclusion in the eleven, as things stand now, will depend on further evaluation of his fitness. Shami still not accurate The 34-year-old pacer looked rusty in the nets on Friday, ahead of his much-awaited international comeback, with his last game in India colours still being the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Bowling with both of his legs heavily bandaged, the Bengal quick managed to work up a reasonable pace, but the renowned smoothness in his approach and release was lacking. Despite playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami looked far from his lethal best here. Especially considering he was bowling alongside Arshdeep Singh, who looked much more accurate and sharper. However, India did not miss Shami much in Kolkata where pacer Arshdeep, with the new ball, and spinner Varun Chakravarthy, in the middle phase, wrecked England, producing impressive spells. Also Read: "We will have the game": Paras Dogra on J&K's comeback against Mumbai Spin can win in Chennai The Eden pitch had enough help for both quicks and their slower colleagues but the corresponding 22-yard trampoline here could offer more assistance to the spinners, as it often has been the case in the past. India would not be complaining whatever be the nature of the track. The home side boasts of quality and variety in a line-up consisting Chakravarthy, vice-captain Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi. From England’s perspective, they would require much better contributions from experienced spinners Adil Rashid and all-rounder Liam Livingstone to challenge the Indian team. Apart from pacer Jofra Archer, none of the other English bowlers could survive the onslaught of Abhishek Sharma and the mini cameo of Sanju Samson in the first match. Since coming together in the T20Is last year, Samson and Abhishek have had considerable success. In Kolkata, Abhishek hurt England with a brutal knock of 79. All eyes on openers Here too, the Indian openers will have to give their side a solid start considering the tricky nature of the pitch. England too will hope for a fiery start from their openers to clinch early momentum, as Phil Salt and Ben Duckett jointly made just four runs off seven balls. It’s not a matter of grave concern yet but skipper Suryakumar Yadav will be mindful of the fact that he has just two fifties in the previous 11 innings. He would not want to miss the party for long and will be eyeing a fruitful outing here. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2025 07:30 AM IST | Chennai | PTIJammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra lavished praise on Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur for his fighting unbeaten century (113 not out) on Day Two of their Ranji Trophy match at the MCA-BKC ground on Friday. However, Dogra feels J&K have a chance to make a comeback in the game on Saturday. Thanks to Thakur and Tanush Kotian’s (58 not out) unbeaten 173-run eighth-wicket stand, Mumbai posted 274-7, enjoying a lead of 188 runs at stumps. Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian lead Mumbai's batting charge vs J&K “Superb innings, one of the best knocks. All credit to Shardul, who played really well. The ball had stopped moving a bit. Then we tried to do something different, like bowling bouncers, but that didn’t work. It’s fine, they [Mumbai] played really well,” Dogra told reporters after the day’s play on Friday. Dogra remarked that if his team play like Thakur and Kotian, J&K still have a chance. He added: “We have to be patient. I still think the wicket is playing well. It is also getting better, so there is always hope. “If we restrict Mumbai to under 220 or 250 and if we will have a one good partnership like they had, we will have the game.”
25 January,2025 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureJammu & Kashmir (J&K) may have been all set to install the party lights as it were in preparation to celebrate a Ranji Trophy win over Mumbai. And, for good reason. They needed only three wickets, with the hosts reeling at 101-7 at the MCA-BKC ground, on Friday. However, two gutsy Mumbai all-rounders—Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian—had other ideas. By the end of the day, they were unbeaten on 113 and 58 respectively in a rescue operation that would make even the best firefighters proud. Mumbai ended Day 2 with 274-7 in their second innings for an overall lead of 188 runs. It was a daunting task when Thakur arrived at the crease with the scoreboard reading 91-6 after skipper Ajinkya Rahane had departed for 16. The biggest challenge was to erase the first innings deficit of 86 runs and lead Mumbai’s fightback. Thakur did exactly that, overcoming all odds along with No. 9 batter Kotian. An ecstatic Shardul Thakur celebrates his century against J&K at the MCA-BKC ground yesterday. Pics/Anurag Ahire After scoring an attacking 51 in the first innings on Thursday evening, Thakur had told reporters: “I like batting in difficult situations. In easy situations, everyone does well, but how you put up a show in adverse situations matters. I see tough situations as a challenge and always think about how to overcome challenges.”Thakur walked that talk and rescued Mumbai in the second innings as well. Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ravindra Jadeja's bowling heroics helped Saurashtra to defeat Delhi by 10 wickets Thakur attacked. Yet, played a sensible knock full of straight and cover drives, cuts, on and off drives and pull shots. Tanush Kotian en route his unbeaten 58 yesterday He smashed 17 fours during his 119-ball stay at the wicket during which he had to take medical assistance on a few occasions for cramps. Thakur and Kotian have put on 173 for the eighth wicket. Kotian, who scored an unbeaten 120 against Baroda and stitched a 232-run stand with Tushar Deshpande (123) in the 2023-24 Ranji quarter-final at the same ground, once again played a patient knock, giving Thakur the much-needed support. Kotian hit six fours. Earlier, J&K, who resumed the second day on 174-7, managed to add 32 to their overnight score to lead by 86. Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi (5-52) claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Rohit in attacking mode Though Mumbai’s top-order approach was different to their first innings, the outcome was almost similar as they lost their top three batters including Test openers Rohit Sharma (28, 2x4, 3x6) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (26, 4x4) by the 16th over. Rohit and Jaiswal played an attacking game. They succeeded to an extent, stitching a 54-run opening stand in 13.4 overs before Rohit mistimed his favourite pull shot off pacer Yudhvir Singh for midwicket fielder Abid Mushtaq to take a spectacular one-handed catch. Soon, it was 57-3 with one-drop Hardik Tamore (1) losing his furniture to pacer Umar Nazir Mir’s (2-76) line and length. Pacer Yudhvir (2-63) ended Jaiswal’s 51-ball stay through debutant gully fielder Yawer Hassan. Dube gets a pair Mumbai’s Test batsman Shreyas Iyer (17) was lucky to survive on eight when umpire S Ravi turned down a loud caught behind appeal off Mir. India all-rounder Shivam Dube, who faced only seven balls in the game, got a pair. “Our dressing room discussion was about tackling the situation as we had collapsed in the first innings as well. So our mindset was about working out ways to make a comeback [in the game],” Avasthi said to mid-day (during the post-day media briefing) when asked about the discussions in the dressing room. Brief scoresMumbai 120 & 274-7 (S Thakur 113*, T Kotian 58*, R Sharma 28; A Nabi 3-69, Y Singh 2-63, U Mir 2-76) v J&K 206 (S Khajuria 53; M Avasthi 5-52, S Thakur 2-39, S Mulani 2-61)
25 January,2025 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureADVERTISEMENT
