The anticipation of Rashid Khan’s absence from the T20I series against India is viewed as a chance for other Afghan players to make a mark against formidable opponents and carve their names into the cricketing landscape, according to Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott. While Rashid, the star leg-spinner, is recovering from back surgery post the ODI World Cup in November, Trott sees this as an opportunity for fresh talent to step into the limelight.

During an interaction with ‘JioCinema,’ Trott expressed,

‘I believe with Rashid out of the side, it’s a good opportunity for other players to come in and step up and become household names like he is.”

Despite acknowledging the absence of Rashid’s leadership and all-around skills, Trott is optimistic about discovering players who can handle pressure and responsibility.

As Afghanistan kicks off the T20I series against India, Trott draws inspiration from their commendable performance at the ODI World Cup last year, setting the stage for rigorous preparation leading up to the T20 World Cup.

Addressing the challenges facing cricket luminaries like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Trott, a former England Test specialist, notes the advantage of having players who have competed against these stars in the IPL. He emphasizes the importance of executing plans against strong Indian sides and being ready to perform under pressure.

While Kohli is set to miss the series-opener due to personal reasons, Trott emphasizes that Afghanistan needs to excel in all aspects of the game and capitalize on key moments under pressure. Looking ahead, he mentions the team’s dual focus on winning the current series and building towards the T20 World Cup in June.

Reflecting on Afghanistan’s achievements in the 50-over World Cup, Trott highlights the players’ newfound belief and confidence. He sees these positive takeaways translating into other formats, fostering a competitive spirit on the world stage.

As the journey to the T20 World Cup in the Americas unfolds, Trott stresses the need to find the right combinations for different conditions. He aims to assemble a squad capable of adapting to diverse challenges and not relying excessively on spin bowling, ensuring a well-rounded and versatile team.

As the second Test between India and South Africa unfolded with a flurry of 23 wickets on the chaotic first day, South African skipper Dean Elgar refrained from deeming the pitch as poor, emphasizing the challenges it presented instead. The day concluded with South Africa at 62/3, trailing by 36 runs, with Aiden Markram (36*) and David Bedingham (7*) standing firm.

In his final Test, Elgar remained undeterred despite modest scores of 4 and 12. Refusing to criticize the pitch, he acknowledged its challenging nature, emphasizing the need for batters to apply themselves mentally and be disciplined. Elgar, known for his success on diverse wickets, stressed the delicate balance between bat and ball.

Elgar shed light on the unpredictable bounce at different ends of the pitch. When Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc with a six-wicket haul at the Wynberg End, deliveries at the Calvin Grove End, exploited by Lungi Ngidi for three wickets in an over, displayed a different character. Elgar admitted confusion about the varying bounce and noted the challenges faced by batters.

Despite having played 19 first-class matches at Newlands, Elgar admitted that the mottled appearance of the pitch differed from its usual even tone. He expressed confidence before the match, believing the surface would favor batting first. However, the unexpected nature of the pitch left Elgar surprised, stating he wouldn’t have chosen it had he known its true character.

Elgar credited India for putting the ball in the right areas and highlighted the importance of South African batters by showing more application. Drawing inspiration from Virat Kohli, Aiden Markram and Rohit Sharma, Elgar emphasized the need for calculated risks and solid application in challenging conditions.

As the match unfolded, South Africa’s first innings witnessed a collapse, with Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell decimating their top and middle order. In response, India faced its own challenges, succumbing to a Lungi Ngidi three-wicket over. Elgar, in his final Test innings, managed 12 runs as South Africa ended the day at 62/3 in their second innings. The battle between bat and ball continues in this gripping encounter.

In their final international match of 2023, the Indian cricket team faced a disappointing performance against South Africa, particularly in the much-anticipated ‘Final Frontier’ series. The outcome on the field was far from what was anticipated, with India’s first innings closing at 245. South Africa, led by Dean Elgar’s remarkable 185, amassed a formidable 408-run total. The second innings witnessed a lone battle by Virat Kohli (76), but India succumbed to an all-out total of just 131. This led to a staggering defeat for India, losing the match by an innings and 32 runs.

In the second innings, only Kohli and Shubman Gill (26) managed to reach double-digit figures, while four Indian batters failed to score at all. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared his insights on the performance through a comprehensive post on social media.

Tendulkar praised South Africa for their outstanding performance, especially their pace attack that exceeded expectations in the second innings, despite the pitch becoming more favorable for batting as the match progressed. He observed that India’s shot selection throughout the Test was subpar, with only a few batters, including Elgar, Jansen, Bedingham, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, showing comfort with the bat and navigating the challenging conditions with technique and poise.

South Africa secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series, shattering India’s aspirations of winning a Test series in South Africa for the first time in 31 years. The only redemption for India now lies in a 1-1 draw, a possibility they can strive for during the upcoming New Year’s Test in Cape Town.

The Indian team’s lackluster batting performance reflected a sense of cluelessness and a lack of preparedness for the challenging assignment. Captain Rohit Sharma, experiencing a rough period after losing the World Cup final and being removed from Mumbai Indians’ captaincy, did not exhibit the leadership that had made him a favorite during the World Cup.

The team, much like its skipper, appeared disheveled and without a plan B for course correction. With Bob Marley’s iconic “Don’t worry, Everything Gonna be Alright” played in the background, the Indian team must be reflecting on how nothing went right throughout the entire course of the match.

In an insightful revelation, former South Africa cricket team captain Faf du Plessis dissects the reasons behind the struggles faced by Indian batters when contending with the conditions set by the Proteas. As India gears up for a Test series in South Africa, commencing on December 26 in Centurion under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Faf sheds light on the distinct characteristics of South African pitches, highlighting the heightened bounce as a factor introducing ‘additional risk’ for Indian batsmen.

“It’s the bounce. Here, you encounter almost a full hand’s height of extra bounce compared to the familiar conditions in India. While Indian batsmen are accustomed to playing shots on the up, the combination of increased bounce and lateral movement introduces an additional layer of risk. Success in South Africa lies in mastering the skill of leaving well and maintaining a substantial presence at the crease,”

explains Faf in an exclusive discussion with The Indian Express.

Drawing from past encounters, the former South African skipper imparts valuable advice to Indian batters facing the Proteas’ formidable bowling attack. Reflecting on the closely contested 2018 series, Faf underscores the crucial role of disciplined shot selection, urging Indian batsmen to judiciously leave well-executed deliveries while seizing opportunities presented by poorly bowled balls to accumulate pivotal runs. According to Faf, the key ingredients for success in South Africa involve patience, unwavering respect for prevailing conditions, and a strategic approach to navigating short deliveries with extra bounce.

Renowned Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has urgently returned home due to a family emergency, throwing a curveball into preparations just days before the commencement of the first Test against South Africa. Sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that the iconic batsman is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the opening Test scheduled for December 26 in Centurion.

Earlier, the BCCI had released wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan from the Test series due to personal reasons, with KS Bharat announced as his replacement for the upcoming two-match series.

Adding to the team’s challenges, India’s opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad will be sidelined for the two-Test series due to a finger fracture sustained while attempting a catch during the second ODI against South Africa. The BCCI is yet to announce a replacement for the young batter.

The upcoming Test series marks the return of key players including Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and other members of India’s ODI World Cup squad. Since the heart-wrenching loss against Australia in the World Cup final, Kohli, Rohit, and other senior members of the Indian team have been on a cricket hiatus.

While the specific details of the ‘family emergency’ prompting Kohli’s early return remain undisclosed, there seems to be assurances from Kohli himself to the BCCI regarding his swift return before the Test series kicks off.

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk).

Irfan Pathan, the former speedster for India, recently expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma has the potential to carve out a remarkable legacy in the realm of cricket. According to Pathan, securing victory in the Test series against South Africa could catapult Rohit into the echelons of India’s most esteemed players and captains. Sharing his insights on Star Sports, Pathan underscored Rohit’s pivotal role in the upcoming matches, considering his dual responsibilities as the team’s skipper and opener. The former cricketer emphasized that if the 36-year-old can navigate the challenges posed by the new ball, it would significantly ease the path for the other batsmen.

Pathan stated,

“Should Rohit Sharma triumph over South Africa, his name will be etched at the pinnacle of India’s cricketing history, both as a captain and a player. Mastering the new ball is his forte, and as both an opener and captain, he holds the key to victories in these crucial matches. The strategy is simple: by playing out the new ball, he paves the way for the brilliance of the other batsmen. That’s why the shine needs to be removed from the new ball.”

Discussing the anticipated challenges in the upcoming Test series, Pathan acknowledged the diverse roles that Rohit will undertake. Recalling Rohit’s stellar performance in the Test series in England, Pathan anticipates witnessing a similar level of preparation and passion. Rohit’s challenge, according to Pathan, extends beyond mere run-scoring; it involves leading the team forward while juggling various responsibilities, a feat reserved for the most seasoned players. Pathan highlighted the significant roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, referring to them as the “big brothers” in the team, upon whom a substantial dependency will rest.

The comprehensive tour of South Africa, featuring all formats, kicks off on December 10 with a three-match T20I series slated to conclude on December 14. Subsequently, the ODI leg of the series is set to commence on December 17 and conclude on December 21. The inaugural Test match is scheduled for December 26 at Centurion, followed by the second game on January 3 at Cape Town.

Providing insights into India’s squads for the various formats, the Test squad is captained by Rohit Sharma, who leads a talented ensemble. Suryakumar Yadav assumes leadership for the T20I squad, with Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain. For ODIs, KL Rahul takes on the captaincy, supported by a diverse and skilled lineup. The squads reflect a harmonious blend of experience and emerging talent, underscoring India’s commitment to excellence in the upcoming series.

India’s squad for 3 T20Is: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (Wk), Jitesh Sharma (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.

India’s squad for 3 ODIs: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C) (Wk), Sanju Samson (Wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan,.

The recently concluded ODI World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad stirred debate as the International Cricket Council (ICC) labeled the pitch an “average.” Meanwhile, match referee Andy Pycroft praised the outfield as “very good.” Australia clinched victory in the final, triumphing over India by six wickets on a sluggish pitch.

Opting to bowl, India posted a total of 240 in 50 overs. Australia successfully chased the target in 43 overs, with Travis Head’s impressive 120-ball 137. The pitch ratings for India’s league matches against South Africa, England, Pakistan and Australia were consistently labeled as ‘average’ by the ICC.

The Wankhede Stadium pitch, where India faced New Zealand in the semifinals, received a ‘good’ rating. Reports hinted at a pitch switch before the match, raising questions about using a used surface instead of a fresh one.

The ICC also deemed the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata, hosting the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa, as “average.” Despite a low-scoring match, former India pacer Javagal Srinath gave a positive “very good” rating to the outfield at Eden Gardens.

Travis Head played a crucial role in Australia’s victory over India in the ODI Cricket World Cup final. The talented opener smashed 137 runs off 120 balls as Australia successfully chased down a 241-run target against India in just 43 overs. This win marked Australia’s sixth ODI Cricket World Cup title. Travis Head ended the tournament with an impressive tally of 329 runs in six matches, showcasing his all-around skills by contributing with the ball.

However, former Indian cricket team star Ajay Jadeja didn’t find it amusing when a fan on a YouTube live session asked him if Travis Head was a replica of Virender Sehwag. Responding to the question about hand-eye coordination, a strike rate over 100 in tests, and a penchant for hitting fours and sixes, Jadeja dismissed the comparison as a ‘behuda sawaal’ (non-sensical question). He emphasized the lack of logic in comparing Virender Sehwag with Travis Head, citing their different batting styles and handedness.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting praised Travis for his outstanding performance, declaring him as one of the top three or four all-format players globally. Ponting highlighted Head’s exceptional Test record and acknowledged his unorthodox yet effective approach, especially in one-day cricket.

Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins expressed admiration for the explosive opener, commending his ability to apply pressure on the opponents. Cummins acknowledged the risk-taking attitude that contributed to winning the tournament and praised Travis Head’s positive and joyful approach to the game.

In the match, India managed a total of 240 runs in 50 overs. Despite a challenging batting surface, skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul made significant contributions. Mitchell Starc with figures of 3/55 led Australia’s bowling attack, well-supported by Cummins and Hazlewood, who took two wickets each. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell also chipped in with a wicket each.

While chasing 241, India had Australia struggling at 47/3. However, powerful performances from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) guided Australia to a convincing six-wicket win, leaving the Indian team without answers.

Following a nail-biting two-wicket defeat to India, Australian skipper Matthew Wade acknowledged the Men in Blue’s relentless attack and pointed out the team’s struggle to execute yorkers effectively. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s impressive half-centuries led India to a thrilling two-wicket victory in the first T20I of the five-match series at Visakhapatnam.

“It was a good match in the end. Inglis got us a score we thought we could defend, but the Indians came hard at us,”

Wade remarked during the post-match presentation. Despite the challenging loss, he highlighted the positives, emphasizing Inglis’s standout performance and acknowledging the team’s overall effort.

Expressing the difficulty of executing yorkers, especially on a small ground, Wade commented on the team’s bowling performance.

“Thought we bowled pretty well, we just could not nail our yorkers, easier said than done, especially on a small ground like this,”

he explained, shedding light on the challenges faced by the bowlers.

Wade acknowledged the tight nature of the game, stating,

“A lot of positives to take out from this game. Inglis was class. We thought we did fairly well, Ellis bowled a big over for us to take it into the final over, it went down to the last ball so it shows how close it was.”

With India now leading the series 1-0 and achieving their highest T20I run chase, the stage is set for an exciting contest between the two teams.

Recapping the match, Australia opted to bat first, with a formidable partnership between Inglis and Smith setting a target of 209. Despite a valiant effort, India secured the win with Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav’s vital contributions, reaching the target with two wickets in hand.

In the chase, Gaikwad and Jaiswal’s early dismissals created tense moments, but Kishan and Yadav’s partnership turned the tide. Rinku Singh’s finishing touches secured the victory, despite some nerve-wracking run-outs in the final over. Tanveer Sangha emerged as the best bowler for Australia, while Short, Abbott, and Behrendorff contributed with crucial wickets.

Australia reaffirmed their cricket supremacy by securing their sixth Cricket World Cup title, defeating India by six wickets in the highly anticipated final. Travis Head’s stellar performance, coupled with disciplined bowling, brought an end to India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament.

As champions, Australia claimed a substantial prize of USD 4 million, leaving India with USD 2 million as the runners-up. The significance of reaching the semi-finals was reflected in the prize money, with South Africa and New Zealand each receiving USD 800,000. The remaining six teams, unable to progress to the semi-finals, were awarded USD 100,000 each.

Top 4 Teams’ Winnings in Cricket World Cup 2023

• Australia (7 wins in the group stage): USD 4.28 Million
• India (9 wins in the group stage): USD 2.36 Million
• South Africa (7 wins in the group stage): USD 1.08 Million
• New Zealand (5 wins in the group stage): USD 1 Million

Australia’s Precision and Ruthless Execution

Australia’s triumph showcased meticulous planning and ruthless execution as they successfully chased down 241 runs in just 43 overs. Travis Head’s outstanding innings of 137 runs off 120 balls once again proved to be a thorn in India’s side.