#Adelaide Test squads

[maxsimagination]

𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 - 𝗰.𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁

summary: charli and reader have been dating for years, and finally get selected to play together in the world cup.

𖦹 masterlist

"𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗢?"

"hi yn, it's tony gustavsson, coach of the matilda's. how are you?"

"i'm good tony. what can do for you?"

"i was just calling to deliver some great news. you've been selected to play for australia in the world cup."

"wait actually? are you joking?" tony laughed at that.

"no this is very real, yn. we have already informed your current club and you'll be flown over to brisbane next week. how does that sound?"

"oh my- that sounds amazing tony! thank you so much!"

"no worries, yn. i'll see you then."

——

it had been a week since that phone call, with tony telling me i'd been called up to play for the nation. i had been elated, the first person i'd told was my mum and dad. they were just as happy as i was. i knew who was already on the squad and one name stood out to me.

charlotte grant. my girlfriend.

i hadn't told her about being selected, i wanted to keep it a surprise and show up unannounced. we hadn't seen each other in over a month because of the two different clubs we were with.

charli and i had been close since we were 15, playing in adelaide together. we instantly became best friends when we met and eventually i had broke the silence and asked her out. she said yes immediately and we had been like the 'it' couple ever since.

our bond was tested when charli moved to rosengard at 18, and i stayed at adelaide. we saw each other in the under 20s national teams, but now we were 21 and 22, she'd moved to vittsjo gik, and we had aged out of the younger teams.

our days consisted of calling whenever we could, each one of us taking turns to stay up into the early hours of the morning just so we could talk for longer. it wasn't an ideal situation but we made it work. so when i got the call up for the matilda's i was so excited that i got to see charli again and we could play together again.

a week had passed since the call and it had felt like torture every second i had to wait. my bags were packed at least two days before my flight was scheduled and i was practically bouncing off the walls of my apartment. this was about to be the best couple of months in my life.

my parents dropped me off at the airport that day, both of them getting a bit teary as i walked through the gateway. i knew it was sad for them but i was still overcome with happiness.

this was my dream, my first world cup. i pulled my phone out when i was boarded on the plane, i had a text from charli. 'call soon? lmk x' i smiled down at her text, she had no clue i was coming up to see her. i typed my response back out to her; 'not now, love. i'm super tired x'. i hoped it was enough to keep her satisfied until i landed in brisbane.

it was meant to be just under a 3 hour flight so i put my headphones in and turned on some music. i ended up falling asleep, only waking up to the air hostesses letting people know that we were landing in just over 30 minutes. i was till a bit tired so i put my headphones away, tucked my phone into my pocket and closed my eyes again, just to see if i could get a couple more minutes of sleep.

i did fall back asleep and the hostess had to wake me up to get off the plane.

"i'm so sorry, thank you for waking me." she was a nice lady and didn't mind having to get me up. i grabbed my bag from the overhead storage and walked towards the exit. i got through security without a hitch and headed to collect my suitcase.

i was standing by the moving row of bags when an older man walked towards. "hey, yn right? i'm tony."

"oh hi tony, yea i'm yn, i didn't know you were meeting me here." "yea i thought i'd take you to the hotel and training myself. you can meet all the other girls then." we grabbed my suitcase when it came through and headed outside to a black car mercedes which took us to a hotel.

"we'll take you to your room so you can get changed and into something better for training then we'll head back out to meet the team. sound good?"

"yea sounds good." he showed me into the hotel and the lady at the front desk gave me the key card to my room. i managed to drag my suitcase into the room and tony said he'd wait in the lobby for me. i shoved the suitcase on the bed, shut the door to my room and pulled out some exercise gear i had on the top of the pile in my bag.

a quick shower was in order to get rid of airport germs and i was changed in no time. i grabbed my phone and key card and headed back down to the lobby.

"okay i'm good to go." tony stood up and we headed back out to the mercedes which was still there, waiting for us. it was only a short drive to the field we were training at but the nerves were seeping in at the thought of seeing charli again for the first time in over a month. tony must have been able to tell something was up.

"you okay?" "yea, i'm just nervous. i haven't told charli i got selected so this is a surprise for her." tony nodded along in agreement.

"i'm sure she'll love to see you again. the girls tell me she doesn't stop talking about you." i smiled at his words, hoping they were true. we had arrived at the facility and got out. tony led the way and showed me into the stadium. i could already see the players warming up on the field.

"alright girls, listen up! there is one more person i'd like you to meet." i stepped out from behind tony as he said his next sentence. "please welcome to the team-"

"YN!" he was cut off before he could say my name. it was charli that had screamed out and was now barreling towards me full force. i grabbed onto her when she hit me, twirling her around a couple of times before putting her down.

she wasted no time in grabbing my face and smashing our lips together in a long awaited kiss. "you didn't tell me you were selected!" she pouted at me.

"it was a surprise for you. did you like it?" she grinned. "absolutely." tony cleared his throat and we pulled apart. "as charli so eloquently put it, this is yn yln. go join the girls yn." me and charli walked back to the group of other players and charli went around to everyone, introducing me to every single person.

i don't think i've seen her this happy before, but it made my heart happy.

[sergeantpixie]

Thanks for tagging me @forasecondtherewedwon!

rules: list 5 of your favourite books on a poll, so your followers can vote which book they think captures your vibe the best

Tagging: @morocorra, @imperpetuallylost, @randomestfandoms, @woodswit, and anyone else who wants to!

Book summaries from Goodreads below the cut:

Libba Bray's The Diviners:

Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult. Evie worries her uncle will discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer. As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho is hiding a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened…

Ami McKay's The Witches of New York:

The year is 1880. Two hundred years after the trials in Salem, Adelaide Thom ('Moth' from The Virgin Cure) has left her life in the sideshow to open a tea shop with another young woman who feels it's finally safe enough to describe herself as a witch: a former medical student and "gardien de sorts" (keeper of spells), Eleanor St. Clair. Together they cater to Manhattan's high society ladies, specializing in cures, palmistry and potions--and in guarding the secrets of their clients. 

All is well until one bright September afternoon, when an enchanting young woman named Beatrice Dunn arrives at their door seeking employment. Beatrice soon becomes indispensable as Eleanor's apprentice, but her new life with the witches is marred by strange occurrences. She sees things no one else can see. She hears voices no one else can hear. Objects appear out of thin air, as if gifts from the dead. Has she been touched by magic or is she simply losing her mind? 

Eleanor wants to tread lightly and respect the magic manifest in the girl, but Adelaide sees a business opportunity. Working with Dr. Quinn Brody, a talented alienist, she submits Beatrice to a series of tests to see if she truly can talk to spirits. Amidst the witches' tug-of-war over what's best for her, Beatrice disappears, leaving them to wonder whether it was by choice or by force. 

As Adelaide and Eleanor begin the desperate search for Beatrice, they're confronted by accusations and spectres from their own pasts. In a time when women were corseted, confined and committed for merely speaking their minds, were any of them safe?

Megan Abbott's Dare Me:

Addy Hanlon has always been Beth Cassidy's best friend and trusted lieutenant. Beth calls the shots and Addy carries them out, a long-established order of things that has brought them to the pinnacle of their high-school careers. Now they're seniors who rule the intensely competitive cheer squad, feared and followed by the other girls—until the young new coach arrives.

Cool and commanding, an emissary from the adult world just beyond their reach, Coach Colette French draws Addy and the other cheerleaders into her life. Only Beth, unsettled by the new regime, remains outside Coach's golden circle, waging a subtle but vicious campaign to regain her position as "top girl"—both with the team and with Addy herself.

Then a suicide focuses a police investigation on Coach and her squad. After the first wave of shock and grief, Addy tries to uncover the truth behind the death—and learns that the boundary between loyalty and love can be dangerous terrain.

Nina LaCour's Everything Leads to You:

A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.   Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

Sarah Rees Brennan's Tell the Wind & Fire:

In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets. 

Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows the young men’s deadly connection, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.

Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?

[xkeyon]

Armageddon Steel Legion for 11th ed

For some reason I have just a feeling that the Armagededdon Steel Legion will get what Cadia got in 9th and if rumours are true Krieg will get during 10th especially if the latter is true. Much that was brought into the game during Codex: Armagededdon becoming plastic with some new things to go along with it.

Now some of the bits here I am putting are matching it with free index card info from that GW put out so if there was changes I can't find it, as well no idea what changes when the 10th ed codex comes out. Armagededdon Steel Legion keyword units: -Armagededdon Steel Legionnaire, the baseline unit to use. -Armagededdon Steel Legion Command Squad, leads Armagededdon Steel Legionnaires. New things added - Armagededdon Veteran Commissars, Commissars that have fought the more intense battles of the Armageddon wars they have to honour the greatest of them removed their arm after killing an Ork to take their Power Klaw as their own, lead Armagededdon Steel Legionnaries, Armagededdon Ork Hunters. -General Pious Korren, one of their greatest Tank Commanders gets a model that is one to go along with his Shadowsword the Iron Saint giving it a boost, he has also per the wishes of a great hero the Baneblade Fortress of Arrogance.

So new units to get added but don't have the keyword, even though in the lore are part of it like Ursula Creed and Kasrkin don't have the Cadia Keyword even though are part of it in the story. Neutral Guard Keywords Armagededdon Ork Hunters, starting off as a kill team, they would act very much like how one would use the jungle fighters but come with some very good anti-ork skills with the AVC brining out 120 percent of their potential.

Adelaide Von Strab, the out of wedlock daughter of Herman Von Strab, the 2 cared little for each other, the only she liked was using this connection to allow her to take the officer test to become a Tank Commander. Her skill then got her the position, and the Honours. During one battle she saved the life of Arcadian Leontus, and the two grew close, with this closeness having Herman give her the Von Strab name officially though it didn't mean anything to her. This name did one time bring trouble by the Inquisition after Herman Von Strab betrayal though was proven innocent, is still watched. She would be basically a better Tank commander for the Leman Russ. For look and personality

So there are 2 more units 1 is Armagededdon connected. One would be Priests of "Saint" Grimaldus but these could be Black Templars, or maybe even Agents of the Imperium if church members are added to it. The other is Savlar Chem Dogs as units, however unlike the the Ork Head Hunters which could be seen to the Steel Legion as what Kasrkin are to Cadia these would be their own/neutral.

Will go more detail with everything but I kind of want to see first somethings like if Agents of the Imperium is the unknown codex, and if Krieg will be in 10th. But from here what do people think? Any suggestions on things that should/could be added?

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the MCG nets (PC: Debasis Sen) Agnijit Sen in Melbourne You couldn’t have asked for a better showdown! Second-highest attended Boxing Day Test ever, according to ticket sales. A packed MCG, series 1-1 and two teams in the ‘boxing ring’, ready to throw punches and counter-punches at each other. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has entered the business end. Australia seem settled with their playing XI with a couple of changes. The same might not be true for India. While the top six pick themselves, No. 7 and 8 remain a question. Well, let’s rephrase. Not No. 7. Not after Ravindra Jadeja’s batting exploits in the Gabba Test. Not after his partnership with Ajinkya Rahane the last time these two teams met at the MCG. Jadeja has looked assured in the last match. His footwork swift, sense of judgement immaculate and he has been doing this time and again for India when it comes to overseas conditions. So, the question is who makes the cut for the No. 8 position? Nitish Kumar Reddy has hardly put a foot wrong in the ongoing series. Picked as the fourth seamer, he has given this fragile Indian batting line-up the much needed depth. A tally of 179 runs from five innings at an average of 44.75 doesn’t fully speak about his impact he has had though. India somehow limped to 150 in the first innings in Perth because of his batting. You may argue and say that he has mostly batted with the tail, when almost nothing was at stake. He could play his natural game. Then, what about Brisbane? Coming in after KL Rahul was dismissed, he survived more than 60 balls, stitching a crucial partnership with Jadeja. His medium pace has proved to be a value addition. He sent back Mitchell Marsh in the second innings in Perth to open the floodgates for India. Reddy has certainly looked like he belongs. Now, what about Washington Sundar? He in Border-GavaskarTrophy in 2021, became a forgotten man, made a comeback against New Zealand and picked up 13 wickets in his on his comeback. A raging turner helped, but Washington impressed further in the next Test in Mumbai. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Jasprit Bumrah with Nitish Kumar Reddy at the MCG nets (PC: Debasis Sen) Washington played the first game in Perth. He looked assured with the bat, bowled tidy off-spinners but had to make way for India’s No. 1 tweaker Ravichandran Ashwin in Adelaide. Similarly, in Brisbane, India picked a better batsman than him in Jadeja. And now, the Boxing Day Test is here. Last couple of times, India played at this venue and won. On both occasions, Ashwin and Jadeja were in the playing XI. Now, with Ashwin calling it a day, will India play two spinners or go with Reddy and Jadeja? Washington likes to play cricket in Australia. And he will always have the Gabba in 2020-21 to fall back on. With India staring down the barrel at 186-6 in their first innings in that game, Washington and Shardul Thakur came together to stitch a game-turning partnership. Washington was eventually dismissed for 62 with India on 328-8. In the first innings, he rolled his arm over for 31 overs and picked up the wickets of Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon. Even in the second innings, he played an extremely handy cameo. However, his efforts got drowned by Rishabh Pant’s freakish batting display. Now, here is a question. In the press conference leading up to the Boxing Day Test, Rohit Sharma mentioned that Tanush Kotian has been added to the squad as a spin reserve. If you need spin back-ups for the final two Tests, why did you let your No. 1 spinner, Ashwin, retire? Rohit even said in Ashwin’s retirement press conference that he requested the bowler to stay back for the last two Tests. With the India captain clearly stating his preference, the burning question remains. Why did Ashwin retire mid-series? If both Washington and Jadeja make the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, which seems a real possibility, going by how the MCG pitch traditionally plays,

the Indian team management would hope that they would make valuable contributions to complement the seamers. Also Read: “Just another day for me”: Sam Konstas unfazed ahead of Boxing Day Test The post Reddy or Washington, that is the question appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Bumrah addressing the press conference in Brisbane. (PC: X.com) Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has come out in strong support of Mohammed Siraj, despite the latter’s fluctuating form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Siraj has been under the scanner for not being able to replicate his heroics from the 2020-21 series, where he played a pivotal role in securing India’s memorable series win Down Under. He has been blowing hot and cold which has put extra pressure on Bumrah to pick regular wickets. During the Perth and Adelaide Test followed by the first innings of the Brisbane Test, Siraj faced challenges in finding the correct length to make the most of the pitch conditions. His struggle was compounded by a hamstring injury scare on Day 2 at the Gabba, which saw him off the field for nearly a session. However, his resilience shone through as he returned to bowl 23.2 overs, securing two wickets. “In this game, I will give him credit. He had a little bit of a niggle, but he still kept on bowling and helped the team. He knew if he went inside and didn’t bowl (again), the team would be under pressure. He has got a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit that the team loves. I personally love that as well,” Bumrah said of Siraj. His comments underscore the value placed on Siraj’s tenacity and commitment to the team, even under physical duress. Despite Bumrah’s stellar performance, taking six wickets in the first innings, the Australian side managed to score a formidable 445. Siraj has also been a talk among cricket fans for his heated verbal battle with Travis Head, in Adelaide. Bumrah highlighted Siraj’s fighting spirit, noting, “He is always up for a fight and gives it his all for the team. That’s the biggest positive for any cricketer. Even when he wasn’t 100 per cent, he kept fighting for the team. That’s a great attitude.” Bumrah also touched on the nature of cricket, where performance metrics like wickets can be misleading. “In terms of wickets, and all, some days, you will bowl well, and wickets might not come. Some days, you will not bowl very well, but the wickets will follow. It’s all money in the bank,” he explained, suggesting a broader perspective on performance and contribution to the team. Bumrah’s supportive words extend beyond Siraj’s individual performance to the broader context of the team’s bowling strategy and the ongoing transition within the squad. With the likes of Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna very young in the Test circuit, Bumrah said: “We don’t, as a team, point fingers at each other. We don’t want to tell each other, ‘You should do this, and you should do that.’ We, as a team, are going through a transition where new players are coming in,” he said, acknowledging the unique challenges of playing cricket in Australia. The workload on Bumrah has been significant, with him leading the attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami. He has bowled 82 overs, the highest in the series so far, while Siraj has bowled 76.1 overs. The support from the spin department has been less than ideal, but contributions from fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy have been notable. Rain gods saved India’s blushes on Day 3 in Brisbane after the visitors found themselves reeling at 4/51. With more rain predicted on Day 4 and 5, India, if they bat well, can end up drawing the third of the five-Test rubber. The post Bumrah Backs Siraj Despite Form Slump in Australia appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[bhaskarlive]

2nd Test: Door very much open for Shami to come and play, says Rohit

After India suffered a ten-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test, skipper Rohit Sharma said the door is very much open for veteran fast-bowler Mohammed Shami to join the squad in Australia.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[hindustanmorning]

KL Rahul was asked about his batting role in the Adelaide Test. His reply stuns everyone.

Senior India batsman KL Rahul said on Wednesday that he has conquered the “mental challenge” of being a floater in the lineup and is happy to bat at any position for as long as he provides value to the squad. Rahul was outstanding in the first Test against Australia in Perth, scoring 26 and 77 while starting the innings in place of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who was on paternity leave. Through…

[cavenewstimes]

Beau Webster emerges as Test contender for Australia against India

Australia has called Beau Webster into the squad for the Adelaide Test, as cover for all-rounder Mitch Marsh. Webster was officially added to Australia’s squad on Thursday with a 14-man group to now assemble in Adelaide on Monday. Marsh will also remain as part of that group after pulling up sore following Australia’s horror loss in the first Test in Perth. Webster’s call-up marks his first into…

[odnewsin]

Gautam Gambhir flies back home citing personal emergency

Perth: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back home with his family due to a “personal emergency” and is unlikely to rejoin the squad before the second Test against Australia beginning December 6 in Adelaide. The Delhi-based Gambhir will skip India’s two-day pink ball warm-up game against Prime Minister’s in Canberra starting November 30. “He left with his family on early Tuesday morning…

[rohitjangidddd]

India vs Australia 1st Test Match Prediction, Playing XI, and Fantasy Cricket Tips

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is poised to deliver high-octane cricketing action. With five Test matches lined up, the series will play a significant role in the World Test Championship standings. Fantasy sports enthusiasts are gearing up to build their teams on platforms like Vision11, the best fantasy cricket app, to make the most of this epic rivalry. Here's a detailed look at the updated squad lists and venues.

Venues and Schedule

1st Test: November 22-26, 2024, at Perth Stadium, Perth.

Start Time: 7:50 AM IST.

2nd Test: December 6-10, 2024, at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

Start Time: 9:30 AM IST.

3rd Test: December 14-18, 2024, at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Start Time: 5:50 AM IST.

4th Test: December 26-30, 2024, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

Start Time: 5:00 AM IST.

5th Test: January 3-7, 2025, at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.

Start Time: 5:00 AM IST​

India’s Updated Squad

Captain: Rohit Sharma (will miss the 1st Test; Jasprit Bumrah to lead).

Key Batters:

Virat Kohli (pillar of India's batting lineup).

Yashasvi Jaiswal (in excellent form).

KL Rahul (providing experience).

Shubman Gill (injured, replaced by Devdutt Padikkal).

Wicketkeepers:

Rishabh Pant (dynamic middle-order batter).

Dhruv Jurel (an exciting prospect).

All-rounders:

Ravindra Jadeja (impact player with both bat and ball).

Washington Sundar (handy with bat and spin).

Bowlers:

Jasprit Bumrah (captain and strike bowler).

Mohammed Siraj (aggressive pacer).

Ravichandran Ashwin (spin wizard).

Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep (pace options)​

Australia’s Updated Squad

Captain: Pat Cummins.

Key Batters:

Usman Khawaja (consistent top-order batter).

Steve Smith (key player and former captain).

Marnus Labuschagne (steady at No. 3).

Travis Head (attacking left-hander).

All-rounder:

Mitchell Marsh.

Wicketkeeper:

Alex Carey (dependable with gloves and bat).

Bowlers:

Nathan Lyon (spin spearhead).

Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland (pace trio)​

Fantasy Cricket Tips for the Series

Top Picks:

Virat Kohli: A seasoned campaigner who thrives under pressure.

Steve Smith: The backbone of Australia's batting lineup.

Ravindra Jadeja: A reliable all-rounder to fetch bonus points.

Differential Picks:

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Can provide a brisk start.

Scott Boland: Effective in home conditions.

Captain/Vice-Captain Suggestions:

Jasprit Bumrah or Nathan Lyon (game-changers with the ball).

Marnus Labuschagne or Ravichandran Ashwin (dependable picks).

Conclusion

The India vs Australia 2024-25 Test series promises thrilling cricket and exciting opportunities for fantasy cricket enthusiasts. With a strong lineup and iconic venues, it's time to gear up and create your winning team on Vision11, the best fantasy sports application. Download now and join the action!

Stay tuned for match predictions and insights throughout the series.

[influencermagazineuk]

England's Pursuit of Another Semi-Final Triumph Against India

In recent years, England has shone brightest in semi-final matches, demonstrating their prowess in high-stakes games. Two dates stand out in their white-ball cricket resurgence: July 11, 2019, and November 10, 2022. These days saw England deliver two of their most impressive limited-overs performances, both leading to World Cup finals victories. In 2019, England crushed Australia by eight wickets to secure a spot in the 50-over World Cup final. In 2022, they defeated India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, reaching the T20 World Cup final amid a fervent crowd. This Thursday, England, the defending champions, return to Guyana for the first time in 14 years to face India in another crucial semi-final. Storm machine, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Previously, England entered these matches as underdogs but managed to turn the tide spectacularly. Despite a rough start, they gained momentum with wins over Oman, Namibia, and the United States. The only Test-playing nation they beat was the West Indies, but they did so convincingly. This semi-final will be a true test of England's capabilities. India, on the other hand, has cruised through the tournament, particularly in New York, where they were the main attraction. They haven't faced significant challenges since their close win over Pakistan and continued their strong performance in the Caribbean. Captain Rohit Sharma's recent explosive innings against Australia, scoring 92 from 41 balls, signals a formidable challenge for England. Virat Kohli, although not in top form, is another potential threat. India had the advantage of knowing their semi-final venue early due to the tournament's scheduling for Indian television, while England faced last-minute travel arrangements. India's strategy includes a spin-heavy squad, anticipating the slow pitch in Guyana. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, yet to play in the tournament, are expected to feature prominently. England might also consider debuting their spinner, Tom Hartley, to counter India's approach. Weather conditions and the lack of a reserve day add another layer of uncertainty. If rain disrupts play, India will advance due to their higher group stage ranking. England's recent history in knockout matches is positive, whereas India has struggled, losing four of their last five semi-finals in white-ball World Cups. A win for England would vindicate coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler, easing the disappointment of last year's 50-over World Cup. The victor of this match will likely be the favorite in the final, facing a South African team with its own semi-final demons. For England, a win on June 27 could become a landmark date, while a loss would quickly fade into obscurity amid the upcoming football frenzy. Read the full article

[daddynews247]

Ahead to the West Indies Test, Covid hits the Australian squad

Players are permitted to compete under Covid procedures even if they do not receive a negative test during the next 24 hours, but they are required to remain isolated from the other players.

Before the second Test matchup against the West Indies, Australia’s team was afflicted by Covid-19. On Wednesday, coach Andrew McDonald and all-rounder Cameron Green became the most recent casualties of the illness.

After the first Test in Adelaide last week, which the home team won by 10 wickets, they were ill after Travis Head, a batter, contracted Covid. Since then, he has tested negative, and on Thursday, the second day-night Test series involving him will begin in Brisbane.

Green and McDonald are anticipated to participate in the match as well, unless they feel unwell.

Cricket Australia released a statement saying, “Until they return a negative test, Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group.”

“It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols.”

Players who do not receive a negative result within the next 24 hours are still permitted to compete according to Covid protocols, but they must remain isolated from the other players.

Australia will start the encounter unaltered after Usman Khawaja, who was hit in the head late in the Adelaide game, passed concussion tests.

The team’s experience with pink-ball Tests, according to captain Pat Cummins, should work in their favor.

Cricket Australia released a statement saying that Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald would be apart from the team until they receive negative test results.

“It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols.”

Players are permitted to compete under Covid procedures even if they do not receive a negative test during the next 24 hours, but they are required to remain isolated from the other players.

Australia will start the encounter unchanged after Usman Khawaja, their opener, passed concussion tests following a blow to the head late in the Adelaide game.

The fact that his squad has experience with pink-ball Tests, according to captain Pat Cummins, could be advantageous.

“No doubt playing a pink-ball Test almost every year, and some Shield cricket over the years with the pink ball, helps us familiarise ourselves … perhaps better than oppositions can, just by experience,” he told the media.

[sportsgr8]

Matthew Renshaw Released From Australia’s Test Squad To Play BBL Qualifier

Big Bash League: Australia batter Matthew Renshaw will be released from the men’s Test squad to play for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) qualifier against the Sydney Sixers at the Carrara Stadium in Gold Coast on Friday. Renshaw was selected in Australia's 13-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies, but didn’t make it to the playing eleven. “Renshaw will join the Heat tomorrow evening before returning to Adelaide on Saturday for day four the NRMA Insurance Test match against the West Indies,” said Cricket Australia (CA) in a statement. The move means the Australia men's Test team will be without a spare batter who could be used as a concussion replacement for 24 hours if any of their main batters suffered a concussion against West Indies on day three of the ongoing Adelaide Test. Renshaw had been the concussion replacement for David Warner in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at New Delhi last year. Friday’s qualifier match between the Heat and the Sixers, expected to be a sell-out, will also mark the start of BBL season 13 finals schedule. The Sixers secured their spot in The Qualifier with a three-wicket win against Perth Scorchers in Perth tonight, securing a second chance for progressing into the finals alongside the Heat. Following Friday’s encounter, the Perth Scorchers will host Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium on Saturday in The Knockout, with the winner to advance to The Challenger on Monday. The winner of The Qualifier will host The Final next Wednesday, meaning either the Gold Coast or Sydney will host the biggest game of the season, while the loser will have a second chance in The Challenger on Monday. “We’re incredibly excited for the finals series to get underway on the Gold Coast on Friday night and congratulate all four teams in making it to the business end of the season. Cricket fans in Queensland have been extremely quick to secure their seats for the opening finals match, in what’s shaping as a huge night for the Gold Coast.” “The BBL has had it all this year and we look forward to seeing what the final four matches have in store and who’s crowned KFC BBL|13 champions,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues. Read the full article

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[ad_1] Bumrah addressing the press conference in Brisbane. (PC: X.com) Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has come out in strong support of Mohammed Siraj, despite the latter’s fluctuating form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Siraj has been under the scanner for not being able to replicate his heroics from the 2020-21 series, where he played a pivotal role in securing India’s memorable series win Down Under. He has been blowing hot and cold which has put extra pressure on Bumrah to pick regular wickets. During the Perth and Adelaide Test followed by the first innings of the Brisbane Test, Siraj faced challenges in finding the correct length to make the most of the pitch conditions. His struggle was compounded by a hamstring injury scare on Day 2 at the Gabba, which saw him off the field for nearly a session. However, his resilience shone through as he returned to bowl 23.2 overs, securing two wickets. “In this game, I will give him credit. He had a little bit of a niggle, but he still kept on bowling and helped the team. He knew if he went inside and didn’t bowl (again), the team would be under pressure. He has got a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit that the team loves. I personally love that as well,” Bumrah said of Siraj. His comments underscore the value placed on Siraj’s tenacity and commitment to the team, even under physical duress. Despite Bumrah’s stellar performance, taking six wickets in the first innings, the Australian side managed to score a formidable 445. Siraj has also been a talk among cricket fans for his heated verbal battle with Travis Head, in Adelaide. Bumrah highlighted Siraj’s fighting spirit, noting, “He is always up for a fight and gives it his all for the team. That’s the biggest positive for any cricketer. Even when he wasn’t 100 per cent, he kept fighting for the team. That’s a great attitude.” Bumrah also touched on the nature of cricket, where performance metrics like wickets can be misleading. “In terms of wickets, and all, some days, you will bowl well, and wickets might not come. Some days, you will not bowl very well, but the wickets will follow. It’s all money in the bank,” he explained, suggesting a broader perspective on performance and contribution to the team. Bumrah’s supportive words extend beyond Siraj’s individual performance to the broader context of the team’s bowling strategy and the ongoing transition within the squad. With the likes of Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna very young in the Test circuit, Bumrah said: “We don’t, as a team, point fingers at each other. We don’t want to tell each other, ‘You should do this, and you should do that.’ We, as a team, are going through a transition where new players are coming in,” he said, acknowledging the unique challenges of playing cricket in Australia. The workload on Bumrah has been significant, with him leading the attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami. He has bowled 82 overs, the highest in the series so far, while Siraj has bowled 76.1 overs. The support from the spin department has been less than ideal, but contributions from fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy have been notable. Rain gods saved India’s blushes on Day 3 in Brisbane after the visitors found themselves reeling at 4/51. With more rain predicted on Day 4 and 5, India, if they bat well, can end up drawing the third of the five-Test rubber. The post Bumrah Backs Siraj Despite Form Slump in Australia appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

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[ad_1] Mohammed Shami for Bengal (PC: X) The experienced Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami has played eight domestic games since his return from a serious ankle injury. But there is more to Shami’s return than him just playing domestic matches. A few days after Shami bowled four overs versus Rajasthan, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, India slipped to an ignominious defeat against Australia in Adelaide. Not surprisingly, the fans are now clamouring for Shami to be on a flight to Australia as soon as possible. However, at 34, Shami isn’t getting any younger. And he has had a couple of setbacks on his path to recovery. The latest stumbling block in Shami’s road to chiseling out a way back into the Indian side happened during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. This is what the India Test captain, Rohit Sharma had to say in the press conference. “That door is very much open. But we are just monitoring him. Because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he again got some swelling in his knee. “Which obviously hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very, very careful,”  he added. “We don’t want to bring him here in a situation, and he plays and then he pulls up sore or something happens. We want to be more than 100% sure with him. Because it’s been such a long time that he has not played cricket. And to be fair to him, we don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. So, there are some professionals who are monitoring him.” For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Mohammad Shami (PC: @indiancricketteam on instagram) In this backdrop, we can revisit Shami’s first domestic game this season against Madhya Pradesh. As the match progressed, Shami seemed to get into a better rhythm. Wrist position, Shami’s most loyal weapon, once again worked wonders on a track that had a good covering of grass as he took seven wickets in the match. But looking at the short video clips from the game, it seemed as if Shami wasn’t exactly zipping through the crease and his followthrough. In other words, he just seemed a bit cautious. In the subsequent matches, too, it seemed to be the case with Shami. In addition to the above-mentioned point, one can notice deep footholes at the crease in Australia. And that could put a fast bowler’s body under severe strain. So, the Indian think-tank are rightly not pressing the panic button by not rushing Shami back into the side. At the moment, it is better for the Indian management to trust the likes of Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar.  Shami has been a great servant of Indian cricket. But to select a pacer, who still seems to be on the road to regaining full fitness, ahead of the incumbent players in the squad, would also give a wrong signal to the inexperienced bowlers. Basically, it is an indicator to the younger pace bowlers that “we don’t trust your skills”. Also Read: Harshit Rana criticism after one poor innings highlights the impatience of fandom The post The conundrum surrounding Shami’s return to the Test side appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link