Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis.

Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga.

Born in Sao Paulo in January 1999, Emerson gained his first football education at local side Ponte Preta, before moving to giants Atletico Mineiro while still a teenager. Regular appearances in Brazil’s Serie A brought interest from many European clubs, and he made the leap to join Real Betis in January 2019.

Emerson was gradually introduced into the Real Betis first team set up by then-coach Quique Setien, with one of his first three LaLiga starts coming in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the city derby at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Having settled well in the Andalusian capital, and with a good pre-season behind him, Emerson was the automatic first-choice right-back in time for the 2019/20 season.

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👋 Hello, <a href="https://twitter.com/Emerson_Royal22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emerson_royal22</a>! 
💙❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmersonCuler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmersonCuler</a>
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He heads to Barcelona on the back of a stellar season with Real Betis. He was a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team which put together a remarkable 2021 – in which they lost just twice, to title challengers Barcelona and Sevilla – to finish sixth in style and bag a Europa League spot.

<img alt="Emerson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24e813a9-bca7-453e-930a-d9c071bb4afc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Emerson%20Royal%201.jpg" />

Emerson’s potential has also been quickly spotted by Brazil’s national teams. He featured regularly throughout 2019’s South American Under-20 championships and could well have represented his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan but for postponement due to COVID-19. Already a senior international, he looks set to form a long-term partnership on either side of the Brazil back four with Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who has also broken into the set-up at the same time.

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The athletic and intelligent Emerson's attack-minded contributions from right-back have brought to mind another Brazilian who first made his LaLiga mark in the Andalusian capital, and he now follows in Dani Alves’ footsteps by joining Barcelona this coming season. Given how he has settled in Spain so far, it would be no surprise to see the rising star becoming the starting right-back at the Camp Nou over the next decade.

Emerson’s first two seasons in LaLiga have been impressive, but don’t doubt that there is plenty still to come from one of LaLiga’s most talented and determined rising stars.

Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis. Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga.

Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis. Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga. Born in Sao Paulo in January 1999, Emerson gained his first football education at local side Ponte Preta, before moving to giants Atletico Mineiro while still a teenager. Regular appearances in Brazil’s Serie A brought interest from many European clubs, and he made the leap to join Real Betis in January 2019. Emerson was gradually introduced into the Real Betis first team set up by then-coach Quique Setien, with one of his first three LaLiga starts coming in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the city derby at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Having settled well in the Andalusian capital, and with a good pre-season behind him, Emerson was the automatic first-choice right-back in time for the 2019/20 season. ALSO READ: Football: England coach Southgate slams fans who booed players taking a knee 👋 Hello, @emerson_royal22! 💙❤️ #EmersonCuler — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 2, 2021 × He heads to Barcelona on the back of a stellar season with Real Betis. He was a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team which put together a remarkable 2021 – in which they lost just twice, to title challengers Barcelona and Sevilla – to finish sixth in style and bag a Europa League spot. Emerson’s potential has also been quickly spotted by Brazil’s national teams. He featured regularly throughout 2019’s South American Under-20 championships and could well have represented his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan but for postponement due to COVID-19. Already a senior international, he looks set to form a long-term partnership on either side of the Brazil back four with Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who has also broken into the set-up at the same time. ALSO READ: Football: Lukaku to stay at Serie A champions Inter next season The athletic and intelligent Emerson's attack-minded contributions from right-back have brought to mind another Brazilian who first made his LaLiga mark in the Andalusian capital, and he now follows in Dani Alves’ footsteps by joining Barcelona this coming season. Given how he has settled in Spain so far, it would be no surprise to see the rising star becoming the starting right-back at the Camp Nou over the next decade. Emerson’s first two seasons in LaLiga have been impressive, but don’t doubt that there is plenty still to come from one of LaLiga’s most talented and determined rising stars.

Football: LaLiga - New Barcelona signing Emerson Royal set to take next step to stardom at the Camp Nou

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final. <o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar, while recalling the criticism of Indian pitches when England visited India earlier in the year, said there was a lot of “moaning” about the tracks during the four-Test series, played in Chennai and Ahmedabad. <o:p></o:p>

"Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Telegraph.<o:p></o:p>

However, the legendary Indian cricketer added that grassy pitches will no longer bother Virat Kohli and Co due to the quality of pace bowlers in the set-up while further saying that India have the bowling attack to give “problems” to the hosts. <o:p></o:p>

“That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too," Gavaskar added.

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Gavaskar further opined that the gap of 40 days between the WTC final and England Test series will allow India to prepare enough for the five-match rubber by playing some practice matches. <o:p></o:p>

"The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them,” he wrote.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-test-championship-final-will-be-challenging-but-its-time-to-enjoy-virat-kohli-389017" hreflang="en">Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli</a><o:p></o:p>

The iconic former Indian opener went on to say that the chances are high that it will be an “Indian summer” hinting that the visitors can pull off a series win on English conditions.<o:p></o:p>

“It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England," he added.<o:p></o:p>

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it won’t be surprising if England prepare green tracks for India in the upcoming five-Test series against India, scheduled to commence from August 4, after the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship final. Gavaskar, while recalling the criticism of Indian pitches when England visited India earlier in the year, said there was a lot of “moaning” about the tracks during the four-Test series, played in Chennai and Ahmedabad. "Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won't be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Telegraph. However, the legendary Indian cricketer added that grassy pitches will no longer bother Virat Kohli and Co due to the quality of pace bowlers in the set-up while further saying that India have the bowling attack to give “problems” to the hosts. “That is no longer a worry as India have an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too," Gavaskar added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Bubble life 'taken a toll on me mentally' - Andre Russell Gavaskar further opined that the gap of 40 days between the WTC final and England Test series will allow India to prepare enough for the five-match rubber by playing some practice matches. "The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket. After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Test series starts against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them,” he wrote. ALSO READ: Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli The iconic former Indian opener went on to say that the chances are high that it will be an “Indian summer” hinting that the visitors can pull off a series win on English conditions. “It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England," he added.

Cricket: 'Won't be surprising if England prepare grassy pitches but expect 'Indian summer' - Sunil Gavaskar on India's tour of England

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has said that the bio-bubble life has “definitely taken a toll” on him because of the strict restrictions and quarantine rules imposed on participating players and staff in T20 tournaments and international series. <o:p></o:p>

Russell, who was last seen playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, is gearing up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the UAE, which is likely to resume on June 7. However, moving from one bubble to another has taken a mental toll on Russell as he said that players not being able to go out for a walk and being locked inside a room doesn’t help. <o:p></o:p>

"I think it's taking a toll on myself," Russell told Geo News.<o:p></o:p>

"I can't talk for any other player, or coaches or anyone that goes through this whole quarantine stuff. But it's definitely taken a toll on me mentally because from bubble to bubble, in a room locked in, you can't go out for a walk, you can't go certain places, you can't socialise, it's different.<o:p></o:p>

"But at the end of the day, I'm not being ungrateful, I'm grateful that we're still playing, we're still doing our job. So it's tough for us. But even though we prepared for it, it still takes a toll."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-dilip-vengsarkar-picks-team-indias-game-changers-for-wtc-final-vs-new-zealand-389171" hreflang="en">Cricket: Dilip Vengsarkar picks Team India's game-changers for WTC final vs New Zealand</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The West Indies brute said that he tries to kill time by using the bike in his room or trying other exercises during the tournaments, where players have to follow strict protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

"So for me, I like to have a bike or something in my room so that I can get my heart rate up," he said. "I would utilise the space that I have, go on the floor, do some of some push-ups. For some exercise, I use stuff in the room to just get something done."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-difficult-to-stay-motivated-skipper-virat-kohli-on-mental-wellbeing-of-players-ahead-of-wtc-finals-389022" hreflang="en">'Very difficult to stay motivated': Skipper Virat Kohli on mental-wellbeing of players ahead of WTC finals</a><o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the PSL is set to resume from June 7 and the remaining 20 matches of the tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi where the players and other participants are undergoing quarantine ahead of the T20 tournament.<o:p></o:p>

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has said that the bio-bubble life has “definitely taken a toll” on him because of the strict restrictions and quarantine rules imposed on participating players and staff in T20 tournaments and international series.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has said that the bio-bubble life has “definitely taken a toll” on him because of the strict restrictions and quarantine rules imposed on participating players and staff in T20 tournaments and international series. Russell, who was last seen playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, is gearing up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the UAE, which is likely to resume on June 7. However, moving from one bubble to another has taken a mental toll on Russell as he said that players not being able to go out for a walk and being locked inside a room doesn’t help. "I think it's taking a toll on myself," Russell told Geo News. "I can't talk for any other player, or coaches or anyone that goes through this whole quarantine stuff. But it's definitely taken a toll on me mentally because from bubble to bubble, in a room locked in, you can't go out for a walk, you can't go certain places, you can't socialise, it's different. "But at the end of the day, I'm not being ungrateful, I'm grateful that we're still playing, we're still doing our job. So it's tough for us. But even though we prepared for it, it still takes a toll." ALSO READ: Cricket: Dilip Vengsarkar picks Team India's game-changers for WTC final vs New Zealand The West Indies brute said that he tries to kill time by using the bike in his room or trying other exercises during the tournaments, where players have to follow strict protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "So for me, I like to have a bike or something in my room so that I can get my heart rate up," he said. "I would utilise the space that I have, go on the floor, do some of some push-ups. For some exercise, I use stuff in the room to just get something done." ALSO READ: 'Very difficult to stay motivated': Skipper Virat Kohli on mental-wellbeing of players ahead of WTC finals Meanwhile, the PSL is set to resume from June 7 and the remaining 20 matches of the tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi where the players and other participants are undergoing quarantine ahead of the T20 tournament.

Cricket: Bubble life 'taken a toll on me mentally' - Andre Russell

The rise of Indian talents in the international circuit has been immense in the last couple of years. The Indian cricket team has produced many exciting talents that have won matches for India, at home and away. As Team India gears up for a gruelling tour of the UK, wherein they will play the final of ICC World Test Championship and five-Test series against England. <o:p></o:p>

As India gear up for the intense matches in the longest format of the game, former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has given his take on who could be the game-changer for the visitors in the WTC final and series against England. <o:p></o:p>

While the Indian team has quite a few young match-winners at its helm with Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur in the touring team, Vengsarkar said that the role of wicketkeeper-batsman Pant could be game-changing for India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-deeply-regret-my-actions-ollie-robinson-apologises-for-sexist-and-racist-tweets-389154" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Deeply regret my actions': Ollie Robinson apologises for sexist and racist tweets</a><o:p></o:p>

“You cannot have a fixed idea about certain things. The wicketkeeper is in a very important position in the team. Besides effecting stumpings and run-outs, if he is batting well, why not? If you have someone like Rishabh Pant, who can change the complexion of the match with his batting also, that is a huge advantage for the Indian team,” Vengsarkar told CricketNext. <o:p></o:p>

“You cannot have a fixed mind and say wicket-keeping comes first. If you are improving as a wicketkeeper, why not? The same thing happened with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He kept improving,” Vengsarkar added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-joe-root-eyes-clean-sweep-against-new-zealand-and-india-before-ashes-389059" hreflang="en">Cricket: Joe Root eyes clean-sweep against New Zealand and India before Ashes</a><o:p></o:p>

While the WTC final is scheduled to be played from June 18 in Southampton, the five-match Test series against England commence from August 4. India will play a few intra-squad friendly matches in England to get accustomed to the conditions. <o:p></o:p>

The rise of Indian talents in the international circuit has been immense in the last couple of years. The Indian cricket team has produced many exciting talents that have won matches for India, at home and away.

The rise of Indian talents in the international circuit has been immense in the last couple of years. The Indian cricket team has produced many exciting talents that have won matches for India, at home and away. As Team India gears up for a gruelling tour of the UK, wherein they will play the final of ICC World Test Championship and five-Test series against England. As India gear up for the intense matches in the longest format of the game, former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has given his take on who could be the game-changer for the visitors in the WTC final and series against England. While the Indian team has quite a few young match-winners at its helm with Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur in the touring team, Vengsarkar said that the role of wicketkeeper-batsman Pant could be game-changing for India. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Deeply regret my actions': Ollie Robinson apologises for sexist and racist tweets “You cannot have a fixed idea about certain things. The wicketkeeper is in a very important position in the team. Besides effecting stumpings and run-outs, if he is batting well, why not? If you have someone like Rishabh Pant, who can change the complexion of the match with his batting also, that is a huge advantage for the Indian team,” Vengsarkar told CricketNext. “You cannot have a fixed mind and say wicket-keeping comes first. If you are improving as a wicketkeeper, why not? The same thing happened with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He kept improving,” Vengsarkar added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Joe Root eyes clean-sweep against New Zealand and India before Ashes While the WTC final is scheduled to be played from June 18 in Southampton, the five-match Test series against England commence from August 4. India will play a few intra-squad friendly matches in England to get accustomed to the conditions.

Cricket: Dilip Vengsarkar picks Team India's game-changers for WTC final vs New Zealand

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series. <o:p></o:p>

Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Root on Tuesday had said that before the Ashes, the England side is looking to win all the seven Tests against New Zealand and India while saying that it is the best way to prepare for a gruelling Ashes tour. <o:p></o:p>

“It is of utmost importance, absolutely. But the way we are best going to prepare ourselves is by performing well in these seven Tests, by winning seven Test matches against the best two sides in the world,” Root said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, England have had a tricky start against New Zealand in the first Test with Black Caps debutant Devon Conway scoring a hundred.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-two-indian-team-playing-different-formats-the-way-forward-opines-ravi-shastri-389040" hreflang="en">Cricket: Two Indian team playing different formats the way forward, opines Ravi Shastri</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">England vs New Zealand<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Test 1: June 2 to June 6, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Test 2: June 10 to June 14, Edgbaston, Birmingham<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">England vs India<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">First Test: August 4-8, Trent Bridge, Nottingham<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Second Test: August 12-16, Lord’s, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Third Test: August 25-29, Headingley, Leeds<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fourth Test: September 2 to September 6, Kennington Oval, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fifth Test: September 10-14, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Ashes Series 2021-22 Schedule:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">First Test – Gabba, Brisbane (December 8-12, 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Second Test – Adelaide Oval, Day-Night (December 16-20, 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Stadium (26 to 30 December 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fourth Test- Sydney Cricket Stadium (January 5 to 9, 2022)</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fifth Test – Perth Cricket Stadium (January 14 to 18, 2022)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series.

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series. Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Root on Tuesday had said that before the Ashes, the England side is looking to win all the seven Tests against New Zealand and India while saying that it is the best way to prepare for a gruelling Ashes tour. “It is of utmost importance, absolutely. But the way we are best going to prepare ourselves is by performing well in these seven Tests, by winning seven Test matches against the best two sides in the world,” Root said. Meanwhile, England have had a tricky start against New Zealand in the first Test with Black Caps debutant Devon Conway scoring a hundred. ALSO READ: Cricket: Two Indian team playing different formats the way forward, opines Ravi Shastri England vs New Zealand Test 1: June 2 to June 6, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London Test 2: June 10 to June 14, Edgbaston, Birmingham England vs India First Test: August 4-8, Trent Bridge, Nottingham Second Test: August 12-16, Lord’s, London Third Test: August 25-29, Headingley, Leeds Fourth Test: September 2 to September 6, Kennington Oval, London Fifth Test: September 10-14, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Ashes Series 2021-22 Schedule: First Test – Gabba, Brisbane (December 8-12, 2021) Second Test – Adelaide Oval, Day-Night (December 16-20, 2021) Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Stadium (26 to 30 December 2021) Fourth Test- Sydney Cricket Stadium (January 5 to 9, 2022) Fifth Test – Perth Cricket Stadium (January 14 to 18, 2022)

Cricket: Joe Root eyes clean-sweep against New Zealand and India before Ashes

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that two Indian squads travelling to different venues at the same time for two different series could become a norm in the draining world of bio-secure bubbles wherein the cricketers are forced to live amid COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

“Playing with two squads in different locations regularly is a possibility in the long run,” Shastri said in the pre-departure press conference.<o:p></o:p>

The Virat Kohli-led Indian team is set to depart for their tour of the UK where they will play the ICC World Test Championship final before locking horns with England for a five-Test series. At the same time, the second-string Indian team will play Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series in July. <o:p></o:p>

However, Shastri said that playing two different teams could also help T20 cricket to spread across the globe.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-difficult-to-stay-motivated-skipper-virat-kohli-on-mental-wellbeing-of-players-ahead-of-wtc-finals-389022" hreflang="en">'Very difficult to stay motivated': Skipper Virat Kohli on mental-wellbeing of players ahead of WTC finals</a>

<o:p></o:p>

"Well you never know. At the moment it's happening because of the current situation and restriction in travel and things of that sort. But you never know. In the future if you want to expand the game, especially in the shorter of formats, then it could be the way to go,” said Shastri.<o:p></o:p>

"You know, why not, when you have that much volume of cricketers and if you want to spread the T20 game, across the globe, then that could be the way ahead because if you're talking of Olympics in four years or eight years'' time, you need more countries to play the game. So that could be a way forward," he added.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, captain Virat Kohli also echoed Shastri’s opinion as he said that playing regular cricket with quarantine and bio-bubble restriction in place, is a tough ask on players as it is difficult for them to stay motivated and find the right kind of mental space.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-test-championship-final-will-be-challenging-but-its-time-to-enjoy-virat-kohli-389017" hreflang="en">Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli</a><o:p></o:p>

"With the current structure and the kind of structure that you're competing inside for a long period of time, it's very difficult for the players to stay motivated and find the right kind of mental space," said Kohli.<o:p></o:p>

"You know just confined in one area and just doing the stuff, day in day out when you're dealing with high pressure situations. So, this (two squads) will definitely become a norm for the future," he added.<o:p></o:p>

The final of World Test Championship between India and New Zealand is set to be played in Southampton from June 18.<o:p></o:p>

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that two Indian squads travelling to different venues at the same time for two different series could become a norm in the draining world of bio-secure bubbles wherein the cricketers are forced to live amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that two Indian squads travelling to different venues at the same time for two different series could become a norm in the draining world of bio-secure bubbles wherein the cricketers are forced to live amid COVID-19 pandemic. “Playing with two squads in different locations regularly is a possibility in the long run,” Shastri said in the pre-departure press conference. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team is set to depart for their tour of the UK where they will play the ICC World Test Championship final before locking horns with England for a five-Test series. At the same time, the second-string Indian team will play Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series in July. However, Shastri said that playing two different teams could also help T20 cricket to spread across the globe. ALSO READ: 'Very difficult to stay motivated': Skipper Virat Kohli on mental-wellbeing of players ahead of WTC finals "Well you never know. At the moment it's happening because of the current situation and restriction in travel and things of that sort. But you never know. In the future if you want to expand the game, especially in the shorter of formats, then it could be the way to go,” said Shastri. "You know, why not, when you have that much volume of cricketers and if you want to spread the T20 game, across the globe, then that could be the way ahead because if you're talking of Olympics in four years or eight years'' time, you need more countries to play the game. So that could be a way forward," he added. Furthermore, captain Virat Kohli also echoed Shastri’s opinion as he said that playing regular cricket with quarantine and bio-bubble restriction in place, is a tough ask on players as it is difficult for them to stay motivated and find the right kind of mental space. ALSO READ: Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli "With the current structure and the kind of structure that you're competing inside for a long period of time, it's very difficult for the players to stay motivated and find the right kind of mental space," said Kohli. "You know just confined in one area and just doing the stuff, day in day out when you're dealing with high pressure situations. So, this (two squads) will definitely become a norm for the future," he added. The final of World Test Championship between India and New Zealand is set to be played in Southampton from June 18.

Cricket: Two Indian team playing different formats the way forward, opines Ravi Shastri

Indian captain Virat Kohli, ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, said that the summit clash will be challenging for his team but added there is no pressure on him. The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand is set to take place in Southampton from June 18.<o:p></o:p>

Opining on the challenges India are set to face in English conditions, Kohli said it is time for the Indian team to enjoy the event as they have put immense hard work on the road to the final. <o:p></o:p>

After the WTC final, India will have a good break for a few weeks before the five-Test series against England, starting August 4. Kohli said the break will give the players time to rest and relax while adding that the period will give time for the team to regroup before an important series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-best-of-three-final-would-be-ideal-ravi-shastri-opines-on-wtc-final-format-389009" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Best of three final would be ideal' - Ravi Shastri opines on WTC Final format</a>

<o:p></o:p>

"WTC final will be challenging for the team. But it's time to enjoy what we've has done in past years. There's no pressure on me and there won't be in the future. It's the final, so it's time to enjoy it," Virat Kohli said in the pre-departure presser.<o:p></o:p>

"It's a great opportunity to reflect and relax. Just for the guys to roam around freely, considering that we will have a five-Test series coming. It will give us time to regroup and that is required before an important series like this," said Kohli when asked about the long gap between the WTC final and England series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-virat-is-the-most-impactful-batsman-in-the-world-says-salman-butt-389012" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Virat is the most impactful batsman in the world', says Salman Butt</a>

India are set to depart to the UK in the early hours of Thursday. The Indian team will undergo hard quarantine upon landing in the UK but would be allowed to train gradually as RT-PCR tests come negative. Notably, India have already served a 14-day quarantine in India.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Indian captain Virat Kohli, ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, said that the summit clash will be challenging for his team but added there is no pressure on him.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, said that the summit clash will be challenging for his team but added there is no pressure on him. The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand is set to take place in Southampton from June 18. Opining on the challenges India are set to face in English conditions, Kohli said it is time for the Indian team to enjoy the event as they have put immense hard work on the road to the final. After the WTC final, India will have a good break for a few weeks before the five-Test series against England, starting August 4. Kohli said the break will give the players time to rest and relax while adding that the period will give time for the team to regroup before an important series. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Best of three final would be ideal' - Ravi Shastri opines on WTC Final format "WTC final will be challenging for the team. But it's time to enjoy what we've has done in past years. There's no pressure on me and there won't be in the future. It's the final, so it's time to enjoy it," Virat Kohli said in the pre-departure presser. "It's a great opportunity to reflect and relax. Just for the guys to roam around freely, considering that we will have a five-Test series coming. It will give us time to regroup and that is required before an important series like this," said Kohli when asked about the long gap between the WTC final and England series. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Virat is the most impactful batsman in the world', says Salman Butt India are set to depart to the UK in the early hours of Thursday. The Indian team will undergo hard quarantine upon landing in the UK but would be allowed to train gradually as RT-PCR tests come negative. Notably, India have already served a 14-day quarantine in India.

Cricket: World Test Championship Final will be challenging but it's time to enjoy - Virat Kohli

India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that the ICC World Test Championship should have been a best of three contest going forward and not a one-off match like the upcoming India versus New Zealand match in the inaugural edition of the tournament. India depart for the UK in the early hours of Thursday to participate in the WTC against the Black Caps in Southampton, scheduled to start from June 18. <o:p></o:p>

The Virat Kohli-led outfit would go on to play five matches against England starting August 4. <o:p></o:p>

"I think ideally, in the long run, if they want to pursue with this Test championship, best of three final would be ideal. A three-match series as a culmination of two and a half years of cricket," Shastri said in the pre-departure press conference. <o:p></o:p>

"But they need to finish off the Future Tours Program (FTP) and then start all over again. So one-off is one-off, guys have earned their stripes, and this is not a team that is suddenly blossomed overnight." <o:p></o:p>

India have already completed a 14-day quarantine in India before flying to the UK whereas New Zealand are getting match practice with the two-match series against England before the WTC final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-james-anderson-equalises-alastair-cooks-record-of-most-england-test-caps-388971" hreflang="en">Cricket: James Anderson equalises Alastair Cook's record of most England Test caps</a>

Shastri said that that the WTC final is going to be the biggest if not the biggest as it is being played in the toughest format of the game.<o:p></o:p>

India fly to the UK after a 14-day quarantine while New Zealand are already getting valuable practice with the two-match series underway against England. Shastri said the WTC final is a massive game. <o:p></o:p>

"See, it is the first time that you have a Test Championship final. When you look at the magnitude of the game that's going to be played, I think this is the biggest, if not the biggest ever, because it's the toughest form of the game. <o:p></o:p>

"It's a format that tests you. It's not happened over three days or three months, it's happened over two years, where teams have played each other around the world, and earned their stripes to play the finals so it's one heck of an event."<o:p></o:p>

India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that the ICC World Test Championship should have been a best of three contest going forward and not a one-off match like the upcoming India versus New Zealand match in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said that the ICC World Test Championship should have been a best of three contest going forward and not a one-off match like the upcoming India versus New Zealand match in the inaugural edition of the tournament. India depart for the UK in the early hours of Thursday to participate in the WTC against the Black Caps in Southampton, scheduled to start from June 18. The Virat Kohli-led outfit would go on to play five matches against England starting August 4. "I think ideally, in the long run, if they want to pursue with this Test championship, best of three final would be ideal. A three-match series as a culmination of two and a half years of cricket," Shastri said in the pre-departure press conference. "But they need to finish off the Future Tours Program (FTP) and then start all over again. So one-off is one-off, guys have earned their stripes, and this is not a team that is suddenly blossomed overnight." India have already completed a 14-day quarantine in India before flying to the UK whereas New Zealand are getting match practice with the two-match series against England before the WTC final. ALSO READ: Cricket: James Anderson equalises Alastair Cook's record of most England Test caps Shastri said that that the WTC final is going to be the biggest if not the biggest as it is being played in the toughest format of the game. India fly to the UK after a 14-day quarantine while New Zealand are already getting valuable practice with the two-match series underway against England. Shastri said the WTC final is a massive game. "See, it is the first time that you have a Test Championship final. When you look at the magnitude of the game that's going to be played, I think this is the biggest, if not the biggest ever, because it's the toughest form of the game. "It's a format that tests you. It's not happened over three days or three months, it's happened over two years, where teams have played each other around the world, and earned their stripes to play the finals so it's one heck of an event."

Cricket: 'Best of three final would be ideal' - Ravi Shastri opines on WTC Final format

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs. <o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar opined that he gets excited whenever he watches a T20 match as it brings quick results into the play while adding he jumps out of his chair whenever someone plays an unorthodox shot. <o:p></o:p>

“I know a lot of who played around my time, they’re not happy with the T20 format, but I actually love it. I love it for a simple reason that you know it’s a 3-hour game, and you get a result, and you get to see so much of action,” said Gavaskar on The Analyst Inside podcast.<o:p></o:p>

“When somebody plays the switch hit and the reverse sweep, I’m out of my chair because I think those are fabulous and incredible shots, and it takes a lot of skill to be able to hit them for sixes,” explained the 71-year-old.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-those-people-judging-you-sheldon-jackson-lashes-out-on-team-indias-selectors-388955" hreflang="en">'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors</a><o:p></o:p>

Gavaskar named former South Africa captain AB de Villiers as a batsman he would have loved to bat like and replicate the shots. The former Indian skipper lauded a few technicalities in de Villiers’ batting as he said he loves watching him bat.<o:p></o:p>

“AB de Villiers, bat like him, you know 360 degrees, play everything. I mean, just make it look as if you’re having a net. He makes it look so simple. He hits a fair distance, and he is very elegant as well. When he hits some of those shots, I love how his bat’s follow-through goes right over the shoulder. It’s not one of those punches; it’s like a proper shot. I love watching him bat,” Gavaskar added further.<o:p></o:p>

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs.

Former India captain and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar has named one batsman he would love to play like in modern cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket and its evolution has changed the way modern-day batters think about the game while finding unique shots to score runs. Gavaskar opined that he gets excited whenever he watches a T20 match as it brings quick results into the play while adding he jumps out of his chair whenever someone plays an unorthodox shot. “I know a lot of who played around my time, they’re not happy with the T20 format, but I actually love it. I love it for a simple reason that you know it’s a 3-hour game, and you get a result, and you get to see so much of action,” said Gavaskar on The Analyst Inside podcast. “When somebody plays the switch hit and the reverse sweep, I’m out of my chair because I think those are fabulous and incredible shots, and it takes a lot of skill to be able to hit them for sixes,” explained the 71-year-old. ALSO READ: 'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors Gavaskar named former South Africa captain AB de Villiers as a batsman he would have loved to bat like and replicate the shots. The former Indian skipper lauded a few technicalities in de Villiers’ batting as he said he loves watching him bat. “AB de Villiers, bat like him, you know 360 degrees, play everything. I mean, just make it look as if you’re having a net. He makes it look so simple. He hits a fair distance, and he is very elegant as well. When he hits some of those shots, I love how his bat’s follow-through goes right over the shoulder. It’s not one of those punches; it’s like a proper shot. I love watching him bat,” Gavaskar added further.

Sunil Gavaskar names one batsman he would love to replicate in modern-day cricket

Star Bangladesh cricketers Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are set to miss the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to be held in UAE in the September-October window. Both Shakib and Mustafizur are unlikely to receive the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

While Shakib plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, Mustafizur plies trade for Rajasthan Royals.<o:p></o:p>

IPL 2021 was postponed on May 4 after multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bio-secure bubble. It is likely to resume around September 19 with the final on October 10. <o:p></o:p>

BCB chief Nazmul has said that it is impossible to provide Shakib and Mustafizur with NOCs due to Bangladesh's international commitment while adding that every international fixture is important due to the upcoming T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-steve-smith-the-batting-virtuoso-388979" hreflang="en">Happy Birthday Steve Smith - The batting virtuoso</a><o:p></o:p>

“It is almost impossible to provide NOC (for IPL) considering our international commitments. I don’t see any chance of giving it (NOC) to them. We have the (T20) World Cup coming up and now every match is important,” Nazmul was quoted as saying by a local Bengali news channel.<o:p></o:p>

Bangladesh play Australia, New Zealand and England in the same window when IPL 2021 is set to resume.<o:p></o:p>

Even there are question marks over the participation of England players. Whereas Australia have said that they are yet to hold discussions over players' participation in the remainder of IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

Star Bangladesh cricketers Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are set to miss the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to be held in UAE in the September-October window.

Star Bangladesh cricketers Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are set to miss the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to be held in UAE in the September-October window. Both Shakib and Mustafizur are unlikely to receive the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for IPL 2021. While Shakib plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, Mustafizur plies trade for Rajasthan Royals. IPL 2021 was postponed on May 4 after multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bio-secure bubble. It is likely to resume around September 19 with the final on October 10. BCB chief Nazmul has said that it is impossible to provide Shakib and Mustafizur with NOCs due to Bangladesh's international commitment while adding that every international fixture is important due to the upcoming T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Happy Birthday Steve Smith - The batting virtuoso “It is almost impossible to provide NOC (for IPL) considering our international commitments. I don’t see any chance of giving it (NOC) to them. We have the (T20) World Cup coming up and now every match is important,” Nazmul was quoted as saying by a local Bengali news channel. Bangladesh play Australia, New Zealand and England in the same window when IPL 2021 is set to resume. Even there are question marks over the participation of England players. Whereas Australia have said that they are yet to hold discussions over players' participation in the remainder of IPL 2021.

Cricket: Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman unlikely to play in IPL 2021 in UAE

Steve&nbsp;Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve&nbsp;Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

At the point when Steve&nbsp;Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales.

Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne.

Between Steve&nbsp;Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got&nbsp;back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in&nbsp;that match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-those-people-judging-you-sheldon-jackson-lashes-out-on-team-indias-selectors-388955" hreflang="en">'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors</a>

His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England.&nbsp;

His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn.

He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now.

Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are&nbsp;the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand.&nbsp;

As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators.

To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories.&nbsp;

Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve&nbsp;Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness.

All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides.

His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game.

He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve&nbsp;Smith.&nbsp;

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations. At the point when Steve Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales. Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne. Between Steve Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners. Steve Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon. Steve Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in that match. ALSO READ: 'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England. His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn. He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now. Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand. As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators. To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories. Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness. All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides. His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game. He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve Smith.

Happy Birthday Steve Smith - The batting virtuoso

Veteran pacer James Anderson on Wednesday equalised Alastair Cook’s record of playing most Test matches for England. Anderson was named in the England playing XI for the series opener against New Zealand at the Lord’s and the icon of the game will take the field for the 161st time in the longest format of the game. <o:p></o:p>

Anderson, who has been hailed as one of the greatest of all-time, has scalped a staggering 614 wickets in the longest format of the game. He will be looking to continue his terrific run of form in English conditions and trouble New Zealand in what will be the start of England’s Test summer of 2021. <o:p></o:p>

The veteran pacer will also look to eye a phenomenal record as he is just shy by eight wickets to complete 1000 First-Class wickets. He will become only the second England bowler to scalp 1000 FC wicket after Andy Caddick in 2005.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-new-zealand-live-streaming-day-1-when-and-where-to-watch-eng-vs-nz-1st-test-388952" hreflang="en">England vs New Zealand, Live Streaming, Day 1: When and where to watch ENG vs NZ 1st Test?</a>

Anderson has played 160 Test matches since his debut in 2002 against Zimbabwe. Anderson is the 4th-ranked Test bowler in the world and the only English player to feature in the top-5 of ICC Test bowling rankings. <o:p></o:p>

The English pacer has also played 194 ODI matches for his country and has taken 269 wickets at an average of 29.22. <o:p></o:p>

In 2020, Anderson became the first fast bowler in the world to reach 600 wickets in Test cricket.<o:p></o:p>

Veteran pacer James Anderson on Wednesday equalised Alastair Cook’s record of playing most Test matches for England. Anderson was named in the England playing XI for the series opener against New Zealand at the Lord’s and the icon of the game will take the field for the 161st time in the longest format of the game.

Veteran pacer James Anderson on Wednesday equalised Alastair Cook’s record of playing most Test matches for England. Anderson was named in the England playing XI for the series opener against New Zealand at the Lord’s and the icon of the game will take the field for the 161st time in the longest format of the game. Anderson, who has been hailed as one of the greatest of all-time, has scalped a staggering 614 wickets in the longest format of the game. He will be looking to continue his terrific run of form in English conditions and trouble New Zealand in what will be the start of England’s Test summer of 2021. The veteran pacer will also look to eye a phenomenal record as he is just shy by eight wickets to complete 1000 First-Class wickets. He will become only the second England bowler to scalp 1000 FC wicket after Andy Caddick in 2005. ALSO READ: England vs New Zealand, Live Streaming, Day 1: When and where to watch ENG vs NZ 1st Test? Anderson has played 160 Test matches since his debut in 2002 against Zimbabwe. Anderson is the 4th-ranked Test bowler in the world and the only English player to feature in the top-5 of ICC Test bowling rankings. The English pacer has also played 194 ODI matches for his country and has taken 269 wickets at an average of 29.22. In 2020, Anderson became the first fast bowler in the world to reach 600 wickets in Test cricket.

Cricket: James Anderson equalises Alastair Cook's record of most England Test caps

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