<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c6144c34-f13f-4e4e-ae2c-9c055dfad4aa}{100}" paraid="1477483314" >Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim has said that the Men in Blue are ''blessed'' to have two talented players in Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant who are similar to MS Dhoni.&nbsp;The former&nbsp;glovesman&nbsp;further said that he expects both Pant and Ishan to play for India in all three formats of the game and do well.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c1bfd561-2232-4d6c-b787-9da83e526136}{177}" paraid="434860249" >Karim has been left impressed by Ishan and&nbsp;Pant’s&nbsp;aggression and also how the two youngsters are playing fearless cricket with calculated risks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c1bfd561-2232-4d6c-b787-9da83e526136}{157}" paraid="859282351" >"It seems like that. If the Indian team can get two Dhoni's, there cannot be a bigger thing than that. The fearless and carefree manner in which both these players have played and they know what their roles are and showed amazing aggression and that too with calculated risks,” Karim said during a discussion on India News.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{38821ba5-abb2-4aec-8a11-1ca48466485b}{215}" paraid="913555515" >The former cricketer added that Ishan and Pant are match-winners and India are blessed to have the duo in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{38821ba5-abb2-4aec-8a11-1ca48466485b}{215}" paraid="913555515" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-explains-why-he-finds-questions-on-return-to-odis-t20is-as-laughable-370868" hreflang="en">R Ashwin explains why he finds questions on return to ODIs, T20Is as 'laughable'</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d8a05a26-34d4-432d-ad08-17d18b92f0a7}{19}" paraid="327201554" >"Both the batsmen have always attempted to prove themselves as match-winners. Earlier Rishabh Pant proved that and now when Ishan Kishan has been given an opportunity, his mindset has also been similar.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6a3d2a8e-026c-4843-b0c3-7654718c2af9}{116}" paraid="1928569518" >"So&nbsp;I feel India is blessed to have match-winning ability players like Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant in the shorter format of the game. I have full confidence that in the future Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant will represent India in all three formats," Karim added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d8a05a26-34d4-432d-ad08-17d18b92f0a7}{31}" paraid="372406857" >Pant has seen a turnaround in his career. After being sidelined from all formats of the game, the southpaw stormed back into form in the last three months and won games for India against Australia and England. Whereas Ishan became the second Indian, after Ajinkya Rahane, to score&nbsp;a half-century in T20I debut.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d8a05a26-34d4-432d-ad08-17d18b92f0a7}{31}" paraid="372406857" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{23e1619f-0a12-4508-b814-8f19cdde78ec}{122}" paraid="1108720727" >Karim reckons Ishan and Pant have a solid foundation after representing India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e52126f5-376e-4bcc-ad35-3089fbccd8b3}{172}" paraid="1427660845" >“Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant have both played the Under-19 World Cup for India in 2016.&nbsp;So&nbsp;their foundation has been extremely solid. They know their responsibilities in international cricket and how they have to prove themselves,” Karim further said&nbsp;</p>


Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim has said that the Men in Blue are ''blessed'' to have two talented players in Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant who are similar to MS Dhoni.

Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim has said that the Men in Blue are ''blessed'' to have two talented players in Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant who are similar to MS Dhoni. The former glovesman further said that he expects both Pant and Ishan to play for India in all three formats of the game and do well. Karim has been left impressed by Ishan and Pant’s aggression and also how the two youngsters are playing fearless cricket with calculated risks. "It seems like that. If the Indian team can get two Dhoni's, there cannot be a bigger thing than that. The fearless and carefree manner in which both these players have played and they know what their roles are and showed amazing aggression and that too with calculated risks,” Karim said during a discussion on India News. The former cricketer added that Ishan and Pant are match-winners and India are blessed to have the duo in the shortest format of the game. ALSO READ: R Ashwin explains why he finds questions on return to ODIs, T20Is as 'laughable' "Both the batsmen have always attempted to prove themselves as match-winners. Earlier Rishabh Pant proved that and now when Ishan Kishan has been given an opportunity, his mindset has also been similar. "So I feel India is blessed to have match-winning ability players like Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant in the shorter format of the game. I have full confidence that in the future Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant will represent India in all three formats," Karim added. Pant has seen a turnaround in his career. After being sidelined from all formats of the game, the southpaw stormed back into form in the last three months and won games for India against Australia and England. Whereas Ishan became the second Indian, after Ajinkya Rahane, to score a half-century in T20I debut. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Karim reckons Ishan and Pant have a solid foundation after representing India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2016. “Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant have both played the Under-19 World Cup for India in 2016. So their foundation has been extremely solid. They know their responsibilities in international cricket and how they have to prove themselves,” Karim further said

India blessed to have 2 players like MS Dhoni in Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, says Saba Karim

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{67a0e525-e8eb-45e9-ae90-2d04e03fd0d7}{63}" paraid="79725900" >Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that he is ready to give a "game-breaking performance” if called up to Team India's limited-overs squad. The off-spinner who&nbsp;was the pick of the bowlers in Test series against Australia and England find himself out of India's T20I side but Ashwin has&nbsp;said he finds himself at peace with the life he's leading right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d1325f74-491e-4667-b695-da3f3f8ebae8}{77}" paraid="1376568621" >Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker among spinners in Australia as he scalped 12 wickets in three matches. The veteran returned to home soil and picked up 32 wickets in 4 Tests to end up being the leading wicket-taker in the series. However, he was not named in India's T20I squad versus England.&nbsp;Despite not being named in the limited-overs squad, Ashwin finds questions on his return to ODI and T20I cricket "laughable".&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a907a63d-aafa-44be-896f-32e3ec288332}{22}" paraid="645471690" >"A lot of times people tell these lines on leadership forums that 'you need to compete with yourself. But I have definitely found the balance and learned in life about how I must be competing with myself and be at complete peace when I am doing that," Ashwin told India Today.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a907a63d-aafa-44be-896f-32e3ec288332}{22}" paraid="645471690" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-threatens-to-kill-himself-if-india-england-t20i-series-is-not-cancelled-amid-covid-19-spike-370850" hreflang="en">Man threatens to kill himself if India-England T20I series is not cancelled amid COVID-19 spike</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f2663d1c-6297-4e67-bce1-da201cc71883}{227}" paraid="773175674" >"Because when some of these questions are asked about my ODI return, T20I return, white-ball dreams, and all these things, I find those questions are really laughable because I am totally at peace and extremely happy with the life I am leading right now," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f2663d1c-6297-4e67-bce1-da201cc71883}{245}" paraid="1360531984" >"That given an opportunity anywhere, I would make a game-breaking performance which I am almost certain about because of the space I find myself in.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f2663d1c-6297-4e67-bce1-da201cc71883}{245}" paraid="1360531984" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rates-ahmedabad-pitch-for-two-day-test-match-average-370728" hreflang="en">ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average'</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f24951d9-bb31-48b5-8b73-6c8e198f8f9b}{17}" paraid="854539645" >"What questions people have to ask, what opinions people have, I am not worried about at all. As of now, every single game I play out there in the park, I want to leave a smile on my face and everybody else's," Ashwin signed off.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a907a63d-aafa-44be-896f-32e3ec288332}{35}" paraid="2083193684" >Meanwhile, the five-match T20I series between India and England hangs in balance with the&nbsp;scoreline&nbsp;1-1 after the end of two matches.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that he is ready to give a "game-breaking performance” if called up to Team India's limited-overs squad. The off-spinner who was the pick of the bowlers in Test series against Australia and England find himself out of India's T20I side but Ashwin has said he finds himself at peace with the life he's leading right now.

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that he is ready to give a "game-breaking performance” if called up to Team India's limited-overs squad. The off-spinner who was the pick of the bowlers in Test series against Australia and England find himself out of India's T20I side but Ashwin has said he finds himself at peace with the life he's leading right now. Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker among spinners in Australia as he scalped 12 wickets in three matches. The veteran returned to home soil and picked up 32 wickets in 4 Tests to end up being the leading wicket-taker in the series. However, he was not named in India's T20I squad versus England. Despite not being named in the limited-overs squad, Ashwin finds questions on his return to ODI and T20I cricket "laughable". "A lot of times people tell these lines on leadership forums that 'you need to compete with yourself. But I have definitely found the balance and learned in life about how I must be competing with myself and be at complete peace when I am doing that," Ashwin told India Today. ALSO READ: Man threatens to kill himself if India-England T20I series is not cancelled amid COVID-19 spike "Because when some of these questions are asked about my ODI return, T20I return, white-ball dreams, and all these things, I find those questions are really laughable because I am totally at peace and extremely happy with the life I am leading right now," he added. "That given an opportunity anywhere, I would make a game-breaking performance which I am almost certain about because of the space I find myself in. ALSO READ: ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average' "What questions people have to ask, what opinions people have, I am not worried about at all. As of now, every single game I play out there in the park, I want to leave a smile on my face and everybody else's," Ashwin signed off. Meanwhile, the five-match T20I series between India and England hangs in balance with the scoreline 1-1 after the end of two matches.

R Ashwin explains why he finds questions on return to ODIs, T20Is as 'laughable'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{63a9c27b-d007-4bab-a221-46f21f7b8ab9}{83}" paraid="1338106868" >A probe has been initiated after a person called a police officer, who is part of the security arrangements for the ongoing T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and threatened to&nbsp;self-immolate&nbsp;if the upcoming matches in the world's largest cricket stadium were not cancelled following the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c66c8f4-3efd-47ac-985e-1da61713404b}{20}" paraid="754856883" >The five-match T20I series, which started on March 12, has witnessed a crowd of more than 60,000 at the stadium. The stadium had hosted the last two Tests of the four-match series against England with a 50 per cent crowd.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5d464742-e5a0-4700-a3b9-64730c57a203}{110}" paraid="1949669718" >According to reports, an FIR was lodged at Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad after the call - identified as Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar, rang up senior police inspector KV Patel of Chandkheda Police Station on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches continued&nbsp;in the stadium, as per the police.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5d464742-e5a0-4700-a3b9-64730c57a203}{110}" paraid="1949669718" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-england-games-go-behind-closed-doors-because-of-pandemic-370834" hreflang="en">India-England games go behind closed doors because of pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f6da7923-4d18-4c5c-9855-6ead58d7b150}{130}" paraid="565602685" >On Saturday, an audio clip of the conversation surfaced on social media in which the caller, is heard asking the police officer&nbsp;whether&nbsp;the COVID-19 related guidelines were&nbsp;being&nbsp;followed inside the stadium by the crowd.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4db306f-ddbc-4c76-a798-7c32562039e4}{244}" paraid="1607737625" >The officer purportedly said that the social-distancing guidelines are not being followed with the caller demanding cancellation of the matches and then went on to threaten to self-immolate while saying that over 75,000 people are attending the matches which can pose a health risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1228a166-d6fb-4c2e-ab3e-e6cd507774e2}{242}" paraid="284191711" >Police have booked the accused under IPC sections 502 (2) for trying to promote hatred or ill will between&nbsp;classes, 504 for intentional insult, and 507 for criminal intimidation through anonymous communication.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1228a166-d6fb-4c2e-ab3e-e6cd507774e2}{242}" paraid="284191711" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rates-ahmedabad-pitch-for-two-day-test-match-average-370728" hreflang="en">ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average'</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{70669c16-81f2-42e9-8be5-1e79deb0a412}{175}" paraid="251790357" >“The man had called on my cell phone on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches are held. He also used abusive words for the Gujarat government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister. When I asked his name, he told me he is Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar. I immediately called up Gandhinagar police control room and shared his phone number with the officials,” K V Patel stated in the FIR&nbsp;as quoted in media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{70669c16-81f2-42e9-8be5-1e79deb0a412}{13}" paraid="738692707" >On Tuesday, it was announced by the BCCI that the remaining matches of the five-match T20I series between India and England will be played behind closed doors.</p>


A probe has been initiated after a person called a police officer, who is part of the security arrangements for the ongoing T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and threatened to self-immolate if the upcoming matches in the world's largest cricket stadium were not cancelled following the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city.

A probe has been initiated after a person called a police officer, who is part of the security arrangements for the ongoing T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and threatened to self-immolate if the upcoming matches in the world's largest cricket stadium were not cancelled following the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city. The five-match T20I series, which started on March 12, has witnessed a crowd of more than 60,000 at the stadium. The stadium had hosted the last two Tests of the four-match series against England with a 50 per cent crowd. According to reports, an FIR was lodged at Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad after the call - identified as Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar, rang up senior police inspector KV Patel of Chandkheda Police Station on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches continued in the stadium, as per the police. ALSO READ: India-England games go behind closed doors because of pandemic On Saturday, an audio clip of the conversation surfaced on social media in which the caller, is heard asking the police officer whether the COVID-19 related guidelines were being followed inside the stadium by the crowd. The officer purportedly said that the social-distancing guidelines are not being followed with the caller demanding cancellation of the matches and then went on to threaten to self-immolate while saying that over 75,000 people are attending the matches which can pose a health risk. Police have booked the accused under IPC sections 502 (2) for trying to promote hatred or ill will between classes, 504 for intentional insult, and 507 for criminal intimidation through anonymous communication. ALSO READ: ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average' “The man had called on my cell phone on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches are held. He also used abusive words for the Gujarat government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister. When I asked his name, he told me he is Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar. I immediately called up Gandhinagar police control room and shared his phone number with the officials,” K V Patel stated in the FIR as quoted in media reports. On Tuesday, it was announced by the BCCI that the remaining matches of the five-match T20I series between India and England will be played behind closed doors.

Man threatens to kill himself if India-England T20I series is not cancelled amid COVID-19 spike

<p>South Africa opener Lizelle Lee has shot up seven spots to become the top-ranked batter in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after a fabulous run in the ongoing five-match series against India in which her side has taken a winning 3-1 lead.</p>

<p>Lee, who displaced Tammy Beaumont within two weeks of the England batter seizing the top spot, had scores of four, 132 not out and 69 in the three matches during the past week after having already moved from 11th to eighth the previous week with an unbeaten 83 in the series opener.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the second time that Lee has topped the ODI batting charts, having earlier taken the number one position in June 2018 when she had slammed 117 against England at Hove. Her reign that time only lasted for three days as she was overtaken by Australia’s Ellyse Perry. Lee remains the only South African to top the women’s ODI batting rankings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-threatens-to-kill-himself-if-india-england-t20i-series-is-not-cancelled-amid-covid-19-spike-370850" hreflang="en">Man threatens to kill himself if India-England T20I series is not cancelled amid COVID-19 spike</a></strong></p>

<p>Laura Goodall, whose career-best 59 not out helped seal the decisive win in Lucknow, has gained 27 places to reach 48th position while off-spinner Nondumiso Shangase has moved up 18 places to 68th among bowlers. Ayabonga Khaka has advanced one place to ninth among bowlers and gained two slots to reach 100th among batters.</p>

<p>For India, Punam Raut has been the biggest gainer, moving up eight places to 18th among batters after scores of 62 not out, 77 and 104 not out. Raut, who has held a career-high ranking of 13th, is fourth in the list among Indian batters after Smriti Mandhana (seventh) Mithali Raj (ninth) and Harmanpreet Kaur (15th). Kaur is up two places among batters and has gained three places to reach 49th position in the bowling list.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-jasprit-bumrah-gets-bowled-over-marries-sanjana-ganesan-in-goa-370613" hreflang="en">In Pics: Jasprit Bumrah gets bowled over, marries Sanjana Ganesan in Goa</a></strong></p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad is another one to make notable gains, gaining four slots to reach 18th among bowlers with five wickets in three matches and advancing five places to 71st among batters. Sushma Verma (up three places to 81st among batters) and Mansi Joshi (up five places to 64th among bowlers) have also gained in the latest weekly update.</p>


South Africa opener Lizelle Lee has shot up seven spots to become the top-ranked batter in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after a fabulous run in the ongoing five-match series against India in which her side has taken a winning 3-1 lead.

South Africa opener Lizelle Lee has shot up seven spots to become the top-ranked batter in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after a fabulous run in the ongoing five-match series against India in which her side has taken a winning 3-1 lead. Lee, who displaced Tammy Beaumont within two weeks of the England batter seizing the top spot, had scores of four, 132 not out and 69 in the three matches during the past week after having already moved from 11th to eighth the previous week with an unbeaten 83 in the series opener. This is the second time that Lee has topped the ODI batting charts, having earlier taken the number one position in June 2018 when she had slammed 117 against England at Hove. Her reign that time only lasted for three days as she was overtaken by Australia’s Ellyse Perry. Lee remains the only South African to top the women’s ODI batting rankings. ALSO READ: Man threatens to kill himself if India-England T20I series is not cancelled amid COVID-19 spike Laura Goodall, whose career-best 59 not out helped seal the decisive win in Lucknow, has gained 27 places to reach 48th position while off-spinner Nondumiso Shangase has moved up 18 places to 68th among bowlers. Ayabonga Khaka has advanced one place to ninth among bowlers and gained two slots to reach 100th among batters. For India, Punam Raut has been the biggest gainer, moving up eight places to 18th among batters after scores of 62 not out, 77 and 104 not out. Raut, who has held a career-high ranking of 13th, is fourth in the list among Indian batters after Smriti Mandhana (seventh) Mithali Raj (ninth) and Harmanpreet Kaur (15th). Kaur is up two places among batters and has gained three places to reach 49th position in the bowling list. TRENDING: In Pics: Jasprit Bumrah gets bowled over, marries Sanjana Ganesan in Goa Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad is another one to make notable gains, gaining four slots to reach 18th among bowlers with five wickets in three matches and advancing five places to 71st among batters. Sushma Verma (up three places to 81st among batters) and Mansi Joshi (up five places to 64th among bowlers) have also gained in the latest weekly update.

ICC Women's Player Rankings: Lizelle Lee replaces Beaumont as no.1 batter in ODIs

<p>England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday.</p>

<p>India's cricket board said the 110,000 capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would be empty for the games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.</p>

<p>All five games are being played in the main city in Gujarat state. The series is so far level 1-1.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become increasingly wary as Covid-19 cases have surged in many major cities in the past two weeks.</p>

<p>"The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities," said a BCCI statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 25,000-plus new cases reported each day across India since the weekend is the highest number since mid-December.</p>

<p>Numbers had been falling since September and India has embarked on a mass vaccination campaign but experts have blamed a slackening of social distancing and mask-wearing for the increase.</p>

<p>An England spokesman expressed confidence that the measure would not have an impact the team.</p>

<p>"Aside from meaning there will be considerably less noise in the stadium it doesn’t materially affect us," said the spokesman.</p>

<p>"We remain in our bubble and even when crowds were in attendance we never came into contact with any of them, and the ball was sanitised whenever it was hit into the stands."</p>

<p>The stadium has put 55,000 tickets on sale for each game and the first two matches saw a big turnout.</p>


England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday.

England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday. India's cricket board said the 110,000 capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would be empty for the games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All five games are being played in the main city in Gujarat state. The series is so far level 1-1. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become increasingly wary as Covid-19 cases have surged in many major cities in the past two weeks. "The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities," said a BCCI statement. "The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top." The 25,000-plus new cases reported each day across India since the weekend is the highest number since mid-December. Numbers had been falling since September and India has embarked on a mass vaccination campaign but experts have blamed a slackening of social distancing and mask-wearing for the increase. An England spokesman expressed confidence that the measure would not have an impact the team. "Aside from meaning there will be considerably less noise in the stadium it doesn’t materially affect us," said the spokesman. "We remain in our bubble and even when crowds were in attendance we never came into contact with any of them, and the ball was sanitised whenever it was hit into the stands." The stadium has put 55,000 tickets on sale for each game and the first two matches saw a big turnout.

India-England games go behind closed doors because of pandemic

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{022cd918-1034-47fa-90c6-0b959c2c3f0f}{94}" paraid="299054925" >The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as&nbsp;"average" despite the match lasting only two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f44cc486-b9aa-4eda-9b82-fe864884690a}{18}" paraid="1639972674" >Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor”&nbsp;rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c4e9271-f351-4e4b-95b3-ddf874bc665c}{233}" paraid="469067671" >Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" >The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48b22e00-b93b-44c2-97ee-5b47e5196268}{55}" paraid="701715599" >Former India fast bowler&nbsp;Javagal&nbsp;Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{5}" paraid="356100075" >England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" >Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{50}" paraid="1722523466" >The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{68}" paraid="1045412067" >Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56f6737e-dbc8-4746-a783-2ea85164d2e2}{17}" paraid="922882262" >(With Reuters inputs)&nbsp;</p>


The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days. Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor” rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five. Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years. The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1. England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935. Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating. Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”. (With Reuters inputs)

ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average'

<p>Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The talented domestic players were picked up by the Delhi Capitals at their base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL Auction on 18 February 2021.</p>

<p>Vishnu Vinod, who plays for Kerala in domestic cricket, has scored 906 runs, taken 10 catches and effected 5 stumpings in 35 matches in his T20 career. Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala has picked up 72 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 14.54 in T20s. The 29-year-old, who plays for Baroda in domestic cricket, finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 with 15 scalps.</p>

<p>Vishnu Vinod expressed that he is looking forward to playing alongside Australian superstar Steve Smith in the upcoming IPL, "I am excited to play in a team of youngsters who were last year’s finalists. It will be exciting to play alongside Steve Smith and to be coached by Ricky Ponting. I am also looking forward to play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy as well."</p>

<p>The 27-year-old, who played three matches for RCB in IPL 2017, spoke about his experience of sharing the dressing room with AB de Villiers, " I look up to AB de Villiers. I was in awe of AB when I saw him and got to be with him in person. I was too shy to even talk to him. During a team meeting, he once told me 'I will be watching you'. He told me to practice breathing while batting to help me attain clarity while thinking and playing. I have been practising that ever since he told me."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala is looking forward to spending time with Delhi Capitals' speedsters Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Kagiso Rabada. "I am really happy to join the Delhi Capitals. My family and the people in my village are also very happy. I am looking forward to speaking with Ishant (Sharma) bhai, Umesh (Yadav) bhai and Kagiso Rabada in the camp. Whenever I make a mistake, I will speak to them and work on my mistakes."</p>

<p>After a fantastic performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021, the fast bowler expected to be picked by an IPL team in the auction. However, it was still a surreal feeling for the 29-year-old when he heard that he had been acquired by an IPL team for the first time in his life.</p>

<p>"When the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 was held, I didn't think about anything else and focussed on only that tournament. After doing well there, I expected to be picked by an IPL team this year. When the auction was going on, I was practising in the nets in Surat. The Vijay Hazare Trophy was going on that time. Our team's (Baroda) video analyst came to the nets and told me that I have been picked by Delhi Capitals. I stopped bowling immediately and was so happy to hear the news. Our nets session was also paused for five minutes as all the players in my team congratulated me," said Meriwala.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-i-first-arrived-at-chennai-csks-lungi-ngidi-reveals-how-ms-dhoni-gave-him-goosebumps-370702" hreflang="en">'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps'</a></strong></p>

<p>The fast bowler has had to endure a long and hard journey until he achieved his IPL dream. Meriwala had given up on cricket at one point, but with his father's support, he has worked his way up the levels of professional cricket.</p>

<p>"I started playing cricket in 2003, but I was playing only club cricket then and I couldn't find a way to move forward. So, I lost hope and gave up cricket, and started working as a welder in 2007. After around two years, my father told me that he would support my career no matter what. Then I played a U-19 tournament for Baroda. After which, I kept working hard and kept moving up the ranks. After returning to cricket in 2009, I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2017," said the 29-year-old.</p>


Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The talented domestic players were picked up by the Delhi Capitals at their base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL Auction on 18 February 2021. Vishnu Vinod, who plays for Kerala in domestic cricket, has scored 906 runs, taken 10 catches and effected 5 stumpings in 35 matches in his T20 career. Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala has picked up 72 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 14.54 in T20s. The 29-year-old, who plays for Baroda in domestic cricket, finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 with 15 scalps. Vishnu Vinod expressed that he is looking forward to playing alongside Australian superstar Steve Smith in the upcoming IPL, "I am excited to play in a team of youngsters who were last year’s finalists. It will be exciting to play alongside Steve Smith and to be coached by Ricky Ponting. I am also looking forward to play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy as well." The 27-year-old, who played three matches for RCB in IPL 2017, spoke about his experience of sharing the dressing room with AB de Villiers, " I look up to AB de Villiers. I was in awe of AB when I saw him and got to be with him in person. I was too shy to even talk to him. During a team meeting, he once told me 'I will be watching you'. He told me to practice breathing while batting to help me attain clarity while thinking and playing. I have been practising that ever since he told me." ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala is looking forward to spending time with Delhi Capitals' speedsters Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Kagiso Rabada. "I am really happy to join the Delhi Capitals. My family and the people in my village are also very happy. I am looking forward to speaking with Ishant (Sharma) bhai, Umesh (Yadav) bhai and Kagiso Rabada in the camp. Whenever I make a mistake, I will speak to them and work on my mistakes." After a fantastic performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021, the fast bowler expected to be picked by an IPL team in the auction. However, it was still a surreal feeling for the 29-year-old when he heard that he had been acquired by an IPL team for the first time in his life. "When the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 was held, I didn't think about anything else and focussed on only that tournament. After doing well there, I expected to be picked by an IPL team this year. When the auction was going on, I was practising in the nets in Surat. The Vijay Hazare Trophy was going on that time. Our team's (Baroda) video analyst came to the nets and told me that I have been picked by Delhi Capitals. I stopped bowling immediately and was so happy to hear the news. Our nets session was also paused for five minutes as all the players in my team congratulated me," said Meriwala. ALSO READ: 'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps' The fast bowler has had to endure a long and hard journey until he achieved his IPL dream. Meriwala had given up on cricket at one point, but with his father's support, he has worked his way up the levels of professional cricket. "I started playing cricket in 2003, but I was playing only club cricket then and I couldn't find a way to move forward. So, I lost hope and gave up cricket, and started working as a welder in 2007. After around two years, my father told me that he would support my career no matter what. Then I played a U-19 tournament for Baroda. After which, I kept working hard and kept moving up the ranks. After returning to cricket in 2009, I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2017," said the 29-year-old.

IPL 2021: Vishnu Vinod, Lukman Meriwala share their excitement about joining Delhi Capitals

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{101}" paraid="1643780392" >Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Morgan is set to play his 100th&nbsp;T20I match and thus, will become the first England player and fourth overall to achieve the milestone.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{109}" paraid="1453500058" >The likes of Shoaib Malik, Rohit Sharma and Ross Taylor are the only three players to have played 100 or more T20I matches for their respective countries and Morgan is set to join the elite list on Tuesday. Notably, the likes of Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi are the other players to have played 99 T20Is.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{109}" paraid="1453500058" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{132}" paraid="84569411" >- Most T20I&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{197}" paraid="1359943956" >Shoaib Malik - 116&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{206}" paraid="1290461971" >Rohit Sharma - 108&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{215}" paraid="645408326" >Ross Taylor - 102&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{224}" paraid="1836135725" ><strong><em>EOIN MORGAN - 99&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{233}" paraid="2106436433" >Martin Guptill - 99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{242}" paraid="2006391594" >Mohammad Hafeez - 99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{251}" paraid="878802536" >Shahid Afridi&nbsp;–&nbsp;99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bc0f2ca2-5320-43f9-9c0c-b577f605f142}{101}" paraid="1278267921" >Morgan would hope to make his 100th&nbsp;match more memorable by taking a lead in the five-T20I series against India. The T20I series is firmly locked at 1-1 after two matches with England winning the opener and India bouncing back in the second T20I.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00d79571-7c2b-4a3f-8c1b-de85cc81bfe4}{47}" paraid="1081849313" >While England outplayed the hosts in the first T20I, India bounced back strongly after heroics from debutant Ishan Kishan and skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00d79571-7c2b-4a3f-8c1b-de85cc81bfe4}{47}" paraid="1081849313" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{919be3b9-73c1-440f-a35c-a53d3beb4838}{149}" paraid="20223875" >“We were probably in and around par, but India bowled well and there's slightly less pace today on the pitch. They put us on the back foot from the start and pace off the ball is always challenging for players. I am glad we played on this wicket, but little disappointed with the way we played,” Morgan had said after the end of the second T20I against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb14f0b6-fd6d-41f4-837a-57f7bf1c8566}{41}" paraid="1728093153" >“There's always an advantage in chasing statistically and the disappointing area is we couldn't counter the opposition attack in the first ten overs. The two guys at the top always try and be aggressive as they can and stick with the process. We were always going to&nbsp;miss him (Mark Wood) and hopefully, he will be fit before the next game. We will be practising and the next game is on red soil and there might be more turn,” he added hinting there would be more spin on offer in the third T20I.&nbsp;</p>


Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Morgan is set to play his 100th T20I match and thus, will become the first England player and fourth overall to achieve the milestone. The likes of Shoaib Malik, Rohit Sharma and Ross Taylor are the only three players to have played 100 or more T20I matches for their respective countries and Morgan is set to join the elite list on Tuesday. Notably, the likes of Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi are the other players to have played 99 T20Is. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom - Most T20I matches: Shoaib Malik - 116 Rohit Sharma - 108 Ross Taylor - 102 EOIN MORGAN - 99 Martin Guptill - 99 Mohammad Hafeez - 99 Shahid Afridi – 99 Morgan would hope to make his 100th match more memorable by taking a lead in the five-T20I series against India. The T20I series is firmly locked at 1-1 after two matches with England winning the opener and India bouncing back in the second T20I. While England outplayed the hosts in the first T20I, India bounced back strongly after heroics from debutant Ishan Kishan and skipper Virat Kohli. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket “We were probably in and around par, but India bowled well and there's slightly less pace today on the pitch. They put us on the back foot from the start and pace off the ball is always challenging for players. I am glad we played on this wicket, but little disappointed with the way we played,” Morgan had said after the end of the second T20I against India. “There's always an advantage in chasing statistically and the disappointing area is we couldn't counter the opposition attack in the first ten overs. The two guys at the top always try and be aggressive as they can and stick with the process. We were always going to miss him (Mark Wood) and hopefully, he will be fit before the next game. We will be practising and the next game is on red soil and there might be more turn,” he added hinting there would be more spin on offer in the third T20I.

Eoin Morgan set to become 1st England cricketer to play 100 T20Is

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{92f7709d-cfac-44c0-b79c-e271155a26cf}{99}" paraid="1991790850" >South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The Proteas bowler has further revealed how he was taken aback by Dhoni's aura, which gave him goosebumps while adding he is eager to play under 'Captain Cool’ again in IPL 2021, starting from April 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a16e4757-27e8-4f9d-b041-50039f6f34a0}{206}" paraid="1705237943" >"When I first arrived at Chennai, you'd walk out and you'd hear the crowd chant his name, you would get goosebumps and they're not even talking about you. He is massive for cricket, massive for Chennai. Like everyone says, Captain Cool," Ngidi told&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09b08fca-9025-4383-83ee-aba9445bcc3d}{203}" paraid="541123403" >Ngidi scalped 11 wickets from seven matches in 2018 before opting out of the next edition due to injury. In IPL 2020, Ngidi played four matches but picked up nine wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09b08fca-9025-4383-83ee-aba9445bcc3d}{203}" paraid="541123403" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{110}" paraid="502057297" >The South African quick bowler hailed Dhoni for the way he carries himself while also lauding his nature of keeping his emotions in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{119}" paraid="1898479982" >"He's been very consistent; that's the one thing I was amazed at the most… his consistency and how he carries himself, behaves as a captain. For me, that was one of the most amazing things. Never showing too much emotion but when you'd need to get a bit of a pick-up talk from the captain, he'd give it to you. Very amazing man and very happy to be playing under him," Ngidi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{128}" paraid="1529109829" >CSK added the likes of Moeen Ali,&nbsp;Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma and C Hari Nishanth&nbsp;to their squad in the IPL 2021 auction and Ngidi is looking forward to playing with them in the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{128}" paraid="1529109829" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{182}" paraid="521122859" >"The combination is going to be interesting to see. Who plays, who misses out but the coaching staff and the captain get along very well and they've always got plans to fix things. So, I'm really excited to see how the guys are going to get it this year," the fast bowler said.&nbsp;</p>


South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The Proteas bowler has further revealed how he was taken aback by Dhoni's aura, which gave him goosebumps while adding he is eager to play under 'Captain Cool’ again in IPL 2021, starting from April 9. "When I first arrived at Chennai, you'd walk out and you'd hear the crowd chant his name, you would get goosebumps and they're not even talking about you. He is massive for cricket, massive for Chennai. Like everyone says, Captain Cool," Ngidi told ESPNCricinfo. Ngidi scalped 11 wickets from seven matches in 2018 before opting out of the next edition due to injury. In IPL 2020, Ngidi played four matches but picked up nine wickets. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom The South African quick bowler hailed Dhoni for the way he carries himself while also lauding his nature of keeping his emotions in check. "He's been very consistent; that's the one thing I was amazed at the most… his consistency and how he carries himself, behaves as a captain. For me, that was one of the most amazing things. Never showing too much emotion but when you'd need to get a bit of a pick-up talk from the captain, he'd give it to you. Very amazing man and very happy to be playing under him," Ngidi added. CSK added the likes of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma and C Hari Nishanth to their squad in the IPL 2021 auction and Ngidi is looking forward to playing with them in the tournament. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket "The combination is going to be interesting to see. Who plays, who misses out but the coaching staff and the captain get along very well and they've always got plans to fix things. So, I'm really excited to see how the guys are going to get it this year," the fast bowler said.

'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{33}" paraid="340136393" >England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7b9e9e42-7ff9-420a-ac8c-8fc0ba5c1b6c}{123}" paraid="2019792913" >Roy, who has been on a good run of form in the series with scores of 49 and 46, said India are a class team&nbsp;while adding the visitors are full of confidence heading into the crucial third match of the series, scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a2d5bfbb-2dbf-4eb0-afeb-5d9f2a83b355}{16}" paraid="483127157" >"I am very confident that we can bounce back. India is a class team, but the way we started the series in the first game, was a bit comprehensive than what they gave us last night. I think going into the third game, we are full of confidence, in the last eight overs of our batting yesterday, we found it a bit difficult, we are a&nbsp;fast-learning&nbsp;side so I am confident that we will bounce back," said Roy during a virtual press conference on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{239}" paraid="1069791274" >"I learnt that I am staying on my shots a little bit more. You saw a couple of my reverse sweeps, I missed some of the balls but I rectified it during the course of my innings and it is just a pitch where you have to pick your bowler. Unfortunately, the bowler I picked got me out, Washington was the guy I was looking to target, unfortunately, it did not go my way. It was a slow and tough pitch, they made light work of it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{239}" paraid="1069791274" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a2d5bfbb-2dbf-4eb0-afeb-5d9f2a83b355}{40}" paraid="143887415" >Roy, like the first T20I, was looking for a big score in the second match, but similar to the series opener, Washington Sundar dismissed him just before his half-century. Roy said that he is still looking to get a big score.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{74e28992-992e-4032-b1d0-f139101f7d47}{63}" paraid="1600158707" >The England opener shared his thoughts on the bio-secure bubble life and how challenging it has been for the players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0b779cfd-2fb4-4fd9-ac5d-a35f4c538ed0}{218}" paraid="156054191" >"I think the whole squad has played a huge amount of cricket in the sub-continent, playing in this five-match series and then the ODIs, it will hold us in good stead. Last night, we made a few mistakes, it is all fun. Still looking for that big score, those 40s are great, but to get a competitive total in T20Is, you need someone getting a big score. There is still a lot to improve on," said Roy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{251}" paraid="1095752687" >"I just think the last year has been a huge learning curve, everything that went on with Covid-19 and bubble life, with all this stuff that could cloud your judgment, it has been a huge learning curve. That is all behind me and I am looking forward to the next innings. I think that's my target, my mindset is to get the best possible start for the team, put aside how I might be feeling, my job is to not mess around, really," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{251}" paraid="1095752687" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{8}" paraid="576991010" >Further elaborating on his point, Roy said: "To score a hundred in the T20 format, you need to be ultra-aggressive. You are looking to face a maximum of 60 balls and then scoring a hundred, you need to be aggressive. It is a mixture of aggression and pretty calculated stuff if you want to get those big scores. If you live by the sword, you need to be willing to die by it."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{20}" paraid="811081445" >When asked about his take on ECB's rotation policy, Roy said: "It is quite an easy stance to take from outside of these bubbles. I think the rest side of the things is coming as the mental well-being of players needs to be looked at. We are here for three weeks, but the Test team first went on to Sri Lanka, and then it was here. That is mentally taxing on you and your family, so from my point of view, they are just taking a mental rest and it is not anything physical. This environment is quite demanding."&nbsp;</p>


England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Roy, who has been on a good run of form in the series with scores of 49 and 46, said India are a class team while adding the visitors are full of confidence heading into the crucial third match of the series, scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Ahmedabad. "I am very confident that we can bounce back. India is a class team, but the way we started the series in the first game, was a bit comprehensive than what they gave us last night. I think going into the third game, we are full of confidence, in the last eight overs of our batting yesterday, we found it a bit difficult, we are a fast-learning side so I am confident that we will bounce back," said Roy during a virtual press conference on Monday. "I learnt that I am staying on my shots a little bit more. You saw a couple of my reverse sweeps, I missed some of the balls but I rectified it during the course of my innings and it is just a pitch where you have to pick your bowler. Unfortunately, the bowler I picked got me out, Washington was the guy I was looking to target, unfortunately, it did not go my way. It was a slow and tough pitch, they made light work of it," he added. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Roy, like the first T20I, was looking for a big score in the second match, but similar to the series opener, Washington Sundar dismissed him just before his half-century. Roy said that he is still looking to get a big score. The England opener shared his thoughts on the bio-secure bubble life and how challenging it has been for the players. "I think the whole squad has played a huge amount of cricket in the sub-continent, playing in this five-match series and then the ODIs, it will hold us in good stead. Last night, we made a few mistakes, it is all fun. Still looking for that big score, those 40s are great, but to get a competitive total in T20Is, you need someone getting a big score. There is still a lot to improve on," said Roy. "I just think the last year has been a huge learning curve, everything that went on with Covid-19 and bubble life, with all this stuff that could cloud your judgment, it has been a huge learning curve. That is all behind me and I am looking forward to the next innings. I think that's my target, my mindset is to get the best possible start for the team, put aside how I might be feeling, my job is to not mess around, really," he added. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket Further elaborating on his point, Roy said: "To score a hundred in the T20 format, you need to be ultra-aggressive. You are looking to face a maximum of 60 balls and then scoring a hundred, you need to be aggressive. It is a mixture of aggression and pretty calculated stuff if you want to get those big scores. If you live by the sword, you need to be willing to die by it." When asked about his take on ECB's rotation policy, Roy said: "It is quite an easy stance to take from outside of these bubbles. I think the rest side of the things is coming as the mental well-being of players needs to be looked at. We are here for three weeks, but the Test team first went on to Sri Lanka, and then it was here. That is mentally taxing on you and your family, so from my point of view, they are just taking a mental rest and it is not anything physical. This environment is quite demanding."

Confident England will bounce back against India, says Jason Roy ahead of 3rd T20I

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9153f47f-0a93-4685-9199-a06f1fc7c1c3}{103}" paraid="265794479" >Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand,&nbsp;to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves. A left-arm pacer who could swing it big and a fierce competitor on the field, Sidebottom is&nbsp;turning the clock back&nbsp;in the Road Safety World Series for England Legends – almost 11 years since hanging his boots from international cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{81819fd5-dc20-4f65-bd2e-0d673b02c627}{66}" paraid="361520939" >In an exclusive interview with WION, Ryan Sidebottom, who played 65 matches for England across formats, talked about his experience of playing in India against the legends of the game while also sharing his take on ongoing England's tour of India, the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and who he feels is the best batsman in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{81819fd5-dc20-4f65-bd2e-0d673b02c627}{66}" paraid="361520939" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cd1be0e-ab22-4df1-81d2-1f2a69ac9ee0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV320060.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c68d87ee-6d0e-4483-b3d5-b61c4d1ee533}{2}" paraid="480994463" >With 50 per cent crowd allowed inside the stadiums for the Road Safety World Series, the fans have been at their best to cheer for the greats of the game. With the likes of&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar,&nbsp;Brian Lara,&nbsp;Kevin Pietersen,&nbsp;Tillakaratne&nbsp;Dilshan, Jonty Rhodes among other&nbsp;legends&nbsp;participating in the tournament, the crowd has made sure to give the former stars a great reception on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3d98f37-51e9-41fb-9774-22936f2ff789}{214}" paraid="1684605402" >When asked about his experience of playing in India, Sidebottom told WION: “It has been great! The people here are so welcoming and the hospitality is just unbelievable. To be able to play with and against some of the legends of the game is an&nbsp;honour. The crowd has been incredible. The noise level they produce in the ground is unmatchable. To be back on the field after many years with all other players feels great and to be able to play in front of crowd after a tough year for all is great.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3810cb70-48b0-4d12-b8e0-5b81b0c4d7a6}{36}" paraid="330338323" >“Everyone here is in good spirits. We are playing for a good cause, to increase awareness around&nbsp;road safety. It is great to catch up with all the mates. We all want to play good cricket and entertain the crowd.&nbsp;Thank you so much for coming in and supporting us and other teams participating in the Road Safety World Series. It has been a surreal experience playing in front of the crowd. Keep coming and supporting us as we continue to play for a good cause.” the former England left-arm pacer added.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3810cb70-48b0-4d12-b8e0-5b81b0c4d7a6}{36}" paraid="330338323" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d266e5-a070-490e-8b35-2e0d2e77629a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EwbzphbUYA8Zbe5_0.jpg" />&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" >The match between India Legends and England Legends has been hailed as the best match of the&nbsp;Road Safety World Series&nbsp;so far. While Kevin Pietersen smashed it all over the park for England Legends, the likes of Irfan Pathan and Manpreet&nbsp;Gony&nbsp;took the match to the last over of the match with Sidebottom successfully defending 19 runs – as he did against India in the T20 World Cup back in 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" ><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-369784" hreflang="en">England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" >"Great to be back playing with some greats of the game"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cc45b37e-3adc-443e-a720-68c15447d2ea}{71}" paraid="1118966016" >"It was great. To play against greats like&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag among so many others is a huge&nbsp;honour. The crowd was going bonkers when we played against them. KP&nbsp;(Kevin Pietersen)&nbsp;did really well with the bat to put us in a strong position, Monty Panesar was superb with the ball. But to be honest my heart is still racing thinking about the hitting from Irfan and&nbsp;Gony.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{771c533b-edd9-49eb-8d59-53cdb74b8736}{160}" paraid="1697944827" >"Thankfully, we won and it was great fun to be involved in such a high-octane match.&nbsp;The stats popped up after the match ended and the guys started to share on our chat group, it was a nice moment and we all had a good laugh,” Sidebottom, who has 79 Test wickets,&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deja vu, boys are still buzzing from the amazing game last night. No wonder <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> is the best T20 league in the world. India is the place to be. <a href="https://twitter.com/RSWorldSeries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSWorldSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KP24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSidebottom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyanSidebottom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoggy602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hoggy602</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmyt20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmyt20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/scho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scho</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sonamakapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/karanjohar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@karanjohar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSharmaK9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KapilSharmaK9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/IhInhtwUqz">pic.twitter.com/IhInhtwUqz</a></p>
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MontyPanesar/status/1369518301420736512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Coming to international cricket,&nbsp;England suffered a 3-1 series defeat to India in the recently concluded four-Test series with Virat Kohli &amp; Co making a comeback after losing the opener by 227 runs. Sidebottom reckons India simply outplayed England on their home conditions&nbsp;while adding England simply didn't have answers for the way hosts played.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20i-series-against-india-an-opportunity-to-prepare-for-world-cup-says-englands-eoin-morgan-369789" hreflang="en">T20I series against India an opportunity to prepare for World Cup, says England's Eoin Morgan</a></strong></p>

<h2>"Credit to India for dominating the Test series"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bd41d0a-90eb-47dd-b1d5-c37923e3b2b4}{47}" paraid="1389217727" >“Credit to India, they were simply brilliant in their home conditions. I feel England could have done a lot better when they batted first. The first Test win was great but India got their basics right in the next matches to rightly win the series. England were dominated and outplayed, and for that, we have to credit the Indian players and not shift the focus on pitches because both the teams play on it and it is equal for everyone involved in that particular match. The likes of&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;and Ashwin were great&nbsp;with&nbsp;the ball and the Indian batters showed how to bat on those pitches in Chennai and Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{409dffc3-e915-4ca3-9e2d-067b0592889d}{198}" paraid="550905825" >“Also, I feel it was a great opportunity for English players to be heroes and inspire&nbsp;millions as the Test series was on free-to-air television,” the former England pacer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bd41d0a-90eb-47dd-b1d5-c37923e3b2b4}{2}" paraid="1430150330" >Ongoing England's tour of India has seen the visitors being&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for their rotation policy. While the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali among a few others couldn't play the complete four-match Test series due to England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) strict rotation policy, former players and pundits have&nbsp;not minced their words while&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the&nbsp;rotation tradition. However, Sidebottom has a different take on the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bbc2b322-28e3-4de7-80c5-4ad3cc1640c0}{5}" paraid="2083264235" >“Look, I would have been against it had it been normal days for us as human beings. Bio-bubble life is not easy and different individuals react to certain conditions differently. For me, Test cricket is the&nbsp;pinnacle&nbsp;and then come other formats so I would always prefer the best players playing&nbsp;red-ball cricket. But with players staying away from their families for long periods and sometimes confined to their hotel rooms, you know it is not easy,” Sidebottom opined.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bbc2b322-28e3-4de7-80c5-4ad3cc1640c0}{5}" paraid="2083264235" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63617ead-3d55-4b0e-8e79-bea5d93f5ca3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Was2203549.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{816ae230-339f-4a54-bb58-ee46580cae80}{37}" paraid="1383505858" >After the completion of the four-Test series between India and England, both sides have started their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{816ae230-339f-4a54-bb58-ee46580cae80}{37}" paraid="1383505858" >England one of the favourites for T20 World Cup but don't rule out India: Ryan Sidebottom</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c680a41f-41d9-40ae-b910-9a1966ebb9b8}{69}" paraid="1629325543" >Sidebottom feels England will&nbsp;be one of the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup given the brand of white-ball cricket they have played in recent times. However, the former left-arm paceman has said that teams like India and Australia will be a force to reckon with in the much-awaited tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{480beaba-2684-4330-990f-3f5d29dcc2e7}{5}" paraid="1801933108" >“England&nbsp;will&nbsp;be one of the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup. The way England have approached their limited-overs cricket is refreshing to watch and that helped them win the 50-over World Cup in 2019. But there are some great sides. Don't rule out India, Australia, the West Indies among others, they all have quality players at their helm,&nbsp;so I feel it would be a fantastic tournament to watch and the contest would be really tight. I hope, England would&nbsp;be able to win it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{480beaba-2684-4330-990f-3f5d29dcc2e7}{5}" paraid="1801933108" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="032cc74e-cdcf-427f-9f8c-e647e0eb3d2f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Was3085219.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ef46fee-f893-427c-830e-d984f599f49b}{9}" paraid="1895819911" >Sidebottom, whose career was cut short due to persistent injury issues, hailed the quality of pacer in international cricket while also lauding the fitness levels of today's cricketers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dfdac813-8ee3-448c-b24d-6cac790aa659}{149}" paraid="1651370133" >When asked what does he make of the&nbsp;quality of&nbsp;pacers in international cricket, the 2010 T20 World Cup winner said:&nbsp;“There are some fantastic pacers going around. The likes of Pat Cummins, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Kagiso&nbsp;Rabada, Trent Boult,&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;so many good pacers.&nbsp;The quality of pace bowling which we have witnessed in the last few years have been top-notch. The fitness levels of today's players are on different levels&nbsp;and it is a great spectacle to see them steaming in and bowling with good pace across formats.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dfdac813-8ee3-448c-b24d-6cac790aa659}{149}" paraid="1651370133" >"Virat Kohli the best in the business"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ca6a451-9404-43f9-82bd-a0bc3a906cb6}{228}" paraid="430970072" >When asked who, according to him, is the best player currently, the former England pacer said: “When we talk about the best in the business, the name of Virat Kohli comes to my mind.&nbsp;He is pretty good, isn't he?”&nbsp;</p>


Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves.

Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves. A left-arm pacer who could swing it big and a fierce competitor on the field, Sidebottom is turning the clock back in the Road Safety World Series for England Legends – almost 11 years since hanging his boots from international cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION, Ryan Sidebottom, who played 65 matches for England across formats, talked about his experience of playing in India against the legends of the game while also sharing his take on ongoing England's tour of India, the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and who he feels is the best batsman in the world. With 50 per cent crowd allowed inside the stadiums for the Road Safety World Series, the fans have been at their best to cheer for the greats of the game. With the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jonty Rhodes among other legends participating in the tournament, the crowd has made sure to give the former stars a great reception on the ground. When asked about his experience of playing in India, Sidebottom told WION: “It has been great! The people here are so welcoming and the hospitality is just unbelievable. To be able to play with and against some of the legends of the game is an honour. The crowd has been incredible. The noise level they produce in the ground is unmatchable. To be back on the field after many years with all other players feels great and to be able to play in front of crowd after a tough year for all is great.” “Everyone here is in good spirits. We are playing for a good cause, to increase awareness around road safety. It is great to catch up with all the mates. We all want to play good cricket and entertain the crowd. Thank you so much for coming in and supporting us and other teams participating in the Road Safety World Series. It has been a surreal experience playing in front of the crowd. Keep coming and supporting us as we continue to play for a good cause.” the former England left-arm pacer added. The match between India Legends and England Legends has been hailed as the best match of the Road Safety World Series so far. While Kevin Pietersen smashed it all over the park for England Legends, the likes of Irfan Pathan and Manpreet Gony took the match to the last over of the match with Sidebottom successfully defending 19 runs – as he did against India in the T20 World Cup back in 2009. WATCH: England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli "Great to be back playing with some greats of the game" "It was great. To play against greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag among so many others is a huge honour. The crowd was going bonkers when we played against them. KP (Kevin Pietersen) did really well with the bat to put us in a strong position, Monty Panesar was superb with the ball. But to be honest my heart is still racing thinking about the hitting from Irfan and Gony. "Thankfully, we won and it was great fun to be involved in such a high-octane match. The stats popped up after the match ended and the guys started to share on our chat group, it was a nice moment and we all had a good laugh,” Sidebottom, who has 79 Test wickets, said. Deja vu, boys are still buzzing from the amazing game last night. No wonder @IPL is the best T20 league in the world. India is the place to be. @RSWorldSeries @sachin_rt @KP24 @BrianLara @RyanSidebottom @Hoggy602 @jimmyt20 @scho @sonamakapoor @karanjohar @KapilSharmaK9 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/IhInhtwUqz — Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) March 10, 2021 × Coming to international cricket, England suffered a 3-1 series defeat to India in the recently concluded four-Test series with Virat Kohli & Co making a comeback after losing the opener by 227 runs. Sidebottom reckons India simply outplayed England on their home conditions while adding England simply didn't have answers for the way hosts played. ALSO READ: T20I series against India an opportunity to prepare for World Cup, says England's Eoin Morgan "Credit to India for dominating the Test series" “Credit to India, they were simply brilliant in their home conditions. I feel England could have done a lot better when they batted first. The first Test win was great but India got their basics right in the next matches to rightly win the series. England were dominated and outplayed, and for that, we have to credit the Indian players and not shift the focus on pitches because both the teams play on it and it is equal for everyone involved in that particular match. The likes of Axar and Ashwin were great with the ball and the Indian batters showed how to bat on those pitches in Chennai and Ahmedabad. “Also, I feel it was a great opportunity for English players to be heroes and inspire millions as the Test series was on free-to-air television,” the former England pacer said. Ongoing England's tour of India has seen the visitors being criticised for their rotation policy. While the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali among a few others couldn't play the complete four-match Test series due to England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) strict rotation policy, former players and pundits have not minced their words while criticising the rotation tradition. However, Sidebottom has a different take on the matter. “Look, I would have been against it had it been normal days for us as human beings. Bio-bubble life is not easy and different individuals react to certain conditions differently. For me, Test cricket is the pinnacle and then come other formats so I would always prefer the best players playing red-ball cricket. But with players staying away from their families for long periods and sometimes confined to their hotel rooms, you know it is not easy,” Sidebottom opined. After the completion of the four-Test series between India and England, both sides have started their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year. England one of the favourites for T20 World Cup but don't rule out India: Ryan Sidebottom Sidebottom feels England will be one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup given the brand of white-ball cricket they have played in recent times. However, the former left-arm paceman has said that teams like India and Australia will be a force to reckon with in the much-awaited tournament. “England will be one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup. The way England have approached their limited-overs cricket is refreshing to watch and that helped them win the 50-over World Cup in 2019. But there are some great sides. Don't rule out India, Australia, the West Indies among others, they all have quality players at their helm, so I feel it would be a fantastic tournament to watch and the contest would be really tight. I hope, England would be able to win it. Sidebottom, whose career was cut short due to persistent injury issues, hailed the quality of pacer in international cricket while also lauding the fitness levels of today's cricketers. When asked what does he make of the quality of pacers in international cricket, the 2010 T20 World Cup winner said: “There are some fantastic pacers going around. The likes of Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Jofra Archer so many good pacers. The quality of pace bowling which we have witnessed in the last few years have been top-notch. The fitness levels of today's players are on different levels and it is a great spectacle to see them steaming in and bowling with good pace across formats.” "Virat Kohli the best in the business" When asked who, according to him, is the best player currently, the former England pacer said: “When we talk about the best in the business, the name of Virat Kohli comes to my mind. He is pretty good, isn't he?”

Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{017a06bf-f918-411c-a84f-ee3b11507c5b}{174}" paraid="1030069183" >Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{017a06bf-f918-411c-a84f-ee3b11507c5b}{182}" paraid="1480597471" >Courtesy half-centuries by debutant Ishan Kishan and Kohli, India chased down a target of 165 runs in 17.5 overs to&nbsp;equalise&nbsp;the five-match series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b5324984-ca28-48ac-bdc6-93c30d8c04ad}{74}" paraid="599031293" >Kohli, who was 72 runs away from the iconic landmark of scoring 3000 T20I runs, hammered an unbeaten 73 to become the first-ever player to amass 3000 T20I runs. The Indian skipper finished the match off in style with two glorious strokes – a flicked boundary and a pulled six off Chris Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b5324984-ca28-48ac-bdc6-93c30d8c04ad}{74}" paraid="599031293" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d3ac331f-5340-4368-86b5-a73e5d6e23f1}{214}" paraid="30886786" >The Indian skipper now has scored 6001 runs in 87 T20Is since making his debut in Zimbabwe in 2010. He now is the only player to have an average of 50+ in all three formats of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3253f81d-be0d-4334-9d22-a0e9c8c8774a}{211}" paraid="852689009" >Moreover, Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the Indian&nbsp;Premier&nbsp;League (IPL) with as many as 5878 runs in 192 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6f5662ee-a240-4d3e-b58b-bd67f11c1b30}{126}" paraid="186759287" >Kohli, who recorded a duck in the first T20I against England, said he shifted his focus back on the basics of the game after having a chat with former South Africa captain and RCB team-mate AB de Villiers before the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6f5662ee-a240-4d3e-b58b-bd67f11c1b30}{126}" paraid="186759287" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{98da5294-18fe-4ec8-a544-25565e9b5a7f}{11}" paraid="971783317" >“I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team. Just kept my eyes on the ball and my wife is here and she keeps telling me a lot of things about what I need to do. We have great management that keeps us in the right space. And&nbsp;also&nbsp;I had a special chat with ABD before the start of the game and he just told me to watch the ball. That's exactly what I did,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Courtesy half-centuries by debutant Ishan Kishan and Kohli, India chased down a target of 165 runs in 17.5 overs to equalise the five-match series 1-1. Kohli, who was 72 runs away from the iconic landmark of scoring 3000 T20I runs, hammered an unbeaten 73 to become the first-ever player to amass 3000 T20I runs. The Indian skipper finished the match off in style with two glorious strokes – a flicked boundary and a pulled six off Chris Jordan. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form The Indian skipper now has scored 6001 runs in 87 T20Is since making his debut in Zimbabwe in 2010. He now is the only player to have an average of 50+ in all three formats of the game. Moreover, Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with as many as 5878 runs in 192 matches. Kohli, who recorded a duck in the first T20I against England, said he shifted his focus back on the basics of the game after having a chat with former South Africa captain and RCB team-mate AB de Villiers before the match. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form “I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team. Just kept my eyes on the ball and my wife is here and she keeps telling me a lot of things about what I need to do. We have great management that keeps us in the right space. And also I had a special chat with ABD before the start of the game and he just told me to watch the ball. That's exactly what I did,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{193}" paraid="1667796822" >Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad051b67-68f4-4631-b5bd-5f49a8ec4ed0}{195}" paraid="1100236653" >With the duck, Kohli registered an unwanted record previously set by former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly.&nbsp;Kohli now has recorded 14 international ducks as the captain of India, surpassing Ganguly who had 13 ducks&nbsp;while leading Team India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{152b46ed-0477-48a3-81c1-402955c26378}{114}" paraid="999730695" >While Kohli and Ganguly hold the first two positions on the unwanted list respectively, the duo is followed by former captain MS Dhoni who had 11 ducks in his career as the captain. Whereas legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev recorded 10 ducks as&nbsp;the captain of India. Next in the list is former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin with 8 ducks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{193}" paraid="1667796822" ><strong>Most duck by an&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;captain in&nbsp;international cricket:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{253}" paraid="543556496" >14: Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667b7873-a1a3-4e30-83bd-62f05da3e054}{7}" paraid="1193546946" >13:&nbsp;Sourav&nbsp;Ganguly&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667b7873-a1a3-4e30-83bd-62f05da3e054}{16}" paraid="1000961680" >11: MS Dhoni&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a52bf00f-7db7-4e5a-ac35-d0154a2f44b4}{56}" paraid="1980888825" >Kohli was dismissed by English spinner Adil Rashid in the third over after the Indian captain went for an uncanny slog over mid-off. However, he mistimed the ball as it travelled straight to the hands of the fielder.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a3bdb9b-398d-4739-abb2-f2cb7573687c}{218}" paraid="1644761439" >"We were planning to do things like batting first in these conditions where bowling in the dew becomes a factor. It's a good way to prepare for the World Cup," Kohli had said at the toss.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a3bdb9b-398d-4739-abb2-f2cb7573687c}{237}" paraid="389467942" >&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India.

Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India. With the duck, Kohli registered an unwanted record previously set by former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly. Kohli now has recorded 14 international ducks as the captain of India, surpassing Ganguly who had 13 ducks while leading Team India. While Kohli and Ganguly hold the first two positions on the unwanted list respectively, the duo is followed by former captain MS Dhoni who had 11 ducks in his career as the captain. Whereas legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev recorded 10 ducks as the captain of India. Next in the list is former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin with 8 ducks. Most duck by an Indian captain in international cricket: 14: Virat Kohli 13: Sourav Ganguly 11: MS Dhoni Kohli was dismissed by English spinner Adil Rashid in the third over after the Indian captain went for an uncanny slog over mid-off. However, he mistimed the ball as it travelled straight to the hands of the fielder. "We were planning to do things like batting first in these conditions where bowling in the dew becomes a factor. It's a good way to prepare for the World Cup," Kohli had said at the toss.

Virat Kohli surpasses Sourav Ganguly in unwanted list during 1st T20I vs England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a30ed1ac-83a4-4649-9011-f2ed664fd329}{210}" paraid="1443056091" >Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body&nbsp;is not in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the&nbsp;Pakistan Super League (PSL)&nbsp;franchise owners of PCB not being in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held&nbsp;later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd69d57c-2496-4227-8e6a-f886952441b4}{127}" paraid="695043581" >According to PTI, a PCB source has said that Mani conveyed the message to PSL&nbsp;franchise owners during a virtual meeting on Thursday soon after it was officially announced that the remaining matches of postponed PSL 6 would be played in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a4c6187-5f2c-4a8b-9aa4-5312e59dcdd9}{146}" paraid="11060254" >Mani cleared the air to PSL franchises after the owners sought to know whether the dates were clashing with the Asia Cup T20.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a4c6187-5f2c-4a8b-9aa4-5312e59dcdd9}{146}" paraid="11060254" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-after-james-anderson-rishabh-pant-reverse-swats-jofra-archer-for-6-370000" hreflang="en">Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c69e0ae4-1c30-4abc-8bc7-a194f6a148bb}{101}" paraid="1374029257" >"Mani made it clear that&nbsp;there&nbsp;was little possibility of the tournament being held this year and it would be moved to 2023 due to the commitments of the participating teams," the source&nbsp;told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a30ed1ac-83a4-4649-9011-f2ed664fd329}{76}" paraid="1542061572" >The PCB chairman said that new dates of the Asia Cup would be decided at Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) next meeting. The PSL 6 was postponed after the completion of 14 of the 34 matches were completed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among franchise players and officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{130ae031-b632-4908-a1f5-a76a3072e227}{128}" paraid="71706636" >The source added that a couple of franchise owners had insisted that the PSL should be held in April while asking the PCB to&nbsp;pressurise&nbsp;Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reschedule Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, scheduled in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{130ae031-b632-4908-a1f5-a76a3072e227}{128}" paraid="71706636" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-becoming-first-player-to-score-3000-t20i-runs-369971" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{140}" paraid="2091423068" >"But the PCB chairman made it clear they could not do this as they had good relations with CSA which had supported Pakistan cricket by sending its full test team to Pakistan in February," he said.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body is not in favour of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners of PCB not being in favour of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body is not in favour of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners of PCB not being in favour of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year. According to PTI, a PCB source has said that Mani conveyed the message to PSL franchise owners during a virtual meeting on Thursday soon after it was officially announced that the remaining matches of postponed PSL 6 would be played in June. Mani cleared the air to PSL franchises after the owners sought to know whether the dates were clashing with the Asia Cup T20. TRENDING: Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6 "Mani made it clear that there was little possibility of the tournament being held this year and it would be moved to 2023 due to the commitments of the participating teams," the source told PTI. The PCB chairman said that new dates of the Asia Cup would be decided at Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) next meeting. The PSL 6 was postponed after the completion of 14 of the 34 matches were completed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among franchise players and officials. The source added that a couple of franchise owners had insisted that the PSL should be held in April while asking the PCB to pressurise Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reschedule Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, scheduled in April. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs "But the PCB chairman made it clear they could not do this as they had good relations with CSA which had supported Pakistan cricket by sending its full test team to Pakistan in February," he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board not in favour of playing Asia Cup in 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab2d3cc-cbab-42b8-a1d2-14d25a73ff6f}{14}" paraid="493189462" >Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f224726b-6b1f-40cc-b2fb-6f20423fb7de}{172}" paraid="1948938954" >While it was not the best of start for Team India, who were asked to bat first after England won the toss and opted to field first, the hosts lost couple of quick wickets with the likes of Aadil Rashid, Archer and Mark Wood striking early with the new ball.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{378b4fdc-19ed-4cce-9407-f86a99be94e4}{134}" paraid="10732719" >Rishabh Pant was sent to bat first at number four after Kohli was dismissed for a duck by Rashid. Pant after playing a few deliveries, launched a stunning attack against Archer as he bagged a six and boundary to end the fourth over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" >Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-becoming-first-player-to-score-3000-t20i-runs-369971" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" >WATCH: Rishabh Pant's incredible reverse-swat against Jofra Archer</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant To Archer 😳🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishabhPant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishabhPant</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/PDkct1AmLo">pic.twitter.com/PDkct1AmLo</a></p>
— Kl Rahul (@KlRahulFanArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/KlRahulFanArmy/status/1370374504015261701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-1st-t20i-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ind-vs-eng-match-online-and-tv-369957" hreflang="en">India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant reverse scooping Jimmy Anderson with the new ball!<br />
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Incredible confidence and ability 💥 <a href="https://t.co/1SJiOyuQA0">pic.twitter.com/1SJiOyuQA0</a></p>
— onlinecricketacademy (@onlinecricketac) <a href="https://twitter.com/onlinecricketac/status/1368118487084920833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>After 6 overs, India&nbsp;were&nbsp;22/3 after losing openers KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{227}" paraid="1672907678" >Lowest powerplay scores for India in T20Is:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{236}" paraid="1535735886" >21/3 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, 2016&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{245}" paraid="983311334" >22/3 vs England, Ahmedabad, Today&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{254}" paraid="1068681153" >24/4 vs Australia, Bridgetown, 2010&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{47}" paraid="193185207" ><strong>India&nbsp;(Playing XI): </strong>KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{62}" paraid="731488329" ><strong>England&nbsp;(Playing XI):</strong> Jason Roy, Jos Buttler(w), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{38}" paraid="637708583" >&nbsp;</p>


Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While it was not the best of start for Team India, who were asked to bat first after England won the toss and opted to field first, the hosts lost couple of quick wickets with the likes of Aadil Rashid, Archer and Mark Wood striking early with the new ball. Rishabh Pant was sent to bat first at number four after Kohli was dismissed for a duck by Rashid. Pant after playing a few deliveries, launched a stunning attack against Archer as he bagged a six and boundary to end the fourth over of the match. Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs WATCH: Rishabh Pant's incredible reverse-swat against Jofra Archer Rishabh Pant To Archer 😳🔥#RishabhPant • #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/PDkct1AmLo — Kl Rahul (@KlRahulFanArmy) March 12, 2021 × Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time. ALSO READ: India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV? Rishabh Pant reverse scooping Jimmy Anderson with the new ball! Incredible confidence and ability 💥 pic.twitter.com/1SJiOyuQA0 — onlinecricketacademy (@onlinecricketac) March 6, 2021 × After 6 overs, India were 22/3 after losing openers KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply. Lowest powerplay scores for India in T20Is: 21/3 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, 2016 22/3 vs England, Ahmedabad, Today 24/4 vs Australia, Bridgetown, 2010 India (Playing XI): KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal England (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Jos Buttler(w), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a5c171f-7611-4e1f-a89e-eaff2b869fc3}{95}" paraid="1502822565" >Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India&nbsp;take&nbsp;on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{57a89fae-a6bf-4e9d-9e28-65884b68516f}{5}" paraid="1623090834" >While Kohli continues&nbsp;to wait for his first century with the last ton for the Indian skipper coming more than a year ago, he would be looking to become the first player to touch a 3000-run landmark&nbsp;in T20 international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{322cd553-7340-4ebc-9a4b-83e915b0d2c8}{98}" paraid="786005146" >Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 2928 runs in 85 matches for India. In 79 innings in T20I cricket, Kohli has scored his runs at a splendid average of 50.48 and strike-rate of 138.43 including 25 fifties.&nbsp;The Indian skipper’s batting average is the second-highest in T20I cricket after Dawid Malan (minimum&nbsp;800 runs).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{322cd553-7340-4ebc-9a4b-83e915b0d2c8}{98}" paraid="786005146" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-1st-t20i-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ind-vs-eng-match-online-and-tv-369957" hreflang="en">India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fa4a48ee-6d67-4530-b1a3-794f274c61f6}{169}" paraid="2062368420" >The swashbuckling Indian batsman is 91 runs ahead of New Zealand’s Martin Guptill when it comes to scoring runs in T20I cricket followed by white-ball deputy Rohit Sharma, who has 2773 runs under his belt in 71 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{79}" paraid="825861037" >Ahead of the match, Kohli said England are the team to beat in the shortest format of the game while adding the Eoin Morgan-led outfit is&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{79}" paraid="825861037" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{125}" paraid="379227819" >“I actually think it's England who will be the team to beat. They're the number one side in the world and the prime focus will be on them in this World Cups. All the other teams will be wary of the strengths that they bring on to the park and every other team would agree with what I say: it's England who are the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;and that will not change regardless of how they think - Virat Kohli doesn't agree that India will be favorites,” Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India take on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India take on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While Kohli continues to wait for his first century with the last ton for the Indian skipper coming more than a year ago, he would be looking to become the first player to touch a 3000-run landmark in T20 international cricket. Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 2928 runs in 85 matches for India. In 79 innings in T20I cricket, Kohli has scored his runs at a splendid average of 50.48 and strike-rate of 138.43 including 25 fifties. The Indian skipper’s batting average is the second-highest in T20I cricket after Dawid Malan (minimum 800 runs). ALSO READ: India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV? The swashbuckling Indian batsman is 91 runs ahead of New Zealand’s Martin Guptill when it comes to scoring runs in T20I cricket followed by white-ball deputy Rohit Sharma, who has 2773 runs under his belt in 71 matches. Ahead of the match, Kohli said England are the team to beat in the shortest format of the game while adding the Eoin Morgan-led outfit is favourite to win the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs “I actually think it's England who will be the team to beat. They're the number one side in the world and the prime focus will be on them in this World Cups. All the other teams will be wary of the strengths that they bring on to the park and every other team would agree with what I say: it's England who are the favourites and that will not change regardless of how they think - Virat Kohli doesn't agree that India will be favorites,” Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.

Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3cb82167-df2a-4bff-8819-b73910022ac9}{152}" paraid="783596462" >India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eaa30f9d-18a1-4161-89fe-466df39ff984}{179}" paraid="1745541981" >India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England. The hosts would be looking to test some new faces and combinations in the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{973d4163-3d9f-42a1-a971-e5983fadb8fc}{44}" paraid="747048965" >The opening T20I between India and England promises to be a run-feast given it will be played on a fresh track in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f70d314e-cd89-4a53-abfc-65f0014a7fd5}{28}" paraid="1335635795" >Talking about the team combinations, England have a fully-fit squad to pick from. India, on the other hand, might chop and change a bit to test new players in the series. However, Kohli, ahead of the match, confirmed that KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open for India with Shikhar Dhawan.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f70d314e-cd89-4a53-abfc-65f0014a7fd5}{28}" paraid="1335635795" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{188}" paraid="1476666193" >All you need to know&nbsp;about&nbsp;India vs England 1st T20I&nbsp;match in Ahmedabad:&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{212}" paraid="1692779502" >When&nbsp;and where will India vs England 1st T20I&nbsp;be played?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{220}" paraid="499319840" >The first T20I of the five-match series between India and England will be played on March 12&nbsp;at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc03e39b-4a1f-4090-be9f-fee2b07bf0f2}{173}" paraid="663463227" >What time will the first T20I match between India and England&nbsp;begin?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{13}" paraid="2017795900" >The&nbsp;first&nbsp;T20I between India and England will&nbsp;start&nbsp;at 7.00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 06:30 PM IST.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{29}" paraid="1042264036" >Which TV channels will&nbsp;telecast the first T20I match between India and England&nbsp;live?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{37}" paraid="1392695802" >The first T20I match between India and England will broadcast on Star Sports network.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{53}" paraid="66108665" >How can I watch the live streaming of the first T20I match between India and England?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{61}" paraid="108079072" >The first T20I match between India and England will&nbsp;be&nbsp;live streamed&nbsp;on Disney +&nbsp;Hotstar&nbsp;app.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{77}" paraid="181787973" >India vs England, T20I series -&nbsp;Full Squads:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{93}" paraid="408008151" >India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk),&nbsp;Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Rahul&nbsp;Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{109}" paraid="423168489" >England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood&nbsp;</p>


India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England.

India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England. The hosts would be looking to test some new faces and combinations in the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year. The opening T20I between India and England promises to be a run-feast given it will be played on a fresh track in Ahmedabad. Talking about the team combinations, England have a fully-fit squad to pick from. India, on the other hand, might chop and change a bit to test new players in the series. However, Kohli, ahead of the match, confirmed that KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open for India with Shikhar Dhawan. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs All you need to know about India vs England 1st T20I match in Ahmedabad: When and where will India vs England 1st T20I be played? The first T20I of the five-match series between India and England will be played on March 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. What time will the first T20I match between India and England begin? The first T20I between India and England will start at 7.00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 06:30 PM IST. Which TV channels will telecast the first T20I match between India and England live? The first T20I match between India and England will broadcast on Star Sports network. How can I watch the live streaming of the first T20I match between India and England? The first T20I match between India and England will be live streamed on Disney + Hotstar app. India vs England, T20I series - Full Squads: India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?

<p>Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.</p>

<p>In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series.</p>

<p>At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike.</p>

<p>Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<p>With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives.</p>

<p>Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them.</p>

<p>Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gets-ioc-funded-chinese-coronavirus-jab-369895" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab</a></strong></p>

<p>Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified.</p>

<p>Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality.</p>

<p>England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine.</p>

<p>“With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.”</p>

<p>England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.”</p>

<p>Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.”</p>

<p>Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.”</p>

<p>Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.”</p>

<p>To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important.</p>

<p>The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date.</p>

<p>New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives.</p>

<p>The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.&nbsp;</p>


Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha. In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series. At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike. Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives. Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them. Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified. Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality. England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine. “With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.” England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.” Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.” Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.” Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.” To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date. New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives. The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.

England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{165}" paraid="158170801" >Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aabf90da-0bb5-4e8b-9e89-c9b23aa79820}{213}" paraid="1755989430" >Mithali, who was playing her 212th WODI for India, scored 36 runs while touching the landmark of scoring a whopping 10,000 runs in international cricket across formats. With the milestone, Mithali became the second woman to reach 10,000 runs after&nbsp;former England captain Charlotte Edwards. The former England skipper remains the leading run-scorer&nbsp;in international cricket with 10,273 runs while Mithali is second on the list with 10,001 runs. Suzie Bates is far-third with 7,849 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="4" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fd105356-b9b0-49cc-85a6-7f740d879956}{173}" paraid="274035571" role="heading" >Most international runs in women's cricket</h2>

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			</td>
			<td data-celllook="69905" role="columnheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{77}" paraid="1134189551" >50s/100s&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{88}" paraid="1658117520" >Charlotte Edwards&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{99}" paraid="324519197" >309&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{110}" paraid="652958675" >10273&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{121}" paraid="105899195" >67/13&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{132}" paraid="1356634457" ><strong>Mithali Raj&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{143}" paraid="996172881" ><strong>311&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{154}" paraid="957540138" ><strong>10001&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{165}" paraid="1040093134" ><strong>75/8&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{176}" paraid="805355290" >Suzie Bates&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{187}" paraid="440837905" >247&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{198}" paraid="1270525951" >7849&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{209}" paraid="734855006" >48/11&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{220}" paraid="989376338" >Stafanie Taylor&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{231}" paraid="1994626690" >234&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{242}" paraid="544030927" >7816&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{253}" paraid="68981078" >57/5&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{9}" paraid="789802665" >Meg Lanning&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{20}" paraid="981522951" >194&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{31}" paraid="2105888713" >6900&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{42}" paraid="1385052917" >29/16&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhana-becomes-first-ever-player-to-score-50-in-10-consecutive-odi-chases-369124" hreflang="en">Smriti Mandhana becomes first-ever player to score 50+ in 10 consecutive ODI chases</a></strong></p>

<p>Before the third ODI against South Africa, Mithali was 35 runs short of the milestone and was dismissed soon after getting to the feat. In 10 Tests, Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Tests while accumulating&nbsp;2,364 runs in 89 T20Is. The veteran Indian batswoman remains the leading scorer in WODI cricket with as many as 6,974 runs in her kitty.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{133e734f-4452-463c-8d8e-a0038d88970e}{185}" paraid="1385265770" >Prior to the third ODI, Smriti&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;had said: "Getting to 10,000 runs first or second is a huge thing. She is the first Indian to do that so I think it is something that shows how consistent she has been throughout her career. We have looked up to her, definitely a very proud feeling for all of us in the team."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{133e734f-4452-463c-8d8e-a0038d88970e}{185}" paraid="1385265770" ><strong>ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-jhulan-goswamis-spirit-of-cricket-moment-with-south-africas-nadine-de-klerk-369110" hreflang="en">WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{121}" paraid="738692707" >Wishes and tributes poured in for Mithali on social media platforms just after she reached the milestone. From the likes of&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar to Wasim Jaffer, Mithali’s&nbsp;achievement&nbsp;was lauded by many.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{121}" paraid="738692707" >"Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!" Tendulkar tweeted. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also joined Tendulkar to wish Mithali on her achievement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in International Cricket.<br />
<br />
Terrific achievement... 👏🏻<br />
Keep going strong! 💪🏻 <a href="https://t.co/1D2ybiVaUt">pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1370262251454742529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to Twitter, Jaffer wrote, "Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03. Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/EnWgF5HniM">pic.twitter.com/EnWgF5HniM</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1370250686881951746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here's how others wished Mithali Raj after she completed 10,000 international runs:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It has been a long journey this for Mithali. Enroute a few milestones have been reached and crossed. Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> for yet another accomplishment. 10,000 international runs and counting... <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCIWomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/BpMoem9rUF">pic.twitter.com/BpMoem9rUF</a></p>
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) <a href="https://twitter.com/chopraanjum/status/1370254226052411392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are glad we live in an era that has witnessed Mithali Raj truly rule the 🏏 world! 😍<br />
<br />
Here's to the first Indian woman, and second in the world, to score 10,000 international runs! 👏👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithaliRaj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MithaliRaj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDWvSAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDWvSAW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaTaiyarHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaTaiyarHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/ilPDsjVxG8">pic.twitter.com/ilPDsjVxG8</a></p>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1370286368451039232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations, Mithali Raj 👏<br />
<br />
A modern-day legend. <a href="https://t.co/XyI89zWL47">pic.twitter.com/XyI89zWL47</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1370274150997053441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modern-day Woman Thala <a href="https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id">https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id</a></p>
— S &amp; S (@FakeBcciWarrior) <a href="https://twitter.com/FakeBcciWarrior/status/1370287961879670785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The STAR of INDIAN CRICKET.<br />
<br />
ABSOLUTE LEGEND <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> mam<br />
What an inspiration. <a href="https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs">https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs</a></p>
— Avinash 🇮🇳 (@awakenedavi) <a href="https://twitter.com/awakenedavi/status/1370286671640494081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An icon of the game.<br />
Just the second batswoman, and the first 🇮🇳 batswoman to cross the 10k run mark in the history of the game.<br />
Kudos to <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> on this great achievement.👏<br />
Wishing her even more success in the future.👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithaliRaj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MithaliRaj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa">https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa</a></p>
— Tejas (@jha_tejas26) <a href="https://twitter.com/jha_tejas26/status/1370281649724780548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Inspired the all girl ma'am. Congratulations 👏💐 <a href="https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK">https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK</a></p>
— Amit Anand (@Amitbunty1998) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amitbunty1998/status/1370279161281966081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mithali Raj made her debut In 1999, 4 different decades in highest level and completed 10,000 runs in 2021 - Captain, leader, Legend, Mithali. What a absolute champion in Women's cricket. <a href="https://t.co/or3qP7Rcb3">pic.twitter.com/or3qP7Rcb3</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1370246236779900934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. Mithali, who was playing her 212th WODI for India, scored 36 runs while touching the landmark of scoring a whopping 10,000 runs in international cricket across formats. With the milestone, Mithali became the second woman to reach 10,000 runs after former England captain Charlotte Edwards. The former England skipper remains the leading run-scorer in international cricket with 10,273 runs while Mithali is second on the list with 10,001 runs. Suzie Bates is far-third with 7,849 runs. Most international runs in women's cricket Player Matches Runs 50s/100s Charlotte Edwards 309 10273 67/13 Mithali Raj 311 10001 75/8 Suzie Bates 247 7849 48/11 Stafanie Taylor 234 7816 57/5 Meg Lanning 194 6900 29/16 ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana becomes first-ever player to score 50+ in 10 consecutive ODI chases Before the third ODI against South Africa, Mithali was 35 runs short of the milestone and was dismissed soon after getting to the feat. In 10 Tests, Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Tests while accumulating 2,364 runs in 89 T20Is. The veteran Indian batswoman remains the leading scorer in WODI cricket with as many as 6,974 runs in her kitty. Prior to the third ODI, Smriti Mandhana had said: "Getting to 10,000 runs first or second is a huge thing. She is the first Indian to do that so I think it is something that shows how consistent she has been throughout her career. We have looked up to her, definitely a very proud feeling for all of us in the team." ALSO: WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk Wishes and tributes poured in for Mithali on social media platforms just after she reached the milestone. From the likes of Sachin Tendulkar to Wasim Jaffer, Mithali’s achievement was lauded by many. "Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!" Tendulkar tweeted. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also joined Tendulkar to wish Mithali on her achievement. Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... 👏🏻 Keep going strong! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 12, 2021 × Taking to Twitter, Jaffer wrote, "Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03. Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game." Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03 Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game🙌 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/EnWgF5HniM — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 12, 2021 × Here's how others wished Mithali Raj after she completed 10,000 international runs: It has been a long journey this for Mithali. Enroute a few milestones have been reached and crossed. Congrats @M_Raj03 for yet another accomplishment. 10,000 international runs and counting... @BCCIWomen @BCCI pic.twitter.com/BpMoem9rUF — Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) March 12, 2021 × We are glad we live in an era that has witnessed Mithali Raj truly rule the 🏏 world! 😍 Here's to the first Indian woman, and second in the world, to score 10,000 international runs! 👏👏👏#MithaliRaj #INDWvSAW #IndiaTaiyarHai pic.twitter.com/ilPDsjVxG8 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2021 × Congratulations, Mithali Raj 👏 A modern-day legend. pic.twitter.com/XyI89zWL47 — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2021 × Modern-day Woman Thala https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id — S & S (@FakeBcciWarrior) March 12, 2021 × The STAR of INDIAN CRICKET. ABSOLUTE LEGEND @M_Raj03 mam What an inspiration. https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs — Avinash 🇮🇳 (@awakenedavi) March 12, 2021 × An icon of the game. Just the second batswoman, and the first 🇮🇳 batswoman to cross the 10k run mark in the history of the game. Kudos to @M_Raj03 on this great achievement.👏 Wishing her even more success in the future.👍#MithaliRaj #INDvSA https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa — Tejas (@jha_tejas26) March 12, 2021 × Inspired the all girl ma'am. Congratulations 👏💐 https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK — Amit Anand (@Amitbunty1998) March 12, 2021 × Mithali Raj made her debut In 1999, 4 different decades in highest level and completed 10,000 runs in 2021 - Captain, leader, Legend, Mithali. What a absolute champion in Women's cricket. pic.twitter.com/or3qP7Rcb3 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2021 ×

Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs

<p>Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday.</p>

<p>Brathwaite has previously led the team in seven Tests while deputizing for Holder, including in the recent 2-0 Test Series win away to Bangladesh.</p>

<p>"It is a huge honour to be given the Captaincy of the West Indies Test team," Brathwaite said. "I feel extremely proud and humbled that the Board and Selectors have given me the opportunity and responsibility to lead the team.</p>

<p>"The recent Test Series win in Bangladesh was a fantastic achievement and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and I'm excited about what I believe this team can achieve in the future."</p>

<p>The squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled for March 21-25, will be announced on Friday.</p>

<p>Roger Harper, CWI lead selector, said selectors were impressed that in Bangladesh Brathwaite "was able to motivate his players to play to a very high level and create the culture we are looking to establish where the team showed a collective determination to fight and a real hunger for success."</p>

<p>Holder, the 29-year-old who was named captain of the Test team in 2015, was one of several players who opted not to tour Bangladesh because of Covid-19 related concerns.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;current number one&nbsp;all-rounder&nbsp;in the ICC&nbsp;Test&nbsp;rankings, Holder captained the West Indies team in 37 Tests, leading the side to 11 wins, five draws and 21 defeats.</p>

<p>"On behalf of CWI, I would like to thank Jason for all he has given to the game in the region while serving as Captain of our Test team," CWI director of cricket Jimmy Adams said. "As the world’s leading Test all-rounder, we all believe that Jason still has a tremendous role to play in West Indies Test Cricket for many years to come."</p>


Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday.

Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday. Brathwaite has previously led the team in seven Tests while deputizing for Holder, including in the recent 2-0 Test Series win away to Bangladesh. "It is a huge honour to be given the Captaincy of the West Indies Test team," Brathwaite said. "I feel extremely proud and humbled that the Board and Selectors have given me the opportunity and responsibility to lead the team. "The recent Test Series win in Bangladesh was a fantastic achievement and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and I'm excited about what I believe this team can achieve in the future." The squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled for March 21-25, will be announced on Friday. Roger Harper, CWI lead selector, said selectors were impressed that in Bangladesh Brathwaite "was able to motivate his players to play to a very high level and create the culture we are looking to establish where the team showed a collective determination to fight and a real hunger for success." Holder, the 29-year-old who was named captain of the Test team in 2015, was one of several players who opted not to tour Bangladesh because of Covid-19 related concerns. The current number one all-rounder in the ICC Test rankings, Holder captained the West Indies team in 37 Tests, leading the side to 11 wins, five draws and 21 defeats. "On behalf of CWI, I would like to thank Jason for all he has given to the game in the region while serving as Captain of our Test team," CWI director of cricket Jimmy Adams said. "As the world’s leading Test all-rounder, we all believe that Jason still has a tremendous role to play in West Indies Test Cricket for many years to come."

Brathwaite replaces Holder as Windies Test Captain

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0c25286-eeba-4562-9c82-d14e3f38fe1d}{61}" paraid="1788786237" >Virat Kohli on Thursday said that England are&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year. England, who are the reigning champions&nbsp;in the 50-over World Cup,&nbsp;are regarded as one of the best white-ball teams in the world as Kohli said everyone knows what they bring to the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ead2ec9-ee5c-47de-8283-26644240036c}{232}" paraid="1199761769" >When asked whether India would be&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to lift the ICC T20 World Cup on their home soil, Kohli said, in the pre-match press conference: “No, I think England are&nbsp;favourites. They are the No 1 side in the world, all teams will be wary of their strengths.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dhawan-rahul-or-rohit-virat-kohli-confirms-opening-combination-for-india-in-t20i-series-vs-england-369709" hreflang="en">Dhawan, Rahul or Rohit ? Virat Kohli confirms opening combination for India in T20I series vs England</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9bc8d6c-5d33-41f3-8862-531a43e7704b}{37}" paraid="1075446068" >Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back with the Indian team after a lengthy layoff due to injury. Prior to his injury issues, Bhuvneshwar was crucial cog for the Indian team across formats and Kohli is delighted to have the 31-year-old back with the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6af6358-a70c-4ef7-82aa-3b35f78e5dbd}{217}" paraid="1678864416" >“Glad to have him back, he is keen to contribute to many more Indian wins. Hope he can build strongly from here&nbsp;for the World Cup,” Kohli answered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6af6358-a70c-4ef7-82aa-3b35f78e5dbd}{226}" paraid="786899116" >Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent form in red-ball cricket and in IPL has triggered a debate whether the veteran spinner should be included in India's white-ball team. However, Kohli said&nbsp;that with Washington Sundar, a similar bowler to Ashwin, in the side, he&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;see Ashwin coming back in the Indian limited-overs side for the ICC T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6af6358-a70c-4ef7-82aa-3b35f78e5dbd}{226}" paraid="786899116" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prithvi-shaw-equals-virat-kohlis-record-as-he-continues-blistering-run-of-form-369651" hreflang="en">Prithvi Shaw equals Virat Kohli's record as he continues blistering run of form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4382b4e6-cf4e-4a28-9fb7-ef7fd61338ea}{172}" paraid="793130029" >“Washi has been doing really well for us, and it is difficult to have two players similar. Unless Washi has a horrible season (not&nbsp;possible).... you need to have some logic in the question as well. Easy to ask,” Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4382b4e6-cf4e-4a28-9fb7-ef7fd61338ea}{172}" paraid="793130029" >The five-T20I series between&nbsp;India and England is set to start from Friday at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli on Thursday said that England are favourites to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year. England, who are the reigning champions in the 50-over World Cup, are regarded as one of the best white-ball teams in the world as Kohli said everyone knows what they bring to the field.

Virat Kohli on Thursday said that England are favourites to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year. England, who are the reigning champions in the 50-over World Cup, are regarded as one of the best white-ball teams in the world as Kohli said everyone knows what they bring to the field. When asked whether India would be favourites to lift the ICC T20 World Cup on their home soil, Kohli said, in the pre-match press conference: “No, I think England are favourites. They are the No 1 side in the world, all teams will be wary of their strengths.” × ALSO READ: Dhawan, Rahul or Rohit ? Virat Kohli confirms opening combination for India in T20I series vs England Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back with the Indian team after a lengthy layoff due to injury. Prior to his injury issues, Bhuvneshwar was crucial cog for the Indian team across formats and Kohli is delighted to have the 31-year-old back with the team. “Glad to have him back, he is keen to contribute to many more Indian wins. Hope he can build strongly from here for the World Cup,” Kohli answered. Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent form in red-ball cricket and in IPL has triggered a debate whether the veteran spinner should be included in India's white-ball team. However, Kohli said that with Washington Sundar, a similar bowler to Ashwin, in the side, he doesn’t see Ashwin coming back in the Indian limited-overs side for the ICC T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw equals Virat Kohli's record as he continues blistering run of form “Washi has been doing really well for us, and it is difficult to have two players similar. Unless Washi has a horrible season (not possible).... you need to have some logic in the question as well. Easy to ask,” Kohli said. The five-T20I series between India and England is set to start from Friday at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad.

England are favourites to win T20 World Cup, says Virat Kohli

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{94cf3a40-3aa0-4312-9ea5-d4e83b0ea986}{137}" paraid="33718346" >England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that the five-match T20I series against India is an “extremely exciting” challenge that would assist the team to prepare for the World Cup later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{110bed8b-f4f5-4693-bba5-7c44d7dab924}{41}" paraid="896546982" >The series commences on Friday in Ahmedabad and would be the only opportunity for a full-strength England squad to play together before the T20 World Cup in India in October-November due to the hectic scheduling.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{80137b60-0086-45f2-8b02-51f5a695c58b}{33}" paraid="176298995" >England, after thrashing in the Test series, will look to get back to winning ways in the T20I series. The T20I squad includes the likes of Dawid Malan, Jason Roy, Curran brothers among others.&nbsp;Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali who left the Test tour in between due to ECB’s rotation policy are also back in the squad for the white-ball leg of the&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{80137b60-0086-45f2-8b02-51f5a695c58b}{33}" paraid="176298995" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-humbling-experience-dawid-malan-sam-billings-on-interaction-with-blind-cricketers-in-india-369777" hreflang="en">Very humbling experience: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings on interaction with blind cricketers in India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{557ff49a-a7c1-47a8-9744-d8c0f21def56}{214}" paraid="1099130588" >"Certainly&nbsp;with one eye on the World Cup in seven&nbsp;months time, it is an opportunity to try and replicate teams and roles within the side that we might need to iron out before we get to the World Cup,"&nbsp;Morgan told reporters in a virtual press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{557ff49a-a7c1-47a8-9744-d8c0f21def56}{223}" paraid="510681991" >The World Cup-winning England skipper added that the Indian Premier League, starting April 9, would play a major role in helping his players for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{557ff49a-a7c1-47a8-9744-d8c0f21def56}{250}" paraid="1787871126" >"Certainly&nbsp;the first few times I went to the IPL, I've never gone through an experience like it. And I've learned a huge amount over the years that I've been there," Morgan said.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{557ff49a-a7c1-47a8-9744-d8c0f21def56}{250}" paraid="1787871126" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-are-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-says-virat-kohli-369729" hreflang="en">England are favourites to win T20 World Cup, says Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be6dfe48-4201-41a2-98a9-3a8fe543b097}{13}" paraid="464001865" >"So&nbsp;the value in it given the year that it's in is brilliant, particularly now that we know it's being held in India."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be6dfe48-4201-41a2-98a9-3a8fe543b097}{22}" paraid="912383803" >The 34-year-old added that India would be&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the World Cup on their home soil while adding that&nbsp;playing them in their backyard "is extremely exciting and everybody's looking forward to it".&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be6dfe48-4201-41a2-98a9-3a8fe543b097}{58}" paraid="604314383" >&nbsp;</p>


England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that the five-match T20I series against India is an “extremely exciting” challenge that would assist the team to prepare for the World Cup later this year.

England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that the five-match T20I series against India is an “extremely exciting” challenge that would assist the team to prepare for the World Cup later this year. The series commences on Friday in Ahmedabad and would be the only opportunity for a full-strength England squad to play together before the T20 World Cup in India in October-November due to the hectic scheduling. England, after thrashing in the Test series, will look to get back to winning ways in the T20I series. The T20I squad includes the likes of Dawid Malan, Jason Roy, Curran brothers among others. Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali who left the Test tour in between due to ECB’s rotation policy are also back in the squad for the white-ball leg of the gruelling tour. ALSO READ: Very humbling experience: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings on interaction with blind cricketers in India "Certainly with one eye on the World Cup in seven months time, it is an opportunity to try and replicate teams and roles within the side that we might need to iron out before we get to the World Cup," Morgan told reporters in a virtual press conference. The World Cup-winning England skipper added that the Indian Premier League, starting April 9, would play a major role in helping his players for the T20 World Cup. "Certainly the first few times I went to the IPL, I've never gone through an experience like it. And I've learned a huge amount over the years that I've been there," Morgan said. ALSO READ: England are favourites to win T20 World Cup, says Virat Kohli "So the value in it given the year that it's in is brilliant, particularly now that we know it's being held in India." The 34-year-old added that India would be favourites to win the World Cup on their home soil while adding that playing them in their backyard "is extremely exciting and everybody's looking forward to it".

T20I series against India an opportunity to prepare for World Cup, says England's Eoin Morgan

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ddaaa419-9f35-4478-9f3e-15bb7f75fb18}{112}" paraid="994573988" >Ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, England cricketers Dawid Malan and Sam Billings had a heartfelt interaction with three blind cricketers&nbsp;– Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul -&nbsp;from Gujarat about their love for cricket. The English duo discussed&nbsp;the feeling of stepping into&nbsp;the largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad while also expressing their thoughts on blind cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dc213a4c-a87a-4f3f-845f-f0f595d41004}{108}" paraid="1988789023" >Sharing their experience of interacting with the blind cricketers,&nbsp;Malan and Billings&nbsp;told WION that they&nbsp;were left awestruck by&nbsp;Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul’s&nbsp;passion and love for cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{13c152d8-f918-47bb-9c67-209920b324e5}{53}" paraid="1698285261" >The England batsmen acknowledged that cricket is the game for everyone while saying that&nbsp;the passion shown by the blind cricketers, despite all the challenges they face, is a real lesson in how to overcome the most difficult of situations in life.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{76a598cc-89e9-4933-a36a-a661c104fb86}{28}" paraid="1669594381" >Malan and Billings&nbsp;shared their thoughts&nbsp;after their interaction&nbsp;with the blind cricketers from Gujarat&nbsp;with the video going viral on social media.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{10f78192-6f7e-4dcb-ab0b-0e131f4511f3}{4}" paraid="1907781110" ><strong>Dawid Malan&nbsp;told WION:&nbsp;</strong>“It was wonderful and very humbling to speak with Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul. Their commitment to the game we all love, despite the challenges they face, is a real lesson in how to accept challenges and overcome them. Our chat also&nbsp;emphasised&nbsp;to me how cricket really is a game for everyone, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{10f78192-6f7e-4dcb-ab0b-0e131f4511f3}{27}" paraid="1976933587" ><strong>Sam Billings&nbsp;told WION:</strong>&nbsp;“I think Dinesh and Nikul, two of the players we spoke with, had travelled for five hours just to be on the call with us. Those two, together with Vishnu, the Gujarat captain, were fantastic to speak with and they were even generous enough to give us each a ball used in blind cricket. Dawid and I both agreed we would give it a try when we get the chance, although it seems incredibly difficult, and I think we are both in awe of the skills the players have.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{10f78192-6f7e-4dcb-ab0b-0e131f4511f3}{27}" paraid="1976933587" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-officiate-in-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-is-my-next-target-nitin-menon-to-wion-369471" hreflang="en">To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket knows no boundaries!<br />
<br />
Who needs a hit of cricket chat ahead of 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20Cricket</a> match with 🇮🇳 tomorrow? See English cricketers <a href="https://twitter.com/sambillings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sambillings</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/dmalan29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dmalan29</a> have a chat with ‘unbelievably skilful’ blind cricketers from Gujarat about their love for the sport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Ni7GGPCcE">pic.twitter.com/5Ni7GGPCcE</a></p>
— UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinIndia/status/1369941515972218883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul, in the virtual interaction asked Malan and Billings about their experience of stepping in the Narendra Modi Stadium, their experiences of playing in IPL and India, and what&nbsp;their&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;sport&nbsp;was while growing up.&nbsp;However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the players couldn’t meet the blind cricketers in person.&nbsp;But&nbsp;Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul gifted Malan and Billings the balls used in blind cricket and the English cricketers have agreed to give it a try when they get a chance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AL<strong>SO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monty-panesar-sachin-tendulkar-is-the-greatest-athlete-ever-to-play-against-him-is-huge-honour-369446" hreflang="en">Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is fantastic - a real shame that COVID prevented the players from interacting face-to-face, but a great experience for the <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> players to hear about how the Indians play blind cricket, &amp; great for them to hear from two international stars... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/IGS1QUcZl4">https://t.co/IGS1QUcZl4</a></p>
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) <a href="https://twitter.com/murgersb/status/1370015979615387648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>England cricket team is in India for a&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;full-fledged tour. Following the completion of the four-match Test series, the visitors&nbsp;will commence their five-match T20I series against India from Friday (March 12) in Ahmedabad followed by a three-match ODI series starting from&nbsp;March 23 in Pune.&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, England cricketers Dawid Malan and Sam Billings had a heartfelt interaction with three blind cricketers – Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul - from Gujarat about their love for cricket.

Ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, England cricketers Dawid Malan and Sam Billings had a heartfelt interaction with three blind cricketers – Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul - from Gujarat about their love for cricket. The English duo discussed the feeling of stepping into the largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad while also expressing their thoughts on blind cricket. Sharing their experience of interacting with the blind cricketers, Malan and Billings told WION that they were left awestruck by Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul’s passion and love for cricket. The England batsmen acknowledged that cricket is the game for everyone while saying that the passion shown by the blind cricketers, despite all the challenges they face, is a real lesson in how to overcome the most difficult of situations in life. Malan and Billings shared their thoughts after their interaction with the blind cricketers from Gujarat with the video going viral on social media. Dawid Malan told WION: “It was wonderful and very humbling to speak with Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul. Their commitment to the game we all love, despite the challenges they face, is a real lesson in how to accept challenges and overcome them. Our chat also emphasised to me how cricket really is a game for everyone, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.” Sam Billings told WION: “I think Dinesh and Nikul, two of the players we spoke with, had travelled for five hours just to be on the call with us. Those two, together with Vishnu, the Gujarat captain, were fantastic to speak with and they were even generous enough to give us each a ball used in blind cricket. Dawid and I both agreed we would give it a try when we get the chance, although it seems incredibly difficult, and I think we are both in awe of the skills the players have.” ALSO READ: To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION Cricket knows no boundaries! Who needs a hit of cricket chat ahead of 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 first #T20Cricket match with 🇮🇳 tomorrow? See English cricketers @sambillings & @dmalan29 have a chat with ‘unbelievably skilful’ blind cricketers from Gujarat about their love for the sport. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/5Ni7GGPCcE — UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) March 11, 2021 × Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul, in the virtual interaction asked Malan and Billings about their experience of stepping in the Narendra Modi Stadium, their experiences of playing in IPL and India, and what their favourite sport was while growing up. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the players couldn’t meet the blind cricketers in person. But Vishnu, Dinesh and Nikul gifted Malan and Billings the balls used in blind cricket and the English cricketers have agreed to give it a try when they get a chance. ALSO READ: Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour This is fantastic - a real shame that COVID prevented the players from interacting face-to-face, but a great experience for the @englandcricket players to hear about how the Indians play blind cricket, & great for them to hear from two international stars... #INDvENG https://t.co/IGS1QUcZl4 — Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) March 11, 2021 × England cricket team is in India for a gruelling full-fledged tour. Following the completion of the four-match Test series, the visitors will commence their five-match T20I series against India from Friday (March 12) in Ahmedabad followed by a three-match ODI series starting from March 23 in Pune.

Very humbling experience: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings on interaction with blind cricketers in India

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{928ee245-e1d4-44e3-8127-d38898d61963}{88}" paraid="1470317208" >Former India batsman VVS Laxman has predicted his Team India playing XI for the first T20I against England, scheduled to be played on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While there have been many debates around who should start for India in the T20I series against England, Laxman has provided his expert opinion on the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{928ee245-e1d4-44e3-8127-d38898d61963}{97}" paraid="739622626" >Laxman went with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as his openers for the opening T20I of the series against England. It was later confirmed by Indian skipper Virat Kohli that Rohit and Rahul will open for the team on Friday with Shikhar Dhawan being the back-up to the duo in case of injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9c663937-b2de-4ead-b073-6923eb2fd8d2}{13}" paraid="1277273063" >Laxman went on to pick skipper Kohli for the number three spot followed by Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya at four, five and six respectively. Laxman picked Iyer over Suryakumar Yadav with the former batsman saying that the Mumbai Indians batsman can come into the playing XI if India win the series early.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{05fd819a-ff1a-41b5-89db-d605649036e6}{66}" paraid="118681467" >“It is going to be a tough choice because there is a lot of quality in that squad. But for me, for the first T20 international, I would go with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma to open, no.3 will be Virat Kohli, no.4 Shreyas Iyer, No.5 Rishabh Pant, no.6 Hardik Pandya,” Laxman told Star Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{05fd819a-ff1a-41b5-89db-d605649036e6}{66}" paraid="118681467" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-are-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-says-virat-kohli-369729" hreflang="en">England are favourites to win T20 World Cup, says Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{23}" paraid="1679766092" >“It is necessary for Suryakumar Yadav to wait. If we win the first three matches, you can play Suryakumar Yadav. You can do rotation in the bowling, you will not get the chance to rotate the batting against this team,” VVS Laxman added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{32}" paraid="562968209" >Laxman went on to pick&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel over Washington Sundar with the 46-year-old saying that the southpaw will be able to carry his Test form to T20I cricket at his home ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{104}" paraid="509824973" >Laxman then picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar,&nbsp;Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal and T Natarajan to complete his bowling line-up. However, Natarajan is still recovering from an injury at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is expected to miss the entire T20I series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{104}" paraid="509824973" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prithvi-shaw-equals-virat-kohlis-record-as-he-continues-blistering-run-of-form-369651" hreflang="en">Prithvi Shaw equals Virat Kohli's record as he continues blistering run of form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{113}" paraid="270044027" >“The kind of form&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel has shown during the Test series, keeping in mind it is going to be his hometown Ahmedabad, No. 7 will be&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel. No. 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, No. 9 Deepak Chahar, No. 10 will be Chahal, and No. 11 will be Natarajan because I want to develop Natarajan as the death specialist along with Bhuvi and&nbsp;Bumrah,”&nbsp;Laxman&nbsp;further said&nbsp;before predicting India to win the series 3-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9a1e90e-c645-4cd3-88d7-aeb1dbe2641e}{131}" paraid="316014877" >“It is going to be a close series, no doubt about that, but I will still back India, 3-2 for India,” signed off VVS Laxman.&nbsp;</p>


Former India batsman VVS Laxman has predicted his Team India playing XI for the first T20I against England, scheduled to be played on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman has predicted his Team India playing XI for the first T20I against England, scheduled to be played on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While there have been many debates around who should start for India in the T20I series against England, Laxman has provided his expert opinion on the matter. Laxman went with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as his openers for the opening T20I of the series against England. It was later confirmed by Indian skipper Virat Kohli that Rohit and Rahul will open for the team on Friday with Shikhar Dhawan being the back-up to the duo in case of injury. Laxman went on to pick skipper Kohli for the number three spot followed by Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya at four, five and six respectively. Laxman picked Iyer over Suryakumar Yadav with the former batsman saying that the Mumbai Indians batsman can come into the playing XI if India win the series early. “It is going to be a tough choice because there is a lot of quality in that squad. But for me, for the first T20 international, I would go with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma to open, no.3 will be Virat Kohli, no.4 Shreyas Iyer, No.5 Rishabh Pant, no.6 Hardik Pandya,” Laxman told Star Sports. ALSO READ: England are favourites to win T20 World Cup, says Virat Kohli “It is necessary for Suryakumar Yadav to wait. If we win the first three matches, you can play Suryakumar Yadav. You can do rotation in the bowling, you will not get the chance to rotate the batting against this team,” VVS Laxman added. Laxman went on to pick Axar Patel over Washington Sundar with the 46-year-old saying that the southpaw will be able to carry his Test form to T20I cricket at his home ground. Laxman then picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal and T Natarajan to complete his bowling line-up. However, Natarajan is still recovering from an injury at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is expected to miss the entire T20I series. ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw equals Virat Kohli's record as he continues blistering run of form “The kind of form Axar Patel has shown during the Test series, keeping in mind it is going to be his hometown Ahmedabad, No. 7 will be Axar Patel. No. 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, No. 9 Deepak Chahar, No. 10 will be Chahal, and No. 11 will be Natarajan because I want to develop Natarajan as the death specialist along with Bhuvi and Bumrah,” Laxman further said before predicting India to win the series 3-2. “It is going to be a close series, no doubt about that, but I will still back India, 3-2 for India,” signed off VVS Laxman.

VVS Laxman predicts Team India's playing XI for 1st T20I vs England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a53f774-41c4-408f-8cd1-8e407007d2f4}{107}" paraid="373955069" >Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will start as the openers for Team India in the impending five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a85ca7fe-96ed-4d3a-82cf-ab48a603eef9}{122}" paraid="1414995691" >Addressing a pre-match press conference, Kohli said that Rahul and Rohit have been batting well together in the shortest format of the game. The Indian skipper further said that veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is the back-up to Rohit and Rahul in case of an injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75ad0bd6-a988-4312-910f-697631b8fbd4}{40}" paraid="630345070" >When asked whether there are chances of Dhawan, Rohit and Rahul playing together, Kohli said:&nbsp;“I don't think so.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75ad0bd6-a988-4312-910f-697631b8fbd4}{40}" paraid="630345070" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-out-or-not-out-danushka-gunathilaka-given-out-for-obstructing-the-field-against-west-indies-369514" hreflang="en">Watch: Out or not-out? Danushka Gunathilaka given out for 'obstructing the field' against West Indies</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93ef2a3e-3ca0-4ea2-8dc5-1841b543c794}{23}" paraid="212175315" >The Indian skipper continued:&nbsp;“It's quite simple, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have done well for us consistently. Shikhar Dhawan is the back-up, our starting composition will be Rohit and KL for this series.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3b8e8bf7-2b83-41a4-a606-af4210c31856}{133}" paraid="1731769318" >Kohli further said that India will look to play more expressive cricket in the shortest format of the game while adding new faces have been added in the squad just to address the issue of sometimes being too cautious.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3b8e8bf7-2b83-41a4-a606-af4210c31856}{133}" paraid="1731769318" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-officiate-in-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-is-my-next-target-nitin-menon-to-wion-369471" hreflang="en">To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3b8e8bf7-2b83-41a4-a606-af4210c31856}{74}" paraid="804552100" >“We want to play free&nbsp;cricket,&nbsp;we have explosive batsmen in the team now. That's exactly what we are trying to address. This time around you will see players bat more freely. I see us being much&nbsp;freer&nbsp;with our approach from this series onwards,” Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a53f774-41c4-408f-8cd1-8e407007d2f4}{116}" paraid="445417355" >The five-T20I series between&nbsp;India and England is set to start from Friday at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad. The four-Test series between the two sides was won by India as they hammered the Joe Root-led outfit 3-1 to continue their home domination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will start as the openers for Team India in the impending five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will start as the openers for Team India in the impending five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad. Addressing a pre-match press conference, Kohli said that Rahul and Rohit have been batting well together in the shortest format of the game. The Indian skipper further said that veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is the back-up to Rohit and Rahul in case of an injury. When asked whether there are chances of Dhawan, Rohit and Rahul playing together, Kohli said: “I don't think so.” TRENDING: Watch: Out or not-out? Danushka Gunathilaka given out for 'obstructing the field' against West Indies The Indian skipper continued: “It's quite simple, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have done well for us consistently. Shikhar Dhawan is the back-up, our starting composition will be Rohit and KL for this series.” Kohli further said that India will look to play more expressive cricket in the shortest format of the game while adding new faces have been added in the squad just to address the issue of sometimes being too cautious. ALSO READ: To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION “We want to play free cricket, we have explosive batsmen in the team now. That's exactly what we are trying to address. This time around you will see players bat more freely. I see us being much freer with our approach from this series onwards,” Kohli said. The five-T20I series between India and England is set to start from Friday at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium – in Ahmedabad. The four-Test series between the two sides was won by India as they hammered the Joe Root-led outfit 3-1 to continue their home domination.

Dhawan, Rahul or Rohit ? Virat Kohli confirms opening combination for India in T20I series vs England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19ca9cf1-89d4-4bdb-9fd8-9597bc890e2c}{62}" paraid="41925575" >Indian opener Prithvi Shaw continued his blistering run of form on Thursday as the youngster smashed a 165 off just 122 balls for his state side Mumbai against Karnataka in the semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0613b08d-728f-4dc1-a3db-6a0205e8329f}{51}" paraid="1455870385" >With another century in his kitty, Shaw continued his record-breaking run as he became the highest scorer in a single edition of Vijay Hazare Trophy with 725* runs, surpassing Mayank Agarwal’s 723 runs in the 2018 edition of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19ca9cf1-89d4-4bdb-9fd8-9597bc890e2c}{71}" paraid="530409187" >Shaw also&nbsp;equalled&nbsp;Virat Kohli’s record of scoring most centuries in a Vijay Hazare Trophy season as the 21-year-old registered his fourth century in the ongoing edition of the tournament. Karnataka’s Devdutt&nbsp;Padikkal&nbsp;also has&nbsp;four centuries to his name in the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19ca9cf1-89d4-4bdb-9fd8-9597bc890e2c}{71}" paraid="530409187" ><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-premier-league-2021-all-you-need-to-know-369582" hreflang="en">Indian Premier League 2021: All you need to know</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prithvi Shaw 100 runs in 79 balls (12x4, 3x6) Mumbai 148/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KARvMUM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KARvMUM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayHazareTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayHazareTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SF2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SF2</a> Scorecard:<a href="https://t.co/eBzWq6ZLsn">https://t.co/eBzWq6ZLsn</a></p>
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIdomestic/status/1369881555414315012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Most hundreds in a Vijay Hazare Trophy season:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{902b665f-b8ea-49d0-b458-222f9e7eaeec}{64}" paraid="1541239302" >4 - Virat Kohli in 2008-09&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{902b665f-b8ea-49d0-b458-222f9e7eaeec}{71}" paraid="1570218388" >4 - Devdutt&nbsp;Padikkal&nbsp;in the current season&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{902b665f-b8ea-49d0-b458-222f9e7eaeec}{78}" paraid="332858941" >4 - Prithvi Shaw in the current season</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{902b665f-b8ea-49d0-b458-222f9e7eaeec}{78}" paraid="332858941" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-out-or-not-out-danushka-gunathilaka-given-out-for-obstructing-the-field-against-west-indies-369514" hreflang="en">Watch: Out or not-out? Danushka Gunathilaka given out for 'obstructing the field' against West Indies</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{902b665f-b8ea-49d0-b458-222f9e7eaeec}{85}" paraid="52696665" >Shaw registered his fourth century in the tournament after hammering 105* and 227* in the league stage followed by 185* off 123 deliveries in the quarter-final against Saurashtra. His 227-run knock against Puducherry&nbsp;was his maiden List-A century which also is the highest scorer in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4c605896-6b3f-4c1c-a25a-45fa7013eef2}{230}" paraid="793581711" >The youngster is currently leading the run-scoring charts in the tournament with a staggering 754 runs at an average of 251.33 and a strike-rate of 135.12 in seven matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75894266-b75c-4f16-9338-781e108fb2b2}{223}" paraid="738692707" >Shaw went through a tough time Down Under where he was dropped from the Team India playing XI after the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. He lost his place to Shubman Gill but is knocking on the door of the Indian team once again with his terrific run of form. He will be looking to&nbsp;make an impact for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021, scheduled to commence from April 9.&nbsp;</p>


Indian opener Prithvi Shaw continued his blistering run of form on Thursday as the youngster smashed a 165 off just 122 balls for his state side Mumbai against Karnataka in the semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021.

Indian opener Prithvi Shaw continued his blistering run of form on Thursday as the youngster smashed a 165 off just 122 balls for his state side Mumbai against Karnataka in the semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. With another century in his kitty, Shaw continued his record-breaking run as he became the highest scorer in a single edition of Vijay Hazare Trophy with 725* runs, surpassing Mayank Agarwal’s 723 runs in the 2018 edition of the tournament. Shaw also equalled Virat Kohli’s record of scoring most centuries in a Vijay Hazare Trophy season as the 21-year-old registered his fourth century in the ongoing edition of the tournament. Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal also has four centuries to his name in the ongoing tournament. WATCH: Indian Premier League 2021: All you need to know Prithvi Shaw 100 runs in 79 balls (12x4, 3x6) Mumbai 148/2 #KARvMUM @paytm #VijayHazareTrophy #SF2 Scorecard:https://t.co/eBzWq6ZLsn — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 11, 2021 × Most hundreds in a Vijay Hazare Trophy season: 4 - Virat Kohli in 2008-09 4 - Devdutt Padikkal in the current season 4 - Prithvi Shaw in the current season TRENDING: Watch: Out or not-out? Danushka Gunathilaka given out for 'obstructing the field' against West Indies Shaw registered his fourth century in the tournament after hammering 105* and 227* in the league stage followed by 185* off 123 deliveries in the quarter-final against Saurashtra. His 227-run knock against Puducherry was his maiden List-A century which also is the highest scorer in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The youngster is currently leading the run-scoring charts in the tournament with a staggering 754 runs at an average of 251.33 and a strike-rate of 135.12 in seven matches. Shaw went through a tough time Down Under where he was dropped from the Team India playing XI after the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. He lost his place to Shubman Gill but is knocking on the door of the Indian team once again with his terrific run of form. He will be looking to make an impact for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021, scheduled to commence from April 9.

Prithvi Shaw equals Virat Kohli's record as he continues blistering run of form

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{724fa4d9-2139-4913-a7e0-4f2e69c0ef98}{4}" paraid="1645082045" >Danushka Gunathilaka on Wednesday became the first Sri Lankan player to be given out for ‘obstructing the field’ after the batsman was given out in a controversial fashion during the first ODI against West Indies in Antigua. Gunathilaka had pushed the ball away from the bowler, seemingly unintentionally, and was given out after an appeal from Kieron Pollard.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f8d01a91-14ca-4170-b41d-e95c4f77532e}{169}" paraid="1424113324" >The incident happened during the 22nd&nbsp;over of the Sri Lankan innings when Gunathilaka took a couple of steps forward in a bid to take a single but decided against it. However, when he was moving back to the crease, the ball deflected away from Pollard's reach with the underside of Gunathilaka's foot.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{62a8adbe-cff5-4177-a399-4f052e26cf0f}{121}" paraid="1003868456" >The&nbsp;Windies&nbsp;skipper&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;appealed and the third umpire was called into action. The on-field umpire gave the soft signal as out. After going&nbsp;through the replays in slow-motion, the decision was upheld.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{62a8adbe-cff5-4177-a399-4f052e26cf0f}{121}" paraid="1003868456" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-officiate-in-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-is-my-next-target-nitin-menon-to-wion-369471" hreflang="en">To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{62a8adbe-cff5-4177-a399-4f052e26cf0f}{121}" paraid="1003868456" >Watch Video: Here's how Danushka Gunathilaka was dismissed for obstructing the field:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSL</a><br />
Obstruction or not ? 😵 <a href="https://t.co/AblpoGG9rY">pic.twitter.com/AblpoGG9rY</a></p>
— Rahul ® (@RahulSadhu009) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulSadhu009/status/1369667950391693321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That should have been not-out! Gunathilaka didn't do that intentionally.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/914OAWV0zk">pic.twitter.com/914OAWV0zk</a></p>
— Darpan Jain (@darpanjain103) <a href="https://twitter.com/darpanjain103/status/1369672773165977611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gunathilaka was stunned by the decision. Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur was spotted walking out of the dressing room and heading towards the match referee's&nbsp;or the fourth umpire's&nbsp;room.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Wilful obstruction” no way was that wilful... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shocker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shocker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSL</a></p>
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMoodyCricket/status/1369667140505116680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don’t think that was willful at all. I wouldn’t appeal but hey 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️</p>
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) <a href="https://twitter.com/darensammy88/status/1369667420818968580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even Tom Moody and former West Indies captain Darren Sammy were left shocked by the decision. Even fans on social media disagreed with the call with&nbsp;many saying it was against the spirit of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-rishabh-pant-achieves-career-best-7th-position-virat-kohli-witnesses-major-dip-369458" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant achieves career-best 7th position, Virat Kohli witnesses major dip</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Doesn't look intentional to me. Should've been not out <a href="https://t.co/bdyPVY1OPu">https://t.co/bdyPVY1OPu</a></p>
— Amartya Choudhary (@AmartyaChoudha1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmartyaChoudha1/status/1369680803169402881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Obstructing the Field rules needs to be revisited and written with more clarity to avoid innocent wickets like these 🤷‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/f7epP31b7O">https://t.co/f7epP31b7O</a></p>
— Allons-y Kriash (@Allonsy75) <a href="https://twitter.com/Allonsy75/status/1369676688913694730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As Ian Bishop rightly pointed out the circumstance there, Giving Gunathilaka run out obstructing the field wasn't a correct decision by the umpire. Poor interpretation of footage right there.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/hD3eFAaPxR">https://t.co/hD3eFAaPxR</a></p>
— Arjun (@LifeIsAnElation) <a href="https://twitter.com/LifeIsAnElation/status/1369675325936865281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not out <a href="https://t.co/yVKpRS2baL">https://t.co/yVKpRS2baL</a></p>
— Prince Sanghvi (@princesanghavi) <a href="https://twitter.com/princesanghavi/status/1369668679877595136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Danushka Gunathilaka has been given out Obstructing the field. Very difficult to interpret if this was a wilful obstruction. Looks unintentional but has been given out as per the laws<a href="https://t.co/CJh3GmzvaN">pic.twitter.com/CJh3GmzvaN</a></p>
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaleraosarang/status/1369674426514427904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Danushka Gunathilaka on Wednesday became the first Sri Lankan player to be given out for ‘obstructing the field’ after the batsman was given out in a controversial fashion during the first ODI against West Indies in Antigua.

Danushka Gunathilaka on Wednesday became the first Sri Lankan player to be given out for ‘obstructing the field’ after the batsman was given out in a controversial fashion during the first ODI against West Indies in Antigua. Gunathilaka had pushed the ball away from the bowler, seemingly unintentionally, and was given out after an appeal from Kieron Pollard. The incident happened during the 22nd over of the Sri Lankan innings when Gunathilaka took a couple of steps forward in a bid to take a single but decided against it. However, when he was moving back to the crease, the ball deflected away from Pollard's reach with the underside of Gunathilaka's foot. The Windies skipper immediately appealed and the third umpire was called into action. The on-field umpire gave the soft signal as out. After going through the replays in slow-motion, the decision was upheld. ALSO READ: To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION Watch Video: Here's how Danushka Gunathilaka was dismissed for obstructing the field: #WIvSL Obstruction or not ? 😵 pic.twitter.com/AblpoGG9rY — Rahul ® (@RahulSadhu009) March 10, 2021 × That should have been not-out! Gunathilaka didn't do that intentionally.#WIvSL pic.twitter.com/914OAWV0zk — Darpan Jain (@darpanjain103) March 10, 2021 × Gunathilaka was stunned by the decision. Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur was spotted walking out of the dressing room and heading towards the match referee's or the fourth umpire's room. “Wilful obstruction” no way was that wilful... #shocker #WIvSL — Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 10, 2021 × Don’t think that was willful at all. I wouldn’t appeal but hey 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️ — Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 10, 2021 × Even Tom Moody and former West Indies captain Darren Sammy were left shocked by the decision. Even fans on social media disagreed with the call with many saying it was against the spirit of the game. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant achieves career-best 7th position, Virat Kohli witnesses major dip Doesn't look intentional to me. Should've been not out https://t.co/bdyPVY1OPu — Amartya Choudhary (@AmartyaChoudha1) March 10, 2021 × Obstructing the Field rules needs to be revisited and written with more clarity to avoid innocent wickets like these 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/f7epP31b7O — Allons-y Kriash (@Allonsy75) March 10, 2021 × As Ian Bishop rightly pointed out the circumstance there, Giving Gunathilaka run out obstructing the field wasn't a correct decision by the umpire. Poor interpretation of footage right there.#WIvSL https://t.co/hD3eFAaPxR — Arjun (@LifeIsAnElation) March 10, 2021 × Not out https://t.co/yVKpRS2baL — Prince Sanghvi (@princesanghavi) March 10, 2021 × Danushka Gunathilaka has been given out Obstructing the field. Very difficult to interpret if this was a wilful obstruction. Looks unintentional but has been given out as per the lawspic.twitter.com/CJh3GmzvaN — Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) March 10, 2021 ×

Watch: Out or not-out? Danushka Gunathilaka given out for 'obstructing the field' against West Indies

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{53e07db1-1f4a-4239-99c6-91eedf89ed88}{48}" paraid="823541944" >Nitin Menon, who was inducted in the ICC Elite Panel of&nbsp;Umpires in June 2020, has set the standards high with top-notch officiating in the recently concluded four-Test series between India and England.&nbsp;Menon and his fellow&nbsp;umpires’ performances were lauded by many including the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann as India went on to seal the series 3-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{53e07db1-1f4a-4239-99c6-91eedf89ed88}{59}" paraid="1670041696" >In an interview with WION, Nitin Menon talked about his experience of umpiring in all four Test matches between India and England,&nbsp;his next targets in the world of umpiring,&nbsp;living inside bio-secure bubbles,&nbsp;DRS and the much-talked-about umpire’s call and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e3f93b6-c3b1-4d88-bdbd-9fd35dad8269}{254}" paraid="2010215923" >Menon's performance as an&nbsp;umpire&nbsp;was applauded by fans and pundits. As he continues to set fresh benchmarks as&nbsp;umpire,&nbsp;Menon hardly&nbsp;got his decisions wrong. For the 37-year-old, praises&nbsp;come as&nbsp;recognition&nbsp;for the good work&nbsp;but he&nbsp;is focusing on getting better with many&nbsp;series and tournaments coming thick and fast in a hectic cricketing schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e1129e84-5c6d-4eb9-97cf-0f5bf19742c8}{36}" paraid="54395835" >“You feel happy when your performances are praised by so many people including some of the legends of the game. But it is important to not get too ahead&nbsp;of yourself. My career is just starting as an ICC Elite&nbsp;Umpire&nbsp;and I just want to focus on getting better.&nbsp;My colleague Anil Chaudhary, Virender Sharma and C Shamshuddin did a great job as well. As a group, we enjoyed our performances and are&nbsp;really proud,” Nitin Menon, who made his international umpiring debut in a T20I between India and England in January 2017,&nbsp;told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12cfc618-acaa-4c09-aa2b-cdeb1b52331f}{107}" paraid="778012194" >Menon and his fellow umpires in the series were spot on with their decisions. While it is natural to get a few wrong calls in challenging conditions, Menon feels Indian&nbsp;umpires are more apt in officiating in&nbsp;both spin and seaming conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12cfc618-acaa-4c09-aa2b-cdeb1b52331f}{107}" paraid="778012194" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monty-panesar-sachin-tendulkar-is-the-greatest-athlete-ever-to-play-against-him-is-huge-honour-369446" hreflang="en">Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0320ac90-3c07-47b1-ab63-ea0ef3b7fca1}{89}" paraid="739364184" >“We&nbsp;(Indian&nbsp;umpires)&nbsp;get plenty of experience in Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments. Over the years, we know how a certain pitch or ball will behave in particular conditions.&nbsp;Both spinning conditions and seaming conditions possess a different set of challenges and it is the same for&nbsp;umpires like players, we have to adapt to conditions quickly,” Menon said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75104522-1159-4d96-83d2-9a4d9a83b996}{247}" paraid="1842282816" >The Decision Review System (DRS) became the talk of the town after a few decisions&nbsp;were concluded on the basis of 'umpire’s call’. Fans and experts are often quick to pass judgement on some of the decisions on the field, Menon remains unfazed by the criticism&nbsp;around the technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{36b74ba9-8f78-44e8-be33-0dbf932ac3f3}{185}" paraid="1143214484" >“With umpire's&nbsp;call, we are sure that the decision wasn't wrong.&nbsp;There will always be marginal calls during the match.&nbsp;Our final call will always be based on what the&nbsp;third umpire is telling us in that case,” Menon said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a276c8dc-06eb-463b-bfa0-503aef1a6a5f}{31}" paraid="1535229527" >Menon had the best seats in the house as Joe Root started the series with a double century followed by masterclasses by Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar among others.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a276c8dc-06eb-463b-bfa0-503aef1a6a5f}{31}" paraid="1535229527" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-how-do-india-and-new-zealand-fare-at-ageas-bowl-in-southampton-a-look-at-key-stats-368918" hreflang="en">WTC Final: How do India and New Zealand fare at Ageas Bowl in Southampton? A look at key stats</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a276c8dc-06eb-463b-bfa0-503aef1a6a5f}{31}" paraid="1535229527" >When asked whether umpires discuss a particular knock or spell during the match or in-between the breaks, Menon said: “We remain so focus on our job that sometimes we don't even know which batsmen are batting at what score. I agree that umpires are at the best spot to enjoy a certain knock or spell but we are here to do our job and can't let ourselves get distracted. Even during the drinks break or other breaks, we don't talk about cricket as that is the only time, we get to relax a bit during a match.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b3a4687d-65da-4394-b07e-4639a32d8ecb}{248}" paraid="19426833" >When asked what his next target would be after such a splendid show in the India versus England Test series&nbsp;Menon named the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India and the Ashes which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6be82409-a47d-49d7-bc0f-f975437a4fff}{188}" paraid="2146451810" >“Definitely the ICC T20 World Cup and hopefully, the upcoming Ashes as well. These are the two immediate targets for me.&nbsp;The Ashes is like a dream and it would be great if I could officiate in the series,” Menon said.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6be82409-a47d-49d7-bc0f-f975437a4fff}{188}" paraid="2146451810" >From living inside bio-bubbles to regular testing for COVID-19, umpires also have to follow strict bio-secure bubbles protocols as the players.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6be82409-a47d-49d7-bc0f-f975437a4fff}{188}" paraid="2146451810" >"It is challenging with all the restrictions and staying away from your family. But we are among the privileged ones to be able to do our jobs. The last year was gloomy with so many things happening with the pandemic. But thankfully, we are able to get some live cricket now and can't complain much. Hopefully, things will be back to normal very soon," Menon concluded.</p>


Nitin Menon, who was inducted in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in June 2020, has set the standards high with top-notch officiating in the recently concluded four-Test series between India and England.

Nitin Menon, who was inducted in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in June 2020, has set the standards high with top-notch officiating in the recently concluded four-Test series between India and England. Menon and his fellow umpires’ performances were lauded by many including the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann as India went on to seal the series 3-1. In an interview with WION, Nitin Menon talked about his experience of umpiring in all four Test matches between India and England, his next targets in the world of umpiring, living inside bio-secure bubbles, DRS and the much-talked-about umpire’s call and much more. Menon's performance as an umpire was applauded by fans and pundits. As he continues to set fresh benchmarks as umpire, Menon hardly got his decisions wrong. For the 37-year-old, praises come as recognition for the good work but he is focusing on getting better with many series and tournaments coming thick and fast in a hectic cricketing schedule. “You feel happy when your performances are praised by so many people including some of the legends of the game. But it is important to not get too ahead of yourself. My career is just starting as an ICC Elite Umpire and I just want to focus on getting better. My colleague Anil Chaudhary, Virender Sharma and C Shamshuddin did a great job as well. As a group, we enjoyed our performances and are really proud,” Nitin Menon, who made his international umpiring debut in a T20I between India and England in January 2017, told WION. Menon and his fellow umpires in the series were spot on with their decisions. While it is natural to get a few wrong calls in challenging conditions, Menon feels Indian umpires are more apt in officiating in both spin and seaming conditions. ALSO READ: Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour “We (Indian umpires) get plenty of experience in Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments. Over the years, we know how a certain pitch or ball will behave in particular conditions. Both spinning conditions and seaming conditions possess a different set of challenges and it is the same for umpires like players, we have to adapt to conditions quickly,” Menon said. The Decision Review System (DRS) became the talk of the town after a few decisions were concluded on the basis of 'umpire’s call’. Fans and experts are often quick to pass judgement on some of the decisions on the field, Menon remains unfazed by the criticism around the technology. “With umpire's call, we are sure that the decision wasn't wrong. There will always be marginal calls during the match. Our final call will always be based on what the third umpire is telling us in that case,” Menon said. Menon had the best seats in the house as Joe Root started the series with a double century followed by masterclasses by Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar among others. ALSO READ: WTC Final: How do India and New Zealand fare at Ageas Bowl in Southampton? A look at key stats When asked whether umpires discuss a particular knock or spell during the match or in-between the breaks, Menon said: “We remain so focus on our job that sometimes we don't even know which batsmen are batting at what score. I agree that umpires are at the best spot to enjoy a certain knock or spell but we are here to do our job and can't let ourselves get distracted. Even during the drinks break or other breaks, we don't talk about cricket as that is the only time, we get to relax a bit during a match.” When asked what his next target would be after such a splendid show in the India versus England Test series Menon named the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India and the Ashes which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia. “Definitely the ICC T20 World Cup and hopefully, the upcoming Ashes as well. These are the two immediate targets for me. The Ashes is like a dream and it would be great if I could officiate in the series,” Menon said. From living inside bio-bubbles to regular testing for COVID-19, umpires also have to follow strict bio-secure bubbles protocols as the players. "It is challenging with all the restrictions and staying away from your family. But we are among the privileged ones to be able to do our jobs. The last year was gloomy with so many things happening with the pandemic. But thankfully, we are able to get some live cricket now and can't complain much. Hopefully, things will be back to normal very soon," Menon concluded.

To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION

<p>Rishabh Pant’s ascent in the Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings continues unabated and he is now at a career-best seventh position after smashing a match-winning 101 in the fourth Test against England in Ahmedabad which India won by an innings and 25 runs to clinch the series 3-1.</p>

<p>Pant has moved up seven slots and shares seventh place with compatriot Rohit Sharma, who has inched up one spot, and Henry Nicholls of New Zealand. Pant’s 747 rating points are the joint-15th highest by any India batsman, and the highest by a full-time Test wicketkeeper from his country.</p>

<p>Washington Sundar, who also played a crucial role in India’s passage to the final of the ICC World Test Championship, has gained 39 places and is in 62nd position, thanks to his 96 not out, but captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara had below-par series. Kohli is at his lowest points tally since November 2017 while Pujara is under 700 rating points for the first time since September 2016.</p>

<p>There was no surprise in the rankings reflecting kindly on spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, who ripped through the England innings time and again during the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monty-panesar-sachin-tendulkar-is-the-greatest-athlete-ever-to-play-against-him-is-huge-honour-369446" hreflang="en">Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour</a></strong></p>

<p>Ashwin, the player of the series, has leapfrogged New Zealand’s Neil Wagner to the second position among bowlers, the first time since August 2017, after finishing with eight wickets in the match. &nbsp;He is also ranked fourth among all-rounders, now ahead of Shakib Al Hasan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel’s nine wickets have lifted him eight places to 30th with 552 rating points. Only two bowlers have achieved more points after their first three Tests – former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani (564) and Australia fast bowler Charlie Turner (553) who played in the 19th century.</p>

<p>For England, Dan Lawrence has moved up 47 places to 93rd among batsmen with scores of 46 and 50 and James Anderson has moved up two places to fourth position after his haul of three for 44 in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan inside two days and captain Sean Williams’s knock of 105 in Abu Dhabi has helped him move up 24 places to 43rd. Sikandar Raza is another one to move up, a gain of eight places taking him up to 56th position.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-test-championship-final-to-be-held-at-hampshire-bowl-in-southampton-icc-369392" hreflang="en">World Test Championship final to be held at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton: ICC</a></strong></p>

<p>Blessing Muzarabani reentered the rankings in a creditable 86th position after finishing with six wickets in the match while Victory Nyanchi (up 37 places to 57th) and Donald Tripano (up seven places to 77th) were other Zimbabwe bowlers to gain.</p>

<p>For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran (up 24 places to 69th) and Hamza Kotak (up 33 places to 46th) gained in the men’s weekly ranking update, which included a T20I rankings update from the last three matches of the Australia-New Zealand series and the three-match West Indies-Sri Lanka series.</p>

<p>The ICC Men’s T20I Rankings saw Australia captain Aaron Finch move up to the second place from fourth after scoring 197 runs in the series, which was won 3-2 by New Zealand. Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis also moved up into the 90s in the rankings while left-arm spinner Ashton Agar progressed four places to fourth among bowlers after finishing with eight wickets in the series.</p>

<p>For New Zealand, Martin Guptill has gained three slots to reach the eighth position after topping the series with 218 runs while Devon Conway’s 192 runs helped him to 11th place with 192 runs.</p>

<p>The West Indies-Sri Lanka series, won 2-1 by hosts West Indies, saw Kieron Pollard, who smashed six sixes off an over from Akil Dananjaya in the first match, has moved up four places to 53rd &nbsp;while Fabien Allen has moved up 44 places to 42nd. For Sri Lanka, Danushka Gunathilaka (up 15 places to 55th) among batsmen and Lakshan Sandakan (up nine places to 10th) have made notable gains.</p>


Rishabh Pant’s ascent in the Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings continues unabated and he is now at a career-best seventh position after smashing a match-winning 101 in the fourth Test against England in Ahmedabad which India won by an innings and 25 runs to clinch the series 3-1.

Rishabh Pant’s ascent in the Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings continues unabated and he is now at a career-best seventh position after smashing a match-winning 101 in the fourth Test against England in Ahmedabad which India won by an innings and 25 runs to clinch the series 3-1. Pant has moved up seven slots and shares seventh place with compatriot Rohit Sharma, who has inched up one spot, and Henry Nicholls of New Zealand. Pant’s 747 rating points are the joint-15th highest by any India batsman, and the highest by a full-time Test wicketkeeper from his country. Washington Sundar, who also played a crucial role in India’s passage to the final of the ICC World Test Championship, has gained 39 places and is in 62nd position, thanks to his 96 not out, but captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara had below-par series. Kohli is at his lowest points tally since November 2017 while Pujara is under 700 rating points for the first time since September 2016. There was no surprise in the rankings reflecting kindly on spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, who ripped through the England innings time and again during the series. ALSO READ: Monty Panesar: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest athlete ever, to play against him is huge honour Ashwin, the player of the series, has leapfrogged New Zealand’s Neil Wagner to the second position among bowlers, the first time since August 2017, after finishing with eight wickets in the match. He is also ranked fourth among all-rounders, now ahead of Shakib Al Hasan. Patel’s nine wickets have lifted him eight places to 30th with 552 rating points. Only two bowlers have achieved more points after their first three Tests – former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani (564) and Australia fast bowler Charlie Turner (553) who played in the 19th century. For England, Dan Lawrence has moved up 47 places to 93rd among batsmen with scores of 46 and 50 and James Anderson has moved up two places to fourth position after his haul of three for 44 in Ahmedabad. Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan inside two days and captain Sean Williams’s knock of 105 in Abu Dhabi has helped him move up 24 places to 43rd. Sikandar Raza is another one to move up, a gain of eight places taking him up to 56th position. ALSO READ: World Test Championship final to be held at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton: ICC Blessing Muzarabani reentered the rankings in a creditable 86th position after finishing with six wickets in the match while Victory Nyanchi (up 37 places to 57th) and Donald Tripano (up seven places to 77th) were other Zimbabwe bowlers to gain. For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran (up 24 places to 69th) and Hamza Kotak (up 33 places to 46th) gained in the men’s weekly ranking update, which included a T20I rankings update from the last three matches of the Australia-New Zealand series and the three-match West Indies-Sri Lanka series. The ICC Men’s T20I Rankings saw Australia captain Aaron Finch move up to the second place from fourth after scoring 197 runs in the series, which was won 3-2 by New Zealand. Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis also moved up into the 90s in the rankings while left-arm spinner Ashton Agar progressed four places to fourth among bowlers after finishing with eight wickets in the series. For New Zealand, Martin Guptill has gained three slots to reach the eighth position after topping the series with 218 runs while Devon Conway’s 192 runs helped him to 11th place with 192 runs. The West Indies-Sri Lanka series, won 2-1 by hosts West Indies, saw Kieron Pollard, who smashed six sixes off an over from Akil Dananjaya in the first match, has moved up four places to 53rd while Fabien Allen has moved up 44 places to 42nd. For Sri Lanka, Danushka Gunathilaka (up 15 places to 55th) among batsmen and Lakshan Sandakan (up nine places to 10th) have made notable gains.

ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant achieves career-best 7th position, Virat Kohli witnesses major dip

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c50dee5e-eb93-42cf-90a0-94d84d7f946c}{144}" paraid="1783652872" >The Indian Premier League (IPL) has lost 3.6 per cent of its brand value to INR 45,800 crore in the year 2020. In 2019, the IPL had a brand value of INR 47,500 crore with a growth of seven per cent over the previous season.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2cd77b75-b241-4217-8125-df84066c77fa}{171}" paraid="147837950" >According to a Duff &amp; Phelps brand valuation report released on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians has retained the top spot in brand rankings for the fifth season on the trot with a brand valuation of INR 761 crore&nbsp;but is down by 5.9 per cent from the year 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b321f23a-2cae-4cdd-b8b0-cb7613ec0262}{205}" paraid="249341598" >Chennai Super&nbsp;Kings&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kolkata Knight Riders have witnessed their brand value hit by 16.5 per cent and 13.7 per cent respectively from the year 2019. CSK's brand value dropped to INR 611 crore from INR 731 crore whereas KKR slipped to INR 543 crore from INR 629&nbsp;crore, the report said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7ce78cbc-d2db-40b9-bd52-61f9bb0dd8c3}{43}" paraid="851408652" >Duff &amp; Phelps said that the year 2020 hit by the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for every sector and has affected the sports economy after disrupting the sporting calendar. Almost every major&nbsp;tournament&nbsp;was&nbsp;either cancelled or postponed in the year 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7ce78cbc-d2db-40b9-bd52-61f9bb0dd8c3}{43}" paraid="851408652" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-has-more-talent-cant-compare-with-indian-players-opines-abdul-razzaq-369391" hreflang="en">'Pakistan has more talent, can't compare with Indian players,' opines Abdul Razzaq</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{55}" paraid="789996065" >The IPL franchises saw a decline in their brand value from 2019 due to sponsorship revenue, gate receipts and reduced food and beverage revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b444fe3e-9971-4626-8c2b-819b59ef019b}{56}" paraid="1586935772" >“Similar to the impact on other businesses and the overall economy, the pandemic has led to a decline in the IPL ecosystem value. However, with people forced to spend time at home, there was an increase in IPL television viewership making the 2020 edition a huge success for broadcasters as&nbsp;it&nbsp;broke viewership and advertising revenue records.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{95}" paraid="197269603" >“Television ratings skyrocketed and advertisers tapped into this opportunity to scale up their brand image. Despite the challenging year, this momentum is indicative of how strong the IPL brand has become,” said Santosh N of Duff &amp; Phelps India.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{95}" paraid="197269603" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-venues-could-host-icc-t20-world-cup-matches-report-369147" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{103}" paraid="1208588203" >"With the economy opening and virus infections decreasing, sponsorship deals are expected to be back to the pre-pandemic levels. Also, an increase in the number of teams in 2022 and the renewal of media rights in 2023 will enhance the IPL ecosystem value in the future,"&nbsp;Santosh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{119}" paraid="1446180528" >“The IPL reflects the evolution of the modern cricket business, with clubs benefitting not only from the sport’s enduring popularity but also from the game going global and from some great marketing initiatives. All teams need to continue broadening their footprint, forming relationships and generating revenue opportunities in growth markets,"&nbsp;said Varun Gupta of Duff &amp; Phelps.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec307b0f-6221-482a-af54-3f15697882e1}{135}" paraid="1424656241" >In 2020, the IPL witnessed lower sponsorship revenue as compared to 2019. While Dream11 paid INR 222 crore for the season as compared to VIVO's deal of INR 440 crore a season for IPL title sponsorship.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Premier League (IPL) has lost 3.6 per cent of its brand value to INR 45,800 crore in the year 2020. In 2019, the IPL had a brand value of INR 47,500 crore with a growth of seven per cent over the previous season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has lost 3.6 per cent of its brand value to INR 45,800 crore in the year 2020. In 2019, the IPL had a brand value of INR 47,500 crore with a growth of seven per cent over the previous season. According to a Duff & Phelps brand valuation report released on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians has retained the top spot in brand rankings for the fifth season on the trot with a brand valuation of INR 761 crore but is down by 5.9 per cent from the year 2019. Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have witnessed their brand value hit by 16.5 per cent and 13.7 per cent respectively from the year 2019. CSK's brand value dropped to INR 611 crore from INR 731 crore whereas KKR slipped to INR 543 crore from INR 629 crore, the report said. Duff & Phelps said that the year 2020 hit by the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for every sector and has affected the sports economy after disrupting the sporting calendar. Almost every major tournament was either cancelled or postponed in the year 2020. ALSO READ: 'Pakistan has more talent, can't compare with Indian players,' opines Abdul Razzaq The IPL franchises saw a decline in their brand value from 2019 due to sponsorship revenue, gate receipts and reduced food and beverage revenue. “Similar to the impact on other businesses and the overall economy, the pandemic has led to a decline in the IPL ecosystem value. However, with people forced to spend time at home, there was an increase in IPL television viewership making the 2020 edition a huge success for broadcasters as it broke viewership and advertising revenue records. “Television ratings skyrocketed and advertisers tapped into this opportunity to scale up their brand image. Despite the challenging year, this momentum is indicative of how strong the IPL brand has become,” said Santosh N of Duff & Phelps India. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report "With the economy opening and virus infections decreasing, sponsorship deals are expected to be back to the pre-pandemic levels. Also, an increase in the number of teams in 2022 and the renewal of media rights in 2023 will enhance the IPL ecosystem value in the future," Santosh added. “The IPL reflects the evolution of the modern cricket business, with clubs benefitting not only from the sport’s enduring popularity but also from the game going global and from some great marketing initiatives. All teams need to continue broadening their footprint, forming relationships and generating revenue opportunities in growth markets," said Varun Gupta of Duff & Phelps. In 2020, the IPL witnessed lower sponsorship revenue as compared to 2019. While Dream11 paid INR 222 crore for the season as compared to VIVO's deal of INR 440 crore a season for IPL title sponsorship.

IPL brand value down by 3.6% to INR 45,800 crore due to COVID-19 pandemic: Report

<p>The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved.</p>

<p>In selecting The Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare. Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final.</p>

<p>Should the UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand were the first team to make the ICC World Test Championship final and they were joined by India following their series win over England which concluded on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-ceo-manu-sawhney-sent-on-leave-after-preliminary-investigation-shows-misconduct-369328" hreflang="en">ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sent on ''leave'' after preliminary investigation shows misconduct</a></strong></p>

<p>Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager, Cricket said: “The ICC World Test Championship final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is intended to be a week-long celebration of the oldest form of the game. A format that is rooted in tradition and features the best that the game has to offer. I would also like to congratulate both India and New Zealand for becoming part of history by reaching the first final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“I would like to thank the ECB for their guidance and advice to enable us to make this decision, which gives us the best possible opportunity to deliver a safe and successful World Test Championship Final.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-venues-could-host-icc-t20-world-cup-matches-report-369147" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We are delighted that the ICC has chosen to host the inaugural World Test Championship Final at The Hampshire Bowl.</p>

<p>“As the world’s first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion.”</p>

<p>Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Cricket Chairman, said: “We are honoured and delighted that The Hampshire Bowl has been appointed as the host venue for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final. I should like to sincerely thank the ICC for this huge demonstration of confidence in our capabilities and the ECB for its significant support of the venue as host of what will be the biggest Test Match event ever staged.</p>

<p>“I am sure our immense pride at bringing this fixture to Hampshire will be shared by all our loyal staff, supporters and sponsors as well as our unwavering partners, Eastleigh Borough Council. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final is a secure, entertaining and successful event for everyone.’’</p>


The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved.

The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved. In selecting The Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare. Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final. Should the UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final. New Zealand were the first team to make the ICC World Test Championship final and they were joined by India following their series win over England which concluded on Saturday. ALSO READ: ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sent on ''leave'' after preliminary investigation shows misconduct Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager, Cricket said: “The ICC World Test Championship final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is intended to be a week-long celebration of the oldest form of the game. A format that is rooted in tradition and features the best that the game has to offer. I would also like to congratulate both India and New Zealand for becoming part of history by reaching the first final. “We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions. “I would like to thank the ECB for their guidance and advice to enable us to make this decision, which gives us the best possible opportunity to deliver a safe and successful World Test Championship Final.” ALSO READ: IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We are delighted that the ICC has chosen to host the inaugural World Test Championship Final at The Hampshire Bowl. “As the world’s first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion.” Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Cricket Chairman, said: “We are honoured and delighted that The Hampshire Bowl has been appointed as the host venue for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final. I should like to sincerely thank the ICC for this huge demonstration of confidence in our capabilities and the ECB for its significant support of the venue as host of what will be the biggest Test Match event ever staged. “I am sure our immense pride at bringing this fixture to Hampshire will be shared by all our loyal staff, supporters and sponsors as well as our unwavering partners, Eastleigh Borough Council. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final is a secure, entertaining and successful event for everyone.’’

World Test Championship final to be held at Hampshire Bowl in Southampton: ICC

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