<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fee14d51-debb-4bcb-8f05-88edf2e92ec6}{53}" paraid="1889808745" >Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan&nbsp;and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it&nbsp;assisted&nbsp;the spinners from Day 1 of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4cead2e3-74e0-4c15-ba84-4d8e4e900d71}{152}" paraid="2085188760" >While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th&nbsp;fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as&nbsp;former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... <a href="https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm">https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360851288762814465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all??</p>
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattPrior13/status/1360936650797428739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f802e129-26fb-42e6-981f-4549558e53be}{203}" paraid="2069260635" >"We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{141}" paraid="1612747735" >"Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia&nbsp;get&nbsp;dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{141}" paraid="1612747735" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-does-the-whistle-podu-to-get-the-chennai-crowd-going-363578" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{150}" paraid="331388770" >While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{195}" paraid="322238915" >"It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c6799ad1-3330-4545-8f0f-db9b8c35889b}{95}" paraid="284392786" >Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily criticised the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it assisted the spinners from Day 1 of the match. While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch. It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all?? — Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 14, 2021 × Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India "We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia get dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58. "It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added. Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.

'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e32db552-6ba6-4130-9a05-a86388d1a480}{159}" paraid="1879177846" >Indian captain&nbsp;Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England&nbsp;skipper&nbsp;Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing&nbsp;second&nbsp;Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" >Left-arm spinner&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel had the ball for the last over of Day 3&nbsp;and fired a straighter one to Root, who was caught off-guard. While the Indian team appealed for caught-behind, umpire Nitin Patel gave it a not-out. The Indian team led by Kohli took the DRS but there&nbsp;was no bat involved as suggested by slow-motion replays.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" >However, Root was stuck in his back pad and certainly looked plumb. The ball tracker showed that the ball was hitting the stumps but the impact was just outside the off-stump and hence, the third umpire had to stick to the on-field call of not-out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So it's not out for Root but out for Kohli? <a href="https://t.co/MTpCcHaZGF">pic.twitter.com/MTpCcHaZGF</a></p>
— 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐥 🇮🇳 (@nrcexe) <a href="https://twitter.com/nrcexe/status/1361277278139813889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh tweeted about the incident as he wrote: "That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW.</p>
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorwaugh349/status/1361277931364884481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p>It was a weird decision as India had never appealed for LBW and despite that, the decision by the third umpire was to stick to the on-field call, which was based on a caught-behind appeal. Maybe that irked Virat Kohli as he had a brief conversation with umpire Menon and looked unhappy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e32db552-6ba6-4130-9a05-a86388d1a480}{179}" paraid="623685325" >The incident only triggers more debate as to whether umpire's call should be scrapped.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19175106-9eff-4d38-87c1-0c1ddf720530}{144}" paraid="1075884031" >Meanwhile, India ended Day 3 of the second Test on the driver's seat and are all set to win the second Test when they take the field on Tuesday. A win by India will level the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>


Indian captain Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England skipper Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Indian captain Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England skipper Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel had the ball for the last over of Day 3 and fired a straighter one to Root, who was caught off-guard. While the Indian team appealed for caught-behind, umpire Nitin Patel gave it a not-out. The Indian team led by Kohli took the DRS but there was no bat involved as suggested by slow-motion replays. However, Root was stuck in his back pad and certainly looked plumb. The ball tracker showed that the ball was hitting the stumps but the impact was just outside the off-stump and hence, the third umpire had to stick to the on-field call of not-out. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! So it's not out for Root but out for Kohli? pic.twitter.com/MTpCcHaZGF — 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐥 🇮🇳 (@nrcexe) February 15, 2021 × Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh tweeted about the incident as he wrote: "That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW." That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW. — Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) February 15, 2021 × TRENDING: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century It was a weird decision as India had never appealed for LBW and despite that, the decision by the third umpire was to stick to the on-field call, which was based on a caught-behind appeal. Maybe that irked Virat Kohli as he had a brief conversation with umpire Menon and looked unhappy. The incident only triggers more debate as to whether umpire's call should be scrapped. Meanwhile, India ended Day 3 of the second Test on the driver's seat and are all set to win the second Test when they take the field on Tuesday. A win by India will level the series 1-1.

Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d07576a6-2eef-4715-bcf3-78fbdefb1a9d}{29}" paraid="502444429" >Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and&nbsp;equalising&nbsp;the series 1-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a60536eb-cae2-4917-8522-9f5f7da124b9}{73}" paraid="163008737" >India, riding on a sensational century by Ashwin and a sublime half-century by Virat Kohli, posted a total of 482 runs. However, England ended up losing&nbsp;three wickets in the final hour of Day 3 with spinners&nbsp;Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel dominating the proceedings with the ball. India could have got the wicket of Dan Lawrence as well but a shoddy 'umpire's call' helped the Englishman survive the final over of the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{36}" paraid="616368949" >India, in the second innings, lost openers Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (14) early with Cheteshwar Pujara (7) departing after a freak run-out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{36}" paraid="616368949" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{82}" paraid="112441909" >Rishabh Pant (8), Ajinkya Rahane (10) and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel (7) were also sent back to the hut quickly. However, it was Virat Kohli and Ashwin's resilience and sound technique that helped the duo post some crucial runs on board as they stitched a vital partnership to help India take the game away from England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{145}" paraid="1966682583" >While England are still in the game with Joe Root and Dan Lawrence unbeaten at the end of Day 3, one can expect the match to wrap up quickly on Day 4 given the kind of form Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;are in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{120}" paraid="349292717" >England, chasing 482, lost Dom Sibley (3) early. The&nbsp;visitors' decision to send&nbsp;nightwatchman&nbsp;Jack Leach backfired as he was sent packing by&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;for a duck.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{120}" paraid="349292717" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{168}" paraid="218021945" >Rory Burns once again was dismissed by Ashwin as the southpaw continued his struggle with the willow.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{247}" paraid="56438881" >India would be hoping to wrap the proceedings soon on Day 4 and level the series 1-1 after losing the first Test by a mammoth 227-run margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{177}" paraid="1498896358" >&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{142}" paraid="1484891651" >&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and equalising the series 1-1.

Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and equalising the series 1-1. India, riding on a sensational century by Ashwin and a sublime half-century by Virat Kohli, posted a total of 482 runs. However, England ended up losing three wickets in the final hour of Day 3 with spinners Ashwin and Axar Patel dominating the proceedings with the ball. India could have got the wicket of Dan Lawrence as well but a shoddy 'umpire's call' helped the Englishman survive the final over of the day. India, in the second innings, lost openers Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (14) early with Cheteshwar Pujara (7) departing after a freak run-out. TRENDING: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century Rishabh Pant (8), Ajinkya Rahane (10) and Axar Patel (7) were also sent back to the hut quickly. However, it was Virat Kohli and Ashwin's resilience and sound technique that helped the duo post some crucial runs on board as they stitched a vital partnership to help India take the game away from England. While England are still in the game with Joe Root and Dan Lawrence unbeaten at the end of Day 3, one can expect the match to wrap up quickly on Day 4 given the kind of form Ashwin and Axar are in. England, chasing 482, lost Dom Sibley (3) early. The visitors' decision to send nightwatchman Jack Leach backfired as he was sent packing by Axar for a duck. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! Rory Burns once again was dismissed by Ashwin as the southpaw continued his struggle with the willow. India would be hoping to wrap the proceedings soon on Day 4 and level the series 1-1 after losing the first Test by a mammoth 227-run margin.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: R Ashwin steals show on Day 3 as India stand on verge of leveling series

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{46}" paraid="1386200077" >Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09a65524-5e39-4d76-bdc4-e255dfe20c64}{89}" paraid="2100501666" >The crowd at the&nbsp;Chepauk, Ashwin's local ground, celebrated in joy as the 34-year-old capped off a scintillating display with the bat to bring up his&nbsp;fifth Test century after edging a Moeen Ali delivery towards the third-man boundary. With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72f76ebe-b5b3-4f5f-8442-eba8e8460049}{25}" paraid="591340808" >While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice,&nbsp;Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{194}" paraid="1156965325" >Century + Fifer in a Test match&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{200}" paraid="280795385" >Ian Botham - 5 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{203}" paraid="1233648391" ><em><strong>Ravi Ashwin - 3 times*&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{206}" paraid="1818223000" >Gary Sobers - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{209}" paraid="1103117743" >Jacques Kallis - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{212}" paraid="889915432" >Shakib Al Hasan - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{215}" paraid="413205790" >Mushtaq Mohammad - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{215}" paraid="413205790" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A 5-wicket haul followed by an excellent 💯 for the 3rd time in a Test!<br />
<br />
The magnificent <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> has brought up his 5th Test century and his first in Chennai. What a game is the local hero having. 🤩💪🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/dUni7KkLYc">pic.twitter.com/dUni7KkLYc</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361253143808405505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chennai pitch had received plenty of criticism from some of the former England players, namely Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior, but Ashwin's batting left them red-faced as the Indian veteran showed great resilience and grit along with good batting technique to play out the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ruthless performance by <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> !!! India have so many more skilled players for these conditions .. High class .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1361254141994147842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ashwin first took a century and a fifer in Test cricket in 2011 against West Indies. In 2016, Ashwin repeated the same feat against West Indies before completing the milestone for the third time in his Test career, against England in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ball-starts-to-turn-sunil-gavaskar-hammers-critics-for-slamming-chennai-pitch-in-2nd-test-363703" hreflang="en">'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{15db00cc-9acb-42e0-b77f-d8928897548a}{230}" paraid="1392247902" >Interestingly, Ashwin also became the second Tamil Nadu player to score a Test century at&nbsp;Chepauk&nbsp;after&nbsp;Krisnamachari&nbsp;Srikkanth, who had smashed 123 runs against Pakistan in 1986/87.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{83}" paraid="1035631275" >Ashwin had a bit of dip when it comes to his batting form and quality but the veteran played a heroic knock against Australia in the recently concluded tour as he along with Hanuma Vihari defied all the odds to help India draw the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{83}" paraid="1035631275" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-overtakes-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list-after-dismissing-ben-stokes-363543" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1a81b91-93af-4f5f-90ae-3c480d9d1674}{30}" paraid="1511742596" >Ashwin has scalped 386 Test wicket while scoring 2507 runs in the longest format of the game. The 34-year-old&nbsp;continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in the world of cricket.&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai.

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai. The crowd at the Chepauk, Ashwin's local ground, celebrated in joy as the 34-year-old capped off a scintillating display with the bat to bring up his fifth Test century after edging a Moeen Ali delivery towards the third-man boundary. With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century. While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice, Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career. Century + Fifer in a Test match Ian Botham - 5 times Ravi Ashwin - 3 times* Gary Sobers - 2 times Jacques Kallis - 2 times Shakib Al Hasan - 2 times Mushtaq Mohammad - 2 times ALSO READ: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century A 5-wicket haul followed by an excellent 💯 for the 3rd time in a Test! The magnificent @ashwinravi99 has brought up his 5th Test century and his first in Chennai. What a game is the local hero having. 🤩💪🏾 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm pic.twitter.com/dUni7KkLYc — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2021 × The Chennai pitch had received plenty of criticism from some of the former England players, namely Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior, but Ashwin's batting left them red-faced as the Indian veteran showed great resilience and grit along with good batting technique to play out the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach. Ruthless performance by @ashwinravi99 !!! India have so many more skilled players for these conditions .. High class .. #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2021 × Ashwin first took a century and a fifer in Test cricket in 2011 against West Indies. In 2016, Ashwin repeated the same feat against West Indies before completing the milestone for the third time in his Test career, against England in Chennai. ALSO READ: 'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test Interestingly, Ashwin also became the second Tamil Nadu player to score a Test century at Chepauk after Krisnamachari Srikkanth, who had smashed 123 runs against Pakistan in 1986/87. Ashwin had a bit of dip when it comes to his batting form and quality but the veteran played a heroic knock against Australia in the recently concluded tour as he along with Hanuma Vihari defied all the odds to help India draw the Sydney Test. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes Ashwin has scalped 386 Test wicket while scoring 2507 runs in the longest format of the game. The 34-year-old continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in the world of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{239}" paraid="117578722" >As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated&nbsp;by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fab7d872-b6c7-48ca-b919-242d8c2f64d3}{93}" paraid="1594278059" >Siraj ground out 12 deliveries before Ashwin got to his fifth Test century in what were some nervy moments for not only Ashwin but also for the entire crowd at&nbsp;Chepauk.&nbsp;The Indian pacer had to face the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach on a turning track on Day 3 of the ongoing Chennai Test but ground out the balls to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0186f13-54f2-4eb0-a6e9-8642540da799}{86}" paraid="1050878294" >Ashwin took a while to get to his century but Siraj made sure to not lose his wickets as it would have denied Ashwin a well-deserved century on a challenging track. However, Ashwin got to his century after a mistimed shot as a thick edge beat the slips to race towards the boundary rope towards the third-man region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" >While Indian players and staff gave a rousing ovation to Ashwin from the dressing room, it was Siraj's celebration that caught the eyes of netizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" >Here's how social media reacted to Mohammed Siraj's celebration after Ashwin's century in Chennai:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The way Siraj celebrated the hundred of Ashwin makes him so special. <a href="https://t.co/hYJcEda89y">pic.twitter.com/hYJcEda89y</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1361253763923668993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A moment to cherish forever! <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> gets his Test💯 in Chennai and Md. Siraj erupts in joy. The dressing room stands up to applaud.🙌🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/ykrBhsiTbl">pic.twitter.com/ykrBhsiTbl</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361260111902072832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh man look at Siraj ❤<br />
<br />
This team is ❤❤❤❤ <a href="https://t.co/LpucU4kwhJ">pic.twitter.com/LpucU4kwhJ</a></p>
— jd (@j_dhillon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/j_dhillon7/status/1361253947172745218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Siraj's reaction to Ashwin's hundred is wonderful ❤<br />
<br />
Maybe his teammates do like him after all.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/BS9MGFG37C">pic.twitter.com/BS9MGFG37C</a></p>
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket/status/1361260791681470473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thats-how-you-bat-on-dustbowl-twitter-explodes-after-kohli-ashwin-register-50s-on-beach-chennai-pitch-363725" hreflang="en">'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{611c08ee-94bf-47a8-9fbf-b05065f6257c}{1}" paraid="2100501666" >With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72f76ebe-b5b3-4f5f-8442-eba8e8460049}{25}" paraid="591340808" >While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice,&nbsp;Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1a81b91-93af-4f5f-90ae-3c480d9d1674}{30}" paraid="1511742596" >Meanwhile, England need 482 runs to win the second Test in Chennai but with the conditions&nbsp;favouring&nbsp;Indian bowlers, a series&nbsp;equaliser&nbsp;is on the cards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms.

As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms. Siraj ground out 12 deliveries before Ashwin got to his fifth Test century in what were some nervy moments for not only Ashwin but also for the entire crowd at Chepauk. The Indian pacer had to face the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach on a turning track on Day 3 of the ongoing Chennai Test but ground out the balls to survive. Ashwin took a while to get to his century but Siraj made sure to not lose his wickets as it would have denied Ashwin a well-deserved century on a challenging track. However, Ashwin got to his century after a mistimed shot as a thick edge beat the slips to race towards the boundary rope towards the third-man region. While Indian players and staff gave a rousing ovation to Ashwin from the dressing room, it was Siraj's celebration that caught the eyes of netizens. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! Here's how social media reacted to Mohammed Siraj's celebration after Ashwin's century in Chennai: The way Siraj celebrated the hundred of Ashwin makes him so special. pic.twitter.com/hYJcEda89y — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2021 × A moment to cherish forever! @ashwinravi99 gets his Test💯 in Chennai and Md. Siraj erupts in joy. The dressing room stands up to applaud.🙌🏾 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @paytm pic.twitter.com/ykrBhsiTbl — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2021 × Oh man look at Siraj ❤ This team is ❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/LpucU4kwhJ — jd (@j_dhillon7) February 15, 2021 × Siraj's reaction to Ashwin's hundred is wonderful ❤ Maybe his teammates do like him after all.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/BS9MGFG37C — Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 15, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century. While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice, Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career. Meanwhile, England need 482 runs to win the second Test in Chennai but with the conditions favouring Indian bowlers, a series equaliser is on the cards.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{118561b3-b88a-42df-a2e7-852f647b978d}{96}" paraid="712272805" >Pakistan Prime Minister and former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Imran Khan has lauded the Indian cricket team as he said that India's turnaround to become world beaters is due to the improvement in basic cricket structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ec2a871-4182-468b-a157-24df2ecbe375}{69}" paraid="907169724" >Imran Khan further said that it takes time for a structure to come to become fruitful and added that he is confident that Pakistan cricket team will flourish in future as well.&nbsp;Imran said that Pakistan had always been a good side but couldn't dominate for long due to poor cricket structure.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b692aa88-0cf9-49a3-9b5f-a457e3deca0a}{58}" paraid="2001013392" >"Look at India today, they are becoming a top team in the world because they improved their structure although we have more talent," Imran said, talking to the media in Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b692aa88-0cf9-49a3-9b5f-a457e3deca0a}{58}" paraid="2001013392" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fleeting-view-prime-minister-narendra-modi-cheers-for-team-india-from-the-skies-363552" hreflang="en">'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d8a236-cb35-4021-8a0e-3db0badf1cdd}{50}" paraid="2028634754" >"It takes time for a structure to work and polish talent but I am confident our team will become world beaters," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d8a236-cb35-4021-8a0e-3db0badf1cdd}{57}" paraid="1378580125" >The Pakistan PM then said that while he is not able to take time out to watch live cricket matches&nbsp;due to his busy schedule, he is looking forward to witness Pakistan cricket team improve their performances on the field gradually.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{05b81a8e-5d32-4983-ae81-1eb028764c05}{71}" paraid="832188575" >"Honestly speaking I am not able to spare time for cricket and have not even watched the matches but now that our basic cricket structure has been changed things will improve gradually," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{05b81a8e-5d32-4983-ae81-1eb028764c05}{71}" paraid="832188575" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/different-challenges-gambhir-names-2-key-england-batsmen-india-should-watchout-for-363514" hreflang="en">'Different challenges': Gambhir names 2 key England batsmen India should watchout for</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d8a236-cb35-4021-8a0e-3db0badf1cdd}{120}" paraid="261635772" >Imran&nbsp;had led Pakistan to its only World Cup triumph in the year 1992 and is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders and captains to have played the gentlemen's sport.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d8a236-cb35-4021-8a0e-3db0badf1cdd}{120}" paraid="261635772" ><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fired-tear-gas-on-employees-to-test-it-as-it-had-been-unused-for-a-long-time-pakistan-minister-363748">Fired tear gas on employees to 'test' it, was unused for long: Pak minister</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3163c911-3757-49a9-8a3b-492e965e9eb2}{120}" paraid="1321915066" >After winning the elections in 2018, Imran roped in Ehsan Mani, former ICC president, to lead the Pakistan Cricket Board. Since then, the Pakistan cricketing structure has witnessed a bit of revamping with the country also&nbsp;hosting international teams for bilateral series alongside the Pakistan Super League.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eafdefc1-9d3d-4440-9d63-7bc9e7505d34}{73}" paraid="1142757222" >&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d8a236-cb35-4021-8a0e-3db0badf1cdd}{14}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister and former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Imran Khan has lauded the Indian cricket team as he said that India's turnaround to become world beaters is due to the improvement in basic cricket structure.

Pakistan Prime Minister and former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Imran Khan has lauded the Indian cricket team as he said that India's turnaround to become world beaters is due to the improvement in basic cricket structure. Imran Khan further said that it takes time for a structure to come to become fruitful and added that he is confident that Pakistan cricket team will flourish in future as well. Imran said that Pakistan had always been a good side but couldn't dominate for long due to poor cricket structure. "Look at India today, they are becoming a top team in the world because they improved their structure although we have more talent," Imran said, talking to the media in Islamabad. ALSO READ: 'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies "It takes time for a structure to work and polish talent but I am confident our team will become world beaters," he added. The Pakistan PM then said that while he is not able to take time out to watch live cricket matches due to his busy schedule, he is looking forward to witness Pakistan cricket team improve their performances on the field gradually. "Honestly speaking I am not able to spare time for cricket and have not even watched the matches but now that our basic cricket structure has been changed things will improve gradually," he said. ALSO READ: 'Different challenges': Gambhir names 2 key England batsmen India should watchout for Imran had led Pakistan to its only World Cup triumph in the year 1992 and is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders and captains to have played the gentlemen's sport. Also Read | Fired tear gas on employees to 'test' it, was unused for long: Pak minister After winning the elections in 2018, Imran roped in Ehsan Mani, former ICC president, to lead the Pakistan Cricket Board. Since then, the Pakistan cricketing structure has witnessed a bit of revamping with the country also hosting international teams for bilateral series alongside the Pakistan Super League.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{46a6fe2e-afe3-43f9-aff7-9ae2699d0ddf}{89}" paraid="1136943682" >Indian batsman KL Rahul on Monday gained a spot to reach the second position in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings while South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi jumped to a career-best second position among bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4717bb65-2bfe-4946-95f9-8a7f375f24f5}{46}" paraid="84642589" >Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, after his heroics against South Africa, toppled many to race to the 42nd&nbsp;place as he helped his side win the three-match T20I series 2-1. Shamsi, who&nbsp;was the highest wicket-taker in the T20I series against Pakistan including a four-wicket-haul in the series finale, overtook the likes of Adam Zampa, Adil Rashid and Mujeeb&nbsp;Ur Rahman to get within three points of top-ranked Rashid Khan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4717bb65-2bfe-4946-95f9-8a7f375f24f5}{46}" paraid="84642589" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ball-starts-to-turn-sunil-gavaskar-hammers-critics-for-slamming-chennai-pitch-in-2nd-test-363703" hreflang="en">'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d36a7f02-b673-4045-b3bf-0182babbe2b1}{195}" paraid="880212013" >Whereas Rizwan, who ended up as the highest run-scorer with 197 runs including a 104 not-out, lifted him 116 slots to career-best 42 position. He was also the player of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ef488770-fca3-4ab4-9915-94bd41076ef6}{104}" paraid="1346422239" >Pakistan's Haider Ali moved 13 spots to 137 position&nbsp;whereas Shaheen Shah Afridi is now ranked 11th&nbsp;in the T20I Player Ranking for bowlers. Whereas Usman Qadir has been ranked 92.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ef488770-fca3-4ab4-9915-94bd41076ef6}{104}" paraid="1346422239" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-overtakes-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list-after-dismissing-ben-stokes-363543" hreflang="en">Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4082e85a-22d2-44a0-8f71-4b3b6608bcc8}{166}" paraid="2095429271" >South Africa's&nbsp;Reeza&nbsp;Hendricks helped him move to 17 while David Miller gained seven places to mote to 22nd&nbsp;position in the rankings.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3f461521-a65a-42d2-953b-0edfa6682561}{55}" paraid="1662661030" >However, there are no changes in the ICC Men's Team Rankings in the series with Pakistan remaining in the fourth position despite gaining one point. South Africa, on the other hand, have lost one point and remain fifth in the standings.&nbsp;</p>


Indian batsman KL Rahul on Monday gained a spot to reach the second position in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings while South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi jumped to a career-best second position among bowlers.

Indian batsman KL Rahul on Monday gained a spot to reach the second position in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings while South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi jumped to a career-best second position among bowlers. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, after his heroics against South Africa, toppled many to race to the 42nd place as he helped his side win the three-match T20I series 2-1. Shamsi, who was the highest wicket-taker in the T20I series against Pakistan including a four-wicket-haul in the series finale, overtook the likes of Adam Zampa, Adil Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to get within three points of top-ranked Rashid Khan. ALSO READ: 'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test Whereas Rizwan, who ended up as the highest run-scorer with 197 runs including a 104 not-out, lifted him 116 slots to career-best 42 position. He was also the player of the series. Pakistan's Haider Ali moved 13 spots to 137 position whereas Shaheen Shah Afridi is now ranked 11th in the T20I Player Ranking for bowlers. Whereas Usman Qadir has been ranked 92. ALSO READ: Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes South Africa's Reeza Hendricks helped him move to 17 while David Miller gained seven places to mote to 22nd position in the rankings. However, there are no changes in the ICC Men's Team Rankings in the series with Pakistan remaining in the fourth position despite gaining one point. South Africa, on the other hand, have lost one point and remain fifth in the standings.

ICC T20I Rankings: KL Rahul jumps to 2nd spot; Shamsi, Rizwan achieve career-best position

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{42bd6529-2c93-4bbb-9fc6-20dcd9c80915}{116}" paraid="680433239" >Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored&nbsp;a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{635f0909-63d2-4df5-b4a7-b363cce1e1c6}{192}" paraid="711106217" >While England batsmen were outplayed by the Indian bowlers on Day 2, Ashwin and Kohli showed the visitors how to bat on a 'rank turner' as the duo tackled the English spin duo of Jack Leach and Moeen Ali with ease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9fd72db8-250f-4fa4-81d2-da620e5d962e}{68}" paraid="1577851888" >With former England cricketers such as Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the Chennai pitch on Day 2 of the match after England were bowled out for a paltry 134,&nbsp;the Indian batters, especially Kohli and Ashwin produced batting of the highest caliber to register their respective half-century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9fd72db8-250f-4fa4-81d2-da620e5d962e}{68}" paraid="1577851888" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ball-starts-to-turn-sunil-gavaskar-hammers-critics-for-slamming-chennai-pitch-in-2nd-test-363703" hreflang="en">'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He may not get a 100 but this <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> innings has been an masterclass on this pitch ... its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1361208244258103302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360843448639778818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twitterati celebrated half-centuries of Kohli and Ashwin as India look on verge of winning the second Test to&nbsp;equalise&nbsp;the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a4c37608-d81b-4dc3-a8c5-da75ccfa279b}{26}" paraid="1977482560" >Here's how Twitterati reacted to the half-century by Kohli and Ashwin</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>!<br />
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England didn’t pick their best team so can’t complain.<br />
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Missing Jimmy, BIG TIME!</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1361210956991369216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> A master class on how to play on a turning track. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/8NYs7fTMAk">pic.twitter.com/8NYs7fTMAk</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1361213759889416196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fifty in second innings in first Test.<br />
Fifty in second innings in second Test.<br />
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Both was tough pitch to bat on and best of the best stands tall for India - Virat Kohli.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1361210930525179907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kohli is majestic. This is a masterclass in how to bat on a ploughed field. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1361207061128839168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Appreciation tweet for Ash Anna</p>
— A (@_shortarmjab_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_shortarmjab_/status/1361211855209852931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ash Anna giving English team their own medicine ' sweep and reverse sweep ' . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pitch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pitch</a> <a href="https://t.co/13XNXRw50B">pic.twitter.com/13XNXRw50B</a></p>
— Kushal Gowda (@Kushalg77328189) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kushalg77328189/status/1361197641594408962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ash anna showing england batsman how to bat on turners rather than crying <a href="https://t.co/Od7in2K9xw">pic.twitter.com/Od7in2K9xw</a></p>
— Siddarth (@Adelaide__141) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide__141/status/1361216705171656706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Not only did Kohli and Ashwin shut critics of the Chennai pitch with their&nbsp;quality batting display, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also lashed out at the critics for&nbsp;unnecessary&nbsp;slamming the quality of the strip in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{233}" paraid="1981234176" >"We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{244}" paraid="346886169" >"Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia&nbsp;get&nbsp;dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{223}" paraid="1118768860" >With Kohli and Ashwin still batting, the Indian duo would be looking to convert their 50+ scores to a century to make this Test even more special, moreover in front of the fans.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs. While England batsmen were outplayed by the Indian bowlers on Day 2, Ashwin and Kohli showed the visitors how to bat on a 'rank turner' as the duo tackled the English spin duo of Jack Leach and Moeen Ali with ease. With former England cricketers such as Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior criticising the Chennai pitch on Day 2 of the match after England were bowled out for a paltry 134, the Indian batters, especially Kohli and Ashwin produced batting of the highest caliber to register their respective half-century. ALSO READ: 'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test He may not get a 100 but this @imVkohli innings has been an masterclass on this pitch ... its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach ... #INDvsENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2021 × It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × Twitterati celebrated half-centuries of Kohli and Ashwin as India look on verge of winning the second Test to equalise the series 1-1. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India Here's how Twitterati reacted to the half-century by Kohli and Ashwin He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now - @imVkohli! England didn’t pick their best team so can’t complain. Missing Jimmy, BIG TIME! — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 15, 2021 × Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for @imVkohli A master class on how to play on a turning track. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/8NYs7fTMAk — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 15, 2021 × Fifty in second innings in first Test. Fifty in second innings in second Test. Both was tough pitch to bat on and best of the best stands tall for India - Virat Kohli. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2021 × Kohli is majestic. This is a masterclass in how to bat on a ploughed field. #INDvENG — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2021 × Appreciation tweet for Ash Anna — A (@_shortarmjab_) February 15, 2021 × Ash Anna giving English team their own medicine ' sweep and reverse sweep ' . #INDvsENG #Pitch pic.twitter.com/13XNXRw50B — Kushal Gowda (@Kushalg77328189) February 15, 2021 × Ash anna showing england batsman how to bat on turners rather than crying pic.twitter.com/Od7in2K9xw — Siddarth (@Adelaide__141) February 15, 2021 × Not only did Kohli and Ashwin shut critics of the Chennai pitch with their quality batting display, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also lashed out at the critics for unnecessary slamming the quality of the strip in Chennai. "We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia get dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added. With Kohli and Ashwin still batting, the Indian duo would be looking to convert their 50+ scores to a century to make this Test even more special, moreover in front of the fans.

'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch

<p>India opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who played a sensational knock on the opening day of the second Test, said he knew about the turning nature of the wicket and was mentally prepared to face the bowlers on the track.</p>

<p>Rohit hit a brilliant 161 studded with 18 fours and two sixes and stitched a crucial partnership with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. The duo added 162 runs for the fourth wicket before Moeen dismissed Rohit in the 73rd over.</p>

<p>The right-handed batsman said dominating the bowler was his plan on this turning track in Chennai.</p>

<p>"We knew about how the pitch was prepared. We knew it was gonna turn and so we had a good few training sessions before the game began and we trained according to what we were going to expect in the middle," said Rohit in the virtual press conference on Saturday.</p>

<p>"So basically using you feat a lot more, making sure you sweep the ball and those kinds of things when you play on turning pitches. You gotta be proactive. You should be on top of the bowler making sure you are ahead of him was very crucial," he added.</p>

<p>India lost three wickets in the first session but Rohit displayed a solid batting performance hammering bowlers all around the ground for boundaries.</p>

<p>"So little adjustment based on that and understanding if the ball is turning how big is the turn whether it is bouncing or whether it is keeping low. Those were the things that I was thinking about before playing any shot," said Rohit.</p>

<p>"So yeah, mentally before the game I was prepared of what I will be facing the ones I get in and I think the preparation really helped in terms of getting out there and playing shots," he added.</p>

<p>Three Indian wickets in the final hour of play tipped the opening day of the second Test slightly in favour of England after Rohit`s sensational knock had set the India innings up on Saturday. India lost Rohit (161), Ajinkya Rahane (67), and Ravichandran Ashwin (15) in the final hour of the play. At stumps, India`s score reads 300/6 with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel unbeaten at 33 and five runs respectively.</p>


India opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who played a sensational knock on the opening day of the second Test, said he knew about the turning nature of the wicket and was mentally prepared to face the bowlers on the track.

India opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who played a sensational knock on the opening day of the second Test, said he knew about the turning nature of the wicket and was mentally prepared to face the bowlers on the track. Rohit hit a brilliant 161 studded with 18 fours and two sixes and stitched a crucial partnership with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. The duo added 162 runs for the fourth wicket before Moeen dismissed Rohit in the 73rd over. The right-handed batsman said dominating the bowler was his plan on this turning track in Chennai. "We knew about how the pitch was prepared. We knew it was gonna turn and so we had a good few training sessions before the game began and we trained according to what we were going to expect in the middle," said Rohit in the virtual press conference on Saturday. "So basically using you feat a lot more, making sure you sweep the ball and those kinds of things when you play on turning pitches. You gotta be proactive. You should be on top of the bowler making sure you are ahead of him was very crucial," he added. India lost three wickets in the first session but Rohit displayed a solid batting performance hammering bowlers all around the ground for boundaries. "So little adjustment based on that and understanding if the ball is turning how big is the turn whether it is bouncing or whether it is keeping low. Those were the things that I was thinking about before playing any shot," said Rohit. "So yeah, mentally before the game I was prepared of what I will be facing the ones I get in and I think the preparation really helped in terms of getting out there and playing shots," he added. Three Indian wickets in the final hour of play tipped the opening day of the second Test slightly in favour of England after Rohit`s sensational knock had set the India innings up on Saturday. India lost Rohit (161), Ajinkya Rahane (67), and Ravichandran Ashwin (15) in the final hour of the play. At stumps, India`s score reads 300/6 with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel unbeaten at 33 and five runs respectively.

Ind vs Eng: Knew pitch was going to turn, was mentally prepared, says Rohit

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{169}" paraid="1992077102" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13.&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;has recovered completely after complaining of pain in his left knee, which ruled him out of the first Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7f7bafdd-7858-4d28-8f65-d02c42ec6529}{88}" paraid="66185757" xml:lang="EN-GB">As a result, spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been drafted back to the group of standby players. Nadeem was central to widespread criticism following a lacklustre show with the ball in the opening Test against England, where he managed to pick just four wickets while conceding more than 200 runs&nbsp;in both the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{75322cfa-c6db-45c8-91c6-0d2202ceef15}{187}" paraid="1970755758" xml:lang="EN-GB">The group of standby players include wicket-keeper KS Bharat, batsmen Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal, and spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{75322cfa-c6db-45c8-91c6-0d2202ceef15}{187}" paraid="1970755758" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jofra-archer-ruled-out-of-second-test-vs-india-due-to-elbow-injury-362996" hreflang="en">Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7b3a1ec1-46c7-448e-91d5-afcef05101c7}{196}" paraid="1408327764" xml:lang="EN-GB">BCCI statement on&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{59}" paraid="182297110" xml:lang="EN-GB">"Axar&nbsp;Patel has recovered completely and is now available for selection for the 2nd Paytm Test in Chennai against England to be played from Saturday, 13th&nbsp;February. The all-rounder had complained of pain in his left knee and was ruled out of the first Test.&nbsp;The All-India Senior Selection Committee have now withdrawn Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar from the main squad and added the duo back to the group of standby players."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{84}" paraid="2080134054" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>India Test squad:&nbsp;</strong>Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{95}" paraid="879514341" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Standby players:</strong>&nbsp;K S Bharat, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{106}" paraid="1722781193" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Net Bowlers:</strong>&nbsp;Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{52}" paraid="942774397" xml:lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder Axar Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder Axar Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13. Axar has recovered completely after complaining of pain in his left knee, which ruled him out of the first Test. As a result, spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been drafted back to the group of standby players. Nadeem was central to widespread criticism following a lacklustre show with the ball in the opening Test against England, where he managed to pick just four wickets while conceding more than 200 runs in both the innings. The group of standby players include wicket-keeper KS Bharat, batsmen Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal, and spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar. ALSO READ: Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury BCCI statement on Axar Patel: "Axar Patel has recovered completely and is now available for selection for the 2nd Paytm Test in Chennai against England to be played from Saturday, 13th February. The all-rounder had complained of pain in his left knee and was ruled out of the first Test. The All-India Senior Selection Committee have now withdrawn Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar from the main squad and added the duo back to the group of standby players." India Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur Standby players: K S Bharat, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal Net Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar

Axar Patel fit for second Test vs England; Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar drafted back to standby list

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{60}" paraid="1477147897" xml:lang="EN-GB">England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai&nbsp;from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{110757dd-d1bd-4531-8b3d-18fea30e5fb4}{182}" paraid="866720230" xml:lang="EN-GB">Archer has been treated with an injection in his right elbow with the England team hoping that the treatment will allow his condition to settle down quickly while allowing the speedster to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{69}" paraid="1096743473" xml:lang="EN-GB">While it is yet to be seen who replaces Archer in the playing XI, pacer Olly Stone could be in contention if England decide to rest veteran pacer James Anderson from the playing XI. Off-spin all-rounder Moeen Ali is also in contention to be in the playing XI. However, it is expected that Anderson and Stuart Broad will pair up for the second Test against India following Archer's injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{69}" paraid="1096743473" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-mohammad-rizwan-joins-brendon-mccullum-in-unique-list-after-maiden-t20i-century-362993" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan joins Brendon McCullum in unique list after maiden T20I century</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{fbb6a2a6-0cf9-429d-9db7-59728412c549}{77}" paraid="501995115" xml:lang="EN-GB">The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement said: "Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{202}" paraid="1420401608" xml:lang="EN-GB">"The injection follows discomfort the fast bowler experienced during the 227-run win in the first Test at the same venue.&nbsp;The issue is not related to any previous injury and it is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly, allowing the player to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{202}" paraid="1420401608" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/worst-surface-ive-seen-jofra-archer-on-day-5-pitch-in-first-test-against-india-362921" hreflang="en">'Worst surface I've seen': Jofra Archer on Day 5 pitch in first Test against India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{90a0f2c8-6c19-4636-a3f9-94c99066431e}{166}" paraid="501332057" xml:lang="EN-GB">Meanwhile, England are guaranteed to make another change in the line-up with wicket-keeper Ben Foakes replacing Jos Buttler in the playing XI. Buttler was relieved of his duties following the first Test against India, which England won by 227 runs. He will return for the five-match T20I series against the Men in Blue after&nbsp;being named in the squad on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>


England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow.

England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow. Archer has been treated with an injection in his right elbow with the England team hoping that the treatment will allow his condition to settle down quickly while allowing the speedster to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad. While it is yet to be seen who replaces Archer in the playing XI, pacer Olly Stone could be in contention if England decide to rest veteran pacer James Anderson from the playing XI. Off-spin all-rounder Moeen Ali is also in contention to be in the playing XI. However, it is expected that Anderson and Stuart Broad will pair up for the second Test against India following Archer's injury. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan joins Brendon McCullum in unique list after maiden T20I century The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement said: "Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow. "The injection follows discomfort the fast bowler experienced during the 227-run win in the first Test at the same venue. The issue is not related to any previous injury and it is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly, allowing the player to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad." ALSO READ: 'Worst surface I've seen': Jofra Archer on Day 5 pitch in first Test against India Meanwhile, England are guaranteed to make another change in the line-up with wicket-keeper Ben Foakes replacing Jos Buttler in the playing XI. Buttler was relieved of his duties following the first Test against India, which England won by 227 runs. He will return for the five-match T20I series against the Men in Blue after being named in the squad on Thursday.

Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{63ec6f7a-5219-4d4c-923f-12fafcebbe12}{186}" paraid="25933413" xml:lang="EN-GB">Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman&nbsp;Mohammad Rizwan joined former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in an exclusive list of&nbsp;glovesmen&nbsp;to have scored a century in all three formats of cricket -&nbsp;Test, ODI and T20I.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b2401ebc-0360-4e05-a24d-ab7e4dcacb23}{64}" paraid="1965368041" xml:lang="EN-GB">Rizwan smashed an unbeaten&nbsp;104 runs off just 64 deliveries laced with six boundaries and seven sixes to help Pakistan post 169 runs on the scoreboard in the first T20I against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{14fc233f-1951-44ac-ab04-7afaf9f9686c}{103}" paraid="254498221" xml:lang="EN-GB">Rizwan scored his maiden Test ton, against South Africa, in the recently concluded two-match Test series, which Pakistan won 2-0. The Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman has two ODI centuries – both against Australia in the year 2019,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{14fc233f-1951-44ac-ab04-7afaf9f9686c}{56}" paraid="169438180" xml:lang="EN-GB">Before Rizwan, McCullum was the only wicketkeeper-batsman to have scored&nbsp;at least&nbsp;a century across formats.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{14fc233f-1951-44ac-ab04-7afaf9f9686c}{56}" paraid="169438180" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-announce-squad-for-t20i-series-against-india-as-jos-buttler-dawid-malan-return-362923" hreflang="en">England announce squad for T20I series against India as Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan return</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5a809fb8-d37e-416c-8f8e-e86680bf8757}{56}" paraid="1373693555" xml:lang="EN-GB">Rizwan started his knock at a&nbsp;slow rate, scoring run a ball, before upping the ante in the second half of the innings as he smashed the Proteas bowlers all over the park at the Gaddafi Stadium. He was received by his teammates in the dressing room amid standing ovation as he took&nbsp;Pakistan to a competitive total.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5610589-4d2f-4bf3-8a5f-f9c39a85da6f}{180}" paraid="1384806614" xml:lang="EN-GB">Mohammed Rizwan's innings breakdown:&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0b34e977-9d9a-49f9-abf7-6eb2486c5464}{212}" paraid="1666143041" xml:lang="EN-GB">First 30 Balls - 101.1&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0b34e977-9d9a-49f9-abf7-6eb2486c5464}{223}" paraid="1469965232" xml:lang="EN-GB">After 30 Balls - 192.3&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{19}" paraid="2042456756" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>S/R in all T20s&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0b34e977-9d9a-49f9-abf7-6eb2486c5464}{235}" paraid="448949460" xml:lang="EN-GB">First 30 Balls - 110.9&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{55}" paraid="758735357" xml:lang="EN-GB">After 30 Balls - 161.9</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{55}" paraid="758735357" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-and-irfan-pathan-back-wasim-jaffer-over-communal-bias-controversy-362885" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8d1d1fed-2e3d-4485-aa33-a633487a44dc}{99}" paraid="1801602080" xml:lang="EN-GB">Rizwan, with his blistering knock, became the first Pakistan batsman to hammer seven sixes in an innings while also becoming the second Pakistan batsman, after Ahmed Shehzad, to score a ton in T20Is.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5610589-4d2f-4bf3-8a5f-f9c39a85da6f}{151}" paraid="989808378" xml:lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan joined former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in an exclusive list of glovesmen to have scored a century in all three formats of cricket - Test, ODI and T20I.

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan joined former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in an exclusive list of glovesmen to have scored a century in all three formats of cricket - Test, ODI and T20I. Rizwan smashed an unbeaten 104 runs off just 64 deliveries laced with six boundaries and seven sixes to help Pakistan post 169 runs on the scoreboard in the first T20I against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rizwan scored his maiden Test ton, against South Africa, in the recently concluded two-match Test series, which Pakistan won 2-0. The Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman has two ODI centuries – both against Australia in the year 2019, Before Rizwan, McCullum was the only wicketkeeper-batsman to have scored at least a century across formats. ALSO READ: England announce squad for T20I series against India as Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan return Rizwan started his knock at a slow rate, scoring run a ball, before upping the ante in the second half of the innings as he smashed the Proteas bowlers all over the park at the Gaddafi Stadium. He was received by his teammates in the dressing room amid standing ovation as he took Pakistan to a competitive total. Mohammed Rizwan's innings breakdown: First 30 Balls - 101.1 After 30 Balls - 192.3 S/R in all T20s First 30 Balls - 110.9 After 30 Balls - 161.9 ALSO READ: Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy Rizwan, with his blistering knock, became the first Pakistan batsman to hammer seven sixes in an innings while also becoming the second Pakistan batsman, after Ahmed Shehzad, to score a ton in T20Is.

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan joins Brendon McCullum in unique list after maiden T20I century

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{222}" paraid="1235426690" xml:lang="EN-GB">The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5fa6ebfe-04c2-4fb7-acc6-3fd330301413}{9}" paraid="2724070" xml:lang="EN-GB">The likes of Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes all have been named in the England squad while the likes of Jason Roy, Adil Rashid&nbsp;have been included in the team for the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{233}" paraid="992224388" xml:lang="EN-GB">The touring party depart on Friday 26 February and will play five IT20s in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{233}" paraid="992224388" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-and-irfan-pathan-back-wasim-jaffer-over-communal-bias-controversy-362885" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{246}" paraid="1408838986" xml:lang="EN-GB">England Men’s T20I Squad vs India:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{2}" paraid="1445262830" xml:lang="EN-GB">Eoin Morgan&nbsp;(Middlesex) (captain),&nbsp;Moeen Ali&nbsp;(Worcestershire),&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Jonathan Bairstow&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Sam Billings&nbsp;(Kent),&nbsp;Jos Buttler&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Sam Curran&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Tom Curran&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Chris Jordan&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Liam Livingstone&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Dawid Malan&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Adil Rashid&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Jason Roy&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Ben Stokes&nbsp;(Durham),&nbsp;Reece Topley&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Mark Wood&nbsp;(Durham).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{137}" paraid="1693335549" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Reserves</strong>:&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{148}" paraid="1773412713" xml:lang="EN-GB">Jake Ball&nbsp;(Nottinghamshire),&nbsp;Matt Parkinson&nbsp;(Lancashire).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{171}" paraid="1325980659" xml:lang="EN-GB">The squad for the three ODIs that follow the T2I series will be announced in due course.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{171}" paraid="1325980659" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-former-indian-batting-coach-sanjay-bangar-joins-royal-challengers-bangalore-as-batting-consultant-362869" hreflang="en">IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{182}" paraid="514574826" xml:lang="EN-GB">India vs England, T20I series: Full Schedule</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{221}" paraid="317235814" xml:lang="EN-GB">12 March: 1st T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{234}" paraid="1529806237" xml:lang="EN-GB">14 March: 2nd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{247}" paraid="153471502" xml:lang="EN-GB">16 March: 3rd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f1946240-f7ca-4fa3-beeb-2b5dfb377299}{5}" paraid="1513516892" xml:lang="EN-GB">18 March: 4th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f1946240-f7ca-4fa3-beeb-2b5dfb377299}{18}" paraid="1751912694" xml:lang="EN-GB">20 March: 5th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{213}" paraid="1271161078" xml:lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</p>


The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side.

The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side. The likes of Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes all have been named in the England squad while the likes of Jason Roy, Adil Rashid have been included in the team for the shortest format of the game. The touring party depart on Friday 26 February and will play five IT20s in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy England Men’s T20I Squad vs India: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), Mark Wood (Durham). Reserves: Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire). The squad for the three ODIs that follow the T2I series will be announced in due course. ALSO READ: IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant India vs England, T20I series: Full Schedule 12 March: 1st T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 14 March: 2nd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 16 March: 3rd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 18 March: 4th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 20 March: 5th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

England announce squad for T20I series against India as Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan return

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{86b813e7-1c1b-4cae-bbd9-6f90a5b9c331}{51}" paraid="2069596310" xml:lang="EN-GB">Pakistan are set to host South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.&nbsp;Pakistan would be looking to carry their rich run of form after clean-sweeping South Africa 2-0 in the two-match Test series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a70c7d79-4fa0-484d-aca0-879c3e97f304}{221}" paraid="530957987" xml:lang="EN-GB">South Africa are set to field an inexperienced side&nbsp;led by Heinrich Klaasen&nbsp;with&nbsp;George Linde, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi and&nbsp;Lutho&nbsp;Sipamla&nbsp;the only four players in the T20I squad from the Test series.&nbsp;Pakistan will also miss few of their key names in&nbsp;Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{995c874d-482d-4c3f-848e-fcdc04381fa0}{154}" paraid="1459808754">Pakistan at home can be a gritty opponent and with South Africa set to name many inexperienced players in the line-up, the hosts are favourites to start the T20I series with a win.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{995c874d-482d-4c3f-848e-fcdc04381fa0}{154}" paraid="1459808754"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-you-indian-legend-anil-kumble-comes-in-support-of-wasim-jaffer-362885" hreflang="en">'With you': Indian legend Anil Kumble comes in support of Wasim Jaffer</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e6d71be8-1a62-43b8-a029-d477003aa999}{91}" paraid="950245957" xml:lang="EN-GB">"We know we're up against a really strong Pakistan team. We do respect that. At the same time, in T20 cricket if you prep well and you've got a great team, there are opportunities to still lose,” said David Miller ahead of the T20I series opener in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{13}" paraid="1845462680" role="heading" xml:lang="EN-GB">When and what time will&nbsp;Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I begin?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{33}" paraid="1248771046" xml:lang="EN-GB">Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I will begin at&nbsp;6:30 PM IST on December 22. The toss will take place at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;PM IST.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{44}" paraid="96966392" role="heading" xml:lang="EN-GB">Where will&nbsp;Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I take place?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{61}" paraid="118465151" xml:lang="EN-GB">Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I match will be held at the&nbsp;Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{72}" paraid="1812042757" role="heading" xml:lang="EN-GB">Which channel will telecast&nbsp;Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I on TV?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{89}" paraid="1765319159" xml:lang="EN-GB">Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I will&nbsp;be telecasted on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{100}" paraid="545557766" role="heading" xml:lang="EN-GB">How to watch the live streaming of&nbsp;Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8c78531e-bb2f-4331-831e-b5ba786b8991}{117}" paraid="1363288388" xml:lang="EN-GB">The&nbsp;Pakistan vs South Africa 1st&nbsp;T20I&nbsp;match can be live-streamed on the&nbsp;Sony Liv.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan are set to host South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. Pakistan would be looking to carry their rich run of form after clean-sweeping South Africa 2-0 in the two-match Test series.

Pakistan are set to host South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. Pakistan would be looking to carry their rich run of form after clean-sweeping South Africa 2-0 in the two-match Test series. South Africa are set to field an inexperienced side led by Heinrich Klaasen with George Linde, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi and Lutho Sipamla the only four players in the T20I squad from the Test series. Pakistan will also miss few of their key names in Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim. Pakistan at home can be a gritty opponent and with South Africa set to name many inexperienced players in the line-up, the hosts are favourites to start the T20I series with a win. ALSO READ: 'With you': Indian legend Anil Kumble comes in support of Wasim Jaffer "We know we're up against a really strong Pakistan team. We do respect that. At the same time, in T20 cricket if you prep well and you've got a great team, there are opportunities to still lose,” said David Miller ahead of the T20I series opener in Lahore. When and what time will Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I begin? Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I will begin at 6:30 PM IST on December 22. The toss will take place at 6:00 PM IST. Where will Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I take place? Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I match will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Which channel will telecast Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I on TV? Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I will be telecasted on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD. How to watch the live streaming of Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I? The Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I match can be live-streamed on the Sony Liv.

Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I, Live Streaming: When and where to watch PAK vs SA in India?

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7727d12d-7717-4750-be40-41fa521167ab}{215}" paraid="573144615" xml:lang="EN-GB">A photograph gallery containing a picture of England cricket team in a huddle among other images was blocked by Facebook for containing "overtly sexual" content.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2bdcaad9-9fdf-4132-829c-2f2a352c780e}{51}" paraid="1634269060" xml:lang="EN-GB">According to a report in BBC, the owner of the digital photo gallery,&nbsp;Mike Hall has insisted that none of the 400 photographs contained any "risque" content but were taken down by Facebook following his attempt to use them as ads on the social media platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0acc107b-bb06-4b1c-9d0d-37d0dbdf39cb}{152}" paraid="1982014447" xml:lang="EN-GB">Among the other 400 images that were surprisingly taken down by Facebook included a frame of a cow standing on a field, a Hong Kong timeline, a high-rise&nbsp;buidling, firework display. The reason provided by Facebook&nbsp;to ban the images ranged from&nbsp;“promoting weapons” to “overtly sexual” content.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0acc107b-bb06-4b1c-9d0d-37d0dbdf39cb}{152}" paraid="1982014447" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shahbaz-nadeem-set-to-be-dropped-as-axar-patel-returns-in-nets-362727" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{76880fb7-76ae-4e6c-b74d-c74a85f19339}{76}" paraid="660210161" xml:lang="EN-GB">Notably, Facebook's ad policies restrict the promotion of "adult" products and services – a rule that the England cricket team bizarrely found itself on the wrong side of.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{84cf8dcd-63d1-45a0-8141-ef095f52cf03}{93}" paraid="421121173" xml:lang="EN-GB">However, the ads were later restored with Facebook apologising to the photographer as they admitted that the photographs were "restricted in error”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{96fa6053-e509-42d8-9184-1de1bedd28e4}{168}" paraid="1614106624" xml:lang="EN-GB">The image of the England cricket team was taken clicked during the fourth Test against India at Southampton in 2018 - a series remembered for being Alastair Cook's last Test series. The gallery contained images of a team huddle ahead of day's play&nbsp;and slip cordon featuring Root, Cook, Ben Stokes and James Anderson.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{96fa6053-e509-42d8-9184-1de1bedd28e4}{168}" paraid="1614106624" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-like-walking-barefoot-on-hot-desert-shoaib-akhtars-hilariously-trolls-psl-2021-anthem-362658" hreflang="en">WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{76880fb7-76ae-4e6c-b74d-c74a85f19339}{193}" paraid="170615241" xml:lang="EN-GB">“When you’re running a small business, or any business where you’re trying to figure out what’s gone wrong,” Hall&nbsp;told BBC. “You can’t have an arbitrary process with no-one to talk to. When I set up my account with&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;I had to verify my business with them – but after that, it fell into an abyss.”&nbsp;</p>


A photograph gallery containing a picture of England cricket team in a huddle among other images was blocked by Facebook for containing "overtly sexual" content.

A photograph gallery containing a picture of England cricket team in a huddle among other images was blocked by Facebook for containing "overtly sexual" content. According to a report in BBC, the owner of the digital photo gallery, Mike Hall has insisted that none of the 400 photographs contained any "risque" content but were taken down by Facebook following his attempt to use them as ads on the social media platform. Among the other 400 images that were surprisingly taken down by Facebook included a frame of a cow standing on a field, a Hong Kong timeline, a high-rise buidling, firework display. The reason provided by Facebook to ban the images ranged from “promoting weapons” to “overtly sexual” content. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets Notably, Facebook's ad policies restrict the promotion of "adult" products and services – a rule that the England cricket team bizarrely found itself on the wrong side of. However, the ads were later restored with Facebook apologising to the photographer as they admitted that the photographs were "restricted in error”. The image of the England cricket team was taken clicked during the fourth Test against India at Southampton in 2018 - a series remembered for being Alastair Cook's last Test series. The gallery contained images of a team huddle ahead of day's play and slip cordon featuring Root, Cook, Ben Stokes and James Anderson. TRENDING: WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem “When you’re running a small business, or any business where you’re trying to figure out what’s gone wrong,” Hall told BBC. “You can’t have an arbitrary process with no-one to talk to. When I set up my account with Facebook I had to verify my business with them – but after that, it fell into an abyss.”

Bizarre! 'Overtly sexual' photograph of England cricket team huddle blocked by Facebook

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9ca470a9-a4e8-4241-8d85-9879d0a091f9}{77}" paraid="49999924" xml:lang="EN-GB">Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13. Anderson could be rested for Stuart Broad, who missed the first Test due to England's&nbsp;rotation policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3e29b742-25bd-45ce-888e-2f774643b3c4}{185}" paraid="1450683651" xml:lang="EN-GB">The 38-year-old took the match away from India with a splendid spell of reverse-swing where he took three wickets as England won the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{881a6a40-aa43-4ec3-afa0-a2c7596b7e28}{99}" paraid="388279643" xml:lang="EN-GB">While Anderson looks fit as ever but the paceman could be left out of the second Test, taking out the chance to add to his sensational tally of 611 Test wickets – a record for a fast bowler.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{881a6a40-aa43-4ec3-afa0-a2c7596b7e28}{99}" paraid="388279643" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shahbaz-nadeem-set-to-be-dropped-as-axar-patel-returns-in-nets-362727" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{32ad0d49-17e9-48ef-a504-f69fe13cb6e7}{167}" paraid="783607262" xml:lang="EN-GB">England have a jam-packed Test schedule in 2021, culminating in an Ashes series in Australia with the coaching staff carefully managing the workload of their players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{abba602a-7d9b-47e3-ab3a-86c8f4d8547e}{251}" paraid="169012953" xml:lang="EN-GB">"When a batsman gets in rhythm and form, they want to keep batting and keep that rhythm going, and it's the same for a bowler," said Anderson.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{225}" paraid="223861997" xml:lang="EN-GB">"You want to keep that going if possible, but I'm very aware that we've got four Test matches in quick succession here and there will probably be a need to rest and rotate.&nbsp;So&nbsp;I'm not assuming anything."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{225}" paraid="223861997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-end-up-breaking-all-records-nasser-hussain-praises-joe-root-after-chennai-test-heroics-362665" hreflang="en">Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{234}" paraid="2086370527" xml:lang="EN-GB">England are set to make at least one change in their playing XI with wicket-keeper Jos Buttler set to be replaced by Ben Foakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3843168f-2727-4a2e-81fc-3557339d32d9}{100}" paraid="141313678" xml:lang="EN-GB">England coach Chris Silverwood admitted on Wednesday: "It is hard (to leave Anderson out), he is a class act. But you'll have to wait and see.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{528a0e34-fda8-4e5a-b7c7-d29c29b249aa}{24}" paraid="893288543" xml:lang="EN-GB">"I'm not reluctant to change a winning team now if it's the best thing to do for the players, the team and the longevity of it."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{528a0e34-fda8-4e5a-b7c7-d29c29b249aa}{96}" paraid="4644915" xml:lang="EN-GB">The second Test between India and England will start from February 13.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13.

Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13. Anderson could be rested for Stuart Broad, who missed the first Test due to England's rotation policy. The 38-year-old took the match away from India with a splendid spell of reverse-swing where he took three wickets as England won the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. While Anderson looks fit as ever but the paceman could be left out of the second Test, taking out the chance to add to his sensational tally of 611 Test wickets – a record for a fast bowler. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets England have a jam-packed Test schedule in 2021, culminating in an Ashes series in Australia with the coaching staff carefully managing the workload of their players. "When a batsman gets in rhythm and form, they want to keep batting and keep that rhythm going, and it's the same for a bowler," said Anderson. "You want to keep that going if possible, but I'm very aware that we've got four Test matches in quick succession here and there will probably be a need to rest and rotate. So I'm not assuming anything." ALSO READ: Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics England are set to make at least one change in their playing XI with wicket-keeper Jos Buttler set to be replaced by Ben Foakes. England coach Chris Silverwood admitted on Wednesday: "It is hard (to leave Anderson out), he is a class act. But you'll have to wait and see. "I'm not reluctant to change a winning team now if it's the best thing to do for the players, the team and the longevity of it." The second Test between India and England will start from February 13.

'I'm very aware...': James Anderson accepts he could be rested for second Test vs India

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{bef7cd0c-5a24-48ab-a291-f099f85742d8}{44}" paraid="643420955" xml:lang="EN-GB">Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Nadeem was heavily criticised for his performance in the opening Test against England, which India lost by a massive 227-run margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2cd2cb08-9046-487e-8f14-005ba51592e1}{198}" paraid="858242684" xml:lang="EN-GB">Nadeem managed to pick just four wickets in the match while also failing to stop the run-flow from his end.&nbsp;While Nadeem's replacement in the playing XI will only be decided by Friday, according to PTI, all-rounder&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel is set to replace&nbsp;him.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{82}" paraid="586720882" xml:lang="EN-GB">Axar&nbsp;missed the first Test against England due to a knee injury but is now match-fit. He has already started batting at the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57b594e8-f4b9-4cca-9d78-2dc8ec616e67}{185}" paraid="354029338" xml:lang="EN-GB">"Axar&nbsp;had a minor knee niggle and has already started batting at the nets. He is expected to start bowling during the next couple of days."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57b594e8-f4b9-4cca-9d78-2dc8ec616e67}{185}" paraid="354029338" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-like-walking-barefoot-on-hot-desert-shoaib-akhtars-hilariously-trolls-psl-2021-anthem-362658" hreflang="en">WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{163}" paraid="378506213" xml:lang="EN-GB">"He was always first choice to play the opening Test but it will depend on skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun," a senior BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{172}" paraid="2100207208" xml:lang="EN-GB">Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment on Nadeem's performance during the post-match presentation where he said that Nadeem and Washington Sundar failed to maintain the pressure created by the likes of Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;Sundar, who impressed with the bat, is set to keep his place in the playing XI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{172}" paraid="2100207208" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-india-skipper-virat-kohli-slips-to-fifth-spot-as-joe-root-enters-top-3-362638" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4c1b9f91-8f40-4500-b1ac-13f32f34b651}{69}" paraid="1911715267" xml:lang="EN-GB">Meanwhile, the new&nbsp;Chepauk&nbsp;strip could offer turn from Day 1 itself with pressure mounting on rookie curator V Ramesh Kumar and BCCI head of pitches and grounds committee head Taposh Chatterjee after one of the flattest decks that was on offer during the first Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2280a3bc-3fc5-467e-8edc-4a3966c42926}{213}" paraid="407915595" xml:lang="EN-GB">The second Test between India and England is set to commence from February 13.&nbsp;</p>


Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Nadeem was heavily criticised for his performance in the opening Test against England, which India lost by a massive 227-run margin. Nadeem managed to pick just four wickets in the match while also failing to stop the run-flow from his end. While Nadeem's replacement in the playing XI will only be decided by Friday, according to PTI, all-rounder Axar Patel is set to replace him. Axar missed the first Test against England due to a knee injury but is now match-fit. He has already started batting at the nets. "Axar had a minor knee niggle and has already started batting at the nets. He is expected to start bowling during the next couple of days." ALSO READ: WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem "He was always first choice to play the opening Test but it will depend on skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun," a senior BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday. Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment on Nadeem's performance during the post-match presentation where he said that Nadeem and Washington Sundar failed to maintain the pressure created by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar, who impressed with the bat, is set to keep his place in the playing XI. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3 Meanwhile, the new Chepauk strip could offer turn from Day 1 itself with pressure mounting on rookie curator V Ramesh Kumar and BCCI head of pitches and grounds committee head Taposh Chatterjee after one of the flattest decks that was on offer during the first Test. The second Test between India and England is set to commence from February 13.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{be3d9681-c159-4585-8cbc-661040074b50}{203}" paraid="1642555432" xml:lang="EN-GB">Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{dbd98b8c-6288-4a2b-b074-7eddc2c52054}{108}" paraid="222867695" xml:lang="EN-GB">Root continued his purple patch with the willow as he hammered 218 runs and 40 runs off 32 deliveries in the two innings respectively in the first Test against India as England defeated the hosts&nbsp;by 227 runs in Chennai to complete a historic win.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3075f764-6d16-44cd-9d94-a5bcf3dab87e}{110}" paraid="1359759467" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Root sure is one of England’s greats. He will probably end up breaking all records, he will probably go past Sir Alastair Cook’s 161 Test matches and probably tally of runs as well,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c9e8d941-a777-4a59-be10-e9144fba9d3d}{246}" paraid="262497812" xml:lang="EN-GB">“He is in great&nbsp;nick, only 30 years old, and if you did a list of all-time England batting greats - the ones I have seen anyway - you’d have to have Root with Cook, Graham Gooch and Kevin Pietersen,” Hussain said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c9e8d941-a777-4a59-be10-e9144fba9d3d}{246}" paraid="262497812" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-india-skipper-virat-kohli-slips-to-fifth-spot-as-joe-root-enters-top-3-362638" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{23}" paraid="636630403" xml:lang="EN-GB">“I would say he is arguably England’s best-ever player of spin, the way he sweeps spin away is outstanding to watch.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3075f764-6d16-44cd-9d94-a5bcf3dab87e}{165}" paraid="937032504" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hussain further branded&nbsp;England's win against India as “perfect performance" while adding the triumph in Chennai is right up there with all the epic wins in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{47}" paraid="579133950" xml:lang="EN-GB">“People were writing England off, saying this series could be 4-0 to India. No one really gave this side much of a chance. India had won in Australia, Virat Kohli was back and India is a very difficult place to go and win in Test match cricket,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{47}" paraid="579133950" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-india-wins-the-toss-he-will-score-250-ashish-nehra-on-virat-kohli-362622" hreflang="en">'When India wins the toss, he will score 250': Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f62758b-958d-4887-99b8-e791c0b2fbd2}{96}" paraid="31593759" xml:lang="EN-GB">"So, this win for England has to be right up there, especially away from home. They put in the perfect performance. From ball one to the final delivery, it was outstanding.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f62758b-958d-4887-99b8-e791c0b2fbd2}{216}" paraid="118801140" xml:lang="EN-GB">England will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Whereas India would be itching to set the record straight and bounce back in the series, which England lead by 1-0.&nbsp;</p>


Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling. Root continued his purple patch with the willow as he hammered 218 runs and 40 runs off 32 deliveries in the two innings respectively in the first Test against India as England defeated the hosts by 227 runs in Chennai to complete a historic win. “Root sure is one of England’s greats. He will probably end up breaking all records, he will probably go past Sir Alastair Cook’s 161 Test matches and probably tally of runs as well,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports. “He is in great nick, only 30 years old, and if you did a list of all-time England batting greats - the ones I have seen anyway - you’d have to have Root with Cook, Graham Gooch and Kevin Pietersen,” Hussain said. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3 “I would say he is arguably England’s best-ever player of spin, the way he sweeps spin away is outstanding to watch.” Hussain further branded England's win against India as “perfect performance" while adding the triumph in Chennai is right up there with all the epic wins in the longest format of the game. “People were writing England off, saying this series could be 4-0 to India. No one really gave this side much of a chance. India had won in Australia, Virat Kohli was back and India is a very difficult place to go and win in Test match cricket,” he said. ALSO READ: 'When India wins the toss, he will score 250': Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli "So, this win for England has to be right up there, especially away from home. They put in the perfect performance. From ball one to the final delivery, it was outstanding.” England will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Whereas India would be itching to set the record straight and bounce back in the series, which England lead by 1-0.

Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics

<p class="MsoNormal">James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-factor-held-england-back-from-early-declaration-joe-root-362495" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Here's James Anderson's epic full-over:&nbsp;</o:p></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">0W00W0<br />
Full over of James Anderson<a href="https://t.co/lWEEReud3T">pic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T</a></p>
— Praveen (@iamPra98) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamPra98/status/1359146828759855105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Must be really cloudy in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/PVhX5SUjHC">pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC</a></p>
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCricketGeek/status/1359026106205155328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.<o:p></o:p></p>


James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing.

James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root Here's James Anderson's epic full-over: 0W00W0 Full over of James Andersonpic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T — Praveen (@iamPra98) February 9, 2021 × Must be really cloudy in Chennai pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC — Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) February 9, 2021 × “The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test “Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added. It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.

Watch: James Anderson dismisses Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane with jaffas!

<p class="MsoNormal">England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">England went on to set a target of 420 runs for Team India. As the decision to not declare the innings stood right following England’s massive 227-run win against India, Joe Root explained why he decided against declaring the innings early.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Root said that Rishabh Pant’s ability to change the game in one session while adding he didn’t want the England bowlers to be in two minds about the final day of the match.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We could have declared earlier, for sure, we could have. I wanted to make sure that there were only two results possible in this game. I wanted to make sure that we turned up today with the ball still being hard. We wanted to give our bowlers an extra bit of time to be raring to go," Root told reporters at the virtual press conference.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We wanted to get to 400 and then we wanted to press the accelerator. Actually, it was going to be really important that we had runs on the board as it was a fast outfield," he added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Rishabh Pant bats for one session and he can make things quite interesting. I did not want the pressure of having to contain and as well as take wickets. I wanted to make sure that the bowlers were concentrating on the ways of finding the wickets on that surface.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-equals-michael-vaughan-as-most-successful-england-captain-in-his-100th-test-362448" hreflang="en">Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We were always going to create ten chances, we just had to be disciplined and take the chances that came our way. We could have declared earlier, I am just glad how it has turned out," he further said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Root capped off his 100th Test match in style with the England skipper scoring a scintillating double century in the first innings to help his side gain advantage going into the second innings. Eventually, England took a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test starting from February 13 in Chennai.<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on.

England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on. England went on to set a target of 420 runs for Team India. As the decision to not declare the innings stood right following England’s massive 227-run win against India, Joe Root explained why he decided against declaring the innings early. Root said that Rishabh Pant’s ability to change the game in one session while adding he didn’t want the England bowlers to be in two minds about the final day of the match. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test "We could have declared earlier, for sure, we could have. I wanted to make sure that there were only two results possible in this game. I wanted to make sure that we turned up today with the ball still being hard. We wanted to give our bowlers an extra bit of time to be raring to go," Root told reporters at the virtual press conference. "We wanted to get to 400 and then we wanted to press the accelerator. Actually, it was going to be really important that we had runs on the board as it was a fast outfield," he added. "Rishabh Pant bats for one session and he can make things quite interesting. I did not want the pressure of having to contain and as well as take wickets. I wanted to make sure that the bowlers were concentrating on the ways of finding the wickets on that surface. ALSO READ: Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test "We were always going to create ten chances, we just had to be disciplined and take the chances that came our way. We could have declared earlier, I am just glad how it has turned out," he further said. Root capped off his 100th Test match in style with the England skipper scoring a scintillating double century in the first innings to help his side gain advantage going into the second innings. Eventually, England took a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test starting from February 13 in Chennai.

Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root

<p>England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started.</p>

<p>Ahead of the series, Pietersen had warned Indian fans not to celebrate the historic Test series triumph against Australia much. At that time, the former England batsman had said that the real team will arrive in India a few weeks later while adding that a lot can change within a span of two weeks.</p>

<p>England dominated the proceedings against India in Chennai to win the Test 227 runs. While skipper Joe Root celebrated his 100th Test with a cracking double century, the likes of Dom Bess and James Anderson rattled the Indian batsmen with their classy bowling display.</p>

<p>“India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha,” tweeted Pietersen. (India, remember when I warned you before to refrain from celebrating too much when you had beaten Australia in their backyard).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-live-streams-india-vs-england-chennai-test-at-wedding-venue-photograph-goes-viral-362460" hreflang="en">Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha 😉</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1359059768082579456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“India - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai (This is a historic win, you must celebrate because it has been achieved despite all obstacles),” the ex-England captain had tweeted.</p>

<p>“LEKIN, ASLI TEAM toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein. Satark rahe, 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen (However, the real challenge comes your way in a few weeks, and you have to beat them at home. Be careful, refrain from celebrating too much in the coming two weeks),” he had written while referring to the England team.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-are-no-regrets-whatsoever-on-that-decision-virat-kohli-on-kuldeep-yadavs-omission-from-playing-xi-362444" hreflang="en">'There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision': Virat Kohli on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from playing XI</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">India 🇮🇳 - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai<br />
<br />
LEKIN , ASLI TEAM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😉 toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein .<br />
<br />
Satark rahe , 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen 😉</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1351501549013504001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>England will now look to continue their winning run at the same venue in Chennai in the second Test, scheduled to commence from February 13 whereas India will be gunning to bounce back from the setback and level the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started.

England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started. Ahead of the series, Pietersen had warned Indian fans not to celebrate the historic Test series triumph against Australia much. At that time, the former England batsman had said that the real team will arrive in India a few weeks later while adding that a lot can change within a span of two weeks. England dominated the proceedings against India in Chennai to win the Test 227 runs. While skipper Joe Root celebrated his 100th Test with a cracking double century, the likes of Dom Bess and James Anderson rattled the Indian batsmen with their classy bowling display. “India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha,” tweeted Pietersen. (India, remember when I warned you before to refrain from celebrating too much when you had beaten Australia in their backyard). ALSO READ: Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha 😉 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 9, 2021 × “India - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai (This is a historic win, you must celebrate because it has been achieved despite all obstacles),” the ex-England captain had tweeted. “LEKIN, ASLI TEAM toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein. Satark rahe, 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen (However, the real challenge comes your way in a few weeks, and you have to beat them at home. Be careful, refrain from celebrating too much in the coming two weeks),” he had written while referring to the England team. ALSO READ: 'There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision': Virat Kohli on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from playing XI India 🇮🇳 - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai LEKIN , ASLI TEAM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😉 toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein . Satark rahe , 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen 😉 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 19, 2021 × England will now look to continue their winning run at the same venue in Chennai in the second Test, scheduled to commence from February 13 whereas India will be gunning to bounce back from the setback and level the series.

IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test

<p>The phrase – cricket is a religion in India – is known to all the cricket-frenzy fans and a recent incident during a wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu summed up the feelings of cricket lovers towards the gentlemen’s game. A family, which hosted a wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu, made sure that guests don’t miss a single ball of the first Test between India and England, which was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.</p>

<p>The family live-streamed the Chennai Test on a giant screen at the location of the wedding. The photo of the event was posted by a social media user which went viral in no time, garnering attention from fans from all over the world.</p>

<p>A user named Akshay Natarajan took to social media platform Twitter to share the photograph where it was clearly visible that a big screen set near the wedding stage was live-streaming India vs England first Test in Chennai. While the ceremony continued on the stage, the big screens kept the guests updated with the development of the match.</p>

<p>“A Chennai test, with 2 Chennai boys batting. How can you not??” the user wrote referencing Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin. “Happy married life da Anand,” the user posted while wishing his friend on his wedding.&nbsp;<br />
The viral photograph caught attention of many cricket fans as the reacted by saying that they will follow the same norm on their wedding.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-captaincy-career-could-end-if-india-lose-2nd-test-against-england-monty-panesar-to-wion-362418" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Chennai test, with 2 Chennai boys batting. How can you not??<br />
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Happy married life da Anand 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/ClY34ri83G">pic.twitter.com/ClY34ri83G</a></p>
— Akshay Natarajan (@akshaynatarajan) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaynatarajan/status/1358646445730000896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have skipped many family functions as they coincided with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> matches in the pre-digital era.<br />
<br />
Wedding invites now must mention that match will be streamed live to ensure full attendance😁. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a><br />
📷 - Akshay Natarajan <a href="https://t.co/2K8OowtNhH">pic.twitter.com/2K8OowtNhH</a></p>
— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Moulinparikh/status/1358802282993750016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-drop-to-4th-after-chennai-test-heres-updated-standings-362403" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it is not the first time an incident like this has happened in India. From IPL matches being live-streamed in wedding receptions to football-themed parties, India continue to take the frenzy around sports to a different level.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India lost the first Test against England by 227-runs with the visitors leading the four-match rubber by 1-0.</p>


The phrase – cricket is a religion in India – is known to all the cricket-frenzy fans and a recent incident during a wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu summed up the feelings of cricket lovers towards the gentlemen’s game.

The phrase – cricket is a religion in India – is known to all the cricket-frenzy fans and a recent incident during a wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu summed up the feelings of cricket lovers towards the gentlemen’s game. A family, which hosted a wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu, made sure that guests don’t miss a single ball of the first Test between India and England, which was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The family live-streamed the Chennai Test on a giant screen at the location of the wedding. The photo of the event was posted by a social media user which went viral in no time, garnering attention from fans from all over the world. A user named Akshay Natarajan took to social media platform Twitter to share the photograph where it was clearly visible that a big screen set near the wedding stage was live-streaming India vs England first Test in Chennai. While the ceremony continued on the stage, the big screens kept the guests updated with the development of the match. “A Chennai test, with 2 Chennai boys batting. How can you not??” the user wrote referencing Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin. “Happy married life da Anand,” the user posted while wishing his friend on his wedding. The viral photograph caught attention of many cricket fans as the reacted by saying that they will follow the same norm on their wedding. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION A Chennai test, with 2 Chennai boys batting. How can you not?? Happy married life da Anand 😁#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/ClY34ri83G — Akshay Natarajan (@akshaynatarajan) February 8, 2021 × Have skipped many family functions as they coincided with #TeamIndia matches in the pre-digital era. Wedding invites now must mention that match will be streamed live to ensure full attendance😁. #INDvsENG 📷 - Akshay Natarajan pic.twitter.com/2K8OowtNhH — Moulin (@Moulinparikh) February 8, 2021 × ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings However, it is not the first time an incident like this has happened in India. From IPL matches being live-streamed in wedding receptions to football-themed parties, India continue to take the frenzy around sports to a different level. Meanwhile, India lost the first Test against England by 227-runs with the visitors leading the four-match rubber by 1-0.

Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral

<p>England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors. England Test captain Joe Root enjoyed a perfect 100th Test match as he not only led his side to a memorable win, which was also the biggest in terms of runs on Indian soil, but also helped the cause with a sensational double century in the first innings to set the platform.</p>

<p>Root smashed a fantastic 218 in the first innings to help England post a mammoth total of 578 runs. The elegant batter went on to score a quickfire 40 off 32 balls in the second innings. His performance was rewarded with a Man of the Match trophy at the end of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win for England means Joe Root has now led England to as many as six Test wins in Asia. Only Graeme Smith and Clive Lloyd have more wins than Root as a captain in Asian conditions.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-captaincy-career-could-end-if-india-lose-2nd-test-against-england-monty-panesar-to-wion-362418" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>Root, with the 227-run win in Chennai, now has 26 wins for England as Test captain as he equals former skipper Michael Vaughan’s tally. This was Root's tenth win overseas as skipper surpassing Vaughan's nine, both leading in 22 matches apiece.</p>

<p>This was England’s sixth back-to-back win under Root in Asian conditions with no other team barring Australia (seven consecutive wins) registering more than three consecutive victories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To take 20 wickets in alien conditions is a brilliant job from the bowlers. Knew from the outset it was going to be a good wicket. The first partnership got us going. Different stages guys came in and contributed. That's got to be the way - if we're going to win out here someone has to do that. Fortunately, it was me this week,” said Root after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<p>“We know that India are going to come back hard at us. The idea was to get to 400. Didn't quite materialise like that. But having spent some time out there, I knew the wicket had changed drastically and knew it was going to change again. Wanted to take India's win out of the equation. As a bowling group, we didn't want to worry about the run rate. Standing here, having won the first game is very pleasing,” he added.</p>

<p>England will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test in Chennai from February 13 whereas India would be itching to bounce back stronger.</p>


England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors.

England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors. England Test captain Joe Root enjoyed a perfect 100th Test match as he not only led his side to a memorable win, which was also the biggest in terms of runs on Indian soil, but also helped the cause with a sensational double century in the first innings to set the platform. Root smashed a fantastic 218 in the first innings to help England post a mammoth total of 578 runs. The elegant batter went on to score a quickfire 40 off 32 balls in the second innings. His performance was rewarded with a Man of the Match trophy at the end of the game. The win for England means Joe Root has now led England to as many as six Test wins in Asia. Only Graeme Smith and Clive Lloyd have more wins than Root as a captain in Asian conditions. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION Root, with the 227-run win in Chennai, now has 26 wins for England as Test captain as he equals former skipper Michael Vaughan’s tally. This was Root's tenth win overseas as skipper surpassing Vaughan's nine, both leading in 22 matches apiece. This was England’s sixth back-to-back win under Root in Asian conditions with no other team barring Australia (seven consecutive wins) registering more than three consecutive victories. “To take 20 wickets in alien conditions is a brilliant job from the bowlers. Knew from the outset it was going to be a good wicket. The first partnership got us going. Different stages guys came in and contributed. That's got to be the way - if we're going to win out here someone has to do that. Fortunately, it was me this week,” said Root after the match. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England “We know that India are going to come back hard at us. The idea was to get to 400. Didn't quite materialise like that. But having spent some time out there, I knew the wicket had changed drastically and knew it was going to change again. Wanted to take India's win out of the equation. As a bowling group, we didn't want to worry about the run rate. Standing here, having won the first game is very pleasing,” he added. England will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test in Chennai from February 13 whereas India would be itching to bounce back stronger.

Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test

<p>Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. The Kohli-led Indian team suffered a crushing 227-run defeat against England in Chennai with the visitors going 1-0 up in the four-Test series.</p>

<p>England also brought an end to India’s domination at home by inflicting their first defeat in Chennai since 1999. The crushing 227-run defeat against England also marks an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests.</p>

<p>The four-Test series started amid debates on who should be India’s Test captain after Ajinkya Rahane incredibly led the side to a historic Test series win in Australia. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India have now lost their last four Test matches – two in New Zealand in 2019/20, Adelaide Test in Australia and the latest coming in Chennai.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<p>With calls regarding India’s Test captain intensifying with post-match reactions coming from fans and pundits, Panesar said that Kohli’s captaincy could to an end if India lose the second Test in Chennai against England.</p>

<p>“Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain. India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role,” Monty Panesar told WION in an exclusive interaction after the end of first Test.</p>

<p>Panesar, who picked up 17 wickets in England’s historic series win against India in 2012/13, also criticized Kohli and Indian team management’s move to play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Nadeem struggled for consistency during the course of the Test as he gave away 167 runs in 44 overs, and 66 in 15 overs in the two innings respectively. The left-arm orthodox spinner managed to scalp just four wickets while bowling eight no balls in both the innings.</p>

<p>“I just don’t understand why India would play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been with the team since ages, he is bowling regularly in the nets and is in a rhythm. I don’t know how much Nadeem has played since the lockdown but Kuldeep should have started,” Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, added.</p>

<p>Reflecting on the massive 227-run win, Panesar said it is a moment of history that has bring joy to the England cricket fans.</p>

<p>“It is an unbelievable win. The way England have played over the last five days show how much confidence is there in that team. Joe Root needs to be lauded for the way he led his troops from the front. Everyone in that team stepped up in some manner and that is what makes team sport great. The players need to savior this moment. It will be celebrated for long,” Panesar concluded.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-drop-to-4th-after-chennai-test-heres-updated-standings-362403" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings</a></strong></p>

<p>England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India will look to bounce back in the second Test, to be played in Chennai from February 13; England will be looking to carry the winning momentum. England lead the series 0-1.</p>


Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. The Kohli-led Indian team suffered a crushing 227-run defeat against England in Chennai with the visitors going 1-0 up in the four-Test series. England also brought an end to India’s domination at home by inflicting their first defeat in Chennai since 1999. The crushing 227-run defeat against England also marks an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. The four-Test series started amid debates on who should be India’s Test captain after Ajinkya Rahane incredibly led the side to a historic Test series win in Australia. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India have now lost their last four Test matches – two in New Zealand in 2019/20, Adelaide Test in Australia and the latest coming in Chennai. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England With calls regarding India’s Test captain intensifying with post-match reactions coming from fans and pundits, Panesar said that Kohli’s captaincy could to an end if India lose the second Test in Chennai against England. “Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain. India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role,” Monty Panesar told WION in an exclusive interaction after the end of first Test. Panesar, who picked up 17 wickets in England’s historic series win against India in 2012/13, also criticized Kohli and Indian team management’s move to play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Nadeem struggled for consistency during the course of the Test as he gave away 167 runs in 44 overs, and 66 in 15 overs in the two innings respectively. The left-arm orthodox spinner managed to scalp just four wickets while bowling eight no balls in both the innings. “I just don’t understand why India would play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been with the team since ages, he is bowling regularly in the nets and is in a rhythm. I don’t know how much Nadeem has played since the lockdown but Kuldeep should have started,” Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, added. Reflecting on the massive 227-run win, Panesar said it is a moment of history that has bring joy to the England cricket fans. “It is an unbelievable win. The way England have played over the last five days show how much confidence is there in that team. Joe Root needs to be lauded for the way he led his troops from the front. Everyone in that team stepped up in some manner and that is what makes team sport great. The players need to savior this moment. It will be celebrated for long,” Panesar concluded. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. While India will look to bounce back in the second Test, to be played in Chennai from February 13; England will be looking to carry the winning momentum. England lead the series 0-1.

Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION

<p>England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition.</p>

<p>The victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday has lifted England to first place and 70.2 percentage points on the points table and they’ve improved their chances of securing one of the three series results in their favour that could see them through to the final – 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0.</p>

<p>New Zealand have already qualified for the final winning 70.0 per cent of their matches (with no other series scheduled) while India and Australia remain in contention for the other place along with England.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Qualification scenarios for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> finals:<br />
<br />
India can still qualify if...<br />
🇮🇳 2-1<br />
🇮🇳 3-1<br />
<br />
England qualify if...<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-1<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 4-0<br />
<br />
Australia qualify if...<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-1<br />
🤝 1-1<br />
🤝 2-2</p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1359062949999050760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India, who have slipped to fourth position with 68.3 percentage points, cannot afford another loss in the four-match series and will be looking to win at least two of the remaining three matches to secure a 2-1 or 3-1 result and a place in the final. Australia will get to feature in a Trans-Tasman summit clash if the India-England series is drawn or if England win 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-first-test-england-go-1-0-up-in-the-series-as-they-beat-india-by-227-runs-362394" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs</a></strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A huge win over India in the first Test has propelled England to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> <a href="https://t.co/8AaC8XMrjr">pic.twitter.com/8AaC8XMrjr</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1359052396752633862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan’s 2-0 home win over South Africa sees them finish the series in fifth position with 43.3 percentage points, while South Africa slip to sixth position with 30.0 percentage points.</p>

<p>West Indies are seventh with 23.8 percentage points after their epic victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, who are last on the table and yet to win a point.</p>


England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition.

England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition. The victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday has lifted England to first place and 70.2 percentage points on the points table and they’ve improved their chances of securing one of the three series results in their favour that could see them through to the final – 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0. New Zealand have already qualified for the final winning 70.0 per cent of their matches (with no other series scheduled) while India and Australia remain in contention for the other place along with England. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England Qualification scenarios for the #WTC21 finals: India can still qualify if... 🇮🇳 2-1 🇮🇳 3-1 England qualify if... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 4-0 Australia qualify if... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-1 🤝 1-1 🤝 2-2 — ICC (@ICC) February 9, 2021 × India, who have slipped to fourth position with 68.3 percentage points, cannot afford another loss in the four-match series and will be looking to win at least two of the remaining three matches to secure a 2-1 or 3-1 result and a place in the final. Australia will get to feature in a Trans-Tasman summit clash if the India-England series is drawn or if England win 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs A huge win over India in the first Test has propelled England to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings 👀#WTC21 pic.twitter.com/8AaC8XMrjr — ICC (@ICC) February 9, 2021 × Pakistan’s 2-0 home win over South Africa sees them finish the series in fifth position with 43.3 percentage points, while South Africa slip to sixth position with 30.0 percentage points. West Indies are seventh with 23.8 percentage points after their epic victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, who are last on the table and yet to win a point.

ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings

<p class="MsoNormal">India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">After the heavy defeat, Indian skipper Virat Kohli assessed the match as he said the Indian team failed to put pressure with the ball in the first innings while adding that body language of the Indian player needs to improve. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. It also brings an end to India’s eight-match winning run in home Tests.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-creates-new-record-during-fourth-innings-of-chennai-test-362382" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just looked like not much happening in it on the first two days. But credit to England, they got stuck in and put up a big total on the board. Our body language and intensity was not up to the mark, second innings we were much better. We were better in the second half of the first innings with the bat, not the first four batters. We have to understand the things that we have done decently in this game and the things that we haven't and as a side we are always looking to improve. England were far more professional and consistent throughout the Test match than we were,” the Indian skipper added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">India conceded 578 runs in the first innings with the Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar struggled to bowl tight line and lengths while conceding heavy runs which allowed England to dominate the proceedings in the first two days of the match. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, Kohli said that the Indian team knows how to bounce back while vowing a better body language from the hosts. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“(The toss) Ended being crucial I didn't think it would. We don't want to take anything away from England with the way they played. No excuses. We are a side that accepts our failures and faults and learns from them. One thing is for sure that in the next three matches we are going to give a tough fight and not let things slip away like it did in this Test. We have to start off with good body language and put pressure on the opposition. Understand fields, pace of the pitch and what the bowlers are doing, all those kind of things will be crucial. In the end it is the mindset and we are tying to get that back. We know how to bounce back and will give our best effort in the next game,” Kohli, who scored 11 and 72 in the first Test against England, concluded.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">India will look to bounce back when they take the field for the second Test which will be played at the same venue from February 13.<o:p></o:p></p>


India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests.

India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. After the heavy defeat, Indian skipper Virat Kohli assessed the match as he said the Indian team failed to put pressure with the ball in the first innings while adding that body language of the Indian player needs to improve. England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. It also brings an end to India’s eight-match winning run in home Tests. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test “I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. “Just looked like not much happening in it on the first two days. But credit to England, they got stuck in and put up a big total on the board. Our body language and intensity was not up to the mark, second innings we were much better. We were better in the second half of the first innings with the bat, not the first four batters. We have to understand the things that we have done decently in this game and the things that we haven't and as a side we are always looking to improve. England were far more professional and consistent throughout the Test match than we were,” the Indian skipper added. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket India conceded 578 runs in the first innings with the Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar struggled to bowl tight line and lengths while conceding heavy runs which allowed England to dominate the proceedings in the first two days of the match. However, Kohli said that the Indian team knows how to bounce back while vowing a better body language from the hosts. “That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us. “(The toss) Ended being crucial I didn't think it would. We don't want to take anything away from England with the way they played. No excuses. We are a side that accepts our failures and faults and learns from them. One thing is for sure that in the next three matches we are going to give a tough fight and not let things slip away like it did in this Test. We have to start off with good body language and put pressure on the opposition. Understand fields, pace of the pitch and what the bowlers are doing, all those kind of things will be crucial. In the end it is the mindset and we are tying to get that back. We know how to bounce back and will give our best effort in the next game,” Kohli, who scored 11 and 72 in the first Test against England, concluded. India will look to bounce back when they take the field for the second Test which will be played at the same venue from February 13.

'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a8f5ad90-8385-4ef5-a9c2-7294eebbc65c}{231}" paraid="1458239709" >Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday joined an exclusive list of spinners to have picked up a wicket off the first ball of the&nbsp;innings&nbsp;as the veteran Indian spinner dismissed England opener Rory Burns in the first delivery of the second innings, on Day 4&nbsp;of the first&nbsp;Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2c086cb-3f8b-406a-809b-21af761b5fea}{130}" paraid="1739995515" >The incident of a spinner getting a wicket off the first ball of an innings happened for the first time in since 1907 with South Africa's Bert Vogler being the last spinner to have achieved the feat&nbsp;against England at the Oval after he dismissed England's Tom Hayward.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9f83cce4-3318-46bd-a795-4fdd46c0cfb6}{158}" paraid="827291587" >The other incident of a spinner scalping a wicket off the first ball of an innings was way back in 1988 when Bobby Peel dismissed Alec Bannerman off the first ball of the second innings in the third Test at the Old Trafford during the Ashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9f83cce4-3318-46bd-a795-4fdd46c0cfb6}{158}" paraid="827291587" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-heartfelt-gesture-after-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-wins-hearts-362086" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{55d897a4-513a-4a04-966d-f2f2c6a2aa5e}{36}" paraid="645714852" >Ashwin was handed the new ball in the second innings and the 34-year-old didn't disappoint as he found the edge of Burns’ bat&nbsp;to achieve the unique record and etch his name in the history books.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d3a8801-d19f-438f-8b4e-1378f90c6f2d}{133}" paraid="1662836195" >Meanwhile, England have the edge in the first Test against India in Chennai as the visitors took a resounding first-innings lead of 241 after a poor show with the bat by the Indian team. While stalwarts failed for the hosts, youngsters Rishabh Pant (91) and Washington&nbsp;Sunday (85*) stepped up with the bat and helped India post 337 runs in the first innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d3a8801-d19f-438f-8b4e-1378f90c6f2d}{133}" paraid="1662836195" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spirit-of-cricket-stuart-broads-cheeky-comment-on-iccs-post-on-virat-kohlis-gesture-towards-joe-root-361972" hreflang="en">'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{03fb38d1-433e-4015-b1d6-38b08b0498f9}{91}" paraid="997310121" >England, at Day 4 Lunch, were at 1/1 with a lead of 242. The visitors would be looking to post a good total on board and try and take the game to the Indian team, who haven't lost a Test match on home soil since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a8f5ad90-8385-4ef5-a9c2-7294eebbc65c}{153}" paraid="764623658" >&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday joined an exclusive list of spinners to have picked up a wicket off the first ball of the innings as the veteran Indian spinner dismissed England opener Rory Burns in the first delivery of the second innings, on Day 4 of the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday joined an exclusive list of spinners to have picked up a wicket off the first ball of the innings as the veteran Indian spinner dismissed England opener Rory Burns in the first delivery of the second innings, on Day 4 of the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The incident of a spinner getting a wicket off the first ball of an innings happened for the first time in since 1907 with South Africa's Bert Vogler being the last spinner to have achieved the feat against England at the Oval after he dismissed England's Tom Hayward. The other incident of a spinner scalping a wicket off the first ball of an innings was way back in 1988 when Bobby Peel dismissed Alec Bannerman off the first ball of the second innings in the third Test at the Old Trafford during the Ashes. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts Ashwin was handed the new ball in the second innings and the 34-year-old didn't disappoint as he found the edge of Burns’ bat to achieve the unique record and etch his name in the history books. Meanwhile, England have the edge in the first Test against India in Chennai as the visitors took a resounding first-innings lead of 241 after a poor show with the bat by the Indian team. While stalwarts failed for the hosts, youngsters Rishabh Pant (91) and Washington Sunday (85*) stepped up with the bat and helped India post 337 runs in the first innings. ALSO READ: 'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root England, at Day 4 Lunch, were at 1/1 with a lead of 242. The visitors would be looking to post a good total on board and try and take the game to the Indian team, who haven't lost a Test match on home soil since 2016.

First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f9736ce-2d69-4e40-990b-6e8823fe5bf6}{253}" paraid="1052624209" >India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill&nbsp;(15*)&nbsp;and Cheteshwar Pujara&nbsp;(12*)&nbsp;at the crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a2287a5a-a7a9-4209-aa83-807f641ea67a}{211}" paraid="1011680347" >Earlier on the day, Ravichandran Ashwin scalped six wickets to bundle out England for 178 with the visitors setting a target of 420.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6bea4416-4eaa-47d3-88b0-41a68de02e23}{222}" paraid="425325032" >On a spinner-dominant day, Ashwin picked up his 28th&nbsp;five-wicket haul in England's second innings. The veteran spinner had sent Rory Burns back in the first ball of the innings before striking crucial blows including Ben Stokes.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6204e653-e095-443c-b64e-d492e1e1e316}{59}" paraid="1284280907" >England skipper Joe Root continued his rich run of form as he scored 40 off 32 balls. He hit 218 in the first innings in what is his 100th&nbsp;Test for England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6204e653-e095-443c-b64e-d492e1e1e316}{59}" paraid="1284280907" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4bce0a80-1f5a-4786-b75b-8d0dc65f9c0f}{84}" paraid="61577738" >Root was trapped&nbsp;lbw&nbsp;by speedster Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;but had done the damage with seven boundaries. Ollie Pope (28) and Dom Bess (25) helped England extend their lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{df7dba21-b733-4b27-80af-267f7879c047}{179}" paraid="701482526" >Indian spinner Shahbaz Nadeem grabbed two wickets while Dan Lawrence was Ishant Sharma's 300th&nbsp;Test wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f87a3a3d-0497-4db6-be12-633d0ff595f5}{69}" paraid="2127280947" >Commenting on the achievement, Ishant said: "It's been quite a roller-coaster life. I've had a lot of experience, a lot of mentors who taught me how to bowl in the subcontinent and how to bowl abroad. I'm a bit sore, after bowling 4-over bursts in domestic cricket, and then bowling 35 overs within a gap of just 3-4 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f87a3a3d-0497-4db6-be12-633d0ff595f5}{69}" paraid="2127280947" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/300-test-wickets-ishant-sharma-joins-elusive-list-as-he-achieves-iconic-landmark-362128" hreflang="en">300 Test wickets! Ishant Sharma joins elusive list as he achieves iconic landmark</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{86ab043b-4072-459a-9d0f-5ffcabf575a1}{160}" paraid="1875241867" >"If we get a good start tomorrow, we can chase this down, because we have a batting line-up that is fearless and can chase this down, and it's important to look at 381 runs and not 9 wickets. On the first two days, the pitch was not assisting us and the spinners, it felt like we played on a road, but it started turning later on in Day 4 and it was a lot more responsive then."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0b25a4bb-6b99-4046-9c55-31137ea88e8c}{119}" paraid="1841348241" >India&nbsp;were&nbsp;bundled out for 337 in their first innings – 42 runs short of&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;the follow on – despite Washington Sundar's stylish unbeaten 85.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2cb56fa2-5368-45a6-bea4-b97a5cd17c9f}{73}" paraid="1031098558" >England, who scored 578 in the first innings, decided against enforcing the follow-on. India, on day 5, need another&nbsp;381 runs to win.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f9736ce-2d69-4e40-990b-6e8823fe5bf6}{38}" paraid="387036667" >&nbsp;</p>


India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill (15*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) at the crease.

India on Monday reached 39/1 at day four stumps after spinner Jack Leach bowled Rohit Sharma for 12 on a deteriorating Chennai track. India, chasing 420, will resume their innings on day five with Shubman Gill (15*) and Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) at the crease. Earlier on the day, Ravichandran Ashwin scalped six wickets to bundle out England for 178 with the visitors setting a target of 420. On a spinner-dominant day, Ashwin picked up his 28th five-wicket haul in England's second innings. The veteran spinner had sent Rory Burns back in the first ball of the innings before striking crucial blows including Ben Stokes. England skipper Joe Root continued his rich run of form as he scored 40 off 32 balls. He hit 218 in the first innings in what is his 100th Test for England. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Root was trapped lbw by speedster Jasprit Bumrah but had done the damage with seven boundaries. Ollie Pope (28) and Dom Bess (25) helped England extend their lead. Indian spinner Shahbaz Nadeem grabbed two wickets while Dan Lawrence was Ishant Sharma's 300th Test wicket. Commenting on the achievement, Ishant said: "It's been quite a roller-coaster life. I've had a lot of experience, a lot of mentors who taught me how to bowl in the subcontinent and how to bowl abroad. I'm a bit sore, after bowling 4-over bursts in domestic cricket, and then bowling 35 overs within a gap of just 3-4 days. ALSO READ: 300 Test wickets! Ishant Sharma joins elusive list as he achieves iconic landmark "If we get a good start tomorrow, we can chase this down, because we have a batting line-up that is fearless and can chase this down, and it's important to look at 381 runs and not 9 wickets. On the first two days, the pitch was not assisting us and the spinners, it felt like we played on a road, but it started turning later on in Day 4 and it was a lot more responsive then." India were bundled out for 337 in their first innings – 42 runs short of avoiding the follow on – despite Washington Sundar's stylish unbeaten 85. England, who scored 578 in the first innings, decided against enforcing the follow-on. India, on day 5, need another 381 runs to win.

IND vs ENG, Day 4: England on top as India need another 381 runs to win

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{505880f2-ae13-4731-8f52-f3c13333428e}{61}" paraid="2140162861" >Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0fccc1b9-a7ac-4cb4-b417-e33a16037d00}{175}" paraid="515241237" >While the likes of Aiden&nbsp;Markram&nbsp;(108), Rassie van der&nbsp;Dussen&nbsp;(48), Temba&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;(61) showed great grit and resilience to take the chase closer, other batters failed to support the troika as visitors were bundled out for 274 with Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali picking up a five-fer and his best match figures of 10-114.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{db2002ee-3dbe-4633-8132-59e4b2516bd5}{77}" paraid="869616230" >Markram&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;put a 106-run stand for the fourth wicket but it was Hasan who dismissed the former with the second new ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{077e05bf-32e0-452d-8e73-a86a01f0ca7b}{225}" paraid="1448704279" >The 2-0 win is Pakistan's only second over South Africa in 12 series, having lost eight and drawn three. Pakistan had won the first Test by seven wickets in Karachi.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{077e05bf-32e0-452d-8e73-a86a01f0ca7b}{225}" paraid="1448704279" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-shabnim-ismail-named-icc-player-of-the-month-for-january-2021-362132" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fcb7adbc-48bf-4e06-931f-3e3dfd1e6a01}{211}" paraid="1588246122" >The two-match series against South Africa – who toured Pakistan for the first time in 14 years – is the biggest hosted by Pakistan since the deadly 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan side in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{556df0c2-6c73-418c-8686-6782065adca0}{17}" paraid="1662297768" >South Africa and Pakistan will now play three T20Is on February 11, 13 and 14 – in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a976e98-f852-4a91-b37d-492b3aa805d4}{23}" paraid="1137204003" >Batting first, Pakistan posted 272 runs on the board,&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;a fine 77-run knock by Babar Azam. While Anrich Nortje picked up a five-fer in the first innings, Keshav Maharaj ended up with three wickets.&nbsp;South Africa in reply, posted 201 runs with&nbsp;Bavuma&nbsp;top-scoring with an unbeaten 44.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a976e98-f852-4a91-b37d-492b3aa805d4}{23}" paraid="1137204003" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a976e98-f852-4a91-b37d-492b3aa805d4}{185}" paraid="1790074288" >With a&nbsp;handy&nbsp;lead, Pakistan went on to score 298 courtesy a cracking century by Mohammad Rizwan and a 45-run knock by Nauman Ali.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e3be69e6-e205-4517-9028-07c7fa1e189f}{171}" paraid="1248490090" >"I enjoyed the captaincy and got to learn a lot. When the team supports you and plays according to plan there isn't much pressure on the captain. Hasan Ali made an outstanding comeback, he is playing after 2 years and his bowling was really outstanding. Today morning Hasan Ali gave us those early wickets and got us back into the game. We keep trying senior-junior combinations in the slip cordon and we are working on our fielding aspect and really happy with our catching in the series. This gives us a lot of confidence and gives the group a lot of confidence. Markram and Bavuma played really well but we knew we could always manage that one breakthrough and make things happen with the new ball," said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam after the match.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a976e98-f852-4a91-b37d-492b3aa805d4}{246}" paraid="1193306556" >&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a976e98-f852-4a91-b37d-492b3aa805d4}{231}" paraid="99473138" >&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0.

Pakistan on Monday won its first-ever series against South Africa since 2003 as the Babar Azam-led side defeated the Proteas by 95 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi to clean-sweep the series 2-0. While the likes of Aiden Markram (108), Rassie van der Dussen (48), Temba Bavuma (61) showed great grit and resilience to take the chase closer, other batters failed to support the troika as visitors were bundled out for 274 with Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali picking up a five-fer and his best match figures of 10-114. Markram and Bavuma put a 106-run stand for the fourth wicket but it was Hasan who dismissed the former with the second new ball. The 2-0 win is Pakistan's only second over South Africa in 12 series, having lost eight and drawn three. Pakistan had won the first Test by seven wickets in Karachi. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021 The two-match series against South Africa – who toured Pakistan for the first time in 14 years – is the biggest hosted by Pakistan since the deadly 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan side in Lahore. South Africa and Pakistan will now play three T20Is on February 11, 13 and 14 – in Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan posted 272 runs on the board, courtesy a fine 77-run knock by Babar Azam. While Anrich Nortje picked up a five-fer in the first innings, Keshav Maharaj ended up with three wickets. South Africa in reply, posted 201 runs with Bavuma top-scoring with an unbeaten 44. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket With a handy lead, Pakistan went on to score 298 courtesy a cracking century by Mohammad Rizwan and a 45-run knock by Nauman Ali. "I enjoyed the captaincy and got to learn a lot. When the team supports you and plays according to plan there isn't much pressure on the captain. Hasan Ali made an outstanding comeback, he is playing after 2 years and his bowling was really outstanding. Today morning Hasan Ali gave us those early wickets and got us back into the game. We keep trying senior-junior combinations in the slip cordon and we are working on our fielding aspect and really happy with our catching in the series. This gives us a lot of confidence and gives the group a lot of confidence. Markram and Bavuma played really well but we knew we could always manage that one breakthrough and make things happen with the new ball," said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam after the match.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 95 runs, win first series against Proteas since 2003

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afb18846-82b1-4528-bc53-ddb8b073bed6}{56}" paraid="1117725333" >In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, <strong>Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant</strong> on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand. The youngster also urged more people to help out after the glacier burst as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the calamity. Pant is currently playing in the first Test against England in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56e7b4a5-6832-468f-9171-50ce428483f8}{116}" paraid="2012383320" >"Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out.</p>
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17/status/1358476781141991426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Social media users lavished<strong> high praise on Rishabh Pant</strong> following his heartfelt gesture to help in the rescue efforts after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-kyle-mayer-smashes-double-ton-on-debut-shatters-several-records-361977" hreflang="en">West Indies' Kyle Mayers smashes double ton on debut; shatters several records</a></strong></p>

<h2>Here are some of the reactions:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Winning hearts on and off the field. Ek hi toh dil hai Pant sahab, kitni baar jeetoge.🙏❤️</p>
— Jayesh (@jayeshvk16) <a href="https://twitter.com/jayeshvk16/status/1358480996169969665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Great Gesture Rishabh Pant ❤️<br />
Immense Respect for You 🙌🇮🇳</p>
— ABHI (@DeadlyYorkers) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlyYorkers/status/1358485227409084416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Absolute Champion 💎</p>
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyalSachinFan/status/1358485572793192448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Pant bhai <a href="https://t.co/0ezoQea9qq">pic.twitter.com/0ezoQea9qq</a></p>
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprayagtiwari/status/1358478207842803712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Huge Respect Sir🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/Fncl4wty1l">pic.twitter.com/Fncl4wty1l</a></p>
— Amit🇮🇳 (@dark__horse007) <a href="https://twitter.com/dark__horse007/status/1358477350485172225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mad respect bro ❤️</p>
— A (@_shortarmjab_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_shortarmjab_/status/1358477634548600833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pant missed out on his third Test century on Day 3 of the ongoing Test as the southpaw played a blistering knock of 91 runs. The 23-year-old stitched a 119-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (73) for the fifth wicket to help India steady their innings. England had posted a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, courtesy a fine double century by captain Joe Root.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after a chunk of glacier dislodged and unleashed a devastating flash flood in India, officials said.</p>

<p>"A total of 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies have been recovered from different places so far," the state government of&nbsp;<strong>Uttarakhand</strong>, in the country's north, said on Twitter a day after the disaster.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spirit-of-cricket-stuart-broads-cheeky-comment-on-iccs-post-on-virat-kohlis-gesture-towards-joe-root-361972" hreflang="en">'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf4f1ed1-dc6a-45bc-9a12-2cb559bd66dd}{125}" paraid="1464509293" >On Sunday, a glacier broke in the&nbsp;Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand that triggered massive flooding in&nbsp;Dhauliganga&nbsp;and Alaknanda Rivers and damaged housed and the nearby&nbsp;Rishiganga&nbsp;power project.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b2eddaa8-a810-4e4e-9beb-480eebb26467}{97}" paraid="1926277554" >The rescue operations had to be halted in&nbsp;Dhauliganga&nbsp;due to the rise in the water level of the river.&nbsp;Tapovan&nbsp;Hydro-Electric Power Dam was completely washed off following a glacier burst in Chamoli district.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{db79f50c-9885-42ce-a6e5-bce59e15d63c}{125}" paraid="1191922597" >Furthermore, Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh each to the kin of those who lost their lives due to the glacier burst.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0af89229-e871-4d51-af5a-dfdc290f8527}{154}" paraid="879982055" >"We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher," Rawat said. He added that the government has all the needed assistance to handle the situation for now.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0af89229-e871-4d51-af5a-dfdc290f8527}{165}" paraid="40458925" >(With ANI inputs)&nbsp;</p>


In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand.

In a heartfelt effort to help the needy, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Sunday said that he will donate his match-fee for the rescue efforts following a glacier burst in Uttarakhand. The youngster also urged more people to help out after the glacier burst as he expressed grief over the loss of lives in the calamity. Pant is currently playing in the first Test against England in Chennai. "Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out," Pant tweeted. Deeply pained by the loss of life in Uttarakhand. Would like to donate my match fee for the rescue efforts and would urge more people to help out. — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 7, 2021 × Social media users lavished high praise on Rishabh Pant following his heartfelt gesture to help in the rescue efforts after the glacier burst in Uttarakhand. ALSO READ: West Indies' Kyle Mayers smashes double ton on debut; shatters several records Here are some of the reactions: Winning hearts on and off the field. Ek hi toh dil hai Pant sahab, kitni baar jeetoge.🙏❤️ — Jayesh (@jayeshvk16) February 7, 2021 × Great Gesture Rishabh Pant ❤️ Immense Respect for You 🙌🇮🇳 — ABHI (@DeadlyYorkers) February 7, 2021 × Absolute Champion 💎 — R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 7, 2021 × Pant bhai pic.twitter.com/0ezoQea9qq — Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) February 7, 2021 × Huge Respect Sir🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Fncl4wty1l — Amit🇮🇳 (@dark__horse007) February 7, 2021 × Mad respect bro ❤️ — A (@_shortarmjab_) February 7, 2021 × Pant missed out on his third Test century on Day 3 of the ongoing Test as the southpaw played a blistering knock of 91 runs. The 23-year-old stitched a 119-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (73) for the fifth wicket to help India steady their innings. England had posted a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, courtesy a fine double century by captain Joe Root. Fourteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after a chunk of glacier dislodged and unleashed a devastating flash flood in India, officials said. "A total of 15 people have been rescued and 14 bodies have been recovered from different places so far," the state government of Uttarakhand, in the country's north, said on Twitter a day after the disaster. ALSO READ 'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root On Sunday, a glacier broke in the Tapovan-Reni area of Chamoli District of Uttarakhand that triggered massive flooding in Dhauliganga and Alaknanda Rivers and damaged housed and the nearby Rishiganga power project. The rescue operations had to be halted in Dhauliganga due to the rise in the water level of the river. Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam was completely washed off following a glacier burst in Chamoli district. Furthermore, Uttarakhand Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh each to the kin of those who lost their lives due to the glacier burst. "We are assuming that around 125 people are missing. The number can be higher," Rawat said. He added that the government has all the needed assistance to handle the situation for now. (With ANI inputs)

Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s Rishabh Pant won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for his performances in the two Tests against Australia where he scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against arch-rivals Australia.</p>

<p>South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for her performances across three ODIs and two T20Is during the month. Ismail took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Fans were treated to some sensational cricket during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on Pant being awarded the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Both times Pant played under pressure in two different sets of challenges: to draw a game and to win a game. He showed his versatility of skills in both knocks, the clincher being his temperament.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on Ismail’s inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, Mpumelelo Mbangwa representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Ismail reached a hundred T20I wickets in their series against Pakistan. She leads the way and is the first South African to reach the milestone. With her pace and aggression, she continues to lead the South African women’s team’s bowling attack admirably. She is a joy to watch in action.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-heartfelt-gesture-after-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-wins-hearts-362086" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts</a></strong></p>

<p>Reacting to her award win, Shabnim Ismail said: “Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in January just shows that all the hard work I put in during the lockdown has paid off for me. This accolade would not have been possible if it were not for my teammates and I am grateful and thankful for all your support. Also, to all my fans and friends all around the world thank you very much for the vote, it really meant a lot to me. And lastly, a special thanks to also my family who have been there for me and supported me all through the way.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on his award win Rishabh Pant said: “I am delighted to be receiving the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award. For any sportsperson, contributing to a team win is the ultimate reward but such initiatives help motivate youngsters such as myself to do better each time. I dedicate this award to every member of Team India that contributed to our victory in Australia and also thank all my fans who voted for me.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering on the www.icc-cricket.com website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. India’s Rishabh Pant won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for his performances in the two Tests against Australia where he scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against arch-rivals Australia. South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for her performances across three ODIs and two T20Is during the month. Ismail took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Fans were treated to some sensational cricket during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair. Commenting on Pant being awarded the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Both times Pant played under pressure in two different sets of challenges: to draw a game and to win a game. He showed his versatility of skills in both knocks, the clincher being his temperament.” Commenting on Ismail’s inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, Mpumelelo Mbangwa representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Ismail reached a hundred T20I wickets in their series against Pakistan. She leads the way and is the first South African to reach the milestone. With her pace and aggression, she continues to lead the South African women’s team’s bowling attack admirably. She is a joy to watch in action.” ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant's heartfelt gesture after Uttarakhand glacier burst wins hearts Reacting to her award win, Shabnim Ismail said: “Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in January just shows that all the hard work I put in during the lockdown has paid off for me. This accolade would not have been possible if it were not for my teammates and I am grateful and thankful for all your support. Also, to all my fans and friends all around the world thank you very much for the vote, it really meant a lot to me. And lastly, a special thanks to also my family who have been there for me and supported me all through the way.” Commenting on his award win Rishabh Pant said: “I am delighted to be receiving the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award. For any sportsperson, contributing to a team win is the ultimate reward but such initiatives help motivate youngsters such as myself to do better each time. I dedicate this award to every member of Team India that contributed to our victory in Australia and also thank all my fans who voted for me.” Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering on the www.icc-cricket.com website.

Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021

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