Crease Chronicles

Australian batsman Steve Smith showcased his prowess by scoring a half-century in a rain-affected warm-up match held in Thiruvananthapuram on a Saturday. However, it was the fiery pacer Mitchell Starc who stole the spotlight, claiming a remarkable hat-trick that dismantled the Netherlands' top-order batting lineup ahead of the 50-overs World Cup.

Persistent rain on Saturday washed out the World Cup warm-up match between India and England at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. All 10 teams will get to play two warm-up matches each before the group stage of the 50-over World Cup which gets underway in Ahmedabad on October 5.

Since coming back from a knee injury, Kuldeep Yadav has worked on his arm speed and angles, helping him get a bagful of wickets in the middle overs.

Ahead of India's first warm-up match against defending champions England in Guwahati on Saturday, the 37-year-old Ashwin conceded that the upcoming World Cup at home could be his last for India.

Former South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes has praised Indian cricketer Virat Kohli for his diving skills, reminiscing about his own diving catches. Kohli, currently with the Indian cricket team preparing for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, has been in exceptional form recently.

Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck half-centuries to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their World Cup warmup match in Guwahati on Friday.

Rachin Ravindra and returning Kane Williamson played key knocks as New Zealand chased down 345 to thrash Pakistan by five wickets in a World Cup warm-up match on Friday.

The 37-year-old offie, with his batting stats slightly on the weaker side compared to Axar who failed to recover on time from an injury, started batting at the nets and continued to face all types of net bowlers including throwdown specialist Raghu Raghavendra for about 45 minutes. Post the net session, Ashwin was seen having a long chat with head coach Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour.

The roaring welcome that Pakistan cricket team received upon its arrival in India reflects the love fans on either side of the border have for the players, said PCB supremo Zaka Ashraf in his desperate bid to do damage control after indirectly terming India 'enemy nation'.

The Indian team management will try to keep cards close and assess defending champions England's batting depth when the home team takes field for its first World Cup warm-up match game in Guwahati on Saturday.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi has been prepared for the upcoming World Cup. The ground staff, led by chief curator Ankit Datta, unveiled the stadium for the event. The staff worked diligently to create new pitches and improve the infrastructure of the stadium in just two months, instead of the usual four. The stadium now features new seating, renovated dressing rooms, improved washrooms, and enhanced fan amenities. The ground has also been equipped with a cover to protect it from rain.

Times Internet has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast India's home bilateral series from September 2023 to March 2028. This expansion strengthens Willow TV's position in North America, while Times Internet gains a strong position in the Middle East where it already distributes the IPL. In Southeast Asia, Cricbuzz will distribute the rights package on its own platforms.

Times Internet has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast India's home bilateral series from September 2023 to March 2028. This expansion strengthens Willow TV's position in North America, while Times Internet gains a strong position in the Middle East where it already distributes the IPL. In Southeast Asia, Cricbuzz will distribute the rights package on its own platforms.

The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, made a single change to its provisional 15-member squad for the ICC ODI World Cup. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was added to replace Axar Patel, who failed to recover fully from an injury. Ashwin was included in the first two games of the three-match ODI series against Australia, which served as the final dress rehearsal for the event.

India will be aiming to continue the trend of host nations winning the tournament, which started when they themselves emerged victorious in 2011.

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was on Thursday named in India's final 15-man squad for the ODI World Cup. Ashwin, 37, replaces Axar Patel, who had been named in the provisional squad but did not recover from his left quadriceps strain.

Legendary pacer Waqar Younis rated India a better side over Pakistan going into the World Cup while basing his observation on the better preparation of the Rohit Sharma-led team ahead of the quadrennial big bash.

Security personnel in Hyderabad are putting in extra hours to ensure a seamless visit for the Pakistan cricket team, marking their first trip to India in seven years.

Pakistan's premier pacer, Haris Rauf, expressed excitement at the Hyderabad Cricket Association ground after his team received a warm reception at the airport. Indian cricket fans chanted the name of Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, at the airport. This marked Pakistan's return to India after a seven-year hiatus, and the tensions between the nations seemed momentarily forgotten.

South African cricketer Kagiso Rabada believes that the Proteas have the potential to win their first world title at the ICC ODI World Cup in India. Despite their reputation as 'chokers,' Rabada is confident that the team has the necessary players and belief to make history. He emphasized the importance of team cohesion and collective effort in winning tournaments.

South Africa's preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup have been affected as their ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, had to return home from India due to personal reasons. He will miss the team's warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand, but is expected to rejoin the squad before their opening World Cup match.

India's cricket coach, Rahul Dravid, expressed relief and optimism as key players, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, made strides in their recoveries and gained match fitness ahead of the ODI World Cup. Dravid emphasized the importance of game-time for these players and the fact that they have been able to get it. Bumrah, who had been sidelined due to a persistent back issue, showcased his return to form by bowling his full quota of overs in the matches against Australia.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's return to the team is expected to provide balance as the third spinner in the upcoming ODI World Cup, according to Mitchell Marsh. Maxwell's versatility as an all-rounder is seen as a valuable asset, giving Australia flexibility in team selection and batting lineup structure. Marsh also praised Maxwell's energy and presence.

India's Shubman Gill is making progress in the ODI batting rankings and is challenging Pakistan's Babar Azam for the top position. Gill's outstanding performance in the first two matches of the ODI series against Australia has earned him a new career-high rating, just 10 points behind Azam. In the ODI bowler rankings, Mohammed Siraj maintains his top position with a narrow lead over Australia's Josh Hazlewood.

The New Zealand cricket team has arrived in India for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. They will be playing a practice match against Pakistan before the tournament begins. The World Cup will feature 10 teams, including India, England, Australia, and South Africa. The tournament will have 48 matches across 10 venues in India, starting with a match between England and New Zealand.

Rohit emphasised that he, along with the team management led by coach Rahul Dravid, has a clear and well-defined understanding of the 15 players who will be representing India in the World Cup. The official announcement of the final squad is expected to be made on Thursday, September 28.

Rohit emphasised that he, along with the team management led by coach Rahul Dravid, has a clear and well-defined understanding of the 15 players who will be representing India in the World Cup. The official announcement of the final squad is expected to be made on Thursday, September 28.

Australia saved their best for the last as Indian middle-order wilted under pressure exerted by part-time off-spin of Glenn Maxwell, losing the third ODI by 66 runs in Indore on Wednesday. India however won the series 2-1. India were cruising along at 171 for 2 chasing a stiff target of 353 on a placid track but the middle-order crumbled in chase with Maxwell (4/40) getting crucial breakthroughs to restrict the hosts to 286 in 49.4 overs.

Pakistan's schedule includes an opening warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29, followed by a clash with Australia on October 3. Their World Cup campaign kicks off with a game against Netherlands in Hyderabad, and they are slated to face Sri Lanka on October 10.

Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin can't look beyond Shreyas Iyer in India's playing eleven in the ODI World Cup and also backed a possible last-minute inclusion of R Ashwin in the 15-man squad.

Former India cricketer Saba Karim has defended KL Rahul's place in the India playing XI, stating that the 31-year-old should continue his role as the team's first choice wicketkeeper-batsman. Rahul is part of the India squad for the ICC ODI World Cup, starting on October 5. Karim praised Rahul's recent performances, particularly his return to the squad after an injury layoff, and his proficiency in handling spin bowling.

Nepal cricket team achieved remarkable feats against Mongolia in the Asian Games T20I tournament, showcasing dominance and making a mockery of opposition bowlers. Nepal became the first team to score 300 runs in T20I history, posting a mammoth total of 314 for 3 in just 20 overs, surpassing the previous record held by Afghanistan. The Nepal batsmen displayed exceptional skills and a fearless approach throughout the innings.

India will rest key players including Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami for the final ODI against Australia to keep them fresh for the upcoming World Cup. Despite the rotation policy, India has outplayed Australia in the series, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah returning for the final game. Australia, who have lost five consecutive ODIs, will rely on their middle-order batsmen Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to salvage some pride.

India have rested key players for their final ODI against Australia on Wednesday, with skipper Rohit Sharma saying he wants everyone 'fresh' for the upcoming World Cup. Rohit and star batsman Virat Kohli return for the third ODI in Rajkot after India clinched the three-match series in the second game. They had both been rested for the first two games

Steve Smith might be taking a wee bit more time to adjust to sub-continental tracks but his poor returns in the first two ODIs against India is least of concern for the Australian team management, senior speedster Mitchell Starc said on Tuesday.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam does not think lack of familiarity with Indian conditions would hurt their bid for a second ODI World Cup title as they embark on a rare tour of the neighbouring country. Bilateral cricket remains suspended between the neighbours, thanks to their soured political relations, and the last time Pakistan toured India was for the T20 World Cup in 2016.

Team India is set to make history by achieving a whitewash against Australia in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match, scheduled for Wednesday. This marks the first time India has achieved this in the ODI format. Neither Australia or India have achieved it before at both home and away, regardless of the number of matches contested in a series.

The former head coach of the Indian women's cricket team, WV Raman, shared his insights on the Indian men's team selected for the Asian Games. Raman praised the team's selection, noting the abundance of left-handers and their strong performances in various formats. He also expressed confidence in Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership abilities and discussed the benefits of the team participating in a multi-sport event.