More
    Home Blog Page 794

    ”Felt Like I’ve Shaken Hands With God”: Yuvraj Singh Recalls First Meeting With Sachin Tendulkar

    0
    Yuvraj Singh replies to Sachin's retirement wishes

    Yuvraj Singh recalled his first meeting with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, saying it “felt like I have shaken hands with god”. Yuvraj was replying to a tweet from Sachin Tendulkar as the former India batsman sent in good wishes for the all-rounder as he completed one year of his retirement from all forms of cricket.

    Replying to Sachin’s tweet, Yuvraj wrote: “Thank u, Master. When we 1st met, I felt I have shaken hands with god. U’ve guided me in my toughest phases. U taught me to believe in my abilities. I’ll play the same role for youngsters that you played for me. Looking 4wd to many more wonderful memories with you”.

    Trophies Won Together for India

    Tendulkar had made his debut in Test cricket on November 15, 1989. In the same year on December 18, he played his first ODI match.

    The legendary cricketer has the most number of runs in the longest format of the game, amassing 15,921 runs.

    Along the way, Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries, most by any player. Things are no different in ODI cricket as Tendulkar atop the list of most runs in this format as well.

    He has accumulated 18,426 runs in ODI which includes 49 tons. Tendulkar represented the country in six World Cups during his career that lasted for 24 years. He was the part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.

    On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh’s career spanned over 304 ODIs, 58 T20Is, and 40 Tests. Big events brought out the best in him – be it his international cricket entry at 2000 ICC Champions Trophy, the mind-numbing batting exhibition at inaugural 2007 World Twenty20, or the all-round performance at 2011 World Cup.

    “Kohli Crescent or Tendulkar Drive” : Town in Australia Has Streets Named After Legendary Players

    0
    Streets on the name of cricketers in Australia
    Streets on the name of cricketers in Australia

    Estate developers in the suburb of Victoria, Australia handles a new way to lure the customers by naming the streets on the name of the cricketers. Now owning a house in ‘Kohli Crescent’ or Tendulkar Drive’, or maybe own a villa at the ‘Kallis Way’ or ‘Dev Terrace’ might be possible.

    Rockbank, the western suburb in Melton City Council, has streets named after these legends and the inquiries have doubled ever since this development.

    Streets Named After Cricket Legends Name

    “As soon as we announced street names after cricketers, inquiries doubled,” property developer Varun Sharma was quoted as saying by SBS Hindi.

    “Who would not like to live on ‘Kohli Crescent? You never know Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli might drive by the street when he is in Melbourne this December,” Sharma added, referring to India’s upcoming tour of Australia.

    Apart from the Indian legends, other streets named after cricketers included (Steve) Waugh Street, (Gary) Sobers Drive, (Richard) Hadlee Street and (Wasim) Akram Way.

    City of Melton Mayor, Cr Lara Carli, was quoted as saying, “Street names in our city are usually submitted by developers and approved by Council if they meet Office of Geographic Names guidelines. It seems these cricket-themed names are already popular with cricketer fans in our community and beyond.”

    This is not the first time a street has been named after an Indian cricketer. Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, has a street in the name of Sunil Gavaskar — the ‘Gavaskar Place’. It is situated in a locality called Khandala.

    Sachin and Kohli
    Sachin and Kohli

    Will Kohli Break Sachin’s Record? 

    Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli is considered as one of the greatest batsman in current cricket era. Many experts suggest that he could break some of the records scripted by former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

    Sachin Tendulkar bags 100 centuries in his cricket carrier in which 49 tons were under ODi format. Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored 43 ODI centuries till now and expect to break Sachin’s Record of 49 ODI centuries.

    Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli were a part of 2011 World Cup winning team led by MS Dhoni.

    Watch Sachin Tendulkar’s Century in 2011 World Cup Against England : 

    Mallorca vs Barcelona – Preview | Prediction, Stats, Team News & Lineups

    0

    LaLiga Football league which is having huge fans all over the world returns this week from June 11 after a three-month delay and Barcelona will look to continue their winning strike as they bid to defend their title.

    Barcelona’s late match in LaLiga Football league before COVID-19 ended with a two-point lead over Real Madrid.

    FC Barcelona coach Quique Setien will be hoping for the best performance from Lionel Messi as Luis Suarez is also set to return from a knee injury.

    Barcelona will be facing Mallorca as the LaLiga resumes from June 11 post-COVID-19 restrictions. But it will be a new experience for the players to play without a crowd to cheer or celebrate around them.

    Date, venue and kick-off time

    Match: Mallorca vs Barcelona
    Venue: Iberostar Stadium
    Date: June 13, 2020 (
    Kick-off Time: Scheduled for 9 pm BST

    Current Stats on LaLiga League Table

    Barcelona standing on the top with 18 wins, 4 Draws, and 5 Loss so far and Mallorca stands at 18th spot with 7 Wins, 4 Draws, and 16 Loss.

    Mallorca La Liga form: LLWDLW

    Barcelona La Liga form: WWWWLW

    Head to Head (h2h) History and Results

    Both teams last met in LaLiga back on December 7 at Camp Nou, with Barca winning 5-2 with a contribution of Messi hat-trick.

    Previous to that match – and given Mallorca were in the second division from 2013 to 2019 – Barca beat Mallorca 5-0 at home and 4-2 away during the 2012/13 campaign.

    Possible Starting Lineup:

    Mallorca possible starting lineup:
    Reina;
    Gamez, Raillo, Valjent, Pozo;
    Kubo, Baba, Sevilla, Rodriguez;
    Hernandez, Budimir

    Barcelona possible starting lineup:
    Ter Stegen;
    Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba;
    De Jong, Busquets, Vidal;
    Griezmann, Suarez, Messi

    COVID-19: David Warner Thanks Indian Student For ‘Selfless Work’ in Australia

    0
    David Warner
    David Warner

    After former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist lauded the young Indian for his contribution towards the society in Australia during the pandemic, David Warner has now thanked Shreyas Sresth, an Indian student studying in Australia.

    “Good day, namaste. I am here to thank Shreyas Sresth for selfless work during Covid 19. Shreyas is doing his Masters in Computer Science in University of Queensland. He is a part of the University’s outreach program preparing and delivering food packets to students in need right now,” Warner said in the video.

    “So, I just wanted to say, good on ya, I am sure your mum, dad and India is proud of you. Keep up the great work, because we are all in this together,” he added.

    Earlier, in a video uploaded on the same Twitter account, Gilchrist had said. “Hi. I am Adam Gilchrist. I was delighted to hear about the act of kindness by Sharon Vergese, an Indian student, studying in Australia. Sharon is an a student of University of Wollongong and during the Covid-19 pandemic, she gave up her time to act as an age-care worker.

    Watch DAVID WARNER thanking Indian Student

    David Warner Shares Hilarious Video : 

    Earlier Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner shared a hilarious throwback video on his Instagram handle featuring teammates Kane Williamson and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

    Warner has been very active on social media during the enforced break put forward by coronavirus pandemic and on Sunday, he uploaded another video to tickle the funny bones of his followers.

    In the short clip, the trio is seen having a blast to the popular pop song ‘what is love’. Bhuvneshwar and Williamson are sitting in the front row with Warner taking the backseat but enjoying the most.

    Also read : “My favourite IPL moment would have to be this for sure” : Australian Opener David Warner

    Dale Steyn Reveals About Three Break-in Attempts at His Home, Asks South Africa to Stay Safe Amidst Coronavirus Lockdown

    0
    Dale Steyn reveals about three break in attempts at his home
    Dale Steyn

    South Africa fast bowling great Dale Steyn has said that three break-in attempts have been made at his house since Friday amid the coronavirus enforced lockdown. The seasoned Proteas pacer also revealed that the latest incident scared ‘the hell out of’ his mother, while the other one led to the destruction of his friend’s car.

    The 36-year-old Dale Steyn, who represented South Africa in 93 Tests has opined that the Coronavirus crisis has ‘definitely’ pushed people in the desperation and urged his countrymen to be safe. “3 attempted break ins since Friday at my house. Yesterday they destroyed my friends car and tonight scared the hell outa my mom who was alone at home,” Steyn wrote on his official Twitter handle.

    “Rona definitely pushing people into desperation and I realize this tweet helps f**k all. Stay safe people,” Steyn added.

    The Phalaborwa-born express, regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of all time, received a recall to South Africa’s Twenty20 squad for the three-match series against England. He was included in the national setup keeping in mind the T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia schedule this year.

    Steyn had announced his retirement from Tests last year to focus on limited overs cricket. He took 439 wickets in 93 Tests at 22.95.

    During his conversation with former England captain Kevin Pietersen before the start of the lockdown, had said that people would have to take care of each other amidst these extraordinary times.

    The experienced Steyn has not played for Proteas since March 2019 but has fully recovered from a shoulder injury and recently featured for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s T20 competition – Big Bash League.

    Steyn’s Favorite Player : 

    Earlier the 36 year old South African fast bowler Dale Steyn points out AB de Villiers as his favorite player. Steyn attempted the Google Autocomplete interview where he answered several questions regarding his cricketing career.

    Pakistan Announce Team For England Tour, Haider Ali Named in 29-Member Squad

    0
    Pakistan Team For England Tour
    Pakistan Team For England Tour

    Under-19 batsman Haider Ali has been named in the 29-member Pakistan squad for three Tests and as many T20Is against England to be played in August-September. Haider had an outstanding 2019-20 season, following which he earned an emerging contract for the 2020-21 season.

    He was Pakistan U19’s second-most successful batsman with 317 runs against South Africa in June, fifth leading run-getter with 218 runs in the ACC Emerging Teams Cup in Bangladesh, aggregated 645 runs including a century in the final at just under 50 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finished as Pakistan’s third-best batsman with 107 runs in the U19 World Cup 2020 before contributi239 runs in nine matches at a strike-rate of over 158 for Peshawar Zalmi in the unfinished Pakistan Super League 2020.

    Besides Haider, Kashif Bhatti is the other uncapped player in the side. Kashif was in the Test squad against Australia and Sri Lanka but did not play and was also named in the probables for the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh.

    Returning to the national colors is fast bowler Sohail Khan, whose ninth and last Test for Pakistan was the 2016 Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

    Apart from Haider, Kashif, Sohail, and the other centrally contracted players, excluding Haris Sohail, the PCB selectors have named Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Imran Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, and Wahab Riaz.

    The selectors have also named four reserves in Bilal Asif, Imran Butt, Musa Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz as a cover in case any of the players fail pre-tour COVID-19 testing, which will be carried out on June 20 and 25.

    Haider Ali

    Fast bowlers Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir, and middle-order batsman Haris were not available for selection. Hasan is suffering from a back injury, Amir withdrew so that he can be at the birth of his second child in August while Haris took the option of pulling out of the tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The selectors have picked a squad which gives us the best chance of success in England. It was a challenging process as the players have not played for an extended period of time, but nevertheless, with the month that we will have in England and the intense training we will undergo, we are confident we will get the players up to the mark to be ready for the three Tests,” chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said as per a PCB media release.

    “But the main focus of the selectors has been red-ball cricket, which we will play for nearly two months with the T20Is to be played at the backend of the ICC World Test Championship fixtures.

    “The series against England will be challenging as our players have not played any competitive cricket since March, while the home team will come following a series against the West Indies. This means we will have to hit the ground running as soon as we land in England and make the best use of the training sessions and match practice before we enter the first Test.

    “The players have also been selected with one eye on the future. I want these players to acquire as much cricket knowledge as possible from the additional backroom staff of Mushtaq Ahmed and Younis Khan that can help them post the England tour,” he added.

    List of Players Announced for England Tour : 

    Squad: Abid Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (captain), Babar Azam (Test vice-captain and T20I captain), Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Kashif Bhatti, Shadab Khan, and Yasir Shah.

    Also read : England Test captain Joe Root May Miss West Indies Test to Attend Birth of Child

    WATCH : MS Dhoni’s Unbeaten 183* in ODI Against Sri Lanka

    0
    Dhoni
    Dhoni

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni scored 183 not out in One Day International match against Sri Lanka and created the record for the highest score by a wicket keeper in 50 over format. That innings not just stormed the record books but also cemented his place among the best finisher in the game.

    And though it has been 13 years since that innings was played, no cricket fan can forget that innings as it unleashed Dhoni at his best.

    Dhoni had already announced his arrival when he hammered 148 off 123 balls against Pakistan in April 2005. That knock established Dhoni as a reliable batsman.

    However, what followed was a series of low scores until he struck two fifties in a tri-series in Zimbabwe to get back into rhythm.

    In the third ODI of the 7-match series, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 298/4 after electing to bat.

    India did not get an ideal start as Sachin Tendulkar departed in the first over leaving the hosts 7/1.

    Dhoni was promoted to bat at No.3 and after a watchful first 7 deliveries he faced, Dhoni unleashed the beast inside him to hit a six over cover off Chaminda Vaas to get India up and running.

    Dhoni and opener Virender Sehwag that took the attack back to the Sri Lankan bowlers to stitch together a 92-run stand before the opener was trapped leg before wicket by Muttiah Muralitharan.

    But that did not stop Dhoni from playing attacking cricket as he forged another 86-run stand with skipper Rahul Dravid.

    Dhoni then put on 65 runs with Yuvraj Singh before Venugopal Rao played second fiddle to take India home.

    Also read : “MS Dhoni is a Master of it”: Justin Langer on ‘White-ball finisher’ role

    Dhoni remained not out on 183 off 145 balls, hitting 15 fours and 10 sixes, as India reached the target with 23 balls and 6 wickets in hand.

    Dhoni made his India debut under Sourav Ganguly in an ODI against Bangladesh at Chittagong in December 2004.

    Dhoni’s 183* vs Sri Lanka

    Ganguly believed in giving chance to youngsters and he even gave up his batting positions to fit in a player. After a few poor performances, Dhoni was promoted to bat at No.3 and he proved his worth with a thunderous 148 against Pakistan and then a few months later blasted his way to 183 against Sri Lanka.

    Dhoni was later named as India captain for the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 in South Africa. He guided a young Indian side to the title after India defeated Pakistan by five runs in the final.

    Almost four years later, Dhoni played one of the memorable knocks of his life scoring 91 not out off 78 balls as India created history by winning their second World Cup in 2011. Hosts India started the 2011 World Cup as favourites and suffered just one defeat as they set up a final date with Sri Lanka. An out-of-form Dhoni, who had scores of 31, 34, 19*, 12*, 22, 7 and 25, promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh after India were reduced to 114 for 3 in 21.4 overs chasing a stiff 275 for victory.

    Dhoni had stitched together a match-winning 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Gautam Gambhir (97) and then was involved in an unbeaten 54-run stand with Yuvraj to guide India to their second World Cup triumph.

    In 2013, India started the ICC Champions Trophy as favourites in England in 2013. Dhoni guided his troops as India ended the tournament unbeaten.

    Watch the full video :

     

    Report : BCCI Called-Off India Tour of Sri Lanka And Zimbabwe Amid COVID-19 Threat

    0
    BCCI
    BCCI

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced that the Indian Cricket Team will not travel to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe owing to the current threat of COVID-19. Team India was originally scheduled to travel to the island nation from 24th June 2020 for three ODIs and as many T20Is and to Zimbabwe for a series comprising three ODIs starting 22nd August 2020.

    As stated in the earlier press release issued on 17th May, the BCCI will conduct a camp for its contracted players only when it is completely safe to train outdoors. The BCCI is determined to take steps towards the resumption of international and domestic cricket, but it will not rush into any decision that will jeopardize the efforts put in by the Central and State governments and several other respective agencies in containing the spread of the coronavirus.

    The Office-Bearers have been taking note of advisories issued by the Government of India and the Board is committed to fully comply with the restrictions imposed and guidelines issued. The BCCI will continue to study and evaluate the changing situation.

    Earlier BCCI Agreed India to Tour Sri Lanka

    According to the report, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has given the nod to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the tour, according to a report in ‘The Island’.

    The series was originally slated to take place in July, but was put on hold due to the pandemic. India was supposed to play three ODIs and the same number of T20Is during the brief tour. By the looks of it, it seems the tour will take place, but not as scheduled.

    With most governments relaxing the lockdown with allowing travel, the SLC is confident it will get the clearance to conduct the series. The series would also help the revenue of the SLC, who have incurred losses, like most cricket boards during the testing times.

    IPL 2020 in 3 months? BCCI Eying September-October Window: BCCI Chairman Brijesh Patel

    0
    Brijesh Patel
    Brijesh Patel

    With so much debate and speculation happening around ‘will IPL happen or not’, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) Chairman Brijesh Patel has said that the T20 tournament can happen with only Indian players and no overseas players, despite international travel restrictions expected to be lifted in the coming months.

    “I think by then (September-October), international travel would have started. Preferably, we would want international cricketers participating. But it’s not that we can’t have it with only Indian players,” Patel told Hindustan Times in an interview.

    Pointing that for the tournament to happen, an early decision from ICC is very important. He also said that players are keen on taking the field after two and a half months and confirmed that the broadcasters are hopeful and positive.

    “The broadcasters are very positive. The players want to play. They have been home for two-and-a-half months. Everyone wants IPL. But an early decision from ICC is very important. Players, franchises and the board can then start preparing,” Patel revealed.

    “We have to look at areas which can increase our revenues. The way virtual advertising works is, a match may be in progress in Mumbai where the on-field LED (light-emitting diode) will show the on-venue sponsors. But the same feed being relayed in UAE, or UK, can have their own local sponsorship. They will have a clean perimeter and sight screen. That is possible. The match is the same but the ads will be different. There is no point in showing a brand relevant to the Indian market in another part of the globe. It’s a waste for the brand too. Today, one has to use a lot more of technology,” Patel said.

    Ganguly’s Statement on IPL 2020 Possibilities : 

    Earlier BCCI president Sourav Ganguly stated that the board is working on all ‘possible options’ for the IPL to be held this year.

    In a letter to affiliated associations, Ganguly wrote that there’s a keen interest from all stakeholders including cricketers and fans alike to stage the suspended season and BCCI will conduct the event even if it means playing matches behind closed doors.

    Indian Skipper Virat Kohli Completes a Decade in T20I Cricket

    0
    Virat Kohli T20I debut match
    Virat Kohli T20I debut match

    Virat Kohli T20 debut

    Exactly a decade back, India skipper Virat Kohli made his T20 debut in the same day. This happened a couple of years after he made his national debut. The 31-year-old made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe at Harare, where he scored 26 off 21 deliveries.

    His cameo was laced with three boundaries and a six. India won the match as they gunned down a paltry 111-run target with six wickets in hand to crush the hosts.

    10 years on, he is arguably the best batsman in the world and his astronomical numbers are a testament to that. As Kohli is a popular figure in the country, it should not come as a surprise that he is trending. Hashtag #10YearsOfKingKohliInT20I is trending today and here is how fans are reacting.

    Interesting Facts

    • Virat Kohli’s favourite adventure sport is rafting.
    • Virat follows tennis and football diligently. He is a big fan of Roger Federer.
    • His favourite actor is Aamir Khan.
    • Virat is known as the most stylish batsman in the team. This factor has catapulted his fame, especially among youngsters.
    • Virat’s tattoos have become quite popular as well. He has a Scorpio zodiac tattoo on his upper right arm. He also has a Japanese Samurai warrior with a raised sword.
    • Virat Kohli is a little superstitious. He has been wearing a kadah (bracelet) since 2012 for good luck.
    • Through his charity, Virat Kohli Foundation, he supports education and healthcare of underprivileged children.

    Virat Kohli Awards

    • Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017
    • ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2012, 2017
    • ICC Test Team of the Year: 2017 (captain)
    • Padma Shri: 2017
    • ICC ODI Team of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2016 (captain), 2017 (captain)
    • Arjuna Award: 2013
    • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: 2018

    Virat Kohli Records

    Fastest century

    • Fastest century by an Indian cricketer in ODIs (52 balls)

    Watch Kohli’s Fastest ODI’s Century :

    Milestones

    • Fastest Indian to reach 1000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, and 10,000 runs in ODIs
    • Fastest Indian and second fastest in the world to reach 10, 15, 20, and 25 centuries in ODIs
    • The only batsman in history to average more than 50 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is simultaneously
    • Fastest in the world to reach 30 and 35 centuries in ODIs
    • Second fastest in the world to reach 1,000 runs in T20Is
    • First Indian cricketer to score three successive centuries in ODIs
    • Fastest in the world to reach 15,000 international runs
    • Fastest batsman to score 17,000 runs in international cricket (363 innings)

    Virat Kohli Batting Stats

    Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct
    Tests 74 126 8 6368 243 53.96 10985 57.96 24 19 703 18 68
    ODIs 216 208 37 10232 183 59.83 11016 92.88 38 48 962 111 103
    T20Is 65 60 16 2167 90* 49.25 1592 136.11 0 19 218 48 33
    First-class 106 174 15 8617 243 54.19 14888 57.87 31 27 1016 33 99
    List A 250 241 40 11674 183 58.07 12552 93 42 56 1126 135 121
    T20s 250 236 45 7809 113 40.88 5857 133.32 4 57 722 245 115

     

    Fans Tweet on #10YearsOfKingKohliInT20I

    “If they get it slightly wrong, then we know what Virat could do” : Rahul Dravid Warns Matthew Wade

    0
    Rahul Dravid on Matthew Wade’s remarks on not sledging Virat Kohli
    Matthew Wade and Virat Kohli

    India are scheduled to play four Tests against Australia with the first Test starting from December 3 at Gabba, Brisbane. While all are waiting for the Down Under, Aussie batsman Matthew Wade said that he would not be indulging in any verbal conversations with India captain Virat Kohli.

    Wade, who has used sharp words to get into the skin of his opponents in the past, said not just the skipper, but he won’t indulge with the rest of the Indian team as well as it might spur them on.

    Talking about this comment, former India batting legend Rahul Dravid said that Wade won’t be sledging Kohli as it would not be in Australia’s best interests. The ‘Wall’ explained that Kohli is already a competitive and aggressive player and any remarks would only make him more of his usual self.

    “He sort of lives for it, he loves the fight, he loves the contest. He’s pretty competitive and aggressive as it is. You don’t want to get him more aggressive, I don’t know how more he can get,” Dravid said on ‘Sony Ten Pit stop’ show aired on the channel’s Facebook page.

    Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli

    The batting legend, however, stated that any verbal confrontations won’t matter as cricket is a game of skill. “In the end, a lot of this stuff does not really affect players. In the end, it’s a contest. They know they have to be at the top of their games. The skills have to be top class. They want to compete against someone like Virat,” he said.

    “Virat also knows he has to be at top of the game if he wants to perform against the likes of Cummins, Starc, Pattinson, Hazlewood – that’s a pretty good attack. He knows that as well,” he added.

    Dravid also stated that the team that performs consistently relying on their skills will come out on top. “So, it’s not about words, it’ about the skills. It’s a skills game. The players will be looking to rely on his skills, and who can perform consistently over a long period of time in a Test match, and the team who does that will triumph.

    “I think Wade is trying to say that they are going to focus on that skill – and if they get that right, then they can cause him a problem. If they get it slightly wrong, then we know what Virat could do,” Dravid further said.

    Also read : “CSK was just the most high-profile team” : Rahul Dravid Compares CSK and RCB

    We are Going to Learn a Lot From The West Indies And England Series: Mushtaq Ahmed

    0
    Mushtaq Ahmed
    Mushtaq Ahmed

    Mental strength will take precedence over individual skills once cricket resumes after a long break due to the coronavirus pandemic, says Pakistan spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed.

    International cricket is set to resume with West Indies taking on England in a three-match Test series from next month and Mushtaq feels that the world will learn a lot from how it fares under the extraordinary circumstances.

    “I think we are going to learn a lot from the West Indies and England series and in the Covid-19 conditions. More than the skills, the mental strength of players will matter a lot. In these difficult circumstances the role of mentors have become very important,” he said.

    After West Indies, England will likely host Pakistan in bio-secure environment with the touring party expected to arrive by June 25 for a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

    Mushtaq, who took 346 wickets across formats during his Pakistan career, feels that it will take some time for the players and coaches to adjust to the new conditions and reality.

    “Players and coaches will require some time to adjust to the new playing conditions and playing in front of empty stadiums. I think the time we have in England before the series will be spent on preparing the players mentally for these challenges,” he said.

    Pakistan recently appointed former captain Younis Khan as their batting coach while Mushtaq will mentor the spinners joining an already start-studded coaching staff including head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling legend Waqar Younis.

    He reckons that should the West Indies and Pakistan series go without any hiccup, it will pave the way for normalcy to return in cricket.

    “That is why these two series are so important. We have to see how players, especially bowlers, adjust to the new rules like not using spit to shine the ball. We have to see how this will affect performance of the bowlers,” he said.

    Also read : England vs West Indies 2020 Full Fixtures Announced: International Cricket Set to Return in UK From July 8