Marnus Labuschagne bowling bouncers in county cricket
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Australia all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne is the biggest find in cricket of the year 2019. Having come in as a concussion substitute for Steven Smith during the Ashes, 25-year old Labuschagne has since then cemented his spot in Australia’s Test and ODI team.
In 21 international appearances since August last year, the right-hand batsman has scored 1,764 runs at an average of 60.82 including five centuries and 10 half-centuries.
It is worth mentioning that Labuschagne made it to the Ashes squad last year on the back of his sensational form in Division Two County season for Glamorgan.
In 10 First-class matches, Labuschagne had scored 1,114 runs at an average of 65.52 and a strike rate of 76.19 including five centuries and five half-centuries and was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Labuschagne, who also bowls leg-spin, has dismissed 12 wickets in 14 Test matches. In the same county season, Labuschagne picked 19 wickets at an average of 38.10, an economy rate of 3.10 and a strike rate of 3.76.
A recent video of Labuschagne is doing the rounds on social media platform Twitter. Labuschagne is seen bowling quick bouncers from a short run-up to surprise the opposition batsmen.
The same was uploaded after a fan requested Glamorgan to upload a collection of Labuschagne’s bouncers from the county season. The 45-second video is being liked by fans for spinner don’t usually bowl bouncers with such a frequency.
Where’s the ball? 🤔@marnus3cricket has just flicked one through the leg-side, probably for yet another four – but which number is this boundary ball hiding under?#GoGlam 🏏 pic.twitter.com/1iyqrtmEGr
Captain cool MS Dhoni revealed the moment when he feel bit scared
MS Dhoni might be celebrated for his calm demeanour in pressure situation on the cricket field but the former India captain does have moments where his heart rate is elevated and he feels scared.
These moments arise especially when Dhoni is in the very early stages, the two-time world cup winning captain said on Thursday.
“In India, I feel there is still a big issue of accepting that there is some weakness when it comes to the mental aspects, but we generally term it as mental illness,” Dhoni said during a session conducted by MFORE, a Non-Profit Initiative that offers mind conditioning programs to athletes.
He continued, “Nobody really says that, when I go to bat, the first 5 to 10 deliveries my heart rate is elevated, I feel the pressure, I feel a bit scared because that’s how everybody feels – how to cope with that? This is a small problem but a lot of times we hesitate to say it to a coach and that’s why the relationship between a player and coach is very important be it any sport.”
The initiative was launched by former India and Chennai Super Kings cricketer Subarmaniam Badrinath.
Current India captain Virat Kohli too stressed on the importance of a healthy mind as the key to better performance. “I think mental health and mental clarity is the most important factor in life; not just in sports. Badrinath and MFORE helping these cricketers will go a long way in them understanding themselves better and going out there and performing despite the conditions and situations being difficult for them,” he was quoted as saying in a media release.
MFORE also aims to conduct workshops for coaches, preparing them to understand the mental side of their players.
India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it’s important for a sportsperson to talk about his mental struggles and seek help iof needed.
“Lot of people address skills, speak about the mental aspect of the game. But no one can really put a roadmap and say what really a cricketer needs mentally,” Ashwin said while lauding Badrinath for the initiative.
“How can you disconnect the mind when you’re playing? These are things that are crucial for any athlete. Your mind constantly cross-questions you and gives negative vibes from inside which is only natural. So, to be able to create a platform for such people to ask for help is an amazing initiative. I urge people to be more honest about themselves and understand that they need help. Understanding and asking for help by itself is very courageous,” he added.
Dhoni says a mental conditioning coach should be a regular fixture with a team/player and not just a temporary arrangement.
“Mental conditioning coach should not be the one who comes for 15 days, because when you come for 15 days you are only sharing the experience. If the mental conditioning coach is constantly with the player, he can understand what are the areas which are affecting his sport,” he said.
Hayden, who had been practicing with Mongoose bat for a year and a half convinced Dhoni that the Mongoose bat is better when it comes to striking the ball better
Almost a decade ago when former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden introduced the mongoose bat, it instantly became a sensation, as it was different from anything fans had seen before. During a conversation with CSK presenter Rupha Ramani, Hayden revealed how skipper MS Dhoni reacted to his bat.
The former Australian opener revealed that Dhoni did not want him to use the bat. “I’ll (Dhoni) give you anything you want in life, to not use this bat! Please do not use this bat,” Hayden said.
A confident Hayden, who had been practicing with that bat for a year and a half convinced Dhoni that the bat is better when it comes to striking the ball better.
“I’ve been using this bat for practice for about a year and a half and when it hits the middle of the bat it goes 20 metres further,” the left-handed batsman further said in the video.
Considering it to be a bold decision to play with the mongoose bat, Hayden admitted having fun while batting with it.
“It was a courageous decision to use it and believed it was going to make my game better. On a couple of occasions, I used it, I loved it, it was fun,” the Aussie former opener added.
Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar made a generous donation in the fight against coronavirus pandemic by financially aiding 4000 underprivileged people, including children. Hi5 Youth Foundation hailed Tendulkar for the contribution.
“Thanks @sachin_rtfor proving once again that #sports encourages compassion! Your generous donation towards our #COVID19 fund enables us to financially aid 4000 underprivileged people, including children from @mybmcschools. Our budding sportspersons thank you, Little Master!,” the Hi5 Youth Foundation tweeted.
Responding to their tweet, the former Indian batsman lauded them for the commendable work and also gave his best wishes to the team.
“Best wishes to team Hi5 for your efforts in supporting families of daily wage earners,” Sachin tweeted while replying to the foundation.
Earlier Sachin had donated Rs 25 lakh each to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund to aid the battle against COVID-19.
The Maharashtra-born player had an illustrious career in the game, creating several records. Sachin 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, Sachin scored 51 Test centuries, most by any player.
The right-handed batsman 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.
Coronavirus cases in India have crossed 59,000-mark and death toll due to COVID 19 is nearing 2000-mark. In India, there are 39,834 coronavirus active cases and so far 17,846 COVID-19 positive patients have been cured or discharged.
A total of 1981 people died due to the highly contagious virus and one has been migrated, as per details shared by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. In the last 24 hours India has recorded 3,320 more coronavirus positive cases and 95 COVID-19 related deaths.
Australia Keeper Alex Carey Keen to Emulate MS Dhoni's Path, Says I Would Love to Become Half as Good as Him
Former India captain MS Dhoni is a role model for millions of people around the world and also for an infinite number of sportspersons who idolize him and aim to follow a similar path in their careers. In a recent Instagram Live chat, Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey expressed his admiration for the legendary Indian glovesman and spoke about how he’s keen to finish off games for Australia, akin to how Dhoni has done for Team India in the past.
During an interaction on the official Instagram handle of IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, Carey shed light on his adulation for Dhoni and reckoned that he’d love to pick up a couple of skills from the Chennai Super Kings captain.
“If you ask any cricketer, they would love to play like MS Dhoni. He’s probably the best at that role. I’d love to become half as good as him,” the 29-year-old Carey said.
Carey also spoke about emulating the former Indian captain’s finishing skill. “I’d love to have the calm to take it deep and finish off T20, ODI games for Australia and even in the BBL. It was pretty hard to play against him since he would never get out, but yes I’d love to become half as good as him.”
Carey has impressed for Australia in the shorter formats since making his ODI debut against England in January 2018. His impressive strike-rate in T20s also helped him bag the lucrative IPL contract with Delhi Capitals. Carey was snapped by Delhi for 2.4 Crore during the IPL 2020 player auction.
Cricket is not going to be the same in the post-COVID-19 world and playing in empty stadiums would be a ‘hollow feeling’ but Australia keeper Carey is ready to embrace the “new normal”.
Carey is open to the idea of playing in empty stadiums, which according to him could be a way forward.
“Cricket, as we’re used to, is going to be different for a bit. There’s the T20 World Cup and the IPL that we’re all looking to play, but it’s hard to picture anything without the fans. It’s going to be a hollow feeling,” said Carey during an Instagram live session with his IPL team.
“But I feel the fans will at least have some live cricket to look forward to on TV, and I can promise it’s still going to be some solid cricket which the fans are going to love,” said the left-hander.
Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21
Former New Zealand and Brisbane Heat captain Brendon McCullum has put forward an intriguing suggestion regarding the increased participation of New Zealand players in the forthcoming 10th season of the Big Bash League in Australia.
Speaking in an interview with SEN Radio, McCullum pondered the “great opportunity” lying with Big Bash if international cricket doesn’t resume to the best of its ability due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
“If there is a shortage of international cricket what an opportunity for the Big Bash, which if we are being honest has probably just tailed off a little bit of late, what a great opportunity to really morph that back into Australia sporting fans’ eyes,” McCullum was quoted as saying.
Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21
It is worth mentioning that McCullum himself played in six seasons of the BBL from 2011 to 2019. In 35 matches for Brisbane Heat, McCullum had scored 920 runs at an average of 27.88 and a strike rate of 136.50 including nine half-centuries.
McCullum, who is currently the head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders, went on to state that New Zealand could play as a separate team or the Kiwi players could play as locals in BBL 2020-21.
“And I think what a great opportunity to maybe bring a New Zealand team into the Big Bash or use New Zealand players as local players because there may be a distinct lack of overseas players.
“A little bit of creative thinking. It may be just for one season but we have to prepare for the long-term if you are going to grow the game there may be some value,” McCullum said.
star Indian batswoman Smriti Mandhana said she is badly missing the game and can't wait to be back on the field with her teammates once normalcy returns.
Amid the nation-wide lockdown in place due to coronavirus pandemic, star Indian batswoman Smriti Mandhana on Friday said she is badly missing the game and can’t wait to be back on the field with her teammates once normalcy returns.
“We’ve been touring so long and I never imagined that we would go on to make so many amazing memories,” Mandhana wrote on Instagram along with photos of her Indian teammates.
“All this has become such an important part of my life. I just can’t wait to be back on the field and back with my teammates. But until then I’ll cherish every single moment! To many more memories…soon,” she added.
In a video tweeted by BCCI, the left-handed batter had revealed she is spending time by working out, washing utensils, watching movies and playing Ludo online. “The best thing which I love doing the most at home is sleeping. I make sure I sleep for at least 10 hours to keep myself happy the entire day,” she had added.
India has been in lockdown since March 25, a step taken in order to stop the spread of coronavirus which has so far claimed more than 1800 lives in the country.
Warner Shares Hilarious Video featuring Kane Williamson, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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.
His post read: “This just made me laugh. Behind the scenes of a shoot last year with these two. Gee we all have rhythm.”
In normal circumstances, the trio would currently be action in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League but due to the outbreak of the virus the cash-rich league was postponed by the BCCI.
The idea of holding matches without spectators has been mooted in the current scenario, but Warner had earlier rejected the idea of playing cricket without fans in the stands.
“You want crowds no matter where you go and where you play. I love playing in England, it’s awesome,” Warner was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“You’ve always got someone they always try and rev up, and fortunately for the team it’s pretty much just me, and that takes a lot of the heat off the other guys.
“We’re there to put bums on seats and hopefully we can entertain the crowd by playing a good brand of cricket,” he added.
Solo Nqweni Announces News of Positive Coronavirus Test
South Africa first-class cricketer Solo Nqweni has announced that he has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Nqweni revealed the news on his Twitter account on Thursday. “So last year I got GBS, and have been battling this disease for the past 10 months and I’m only half way through my recovery,” Nqweni wrote.
“I got TB, my liver failed and my kidney failed. Now today I tested positive for coronavirus. I don’t understand why all of this is happening to me. Honestly,” he added.
So last year I got GBS, and have been battling this disease for the past 10 months and I’m only half way through my recovery. I got TB, my liver failed and my kidney failed. Now today I tested positive for corona virus. I don’t understand why all of this is happening to me.
This diagnosis is the latest in a long line of health issues for Nqweni, who spent four weeks in an induced coma last year and required the use of a machine to do the work of his lungs. Nqweni’s condition gradually improved and by October he was able to talk. He was given the all-clear to return to South Africa late last year but the cost of transportation was exorbitant for his family and it was only when a GoFundMe campaign was launched that Nqweni could return home.
The campaign raised £3,125 before a single-donor pledged £76,875 to foot the rest of the bill. Nqweni travelled to Johannesburg in January, where he was admitted to a hospital to receive further care. In February, the South African national team donated R50,000 to Nqweni’s medical expenses.
Nqweni played for South Africa Under-19s in 2012 and has been contracted to Eastern Province and the Warriors franchise since. In his most recent game for Eastern Province, the three-day provincial cup final, in April, he scored 95 from No.7.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal backs two-week isolation period before India’s tour of Australia 2020-21
There is no hiding to the fact that the novel COVID-19 pandemic has affected the cricket calendar in a significant manner. While the biggest T20 league in the Indian Premier League has already been postponed indefinitely, the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia might also get delayed.
Other than these two premier tournaments, another intriguing fixture involving the Indian players is India’s tour of Australia which is slated to follow the T20 World Cup.
Considering the financial aspect of the tour, it not happening will see Cricket Australia incurring losses in the range of $300m. It was due to the same reason that Cricket Australia had put forward the prospect of playing a five-Test series without spectators at the Adelaide Oval.
In a recent interaction with Nine Entertainment, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) treasurer Arun Dhumal pointed out how confirming the fixtures at this point in time is difficult for both the boards. Dhumal also hinted at finances playing a role in deciding the number of Test and white-ball matches.
“Once we are sure when cricket will resume, then only will we be able to make a final call on that [fixtures]. That discussion [on five Tests] took place before the lockdown. If there is a window available it would be up to the boards to decide whether they wanted to go for a Test match or maybe two ODIs or maybe two T20s.
“Given the revenue loss they [Cricket Australia] will have on account of lockdown, post-lockdown they will want to have revenue and revenue most likely will come from ODIs or T20s much more than a Test match,” Dhumal was quoted as saying by Nine Entertainment.
Arun Dhumal backs two-week isolation period
Despite frequent discussions between the boards and administrators, there still remains a lot of uncertainty regarding when the sport will resume primarily due to the ongoing global crisis.
Most recently, England fast bowler Mark Wood was affirmative about self-isolating for two week before cricket resumes in England. The same will be done to make sure that all people involved in a match are of sound health and are not showing any coronavirus symptoms.
Opening up on a similar note, Dhumal backed the notion of Indian players self-isolating in Australia for over a fortnight before the tour of Australia.
“There is no choice, everyone will have to do that [self-isolate]. You would want to resume the cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown.
“That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal said.
Jos Buttler expresses admiration for MS Dhoni The English wicket-keeper batsman recently eulogized the legendary Indian cricketer.
England and Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler admits feeling the pressure while playing as an overseas player in the Indian Premier League.
Speaking in an interaction with Lancashire cricket, 29-year old Buttler talked about how being among four overseas players in an IPL XI brings its own pressure.
“It was one of pressures you have to learn, especially in India, as an overseas player, you are one of the four in the team and you know the other four who are not playing are also world class players. So you are under pressure to perform
“So, that’s been a great learning curve. One of the things I came out with from the first IPL is to just learn to deal with the chaos,” Buttler was quoted as saying.
Buttler, who made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2016, scored 255 runs in 14 matches at an average of 23.18 and a strike rate of 138.58.
In 31 IPL matches in the next three seasons (one for Indians and two for Royals), the right-hand batsman scored 1,131 runs at an average of 40.39 and a strike rate of 153.88 including nine half-centuries.
Jos Buttler expresses admiration for MS Dhoni
Buttler, who has in the past admired veteran India wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, once again eulogized the 38-year old player and considered watching him as a “great lesson”.
“MS Dhoni has always been a big idol of mine and chaos is always going around him, people wanting a bit of him, the cricket and the noise. It is such a great lesson to just watch him and see first hand how to manage all that thing if you have to perform at the top level and perform in those crunch moment, that certainly has been one of the massive pluses,” Buttler added.
It is worth mentioning that 31 out of Buttler’s 252 international outings have come with Dhoni being in the opposition team. In his idol’s presence, Buttler has scored 715 runs across formats at an average of 31.08 and a strike rate of 92.02 including five half-centuries.
Top seven Cricket World Cup winning Iconic moments
The 12th edition of the ICC cricket world cup had been won by the English team in 2019. This is the first time that England has won the cricket world cup. This was the first time that the winner of the final match is declared on the basis of maximum boundary count.
There are 12 World Cup tournaments being held till date. Australia is the most success country which won 5 World Cups. India & West Indies are the only two countries which have won the world cup 2 times each.
India won the World Cup in 1983 and 2011, while West Indies won in 1975 and 1979. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the other two countries that have won the World Cup in 1992 and 1996 respectively. England is the only country which lost 3 finals and hosted the world cup 5 times.
Following are the top seven iconic cricket world cup final moments
Viv Richards’ hundred in the 1979 world cup final
In 1979, one of the supreme team of the world which had spectacular group of players won the world cup. Clive Lloyd and co lifted the World Cup trophy and proved that West Indies though is small in population but is big when it comes to cricket. West Indies established the top position in the world. Courtesy: Sir Vivian Richards.
A majestic 138 not out from Richards against England in the final is still moment to cherish for some audience. The West Indies were four down at 99, Richards came to the crease and ended up helping them to 286. With the lower order collapsing, Richards on other hand finished the innings with a bang. It proved a big target for England and sealed their second World Cup win.
Viv Richards’ hundred in the 1979 world cup final
Kapil Dev’s catch in 1983 world cup final
India gave a meager target of 184 for Caribbean Kings. West Indies were on the course to lift third World Cup win until Viv Richards got himself out. Vivian Richards’ was already the man in form for West Indies. He completely dominated the bowlers of India but hooked one off Madan Lal, only to mistime it.
The ball pushed away towards the mid-wicket fence. Indian captain Kapil Dev, was already deployed at short mid-wicket, he ran backwards. A run of a few yards and Kapil bagged it over his shoulder. Kapil made it look simple. What followed was distrust at first and then it was mayhem. The King was back in the pavilion. Indian team left the big sigh of relief.
Kapil Dev’s catch in 1983 world cup final
Gatting’s reverse sweep in 1987 world cup final
English fans are still waiting for their side to win the first ever World Cup win. This might not be the case if it were not for Mike Gatting’s dismissal in 1987! The world cup final of 1987 took place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens against Australia.
England held their Ashes rivals to 253. They looked to be on course for victory. Chasing Australia’s target, Mike Gatting and Bill Athey were cruising to a win at 135-2. It was Aussie captain decided to bowl his left-arm off-spin. Facing the first delivery, Gatting opted to go for daring reverse sweep. He made contact with the ball but only managed to deflect it via his own shoulder, letting Australia wicketkeeper Greg Dyer to take it. Gatting’s wicket proved costly, England lost their wickets consecutively and felt seven runs short of their target.
Gatting’s reverse sweep in 1987 world cup final
Akram’s swing destroys Englishmen
Wasim Akram, fondly known as ‘Swing of Sultan’ was the mastermind behind Pakistan’s victory in 1992 world cup final against England. Akram was a bowler equipped with skills to beat the batsmen both in the air and off the wicket. He showed his class in this final not only with the bowl but with the bat too. Akram hit a quick 33 and gave England to chase 241 at the MCG, Australia.
In the reply, England slipped to 69-4 but thanks to Allan Lamb and Neil Fairbrother who fixed the early damage a stand of 72 for fifth wicket. However, Akram on other side put paid to any shine of hope England to conquer the trophy. The left-arm seamer dismissed Lamb and new batsman Chris Lewis in two successive deliveries. This was the most iconic moment for the Green Army. Pakistan went on to win the match by 22 runs, permitting captain Imran Khan to lift the trophy.
Akram’s swing destroys Englishmen
When Sri Lanka stunned Australia
‘March 17, 1996’, this date will be carved on Sri Lankan cricket fans’ hearts. It was the world cup final between Australia and Sri Lanka. This was the day when Sri Lanka team led by Arjuna Ranatunga shocked not only Australia but the entire world to lift the world cup. Coming to the big final after defeating India and England, Sri Lanka looked in formidable shape.
In the final against Australia, Sri Lankan bowlers restricted Kangaroos at 241. Aravinda de Silva, claimed three wickets in nine overs. In a return, Sri Lanka lost two wickets at just 23 runs. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Aravinda de Silva, who impressed first with the ball stood strong in front of Aussies. He scored the most crucial ton of his career. His knock of 107 took helped Lankan lions to win the world cup. Aravinda was awarded with Man of the Match.
When Sri Lanka stunned Australia
Gilchrist’s ‘squash’ secret
Australia’s wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist wasn’t in the form of his life during the 2007 world cup. Somebody has said it right, “Big players rise on big occasions”, these words hold true for this man.
In 2007, Gilly was struggling with his grip because his bottom hand proved to be too commanding for him to avoid silly wickets. Batting coach of OZ Bob Meuleman suggested him to pleat a squash ball in left glove to keep the last few fingers away from gripping the bat. This worked, and how? His knock of 149 led Australia to complete a hat-trick of World Cups.
Adam Gilchrist in 2007 world cup
Dhoni ‘finishes off in style’, Sachin wins it
India lifted its second World Cup trophy after a 28-long wait, a historic moment itself. A blistering century from Mahela Jayawardene and quick-fire innings from Thisara Perera gave India a target of 275 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in 2011 ICC world cup final. India got a shaky start with Sachin and Sehwag returning to the pavilion at low score. Gautam Gambhir’s 97 made him unsung hero of the match. But it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni who played a captain’s knock of 91 and finishing off the final by banging Nuvan Kulasekara for a six. One more memorable moment of the final was bowing out as a champion on home turf was the fairytale finish to Sachin Tendulkar‘s World Cup career.
One more interesting thing happened during this match. Not only did India win its second World Cup but the toss was also done twice. When Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara called ‘heads’, Mahendra Singh Dhoni misheard him due to the noise at Wankhede. Assuming he won the toss, Dhoni had elected to bat. However, Sangakkara mediated and both the skippers decided to go for another toss.
