Former India cricketer Javagal Srinath recently discussed a notable incident from the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where then-captain Sourav Ganguly kept Australian skipper Steve Waugh waiting for the toss at Eden Gardens. Srinath indicated that if he had been the match referee at the time, Ganguly would have faced disciplinary action.

Srinath stated, “I would have banned Sourav for a few games!” when recalling the event. This delay was widely seen as an act of gamesmanship that reportedly unsettled Waugh and the Australian team during the series, which India ultimately won 2-1. Ganguly later attributed the delay to being unable to locate his blazer, though this explanation has been debated.

Ganguly’s Leadership and Team Transformation

Despite his comments on the toss incident, Srinath offered praise for Ganguly’s leadership qualities during his tenure as India captain. Srinath highlighted Ganguly’s role in nurturing young talent, including players such as Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag. These cricketers later became integral to the success of the Indian team.

Srinath also reflected on the broader changes within Indian cricket during that period. He observed that the sport underwent a significant transformation following the match-fixing controversies of the late 1990s. Players developed a collective determination to restore the game’s integrity and demonstrate its clean image to the world.

“There was a bit of a resoluteness in each and every player to really put that image back and then prove the world that cricket is superior, cricket is clean,” Srinath remarked. He added that leadership from the top four or five players, who were aligned in their vision, helped India achieve consistent wins at home and improve their performance overseas.

Srinath recalled that India had struggled to win abroad between 1991 and 1997-98, but this trend began to shift from 1999 onwards, coinciding with the team’s renewed resolve.

Recollections and Future of Cricket

Srinath also shared an anecdote about the 2003 World Cup final against Australia. He revealed that he had advocated for India to bat first after team discussions, believing it would put Australia under pressure. However, Ganguly had a different perspective, and once the decision was made, Srinath noted that the team had to move forward, acknowledging that Australia proved to be too strong on that occasion.

He further recounted recommending bowler Zaheer Khan to selector Chandu Borde after observing Zaheer take six wickets against Air India while representing the MRF Pace Foundation. When Borde jokingly questioned what would happen to Srinath if Zaheer was selected, Srinath’s response was direct: “If he’s good, he replaces me.”

Srinath also offered a light-hearted comment about Rahul Dravid, describing him as “not the best roommate” due to his habit of leaving items scattered, contrasting this with Venkatesh Prasad, whom he described as “spick and span.”

Addressing the emergence of young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Srinath cautioned against making comparisons to players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. He emphasized that different eras present different challenges for cricketers. Srinath stated, “When you judge a player it’s just not the white ball, it is the red ball cricket as well. Sooryavanshi is a wonderful talent, I think he’s still too young. I hope he develops the maturity like Sachin and has that strong head on his shoulders like Virat.”

Concluding his reflections, Srinath called for improved balance between bat and ball in cricket, citing factors such as shorter boundaries, larger bats, and less pronounced seams. He expressed a desire for measures to be taken to restore equilibrium in the game.

Srinath’s reflections provide insight into a pivotal period for Indian cricket, marked by both on-field incidents and significant team development.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has come under increased scrutiny due to India’s growing list of injured players. VVS Laxman, head of the CoE, has defended the facility’s role, stating that it is not solely a rehabilitation centre and that injuries are an unavoidable aspect of a cricketer’s career. He emphasized the importance of monitoring players rather than seeking blame.

Concerns have been raised regarding rehabilitation timelines, fitness assessments, and communication between the CoE’s sports science team and the national selection committee. Several prominent players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar, are currently dealing with fitness issues.

CoE’s Broader Role and Monitoring Systems

Laxman clarified the CoE’s broader purpose, asserting that its function extends beyond merely rehabilitating injured players. He stated that the centre plays a larger role in helping cricketers achieve excellence. These comments were made at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, coinciding with a renewed examination of the CoE’s injury-management programme ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on August 15.

He further explained that injuries are an inherent part of professional sport and stressed the critical nature of continuous monitoring systems. Laxman mentioned that the CoE has introduced the Bronco test by Adrian to continuously assess fitness, especially when players are actively participating in a series, as conventional fitness tests like the Yo Yo test cannot be performed then.

Laxman cited Bumrah and Sudharsan as examples of players whose fitness was evaluated using multiple parameters before decisions were made about their availability. He maintained that communication between the CoE and team management is seamless.

Despite these assurances, both Bumrah and Sudharsan were initially included in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Tests subject to fitness. However, medical and sports science experts at the CoE ultimately advised caution after assessing their conditions.

Bumrah’s absence is notable, as he continues to experience issues with his knee following an impact injury, requiring additional recovery time due to fluid retention. Sudharsan, who had been batting in the nets as part of his recovery, continued to feel pain in his left big toe.

Player Injuries and External Pressures

A source at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence indicated that players often compete in the IPL while injured due to franchise and financial pressures. This situation, according to the source, makes their rehabilitation at the CoE more challenging.

The increasing number of injuries, particularly those related to overuse and stress, is attributed to the demands of “too much cricket” and the physiological limits of the human body. The source noted that such injuries, especially in older players, can be unpredictable in terms of recovery timelines.

Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series due to a big toe injury sustained during an India A Test against Sri Lanka A. He had scored two centuries in the ‘A’ Tests before the injury. Bumrah was sidelined after a left knee niggle sustained during an ODI against England. Auqib Nabi, a seamer from Jammu and Kashmir, has replaced him in the Test squad.

Harshit Rana is recovering from a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle strain, which occurred after his return from a significant right knee ligament injury and surgery. Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a left quadriceps injury that led him to miss recent white-ball tours. Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury, and Akash Deep remains unavailable due to stress reactions in his back.

There is also a fitness concern surrounding India captain Shubman Gill, though he has not been ruled out of the series. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia met with Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme. The BCCI is concerned about the number of unavailable players and whether the timelines provided by the CoE align with the selectors’ expectations. Laxman reiterated that the process focuses on continuous assessment and communication rather than assigning blame for setbacks.

With a demanding Test season ahead and a growing injury list, the CoE is expected to remain under close observation. Laxman’s message underscores the facility’s role in managing players’ overall journey toward sustained excellence.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Sabalenka’s Canadian Open campaign ends

World number one Aryna Sabalenka experienced an unexpected defeat at the Canadian Open, weeks before she is scheduled to defend her US Open title. Sabalenka was defeated by Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in a match that lasted almost two and a half hours in Toronto. Alexandrova secured a 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-4 victory.

Sabalenka managed to recover after losing the first set, forcing the match into a decider. However, a double fault while serving to stay in the match ultimately gave the number 16 seed, Alexandrova, the win. This marks another challenging period for Sabalenka, following her exits in the quarter-finals of the French Open and the last 16 of Wimbledon.

Alexandrova commented on her strategy, stating, “I just tried to play every single point as if it was the last one because with her, you don’t [get] a lot of chances during the match.” She expressed her happiness with the win, noting that after the second set, she thought her opportunity had passed. This victory marks Alexandrova’s third win against a World No. 1 player, including previous wins over Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka.

Alexandrova will now advance to face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals. Svitolina secured her spot by defeating American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-2 6-4. Historically, Svitolina holds a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head encounters, though Alexandrova won their last meeting in 2021.

Another notable upset in the women’s event saw third seed Jessica Pegula suffer her first career loss to Diana Shnaider. The 22-year-old Shnaider finished both sets strongly, winning 6-3 6-3. Shnaider is set to face Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals. Swiatek, the seventh seed, overcame early service difficulties to defeat 10th seed Marta Kostyuk 3-6 6-1 6-2.

Norrie’s run ends in Montreal

In the men’s event held in Montreal, British number two Cameron Norrie was defeated by 18th seed Arthur Fils. Norrie had two set-point opportunities but ultimately lost 6-2 7-6 (10-8). The match concluded in one hour and 43 minutes.

Norrie managed to save three match points in the second set, pushing the game into a tie-break. However, Fils secured a break of serve to claim the victory. Fils will proceed to the quarter-finals, where he is scheduled to play Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar. The 19-year-old Jodar caused an upset by defeating eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-3.

Other players who advanced to the next round include Brandon Nakashima and Luciano Darderi, both securing three-set victories. Nakashima defeated Arthur Rinderknech, while Darderi overcame Nuno Borges with a 4-6 6-3 7-5 win. During his match, Darderi notably took an espresso during a mid-match changeover.

Alexandrova’s win over Sabalenka marks her sixth WTA 1000 quarter-final appearance. She entered the tournament with an 11-18 record for the season and had dropped to number 19 in the PIF WTA Rankings after achieving a career-best ranking last year. This victory provides a significant boost in confidence for Alexandrova, suggesting a positive direction for the remainder of her season.

Alexandrova reflected on the challenges of her current season, stating that the expectations from her previous successful year might not have been helpful. She believes that a win of this magnitude helps to regain confidence and confirms that her current approach is effective. Her focus remains on continuing her current strategies.

The matches in both Toronto and Montreal have seen several top seeds exit the tournaments, setting the stage for unexpected contenders to advance in the Canadian Open.

Source: bbc.com

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Barcelona is reportedly experiencing growing frustration with midfielder Frenkie de Jong regarding the management of his foot injury. The Dutch international sustained a knock and, upon returning to Catalonia after the World Cup, medical tests confirmed a ligament injury. The club’s medical staff has expressed a preference for surgery, viewing it as a definitive solution. However, De Jong has opted for a conservative treatment approach.

This situation has created a point of contention between the player and the club’s medical team. De Jong’s chosen treatment was initially expected to keep him sidelined for a few weeks. The possibility of surgery remains, which could significantly extend his recovery period, potentially up to four or five months.

Injury management and club concerns

The management of De Jong’s injury is impacting Hansi Flick’s tactical preparations for his debut season as coach. Reports suggest that there is a sense of resentment within the club regarding De Jong’s priorities over the past year. Some within the Camp Nou offices reportedly feel that he did not give his full effort during the latter part of the 2025-26 campaign, with his focus seemingly on being fit for the World Cup with the Netherlands.

During his absences, De Jong’s guaranteed starting position faced competition from emerging talents and established players. The rise of Marc Bernal and the return of Gavi meant that De Jong was no longer the sole focal point in transitioning from defense to attack. He did not participate in the final two domestic season games before joining Ronald Koeman’s national team.

The frequency of De Jong’s injuries is also a concern for both Flick and Sporting Director Deco. Over the last three seasons, he has missed 56 matches due to various physical issues. This tally would increase with any missed games at the start of the 2026-27 season.

Midfield implications and transfer market

The uncertainty surrounding De Jong’s recovery has significant implications for Barcelona’s midfield plans. The club is currently pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who is considered a top priority to strengthen the pivot role. His potential arrival could significantly alter De Jong’s standing within the squad. Reports indicate that Rodri has already agreed to personal terms with the Catalan club, which would introduce direct competition for De Jong.

Initially, Barcelona did not intend to strengthen the midfield, believing they had sufficient players. Even with De Jong’s injury, the club maintains the idea of selling Marc Casado, who plays in a similar position. However, if surgery for De Jong is confirmed, the club is not ruling out seeking another midfielder in the market. Deco has already inquired about Rodri’s situation and other midfielders.

The general consensus around the Ciutat Esportiva is that this season could be Frenkie de Jong’s last as a Barcelona player. While the club cannot transfer him while he is injured, the breakdown in trust over his injury management has accelerated discussions about his long-term future. Were he fully fit, sources suggest he might have been placed on the transfer list alongside other midfielders like Marc Casado and Tommy Marques, whose exits are described as imminent.

The standoff between the player’s preference for conservative treatment and the club’s demand for surgery is expected to define the next six months of his career.

Separately, Barcelona is also reportedly preparing an initial offer for Girona FC midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. This offer is estimated at 10 million euros. However, Real Betis has also entered the race with a higher financial offer for the Moroccan international.

The situation with De Jong and the pursuit of other midfielders highlight a period of significant decisions for Barcelona’s midfield ahead of the new season.

Source: goal.com

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Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has shared insights into his experiences bowling against Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Lee highlighted the distinct qualities that made each player formidable opponents during different phases of their careers.

Speaking on the Ranveer Allahbadia Show, Lee reflected on his encounters with Tendulkar, acknowledging the difficulty in dismissing the legendary batter. He humorously mentioned that his strategy against Tendulkar often involved prayer and visualisation. Lee also recalled an incident at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Tendulkar appeared to misjudge a delivery, which he described as a memorable moment.

Lee expressed regret that newer generations of fans have not had the opportunity to witness Tendulkar bat during his career, encouraging them to seek out his past performances. He emphasised Tendulkar’s significant impact on Indian cricket.

Early Recognition of Kohli’s Potential

Lee also spoke about facing a young Virat Kohli, noting that he identified a special quality in the Indian batter early on, even before Kohli became a prominent figure in international cricket. When asked if he anticipated Kohli’s future success, Lee affirmed that he could perceive Kohli’s intense mental strength and focus, which he believes sets certain athletes apart.

According to Lee, Kohli’s focused presence was evident even in his early playing days, characterising it as a mindset of “game on” and a belief that opponents would not be able to dismiss him. Lee observed that Kohli maintains this same competitive spirit today, referring to him as “the same tiger.”

Lee defended Kohli against contemporary criticism, particularly in the social media era, stating that comparisons across generations are unfair due to the evolving pressures on players. He drew parallels with Sunil Gavaskar and Tendulkar, who also carried immense expectations, but noted that Kohli faces an additional layer of scrutiny from social media. Lee dismissed negative comments about Kohli’s performance as unfounded, citing his “impeccable” and “incredible” record.

Rohit Sharma’s Aggression and Indian Cricket’s Transformation

Lee also praised Rohit Sharma, identifying him as one of his favourite players to watch, particularly for his pull shot. He recalled that Sharma’s aggression was immediately noticeable when he faced him early in his career, highlighting his refusal to back down.

This attitude, Lee suggested, was indicative of a broader shift in Indian cricket around the early 2000s. He noted that Indian teams began to display greater confidence against leading international sides, moving away from a previous dynamic where other teams might have underestimated them. Lee attributed this transformation partly to India’s increased focus on fitness and technique, crediting former captain Sourav Ganguly and Tendulkar for their contributions to this change.

Lee believes the influence of that generation is still visible in the current Indian team, suggesting that the team carries forward Kohli’s legacy. He also commented on the celebrity status of India’s top cricketers, likening them to “Bollywood stars with cricket whites on,” which can sometimes overshadow their sporting achievements.

Lee’s View on Cricket’s Greatest

While acknowledging Tendulkar as the finest batsman he ever witnessed, Lee has selected Jacques Kallis as the greatest cricketer of all time. Lee explained his distinction between the best batsman and the most complete cricketer, citing Kallis’s statistics in batting, bowling, and fielding. He noted that Kallis is the only player to have achieved more than 10,000 runs and over 250 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket.

Lee’s assessment is also informed by his time as a teammate with Kallis at Kolkata Knight Riders for three IPL seasons, from 2011 to 2013. He recalled Kallis’s calm demeanor before batting and his meticulous pre-game routine, including a specific order for putting on his equipment.

Source: businesstoday.in

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Ashmita Chaliha, an Indian shuttler, has secured her first BWF World Tour title at the Korea Masters 2026. The athlete from Assam achieved this milestone by defeating Han Qian Xi of China in the women’s singles final. Chaliha’s victory in Asan, Korea, marked a significant comeback, particularly after recovering from an injury.

The final match saw Chaliha rally from an initial setback, ultimately winning in three games. She overcame Han Qian Xi, the fourth seed, with scores of 14-21, 21-14, and 21-14. The summit clash lasted 53 minutes, showcasing Chaliha’s resilience and strategic play.

Chaliha’s Path to Victory

In the final, Chaliha faced an early challenge, losing the first game 14-21. However, she responded with strong performances in the subsequent games, securing them both 21-14. Her ability to dictate rallies and employ powerful attacking shots proved crucial in turning the match in her favour.

During the second game, Chaliha established an 11-8 lead at the interval and maintained her advantage, moving to 17-10 before closing it out. The decisive third game was closely contested initially, with Chaliha taking a 5-2 lead, only for Han to move ahead 11-9 at the mid-game break. Chaliha, however, regained momentum, moving ahead 12-11 with a precise winner and extending her lead to 15-11 with another exceptional shot.

Prior to the final, Chaliha advanced by defeating fellow Indian Rakshitha Ramraj in the semifinal. Her semifinal scores were 21-13, 16-21, and 21-13. Han Qian Xi, on the other hand, reached the final after overcoming G Kim of South Korea with scores of 22-20, 18-21, and 21-14 in her semifinal match.

Remarkable Comeback After Injury

This victory is particularly notable as it marks a successful return for Chaliha following a three-month layoff. She had suffered a medial meniscus tear in her right knee during the Korea Open in 2024, which required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period. Chaliha returned to competition in February of the following year and participated in 14 events.

Before focusing on building strength for a full elite BWF calendar load, she competed in a couple of events this year. Her strong comeback on the BWF Tour included reaching back-to-back quarterfinals at the China Masters and Malaysia Masters, followed by a semifinal appearance at the Macau Open. Chaliha, currently ranked world number 50, trains under Park Tae-Sang at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati.

Chaliha’s win continues a strong run for Indian shuttlers on the BWF Tour, coming after Tanvi Sharma’s Taipei Open victory. This marks back-to-back BWF World Tour finals won by Indian players. Chaliha expressed her feelings about the win, stating, “I feel really great and unbelievable. But then I am trying to digest it. Now, I am hungry for more.”

Previous Achievements

Before securing her first BWF World Tour title, Ashmita Chaliha had already achieved success in other competitions. She won the gold medal at the 2024 Asia Team Championships. Additionally, at the 2019 South Asian Games, Chaliha earned gold medals in both the women’s singles and team events, demonstrating her consistent performance on the international stage.

Her recent victory at the Korea Masters Super 300, held in Asan, Korea, adds another significant achievement to her career. The tournament is part of the BWF World Tour Super 300 series.

Source: newsonair.gov.in

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Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a £75m transfer. The Brazil international has agreed to a four-year deal, with an option for an additional 12 months.

Guimaraes, who is 28 years old, expressed that the move was one of the most challenging decisions of his life. He stated his desire for a new experience and challenge for himself and his family, feeling ready for the next step in his career.

The midfielder shared his excitement about joining Arsenal, mentioning conversations with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta. He will wear the no. 39 shirt for the Gunners and promised to give his best, aiming to create many positive memories with the club.

Guimaraes’ Departure from Newcastle

Guimaraes told Newcastle he wanted to leave. Newcastle initially rejected an opening bid before the £75m fee was agreed upon.

He departed Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium. Guimaraes revealed he received messages from future teammates, including fellow Brazilian Gabriel and midfielder Declan Rice. Rice reportedly told him, “come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.”

Newcastle released a statement wishing Guimaraes and his family well. The club noted that the agreed fee is among the top highest transfer fees ever received for a player aged or older, and a record for a player of his age and position combined.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 from Lyon for £40m. He made appearances for the club, scoring goals. He was part of the side that qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025. He also became the first captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy for Newcastle after they won the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal’s Strengthened Midfield

Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed Guimaraes, highlighting his mentality, quality, and leadership. Berta noted that Guimaraes’ arrival will further strengthen the team’s core and allow Mikel Arteta to develop their playing style, increasing internal competitiveness.

Guimaraes’ versatility as both a defensive and box-to-box midfielder, combined with his consistent contributions of goals and assists, is expected to benefit Arsenal. His addition provides more options for Arteta and could allow Declan Rice to rest in certain games.

Newcastle had aimed to keep the Brazil international, who had two years remaining on his contract. However, his departure means Newcastle have now surpassed £240m in player sales this summer. Other notable departures include Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m.

Newcastle insisted on their valuation for Guimaraes, stating it was their terms or no deal. They also required the situation to be handled properly, with Guimaraes attending their training camp in Spain before finalising the move.

Guimaraes expressed his pride in what he achieved with Newcastle, stating he fell in love with the club and its supporters. He thanked the club’s leadership and staff for their respect throughout the process, noting they did everything possible to keep him at Newcastle.

He is excited to start his new chapter, stating, “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it.”

Source: bbc.com

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Ashleigh Gardner’s position as vice-captain of the Australia women’s cricket team is under renewed scrutiny following comments from her estranged wife, Monica Wright. Wright has publicly called for Gardner to be removed from the leadership role and has questioned Cricket Australia’s handling of allegations surrounding their marriage.

In an interview with Code Sports, Wright criticised Cricket Australia’s silence regarding her public accusations that Gardner had an affair with Australian teammate Georgia Voll. Wright argued that a leadership position carries a responsibility to maintain a high moral standard.

Allegations and calls for action

Wright stated that she believes if one is privileged enough to represent their country and serve as a role model, there is an expectation to uphold high moral standards. She expressed confusion as to why Cricket Australia has not publicly addressed the matter, asking if their silence implies support for the actions of Gardner and Voll.

Wright initially identified Voll in an Instagram post in July, alleging that Voll was involved in an affair with Gardner. Gardner and Wright have since separated, and photographs of each other have been removed from their social media accounts.

Neither Gardner nor Voll has publicly responded to Wright’s allegations. Cricket Australia has also not publicly commented on the specific allegations, maintaining that it regards the situation as a private and personal matter.

Wright believes that the allegations should have consequences for Gardner’s standing within Australian cricket. She argued that an individual cannot have an affair with a junior member of staff, especially when there is a clear power imbalance, and still remain in a leadership position. According to Wright, captains are expected to set a high standard, and such conduct falls short of it.

Cricket Australia, in response to Wright’s comments, stated that it ensures all relationships within its workforce comply with its Respect at Work policy. This includes implementing appropriate conflict-of-interest management arrangements to support leadership responsibilities and maintain the integrity of team processes.

Impact on Gardner’s career

The controversy has brought focus not only to Gardner’s personal situation but also to how Cricket Australia manages relationships within its professional environment. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Gardner’s standing with the Sydney Sixers, where she serves as captain in the Women’s Big Bash League, appears unaffected.

Rachael Haynes, General Manager for the Sixers, confirmed the club’s continued support for Gardner and stated their intention to recommend her continuation as captain. Haynes described Gardner as a well-respected and important player within their program. When asked directly if Gardner would remain Sixers captain, Haynes responded affirmatively.

Gardner made history last year when she became the first Indigenous cricketer to captain a Big Bash side, succeeding Ellyse Perry as Sixers captain. She remains a key member of the Australian team and was part of the squad that recently secured Australia’s seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title in eight final appearances.

Gardner’s leadership credentials have also received strong backing from the Sixers. Coach Matthew Mott previously praised Gardner’s development, noting her maturity and cricketing intelligence as factors that made her ready to lead the team. However, Wright’s recent comments have raised new questions regarding Gardner’s future leadership role with Australia.

Gardner and Wright were married in April 2025. Reports indicate their relationship experienced strain while Gardner was in India during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Wright also travelled to India during the tournament, and a source described their meeting as awkward. The couple has since separated, with reports suggesting Gardner has moved out of their Sydney home.

The situation presents a challenge for Australian cricket, requiring a balance between players’ private lives, workplace responsibilities, and the expectations placed on those in leadership positions. Wright’s comments have intensified the examination of Cricket Australia’s approach to the matter, while Gardner and Voll have continued to maintain public silence on the allegations.

Gardner was part of the Australian side that recently defeated England in the T20 World Cup final at Lord’s.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Chelsea are in Jakarta, Indonesia, preparing for their pre-season friendly against AC Milan. This match is the penultimate fixture of their tour across Asia and Oceania. The team, under manager Xabi Alonso, is focused on building momentum ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

The squad recently held a training session at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Players such as Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk, Marco Palestra, Cole Palmer, and Estevao Willian participated in the workout. The training session was observed by local supporters.

Squad Updates and Manager’s Philosophy

Manager Xabi Alonso is considering changes to the starting lineup for the match against AC Milan. Cole Palmer, who was previously sidelined as a precaution after sustaining a knock in a match against Tottenham Hotspur, has returned to first-team training. His return could see him feature in the upcoming friendly.

Levi Colwill also suffered a knock in the Tottenham Hotspur game and was left out of the squad for the Juventus match as a precaution. If Colwill has recovered, he is expected to replace Tosin Adarabioyo and partner Wesley Fofana at centre-half. Should Colwill not be available, Josh Acheampong could be given an opportunity in the back-four.

Robert Sanchez, who was recovering from a minor injury, returned to action in the Juventus match, replacing Teddy Sharman-Lowe. Goalkeeper Mike Penders has also reported for duty after an extended holiday following the World Cup and could make his first appearance under Alonso against AC Milan.

Alonso has outlined his plan to build a strong team spirit and culture within the squad. He emphasised that a positive team environment, built daily, is crucial for competition. He stated that togetherness, trust, and strong bonds among players are vital for developing a winning mentality and a team capable of competing effectively.

The manager also highlighted the importance of the mental aspect of the game, considering it as significant as the footballing side. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s attitude and personality during the pre-season preparations. Alonso noted the global support for Chelsea, with blue shirts visible wherever the team has travelled, and appreciated the opportunity to connect with supporters in Jakarta.

Potential Lineup Changes

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, a 16-year-old midfielder, made a positive impression during the defeat to Juventus and could make consecutive starts. He played alongside Moises Caicedo in that match. Estevao Willian is likely to replace Geovany Quenda in the upcoming game. Both Willian and Quenda are considered talented players who could be key for Alonso this season, suggesting careful management of their playing time.

Upfront, Alonso could pair Cole Palmer with Joao Pedro. Joao Pedro performed well in a second-striker support role against Juventus in Palmer’s absence. Alonso is keen for the duo to combine and build chemistry within the team’s new system. The predicted Chelsea starting lineup to face AC Milan includes Mike Penders; Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Marco Palestra; Moises Caicedo, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli; Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens; and Joao Pedro.

The match against AC Milan is scheduled for a 1pm kick-off UK time.

Source: chelseafc.com

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Rashid Khan’s Dominant Performance

Afghanistan secured a significant 92-run victory over Ireland in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Bready Cricket Club. This win gives Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, following the washout of the first ODI. The match, affected by inclement weather, was reduced to 47 overs per side.

The standout performer for Afghanistan was leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who delivered an exceptional bowling display. Khan claimed six wickets for just 34 runs, marking his third instance of taking six wickets in an ODI. His career-best bowling figures in the format remain 7-18 against the West Indies in 2017.

Khan’s crucial interventions began with the dismissal of Andy Balbirnie, caught behind, breaking a 72-run partnership with Cade Carmichael. In the subsequent over, he also had Harry Tector caught behind. These early breakthroughs were vital in stifling Ireland’s chase.

Afghanistan’s Batting Foundation

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan, after being asked to bat first, posted a formidable total of 299 for 8 in their allotted 47 overs. Opener Ibrahim Zadran was the top scorer for Afghanistan, contributing 84 runs to the team’s total. He played a pivotal role in anchoring the innings, especially after Afghanistan initially faced challenges against Ireland’s new-ball bowlers.

Despite an early maiden over from Mark Adair, Afghanistan’s scoring picked up. Rahmanullah Gurbaz initially attacked Jai Moondra, hitting four boundaries in his first two overs and a six and a four in the third, before being dismissed. Sediqullah Atal maintained the scoring rate, and together with Ibrahim, they established a crucial 116-run partnership. Ibrahim reached his half-century from 52 balls during this period.

Following Atal’s dismissal in the 25th over, Ibrahim continued to build the innings, adding 43 runs with Rahmat Shah before both departed within two overs. Further contributions came from a 43-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli. Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a late surge, scoring 36 runs from 21 balls, including four boundaries in the final two overs, helping Afghanistan reach their competitive total despite losing three wickets for 21 runs late in the innings.

Ireland’s Chase and Collapse

Ireland began their chase with confidence, reaching 65 for 1 despite losing Paul Stirling early. Andy Balbirnie displayed fluency, while Cade Carmichael, playing in only his fourth ODI, launched an aggressive counterattack. Carmichael smashed 21 runs off Saleem Safi in the 14th over and went on to achieve his maiden ODI fifty from 44 balls.

However, Afghanistan’s spinners, particularly Rashid Khan, turned the tide. After Rashid’s quick dismissals of Balbirnie and Tector, Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker attempted to rebuild the innings, forming a 38-run stand. This partnership ended with the unusual run-out of Tucker, who lost track of the ball during an LBW appeal. Carmichael followed shortly after, dismissed for 62 runs, leaving Ireland at 152 for 5.

Ben Calitz and Curtis Campher briefly threatened a revival, accumulating 41 runs in three overs, including five fours and two sixes. Rashid Khan, however, ended this assault by dismissing Calitz, which triggered a rapid collapse in Ireland’s batting lineup. Ireland then lost their final four wickets for only nine runs, with Khan claiming three of those wickets to complete his remarkable figures of 6-34. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 207 runs in 33.4 overs.

The series is set to continue on Monday, August 10, with the third ODI scheduled to take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

Source: aljazeera.com

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