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Rohit Sharma hails India, Australia relations at Australian Parliament

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The Indian players met the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the Aussie PM hosted a reception at the Federal Parliament House ahead of the tour game

Published Date – 28 November 2024, 03:36 PM


Rohit Sharma hails India, Australia relations at Australian Parliament

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma

Canberra: Rohit Sharma hailed the strong relationships between India and Australia in his speech at the Australian Parliament on Thursday and vowed to build on the series-winning momentum in the ongoing tour.

The Indian players met the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the Aussie PM hosted a reception at the Federal Parliament House ahead of the tour game.

“India and Australia. We go back a long way, whether it’s sport, whether it is trade relations. Over the years, we have enjoyed coming to this part of the world, playing cricket, and enjoying a variety of the culture in the country. And obviously, Australia is one of the challenging… players to come and play cricket because of the passion people have, the competitiveness that every player possesses. Which is why for us, it’s always been a great challenge to come here and play cricket,” Rohit said in his speech.

“We’ve had some success in the past and the previous week as we look to build on that momentum, we also do want to enjoy a culture that Australia has. The variety of the cities gives us a different feeling. We do love coming here and enjoy our trip, and hopefully in the next few weeks, you know, we can entertain the Australian public and as well as the Indian fans who are here to play a massive role in achieving what we want to achieve. It’s never easy,” he added.

“We look forward to playing some cricket and at the same time, enjoying the country as well. It’s a wonderful place, as we all know. Look forward to a very good month coming up. We are all excited and hopefully we can entertain. Thank you sir, for having us here. It’s a pleasure,” Rohit concluded.

The Indian team landed in Canberra from Perth on Thursday morning. They will play the day-and-night game against the Prime Minister’s XI, scheduled at the Manuka Oval, on Saturday.

India registered a monumental 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Perth to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series. The second Test, which is a day-night match, is scheduled to take place from December 6 to 10 in Adelaide.

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Australian great “don’t want Kohli full of confidence for rest of BGT”

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Allan Border expresses his disappointment over the team’s inability to contain Virat Kohli during the first Test in Perth

Published Date – 29 November 2024, 10:43 AM


Australian great “don’t want Kohli full of confidence for rest of BGT”

Virat Kohli

Melbourne: Expressing his disappointment over the team’s inability to contain Virat Kohli during the first Test in Perth, former Australia captain Allan Border questioned the tactics of skipper Pat Cummins.  Kohli, who had not scored a Test century in 18 months, roared back to form with an unbeaten 100 in the second innings as India secured a thumping 295-run victory over the hosts.

“I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much resistance. We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series,” he said. Border said Australia allowed Kohli to regain his rhythm after his struggles against New Zealand in the recent home series. Kohli’s century marked his seventh ton on Australian soil.

Former opener Matthew Hayden also took aim at Cummins, criticising the field placements after Kohli’s arrival in the middle. “They missed a few tricks with Virat Kohli in the early part of his innings. Nathan Lyon had mid-on back, one on the off-side catching and a mid-wicket. I felt like it was so easy for him to get off strike,” Hayden had told Channel 7 after India’s win.

“You can’t cut a sucker an even break when a bloke is under pressure as he was. The field we actually finished with – two slips, no point, a man straight – it offered up the outside edge of his bat as well. He found it a little more frustrating. When he got the bit between the teeth, it was too late.

Hayden also pointed to tactical lapses during India’s earlier partnership, noting the delayed use of short-ball strategies. “Jaiswal looked vulnerable against it. Maybe tiny things with Pat Cummins, the ability to think through these decisions. They were shell-shocked from the average batting performance (in the first innings) and as we see now, again, bombs are going,” he said.

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Pujara wants Rohit Sharma to come in at 3 for Adelaide Test

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Feels that the opening combination should not be tinkered with after a 295-run win in the series opener against Australia

Published Date – 29 November 2024, 11:05 AM


Pujara wants Rohit Sharma to come in at 3 for Adelaide Test

Indian captain Rohit Sharma

Canberra: KL Rahul’s spot at the top in the team hangs in balance, thanks to the arrival of skipper Rohit Sharma. However,  Cheteshwar Pujara feels that the opening combination should not be tinkered with after a 295-run win in the series opener against Australia.

Jaiswal scored a memorable hundred while Rahul too was impressive, collecting 26 and 77 in the two innings in Perth. Rohit’s absence in the series opener in Perth allowed India to move Rahul to the top of the order from the middle order. Pujara said Rahul should open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test.

“I think, for some reason if we can carry on with the same batting order, like KL and Yashasvi to open, Rohit could come in at three, and Shubman could come in at five,” Pujara said in a chat.

“If Rohit wants to open, KL should bat at No. 3. Nothing later than that. I think he has to bat top of the order, because it suits his game really well. I hope we don’t tinker around with that.” Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury, is also expected to feature in the playing eleven in the day-night Test beginning December 6.

“Ideally No. 5 (for Gill). Because it allows him to come in at a time, even if we lose two wickets early, he is someone who can negotiate the new ball,” Pujara said. “But if he walks in after, say, 25 or 30 overs, he can play his shots. He can play his natural game. And in case we lose the first three wickets early, Gill walks in and saves Rishabh Pant for the old ball.

“[Pant] doesn’t have to face the new ball. I wouldn’t want him to walk in to bat when the ball is hard and new,” Pujara added. Gill has opened the batting in Australia but has now moved down to number three. India also play a two-day warm up game in Canberra ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.

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Shubman Gill recovers from thumb injury, returns to nets

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While Rohit is expected to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul could come in at three pushing Gill to number 5

Published Date – 29 November 2024, 01:01 PM


Shubman Gill recovers from thumb injury, returns to nets

The top-order batter was seen facing Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the nets ahead of the pink-ball warm-up game against Australian PM’s XI starting Saturday.

Canberra: Shubman Gill returned to the India nets on Friday, showing enough signs of a full recovery from a thumb injury that ruled him out of the series opener against Australia in Perth.

Gill’s absence was not felt in Perth as India won the game by 295 runs but considering his impressive run on the previous tour, the visitors need him at his best over the course of the five-match series.

The top-order batter was seen facing Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the nets ahead of the pink-ball warm-up game against Australian PM’s XI starting Saturday. In Gill’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal came at number three for India but could not deliver.

However, it is not a given that Gill will return to his usual batting position as KL Rahul excelled as an opener in Perth in skipper Rohit Sharma‘s absence. While Rohit is expected to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul could come in at three pushing Gill to number 5.

It remains to be seen if India experiment in the batting order in the warm-up game as all batters would be allowed a hit in the middle considering it is not a first-class game.

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Tim David excited for his RCB homecoming, says ‘hoping to have exciting memories there’

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Singapore-born, Australia-raised David was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 3 crore at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah

Published Date – 29 November 2024, 01:04 PM


Tim David excited for his RCB homecoming, says ‘hoping to have exciting memories there’

Tim David

New Delhi: Australian all-rounder Tim David shared his enthusiasm about rejoining Royal Challengers Bengaluru and expressed hope for creating thrilling memories with the team.

Singapore-born, Australia-raised David was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 3 crore at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah.

Interestingly, he began his IPL career with RCB back in 2021, before joining the Mumbai Indians the following year. “I’m really excited to be playing for RCB this year in this coming cycle. I’ve linked up with some of the friends, worked with some of the coaching staff before, and obviously it’s a great ground there, especially for power hitters, so I’m hoping to have some exciting memories there too,” David told IANS.

The 28-year-old big hitter, who has dedicated his career to the 20-over format, played for MI Emirates, MI New York, MI Cape Town, Hobart Hurricanes, Lahore Qalandars, Perth Scorchers, Southern Braves, St. Lucia Kings, and others in the franchise tournaments across the world.

Sharing his experience of playing franchise competitions across the world, he said, “Well a lot of the guys now are playing in a lot of franchise tournaments, but I suppose I’ve played in a lot of them, and probably the most important thing is how you work with your teammates. Sometimes when you’re playing with a new team, you might have new teammates, a new coaching staff, a different franchise, and then obviously the country where you’re playing the games affects the conditions. So to be able to try and work out a successful method of scoring runs in a new country, that’s in those conditions.”

In the international T20 franchise leagues, the Australian batter is one of the most sought-after players. From 254 games in the shortest format, he has amassed 4872 runs at a strike rate of 159.79.

In the IPL, David has 659 runs at a strike rate just over 170. David, who is currently playing for the Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10, gave his take on the finisher role in the T10 format and said, “In T10, look, you’re just trying to get as many runs as quickly as you can. So yeah, you have the finish of the game comes about quicker; it’s only half the overs, so I suppose it’s good to practice your method of playing along the format.”

The allrounder, who made his debut for Australia against India in Mohali, smashed 54 off 27 in Hyderabad in just his third match. Revealing his future plans, David said, “I’m going to go back home and play the Big Bash at home for Hobart. So, yeah, it’s really great to get some games in; get some rhythm batting out in the middle in the lead-up to the Big Bash.”

“I’m just looking at what’s next, you know, straight ahead of me. So I’ve got a game tonight, and we’re trying to get through the finals here in the T10 and see what happens after that,” he concluded.

Sports

His awkward action, skill set make Bumrah a complete package: Steve Smith

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Smith was among Bumrah’s victims during a devastating opening spell in the first innings, where the pacer tore through the Australian top-order.  

Published Date – 29 November 2024, 03:24 PM


His awkward action, skill set make Bumrah a complete package: Steve Smith


Melbourne: Star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah‘s unorthodox bowling action and exceptional skill-set makes him a “complete package,” according to Australia’s premier batter Steve Smith.

Leading India in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Bumrah was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ after claiming eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings, to power the visitors to a 295-run victory in the opening Test.

“From the start of his run-up, it’s just all awkward,” Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The way he runs in is different to pretty much anyone else, then the last bit of his action is different. I’ve faced him a reasonable amount now, and each time you face him it takes a few balls just to get the rhythm of it in a way.”

Smith was among Bumrah’s victims during a devastating opening spell in the first innings, where the pacer tore through the Australian top-order.

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram explained how Bumrah’s release point is at least a foot closer to the batters than any other bowler making it that much difficult to pick the length.

“He releases the ball closer to you than any other bowler, just the way he does it. So maybe it rushes you a bit more than you think, and it’s just an awkward action,” said the 35-year-old Smith, who was trapped by Bumrah for a duck.

“Put that together with his skill set—he swings it both ways, he can nip it off the seam, he can reverse it, got a good slower ball, a good bouncer—he’s pretty much the complete package as a bowler.”

Bumrah is an instinct-driven bowler, a Terminator: Fleming 

Former Australian seamer Damien Fleming also heaped praise on India’s vice-captain, likening him to a “Terminator” and calling him a “very instinct-driven bowler.” “He’s just the Terminator, isn’t he?” Fleming said. “He knows his strengths and he’s always sniffing to find that weakness. I think he does that instinctively, and it’s not a long run-up, but I can see he’s reviewed that ball, and then he’s planning the next one.” Fleming cited Bumrah’s iconic slower ball to Shaun Marsh during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a prime example of his tactical brilliance.

“There’s that famous dismissal of Shaun Marsh [at the MCG in 2018] in the over before lunch. I was commentating at the time, and I could almost pick what was going to happen, just driving him back, so his weight’s on the back foot, and then he bowls that superb slower ball and knocks him over.

“It was either going to be that slower ball or a fast yorker. So I think he is so astute, but he also now has all the skills—outswingers, inswingers, off-cutters, slower balls, excellent yorker, bouncer.

“So when you’ve got more skills, you’ve got more options. Like the Terminator, he’s always stalking the batsmen. And the batsmen know that, but they’re still unsure what’s coming. Not only does he have a wide skill set, but he executes it better than anyone in world cricket.” India will next face Australia in the Pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 6.

Sports

Telangana’s Hitesh Dolwani strikes gold at National Para Table Tennis Championship

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In the men’s Class 10 final, Hitesh delivered a stellar performance, defeating Maharashtra’s Vishwa Tambe with a decisive 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 victory. Adding to the state’s achievements, Nisha Kumari and Vijaya Deepika Gangapatnam secured silver medals, finishing as runners-up in the women’s Class 8 and Class 4 finals, respectively.





Updated On – 29 November 2024, 06:52 PM


Telangana’s Hitesh Dolwani strikes gold at National Para Table Tennis Championship


Hyderabad: Telangana’s Hitesh Dolwani won gold at the UTT Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held at Abhay Prashal Indoor Stadium, Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

In the men’s Class 10 final, Hitesh dominated Maharashtra’s Vishwa Tambe with a commanding 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 victory. Meanwhile, Nisha Kumari and Vijaya Deepika Gangapatnam brought pride to the state with silver medals, finishing runners-up in the women’s Class 8 and Class 4 finals, respectively.

Results: Final: Men’s Class 10: Hitesh Dolwani (Telangana) bt Vishwa Tambe (Maharashtra) 3-0 – 11-6, 11-5, 11-4; Women’s Class 8: Savita V Anjanakatti (Karnataka) bt Nisha Kumari (Telangana) 3-0 – 11-4, 11-5, 11-9; Women’s Class 4 (14-year-old para-athlete (wheelchair)): Bhavina Patel (Gujarat) bt Vijaya Deepika Gangapatnam (Telangana) 3-0 – 12-10, 11-7, 11-9.

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Australia’s Hazlewood injured, ruled out of 2nd Pink Ball Test against India

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Uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett added to the Australian squad for the Adelaide Test

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 10:13 AM


Australia’s Hazlewood injured, ruled out of 2nd Pink Ball Test against India

Josh Hazlewood

Adelaide: Ahead of the second Test against India — a day-night match — starting on December 6, Pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the match due to “low grade left side” injury.

Australia are trailing 0-1 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a 295-run shellacking in the first Test at Perth. “Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the match with a low grade left side injury. Hazlewood will remain with the group in Adelaide to prepare for the remainder of the series,” the CA said in a media release.

Uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the Australian squad for the Adelaide Test. “Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been brought into the Australian men’s squad for the second NRMA Insurance Test match against India in Adelaide.

“Abbott and Doggett join Beau Webster as squad additions for Adelaide,” the release said. However, Australia also have the option of bringing in pacer Scot Boland to the eleven in place of Hazlewood.

Hazlewood has a fine record in Pink Ball Tests, as the 33-year-old has taken 5 for eight in five overs in the day-night Test against India here in the 2020-21 series when the visitors were bundled out for 36. This is also the first time Hazlewood will miss a home Test against India.

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Ponting tells ‘struggling’ Smith, Labuschagne to take cue from Kohli

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Virat went back to trusting his game and he looked like a different player in the second innings than he did in the first innings, says the former Australian Captain

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 11:56 AM


Ponting tells ‘struggling’ Smith, Labuschagne to take cue from Kohli

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. — Photo:AP

Adelaide: Following defeat against Indian in the first Test, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting advised struggling batters Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to trust their game akin to star India batter Virat Kohli to turn their fortunes around in the remaining four Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Labuschagne was all at sea against Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian pacers in the opening Test at Perth, which the Aussies lost by a whopping 295-run margin, making a 52-ball 2 and 3. Smith looked equally out of sorts while making a first-ball duck and 60-ball 17 before succumbing to Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the first and second innings respectively.

“Marnus looked the most tentative out of all the batters in Perth. Yes, it was high quality bowling on a difficult wicket, but he needs to find a way to turn it around,” Ponting told ICC Review. Ponting cited how Kohli broke the shackles at Perth.

“Virat went back to trusting his game and he looked like a different player in the second innings than he did in the first innings,” Ponting said. Kohli fell to Josh Hazlewood for five in the first innings but made an unbeaten 100, his 30th Test hundred, in the second innings that helped India set a massive 534-run target.

“He (Kohli) got away from trying to combat the opposition and focused on his strengths. That’s what Marnus and (Steve) Smith need to do – find their own way and show great intent,” said Ponting.

Ponting, who has 13,378 runs from 168 Tests with 41 hundreds, asked the Australian batters to take more risk and apply pressure on the Indian bowlers. “You have to find a way to take risks and put it back on those guys because you know the Bumrahs of the world… they’re not going to give you too many easy scoring opportunities.

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Doordarshan to broadcast Hockey India League 2024-25 season

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HIL is set to commence on December 28. This year’s edition is historic as it marks the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League, alongside the much-anticipated men’s competition

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 12:26 PM


Doordarshan to broadcast Hockey India League 2024-25 season

Doordarshan

New Delhi: The national broadcaster of India, Doordarshan (DD), has partnered with the Hockey India League (HIL) to deliver the electrifying action of the tournament to millions of viewers across the country.

HIL is set to commence on December 28. This year’s edition is historic as it marks the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League, alongside the much-anticipated men’s competition.

The league will feature eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, competing across Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing top-tier talent from India and across the globe.

The addition of the women’s league underscores Hockey India’s commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in sports and promoting women’s hockey on a grand stage.

Navneet Sehgal, Chairman, Prasar Bharati, said,”Prasar Bharati is privileged to partner with the Hockey India League, a platform that celebrates our national sports and aligns people across different categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of Women HIL, to viewers everywhere, bridging urban and rural divide and amplifying the league’s impact.”

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati, said, “With two back-to-back medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Indian sports lovers are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being brought back. Doordarshan as the public broadcaster is looking forward to contributing to this broader vision through this partnership. The idea is to elevate hockey production and broadcast to the global sporting standards. The sports lovers across the world can now watch the Indian Hockey League, both men and women on DD Sports and Waves- the recently launched OTT platform of Prasar Bharati. Stay tuned for broadcast starting December 28, 2024.”

Talking about the association, Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee Chairperson Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the Hockey India League. This year is particularly special with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a landmark step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unparalleled reach and commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the nation. Together, we aim to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to unprecedented heights.”

Now, fans across the country can enjoy live telecasts of all Hockey India League matches on Doordarshan, ensuring seamless access for hockey enthusiasts nationwide.

In a historic step, Doordarshan’s partnership with Hockey India extends to all National Championships. Going forward, all Hockey India National Championships across various categories, as well as all hockey events in India owned by Hockey India, will be telecast on DD.