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"Was Hardly Used…": Gavaskar Predicts Changes For India's 2nd Test vs SA

admin Jan 1, 2024 0

The New Year brings in new hopes for Indian cricket team fans. The year 2023 promised a lot for India for there were heartbreaks too. The losses in the finals of the World Test Championship and the ODI Cricket World Cup were heavy blows for the team. 2023 ended on a sour note for the Rohit Sharma-led team as it lost by an Innings and 32 runs in the first Test against South Africa. The second and final Test of the series starts on January 3 and they have to win it to draw the series.

Former Indian cricket team predicted two changes that might take place in India’s playing XI.

“My Playing XI would be not too many changes. Ravindra Jadeja, once he is fit, will probably walk back into the team at the expense of Ravichandran Ashwin. That’s what it is looking to be because Ravichandran Ashwin was hardly used in the previous game. There could be a change in the new ball bowling too with Mukhesh Kumar coming in place of Prasidh Krishna,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Team India’s humiliating 3-day loss in the first Test against South Africa sent shockwaves across the cricketing spectrum. Multiple greats of the game and pundits questioned the team’s preapredness for the tour, with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar highlighting the absence of practice matches as one of the biggest reasons behind the result embarrasing result. Gavaskar even called India’s intra-squad matches a ‘joke’ as he lambasted Rohit Sharma and the team management’s decision to not play First Class practice matches before the start of the 2-match series.

“The reasons are straightforward – you didn’t play any matches here. If you straightaway play Test matches, it doesn’t work out. Yes, you sent the India A team. The India A team should actually come before the tour,” he said on Star Sports.

“You need to play practice matches after coming here. Intra-squad is a joke because would your fast bowlers bowl extremely fast to your batters, would they bowl bouncers, as they would be scared about injuring their batters,” he said.

The argument the team management often gives behind the decision to not play First Class Tests is the difference between practice pitches and match pitches. But, Gavaskar feels practice matches are crucial, espeically for young players to step up to the challenge.

“So it’s better to play against the South Africa A team or play two or three matches against a county or a state. The schedule that is made these days, where you play only Test matches with a gap of seven days in between – remove the ‘workload’ word from Indian cricket’s dictionary.”

“Nothing happens to senior cricketers. They will play the second, third and fourth match even if they fail. Practice matches are necessary for the young players. If you want, you can ask your senior players to come at ease, they can come a day before the Test match, but you need to arrange practice matches for the young players,” he said.

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8 Whisky Options That May Help You Keep Warm During The Chilly Winter Evening

admin Jan 1, 2024 0

During these chilly winter evenings, whisky can be your perfect partner to keep you warm. Whether you are spending the evening by yourself or in the company of some friends or colleagues, your home bar is the place where ultimately everybody will end up savouring a drink. Here are some of the best whiskies that you can stock up and share with friends when they come over. Ranging from smokey-flavoured ones to those with a backbone of vanilla, to peppery ones, these whiskies aged for years are your best bet this winter.

Here’re 8 Whisky Options For You To Try:

1. GianChand Single Malt Whisky:

Dewan Gian Chand, one of the pioneers of the Alcobev industry in India, who started with the first beer brewery in Jammu always focused on scientific procedures to create the best beverage. The latest offering from the house of DeVANS, GC Single Malt Whisky stands testament to the fact that nothing has changed for them. Each batch spells precision and excellence, giving the whisky lovers an unmatched experience. Jim Murray, the noted whisky critic went on to hail this one as the ‘finest single malt from India in recent times.’ With a sweetness of pineapple drop, a backbone of vanilla and a hint of barley, the whisky stands strong on its own. The thin oils add delicate notes to it and make it a drink worth savouring in good company.

Also Read: BSI’s New Whisky Guidelines: What You Need To Know

2. Johnnie Walker Double Black:

This whisky is a fan favourite mainly because of its unique taste which it gets after aging in deeply charred oak casks. The blended whisky is prepared from malts obtained from the coast of Scotland. Johnnie Walker’s distinctive style now includes smokey flavours. It has a spicy yet lasting peat smoke aftertaste with aromas of clove, ignited dried fruits, vanilla, and orange peels. The intense drink is ideal for individuals who enjoy their whisky on the rocks.

3. Aberlour 16-Year-Old Double Cask:

This Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been matured for 16 years in sherry casks and traditional oaks, making it different from other whiskies of its generation. This drink is golden amber in colour and tastes oaky, peppery and floral while having a nutty and sweet sultana scent. It is the ideal dish for a romantic and humorous evening.

Also Read: Get Top Whisky Brands And Prices In India – Your Whisky Guide

4. Teacher’s Highland Cream Blended Scotch Whisky:

This cream whisky is one of William Teacher’s greatest blends, who is renowned for his exceptional whisky and commitment to perfection. The single malt is concentrated on a single malt from the Ardmore distillery and has smokey and silky overtones. This malted whisky is made from a blend of sweet, fruity grains, and the rich palate has notes of deep peat smoke, honey, apples, and sweet malt that linger as you savour the flavour.

5. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old:

Chivas Brothers have made a name for themselves as the top producer of Scotch whisky, particularly blended whiskies. Their flagship whisky, Chivas Regal 12, has been matured for 12 years and is crafted from the best malts and grains. Whisky aficionados like the exceptionally smooth beverage made from Strathisla single malt and Strathclyde single grain.

6. Glenmorangie The Lasanta:

The brand famed for great taste, Lasanta from Glenmorangie, should unquestionably be present in your bar. They work hard to create creative mixtures that are also generally delicious. After a long day, a drink with sunset hues is the ideal way to unwind. It combines shades of purple, red, and orange. It spends 12 years ageing in sherry and bourbon barrels. Along with peppery undertones, the whisky also contains sweet undertones. A lengthy and smooth finish is made possible by the hints of honeycomb, dark chocolate, hazelnut, raisins, and unmistakable cinnamon.

7. Jim Beam Bourbon Black:

The Indian whisky community enjoys this elegant beverage. The drink undoubtedly alleviates your stress because of its caramel and warm oak flavours. This flavourful whisky surely belongs on the list of beverages that may be enjoyed with friends or even alone. Every sip of the exquisite beverage, which comes in a glass bottle, is worth savouring.

8. Macallan 12-Year-Old – Sherry Oak Scotch Whisky:

The Macallan 12 is a delicious single malt scotch that spent 12 years in oak barrels. It’s like a warm hug from the Highlands, with flavours of sweet caramel, vanilla, and a little kick of spice. Take a sniff, and you might catch a whiff of oak and a hint of perfume before it turns into a cosy mix of dark sherry and plum sweetness. When you sip, it’s like a sweet and silky dance of spiced plums on your tongue. This scotch is a great deal for its amazing taste!

Here are the LIVE Updates on Japan tsunami:

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Tsunami Live: Instructions From Japan PM’s Office As Tsunami Hits Island

[Instructions by the PM]
1. Provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding the tsunami, evacuation, etc., and take thorough measures to prevent damage, such as the evacuation of residents.
2. Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible. (1/2)

– PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) January 1, 2024

Tsunami Live: Total 21 Quakes Above 4 Magnitude Hit Japan, Says Weather Office
A total of 21 earthquakes above the magnitude of 4 hit Japan before the tsunami, according to the weather office.

Tsunami Live Updates: First Tsunami Waves Hit Japan’s Toyama City

富山市　萩浦橋　津波到達中 pic.twitter.com/5TJkH4E1Mx

– 鈴木一 (@hioooomn) January 1, 2024

Videos circulating on social media show the first waves of the tsunami hitting Toyama city in Toyama Prefecture. NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Waves reaching a height of 1.2 meters struck Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Tsunami LIVE | 33,500 Households Without Power After Japan Quakes

Around 33,500 households are without power after a powerful earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit the Japan coast. The first tsunami waves, some over a metre high, arrived on the north coast of central Japan after a series of earthquakes. Some waves were as high as 1.2 meters that hit the Wajima port, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Explained In 50 Words | Why Is There Tsunami In Japan?
The first tsunami waves, some over a metre high, arrived on the north coast of central Japan after a series of powerful earthquakes. Waves as high as 1.2 meters hit Wajima port, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, after the USGS and other agencies registered a 7.5 magnitude quake 10 minutes earlier.

Tsunami Live: No Abnormalities In Nuclear Plants After Quake, Says Japan

No abnormalities were reported after a series of major earthquakes rocked central Japan today, the country’s government said. “It has been confirmed that there are no abnormalities at Shika nuclear power plant (in Ishikawa) and other stations as of now,” spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

Tsunami Live: Major Highways Closed Near Quake Epicentre In Japan

Several major highways have been closed around the epicentre of a series of major earthquakes in central Japan, the road operator said. Shinkansen bullet train services were also suspended between Tokyo and the epicentre in the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Japan Railways said.