Tensions flared at The Oval as Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir clashed with the groundstaff over alleged inadequate practice facilities. The heated argument, which involved raised voices and finger-pointing, required intervention from the Indian support staff. India go into the fifth Test trailing England 1-2.
Mohammad Azharuddin voices concerns about the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match amidst heightened cross-border tensions, citing the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. He suggests suspending cricket ties until political issues are resolved, emphasizing the government and BCCI’s final decision. The Asia Cup, hosted in the UAE, features both teams, with a potential second encounter in the Super Four stage.
Parthiv Patel questions the ‘spirit of the game’ after England offered a handshake to India during the fourth Test, with Jadeja and Sundar nearing centuries. He wonders if England would have accepted a similar offer if Ben Duckett was close to his century. Patel supports India’s decision to continue batting, emphasising their hard-earned position and the right to pursue milestones.
Ravi Shastri provided entertaining commentary during the final day of the 4th India-England Test. He humorously commented on a fan dancing in the stands. The fan was wearing an Indian ODI jersey and a pink bucket hat. Shastri’s remarks about the fan’s jig went viral. This wasn’t the first time either that Shastri’s commentary amused viewers.
Stuart Broad criticized England’s tactics during the fourth Test against India, particularly Harry Brook’s off-spin bowling, labeling it “embarrassing.” Ben Stokes’s attempt to speed up the match’s conclusion by using Brook and bringing fielders in close drew scrutiny. While opinions diverged, the incident highlights the tension and debate surrounding England’s approach as the series heads to a decisive final Test.
The drawn Test match between India and England saw heated exchanges. Sunil Gavaskar has now criticized England’s tactics. He praised India’s resilience, especially Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s batting. Gavaskar questioned England’s delayed declaration. He also referenced past comments from England players about chasing high scores. Gavaskar challenged Shubman Gill to question England’s strategy in the post-match conference.
The Supreme Court has dismissed criminal proceedings against badminton players Lakshya Sen and Chirag Sen, who were accused of falsifying their birth certificates to compete in underage tournaments. The court’s decision came after noting a lack of evidence supporting the allegations.
Washington Sundar, initially picked for his off-spin, proved his batting prowess by scoring a century in the fourth Test against England, filling the void left by Rishabh Pant. His composed innings at No. 5 ensured India didn’t lose the series. Gambhir highlighted Sundar’s form and the opportunity arising from Pant’s absence, solidifying Sundar’s place in the team.
India faces a dilemma regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s workload for the final Test match. Coach Gautam Gambhir remains tight-lipped about Bumrah’s inclusion. The BCCI worries about his ‘pick-and-choose’ policy. Bumrah’s past injury concerns linger. Gambhir emphasizes the team’s focus on securing a 2-2 series draw. The team management will make a decision soon. All eyes are on the crucial Oval Test.
Australia achieved a historic 8-0 sweep against West Indies, securing their first-ever 5-0 T20 series win. They join India as the only team to achieve this feat at the elite level. Captain Mitchell Marsh expressed pride in the team’s consistent performance. Cameron Green won the Player of the Match accolade for the first time in his career.