shami: Dravid hints Shami as Bumrah’s replacement subject to fitness

Head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted that Mohammed Shami could replace injured Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup if the former player is able to regain full fitness after contracting COVID-19. Huh. Shami, who was among the reserve pacers for the ICC event along with Deepak Chahar, was forced to miss six home matches against Australia and South Africa after catching the virus.

The BCCI is yet to name Bumrah’s replacement and after the series finale against the Proteas, Dravid indicated that Shami is the team’s preferred choice, although Chahar and Mohammad Siraj are also in the reckoning.

The head coach said on Tuesday, “In terms of replacement we are looking at (substitute), we have time till October 15 (ICC deadline). Shami is the one who is in standby but he is unfortunately in these two series. Couldn’t play.” night.

“It would have been ideal from that point of view but he is in NCA at the moment. We have to take a report on how he is recovering and what is his condition after 14-15 days of Covid and we will take a call after that.”

In the absence of Bumrah, India are in dire need of a fast bowler. He was ruled out of the World Cup in Australia earlier this week due to a back injury.

After six matches against the two top teams, India’s death bowling has emerged as the biggest concern of the team going into the World Cup.

India will leave for Australia on 6 October. They will play two warm-up matches in Perth, apart from speed and bounce, before moving to Brisbane for two ICC practice games.

They will start their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on 23 October.

Originally published at Pen 18

south africa: Big opportunity for Indian fringe players to make a statement in ODI series against South Africa

The new-looking Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, will aim to make a statement and be ready for next year’s 50-over World Cup, when the three-match ODI series against South Africa begins on Thursday.

In the absence of the big guns like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin, who are out of Australia for the T20 World Cup, the Indian selectors picked a new squad that includes Mukesh Kumar and Rajat Patidar, who took their chances. Earned the first call up.

The team also includes some T20 World Cup reserve players.

Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, who is part of the designated reserve for the T20 World Cup, will act as Dhawan’s deputy in the series.

Right-arm pacer Deepak Chahar and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, among other players in the standby list, have also been included in the ODI squad for the matches against South Africa.

Opener Shubman Gill, who impressed with limited opportunities in ODIs, is likely to resume his partnership with Dhawan at the helm.

Among other batsmen, Rahul Tripathi or Patidar is likely to make his ODI debut on Thursday.

Patidar, the Madhya Pradesh batsman, has been rewarded for his stellar performances in domestic cricket, the IPL, where he turned out for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and, most recently, for India A against New Zealand A in four-day games. to performance. He scored two centuries against the Kiwi team.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are the other batsmen in the team who will form the basis of India’s middle order.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, who was recently included in the T20I squad for the South Africa series, Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav form India’s spin attack.

The pace department will be led by Shardul Thakur, Chahar, Avesh Khan and Mohammad Siraj and will also feature new face Mukesh, a prolific red-ball bowler for Bengal, who top first-class matches against New Zealand ‘A’. He emerged as the wicket-taker. ‘ and put up a stellar performance in the Irani Cup match against 2019-20 Ranji champions Saurashtra.

The squad consists of six players who could potentially make their ODI debut.

The series provides a great opportunity for second-rate players to make their presence felt and impress the selectors with remarkable performances to make it to next year’s ODI World Cup.

But it will be a tough test for India as the South African players will play for the points they need to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

The Proteas will be banking on the experienced Quinton de Kock, captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Reeza Hendrix and Janman Malan to work in the batting department.

They boast of a powerful bowling unit, which includes the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Enrique Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Dwayne Pretorius, spinner Tabrez Shamsi among others.

The weather is going to play an important role in the match as it is raining incessantly and heavy rain has also been predicted on Thursday.

The second ODI will be hosted in Ranchi on 9 October and the last match will be hosted by Delhi on 11 October.

Teams:

India: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mr. Siraj, Deepak Chahar.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendrix, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Jenman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Enrique Nortje, Wayne Parnell, A Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwayne Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada , Tabrez Shamsi.

Originally published at Pen 18

Shooting: Shooting returns, Golf set for debut in 2026 Commonwealth Games

Shooting and para-shooting will return to the Commonwealth Games in 2026 when they are held in Victoria after missing out on the recently concluded Birmingham 2022 edition.

However, wrestling or archery is still not included in the list of sports released by the Commonwealth Games Federation on Wednesday. Shooting has been one of the most successful sporting events in India in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation, Andrews Labor Government and Commonwealth Games Australia announced on 4 October a list of spots, including debutants, who will be part of the Games in 2026.

Victoria 2026 will run from March 17 to 29, 2026, with four regional hubs in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland to deliver a multi-city model that captures the hearts and minds of people across Victoria.

“Victoria 2026 is also proposing to add para-sport disciplines to golf, coastal rowing and road (cycling) racing and will work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant international sports federations to determine if this is feasible.” “The Commonwealth Games Federation said in an official statement.

Golf, 3×3 basketball, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, coastal rowing, shooting, para-shooting, BMX racing, mountain bike cross country, track cycling and para-track cycling have been added to the already impressive sports line-up, while coastal rowing , golf, and BMX would debut at the Commonwealth Games.

Victoria 2026 is also proposing to add para-sport disciplines to golf, coastal rowing and road races and will work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant international sports federations to determine if this is feasible.

Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “Commonwealth Games Australia is delighted to introduce new sports and themes for Victoria 2026 to take the Games into an exciting new era.”

“It is set to inspire a whole new wave of athletes to make their dreams come true over the next four years. The CGA can’t wait to welcome the athletes who will represent Australia in 2026.”

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Association, announced and included the new Games in the Commonwealth Games movement.

“We are thrilled to confirm the sports schedule for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the additional Games proposed by Victoria 2026 completing an exciting and diverse line-up,” said Martin.

“Sports are set to be competitive and action-packed, including a comprehensive, fully integrated para-sport program, coastal rowing, golf and BMX debuts, shooting returns and spectacular 3×3 basketball. Included in the program is CGF of the 2026-30 Strategic Roadmap, which gives hosts greater flexibility to propose new sports, especially those of specific local relevance that will enhance cultural exposure and increase community engagement.”

“Victoria 2026 will provide a world-class Commonwealth Games for all Victorians and showcase all of our states,” said Commonwealth Games Delivery Minister Jacinta Allen.

Victoria 2026 Sports Events: Athletics and Para-Athletics, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball, 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Boxing, Beach Volleyball, Coastal Rowing, Cricket T20 (Women), Cycling (BMX, Mountain Bike, Road, Track and Para-track) , Diving, Golf, Gymnastics (Artistic), Hockey, Lawn Bowl and Para-Lawn Bowl, Netball, Para-Powerlifting, Rugby 7s, Shooting and Para-Shooting, Squash, Swimming and Para-Swimming, Table Tennis and Para-Table Tennis , triathlon and para-triathlon and weightlifting.

Originally published at Pen 18

guardiola: Erling Haaland peerless at just 22, says Man City boss Pep Guardiola

At 22, Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring achievements are unmatched by any other player, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who urged the Norwegian to keep improving.

Haaland has scored 17 goals in 10 competitive games for City since joining Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 86 times in 89 appearances.

He has scored a hat-trick in each of City’s last three home Premier League games and became the fastest player to reach 25 Champions League goals with an acrobatic winner against Dortmund three weeks ago.

“Nobody can match him at his age,” Guardiola said on Tuesday on the eve of his home match against FC Copenhagen. “The numbers speak for themselves.

“Inside, on the pitch, in the locker room, we see things that aren’t in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”

Another 22-year-old, Phil Foden, also scored a hat-trick as City stunned local rivals Manchester United in a 6-3 win on Sunday.

Foden is reportedly close to signing a new contract linking his future to the club where he came through the academy.

“Because of his performances during these years, of course we want him to stay,” Guardiola said.

“He’s an extraordinary player, he’s grown up. Already he’s been with us for many years, he’s reliable in terms of his physical condition, he’s so intense in everything, every three days he’s able to play.

“Both (Halland and Foden), they know they can do better and hopefully they can.”

After beating Sevilla and Dortmund in their opening two group games, City could move into the last 16 of the Champions League with another win over Copenhagen on Wednesday.

But Guardiola is wary of taking the Danish champion lightly after the excitement from City’s derby win.

“We have to be careful,” he said. “We have to get back to reality. If we can score nine points in three games, we will be very close to the next stage.”

Rodri may come back after missing a combined struggle with a calf strain, but Kyle Walker is expected to be out.

Originally published at Pen 18

Missed flight costs Windies’ Hetmyer his place in T20 World Cup

West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer has been replaced by Shamar Brooks in their squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia, the team said on Monday.

Hetmyer’s original flight was postponed at his request for family reasons, which meant he would have to miss the first of two T20Is against Australia on Wednesday.

“It was made clear to him that if there were any further delays … we would have no choice but to replace him in the team, as we were unwilling to compromise the ability of the team to prepare for it.” are … a global event,” director Jimmy Adams said.

Adams said Brooks would fly to Australia as soon as possible this week.

West Indies will play Australia on the Gold Coast on Wednesday and two days later at the Gabba in Brisbane. Their World Cup campaign will begin in Hobart against Scotland on 17 October.

Originally published at Pen 18

rossouw: Rossouw ton powers South Africa to 227-3 in India T20

Riley Rossouw scored his maiden Twenty20 International century as they beat South Africa 227-3 against India for a consolation win in the third and final match on Tuesday.

South Africa, who lost the first two matches of the series, were put to bat first in Indore.

The left-arm pair of Quinton de Kock (68) and Rossouw (100 not out) put on an 89-run stand for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a challenging total.

Rossouw, who hit eight sixes, then stitched another great partnership of 87 with Tristan Stubbs to reach his century in 48 balls, surpassing his previous best of 96 not out.

De Kock started off aggressively in the second over with a six and a boundary off Mohammad Siraj, before skipper Temba Bavuma fell for three at the hands of Umesh Yadav, causing his batting collapse when he got a duck in the first two matches. .

Rossouw joined de Kock as South Africa reached 48-1 in the first six overs of the powerplay.

Rossouw escaped a catch dropped by Siraj for 24 in the deep as the ball went out of his hands for a six. De Kock scored his second half-century in a row with a hit over the fence off Yadav.

The pair hit eight sixes between them, before de Kock was run out in an attempt to steal a second run.

Rossouw completed his fifty in 27 balls with a six off Axar Patel and held the charge of the batting with Stubbs, who was warned by pacer Deepak Chahar for 13 runs back up at the non-striker’s end.

Rossouw remained unbeaten and David Miller, who scored 100 runs in the second T20, scored an unbeaten 19 off five balls in the final over with three consecutive sixes off Chahar.

India, needing 228 runs in the series in the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, have both been rested in the final match for India ahead of the T20 World Cup starting later this month.

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: Nitin Menon among 16 umpires named for T20 World Cup

India’s Nitin Menon will be among the 16 umpires to officiate in the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in Australia. Menon, the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel, has already reached Australia.

The ICC has announced 20 match officials for the first round of the tournament and the Super 12 phase.

“In all, 16 umpires will officiate in the tournament along with Richard Kettleborough, Nitin Menon, Kumara Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus, who was the umpire for the 2021 final, which saw the hosts claim their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title this year. ” ICC said in a statement.

“It is an experienced group of umpires, with 16 being selected as of last year’s tournament which was held in UAE and Oman.”

The chief referee of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, Ranjan Madugalle, is part of the quartet of former international cricketers who make up the match referees for the eighth edition of the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lankan Madugalle is accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Andrew Pycroft, England’s Christopher Broad and Australian David Boon.

Pycroft will lead the tournament opener in Geelong on October 16, when Sri Lanka take on Namibia in the first round, with Joel Wilson and Rodney Tucker as the umpires in the middle. Paul Reiffel will serve as the TV umpire with Erasmus in the role of the fourth umpire.

Erasmus, Tucker and Aleem Dar are all set to make their seventh ICC Men’s T20 World Cup appearance, with Langton Russere officiating in their second World Cup of the year 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, in which they compete for the final. Including acting as a reserve umpire. ,

“The officials have been nominated for the first round and the Super 12, with selections for the semi-finals and the final of the tournament,” the ICC said.

Match Officials in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022:

Match Referees: Andrew Pycroft, Christopher Broad, David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle

Umpires: Adrian Holdstock, Aleem Dar, Ahsan Raza, Christopher Brown, Christopher Gaffney, Joel Wilson, Kumara Dharmasena, Langton Russere, Marais Erasmus, Michael Gough, Nitin Menon, Paul Reiffel, Paul Wilson, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Rodney Tucker.

Originally published at Pen 18