Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc dethroned Jasprit Bumrah to reach a career-high No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers, after a stellar 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
'There's a lot of pressure on him, and there's a lot of pressure on this series as well, because it's crucial for India's chances in the WTC.'
Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that began in 2013 and included 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.
Indian batter Rohit Sharma lauded former fielding coach T Dilip for his significant contributions, including two T20 World Cup wins and the Champions Trophy, calling him a 'legend' and a 'workhorse' who 'created magic within the group.' Dilip, who served from 2021 until recently, expressed gratitude for his tenure, especially cherishing the popular fielding medal ceremony.
Millions play cricket in India; only a few reach the IPL teams or the Indian team. Sometimes, a player may not get selected not due to lack of skill, at other times it may be due to team balance. But what every youngster should remember is that talent is permanent; selection is temporary, notes K R Nayar.
Indian selection committee has advised Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to prioritise red-ball and 50-over cricket until the 2027 ODI World Cup to manage his workload and ensure freshness for major ICC assignments, despite his strong IPL performance.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test side, especially as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the end of his career. Kartik believes Kuldeep, despite being a match-winner, has not received the sustained backing needed to flourish in Test cricket under previous regimes.
Sri Lankan cricket officials are considering a balanced pitch for the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), moving away from a spin-friendly track. This decision aims to provide equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, similar to the Galle pitch, and support their young batting lineup. The SSC pitch character has evolved over the years, with less home advantage since the retirement of legendary players.
India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka bowler Asitha Fernando have been fined 25 per cent of their match fees and received one demerit point each for 'inappropriate physical contact' during the second Test in Colombo.
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi and Madhya Pradesh's Saransh Jain, both uncapped players, have been drafted into the Indian Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has commented on Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket, particularly concerning the 2027 World Cup. Hayden believes Sharma's decision will hinge on his continued hunger and energy, given his retirement from Tests and T20Is, and the demanding schedule of both IPL and ODI cricket. Despite age-related questions, Sharma has continued to deliver strong performances, notably a century against England.
Sri Lanka has announced two changes to their squad for the upcoming second and final Test against India, bringing in all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and batter Kamil Mishara. These changes come as Sri Lanka aims to level the series after losing the first Test.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.
Although the front seat in my car will miss his presence, the echoes he left behind will remain for long. K R Nayar mourns legendary cricket writer Qamar Ahmed.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasised the crucial role wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will play in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, citing his experience and ability to guide younger players.
Indian left-arm spinner Manav Suthar faced a challenging day in the second Test against Sri Lanka, conceding over five runs an over initially, but impressed spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule with his resilience and ability to bounce back with two crucial wickets.
Ishan Kishan has all the requisite skills to be a successful Test batter but unfortunately the Indian red ball squad doesn't have any place for him, former skipper and ex-selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said.
Joe Root has returned as England's Test captain, succeeding Ben Stokes, and cited Stephen Fleming's appointment as the new Test coach as a significant factor in his decision. Root expressed excitement about Fleming's vision for the team and their shared goal of building something special.
Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed captain of the 15-member England squad for their one-off Test against India in July, which will be the first women's Test ever held at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. The squad features a blend of experienced players and potential debutants, marking a significant moment for women's cricket.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the second Test against Sri Lanka after being hit on his left arm by a short ball from Lahiru Kumara. He received medical attention but was visibly in pain and left the field, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him.
For Manav Suthar, Test format is the "pinnacle" of cricket, and the India left-arm spinner revealed that he was practising with red-ball even during IPL 2026 to stay on top of his game.
Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar has made his Test debut for India against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, becoming the 319th player to represent the country in Test cricket.
Captain Pat Cummins praised Australia's emphatic Mackay response after their Darwin shock, while Cameron Green's gritty 67 and commanding series batting silenced doubts over his Test place.
An English club cricket team, Saltburn Cricket Club second XI, is under investigation for alleged cheating after a slip fielder appeared to trick umpires by clicking his fingers to mimic an edge, leading to a batter being given out caught behind.
The Oval in London has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final, scheduled from June 9-13. This marks the second time The Oval will host the final, having previously done so in 2023. Nine teams are currently competing in the ongoing WTC cycle, with Australia leading the standings, followed by South Africa and New Zealand, as the race intensifies with crucial upcoming series.
Josh Hazlewood's return completes Australia's 'Fab Four' bowling attack for the first Test against Bangladesh, marking their first reunion in over a year and setting the stage for a significant home series.
A heated exchange between India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando marred the opening session of the 2nd Test after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45, leading to a confrontation on the pitch.
Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test hundred sparked Sri Lanka's fightback in Galle, but India retained firm control after bowling out the hosts for 284 to secure a 178-run lead.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing a new central contract system based on cricket formats, aiming to create separate teams for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. This initiative seeks to specialise players and ensure fair compensation for Test specialists, with different salary tiers and qualification criteria for each category.
Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja lauded young spinner Manav Suthar's opening delivery in the first Test against Sri Lanka, describing it as a 'left-arm spinner's dream ball' after it dismissed Dinesh Chandimal with sharp turn and bounce.
England seized total control at Lord's after bowling Pakistan out for 110, building a 261-run lead as Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer dismantled their batting.
Left-arm pacemen Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam starred with six-wicket hauls as Bangladesh rallied from a dreadful start to pin back Australia on a roller-coaster opening day of the second Test on Saturday.
Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the team's batting struggles after a surprising nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in Darwin. Despite excellent preparations, the top-ranked Test nation failed to post significant scores, with only Steve Smith and Cameron Green showing resilience. Cummins hinted at potential team changes and emphasised the need for batters to review their approach ahead of the second Test.
West Indies have secured their first Test series victory in three years, defeating Sri Lanka 1-0 after the second and final Test in North Sound ended in a rain-affected draw.
Cheteshwar Pujara says teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should aim for Test cricket despite his explosive IPL success with Rajasthan Royals.
With Kuldeep Yadav looking ineffective, India could look towards including off-spinner Saransh Jain in the playing XI in the second Test in Colombo, especially looking at three left-handers in the Sri Lankan top seven.
India have held a significant stranglehold on the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at lunch on Day 4 in Colombo on Wednesday.
Joe Root he becomes only the second cricketer in Test history to surpass 14,000 runs, joining the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive club of batting greats.
Manav Suthar delivered a standout performance in just his second Test, taking 10 wickets as India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening match of the series.
Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention for the vacant England Test head coach position, saying he is happy in franchise cricket and intends to remain in his current roles.
