 Ahmedabad: India's Hardik Pandya celebrates with his partner Mahieka Sharma after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS) Ahmedabad, (IANS) All-rounder Hardik Pandya described India’s ICC Men's T20 World Cup triumph as a moment of redemption and validation of years of belief, saying winning trophies for the country remains the driving force of his career after India sealed a dominant 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, successfully defending their title and becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup at home and three times. Speaking of his journey and the emotions surrounding the triumph, Pandya pointed to the difficult phases he had overcome since the previous World Cup cycle. “I think in that (2024 WC final) scene, there was a lot of difficulty, a lot of things had happened, so this was more about taking redemption, making my fifth comeback. This victory is always what I live for. I have played cricket for this. I want to win trophies, I want to win as many trophies as possible for India,” he told the broadcasters after the win.  Ahmedabad: India's captain Suryakumar Yadav and teammates Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan celebrate after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS)Pandya said his belief in winning trophies for India had never been just words. “After Barbados, I had said that whichever trophy I play for, I will win. I didn’t say that to say it, I believe it, and this is just a validation that what I believed has converted into reality,” he said. While he acknowledged the power of belief and manifestation, the all-rounder stressed that success ultimately comes down to relentless effort. “It is a manifestation, but I think there is a lot of hard work behind it; it is not just that, a lot of hard work goes into it. The big thing is everyone works hard, but for me, whatever results have come in life, I only know hard work. Every time I just work hard, work hard, be a good human being.”  Ahmedabad: India's Hardik Pandya and former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar during the celebrations after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS)Pandya also credited the people behind the scenes who helped him stay physically and mentally ready through challenging periods in his career. “I would like to thank my own team, Mohit, Kartik, my physio, my security Siddhant, my nutritionist Nikhil, my trainers Sagar, and my chef Vijay. I think they have been fantastic. The Hardik Pandya you see is because these people take so much care behind the scenes.” He reserved special praise for his wife, saying her support had played a huge role in his recent success. “And since Mahika has come into my life, it has only been about winning, only about how Hardik Pandya can move forward. So special mention to Mahika, to my whole team. I think without them, I would not be here. This would not have been possible.”  Ahmedabad: India's Ishan Kishan celebrates with teammate Hardik Pandya and his partner Mahieka Sharma after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS)Now regarded as one of the senior players in the Indian setup, Pandya said he still has big ambitions for the next phase of his career. “I think it sounds very good that I am a senior player now. But I still have ten years left, so half of my career is finished, and half is still remaining. I want to win at least ten trophies, ICC and IPL combined, but for me, ICC trophies are the most important trophies.” He added that adding more global titles remains a major goal. “I have got three, and I would want to win anything that I play for. So I think in the next ten years at least five or six will come, so yeah, that’s my goal.” Winning a World Cup on home soil made the achievement even more special for the all-rounder. “Yes, it is a very emotional thing for me because winning a World Cup in India, the excitement of the people is a very big thing.”  Ahmedabad: India's Hardik Pandya celebrates with his partner Mahieka Sharma after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS)Pandya also reflected on the team’s belief heading into the final and key moments earlier in the tournament. “It feels like we won the match easily now, but the hard work this team has put in, from yesterday, I knew we are champions. I think that 19th over (in the semi-final vs England) was as important as what I bowled in the 2024 World Cup because I loved it.” For Pandya, the journey also carried a larger message about perseverance and humility. “I mean, this is what life teaches you. When you work hard, when you stay as humans, when you find happiness in other people’s happiness, the divine always gives you a chance. I think this is a learning for the whole nation that no matter what happens in life, if you keep working hard and stay quiet, the divine will take care.”He also praised teammates Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, both of whom played key roles in India’s title-winning campaign. “I am so proud of both of them. They came, they worked very hard, they kept quiet, and God has given them the benefit of what they have got now. So I am really proud of them.” T20 WC: ‘This victory is what I live fr,’ says Hardik on redemption, hard work, and India’s historic triumph | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Shikhar Dhawan marries Sophie Shine, releases photos of his wedding (2026-02-25T13:28:00+05:30)
 IANS Photo New Delhi, February 21 (IANS) Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has released photos of his wedding with long-time partner Sophie Shine, confirming the news through social media posts on Saturday. They have been in a relationship for almost a year, with Dhawan confirming their relationship in May 2025 and a few months back, and last month, the couple announced their engagement on Instagram. In the Insta post, Dhawan also informed his fans that their wedding outfit was designed by famous designer Manish Malhotra. "Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan. Outfit - @manishmalhotra05," said Dhawan in his post. Earlier in the day, India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal gave fans a peek into Shikhar and Sophie Shine's wedding celebrations by sharing pictures from the ceremony on Saturday. The wedding, reportedly taking place in the Delhi NCR region, is attended by close friends and family members. Chahal took to Instagram to post cheerful moments from the celebrations, including a picture of Dhawan dressed in traditional groom’s attire alongside Sophie, who looked good in her bridal outfit. The spinner was also seen enjoying the festivities and dancing with other guests. Captioning his post, Chahal wrote, “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai,” expressing his excitement for his former teammate’s big day.  Earlier, Dhawan had shared pictures from his sangeet ceremony on Instagram. “Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans,” he wrote in his post. Sophie, too, had offered fans a glimpse of the pre-wedding festivities by sharing photos from her haldi ceremony. Dhawan and Sophie made their relationship public in 2025 and announced their engagement in January 2026. Their love story reportedly began several years ago in Dubai, and since then, Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawan’s life. The couple has built a strong following on social media, where their light-hearted and humorous reels are widely appreciated by fans. This is Dhawan’s second marriage. His first marriage to Ayesha Mukherjee ended in 2021. Dhawan officially retired from all forms of international and domestic cricket on August 24, 2024. During his international career, Dhawan established himself as one of India’s most dependable openers, especially in limited-overs cricket. Known for his performances in major tournaments, he earned the nickname 'Mr. ICC', for his consistency on the global stage.Across 269 international matches, Dhawan scored 10,867 runs and registered 24 centuries, leaving behind a significant legacy in Indian cricket. Shikhar Dhawan marries Sophie Shine, releases photos of his wedding | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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T20 WC: Kishan credits simplicity, off-side game for match-winning 77 against Pakistan (2026-02-16T11:38:00+05:30)
 Colombo: India's Ishan Kishan plays a shot during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, 2026. (Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee) Colombo, (IANS) India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said being simple in his batting approach and focusing on opening up his off-side game helped him smash a match-winning 77 in the side’s 61-run win over Pakistan in a Group A clash at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Amidst the rain threat looming on the big clash, Kishan struck a blistering 77 off 40 balls laced with ten fours and three sixes on a slow, spin-friendly pitch as India posted 175/7 before bowling Pakistan out for 114 to secure a 61-run victory and qualify for the Super Eights. “I think the wicket was not that easy in the beginning, but sometimes you just have to believe what you want to play, what shots are on, and you have to just focus on your strength. “So I was just keeping it simple and watching the ball and playing with the field, maybe trying to make them run as much as they can, but yeah, I think it worked pretty well on my side,” Kishan said in the post-match presentation ceremony. Kishan, who was named Player of the Match, highlighted the work he had put into his offside game and the importance of rotating strike on a large ground. “I think I did work a lot on my offside game and it will give me the balls where I want them to bowl if I play good shots on offside. “So I was just trying to hit the gaps because it's a big boundary and when it's a big ground you get a bigger gap. So I was just trying to keep it simple, like I said, trying to hit the gaps, trying to at least take two runs because the wicket was not easy. I had that in mind that we need to put a total like 160-170 runs and it will be a very good total for us,” he added. Kishan further said the win carried added significance given the hype and rivalry around the India-Pakistan clashes. “100 percent. India v Pakistan is always a special game not only for us but for our country as well. So we had to win this one because it was a very important game and they had pretty good spinners in their side. “We were just supposed to play the good shots and winning this against Pakistan team... it will give us a lot of confidence going ahead in the tournament and we'll try to just keep the momentum going.” He also praised India’s new-ball bowlers for setting the tone. “I think they bowled tremendously well. Pace bowlers... when I was batting and Shaheen was bowling, I didn't feel like the ball was doing much for the pace bowlers. But at the same time, looking at them (Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah) bowl two beautiful overs, it was a plus point for us. “Especially when we know how Jasprit Bumrah can bowl, whether he has new ball in his hand and bowling in the death. Credit goes to Hardik Pandya for keeping it on the tight areas, bowling what we planned before the game and executing his plans pretty well,” he concluded. T20 WC: Ishan amazingly took the responsibility after being 0-1 down, says Suryakumar Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s match-winning 77 after India's 61-run victory over Pakistan in a Group A clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, saying that he took the responsibility of the innings amazingly after being 0-1 down. Kishan struck a blistering 77 off 40 balls, laced with ten fours and three sixes on a slow, spin-friendly pitch as India posted 175/7 before bowling Pakistan out for 114 to secure a 61-run victory and qualify for the Super Eights. “This is for India. We played the same brand of cricket we wanted to play. The way Ishan batted, he batted the same way (he has been batting in the last few games and domestic cricket). Ishan thought something out of the box. “At 0-1, someone needed to take responsibility, and he did that amazingly. There was a bit of a slump, but that is the beauty of T20 cricket. The way they (Tilak, Dube, and Rinku) batted is commendable,” Yadav said in the post-match presentation ceremony. India’s victory was their eighth in nine Men’s T20 World Cup meetings against Pakistan. Yadav also said the total was above par and credited his bowlers for sealing the win. “Difficult to tell when batting first. As soon as we reached 175, we thought it was 15-20 runs over par. 155, it would have been a very tight game. Hardik took the new ball, taking charge. Bumrah then showed why he is the best in the world. It was great to see everyone contributing,” he added. Looking ahead, the right-handed batter said the team would regroup well before their next fixture against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad, to be played on February 18. “We will think about that tomorrow. We will go back, have some good time together as a team (tonight), and think about that when we reach Ahmedabad.” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his side had fallen short with both bat and ball. “We went with four spinners; they had an off-day. Execution was missing in some parts. With the bat, we did not start well. If you lose 3-4 wickets in the Power-play, you are always chasing the game,” he said. “In the first innings, it was a bit tacky, and the ball was gripping too. The pitch played better in the second innings, but we did not bowl according to the situation, and we did not apply ourselves with the bat.“In these games, the emotions are always going to be high; we just need to deal with them. We have played enough (of these games), we have a game in a couple of days, and we have to look forward to it. We need to win that and qualify. Then it is a new tournament,” he said. T20 WC: Kishan credits simplicity, off-side game for match-winning 77 against Pakistan | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi headlines ICC U19 team of the tournament (2026-02-09T11:57:00+05:30)
 Harare: India U19's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays a shot during the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final against England U19 at Harare Sports Club, in Harare, on Friday, February 6, 2026. (Photo: IANS/X/@BCCI) New Delhi, (IANS) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi headlines ICC U19 Team of the Tournament as three of the Indian players feature in the 12-player list. Sooryavanshi scored an impressive 175 off 80 balls in the final against England and was named Player of the Tournament. He is joined by fellow players Kanishk Chouhan and Henil Patel in the 12-member squad. The selection panel was made up of Ian Bishop (Convenor), Lydia Greenway, Andy Flower, Telford Vice. Chouhan made important contributions with both bat and ball. Patel took 11 wickets, including a fantastic spell of five for 16 against the USA. Runners-up England also have three players in the squad, with Thomas Rew serving as captain and wicketkeeper. Rew finished the tournament with 330 runs, at a batting average of 66, with one of his outstanding performances being in the semi-finals where he scored 100 (not out) against Australia, contributing significantly to his team’s victory. Lumsden, with 16 wickets was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, while Mayes topped the run-scoring charts with 444 runs (including 191 against Scotland) made the final selection along with Rew. Mayes fell short of one run from equalling the all-time record for the highest individual score at an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which had been set four days earlier by Sri Lanka’s Viran Chamuditha – who is also selected. Both Faisal Khan Shinozada and Nooristani Omarzai represented Afghanistan and played instrumental roles in Afghanistan making it to the semi-finals of the tournament. Faisal scored two centuries in the tournament (playing against Ireland and India) and Nooristani took 14 wickets in the tournament, with a best of five wickets for nine runs against Tanzania. Oliver Peake (captain of Australia) scored two centuries in the tournament (including one against West Indies and another against England in the semi-finals); along with Ali Raza (Pakistan) and Vitel Lawes (West Indies) made up the final selection for the tournament. Raza took 13 wickets going at just over four an over, while Jamaican left-arm spinner Lawes took 10 scalps in his five matches. ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Team of the TournamentVaibhav Sooryavanshi (India), Viran Chamuditha (Sri Lanka), Faisal Khan Shinozada (Afghanistan), Thomas Rew [wk, capt] (England), Oliver Peake (Australia), Ben Mayes (England), Kanishk Chouhan (India), Nooristani Omarzai (Afghanistan), Vitel Lawes (West Indies), Ali Raza (Pakistan), Manny Lumsden (England), Henil Patel (India) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi headlines ICC U19 team of the tournament | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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‘Where is cricket going? The younger generation want more satisfaction’ (2026-01-20T13:11:00+05:30)
Former Australia cricketer Mark Taylor embraces day-night Test match idea
Sydney: Pink-ball day-night Test matches, which make their debut this week in Adelaide, should only be the beginning of a cricket revolution, former Australian captain Mark Taylor said on Monday. Taylor, a Cricket Australia board member, is advocating the introduction of four-day, 100-over Test matches and a clearly defined Test championship. He wants all Tests to begin on Thursdays, allowing them to build to a Sunday evening climax. "As someone said to me years ago, why are we surprised when people go to one-day cricket and T20 cricket more than they do a Test match, when we put all the one-dayers and T20s on in school holidays and at night," he told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. "And we put Test matches on during the week outside of school holidays." Taylor said he had discussed his ideas at an International Cricket Council level and they were now gathering some momentum with different options being brought forward. "You've got to look at the game as a whole. Where is cricket going? The younger generation generally want more instant gratification and I think over five days to keep them interested in the game is not so easy," he said. "People are more about who is the best in the world at the moment. They like watching World Cup finals if you're always working towards who is the best Test team in the world, that can only help the game." Taylor said a Test championship would likely include a similar scoring system to football, where three points are awarded for a victory and one given for a draw. Australia face New Zealand in the first-ever day-night Test in Adelaide from Friday and Cricket Australia has reportedly already contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board about securing a similar game in Australia for the next southern summer. The chief of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association, Tony Irish, warned against significant changes happening too quickly. He said that while players should be given credit for allowing this week's Adelaide Test to go ahead, it should be seen as an experiment. "This match needs to be seen strictly as an experiment. If there's one thing that everyone agrees on, it's that the pink ball in Test cricket is a big unknown," Irish told Fairfax Media. "The views of the players following the Test match have to be central to any future decisions."‘Source: The Asian Age, Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org
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Australia clinch Ashes 4-1 after winning SCG Test by 5 wickets (2026-01-09T12:20:00+05:30)
 Sydney: Australian team celebrates with the Ashes trophy following the final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Photo: IANS/X/@ICC) Sydney, (IANS) Australia claimed a 4-1 Ashes series win after securing a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG, as Usman Khawaja bowed out as a winner in his farewell Test. After bowling England out for 342 early on day five, Australia set themselves a 160-run target to win. Chasing 160, the hosts made a brisk start, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62-run opening partnership to set up Australia’s run chase. The tourists, however, spoiled Usman Khawaja’s hopes of a fairytale finish, as Josh Tongue had him chopping on to his stumps for six. Then a steady 40-run stand between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) got the hosts over the line despite a brief stutter on an up-and-down fifth-day pitch. Earlier, Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to bring an end to England’s second innings, removing Jacob Bethell shortly after the left-hander brought up his 150. The 22-year-old Bethell shown admirable composure while batting with the tail, but Player of the Series Starc eventually found the edge on 154, with Alex Carey completing a straightforward catch behind the stumps. Several Australian batters made starts in the chase, but Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) were both undone by Josh Tongue. A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37, and Steve Smith (12) was beaten by a Will Jacks peach before Tongue forced Khawaja into a mistake. Carey and Green took the sting out of the final English push, with a boundary by the former through cover, finishing off the match. The victory boosts Australia's lead at the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, now with 87.50 per cent of possible points. New Zealand's series success against the West Indies means the Black Caps sit in second place.Brief Scores: England 384 (Joe Root 160; Michael Neser 4-60) & 342 (Jacob Bethell 154; Beau Webster 3-64) lost to Australia 567 (Travis Head 163; Josh Tongue 3-97) & 161/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 37; Josh Tongue 3-42) by 5 wickets Australia clinch Ashes 4-1 after winning SCG Test by 5 wickets | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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I want to see both Rohit and Kohli playing for the longest time: Irfan Pathan (2026-01-05T14:10:00+05:30)
 Ranchi: India's Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the first ODI cricket match between India and South Africa at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Photo: IANS) New Delhi, (IANS): India will kick off their 2026 campaign with a home white-ball series against New Zealand, beginning with a three-match ODI series that will see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to action in India colours. With an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan urged the senior duo to remain actively involved in domestic cricket whenever they are not on international duty. Speaking on JioStar, Pathan emphasised the importance of sustained match practice for Rohit and Kohli, particularly given that they’re active only in ODIs, as India begin planning for the next World Cup cycle. “You definitely want to think about the ICC 2027 ODI World Cup. It is far away, but I just want to see both Rohit and Kohli playing for the longest time, for India and when not playing international cricket, in domestic cricket. They are playing just one format and nothing else, so the more they play, the better it is,” Pathan said. Pathan also reflected on the growing responsibilities facing Shubman Gill, who has taken on leadership roles in both Test and ODI cricket, and the challenges that come with captaining the national side at a young age. "When I was picked for the first time, at 19 years of age, the great Rahul Dravid said, “Irfan, it's good that you have reached this level, but things will only get difficult from here on.” Upon asking him, What should I do if things do get difficult? He replied, “You will get used to handling it…” and the same will happen with Shubman Gill. One good thing that happened on the England tour for Shubman was that his Test average improved, and his authority over the team also increased. Now he also has the responsibility in ODIs and it is a huge opportunity for him to grow.“ Addressing comparisons between Gill and Kohli, Pathan noted that such expectations are a natural by-product of elite talent and past greatness, while backing the young captain’s ability to live up to them. "He is immensely talented, there is no question about that, and comparisons are inevitable. Virat Kohli was constantly compared to Sachin Tendulkar and was expected to perform at that level. Now that Kohli has reached those heights, Gill is being compared to him. There's expectations that he must match those standards and score close to 25,000–30,000 runs and he certainly has the ability to do so.”--IANS I want to see both Rohit and Kohli playing for the longest time: Irfan Pathan | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Why the UAE is the Ideal Destination for International Cricket (2026-01-02T13:45:00+05:30)
 Every cricket fan globally follows the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy event with great excitement. Teams across the world are working on their plans to win the championship glory. These top nations maintain their dominance with Australia while India and England keep their positions while Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa attempt to join them. Players from both the new and experienced generations will face challenging battles at this event. Despite intense competition worldwide the United Arab Emirates stands out by becoming the main center of cricket today. UAE: The Ideal Cricketing Destination The UAE has several modern cricket venues that bring energizing cricket action to sports lovers like Dubai International, Sheikh Zayed, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Top-quality venues at these locations enable players and spectators to enjoy cricket in its best form. The facilities host many spectators using modern lighting and surface treatments to create top-level views for all audiences. The UAE has successfully attracted major international cricket events through their network of new and updated stadiums while investing in cricket facilities. The UAE gains a key location benefit by being between major football world regions. Its location between Europe, Asia, and Africa enables visitors and competitors to arrive by multiple routes from every corner of the world. The UAE’s excellent hospitality services along with its well-connected transport systems and top-notch entertainment draws many people to its major cricket competitions. The UAE has hosted both the IPL and PSL events while being selected as a safe country for international tournaments. Weather and Infrastructure The UAE has an ideal weather that benefits cricket because of its sunshine and low rainfall. Many matches run smoothly in the UAE because there is little rainfall and sunny days almost every month of the year. The UAE maintains steady weather conditions throughout the year making other regions’ seasonal problems irrelevant to match postponements. High-quality playing spaces and improved training centers support effective cricket performance at this location.Alongside cricket the United Arab Emirates supports various infrastructure features that enhance this sport. The UAE offers top-quality lodging and exceptional hotels alongside event areas to delight players and spectators alike. Cricket tourism ranks high in Dubai because cricket fans love to attend games while exploring the sights of the city. The UAE keeps growing its cricket leadership position as the government partners with international cricket bodies and supports sports promotions. Why the UAE is the Ideal Destination for International Cricket |
Why do cricket balls have to be so hard? (2026-01-02T13:44:00+05:30)
John Arnold, University of South Australia and Tom Wycherley, University of South AustraliaThe game of cricket is believed to have originated in rural England sometime in the 16th or 17th century. The earliest versions of cricket balls had no standard size, weight or stitching: they were handmade by locals and consisted of a round leather case filled with materials such as cork or wool. As there were no set requirements or construction methods, each ball was different, and this affected how it bounced, moved and rebounded off the bat. However, cricket spiked in popularity in the first half of the 18th century, which prompted consistency in the rules and equipment to ensure fairness and facilitate further growth of the game. The modern cricket ballModern balls consist of four main components: a cork and twine (string) core, a leather casing, a raised middle section (the seam) with stitching on either side and a wax or lacquer coating. Balls are either red (for long formats such as international Test matches), white (for shorter formats such as One Day Internationals or Twenty20 games) or pink (for day-night Tests and first-class games). The laws of cricket state that when new, the ball should weigh between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces (155.9–163 grams) and have a circumference of 22.4–22.9 centimetres. For women’s cricket, the ball can weight slightly less (140–151g) and for junior cricket (under 13) even less again (133–144g). A set of technical standards was formalised in 1994 which stipulate the mechanical requirements for factors such as hardness, to help different manufacturers produce balls with more consistency and ensure fairness across the globe. So why are balls so hard?Cricket balls are the product of centuries of tradition and the extreme physical demands of the game. They must be robust and hard-wearing, able to withstand repeated high-force impacts from both the bat and the pitch over the course of a match. Consider the forces involved when a ball is struck by a bat. Reasonable estimates of peak forces when the ball is struck by the bat are about 17 kilonewtons (the weight of 1,700 kilograms) – enough to lift a 1.7 tonne car off the ground. The ball also repeatedly impacts the pitch at high speeds, experiencing shear forces that gradually wear its surface. On deteriorating pitches, this wear is even more pronounced. In Test cricket, a single ball can be bowled up to 480 times (80 overs) before the fielding team is allowed to request a replacement. While cricket ball construction has evolved over the past 300 years, its main elements have remained largely consistent. The introduction of the seam – the raised stitching that runs around the ball’s circumference – and the practice of shining one side of the ball to create swing are fundamental aspects of match play. These features allow bowlers to generate movement in the air – challenging batters and shaping the strategy of the game. The materials, construction and physical characteristics of the ball – including size, mass and density – determine its mechanical properties and influence how it bounces, spins and interacts with different surfaces and equipment. These properties are central to cricket’s nature and style – changing them would fundamentally alter the way the game is played. Tradition and the physical requirements of the game have ensured this construction is tried, tested and fit for purpose, creating the ball we know today. Is the ball dangerous?Bowlers vary their deliveries to deceive the batter and gain a tactical advantage. This can include changing the speed or where they aim the ball. A specific strategy fast bowlers may use is to aim to bounce the ball directly at a batter’s upper body or head (referred to as a “bouncer)”. This can be used to intimidate the batter and/or force them to make a mistake. Perhaps the most infamous example of this was the 1932–33 Ashes series, in which the English cricket team controversially used a consistent “bodyline” delivery approach to contain Australian batting legend Don Bradman. Various rule changes since the 1990s have limited the number of bouncers that bowlers can deliver, making the game safer. At the elite level, cricket balls are commonly bowled at speeds of 130–150 kilometres per hour. Occasionally, fast bowlers can exceed 160km/h. At amateur and recreational levels, bowlers commonly still reach 100km/h. When a person is struck – whether it be a batter, fielder or umpire – the ball hardly rebounds and the momentum is absorbed by the body. The force is also concentrated in a small area, making serious or even fatal injury possible – particularly if contact is made directly to the head. The exact force depends on the timing, location and angle of impact. But there’s no doubt the combination of a small, dense ball moving at high speed and stopping almost instantly makes cricket-ball injuries potentially deadly. There have been fatal incidents, albeit rare. The most high-profile such incident was the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014, who was hit on the neck in a Sheffield Shield match and died two days later from a vertebral artery injury. The number of deaths has declined significantly in the past 30 years, most likely due to widespread use of enhanced safety equipment, especially helmets, by batters and close-in fielders. So while a layperson may view cricket as a non-contact sport, the truth is batting and fielding require great courage, considering the hardness of the ball and the speeds it can reach. John Arnold, Senior Lecturer, Sport & Exercise Biomechanics, University of South Australia and Tom Wycherley, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Exercise Science, University of South Australia This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
Like night and day: why Test cricket changes so much under lights (2026-01-01T10:30:00+05:30)
Vaughan Cruickshank, University of Tasmania; Brendon Hyndman, Charles Sturt University, and Tom Hartley, University of TasmaniaCricket’s first Test match was played between Australia and England in 1877. The next Ashes match, starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday, will be Test number 2,611. It will also be the 25th day-night Test. Many people criticised the introduction of day-night Tests – including challenges posted by the pink ball (not red, as used in day clashes), visibility issues during twilight, and concerns that cricket is putting commercial interests ahead of the sport’s integrity. But just how are day-night Tests different from traditional day matches? History of day-night TestsAustralia and New Zealand played the first official day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval in 2015. Day-night matches were introduced to increase the popularity of Test cricket and to play it at a time when it could attract larger crowds and a greater primetime audience on television. From a commercial angle, the move has worked. Evening sessions draw larger crowds and television audiences. Australia has embraced day-night Tests more than any other country, playing in 14 of the 24 completed day-night Tests. England is next with seven. Australia has also hosted 13 of the day-night Tests, eight of them in Adelaide. India is next with three. Cricket Australia and various state governments negotiate summer schedules and venues, with only Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart hosting day-night Tests so far. Australian dominanceThe Australian team’s familiarity with day-night cricket may partly explain its outstanding record of 13 wins and one loss. In contrast, England has only won two of its seven day-night Tests, losing all three against Australia. Familiarity and more opportunities have contributed to Australian dominance of day-night Tests. The top four leading wicket-takers in day-night Tests are Australian. Mitchell Starc leads (81 wickets in 14 Tests) while the best by an English player is the now-retired James Anderson with 24 wickets in seven Tests. Australia also has the top five run scorers in day-night Tests. Marnus Labuschagne (958 runs in nine Tests) is the current leader and has the chance to be the first player to score 1,000 runs in day-night encounters. Joe Root (501 runs in seven games) is the top Englishman at sixth on the list. How things change under lightsDay-night games have several key differences to day Tests, such as the ball, the conditions and tactics used. To make day-night Tests work, manufacturers had to develop a ball that’s visible under floodlights, yet durable enough for Test conditions. Traditional red balls are too difficult to see at night, whereas white balls (used in shorter cricket formats) become dirty and discoloured too quickly. After years of experimentation with orange and yellow versions, the pink ball emerged as the best compromise. It was trialled in domestic competitions and one-day internationals before being used in Tests. Batting and bowling under lights is very different from daytime play because the pink ball behaves differently. Its thicker coating keeps it shiny for longer, which gives fast bowlers more swing and seam movement. This is most obvious when the ball is new and also during the twilight session, when dew can add extra moisture to the pitch. Additionally, more grass is often left on the pitch to help reduce damage to the ball. This all makes life more difficult for batters. Spinners, though, often struggle because the ball’s harder coating and extra dew reduce grip and turn. Players have also spoken about the difficulty of adjusting their eyes as daylight fades and floodlights take over. Fielders can also lose sight of the ball against the dusky sky. In day Tests, the average runs per wicket increases slightly from session one to session three, with scoring rates also increasing slightly across the day. This pattern suggests batting becomes easier as the ball softens and the pitch flattens, while bowlers tire and conditions remain stable across daylight hours. In contrast, session two is the easiest to bat in during day-night Tests. Batting is much harder in session one (when the ball is often new) and in session three under lights. Pink ball scoring rates are similar to daytime matches but bowlers strike more often. What about tactics?Teams have learned to plan around the evening session (session three), when the fading light and cooling air can make batting harder. Captains often time their declarations or new-ball spells to coincide with the twilight period and choose to bat first. Fast bowlers in particular relish the chance to attack under lights and many batters say adapting footwork and timing against the moving pink ball is more difficult. Comparing resultsIn short, day-night Tests are harder for batters. Fewer runs are scored, wickets fall more quickly, and games generally finish earlier. When comparing all Tests from the past ten years, teams in day-night matches score about 150 fewer runs per game and bowlers need ten fewer balls to take each wicket. Day-night Tests also tend to end with a result sooner, with matches on average being around 50 overs shorter. Notably, none of the 24 day-night Tests played so far has ended in a draw, compared with 14% of day Tests. Thursday’s second Ashes Test at the Gabba will be the fourth day-night Test at the Queensland ground. The Australians lost the previous day-night Gabba Test, to the West Indies last summer, which will give England some hope after their disastrous loss in the opening Ashes clash in Perth. Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania; Brendon Hyndman, Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Arts and Education, Charles Sturt University, and Tom Hartley, Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
NZ rise to second in WTC rankings after 323-run win against WI (2025-12-23T11:54:00+05:30)
 IANS Photo New Delhi, (IANS): New Zealand climbed to second on the ICC World Test Championship table after completing a dominant 323-run win over the West Indies in the third and final Test at Mount Maunganui. The comprehensive victory lifted New Zealand above South Africa, with only Australia ahead of them in the WTC standings. New Zealand's next assignment is a three-match World Test Championship series against England, scheduled for the middle of next year. The West Indies, meanwhile, remain ninth on the table and will return to action at home next year in a series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Black Caps sealed the result midway through the final session at Bay Oval, with left-arm seamer Jacob Duffy claiming the final wicket to bring the match to a close. The performance also capped off an outstanding series for Duffy, earning him the Player of the Series award. Duffy was the standout bowler in the West Indies’ second innings, returning figures of 5/42 as the visitors were bowled out for 138 while chasing a daunting target of 462. He finished the series with 23 wickets, playing a central role in New Zealand’s 2-0 series win and a strong start to their World Test Championship campaign. In the process, the left-armer surpassed a long-standing national milestone, breaking Richard Hadlee’s record for the most wickets by a New Zealander in a calendar year. His third five-wicket haul of the series took his tally beyond Hadlee’s previous mark of 80. "I saw that list (most wickets in a calendar year) at lunch time, and there were some cool names on there, so to be up there on any sort of list with those sort of names was special," Duffy admitted. New Zealand’s bowlers were backed up by a monumental effort with the bat, led by openers Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham. The pair created history by becoming the first opening combination in Test cricket to each register two centuries in the same match. Conway’s contributions were particularly notable, as his scores of 227 and 100 made him the first New Zealander, and just the 10th player overall, to record both a double century and a century in a single Test. He was rewarded with the Player of the Match accolade."I don't think it's sunk in yet. It will take some time for me to get my head around what happened in this Test match. But I'm really glad we got the win," Conway said. NZ rise to second in WTC rankings after 323-run win against WI | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |