Latest news with #BombaySportExchange
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'All good things come to an end ... incredible going out on his terms': Kane Williamson on Virat Kohli's retirement
Virat Kohli (L) and Kane Williamson (R). (Image: Instagram) in Manchester: Shubman Gill has led India in three Tests - losing two and winning one. The ongoing Test series versus England is the 25-year-old's first assignment as Test captain and he has impressed so far. He has been on fire with the bat, leading the pack well in the middle and the off-field vibe, too, has been relaxed. Many pointed fingers at BCCI's move to give him the captaincy armband but his former Gujarat Titans teammate Kane Williamson wasn't surprised with the decision. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! He always felt captaincy sits well on the youngster and believes it's just the start of bigger and better things for the future. Williamson is currently playing the Vitality Blast for Middlesex and was in attendance on Day 3 of the Lord's Test, which India lost by 22 runs. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 3: Kane Williamson exclusive on NextGen cricketers to watch out for The former New Zealand captain feels the way the series has been played, any side could have won them all. In an exclusive chat with Williamson opens up on how Test batting has evolved, India's new Test captain, England under Brendon McCullum and his views on Virat Kohli 's decision to retire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tennis takes over in July Tennis TV Watch Now Undo Excerpts: You were at the Lord's last week during the third Test between India and England. Do you think Test batting has evolved over the years and is certainly not what it used to be? Especially with the points system of the World Test Championship? It's certainly... I mean it has evolved. It's changed. Definitely the World Test Championship creating that bit of context, you know, the value. Everybody now just really pushes for a result and therefore you do see the majority of games now matches are decided within sort of four days generally. The wickets, however, have been quite sporting in this series. It's been quite good for the game. It's created a lot more results, a lot more entertaining cricket and then you see teams like England. The best recipe for their success is to go out and be nice and positive and play with that freedom to try and move the game forward as quickly as possible and operate in that fashion. I think every team still does it a little bit differently but on a whole it's absolutely changed direction a little bit and I think that's been important with the challenges that the longer format faces. And we talk about it so often. However, a lot of the Test cricket that we see on our TV sort of really draws you in and is really quite exciting to see. England's head coach Brendon McCullum during a nets session in Birmingham, England. (PA via AP) I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised that the man at the forefront of leading that revolution of sorts is former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. I mean not not surprised. He always played with that freedom and then having sort of played under Brendon for a long time and how he promotes players to go out and express themselves and commit to it and have that full backing of you know, the people behind them, so they're able to do that day in and day out. That's what we're seeing with this England side and is very consistent with how he's looked to operate for a long period of time. It's been quite enthralling to watch Many Test matches and certainly this series that we've seen between England and India has been very exciting. Two strong teams with slightly different styles, but both looking to push the game forward has been great to follow. India vs England: India fall short at Lord's, England lead series 2-1 Were you surprised that India ended up on the wrong side especially after the kind of cricket they played and how they had England on the edge after getting them out cheaply in the second innings? Or you reckon the pitch played its part to make the scoreline 2-1 in England's favour? It was slightly more old-school wasn't it? The Test match at Lord's where players had to dig deep and work really hard for their runs and bowlers got some assistance and knew that they had to be patient as well to get rewards. We did see both teams operate and adjust in that fashion and any chase last on a wicket that has deteriorated is never easy. And there's been only a handful of chases above that score that have been successful at that ground. There were going to be some challenges there and having said that, India have been outstanding throughout the series and both teams could have won them all really. They've both had their opportunities which I think makes for great viewing and shows that the two very strong teams are going at it but I suppose at the start of that contest, there was that ability to see off the new ball and build some of those early partnerships. Then it goes a long way to knocking off a score like 190. India have been outstanding throughout the series and both teams could have won them all really. They've both had their opportunities Kane Williamson I think we have to be honest that the conditions at Lord's were significantly different to the other two Test matches. Teams were looking at chasing above 300 and there were elements of comfort and some of that because the wickets were so good and held together for the five days. So it was a lot more old-school which was quite nice to watch and follow as well. I think we haven't seen that for such a long period of time. We're gonna have some challenges but I think that the Indian team is playing brilliant cricket, turning up with a great opportunity every day against a strong English side and certainly, you know when the toss goes up you truly don't know who are favourites walking into each match. After three Tests, Shubman Gill is the leading run-scorer in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. (Image via Getty Images) You've seen Shubman Gill from close quarters at Gujarat Titans. What is your assessment of Shubman Gill the captain, the cricketer and how has he responded to the early challenges of Test cricket as a leader and as India's new No.4. He's responded beautifully, hasn't he? I always thought captaincy sits well with Shubman. I know happening in a franchise space is slightly different, you know it's a shorter sort of project versus captain in your country, which is you know it's a lot more consuming. Whilst you're in that role, you're never out of it. It's a much larger role sort of on and off the field. Watching Shubman operate and he's wise beyond his years and you know that responsibility is naturally something that he would look to take on. So hearing him get that opportunity was no surprise to me but you know the quality of the player is something that goes without saying. He's absolutely world-class. And all the other formats throughout... the IPL for a number of years and one day cricket I think he's top of the tree there. Test cricket really is a matter of time. To see him come over here and conditions that can be challenging with the Dukes from time to time, and dominate like he has, it's been amazing. There are going to be really valuable lessons for him and we're looking towards the leader that he will become but it's still early days. Kane Williamson on Shubman Gill And then I think goes a long way for him and his comfort in that role as well as a leader of the Indian team. The cricketer Shubman and the leadership qualities that he has... if he separates those then there is real quality in both departments and actually starting sort of embedding the things that you value, along with the head coach. Forming that really strong bond... it's really important and I think that's what we're seeing in these early stages. There are going to be really valuable lessons for him and we're looking towards the leader that he will become but it's still early days. Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket ahead of the series against England. (AP) When Roger Federer retired, Rafael Nadal got very emotional and said "a part of my life left with him". I know different sport but did you get that kind of feeling when Virat Kohli decided to say goodbye to Tests? Funny you mentioned that. You don't consider that whilst you're just right in the middle of it and then players that you've played alongside for so many years. Your careers have kind of married up from under 19s through to captaining or playing for your country. Then in the captain instance that we did that... were very similar times to the natural progression. Everybody finishes. When some of those decisions are made it does stop you and make you consider a lot of things but also appreciation and respect. Someone like Virat.. so many great moments throughout the international game but really the bond outside of the pitch is something that's you know far more special and those experiences that have been shared together. All good things come to an end and the way he's been able to make those decisions that feel comfortable to him... I think it's been incredible going out on his terms, etc. Although still involved in one of the formats. Lord's museum tour: Cricket's greatest artifacts and the stories behind them What are your thoughts on the Big Three discussions and how England, India and Australia regularly play five Tests but we see the likes of South Africa and New Zealand winning the WTC titles without playing the bigger series. What's your take on the situation? At the end of the day, you just focus on the things that you can control and you know playing five Test match series for countries like New Zealand and other ones that share a similar standing aren't realistic despite a real passion to do so. And like you mentioned, there are other teams out there where that's a more feasible option. You're just focusing on what it is you can do and the calendar that you have and trying to basically put out your best performances and grow as a side over the two-year blocks that you have for the World Championship. Just focus on the things that are in front of you and know that if you do that, you trust that, then it allows you to put out your best performances and ultimately give you a chance, but yeah, there are obviously a number of strong teams within there's and I think it's it's been helpful for the game. Tracing Moeen Ali's steps in Birmingham Playing T20s here in England, how has the experience been like hopping from one ground to another. Yeah I've really enjoyed playing in the Vitality Blast and you know as a family, it's been nice to be in the UK. We have some ties here. So It's been enjoyable and you get to play it, you know, such a variety of grounds and the standards are good so yeah, it's been fun and nice to be sort of playing in a new team as well as a new community. Which is always enjoyable when you get the opportunity to play cricket around the world. For an international professional like you, how is it like to interact with different individuals, part of different cultures, during your time playing for different teams in different leagues around the world? I do really enjoy that aspect. Little bit of flexibility and those opportunities to be exposed to different cultures in different parts of the world and playing good cricket and in the sport that I love. It's definitely an attractive part... at this stage of my career and also to have the family with me and they get to see some. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'I thought we got enough': Wiaan Mulder discloses why he didn't go for Brian Lara's 400-run Test record
Wiaan Mulder in action for South Africa South Africa's stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder has explained the reasoning behind his selfless decision to declare the innings at 626/5 during the second Test against Zimbabwe, despite being within touching distance of Brian Lara 's iconic record for the highest individual score in an innings in Test cricket. Mulder remained unbeaten on 367 off 334 balls at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Monday. Lara's unbeaten 400, scored against England in 2004, still stands as the highest individual Test score, and Mulder made it clear he had no regrets about putting his team's needs ahead of personal milestones. 'First things first, I thought we got enough and we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let's be real. He got 401 or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special,' Mulder said after stumps on Day 2, as quoted by AFP. "I think if I get the chance again, I'd probably do the same thing. I know speaking to the head coach Shukri Conrad, he kind of said to me as well, like, listen, let the legends keep the really big scores,' he added. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar Mulder's 367* is now the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket, surpassing Hashim Amla's 311, and also the highest in an away Test. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo He reached his triple century in just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history. Poll Should Wiaan Mulder have pursued Brian Lara's record instead of declaring the innings? Yes, he should have gone for the record. No, prioritizing the team's needs was right. Despite the historic feat, Mulder made it clear that personal records weren't the priority. 'You never know what's my fate or whatever you want to call it, what's destined for me. But I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be,' he said. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wiaan Mulder shockingly declares just 33 runs behind Brian Lara's Test score record - list of top 10 highest scores
Wiaan Mulder declared with just 33 more runs needed to break Brian Lara's record South Africa's stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder made an extremely selfless call as he declared the innings at 626/5 despite being on the brink of breaking Brian Lara's iconic world record for the highest individual score in Tests. Mulder remained unbeaten on 367 off 334 balls in the first innings of the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Monday. Lara's record of 400* against England in 2004 remains intact, but Mulder has now entered the top five highest individual scores in Test history. The right-hander, who dominated the Zimbabwean bowling attack throughout, opted not to chase Lara's milestone, putting his team first. His 367* has now become the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket, surpassing Hashim Amla's 311 against England in 2012. Mulder also set a new benchmark for the highest individual score by any batter in an away Test, overtaking Pakistan's Hanif Mohammed's 337 against West Indies in 1958. Additionally, he recorded the second-fastest triple century in Tests, reaching the milestone in just 297 balls. Only Virender who needed just 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai, has done it faster. Leading the Proteas in the absence of Keshav Maharaj and the injured Temba Bavuma, Mulder entered the series with a significant weight on his shoulders. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar Mulder's marathon innings was composed of 49 fours and 4 sixes, reflecting his aggressive approach. He also surpassed Graeme Smith's aggregate of 362 runs (277 & 85) to register the highest match tally by a South African in Test history. Poll Should Wiaan Mulder have pursued Brian Lara's record? Yes, records are meant to be broken No, team success is more important List of top 10 highest scores in an innings in Tests Brian Lara – 400* (582 balls), vs England, 2004 Matthew Hayden – 380 (437 balls), vs Zimbabwe, 2003 Brian Lara – 375 (538 balls), vs England, 1994 Mahela Jayawardene – 374 (572 balls), vs South Africa, 2006 Wiaan Mulder – 367* (334 balls), vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025 Garfield Sobers – 365*, vs Pakistan, 1958 Len Hutton – 364 (847 balls), vs Australia, 1938 Sanath Jayasuriya – 340 (578 balls), vs India, 1997 Hanif Mohammad – 337, vs West Indies, 1958 Wally Hammond – 336*, vs New Zealand, 1933 Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
ZIM vs SA: Wiaan Mulder hits triple century on captaincy debut, breaks Hashim Amla's record
Wiaan Mulder celebrates his achievement vs Zimbabwe South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder made history at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on Monday by becoming the first player to score a triple century on Test captaincy debut. He achieved the spectacular feat against Zimbabwe. His outstanding innings also set multiple records, including becoming the youngest Test captain to score 300 and achieving the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket . Mulder surpassed Graham Dowling's previous record of 239 runs for the highest score on Test captaincy debut, which was set against India in Christchurch in 1969. Resuming at 264 not out which he had set the previous day, Mulder continued his impressive performance by breaking Graeme Smith's record of 277, the highest score by a South African captain, set against England in 2003. The 27-year-old captain reached his triple century in just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history. The record for the fastest triple century remains with India's Virender Sehwag, who achieved the feat in 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai in 2008. Mulder's achievement placed him ahead of Harry Brook's 310-ball triple century against Pakistan in Multan last year. Playing in only his 21st Test match, he joined Hashim Amla as the second South African to score a Test triple century. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar At 27 years and 138 days, Mulder broke the 61-year record for the youngest Test captain to score a triple hundred. He surpassed former Australian captain Bob Simpson, who was 28 years and 171 days old when he scored 311 against England in Manchester in 1964. In the same week, India's 25-year-old Test captain Shubman Gill fell short of the record at Edgbaston, scoring 269 against England. Fastest triple centuries in Tests 278 balls – Virender Sehwag, IND vs SA – 2008 297 balls – Wiaan Mulder, SA vs ZIM – 2025 310 balls – Harry Brook, ENG vs PAK – 2024 362 balls – Matthew Hayden, AUS vs ZIM – 2003 Poll Do you believe Mulder's record will be broken soon? Yes, very likely No, it's a tough record to beat Maybe, depends on upcoming matches The record for youngest Test captains to score triple centuries is now led by Mulder at 27 years and 138 days, followed by Bob Simpson at 28 years and 171 days, Mahela Jayawardena at 29 years and 61 days with 374 runs, and Michael Clarke at 30 years and 276 days with an unbeaten 329. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
ICC T20I rankings: Smirti Mandhana rises to No. 3; Shafali, Harleen also move up
Smriti Mandhana in action for India (Image via PTI) India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday moved up one spot to be ranked third in the ICC rankings for batters in women's T20 Internationals. Mandhana, who is already world No. 1 in ODIs, made the leap after her maiden century in the opening T20I of the five-match series against England last week in which she also stood-in for injured skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana smacked 15 fours and three sixes to make 112 off 62 balls to power India to a 97-run victory against England at Nottingham, which was also the biggest defeat in terms of runs for the hosts in the shortest format. The left-handed Indian opener now has a career-high of 771 rating points and is ranked third, behind West Indies' Hayley Matthews, who is second with 774 points, and Australia's Beth Mooney at the top with 794 points. Among other Indian batters, comeback opener Shafali Verma and Harleen Deol also made gains. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep. 6: Harish Thawani on cricket's TV market and the watershed moments "Fellow Indian opener Shafali Verma gains one place to move to 13th on the same rankings list following her innings of 20 in the same match against England, while teammate Harleen Deol re-enters the batter rankings in equal 86th after a quickfire knock of 43," the ICC said in a release. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Lauren Bell moved up two places to reach fourth in the rankings for bowlers after her three-wicket haul in the first T20I against India. The ICC added, "Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal remains at the top of the list for T20I bowlers, but it's tight at the top with just 44 rating points separating the top 10 players." Poll Which Indian player do you think will make the biggest impact in the remaining T20I matches against England? Smriti Mandhana Shafali Verma Harleen Deol South Africa's Miane Smit moved to 76th with her maiden half-century against the West Indies while teammate Sune Luus moved up nine spots to reach 31 in list of the all-rounders. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
