Latest news with #NewYear'sTest
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Cricket Australia Considers Private Investment For Big Bash League, Maintains Commitment To Test Traditions
In a significant development aimed at revamping its domestic T20 competition, Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed that it is actively exploring private investment options for the Big Bash League (BBL). The move is part of a broader strategic plan to elevate the BBL's global stature and competitiveness, positioning it just behind the Indian Premier League (IPL) in terms of talent, investment, and reach. BBL Set for Structural Evolution According to reports, CA has engaged with global consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to evaluate the potential of bringing in external equity partners. BCG's recommendations include offering alternative ownership models, expanding the league, increasing player salaries, and realigning the BBL calendar to attract higher-quality international talent. CA Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg confirmed that while no final decision has been made, the organization is committed to examining every option to ensure the long-term growth and financial health of the competition. 'We are unashamedly aiming to make the BBL the second-best T20 league in the world,' Greenberg said. 'This review is not reactive but proactive. If investment can help us deliver more value to fans, players, and the wider cricket community, we must explore it.' Balancing Innovation with Tradition Despite this progressive shift in the T20 format, CA has strongly reiterated its commitment to preserving the traditions of Test cricket, including iconic events like the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the New Year's Test at the SCG. Greenberg emphasized that any strategic partnership or private equity involvement in the BBL would not impact the structure, scheduling, or heritage of the longer format. 'The traditions of Test cricket are sacred. We're not looking to compromise the essence of the game while modernizing parts of it,' he added. This stance has been welcomed by traditionalists and former players who feared commercialization could erode the purity of Test cricket. A Divided Debate The idea of privatizing BBL teams has sparked mixed reactions. Proponents argue that private investment could infuse much-needed capital, professional expertise, and marketing strength, similar to what transformed the IPL into a global cricketing juggernaut. Conversely, critics caution against relinquishing control to private owners, citing risks like loss of governance, deviation from cricket's grassroots ethos, and a shift toward prioritizing profit over player and fan interest. Former Australian cricketer and commentator Simon Katich expressed cautious optimism, stating that if managed transparently, private investment could help the BBL regain its lost shine and attract top-tier players.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Bumrah had been ruled out of ENG vs IND 5th Test due to injury: Report
India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was notably absent from the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, prompting speculation. While early assumptions suggested it was a case of workload management, sources have confirmed that the decision stemmed from a precautionary response to a knee injury. BCCI clarifies Bumrah's status On July 31, the BCCI announced in a brief statement that Bumrah had been "released from India's squad for the fifth Test," without citing any specific reason. This ambiguity led to confusion and criticism from fans and experts alike. However, a BCCI official later addressed the matter, stating: At 31, Bumrah has faced multiple injury setbacks throughout his career. This latest knee concern follows his return from a significant back injury sustained earlier this year during the New Year's Test in Sydney. He is now expected to begin his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). Strong series performance before setback Despite missing the series decider, Bumrah had a noteworthy series, picking up 14 wickets across three Tests at an average of 26.00. He also bagged two five-wicket hauls, with his most grueling effort coming in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he bowled 33 overs and returned figures of 2 for 112 on a flat pitch. Bumrah's fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. With the Asia Cup in the UAE beginning on September 9, and a home Test series against West Indies in October, his availability for both remains uncertain. The BCCI is expected to provide further updates following a full assessment of his recovery.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Injury rules Jasprit Bumrah out of 5th Test, not workload - all you need to know
Jasprit Bumrah of India (Photo by) India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, not for workload management, as initially speculated, but due to a knee injury. A report in Mumbai Mirror has confirmed that the decision was precautionary in nature. The BCCI, in its July 31 release, simply stated: 'Bumrah has been released from India's squad for the fifth Test of the series against England.' No mention of an injury was made at the time, prompting questions and criticism from some quarters. Morne Morkel hails Mohammed Siraj, reflects on Day 4 twist and rain delay Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! However, a BCCI official clarified the situation, saying: 'Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it's not a major one and won't require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports.' The 31-year-old speedster is expected to begin his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). Despite missing the final match, Bumrah had a strong series, claiming 14 wickets in three matches at an average of 26.00, including two five-wicket hauls. His most notable spell came in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he toiled for 33 overs on a flat pitch and returned figures of 2/112. Poll What is your prediction for the outcome of the fifth Test at The Oval? India will win England will win It will end in a draw Too close to call Bumrah's absence in the crucial final Test stirred debate, especially given his injury history. After a long layoff due to a back stress fracture earlier this year, sustained during the New Year's Test in Sydney, this knee issue marks a fresh fitness concern. Looking ahead, Bumrah's availability for the upcoming Asia Cup (starting September 9 in the UAE) and the October Test series against the West Indies remains uncertain, with updates expected soon. Meanwhile, England edged closer to a series win on Sunday. On Day 4 at The Oval, Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) stitched a 195-run partnership, helping England reach 339/6, just 35 runs shy of their target. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
India Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
ENG vs IND: Why Ben Stokes and Jasprit Bumrah's workload management is incomparable
Ben Stokes gave more than his all in the Lord's Test, guiding England to a thrilling 22-run win over India and helping his side take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. From leading as captain to delivering crucial knocks of 44 and 33, claiming five wickets, and executing a stunning direct-hit run-out to dismiss Rishabh Pant, Stokes produced a complete all-round performance that few players could came as no surprise when Stokes was named Player of the Match - his efforts were central to England clinching the narrowest-ever Test win by runs at the iconic London venue. His wholehearted commitment to demanding conditions earned widespread praise from across the cricketing the wake of Stokes' all-action display, comparisons have emerged with Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pacer has recently been at the center of discussions around workload management, particularly following a back injury sustained during the New Year's Test against Australia. Bumrah missed the Edgbaston Test to manage his workload, a decision that sparked debate, especially after his lone-wolf performance in Leeds, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings. But with Stokes' superhuman effort at Lord's, the topic of workload management has once again Pathan critical of BumrahStokes stole the spotlight once again after delivering an extraordinary spell, bowling nearly 14 overs on the trot in the second innings. He bowled five overs late on Day 4, then resumed on Day 5 to send down another nine consecutive overs, showcasing immense endurance and India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in critically on the workload debate, calling it "overrated." He argued that India haven't utilised Jasprit Bumrah to his full potential. According to Pathan, Bumrah's workload was already managed with rest during the Edgbaston Test, and he should have been available more for the Lord's match."Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2 over spell in the morning on day five. What a player he is. He bowls, bats and executes a crucial run out of Rishabh Pant but there is no talk of workload management. But with India it is not like that."Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root to come out to bat when you need to control the game (in the second innings). It was disappointing," Pathan said on his YouTube channel."His workload was managed having not played at Edgbaston. When you play a match, there is no workload. You have to win at all costs. The Indian camp could have done that better," Pathan the question is, can one compare Bumrah and Stokes' workload?Different career, different workloadWhile both are indispensable to their teams, their roles-and by extension, their physical demands-differ significantly. Stokes is a genuine all-rounder, balancing leadership, batting in the middle order, and bowling extended spells when on the other hand, is a frontline fast bowler whose job revolves entirely around high-intensity, pace-heavy spells that place a unique strain on the body, particularly the back and intensity, frequency, and type of overs they bowl aren't directly comparable. Stokes may bowl long spells, but often at a more controlled pace and with strategic variation. Bumrah's workload includes bursts of express pace, toe-crushing yorkers, and relentless pressure - requiring more recovery time, especially after it's important to consider the format demands. Stokes is currently active in only one format - Test cricket. He hasn't featured in a T20I since England's title-winning campaign at the 2022 T20 World Cup, and his last ODI appearance came during the 2023 ODI World Cup. In contrast, Bumrah remains an all-format player for India, even though he hasn't played a T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the distinction matters. The scheduling, recovery time, and preparation across formats significantly add to an all-format player's physical and mental toll. While Stokes can now channel all his energy into red-ball cricket, Bumrah continues to navigate the demands of Tests, ODIs, and T20s - making workload management not just sensible, but IPL factorFor Indian cricketers, the Indian Premier League (IPL) holds prime importance. Beyond high-quality cricket, the IPL is a massive commercial enterprise focused on branding, distribution, TRPs, and revenue generation. If marquee players like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Jasprit Bumrah were to skip the IPL, it could negatively impact these factors, leading to lower viewership and, consequently, reduced international stars like Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes have opted out of the IPL multiple times to prioritize international cricket and preserve their fitness, the scenario is different for Indian players like Bumrah and Kohli. Technically, they can also choose to sit out the IPL - no rules prevent them - but there are strong, unspoken pressures that make it difficult to pull example, Bumrah played intense cricket for two months straight before heading to England for the high-profile Test series. This raises concerns about the risk of injury due to overexertion. Bumrah's ongoing battles with injuries over the years have been challenging both for him and the Indian team, making workload management a delicate balancing when it comes to workload management, comparing Bumrah and Stokes isn't entirely fair. Both are invaluable to their teams and possess the rare ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. However, their career trajectories and demands differ now committed solely to Test cricket, enjoys more space for recovery and rest. Bumrah, in contrast, remains a three-format player for India and regularly features in the high-intensity environment of the IPL - leaving far less room for eyes will be on both players when the fourth and penultimate Test begins on July 23 at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.- EndsTune InYou May Also Like
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Australia end silence on shock Nathan Lyon axe for 3rd West Indies Test as historic milestone put on hold
In a shocking move, Australia dropped veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who stood on the brink of history, from the playing XI for the third Test match against the West Indies in Kingston, as the tourists opted for a rare all-pace attack. Breaking the silence on the selection call that raised many eyebrows, national selector Tony Dodemaide explained that it was merely a data-driven decision. Nathan Lyon (R) of Australia walks off the field during the 2nd day of the 2nd Test between West Indies and Australia(AFP) On Friday, captain Pat Cummins hinted that Australia had yet to narrow in on their playing XI, which strongly suggested that team management was contemplating dropping Lyon for the Pink Ball Test. The speculations turned true on Saturday, when Cummins confirmed the line-up at the toss, with Scott Boland replacing Lyon. "Pink ball, so it's a little bit different to a normal Test," Cummins explained at the toss. This was Boland's first appearance in the format since the New Year's Test this year against India in Sydney. And for Lyon, this was the first time he was dropped from the playing XI since the 2023 Ashes for a reason other than injury. Nathan Lyon was 'disappointed' Speaking to the reporters in Kingston, Dodemaide explained that the stat-based call was a 'one-off', before confessing that Lyon, who stands just two wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath's career tally of 563 scalps and becoming the highest Test wicket-taker in Australian history, was "disappointed" by the decision. "He wants to play every game," Dodemaide said. "He's a great competitor, and he believes he can be effective in any conditions, but he's a team man as well. Understands the right thing for the team, and he'll do his best to support the guys. But I said it's a one-off. It's no reflection on performance for Nathan, it's simply the best way we think we can win this game. It's not something we generally want to do, and, fair to say, certainly wasn't front of mind when we first got here." Lyon boasts of an incredible record in Pink Ball Tests, taking 43 wickets at 25.62, with only teammate Mitchell Starc having more wickets than him in this variety of the format. But all those matches came at home, in Australia, with the Kookaburra pink. In the West Indies, it is the pink Duke's ball that is used. And the country hosted just one Day/Night Test match before, back in 2018, against Sri Lanka, where 32 of 34 wickets were picked up by the fast bowlers. "(The) limited data that we have on particularly the pink Duke's ball, we know that from the data that it actually behaves a little differently to the Kookaburra one, it doesn't go as soft," Dodemaide continued. "The history tells us that, and that's been our lived experience when we've been here for the past couple of days in terms of the practice sessions that we've had. "Based on all of that, we thought that spin would not really have a significant part in the game." Talking about the match, opting to bat first, Australia lost seven wickets for 68 runs in a dramatic collapse on Day 1 of the match as they got bundled for 225 runs at Sabina Park. West Indies finished the day on 16 for one — 209 runs behind — after Australia's Mitchell Starc bowled Kevlon Anderson off the inside edge in the pacer's 100th test.
