Latest news with #WorldTestChampionships
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
WTC Final: South Africa's coaching staff gets a pep talk from rugby big gun Rassie Erasmus
The Proteas led by Temba Bavuma will play a 4-day warm up against Zimbabwe ahead of their first ever World Test Championships final. But red ball coach Shukri Conrad had a high profile cheer squad, the best in their chosen sport, keenly watching the Australia game. Rugby World Cup double champions Springboks and their sporting director (former coach) Rassie Erasmus hosted Conrad and the rest of the coaching staff at the Springboks alignment camp in Cape Town, in the heart of rugby's Stellenbosch alignment camp in Cape Town. Conrad reckons the WTC final is the biggest stage for South African cricket, and his low-key squad who aren't exactly runaway favourites against the Australians got a bit of a leg up, when their coaching pack picked a few things on learning how to handle pressure. The Proteas are notorious for blow-outs in big cricket knock outs, but are leaning on the perennially winning Springboks for some inspiration. Erasmus saw it as a means to build a unified South African sports identity, and said the cross-code exchange would help Conrad's lieutenants to observe, absorb and even contribute as they shadowed Springbok strategists last week. According to and the seeds of this unlikely union were sown 'not in a boardroom, but over a braai.' The websites noted that during the Proteas' second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, Erasmus and Conrad met for the first time 'under smoky skies, where meat sizzled and ideas simmered.' and quoted Conrad as saying, 'There's nothing quite like a good braai to break the ice.' Braai means South African barbecue. 'Rassie and I started talking about culture, pressure, leadership, and before the boerewors (sausage) was done, we both realized we were playing the same mental game, just on different pitches.' Alongside Conrad were CSA's High-Performance Managers, who observed how the Boks manage detail, pressure, and player identity, according to The Springbok assistant coaches each presented their areas of expertise, from breakdown tactics to backline structure, while engaging with their cricketing guests about what translates across the codes. 'It was fascinating. The language might be different—rucks versus reverse swing—but the messages are identical: play for the badge, trust your process, execute under pressure,' Conrad told 'Being in that room with Rassie and his coaches gave us a mental sharpening. You see what makes champions tick—and it rubs off on you.' It is a steep task given Cummins' Australia are almost like the Bokks of cricket, with a World Cup and a WTC on their belt. Erasmus, who was architect of not just two successive World titles but also opening up top grade rugby to Blacks and taking them to the pinnacle of glory, is much respected in the unique racially sensitive society. He took understood the challenges of cricket and said the Boks too could learn from the Proteas, especially in the psychological realm of endurance sport, as per 'A Test match lasts five days. That's five days of being scrutinized, second-guessed, sledged, and still needing to stay mentally sharp. That's not just skill, that's spiritual stamina,' Erasmus was quoted as saying. 'There's a lot for us to gain from how they manage that pressure cooker.' While welcoming three new Bokks to the camp, ahead of their international season starters against Barbarians on June 28, Rassie added, 'Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, and Juarno Augustus were new faces in our environment,' Erasmus added. 'And just like them, the cricket guys walked in as guests and left as teammates.' 'We've got more in common than not,' Erasmus was quoted as saying. 'The more we lean into each other, the more chance we have of both standing tall on the world stage.' It was not quite the Invictus speech, but Erasmus gave goosebumps, when he told the cricket bunch, 'Because in the end, whether it's a ruck or a run chase, the goal remains the same: to write victory stories that make the nation sing,' as quoted by and 'We may bowl with leather, and they drive with muscle but when you strip it down we're both trying to win for the same flag. Whether it's the tryline or a third man boundary, it's the same heartbeat.' Conrad of course has the tougher path to break – given Proteas' storied bottlings in white ball, but just the sheer strength of Australian Test cricket with Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Smith. Yet he didn't miss pointing out it was an occasion to embrace. The WTC was suddenly a few days away, crept up on the Test squad. 'It used to be a month away, now it's next week we are in UK for what is our biggest final ever. I'd like to think,' he declared. He had plenty of takeaways from the Bokke presentations, adding that it all boiled down to realising that playing for the Proteas was the biggest source of pride. 'And just sitting with some of the players and chatting with Springboks coaches, and going through the presentation that Rassie and coaches did, it's just common threads we find across all formats. We don't always put a lot of these things in documented form, not necessarily. But language is pretty much the same. What I find interesting is implementation of some things where playing for the Proteas has to be the biggest thing like playing for Springboks. And if that can be the one thing thing that you really going to hone in on, then it is the case with Springboks. And which is what we want to drill into Proteas. Playing for your national side has to be the biggest thing. I've really enjoyed the common traits between us and Springboks.' In trying to figure out a few Saffer mysteries and to unlock their last-step stutters, Conrad has sought out ideas from different sources – even netball and the women's soccer team, Banyana Banyana. 'Meeting the Springboks was inspiring. If you look at the history of Springboks, you look at recent past, two successive at World Cup, back to back, potentially a third. They obviously must be doing something right. We'd like to see what they doing right and learn from each other. It's great rubbing shoulders across different codes. It's not only coming here to learn from them. It's us almost like sharing ideas. And that was always intention when Rassie and I started jabbing. Cross pollination for everyone,' he told SA Cricket. It was an ongoing process and not something that might change overnight, but worth licking off. 'It's something that Rassie and I thought we should be spending a lot of time with head coaches. I'd like to spend time with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Desiree Ellis (women's team Banyana Banyana), in the soccer space, I watch every Bafana Bafana game, watched Netball World Cup when it was here. I know there's a slogan, Stronger Together and sharing in national pride is same across every code. Couple of weeks back we were watching 4*400 and 4*100 relays. There's so much pride in being involved with South African national side – be it Bokks, Bafana Bafana or Proteas. It'll help us in this journey, and can only help our country on global scale,' he said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
WTC Final: Rugby big gun Rassie Erasmus on Test cricket and South Africa – ‘…it's five days of being scrutinized, second-guessed, sledged, and still needing to stay mentally sharp'
The Proteas led by Temba Bavuma will play a 4-day warm up against Zimbabwe ahead of their first ever World Test Championships final. But red ball coach Shukri Conrad had a high profile cheer squad, the best in their chosen sport, keenly watching the Australia game. Rugby World Cup double champions Springboks and their sporting director (former coach) Rassie Erasmus hosted Conrad and the rest of the coaching staff at the Springboks alignment camp in Cape Town, in the heart of rugby's Stellenbosch alignment camp in Cape Town. Conrad reckons the WTC final is the biggest stage for South African cricket, and his low-key squad who aren't exactly runaway favourites against the Australians got a bit of a leg up, when their coaching pack picked a few things on learning how to handle pressure. The Proteas are notorious for blow-outs in big cricket knock outs, but are leaning on the perennially winning Springboks for some inspiration. Erasmus saw it as a means to build a unified South African sports identity, and said the cross-code exchange would help Conrad's lieutenants to observe, absorb and even contribute as they shadowed Springbok strategists last week. According to and the seeds of this unlikely union were sown 'not in a boardroom, but over a braai.' The websites noted that during the Proteas' second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, Erasmus and Conrad met for the first time 'under smoky skies, where meat sizzled and ideas simmered.' and quoted Conrad as saying, 'There's nothing quite like a good braai to break the ice.' Braai means South African barbecue. 'Rassie and I started talking about culture, pressure, leadership, and before the boerewors (sausage) was done, we both realized we were playing the same mental game, just on different pitches.' Alongside Conrad were CSA's High-Performance Managers, who observed how the Boks manage detail, pressure, and player identity, according to The Springbok assistant coaches each presented their areas of expertise, from breakdown tactics to backline structure, while engaging with their cricketing guests about what translates across the codes. 'It was fascinating. The language might be different—rucks versus reverse swing—but the messages are identical: play for the badge, trust your process, execute under pressure,' Conrad told 'Being in that room with Rassie and his coaches gave us a mental sharpening. You see what makes champions tick—and it rubs off on you.' It is a steep task given Cummins' Australia are almost like the Bokks of cricket, with a World Cup and a WTC on their belt. Erasmus, who was architect of not just two successive World titles but also opening up top grade rugby to Blacks and taking them to the pinnacle of glory, is much respected in the unique racially sensitive society. He took understood the challenges of cricket and said the Boks too could learn from the Proteas, especially in the psychological realm of endurance sport, as per 'A Test match lasts five days. That's five days of being scrutinized, second-guessed, sledged, and still needing to stay mentally sharp. That's not just skill, that's spiritual stamina,' Erasmus was quoted as saying. 'There's a lot for us to gain from how they manage that pressure cooker.' While welcoming three new Bokks to the camp, ahead of their international season starters against Barbarians on June 28, Rassie added, 'Vincent Tshituka, Ntokozo Makhaza, and Juarno Augustus were new faces in our environment,' Erasmus added. 'And just like them, the cricket guys walked in as guests and left as teammates.' 'We've got more in common than not,' Erasmus was quoted as saying. 'The more we lean into each other, the more chance we have of both standing tall on the world stage.' It was not quite the Invictus speech, but Erasmus gave goosebumps, when he told the cricket bunch, 'Because in the end, whether it's a ruck or a run chase, the goal remains the same: to write victory stories that make the nation sing,' as quoted by and 'We may bowl with leather, and they drive with muscle but when you strip it down we're both trying to win for the same flag. Whether it's the tryline or a third man boundary, it's the same heartbeat.' Conrad of course has the tougher path to break – given Proteas' storied bottlings in white ball, but just the sheer strength of Australian Test cricket with Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Smith. Yet he didn't miss pointing out it was an occasion to embrace. The WTC was suddenly a few days away, crept up on the Test squad. 'It used to be a month away, now it's next week we are in UK for what is our biggest final ever. I'd like to think,' he declared. He had plenty of takeaways from the Bokke presentations, adding that it all boiled down to realising that playing for the Proteas was the biggest source of pride. 'And just sitting with some of the players and chatting with Springboks coaches, and going through the presentation that Rassie and coaches did, it's just common threads we find across all formats. We don't always put a lot of these things in documented form, not necessarily. But language is pretty much the same. What I find interesting is implementation of some things where playing for the Proteas has to be the biggest thing like playing for Springboks. And if that can be the one thing thing that you really going to hone in on, then it is the case with Springboks. And which is what we want to drill into Proteas. Playing for your national side has to be the biggest thing. I've really enjoyed the common traits between us and Springboks.' In trying to figure out a few Saffer mysteries and to unlock their last-step stutters, Conrad has sought out ideas from different sources – even netball and the women's soccer team, Banyana Banyana. 'Meeting the Springboks was inspiring. If you look at the history of Springboks, you look at recent past, two successive at World Cup, back to back, potentially a third. They obviously must be doing something right. We'd like to see what they doing right and learn from each other. It's great rubbing shoulders across different codes. It's not only coming here to learn from them. It's us almost like sharing ideas. And that was always intention when Rassie and I started jabbing. Cross pollination for everyone,' he told SA Cricket. It was an ongoing process and not something that might change overnight, but worth licking off. 'It's something that Rassie and I thought we should be spending a lot of time with head coaches. I'd like to spend time with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Desiree Ellis (women's team Banyana Banyana), in the soccer space, I watch every Bafana Bafana game, watched Netball World Cup when it was here. I know there's a slogan, Stronger Together and sharing in national pride is same across every code. Couple of weeks back we were watching 4*400 and 4*100 relays. There's so much pride in being involved with South African national side – be it Bokks, Bafana Bafana or Proteas. It'll help us in this journey, and can only help our country on global scale,' he said.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
England litmus test for Shubman's young team
Words ascribed to philosopher Socrates hold true for the Indian cricket team's current transitional phase: the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. The cricket board seems to have embraced change with élan, at least for the time being. After the retirement of two stalwarts—Virat Kolhi and Rohit Sharma—looking ahead with hope was the only option. The selectors reposed faith in young Shubman Gill to lead the team to England, considered one of the most hostile territories to tour. The series will be a baptism by fire for both Shubman and his band of young cricketers, some of whom are yet to debut. With the next World Test Championships cycle starting now, the hard decisions taken before this tour seem appropriate. The selectors have also included a few experienced players in the mostly-young team. Ravindra Jadeja, with 80 Tests, is a veteran because the next most experienced player is K L Rahul with 53. The rest, including the mercurial Jasprit Bumrah (45), have played less than 50. The captain himself has just 32 Tests, with an away record that's not flattering. For him to lead effectively, he has to score and win. Bear in mind that, for England, Joe Root has played more than 150 Tests, while captain Ben Stokes has played 111.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'Karun Nair should get Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli's No.4 spot in India's Test XI': Anil Kumble to selectors
No.4 is not just another batting position in Indian cricket. It has unofficially been reserved for the team's best batter for nearly three decades. And as astonishing as it may sound, during this long period, India have had only two confirmed No.4 batters - Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Before Tendulkar, India had long-term No.4s in GR Viswanath and Dilip Vengsarkar. When Tendulkar retired in 2013, the place automatically went to Kohli, who had the weight of 15921 runs and 51 centuries to carry. With 9230 runs and 30 centuries, one would have to admit, Kohli didn't fare badly. But now that he has retired, who is next for India to carry the legacy of No.4 forward? Legendary India cricketer Anil Kumble believes it can be Karun Nair. Karun Nair may not come close to Tendulkar and Kohli's Test numbers as at 33, he simply doesn't have that time at his disposal but with the kind of form he has shown in the last domestic season, he surely can do a good job for the next two World Test Championships (WTC) cycles. Kumble Nair's experience in red-ball cricket and his exposure in county cricket would come in handy now that India would not have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their XI for the Test series against England that starts on June 20. "I don't think anybody thought through who's gonna bat at No.4. Rohit in Australia didn't play the first Test, so there was a change in the batting order. Once Rahul did well, Rohit dropped down the order and then he dropped himself from the XI in that last Test. So you sort of know who is the backup opener for India, but I don't think anyone thought through No.4," Kumble told ESPNCricinfo. "Karun deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he has had. So perhaps he could be the No.4 for India because I feel, you need a bit of experience. You ned someone in England who has been there and done that. He has played County cricket, so he knows the conditions. Karun may be on the other side of 30, but he is still young. If he gets an opportunity, there will be a lot more hope for youngsters to play first-class cricket. If the sheer performance in domestic cricket doesn't get recognised, it becomes a bit of a challenge," the former India captain and head coach added. Nair has been on a run-scoring spree in domestic cricket. After a record run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 779 runs in nine games at 389.50, comprising five centuries, he carried his momentum into red-ball cricket, where he scored 860 runs at 57.33, comprising four centuries, including a match-winning knock of 135 and 85 in the final in Vidarbha's title win. Nair, who is no stranger to facing England - it was against them that he became only the second Indian to smash a triple century in Test cricket- is well aware that he is ever-so-close to making a comeback to the Test side. "At least I think I'm closer (Test return) rather than further. I don't know how close I am. It's at the back of the mind," he said. If not Karun Nair, India have the option of putting ma for all occasions, KL Rahul at No.4. Then there are the less likely prospects of trying Shreyas Iyer or Sarfaraz Khan at that position but considering their track record, it might not be a long-term prospect. If India do decide to play either Rahul or Shubman Gill at No.4 then they would nave try out a new player at the top of the order and Tamil Nadu batter Sai Sudharsan has put his hand up for that spot. "There are youngsters like Sai Sudharsan. What you tend to do is mix formats. General public watching and social media exchanges, I hope people don't mix one-day cricket or T20 cricket with Test matches. People who have done well in first-class cricket should certainly be given the opportunity to play for India. And I'm sure he selectors, when they sit down, will start looking at the future," Kumble said.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
India maintain iron grip on top spot in ICC rankings in limited overs, but slip to fourth in latest Test rankings
India continue to dominate the white-ball format rankings in men's cricket after the latest update to the ICC world rankings, holding onto their top spot in both ODIs and T20Is. This comes after a year of solid success in both formats, which has seen the Indian team lift the T20 World Cup in North America and the West Indies in 2024, before clinching the ICC Champions Trophy held in Pakistan and the UAE earlier this year. However, it's less positive news for India in the Test rankings, where they slipped a position and are now fourth. Australia continue to hold top spot in the Test rankings, as defending champions of the World Test Championships and due an appearance in a second successive final at the marquee event at Lord's in June this year. Their opponents, South Africa, also slipped one spot into third, with the biggest gainers being England, who have leapfrogged India and South Africa into second position under the captaincy of Ben Stokes. The T20I rankings see India maintain their grip at the top in a historic year, one which has seen as many as 100 teams in the global rankings. The ICC's new rule sees any national team with a minimum of eight T20I matches having a ranking, India leading the charge here on 271 points, nine points ahead of second-placed Australia. India's dominance in the format has seen them lose only four T20I matches since the start of 2024, winning 29, including an unbeaten campaign at the T20 World Cup. India's concerning slip in the Test rankings follows after a first series defeat at home in over a decade, being whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand in an historic upset. This was followed by a 3-1 series loss on the tour of Australia, a pair of series results that saw India miss the WTC finals from a position of strength, while also compromising rating points in the Test rankings. India are now 21 points behind ranking leaders Australia. In the ODI lists, India's dominance in recent ODI events has seen them win 15 matches with only a singular loss, albeit in the biggest match of the set in the World Cup final. Sri Lanka are surprise gainers, up to fourth place despite their non-involvement in the Champions Trophy, overtaking both Pakistan and South Africa. Overall, India have enjoyed a 23-1 record in ICC events since the 2023 ODI World Cup, a terrific tournament performance that has helped them maintain their grip on the two limited overs formats.
