Hardik Pandya revealed the reason behind his rest

Hardik Pandya, the Indian All-rounder has been rested for the first two test against Srilanka last week with stating workload as an reason for the rest by the selectors and a statement said by BCCI is that the decision has been taken with consultation of the team management.

But Hardik Pandya though revealed that he had requested for the rest, since he has been suffering with some niggles and said he wants to play when he feels 100% fit.

"To be honest, I asked for it, because my body was not alright," he told CNN-News 18. "I want to play cricket when I'm totally fit and I'm giving my 100% and I was not able to give that because of a few niggles here and there, which is bound to happen because of the amount of cricket which I have played over this one year."

The allrounder has been part of the all matches since the Champions Trophy, India have played during the time period. While Pandya said he hadn't played so much  Cricket in such a short time, earlier to his debut, where he played just handful full of first class games and List A games.

"I have played 30 ODIs, 25 T20Is and three Test matches in one-and-a half-years," he said. "I have not played this much cricket in my total cricketing career in such a short time. As an allrounder, it's difficult. I do my bowling, I do my batting, I do fielding as well, and managing my workload is very important right now because I have not played much cricket in my life."

Although, Pandya who got his desired rest said that he will utilise the time to improve on his fitness with training in the gym and added he wants to be super fit for the South African Series later in this year.

"I'm lucky that I got this rest. Actually, rest means I'm going to train in the gym and improve my fitness and again come back properly fit. I'm pretty excited for the South Africa series. I wanted that break to get super fit for the South Africa series and then I can bounce back quickly.”

While when asked about the criticism that followed after the announcement of his rest, Pandya said,"Let's be honest. It doesn't matter what they think. What matters is what the management thinks and what I think is important for me."

Starc opines the presence of Hazlewood will help him and Cummins

Mitchell Starc the Australian left-arm pacer praised his fellow bowler Josh Hazlewood, who according to him was a genius with line and lengths.

While Starc bagged two hat tricks in a match against Western Australia with cleaning up the tail twice in the match. But Starc played down his heroics to bring Josh Hazlewood into the spotlight, who according to him did the early damage to blast the top order.

"I think I was just used at the right times and cleaned up the tail against WA," he told reporters in Brisbane on Monday (November 13). "Josh (Hazlewood) was the one who blasted out the top order and Patty (Cummins) bowled really well in the middle."

Hazlewood played his first shield game of the season after being recovered from the back strain, and he was into the Test form after just over into the match as per Starc.

"He was straight back into his Test form after one over of Shield cricket," Starc said of Hazlewood. "He's a bloody genius with line and length, it allows Pat and I to be aggressive and that's how I bowl."

Starc pointed out the presence of Hazlewood in the bowling attack, which allows him and Pat Cummins to bowl fast and to be intimidated at the batsman.

"We can unleash from the other end, bowl as quick as we can and attack," he said. "He (Hazlewood) takes his wickets with line and length and Pat and I come in and try and blast teams out, try and attack the stumps and really intimidate."

When asked, whether he would replicate the Series like Johnson of previous Ashes, Starc said,"It doesn't have to be one guy who stands up if someone has a Mitchell Johnson-type series, fantastic.

"But if we win the Ashes it doesn't matter who gets all the wickets. I think we have an attack that is gelling well. Hopefully, we can stay together as a (bowling) group and do something special over the next few years.”

BCCI's commentators might fall in conflict of Interest

The Lodha committee recommendations are still in process to be applied in all areas, the conflict of interest is one of them and it is making some noise as few former players and officials have to give up income, and positions from other sources.

The latest conflict of interest has come up with BCCI’s commentators, whether they are entitled to write sponsored columns and to participate in sponsored award programmes.

If those cases arise in a conflict of interest according to the Lodha committee recommendations, former players like Gavaskar, Murali Karthik, and Sanjay Manjrekar, alongside Cricket expert Harsha Bhogle, have to give up their additional income sources.

“The contracts between the BCCI and its commentators should be examined to see if they permitted BCCI commentators to 1) write sponsored columns for newspapers, and or 2) participate in sponsored awards/ rating programmes,'said a Top BCCI official.

Referring to that merry conflict of interest a Top BCCI official pointed out a similar case, where a physiotherapist with the Indian women's team had to quit her job because her brother is an official with a state association.

“As per the Lodha Committee guidelines on conflict of interest, those employed with the BCCI can't have another source of income. We've become very strict with conflict of interest issues - recently, a physiotherapist with the Indian women's team had to quit her job because her brother is an official with a state association. The CoA will have a look at their contracts, but the final call on this issue will be taken by a Supreme Court-appointed Ombudsman, as and when he's appointed by the apex court," a top BCCI official said on Sunday as per quoted by TOI.

Ganguly opines Dhoni to play T20Is differently

Ms.Dhoni’s future in T20Is has come under the scanner in recent times, a few former players opined Dhoni should quit T20Is. But there were equal amount backing too, came, to counter the criticism.

While Ganguly the former Indian captain expressed his opinion on the Captain cool. According to Ganguly, the approach of the wicketkeeper-batsman has to change, to continue in T20Is.

"His record in T20I is not that good compared to ODIs. Hope Kohli and team management will speak to him separately. He has immense ability. If he approaches T20Is differently, then he will be successful," said Ganguly.

Although the former captain backed Dhoni in One Day Cricket, where he feels, there is a lot to offer from the wicketkeeper Batsman.

"Definitely not for One-dayers. I think he should keep playing One-day cricket, but he has to play differently in T20Is. He has to play T20Is freely. It depends on the selectors and how they would like to play him," Ganguly said as per quoted by NDTV.

While speaking on Hardik Pandya, who has been rested for the Test Series against Sri Lanka, Ganguly said,"I'm surprised. I don't know if he's injured. He has played only three Tests... This is the age to play. I don't know the exact reason. Hope he's fit.”

Meanwhile, the Test Series against Sri Lanka will begin on November 16 at Eden Gardens, so with  Allrounder Hardik Pandya out of the Series, India might have to change their combination for sure. And with the first Test at Eden Gardens, India might not go with 3 spinners according to Ganguly.

"India won't play with three spinners, definitely not at the Eden Gardens as the pitch here is different. They will play with two spinners and now since they don't have Hardik Pandya they may have a different combination for the all-rounders slot."

Ponting thinks Cartwright will be the man at six

The No.6 spot in the Australian team is all up for grabs, and it seems a million dollar question to solve for many,  but it is not for the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who thinks Cartwright deserves the spot in the middle.

There is a reason for Ponting to stick with Cartwright, who wants a proper batsman at No.6 and a few overs here and there will be a bonus. Adding to that Ponting also made deliberate attempt to stick with Cartwright, who averages 50 in first class Cricket, despite his pair in the current shield games.

"I think it's going to be hard for them (the selectors) not to pick Cartwright," Ponting told cricket.com.au."He averages 50 in first-class cricket, none of the other guys (in the running for the number six berth) around the country are doing that.

"I know he got a pair in the last Shield game, but he also played the last Test in Australia, in Sydney last year.”

While referring to Cartwright's selection in the previous season against Pakistan, Pointing said, "So someone is seeing something there. I thought it was a shock selection when he got picked in Sydney last year, but maybe that was a bit of an audition for what this summer looks like.”

"So unless something extraordinary happens this week in this last round of Shield games, then I think Cartwright will be the man at six."

Bayliss hopes the batting really kicks off in the Tests

Trevor Bayliss England's head coach urged his batsman to score more runs, to be well prepared for the Ashes, as none of the batsman scored a hundred in the warm-up games.

Pointing on the scoring, Bayliss expressed his disappointment, as England accumulated a batting Collapse once again, which has been the norm for the visitors in the longer format for a while now. But Bayliss hoped the batting kicks off well by the time, the main event kicks off.

"Sixties aren't enough," Bayliss said. "We need 160s.

"Batting collapses have been a concern for us for a little while. We have games like that, where we lose wickets like that, and it is a concern. The batsmen realise they have got to do better and they are working hard to do that.

"By all accounts the wicket in Townsville is a pretty good one. It's quite flat. Hopefully that will help our batters make some big scores. Not just spend time in the middle, but make 100s. That's definitely what we will need throughout this Test series.

"It would be great if we could have some hundreds, that's for sure. Obviously once the Test series comes around, the intensity of that competition, hopefully that really kicks our batters into gear,” Bayliss said as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

While Bayliss was happy to see an improved bowling show, in the second warm-up game, and also said Jake Ball will be fine to play the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

"We got our lengths a lot better here," Bayliss said. "In Perth, we bowled a lot of half-volleys and a lot of long-hops. In this match, we got the lengths better and put pressure on the opposition.

"Jake is fairly confident. It is possible he could be fit for the game in Townsville but we will probably rest him there and make sure that he is right for selection for that first Test. He should be fine in seven to 10 days.”

Bayliss speaking on the tour squads so far in the warm-up games, felt they were pretty weak but also agreed, as it is the norm across the world these days.

"It's just the way it is," he said. "Australians would say the same when they come over to England. Some of the county teams are full of second XI players. Both sides would love to come across a stronger outfit to really be tested out. But you go round the world and it's the same everywhere."

Karunarante believes both Ashwin and Jadeja are hungry for wickets

Karunarante the Sri Lankan opening batsman, who has been the vital cog of Lankan batting line-up in recent times, opined having a Gameplan against Aswin and Jadeja might be helpful to put the spin duo under pressure.

Having been played against Ashwin, and Jadeja in recent times, Karunaratne, definitely has known a thing or two about the spin duo and he is expecting some basic stuff.

"I know Jadeja and Ashwin are both hungry for wickets. Every time they bowl it's about sticking to the basics. If I don't give them any chance, they will try to do something else. If we need them to change the field you have to do something extra.

"That's my game plan... I wait for the loose ones and I will stick to that. If it does not work I will think out of the box and give some extra pressure to the bowlers,” Karunaratne told reporters after day one of their tour match against Board President's XI.

Karunaratne was vital for some fight shown by Lankans, in patches, a few months ago, when India toured Sri Lanka. His 141 in the second Innings in Colombo may not have saved the match for his team, but he believes the Innings had given him the confidence, to take it into Pakistan Series.

"That hundred helped me a lot to take some confidence to Pakistan. It's not easy wicket to bat in second innings. I was determined to get some runs especially against Ashwin, their wicket-taking bowler on that pitch.

"I was thinking to play first five overs without big shots. I realised it's not easy. I played a lot of sweep and reverse sweeps and they had to change the field position.

"That's my style, to play in my comfort zone and not go for anything else. That's key and I can bat longer period. that's my game plan."

While when asked about the pace duo Shami, and Umesh, were the go-to quick's for Virat, Karunaratne said,"I played them in the last series. I have a few plans and I know what they're going to do with me. I've prep well. I will stick to that plan, if it needs to be changed I will go and do it."

Meanwhile, Lankans have started their preparation for the big test, as their batsman scored some runs under the belt against Board of president's XI. Karunaratne, who scored 50 off 60 balls pointed out the absence of left-arm spinner.

"They didn't give us left-arm spinners. It's not easy I know they will definitely play with Jadeja, and maybe Kuldeep to go alongside Ashwin."

Great players like Dhoni decide their own future - Shastri

Ms. Dhoni has been in the news off late for some time now, whenever he fails to take the team over the line, the question always pops up about his strike rate in T20I Cricket. And, the second T20I against New Zealand is a great example of it.

Dhoni may have scored 49 off 37 balls in Rajkot, but early in his Innings, Dhoni scored only at a run a ball, and that didn't help the team as when Dhoni scored rapidly the match was out of the grasp.

Whatever the hype of criticism followed him, Dhoni got the backing from Indian captain earlier as he termed “ it's unfair to target Dhoni.” And now the Captain cool also had the backing of the present Coach Ravi Shastri, who lashed out all criticism saying,” great players like him decide their own future.”

"Looks like there are a lot of jealous people around, who just want Dhoni to have a couple of bad days. There are a few people who are waiting to see the end of MS Dhoni. But great players like him decide their own future, “Shastri said to Anandabazar Patrika.

"It [criticism] doesn't make a difference to me. In our mind we know where Dhoni stands within the team. He is an ultimate team man. He was a great leader and now an ultimate team man."

While Shastri, who was on television not long ago louded about the fact that questions being raised on Television when the match was running on air and said great players like Dhoni will always become a topic.

"Not so long ago I used to do television and people used to ask me questions. You need to answer questions to make a show happen. Dhoni is a superstar. He is one of our greatest cricketers. When you have a career as glorious as that, you become a topic on television."

I don't think ICC has the power to pursue BCCI - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram the Pakistani left-arm pacer has lashed out at ICC, for its inability to make a deal between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan for a bilateral Series.

The issue was around for a while now, Pakistan Board has tried it's best to make a deal with India in assistance of ICC, but the political tension between the nation's meant, there is no way the bilateral ties gonna Settle in near future.

While Akram says, sports and politics are two different things to handle at once and felt, that ICC doesn't have the power to pursue BCCI.

"I don't think ICC has the power to pursue BCCI, but again I have always said people-to-people contact is necessary. Politics and sport should be kept separate," Akram was quoted as saying by Geo TV.

Meanwhile, Akram made an imperative claim saying, an India-Pakistan match draws more attention than that of Ashes, where he draws the comparison of viewers between the two clashes.

"A Pakistan-India match is more fun to watch than the Ashes. Twenty million people watch the Ashes while a Pakistan-India match is watched by a billion people," emphasized Akram.

India and Pakistan played there last bilateral Series back in 2012-13 in India, since then the rival nations only participated in ICC events and in Asia Cup.

Although, there has been a  new ODI league coming up in 2020, where each of Top  13 teams should play each other in bilateral Series, and it will be interesting to see whether that push the arch-rivals to tie up.

Everything has changed since World Cup - Mithali Raj

If ever a film made on Women's Cricket that would have two parts, one is before 2017 World Cup, and the other would be after World Cup 2017. That's how the recent Women's World Cup changed perspectives of people around the world and especially in India.

While Indian Cricket captain Mithali Raj’s life was not so different as people started to recognize her wherever she goes these days.

“Life has become quite busy as everywhere we go, people recognise us. Everyone is curious to know about the journey of a woman cricketer. They are keen to know how difficult it was to take up the game as a woman, as people are usually into watching the men’s cricket in our country. Seeing women’s cricket do so well was refreshing and it has generated a lot of curiosity about women’s cricket.”

Mithali Raj says everything has changed since the World Cup and Credited BCCI. As Women's Cricket in India changed from facilities to contacts for Players, ever since BCCI taken over.

“Everything has changed, only that I am still playing cricket. In 1999, I did not have a penny to spend. I still remember that my dad had to buy my kit and arrange for my travel. I didn’t have kit sponsorship for long. But today, I don’t have to run for sponsorship now. Under BCCI, we are under central contract and that takes care of most of our things,” said Mithali as per quoted by The Statesman.

“Facilities have always been there since the time Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took over women’s cricket in their fold. Yes, money has definitely come into play after the World Cup.”

Mithali Raj said, she was quite surprised by the adulation the team received, after arrival in India and she points, the role of BCCI, and Matches being televised as two major factors for this change from 2005.

“Yes, we never expected the kind of adulation we got when we came back to India. It was a surprise,” said Mithali.

Mithali added,“I never thought that people would appreciate our performance to this level. I thought it will be the same usual stuff that we had experienced in 2005. We had been in a similar situation then when we were the runners-up. But at that time things were a bit different. We weren’t under the BCCI then and the matches were not televised. So I think these two factors have definitely added to our popularity. Now people recognise us even at the shopping malls and they have only good things to tell.”

Hardik Pandya rested for Sri Lankan Test Series

Hardik Pandya the Indian all-rounder has been rested from the Sri Lanka Test series, which is due to start on November 16. Although, Pandya was in the 16 member squad that announced earlier in October.

While the decision came after the team management made a reservation about Pandya's workload. As the all-rounder was part of all limited overs and Tests since Champions Trophy in June.

Pandya made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Gallie, in the first test of the 3-match Series and was part of the all 3 Tests on the Island.

Pandya was rested not just considering his workload in the past, but also considering the future away tours, where the all-rounder has to play a bigger role.However, there isn't any replacement made in the squad.

Test runs never come easy - Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara, the Indian dependable at No.3 in the longer format, who is currently playing the Ranji Trophy as part of his preparation for the Sri Lanka Series as opened up on few aspects on upcoming Series.

India set to tour South Africa in December, is considered as the high profile series for the team. While referring to that, Pujara hoped the Sri Lankan series will lay an ideal platform for the South African series.

“Obviously, next year's South Africa series is something that is there at the back of my mind. The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be a good opportunity to prepare for the South Africa assignment. I am confident of doing well," Pujara told PTI during an interaction.

Although Pujara was quick to point out, the main preparation for the South African Series will begin after the Sri Lankan Series, but also said the series against Sri Lanka allows the team to plan and strategize for South Africa tour.

"The main preparation will certainly start closer to the series. But I believe once we assemble to play the Test series against Sri Lanka, there will be some serious discussions on the South African tour. There will be strategies and plans in place."

While when asked about the challenging conditions in South Africa, where pace and bounce rule the roost, Pujara said,“Like every series, I will be doing my own homework. There are a few areas that I will like to work in the nets before the series. Those are very specific things but it will be unfair to reveal them as that's a part of the strategy."

Meanwhile referring to the Sri Lankan tour a few months ago, Pujara accepted the Sri Lankan bowling was not the best at that time, but added, Test runs won't come easy.

"I agree that during the last series, Sri Lanka's bowling attack may not been one of the best but Test runs never come easy. You have to fight for every run that you score in longer format.

"Also every series is a new series. Your intensity does not change according to the opposition you play. Sri Lanka is also an international side and you have to give them the same respect like any other team," said the 29-year-old.

This will be a challenging series for us - Chandimal

Sri Lanka set for a big Challenge of the year, as they take on India in India, they may have played against India a few months ago in the island, but playing in India against India will offer an even bigger challenge to handle for them.

Lankans were swept clean by India across formats during the tour, and it seemed like only one-way traffic as Lankans never recovered. But, the way Lankans fought against Pakistan, in UAE in a 2-match test series - felt like, they rediscovered their potential in the longer format.

Although, India gonna be different a challenge, with the way they dominated the visiting teams for a couple years.

“We all know India are No. 1 team at the moment. They have played some really good cricket in last two years. We have done really well against Pakistan. We did well as a team. I am sure guys are looking forward to take this challenge," Chandimal said, in a media interaction as per quoted by India Today.

While Chandimal wants to be optimistic about the fact that they have won the series in Pakistan and said he is looking forward to the challenge against India in India.

“This will be a challenging series for us. It's nice to be here with the spectators, we love to play here. I don't want to look back but look forward. We have done well versus Pakistan. The boys are in a good shape and we look forward to take the challenge against India.”

Meanwhile, the history isn't in favor of the visitors as they yet to register a test victory against India, and in the present squad apart from Mathews and Herath none of them played a test match in India including Chandimal, who has been around for a while.

“We have never won a Test in India, it's a dream for everyone. This is a first game we are playing in Kolkata. It's always a pleasure playing in front of Kolkata spectators. We need to start well as a team and looking forward."

"This is my first Test tour to India. Apart from Angelo (Mathews) and Rangana (Herath), others having a first tour here in India. It's really good challenge for each and everyone."

The main challenge for Lankans on this tour will be, to counter the spin twins Ashwin and Jadeja, who are No.1 and No.2 in the world, and speaking on that, Chandimal revealed they have plans to tackle the spin twins.

"They are Nos 1 and 2 in the world. They bowled really well the last couple of years. I don't want to tell our plans in front of you. But we have something up our sleeves. You will see our plans in one week's time and what are we going to do against them.”

West Indies Unlikely to tour Pakistan

West Indies, who are set to tour Pakistan for 3 T20Is late in November, are now backed away from the prospect of a series in Pakistan as some of the West Indian senior players reluctant to tour.

The news came from a source saying, the West Indian senior players like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo were reluctant to be part of the tour if it goes ahead.

“Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies Board spoke to them. Seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead," one source said as per quoted by NDTV.

Not just the senior Players, but the West Indies Players Association also raised concern about the security in Pakistan, despite being the reports sent by ICC security company.

The source added,"Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, this situation will cost Pakistan, despite being hosted World XI in September and a lone T20I against Sri Lanka in October.

"But apparently even the World Eleven and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players," the source said.

Although there isn't any official confirmation about the tour, as neither PCB nor WICB confirmed it. But there were also reports about the smog in Lahore, which is unlikely to produce a clear weather, as a reason for postponing the tour.

Gavaskar feels Bunrah and Chahal are ready for longer format

Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal have been the two bankable bowlers for Virat Kohli in recent times, and the decider games against the Kiwis in ODIs and T20Is are a few samples of that, to reflect on. Speaking on the duo, the former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar opines both bowlers are ready for the longer format.

Gavaskar was all in praise for the duo, who were the products of IPL, where the journey started for both bowlers. Gavaskar was more detailed about explaining, on how the duo used the IPL experience, to bowl for a particular batsman.

“They were fantastic. They have been absolutely terrific. They had brought all their IPL experience into play, they know exactly where to bowl, to which batsman what line to bowl, what deliveries to bowl and yes, there will be that odd over when they will go for runs but they come so strongly. That tells you about their (Bumrah and Chahal) big heart as well. Take punishment and then to come back and bowl deadly overs,” quoted Sunil Gavaskar to NDTV.

While Gavaskar was optimistic about the duo making it into the Test side, as both possess the attributes to be successful in the longer format. With the overseas tours lining up like South Africa, Australia, and England Gavaskar feels the duo are ready for the next challenge.

“Both these bowlers have been quite outstanding and I do believe that the way they are bowling they should also be considered for the red ball format which is the Test format. Particularly, I think both of them. Bumrah for example, you know in South Africa, Australia and England he will be quite a handful with the pace and with the accuracy that he has and Chahal as well, the way he has been tossing the ball up to the odd batsman, getting the ball to turn and grip, I think both of them are ready for red ball cricket,” Gavaskar conceded

Warner can take the game away from you quickly - Broad

England pacer Stuart Broad praised the Australian Vice-captain David Warner, for, what he brings onto the table in the field. He also, pointed out Warner's wicket in the Australian team is crucial for them in the Ashes.

David Warner, who known to be the destructive batsman upfront, can take away games out of oppositions grip very quickly, so Broad is well aware of that fact, and said the best chance to get Warner out is upfront with the new ball.

"I think someone like Warner you've got to try bowl a lot of balls at him with the new ball, because it's your best chance of getting him out," he told the Sydney Morning Herald Thursday."(But) you have to have a plan B, and with someone like Warner you have to go to plan B quicker than a lot of other batters."

While Broad also aware of what David Warner brings onto the field, who drives the team forward with engaging in constant banter with the opposition batsman to fire up the bowlers.

"Someone who if he's in the field, will stay in the battle, looking someone in the eye all the time, keep his bowlers moving ... someone who can take the game away from you quickly."

Broad also knows what to expect, when he gets wrong against Warner and said,”The sort of guys who spur you on. You know that if you get it wrong to him he can hurt you, but it's also extremely exciting if you get him out."

Meanwhile speaking on Steve Smith, who has grown up the ladder in recent times with the bat, Broad said,"He's got huge scoring areas from straight, so I think we have to look for his outside edge up until day three. And then if the pitches start going slightly up and down or crack like the Gabba can do ... you can bring lbw in."

Laxman calls time for Dhoni in T20Is

Following India's 40-run defeat in Rajkot, in the second T20I against New Zealand on Sunday, the former Indian batsman VVS Laxman raised questions on Ms.Dhoni's presence in Indian T20 team.

The comments came after Dhoni's poor showing to rotate strike early in his Innings. With India at 63/4 in the 10 over, Dhoni walked into the crease and accumulated more balls with hardly rotating the strike, where India required to go at more than 11 an over.

It not only affected him, but also Virat at the other end who, had to take all the responsibility to go big. At a point, the required rate crept beyond 15, Dhoni struggled, to come better against Kiwis well-laid plans and that made Virat go after everything, who in the process departed.

“In T20s, MS Dhoni's role is at No 4. He requires more time to get his eye in and then do the job. But today [Saturday] was a classical example because when Virat Kohli was batting, Dhoni had to give strike to Kohli. Kohli's strike rate was 160, MS Dhoni's strike rate was 80. That's not good enough when India were chasing a mammoth total,” said Laxman in the post-match analysis.

While it's common to be known, Dhoni takes time to settle into the innings, but it affected India when they had to get at higher run-rates. And, the former batsman, believes it's time for Dhoni to walk away from T20Is.

“I still feel it's time for MS Dhoni to give youngsters a chance in T20 format. It will be an opportunity for a youngster to blossom and get confidence playing international cricket. He is definitely an integral part of ODI cricket,”

Kiwis bounced back with fighting spirits

New Zealand came back hard in the second T20I in Rajkot to level the series one all, as Colin Munro's entertaining century set the tone for the visitors, alongside followed a clinical bowling performance.

Not the just the result flipped in Kanpur but also the performance by India, as they dropped Colin Munro trice in the Innings. So was the case with openers of India, as they fell cheaply to Boult. While, in the bowling apart from B & B, the others had a contrasting day.

Mohammad Siraj has handed a debut in place of retired Nehra, while Kiwis, who won the toss, made 3 changes bringing in Tom Bruce, Phillips, and Adam Milne.

The debutant had a match, that, he has to forget soon or later, as both Kiwi openers targeted him hitting through the line putting him under pressure. Although Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah haven't given any easy runs, the Kiwi openers pondered on others to the cleaners.

It started with Siraj up front, but the real distraction began when Guptill lofted Chahal down the ground in his opening over. Munro joined Guptill to take the aggressor role after the powerplay, and Munro just stood his ground, powered his hands through the ball to clean the boundaries.

As doing so, he has also given chances to India, but Indian fielders failed to collect any one of them, which included 3 catches and a run-out, where the game turned on its head. Munro on top of those, went on, to score a century.

At the end, Kiwis seemed to get around 220-230, but  Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah had pulled the things back to keep Kiwis under 200.

Meanwhile, India with chasing a target of 197, haven't had a great start with both openers Dhawan and Rohit fell in Boult’s first over. But, in came Iyer at No.3 as a surprise played his shots and seemed in a great nick.

Although some how, Iyer slowed down into the Innings as he found at the non-strikers too often and that appetite forced him to go big, where he missed on a couple of occasions, finally mistiming a slower one from Munro.

Pandya, at No.5, couldn't stay at the crease for long, as he was undone by a googly from Ish Sodhi. But Virat, who came in at No.4 played his shots irrespective of what happened around him and made the scorecard moving.

While, at the other end, Dhoni struggled to rotate the strike, as the Kiwi spinners employed a plan, not to pitch it full for him. And that plan led, to increase the required rate, Virat had done what he can, but there was not enough support from Dhoni to keep up with the rate.

At the end, Virat had no choice but to go after everything, in this process, he dismissed with trying to loft a short of a length ball from Santner. Later the required rate only peaked as Dhoni's late fire couldn't stop anything.

Mark Stoneman looking forward to the banter from Aussies

Mark Stoneman, England's opening batsman, is eager for the verbal banter that Australia gonna exploit, in the five-match test series of prestigious Ashes.

Mark Stoneman, has to be the 12 man to open-up the Innings with Alastair Cock since the retirement of Andrew Straus. Stoneman made his way into the Ashes squad after his handy knock in the home season against West Indies.

Although Mark Stoneman hasn't done as well as he should, to retain the opening slot: who averaged only 30 with his solidarity half century. But, Stoneman has been regarded highly in the domestic circuit, and his experience playing in Australia stands as the major factors for the 30-year-old, selection.

“I‘m quite looking forward to it, see what the sledgers have got for us,” said Stoneman, as per quoted by Cricket World, who will be seen in a tour game against Western Australia XI on Saturday.

The chemistry with Cook

The new opener may have only opened with Cook for short while during the West Indies series, but, says Cook reads him well.

”It has only been a short while but I think he reads me quite well, too, from the other end as to whether he needs to give me a gee up or make me crack a smile.

“He’s quite funny actually. All the time that I only ever saw him on the telly he just looked like a guy who was very calm, but you can have a bit of banter with him and he judges the mood quite well.”

Anderson believes setting the tone upfront will be crucial to reatin the Ashes

James Anderson, England's highest wicket-taker, in the longer format, believes setting the tone up front in the Ashes will be crucial for England to defend the title.

Since, the last Ashes in Australia, both teams have gone through the phase of transition with most players, who played crucial roles were retired and Anderson points about the inconsistency both teams had since then.

“Both teams have gone through a transitional phase over the last two years,” said Anderson as per quoted by Cricket World.”Both teams have started to show signs of real quality I think but have also been pretty inconsistent, so it is going to be about whoever starts well.”

The Gabba challenge

But setting the tone upfront in Brisbane not gonna be easy for England, as Australia haven't lost a test there since 1988, but Anderson is optimistic about the fact, getting a result will boost their chances to retain the Ashes.

“The Gabba has been a bit of a fortress for Australia, they’ve not lost there since 1988 so coming away from there with a result - whether it is a draw or a win - I think is important to how the series will go.”

Adapting to Conditions

Meanwhile, for England bowlers, it's all about adapting to the conditions in Australia, where pace and bounce dictate terms unlike to England's swing.

“I think the same things apply as they do in England.The biggest adjustment for me is that it is not going to swing as much, so finding other ways of getting wickets is important for myself.

“Generally though, the pitches are similar to in England. You might get a little bit more bounce and potentially a little bit less grass on them but generally, they’re not that much different.”

Time for New Zealand to raise the game

No one expected it's coming, neither New Zealand nor India, for a one-sided contest in Delhi -  considering the potential shown by the visitors in the ODIs. But it has to be it, as India haven't done a thing wrong, and New Zealand the other way around.

The gap seemed a long way, as the quality of performance between the teams nowhere near. The combination with which India came up, surprised everyone and it worked a lot well for them. But if New Zealand, had held onto the catches early on, it might have been interesting with India a batsman short, and, that, what the visitors have to do it right, to put the hosts under pressure.

Although Latham proved to be a success story in ODIs, the T20Is offer him altogether new challenge to turn the gears quickly. With Williamson at 3 and Taylor at 4, who was not a regular feature these days in T20Is, New Zealand expect a lot from their openers.

Adding to those, the visitors seemed a bowler short as De Grandhomme flattered alongside their regular quicks, but spinners were amazing even with the dew. So, was Indian spinners, but pacers had set the tone early on. And it has to be bowlers once again to take the home as Rajkot promises a belter.

Team News

New Zealand

            The visitors can't imagine better pacers in the squad to come with brilliance, as they went on with their best. Considering the batting, they need some firepower to distract the Indian bowling attack, but it has to be seen if it is  Tom Bruce.

Playing XI:1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor/ Tom Bruce, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Tim Southee

India

          The captain said the new combination allows them few extra overs under the sleeve. And if they go with the same perspective Mohammad Siraj will get his maiden opportunity to represent the country, in place of Nehra.

Playing XI: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 MS Dhoni(wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed Siraj

Pitch and Conditions

              Rajkot offered pretty flat surfaces so far in its entirety, and on Saturday it won't be any different, and it will be, another hard work at the night for the bowlers with added dew.

All eyes on retention policy ahead of franchise's meeting

The contracts of players in IPL, which are expired last season are set to go under the hammer for the upcoming season. So the focus now is heavily on the retentional policy, that, which would alter or remain the same, after the forthcoming meeting with the franchise owners on November 21 in Mumbai.

The previous auction of IPL was taken place back in 2014, where the contract lasted four seasons between 2014-2017. While in 2014, the retentional policy allowed to retain 5 players for each franchise. But now, the retention policy is under the scanner, to alter the number of players to be retained by a franchise.

“The retention policy would be there in all possibility. This is what the majority of franchises want. The only issue we need to thrash out is the number of players who can be retained. We need to work out whether it would be three or five players. For this very purpose, we have called the meeting of franchise owners on November 21 in Mumbai”, said, a top BCCI official as per quoted by TimesofIndia.

Addition to the retention policy, from now on, a player is allowed, to join the auction pool, if he is not satisfied by the offer made by the franchise to retain him.

“The players would be given the option to decide over continuing with respective franchises or joining the auction pool. It will depend solely on them. Even if a franchise decides to open up its purse for a particular player, it can’t do so against his wishes. If a player has made up his mind to go under the hammer, no one can stop him. He will stay back only if he’s satisfied with the new offer his franchise is making,” the official added.

Meanwhile, with Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat are out of IPL, the players from these franchises are set to be retained by the incoming CSK and RR,“The first preference would always remain with RR and CSK. The IPL GC had been clear about it from the beginning. But if these players want to go to the auction pool, then these two franchises can’t do anything about it,” he concluded.

Adam Gilchrist opnines it's unfair to compare Virat and Ponting's captaincy

Adam Gilchrist, the former Austrian Wicketkeeper opined, it's unfair to compare the captaincy of Virat and Ricky Ponting, who were two Players of a different era.

“I don’t think it is right to compare Virat Kohli’s captaincy with Ricky Ponting’s captaincy. We shouldn’t compare players of different eras. But Virat has got his own style, he is aggressive. His team seems to be inspired by that and look he is getting results,” he said.

While the Wicketkeeper-Batsman is in all praise for the aggressive Captain, who drives the team with passion on and off the field. But said, the real challenge for the Indian captain will come when the team tours overseas, where conditions will be different from sub-continent.

“But again his captaincy will get under closer scrutiny when he is playing under conditions that aren’t suited to his team and he needs to make big and tactical decisions on how to get through difficult times. I am sure he’ll have great confidence in getting through that. So, that’s how he will be judged. I have been very impressed with the passion with which he leads his team,” he said.

“India is a very strong side, particularly in their home conditions. They have got quality spin bowling, they have got pace bowling options. Their batting has really performed well here. But I think the teams are judged on how they perform overseas. So, I think they already have an eye towards the South Africa tour,”

Hazlewood wants fifth bowling option in the Ashes

Josh Hazlewood, the Australian pacer who has returned from rehabilitation after suffering a side strain in Bangladesh, pointed out, a fifth bowling option in the final Playing XI in the Ashes would be helpful.

With the recent history of injuries to their fast bowlers, there is definitely a need for a fifth bowling option to share the workload. While the No.6 spot in the Australian team has been up for the grabs, but there isn't any clarity who will make up the squad.

There are contenders, like Moises Henriques, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh and Cartwright, if the selectors prefer an All-rounder rather than an extra batsman at No.6, and the next two rounds of the shield games will decide, who will grab the opportunity.

"It's always nice having that allrounder to maybe bowl five or six overs throughout the day. I think the way Gaz has bowled over the last 12-18 months has been fantastic and he's been shouldering the workload if it does get put upon the quicks. But for balance you want runs and wickets from that No. 6 batter ... you could go either way, Hazlewood said as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Hazlewood, who’s rehabilitation taken more time than expected, has missed the first round of the shield game for NSW and, now he will be part of the stateside for the next two rounds. But Strac and Pat Cummins won't be part of the third round as they were part of first round.

"The other guys played last week and this week and I think they're having a rest for game three," Hazlewood said. "I'm playing game three since I missed the first one. It's a good build-up, two Shield games before the first Test, and hopefully get through the first Test as well. Ideally you'd want to play the same as Mitch and Pat, the first two, but I don't see it as much of a big deal, we'll just bowl a little bit less in the nets leading into it if we bowl a bit more in the game.

"It feels really good, it's got better every session from when I started bowling probably four or five weeks ago, it feels good now, nice and strong, so hopefully it stays that way. Very close to, if not, 100%."

Dew is part of the challenge - Williamson

New Zealand, lost their first T20I ever in the format against India in Delhi, which may have to change soon or later. But the way New Zealand lost was uncharacteristic from a team, which pride themselves a great deal on their fielding over the years.

While in Delhi, there were as many as 3 dropped catches from New Zealand, those included, two catches in the powerplay of the two opening batsman's, who went on score big. Alongside those, they also dropped Virat, who played a vital cameo at the end.

"We were outplayed in all the areas, fielding included, which is something we pride ourselves on and something we need to be much better at in Twenty20 cricket," Williamson said. "That made the difference as we saw today. That proved to be vital in a lot of ways. Guys went on to score big scores for their side in the Indian team, and 200 on that surface was a very big total."

But Kane Williamson was quick to point out that, the presence dew was not an excuse for dropped catches. As they were aware of the dew challenge earlier, and with a lot of players experienced to the kind dew in this part of the world over the years.

"They [these conditions] are tough to prepare for exactly but given the experience within our side we're certainly not using that as an excuse," he said. "Most of the time when you come here and play in the evening, there's dew as there is on a number of other grounds that guys have played at. Not going to sugarcoat it but we were below par and came up against a what is a very good Indian side that played very well in all the areas.

"It's hard to put your finger onto one thing [for catches going down]. Often, it's a flow and effect from other areas that perhaps aren't going so well. We were put under pressure with the ball, and I suppose that's the frustrating thing. But you do want to make a difference in the park when our bowlers were struggling against guys that were in good form and hitting the ball really well. That will be a focus for us. It's what we pride ourselves on. We were disappointing today in the park. Dew is part of the challenge. Guys have experienced dew many times, so, it's not an excuse. It's something that you're aware of and you need to adapt just like I suppose the batter on a surface that's going to be variable. Something we are aware of and need to be better."

So with that uncharacteristic fielding effort, New Zealand find themselves under the pump to win the next T20I to stay alive in the Series.

Bumrah changed our thought process - Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the former Indian all-rounder expressed his opinions on various features that Indian team had adopted and he also praised Bumrah, for changing the thought process on awkward bowling actions.

Ever since Bumrah made his debut for the national team, there has been a lot of talk about, how he can survive with his awkward bowling action, for a long span. But Bumrah, only grown up in stature in his short Career, so far, to become the leader of the attack in limited overs.

"He (Bumrah) is fabulous. When I saw Bumrah for the first time, I thought how would he play with such an awkward action. But this player has changed our thought process.And today we feel players with awkward action will play for their country for long," Kapil Dev said as per quoted by NDTV.

While speaking on, India's new fitness policy, Kapil backed Virat for setting minimum standards to consider for selection in the national team. And, he also added it will send a message to younger players, to maintain a certain level of fitness.

“Every captain has his thought process. This captain (Virat Kohli) has brought up an idea of fitness in the team and I think we should respect his decision," Kapil said.

"You may be very talented but if you can't take catches and save extra runs for the team, it is of no use. A minimum level of athleticism is required. Yo-Yo test is not something which a player can't clear.

"I was also a fitness freak and it will be unfair if I don't stand by it. I feel fitness to zaruri hai (fitness is important). The message that goes to youngsters is that you have to maintain a certain level of fitness. I support Virat in that," he said.

Meanwhile, Kapil Dev, who himself won many games to the country with his all-around abilities, hoped, the newfound all-rounder, Hardik Pandya will do better.

"The team management knows better. We can have views sitting outside but they know better. We all want Hardik Pandya to do better. Surely, the team management is thinking something good about him.”