Ben Stokes Vindicated As 'BazBall' Pays Off In Ashes Thriller

England captain Ben Stokes stuck to his guns despite criticism of his fearless 'Bazball' approach and feels vindicated after his side levelled the Ashes series on a dramatic final day. Australia were well-placed at 264-3, chasing a mammoth 384 to win, and even had they come away with just a draw, that would have been enough to secure a 2-1 series success. But instead they suffered a dramatic collapse after a lengthy rain delay on the fifth day at The Oval. 

Stuart Broad took the final two wickets as England won by 49 runs to pull level at 2-2.

England started the series against Australia confident their gung-ho approach would work even against the newly crowned world Test champions.

They had good reason to be upbeat, with an impressive record of 11 wins in 13 matches since Stokes had teamed up with coach Brendon McCullum, after whom Bazball is named.

From the moment Zak Crawley hit the first ball of the Ashes for four at Edgbaston, it was apparent England had no intention of changing their formula despite the challenge posed by Australia's pace attack.

But while the fans have thrilled to England's approach at packed grounds, Stokes has been criticised for not applying the brakes at crucial moments.

He raised eyebrows by declaring in the first innings of the first Test at Edgbaston when England were 393-8 with half an hour's play left, leaving Joe Root high and dry on 118 not out in a match they ultimately lost.

England were criticised for falling for Australia's hooking trap in the second Test at Lord's when they were well-placed to take control.

Ben Duckett bullishly came out and said the team did not regret taking on Australia's short-ball challenge, despite the disappointment of falling for 98.

"It's the way we play our cricket," he said. "If we went into our shells and got bombed out it would be totally against the way we play."

- 'Stupid cricket' -
But former England captain Michael Vaughan described it as "stupid Test match cricket".

Australia went on to win that match by 43 runs, despite Stokes's heroic 155 in England's second innings, to go 2-0 up in the series.

The home side won a nail-biter at Headingley by three wickets and would almost certainly have levelled the series at Old Trafford without a deluge in Manchester after Crawley's stunning 189 off 182 balls.

That would have set up the fifth and final Test at The Oval for a perfect conclusion, turning it into a one-match shootout.

A clatter of unnecessary wickets on Saturday meant Australia's target in London was less than it might have been but ultimately it did not matter as England roared back to win.

Stokes, speaking in the aftermath of victory, said England had been "very successful" with Bazball but he was not surprised to face pushback.

"Criticism is part and parcel of everything you do," he said. 

"But obviously the most important views and the most important opinions that we view and that I view as a leader are the opinions of the people around me, people who I'm trying to speak to to get the output that I seek. 

"When you see performances, particularly in this series, that's the vindication... the most important people you worry about are in your dressing room."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who suffered the pain of defeat against Australia, said he had been torn over the current side's approach.

"I have been in a quandary in this series," he told Sky Sports. "I see the bigger picture of wanting to entertain but I have also seen the historical picture of 'we used to get battered by this lot'.

"When you have an Australian down, keep them down. It is also about winning. Yes, entertain but win as well. England have just tightened it and got the right side of the line, to win and entertain." 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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"Didn't Lose Because...": Jadeja's Sharp Take On Kohli, Rohit's Absence

Ahead of the third ODI match and series decider against West Indies, Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja said that this is the only series where the Indian team can do experiments before the Asia Cup and World Cup. After WI clinched the second one-day game by 6 wickets to level the series to 1-1, India will play the final match of the three-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Tuesday. 

In the pre-match interaction, Jadeja said, “This is the only series before the Asia Cup and World Cup that we can do experiments and change the combination. We cannot do many experiments in the World Cup and Asia Cup." 

In the previous match, the Indian team was captained by Hardik Pandya as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not play the match. India went with a fresh opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. 

When asked about the exclusion of two key players from the previous match, Jadeja said, "We are trying different things and combinations as this is the time that we can try different batting orders."

"It is on management and the captain knows what combination they want to go with, so there is no confusion on this," he continued. 

Indian bowlers failed to defend a low target of 182 as West Indies Captain Shai Hope's 50 provided a 6-wicket victory to the Caribbeans in the second ODI of the three-match series in Barbados on Sunday. Ishan Kishan was the only half-centurion for India to guide the visitors to 181 in 40.5 overs. 

"We did not lose because we tried different combinations, sometimes we try something and the wicket conditions changed from the first half to the second half. One loss will not create confusion or doubt," Jadeja said. 

"I personally want to play as many games and every match teaches you something. But if team would request to see a new player then obviously I will do that. It is a team game," he further added. 

The Indian spinner praised West Indies' young side and said that they can learn from India to get better. 

"West Indies are a young team, they are learning, and they are getting better. The more they play, they will get better. They have a good talent. I am sure they will learn from the Indian team. They have a good future," Jadeja said. 

"Every player is working hard, no one is taking things for granted. Whenever they are given an opportunity, they are giving their 100%. These questions raise only when India loses. No one is arrogant," he concluded.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Sachin Tendulkar, R Ashwin's "Phenomenal" Praise For Retiring Stuart Broad

India's legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised English bowler Stuart Broad after he played his last Test match in international cricket at the Oval on Monday. Broad on Saturday announced that the ongoing fifth Test match of the Ashes series will be the last match of his international cricket career.

"A phenomenal career draws to a close. @StuartBroad8, your relentless spells and unwavering dedication will forever be etched in cricket's annals. A fitting end to your career. Enjoy the next innings!" Sachin tweeted. 

A phenomenal career draws to a close.@StuartBroad8, your relentless spells and unwavering dedication will forever be etched in cricket's annals. A fitting end to your career. Enjoy the next innings! pic.twitter.com/CqYcjUIaOb

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 31, 2023

Indian spinner R Ashwin also wished Broad a great future ahead.  

"Well done @StuartBroad8 on a wonderful career and wish u great last day at work #Ashes2023 #StuartBroad," Ashwin wrote in his tweet. 

Well done @StuartBroad8 on a wonderful career and wish u great last day at work #Ashes2023 #StuartBroad

— Ashwin  (@ashwinravi99) July 31, 2023

Broad has taken 604 wickets in 167 Test matches he has played. He has also scored 3656 runs at an average of 18 with 1 century and 13 fifties in Test cricket. He is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests and second for his side.

In ODIs, Broad has featured in 121 games taking 178 scalps. His best bowling effort in the 50-over format to date is 5/23 while in T20Is, he has 65 wickets in 56 matches, with his best being 4/24. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker for England in ODIs.Meanwhile, in the T20I format, he has played 56 matches and taken 65 wickets with an average of 22.93. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for England in the shortest format of the game.

He also was part of England's ICC T20 World Cup winning team in 2010.

Overall in 344 international games, he has taken 845 wickets, with the best figures of 8/15. He is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in international cricket. He also has 4,309 runs in international cricket at an average of 16.44, with one century and 13 fifties.

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"If I Were Board President...": Kapil Dev's Word Of Caution To BCCI

Team India has been facing severe criticism after their experiment to bench skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, miserably failed during the second ODI against West Indies. The visitors were led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya and were bundled out for just 181 runs. Later, West Indies comfortably chased down the target in just 36.4 over with six wickets in hand. 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has been critical about Team India's performance as the clock for the upcoming ODI World Cup is ticking.

The Rohit Sharma-led side will be aiming to end their decade-long ICC trophy drought in the ODI World Cup, which will be held in October in India. Speaking about the mega event, Kapil lashed out at the BCCI for preparing a tough schedule, which involves a lot of travelling. 

"I don't know. When you perform as good as that, it's the right board, nothing wrong. But the right board also needs to improve. If I show you the fixture I have seen today, India is playing 11 matches and the amount of travelling they have to do... who made that fixture? Now, how can I look after my team when they are playing in India?" said Kapil on The Week. 

"You are going to Dharamshala, then to Bengaluru, to Kolkata... playing in nine different places. Somebody asked me, and I said, 'If I were the board president, I would have a chartered flight for my team.' I want them to give their best performance on the field. These are the things the board has to do," he added. 

The ODI World Cup will kick-start from October 5 with England taking on New Zealand in the opening match in Ahmedabad. India will be playing their first match against Australia on October 8 in Chennai. 

Currently, Team India is preparing for the third and final ODI match against West Indies, which will be played on Tuesday. Following this, both the teams will be squaring off against each other in the five-match T20I series. 

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Prithvi Shaw Set For One-Day Cup Debut With Northamptonshire

Out-of-favour India opener Prithvi Shaw is headed to Northamptonshire for his maiden stint in the English county circuit. Shaw will make his debut for the county side on Friday against Gloucestershire in Cheltenham in the One-Day Cup. Shaw's arrival was delayed because of visa formalities as he could not play two four-day County Championship fixtures.

"It's a great opportunity for me and I'm really thankful to Northamptonshire for giving me this chance to express myself here," Shaw was quoted as saying in a media release.

"It's going to be amazing I think and I'm really looking forward to it." Shaw last played for India on the tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021, and was part of the squad for the T20Is at home against New Zealand earlier this year.

The Delhi Capitals batter had a woeful IPL 2023 campaign and was dropped midway through the competition. 

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Broad's Momentous 'Last Ball' Sees England Beat Australia, Draw Ashes 2-2

England beat Australia by 49 runs to win the fifth Test at The Oval on Monday and end the Ashes series all square at 2-2. Australia, chasing 384 to win, collapsed from 264-3 to 334 all out, with England's retiring paceman Stuart Broad taking the final wicket. England did the bulk of the damage when, after a rain break of more than two hours, they took four Australia wickets for 11 runs in 19 balls. Off-spinner Moeen Ali took three wickets on his way to innings figures of 3-76 and all-rounder Chris Woakes ended with 4-50.

Broad, England's all-time leading Ashes bowler, then polished off the tail. Australia, as the holders, had already retained the Ashes but they remain without an Ashes series win in England since 2001.

"It was absolutely wonderful," Broad told Sky Sports. "I thought Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set the tone absolutely unbelievably. 

"Woakesy picked up a couple of wickets, particularly Steve Smith, who has just been a wonderful player to play against all these years.

"Once we got a couple we really started to believe. The crowd were unbelievable. It was so loud and we just jumped on the back of that. To contribute to the team with two wickets is very special.

"When you make that decision you wonder what your last ball will be so to take a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool."   

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Watch: Fairytale End! Broad Dismisses Carey With Last Ball Of Test Career

England beat Australia by 49 runs to win the fifth Test at The Oval on Monday and end the Ashes series all square at 2-2. Australia, chasing 384 to win, collapsed from 264-3 to 334 all out, with England's retiring paceman Stuart Broad taking the final wicket.  Australia suffered a dramatic collapse in the last session, reduced to 294-8 as England's Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes ripped through their batting order at The Oval.  Rain kept the players off the field for about two hours before Australia, who as the holders have already retained the Ashes at 2-1 up, resumed on 238-3.

That still left the tourists needing 146 more runs to reach an imposing victory target of 384.

Steve Smith, dropped at leg gully by England captain Ben Stokes just before the interval, was 40 not out and left-hander Travis Head 31 not out.

The pair had extended their fourth-wicket stand to 95 when off-spinner Moeen, in what could be his last Test appearance, turned a ball out of the rough.

Head, on 43, tried to drive, with Joe Root holding a routine catch at first slip.

A fairytale ending for a legend of the game.

Broady, thank you #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RUC5vdKj7p

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2023

Australia then lost their star batsman when Smith, having completed an 89-ball fifty, fell for 54 when he edged an excellent full-length delivery from paceman Woakes to Zak Crawley at second slip.

And Australia fell to 274-6 when Moeen had all-rounder Mitchell Marsh brilliantly caught by diving wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Australia's collapse continued when Woakes and Crawley combined again to dismiss Mitchell Starc for a duck and captain Pat Cummins was next to go, caught by Stokes off Moeen for nine.

Earlier, Woakes removed Australia openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja in a dramatic burst of two wickets for one run in seven balls on an overcast morning and with a pitch freshened by rain.

Express quick Mark Wood then had Marnus Labuschagne caught in the slips for 13 to leave Australia 169-3.

England pace great Stuart Broad, who on Saturday made a shock announcement he would retire after the match, took up the attack as the 37-year-old sought to dismiss Warner for the 18th time in Tests.

But it was Woakes who made the breakthrough England desperately needed when a good-length ball, angled across Warner, nipped off the seam and took the outside edge to give Bairstow a simple catch.

Warner was out for 60 and it was not long before Khawaja, the leading run-scorer in the series, followed him.

Khawaja was lbw to Woakes for 72 after being caught on the crease in front of middle and leg stumps by a full-length delivery.

Wood then squared up Labuschagne with an 86 mph (138 kph) delivery that angled in and swung away to take the edge, with Crawley holding a fine low catch at second slip.

Stokes then gave Smith, who has scored three hundreds in five Tests at The Oval, a reprieve on the stroke of lunch after he gloved Moeen.

The ball looped to Stokes at leg gully, who grabbed it one-handed above his head. But as his arm came down, his hand clipped his leg and he dropped the ball.

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Pooran Breaks Internet With Match-Winning 55-Ball 137 In MLC Final

The inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket concluded on Sunday (Monday IST) with MI New York clinching the title against Seattle Orcas in Dallas. The brand MI continued to display its flawless cricketing skills as it added another trophy to its collection. Asked to bat first, the Orcas posted a good total of 183/9 in 20 overs with Quinton de Kock scoring 87 runs. However, the match turned upside down in the second innings as skipper Nicholas Pooran smashed a whopping total of 137 runs off just 55 balls and guided MI New York to victory by seven wickets.

Pooran's massive knock was laced with 13 sixes and 10 boundaries. The most memorable moment of the match came during the 16th over of MI's chase as the West Indies wicketkeeper thrashed Harmeet Singh for 24 runs. That over included a boundary and a stunning hat-trick of sixes. 

3 SIXES TO END THE LAST OVER OF THE POWERPLAY!

THIS IS SOMETHING SPECIAL, NICKY P!

8⃣0⃣/2⃣ (6.0) pic.twitter.com/pGRwHNz0nT

— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 31, 2023

NICHOLAS POORAN MADNESS.

0, 6, 6, 0, 0, 0, 1, 6, 6, 4, 6, 4, 1, 1, 4, 6, 6, 0, 6, 0, 0, 6, 0, 4, 4, 2, 0, 6, 0, 4, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 0, 1, 4, 0, 0, 0, 4, 0, 0, 0, 4, 6, 6, 6, 1, 2, 4

He came when MI New York was 0 for 1 then smashed 137*(55) with 10 fours & 13 sixes. pic.twitter.com/xwDPLVdGKC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 31, 2023

Nicholas Pooran playing a video game in MLC final....!!!!

69* from just 22 balls in the Powerplay with 9 sixes & 3 fours.

What a knock, Captain. pic.twitter.com/7tf2YPzCa1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 31, 2023

Nah man i have never seen this kind of hitting in any T20 cricket final. Nicholas Pooran you have rocked my world as a Mumbai Indians fan. pic.twitter.com/ynCXavWUMG

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) July 31, 2023

With this total, the MI skipper also became the highest run-scorer of the MLC 2023 with 388 runs to his name. His knock of 137* was also the highest individual score by any batter in the tournament. 

Notably, MI were one down for zero runs on the board during the chase. However, the skipper took the matter into his own hands and played a fearless innings to take his team to the inaugural title. 

Talking about the match, no other batter, apart from de Kock, was able to go past the 30-run mark for Seattle Orcas. The bowling duo of Trent Boult and Rashid Khan broke the backbone of Orcas' batting line-up, with their respective three-wicket hauls. Apart from them, Steven Taylor and David Wiese took one wicket each. 

Later, MI New York lost two wickets early as openers Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir departed for 0 and 10 runs respectively. However, it was Pooran who remained firm and played an extraordinary knock of 137 runs off 55 balls. Apart from him, Dewald Brevis and Tim David scored 20 and 10 runs respectively. 

For Seattle Orcas, Imad Wasim and Wayne Parnell scalped one wicket each. 

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"What Happened To Bumrah?: Kapil Dev Blasts BCCI, Top Stars In Fiery Rant

A true legend in Indian cricket, Kapil Dev isn't known to mince his words when it comes to sharing his opinions on raging topics in the Gentlemen's Game. The 1983 World Cup winner isn't a pleased man, having seen how Indian cricket has evolved over the last few years. With injuries to key players hurting the team's performances in mega events, Kapil questioned the commitments of Indian stars, suggesting they would not mind playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) with minor injuries but when it comes to doing the same for the national team, they would prefer to sit out.

In an interview with The Week, Kapil questioned the progression status of marquee pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of the Indian team for about a year. With the clock for the ODI World Cup already ticking, Kapil feels it would be a waste of time if Bumrah doesn't recover in time for the mega event.

"What happened to Bumrah? He started working with so much belief, but if he's not there (in World Cup semi-final/final)... we wasted time on him. Rishabh Pant... such a great cricketer. Had he been there, our Test cricket would've been better," Kapil said.

While Kapil feels that the IPL is a wonderful thing, he isn't happy to see players putting the T20 league above their international commitments.

"God is kind, it's not as if I never got injured. But today, they are playing 10 months in a year. Give a benefit of doubt to that, but everybody has to look after themselves. IPL is a great thing but IPL can spoil you also. Because, a little bit of injuries and you will play in IPL. A little bit of injuries, you won't play for India. You would take a break. I'm being very open about it," said the legendary all-rounder.

Kapil didn't even spare the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its poor management of the players' workload.

"If you have a small injury, you would play in IPL if it's an important game. At this stage, cricket board has to understand how much cricket they should play. That is the bottomline. If today, you have resources, money, but you don't have three or five-year calendars. There's something wrong with cricket board there," he further added.

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Shubman Gill Shatters Babar Azam's All-Time Record In 2nd ODI

The Indian cricket team went down to West Indies in the 2nd ODI on Sunday after a catastrophic batting collapse saw the team score only 181 runs. India's defeat in the match left a sour taste in the mouths of fans, especially considering the opening stand that Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan had put. In fact, during the course of his 34-run knock in the match, Gill went on to break Pakistan superstar Babar Azam's long-standing record.

Gill, courtesy of his 2nd ODI performance, went past Babar in the list of batters with the most number of runs after 26 innings in the 50-over format. Babar had 1322 runs to his name after the first 26 ODI innings. Gill, on the other hand, has 1352 runs. Joining the duo in the top 5 are England's Jonathan Trott (1303 runs), Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman (1275 runs) and South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen (1267 runs).

As far as the match is concerned, however, India put in a sorry performance with the bat, going from 90/0 to 181 all-out on Saturday.

West Indies captain Shai Hope played the sheet anchor role to perfection in taking his team to a series-levelling six-wicket victory over India in the second One-Day International of a three-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.

After his bowlers capitalised on a helpful pitch and an unconvincing India batting effort to dismiss their opponents for 181 off 40.5 overs, Hope's unbeaten 63 and the support of Keacy Carty (48 not out) in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 91 ended a nine-match run of defeats to India in ODIs spanning four years.

It was also a swift comeback in the wake of the Caribbean side's dispiriting five-wicket loss in the opening match at the same venue on Thursday and sets the stage for the series decider on Tuesday at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

With AFP inputs

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After 2nd ODI Win vs India, West Indies React To Fans "Free Rum" Tweet

Team India's hopes of sealing the fate of the 3-match ODI series against West Indies early were ruined after the hosts secured an unlikely win on Saturday. The Indian team, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rested for the game, West Indies put in a solid performance to chase down the target of 182 runs. As West Indies sealed the win, a fan's tweet went viral, even catching the attention of the hosts' board. West Indies decided to share the tweet, with an epic reaction.

The fan shared a picture which read: "Free Rum When West Indies Win". As the fan shared the tweet, West Indies quoted the tweet and said: "Brin the rum and come."

Bring the rum and come. https://t.co/taZfJvr9cv

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 29, 2023

As for the match, Indian bowlers failed to defend a low target of 182 as West Indies Captain Shai Hope's 50 provided a 6-wicket victory to the Caribbeans in the second ODI of the three-match series in Barbados on Sunday.

With this win, the West Indies levelled the series at 1-1.

Hope led from the front with 63* off 80 balls, with the support of Keacy Carty, who scored 48* off 65 balls.

Shardul Thakur picked up three wickets, conceding 42 runs. Apart from him, Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket.

Chasing a low total of 182 runs, the West Indies openers Brandon King and Kyle Mayers gave a solid start as they added 50 runs to the board in 8.1 overs.

Shardul Thakur brought India back to the game after his exceptional ninth over, in which he took two wickets. He cleared up Kyle Mayers at 36 with his back-of-the-length ball. Then, in the same over, Thakur dismissed Brandon King at 15 with his unplayable full-length ball.

Thakur again got a breakthrough, this time with Alick Athanaze (6) dismissed after a failed pull shot caught by Ishan Kishan.

Kuldeep Yadav, who was the 'Player of the Match' in the previous match, took his first wicket as he dismissed Shimron Hetmyer (9) with his googly.

West Indies finished off the chase in 36.4 overs.

With ANI inputs

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Australia Openers Start Strongly In Pursuit Of Ashes Glory Against England

Australia openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja hit unbeaten fifties as the tourists reached 135-0 on a rain-shortened Sunday in pursuit of a mammoth target of 384 runs to win the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval. They kept Stuart Broad waiting for a farewell wicket after the England fast-bowling great made a shock announcement on Saturday that he was retiring after the match. Warner was 58 not out and fellow left-hander Khawaja unbeaten on 69 when rain at 2:41 pm (1341 GMT) ended play on the fourth day. Australia need 249 more runs to complete a 3-1 series win and a first Ashes campaign triumph in England since 2001.

If Australia do manage to reach that target, it will be the eighth-highest fourth-innings total to win any Test and the second-highest in England, behind Australia's 404-3 at Headingley in 1948 when Arthur Morris made 182 and batting great Don Bradman an unbeaten 173.

It would also be a new ground record -- the highest successful fourth-innings chase in a Test at The Oval is England's 263-9 against their arch-rivals in 1902.

Fast-medium bowler Broad has dismissed Warner 17 times in Test cricket.

Neither he, nor the rest of England's pace attack were able to break through, however, before rain sent the players hurrying from the field, with a persistent downpour then ruling out any hope of a resumption later Sunday.

Warner, 30 not out at lunch, lofted England veteran James Anderson, who turned 41 on Sunday, straight back over the paceman's head for a resounding boundary.

Two balls later Anderson, struggling to produce swing, shook Warner up with an accidental head high full-toss, or beamer, the bowler immediately apologising as the ball sped away to the boundary for four.

Khawaja, the leading run scorer in the series, went to fifty with his fifth four in 110 balls when he edged express quick Mark Wood.

Warner, who by contrast has been struggling for runs, then followed him with a 90-ball fifty featuring seven fours.

The openers played England's quicks comfortably, although off-spinner Moeen Ali did turn a couple of deliveries sharply on a ground where he ended a 2017 Test against South Africa with a hat-trick.

There was also some turn for occasional spinner Joe Root, but that was small comfort for England.

Australia, as the holders, have already retained the Ashes after arriving in London 2-1 up in the five-match series.

Earlier, Broad was given a guard of honour as he made his way to the wicket for the final time, but England added just six runs to their overnight total of 389-9.

The 37-year-old seamer is the fifth most successful bowler in Test history, with 602 wickets so far.

"I've had a love affair with the Ashes my whole life and the thought of being able to bowl my last ball and face my last ball against Australia fills me with joy," he said.

Broad, whose highest Test score is 169, was batting with his long-time bowling partner Anderson.

He faced the first over delivered by fellow paceman Mitchell Starc, with Broad pulling the sixth delivery for a towering six.

But Anderson was lbw to off-spinner Todd Murphy off the fifth ball of the second over as England were dismissed for 395.

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Stuart Broad: England's Master Match-winner

Self-proclaimed Test "addict" Stuart Broad was able to quit on his own terms, announcing on Saturday he would retire following the Ashes finale at The Oval. After stumps on the third day of a Test in which England are pressing for a series-levelling win against their arch-rivals might seem an odd time to make such a statement. But Broad, 37, has never been shy of going his own way in a 167-match career that has yielded 602 Test wickets so far -- the fifth-highest tally by any bowler.

Longstanding England new-ball colleague James Anderson (690) is the only paceman higher than him on the all-time list.

It is all a far cry from a setback early in his international career when Broad was hit for six sixes in an over by India's Yuvraj Singh during the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa.

Broad, who made his name at English county Leicestershire before joining Midlands rivals Nottinghamshire, recovered and became renowned for an ability to turn a game with match-winning bursts -- he has taken five or more wickets 20 times in a Test innings.

He took an astounding 8-15 on his Trent Bridge home ground in Nottingham when, leading the attack in the absence of the injured Anderson, he sparked an Australia collapse to 60 all out during England's 2015 Ashes triumph.

By then he was already a public enemy in Australia for his refusal to leave the crease after edging to slip in an Ashes clash on the same ground two years earlier, only for umpire Aleem Dar to rule in his favour.

Broad, then on 37, made 65 in a match England won by just 14 runs.

'True champion' -

Australia great Glenn McGrath, a childhood hero of Broad's, said Saturday that his fellow seamer's ability to raise his game when most needed made him a "true champion".

"He loves the big moments, he loves the pressure and that is the sign of a true champion," McGrath, whose tally of 563 Test wickets was surpassed by Broad last year, told the BBC. "He has been incredible for England for a long, long time."

Broad only started bowling towards the end of a school career that indicated he might follow in the footsteps of his father Chris Broad, an Ashes-winning batsman. That batting talent was still on show during Stuart Broad's superb 169 against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010, although he has never been quite the same with the bat since having his nose broken by a bouncer from India's Varun Aaron four years later.

A four-time Ashes winner, Broad, with blond hair and boyish good looks, has been a fierce competitor throughout his career.  That was never more evident when, having been left out of England's tour of the Caribbean last year, he regained his place to flourish again under the 'Bazball' regime of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. 

England's leading bowler in the current Ashes series, Broad became just the fifth man to take 600 Test wickets during last week's rain-marred draw in Manchester.

"I am addicted to Test cricket," he said afterwards. "I like the grit and competitive nature of it. It's great to be on that list with some of the greats of the game."

Broad has been a particular thorn in the side of David Warner, dismissing the Australia opener 17 times. Although not a bowler of express pace, Broad's ability to generate bounce and late movement from a 6 feet 5 inch (1.95 metre) frame has repeatedly troubled the best batsmen of his generation.

But he said he hoped cricket-lovers would remember him for his will to win, as much as his talent. "I would say every day I've pulled on a Nottinghamshire shirt or an England shirt, I've given my heart and soul," he said. 

"I can't think there'll be too many cricket fans out there who would think I've slacked off for a moment."

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2nd ODI: Shepherd, Motie Shine In Windies' Series-Levelling Win vs India

Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten half-century as West Indies defeated India by six wickets in the second ODI and bring the three-match series on an even keel in Bridgetown on Saturday. Hope (63 not out; 80 balls) found a fine ally in Keacy Carty (48 not out; 65b) as the duo put together 91 runs (118b) for the fourth wicket to steady their 182-run chase. WI reached the target with 80 balls to spare. In absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India's batting looked feeble.

Following a 90-run opening partnership between Ishan Kishan (55; 55b) and Shubman Gill (34; 49b), India lost five wickets for 23 runs before folding for 181 in 40.5 overs after WI skipper Shai Hope opted to field.

Stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel all got out for single digit scores.

Romario Shepherd (3/37) and Gudakesh Motie (3/36) were the pick of the Windies bowling, while Alzarri Joseph bagged 2/35.

The final ODI of the series is slated in Tarouba on Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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5th Test: Root Leads Run-Spree As England Press For Ashes-Levelling Win

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow combined for a sublime century partnership as England took a giant stride towards levelling the Ashes in the fifth Test at The Oval on Saturday. England, in a match they must win to square the series at 2-2, were 389-9 in their second innings at stumps on the third day -- a commanding lead of 377 runs. Root (91) and Bairstow (78) were both in superb touch during a fifth-wicket stand of 110, with the only sadness for a capacity home crowd the fact that neither Yorkshireman was able to complete an individual hundred.

A late flurry of wickets, with Mitchell Starc taking 4-94 after a pounding by England's top order, gave Australia a glimmer of hope.

But some of the biggest cheers of the day came when last man James Anderson got off the mark by reverse sweeping Todd Murphy for four and then next ball conventionally sweeping the off-spinner for another boundary.

Nevertheless, England's current advantage means Australia already would have to achieve the joint ninth-highest total to win in the fourth innings of a Test if they are to pull off an improbable victory.

After Zak Crawley, who made a fine 73, and Harry Brook fell in quick succession, England were 222-4.

But Bairstow, one of the stars of the 'Bazball' era, maintained the aggressive run-rate with 34 off 35 balls as England reached tea on 265-4.

Bairstow went to fifty with a rasping cover-drive off Josh Hazlewood -- his seventh boundary in 60 balls faced.

Root, 61 not out at tea, moved into the 90s with an elegant cover-driven four off Australia captain Pat Cummins.

There was no second century of the series for Root following his unbeaten 118 in the first Test at Edgbaston. He was bowled between bat and pad by a Murphy off-break that kept low.

Bairstow, fresh from his blistering 99 not out in last week's rain-marred drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, also fell short of three figures when his flat-footed cut at left-arm fast bowler Starc was caught behind.

Earlier, England needed only one over to erase their 12-run first-innings deficit at the start of play on Saturday.

Crawley, who had struck a cover-drive for four off the first ball of the series, repeated the shot off the first ball on Saturday before left-hander Ben Duckett ended the over with successive boundaries.

But an opening stand of 79 ended when Duckett, on 42, edged a full-length Starc delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Crawley, the leading run-scorer in the series, took England to 130-1 at lunch.

England captain Ben Stokes, who had promoted himself up the order, with Moeen ruled out of batting in his number three position after being off the field all day Friday with a groin injury, ensured the runs kept coming

Stokes hooked Hazlewood for six in the first over after lunch, with Starc dropping a catch on the fine leg boundary.

Crawley added just two runs to his lunch score of 71 when he edged Australia captain Pat Cummins to Steve Smith at second slip, with England now 140-2.

Root charge

Root then demonstrated the range of his strokeplay by reverse-scooping Mitchell Marsh for a superbly timed six and next ball gliding the all-rounder down the legside for four.

The former England captain then drove Starc down the ground for four, with even his mishits going for boundaries -- next ball an under-edged cut bounced over Carey's head.

But there was nothing lucky about Root's third four in as many balls off Starc, a deliberate uppercut.

Stokes, gave his wicket away on 42, caught at mid-on off a mistimed drive against Murphy.

Australia, as the holders, have already retained the Ashes at 2-1 up.

But they must avoid defeat at The Oval if they are to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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England Pace Great Stuart Broad To Retire After Fifth Ashes Test

England great Stuart Broad said Saturday he will retire from all cricket following the conclusion of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval, describing his career as "a wonderful ride". The 37-year-old seamer, the fifth most successful bowler in Test history with 602 wickets, told Sky Sports after stumps on the third day: "Tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday will be my last game of cricket. It has been a wonderful ride and a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have."

Broad, the son of former England opening batsman Chris Broad, added: "I am loving cricket as much as I ever have. I have always wanted to finish at the top and this series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I have been a part of."

Broad, now appearing in the 167th Test of his career, made his debut in December 2007 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Along with fellow veteran fast bowler Jimmy Anderson, he shared one of Test cricket's most durable partnerships. "I've been thinking about it for a while, a few weeks," said Broad, who has appeared in every home Ashes Test since 2009. 

"England v Australia has always been the pinnacle for me." 

Broad was two not out at stumps on the third day in England's second innings 389-9, with the hosts now 377 runs ahead as they push for a series-levelling win.

"I have loved the battles with Australia that have come my way and the team's way, I have a love affair with the Ashes and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket."
 

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West Indies vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports

Follow the West Indies vs India, 2023 live cricket score on Sports.NDTV.com. After 40.1 overs, India are 180/9. Get live score, ball by ball commentary and much more. Keep track of West Indies vs India, 2023 today match between West Indies and India. Everything related to West Indies and India match will be available on Sports.NDTV.com. Stay updated with West Indies vs India live score. Do check for West Indies vs India scorecard. You can get scorecard updates, match related facts. Get quick live updates with ads, Sports.NDTV.com, which is the perfect destination for live cricket score.

39.6 overs (2 Runs) Full and around off, Mukesh Kumar lifts this one over wide mid off and collects a couple of valuable runs.

39.6 overs (2 Runs) TWO WIDES! A bit too high and this one flies over the head of Kuldeep Yadav. Shai Hope leaps up but fails to collect the ball as the batters cross over.

39.5 overs (0 Run) Five dots in a row now. Pitched up on off and middle, Kuldeep Yadav pushes it toward mid on.

39.4 overs (0 Run) Comes from around the wicket now and bowls a fuller one on the pads, Kuldeep Yadav flicks it straight to Shimron Hetmyer at forward short leg who makes a sharp stop.

39.3 overs (0 Run) A well-directed bouncer now over leg stump. Kuldeep Yadav does well to get his head out of the way of the delivery.

39.2 overs (0 Run) Beaten! Good length around off, kissing the deck and angling across. Kuldeep Yadav looks to play at it but the ball goes past the outside edge.

39.1 overs (0 Run) Back of a length over off stump, Kuldeep Yadav stays back and plays it with an angled bat toward short third man.

38.6 overs (0 Run) Nagging length around off, turning away a touch, Mukesh Kumar manages to keep it out.

38.5 overs (1 Run) Short and turning down leg again, this time it is pulled toward deep backward square leg for one.

38.4 overs (4 Runs) FOUR! Easy pickings! Dragged down the leg side, Kuldeep Yadav gets inside the line and pulls it away down to fine leg for a boundary.

38.3 overs (0 Run) Tossed up full and on middle, Kuldeep Yadav blocks it out.

38.2 overs (0 Run) Down the leg side, Kuldeep Yadav attempts the reverse sweep but misses and no wide is called either.

38.1 overs (0 Run) Tossed up on the stumps, kept out by Kuldeep Yadav.

37.6 overs (4 Runs) FOUR! Mukesh Kumar is off the mark in international cricket. Good length around off, Kumar gets squared up and gets an outside edge that goes wide of the man at first slip and runs away into the fence.

37.5 overs (0 Run) Just too much pace to handle! Length ball around the top of off, Mukesh Kumar looks back to the keeper as the ball zips past him.

Mukesh Kumar is the last man in.

37.4 overs (0 Run) OUT! TAKEN! Another sublime catch and West Indies have been brilliant in the outfield. Alzarri Joseph bowls a cross-seamer delivery and bangs it in midway around the off stump. Umran Malik backs away and tries to drag the pull shot over the mid-wicket fence. The ball takes the bottom part of the bat and goes over mid-wicket. Keacy Carty sprints in from deep square leg and puts in a full-stretched drive to grab it with both hands.

We are all set to resume. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Umran Malik and Kuldeep Yadav will resume their innings for India. Alzarri Joseph is at the top of his mark and is raring to complete his over. Off we go...

UPDATE - 10.58 pm IST (5.28 pm GMT) - Good news! Right then, play will resume at 11.00 pm IST (5.30 pm GMT). Also, no overs have been lost.

UPDATE - 10.42 pm IST (5.12 pm GMT) - Oops! It has started to rain again! The trend of a wicket bringing about rain has continued even in the ODI series. The ground staff rush in with the covers and have now covered the entire square. The rain has come at the wrong time for the West Indies who were into India's tail and were just two wickets away from bowling them out. Just as we type, the rain has subsided and the ground staff have removed the covers as well. Stick around as resumption is not far away.

37.3 overs (0 Run) Ouch, that must have hurt! Alzarri Joseph bowls a quick short ball and angles it into the body. Umran Malik tries to get out of the way by backing away but the pace is just too much and he gets hit on the body.

Umran Malik is the new batter.

37.2 overs (0 Run) OUT! LBW! Shardul Thakur has reviewed it straight away though. Alzarri Joseph bowls this one on a perfect length and close to the off stump, getting the ball to seam in a touch. Thakur gets pushed on the back foot as he looks to block but gets beaten for pace and the ball goes past the inside edge to hit the back pad. A loud appeal from Joseph and the finger is raised, On reviewing, there is no spike on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows that it is umpire's call on impact and wickets as hitting. Thakur has to depart.

37.1 overs (0 Run) Starts right on the money as he bowls a quick fuller one on middle. Shardul Thakur manages to jam it out toward mid-wicket.

Drinks Break! India find themselves in a lot of trouble at 167-7. The onus is on Shardul Thakur to bat with the tail and take the visitors to a respectable total on what is a tough wicket to bat on. On the other hand, West Indies have done an exceptional job with the ball but the job is not yet over. They cannot afford to be complacent and need to wrap the innings as quickly as possible. Shai Hope now brings Alzarri Joseph (5-0-27-0) back into the attack.

36.6 overs (0 Run) Around the pads, Kuldeep Yadav nudges it down in front of leg slip.

36.5 overs (1 Run) Short and wide, turning away, hit away hard to sweeper cover for one more.

36.4 overs (1 Run) On middle, swept away nicely in front of square leg for a single.

36.3 overs (1 Run) That could have been game over for Kuldeep Yadav! Short and outside off, Shardul Thakur backs away and hits it to the left of Shimron Hetmyer at cover but the latter makes a good diving stop. Thakur sets off for the single but Kuldeep is slow to respond. In the end, Hetmyer wasn't able to throw it with the required speed accuracy while off-balanced and Kuldeep made it through.

36.2 overs (0 Run) Floats it up around the pads, Shardul Thakur pushes it to the right of the bowler.

36.1 overs (0 Run) quicker one, pushed fuller and onto the stumps, Shardul Thakur manages to keep it out.

35.6 overs (1 Run) Good running! Full and straight, forced away toward wide mid on for a quick single and Shardul Thakur will keep strike for the next over.

35.5 overs (2 Runs) Keeps it full and bowls it around middle, Shardul Thakur flicks it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs more.

35.4 overs (4 Runs) FOUR! Full and wide, Shardul Thakur sees the width and obliges as he crashes this one through the cover region for a boundary.

35.3 overs (0 Run) Bowls it a touch fuller and hones in on the stumps, Shardul Thakur does well to block it out.

35.2 overs (0 Run) Length again, outside off and this one zips through. Shardul Thakur looks to cut it away but is beaten due to the extra bounce.

35.1 overs (0 Run) On a good length outside off, Shardul Thakur drives it off the back foot but straight to the man at cover.

Match Reports

• West Indies vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India: West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India: West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India: West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India Live Score Ball by Ball, West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports
• West Indies vs India: West Indies vs India, 2023 Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV Sports

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Jaffer's 'Pathaan' Twist To Kohli, Rohit Not Playing Second ODI vs WI

As Hardik Pandya came out at the toss for the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados, there was anticipation in the air. The stand-in captain then clarified that indeed Rohit Sharma was not playing along with Virat Kohli. India managed to clinch the first match after facing a few challenges. Ishan Kishan performed exceptionally well with the bat to help India chase down a total of 114. The visitors would be keen to clinch the series with a second consecutive win.

India stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya said during the time of toss, "We were looking to bat first. We want to see how much we can score on this pitch which is a bit up and down. Rohit and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so they are resting in this game. They can be fresh for the third ODI. I think when you get someone out for 115, it's a good sign. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Sanju and Axar come in for Rohit and Virat."

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer gave a funny twist to the duo not playing. "Rohit and Virat watching from the dressing room. #WIvIND" he posted with a picture if Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan from the movie 'Pathaan'. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wasim Jaffer (@wasimjaffer14)

WI Skipper Shai Hope said during the time of toss, "We are going to bowl first, we saw what happened in the last game. The conditions will assist the bowlers. We got two games to play, so we got to win this one to stay alive. It has been a bit unpredictable. Both teams have to play on the same surface. We got to bowl first and put them under pressure. Powell, Drakes is out, Alzarri and Keacy are in." 

West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

With ANI inputs

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Ashes: Stokes Makes History, Surpasses Pietersen To Hit A New 'Most 6s' Record

England skipper Ben Stokes made history on Saturday as he became the batter with the highest number of sixes during a single Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia.  Stokes accomplished this during England's fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval. In the second innings, he scored 42 off 67 balls. His knock consisted of three fours and a six. His runs came at a strike rate of 62.68. In the previous innings, he could score just three runs. 

With this, he has smashed 15 sixes in the series, the highest so far. Previously, the record was held by Kevin Pietersen, who had lit up the 2005 Ashes series with his batting, which consisted of 14 sixes. Stokes had also hit 13 sixes in the 2019 edition of the series. 

Stokes also has the second-highest number of sixes in a Test series. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has the highest number of sixes in a Test series, smashing 19 maximums during the series against South Africa in the 2019-20 season. 

In the ongoing Ashes, Stokes has scored 405 runs in five matches across nine innings at an average of 45.00. He has scored one century and two fifties in the series, with the best score of 155. He is the third-highest run-scorer in the series next to Usman Khawaja (424 runs) and Zak Crawley (480 runs). 

Coming to the match, England's second innings is going on and they have a lead of over 300 runs. 

In their first innings, Australia was bundled out for 295 runs and they had a 12-run lead. They lost wickets at regular intervals. At the top of the order, Steve Smith (71 in 123 balls, with six fours) and Usman Khawaja (47 in 157 balls with seven fours) delivered key contributions which kept Australia's innings together. 

Down the order, skipper Pat Cummins (36) and an aggressive Todd Murphy (34 in 39 balls with two fours and three sixes) helped the Aussies gain the lead, putting on a 49-run stand. Smith and Cummins had also put on a 54-run stand for the eighth wicket. 

Chris Woakes (3/61) emerged as the pick of the bowlers for England, while Root, Wood and Broad took two wickets each. James Anderson got one wicket. 

In their first innings, England was bundled out for 283 runs after being put to bat first by Australia. Harry Brook (85 in 91 balls with 11 fours and two sixes) top-scored for England and had a 111-run stand with Moeen Ali (34 in 37 balls with three fours and two sixes) after England slipped to 73/3. Later a 49-run stand for the eighth wicket between Mark Wood (28) and Chris Woakes (36) helped England reach a decent first-innings score.

Mitchell Starc (4/82) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy took two wickets each while skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh got a wicket each.

Australia is leading the five-match series 2-1. Though Australia has regained the Ashes urn, England can still go out of this home series respectfully after a 2-2 draw.

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ICC Inspects Venues At Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram Ahead Of WC

Ahead of the ODI World Cup, an inspection team from the International Cricket Council is checking the readiness of venues that will host the quadrennial extravaganza in October-November this year. The ICC team, which is currently at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, has paid a visit to three venues in South - Bengaluru, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, where practice matches will be held -- and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The reconnaissance unit dropped in at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on July 28, and expressed their satisfaction over the facilities.

"They were here on Friday, and were satisfied by our preparations. We have been hosting matches from the Duleep Trophy at the venue, and we are ready for the (World Cup) games," a KSCA official told PTI.

Bengaluru is scheduled to host five matches, including India's fixture against Netherlands and two games of Pakistan against Australia and New Zealand.

India is set to begin their World Cup campaign on October 8 against five-time champions Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Chepauk will also host two other high-profile matches of Pakistan against South Africa and Afghanistan.

The ICC team inspected the facilities at the stadium on July 26.

"Yes, they were here and it was the routine pre-tournament visit checking on the venue preparation. They have given an all-clear for us, and we will be in touch with the ICC in the coming days as well," said a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association official.

The Greenfield Stadium will not host any main draw matches but the Kerala capital will see a few preparation games ahead of the World Cup.

"We have recently hosted an ODI and a T20I match here. So, the experience will help us and we are also working on the recommendations of the ICC team to make further improvements," said a Kerala Cricket Association official.

The Greenfield Stadium had hosted India's one-dayer against Sri Lanka earlier this year and a T20I match against South Africa in September last year.

In the days to come, the ICC team will visit all the other venues that will host matches, including the practice games.

The ICC team's main focus will be assisting the host venues on matters like security inside the stadium, necessities of broadcast teams among others. 

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"Umran Box Not Ticked": Ex-India Star Slams Team For Underutilising Pacer

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has slammed the management for the under utilisation of pacer Umran Malik in the first ODI against West Indies on Thursday. Umran was picked in the XI for the series opener but bowled just three overs, and also failed to take a wicket. Despite giving 10 runs in his first over, Umran recovered and gave away only seven runs in his next two overs. However, he was the only bowler who failed to pick a wicket in the series opener.

Chopra feels the Indian management missed a trick by not utilising Umran properly.

"You kept him but bowled him only three overs. He didn't pick up a wicket. There was probably an opportunity for him to come and pick up two or three wickets in the end but you didn't go towards him. Umran Malik - a box that should have been ticked is not ticked," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also pointed out that while the management is considering Umran as a back up pacer for World Cup, the player has not played much cricket of late.

"You have kept this fast bowler, done a slightly left-field selection because he wasn't with the team for the last little while and his IPL was also extremely middling, but you haven't kept him in the Asian Games. You are thinking that if Bumrah doesn't get fit and even if he gets fit, you have got an express pacer," he added.

The second ODI will be played in Barbados on Saturday.

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T20 WC Cup 2024 Likely To Be Played From June 4 To June 30 In WI, USA

ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be played from June 4 to June 30 in West Indies and the USA, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. According to reports, an ICC delegation visited five of the USA's shortlisted locations this week. These locations will be hosting an international global cricket event for the first time. These include Morrisville, Dallas, and New York for tournament matches and warm-ups, as well as Lauderhill in Florida.

Morrisville and Dallas are currently hosting the inaugural edition of Major League Cricket in the USA, however, these grounds are yet to get international venue status, which is mandatory as per ICC rules. 

In the next months, the ICC, along with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and USA Cricket (USAC), will make a final decision regarding the venues. 

Ireland, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea qualified for the 20-team T20 World Cup this week using the ICC's system of regional qualifiers. While PNG won the East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier, the top two finishers in the Europe Region Qualifier were Ireland and Scotland.

Qualifiers from the Americas (for one spot), Africa (two spots) and Asia (two spots) regions will be determined in the coming months.

Before the regional qualifications, twelve countries had already qualified for the competition, including the hosts West Indies and the United States as well as the top eight teams from the 2022 T20 World Cup: Australia, England, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan and Bangladesh qualified based on their positions in the T20I rankings. 

T20 World Cup 2024 will have a different format from the previous editions where the first round was followed by Super 12s. In the next edition, 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 8s. The Super 8 teams will then split into two groups of four each and top two in each group will play semi-finals.

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5th Test, Day 2: Smith Leads Australia's Revival, Match Hangs In Balance

Steve Smith's 71 helped Australia recover from a batting collapse as the tourists frustrated England by establishing a first-innings lead in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval on Friday. Australia were eventually bowled out with what became the last ball of the second day for 295, 12 runs ahead of England's 283. It looked as if England would enjoy a sizeable advantage as veteran seamer Stuart Broad sparked a slump that saw Australia decline from 115-2 to 185-7.

But Smith and Australia captain Pat Cummins (36) kept England at bay with an eighth-wicket stand of 54.

And off-spinner Todd Murphy -- recalled to the side following last week's rain-marred drawn third Test at Old Trafford -- added to England's woes with a sparkling 34 that belied his position of No 10.

Cummins eventually holed out off part-time spinner Joe Root, with rival skipper Ben Stokes throwing the ball back in over the rope at long-on to complete a fine catch.

Australia, as the holders, are assured of retaining the Ashes at 2-1 up, and only need to avoid defeat at The Oval to secure their first Test series win away to England in 22 years.

The tourists resumed Friday on 61-1, with Usman Khawaja 26 not out and Marnus Labuschagne, fresh from his hundred at Old Trafford, unbeaten on two.

Dour first session

Australia's position in the series means they have no need to replicate England's risky 'Bazball' batting approach.

But they arguably veered too much in the opposite direction during an attritional morning session, scoring just 54 runs in 26 overs for the loss of Labuschagne.

The No 3 himself took a further 59 balls to score just seven more runs before edging express fast bowler Mark Wood, with Root holding a brilliant one-handed catch diving to his left at first slip.

Smith upped the tempo with two superb straight-driven fours off successive Anderson deliveries and at lunch Australia were 115-2.

But Broad, whose 167-Test career has been notable for dramatic wicket-taking bursts, soon reduced Australia to 127-4.

He had Khawaja, the leading run-scorer in the series, lbw with a full-length delivery that ended a stay of 157 balls despite the batsman's review.

Broad, who had made his name in Ashes cricket with a return of 5-37 at The Oval in 2009, became the first Englishman to take 150 Test wickets against Australia.

That rose to 151 wickets when Travis Head was caught behind off an excellent delivery that nipped away off the seam.

England were a bowler light on Friday as Moeen Ali remained off the field with the groin injury the off-spinner suffered while batting on Thursday.

But Root filled the gap when induced an ugly swipe from Alex Carey that went straight to Stokes at short cover.

Australia were 185-7 when Mitchell Starc holed out to backward square leg off Wood.

Smith had made 43 when, going for a needless second run, it appeared he had been beaten by a throw from substitute fielder George Ealham -- the son of former England all-rounder Mark Ealham -- to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

But third umpire Niton Menon, after several minutes' study, ruled in the batsman's favour, with replays suggesting neither bail had been fully removed from its groove before Smith had made his ground.

England took the new ball but Smith completed a 98-ball fifty when he drove Broad for a fine boundary

It looked as if the former Australia captain, whose four previous Tests at The Oval had yielded three hundreds, might go on to three figures again until he carelessly skyed a catch off Chris Woakes to Bairstow.

Murphy, however, pulled Wood for three fine sixes, with the left-handed batsman also square-driving Woakes for a stylish four.

Woakes eventually had the 22-year-old, in only his 14th first-class match, lbw but the damage had been done.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Yusuf Pathan Turns Back Clock, Slams 3 Sixes Against Mohammad Amir

Yusuf Pathan rolled back the years and how, as he produced plenty of big hits and entertainment at the Harare Sports Club, to help the Joburg Buffaloes storm into the finals of the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10, after defeating the Durban Qalandars by 6 wickets in Qualifier 1. Yusuf scored an unbeaten 80 from 26 deliveries as the Buffaloes chased down a record total on Friday. Put into bat first, the Durban Qalandars, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, had a slow start, losing the in-form Tim Seifert for 11 in the third over, with the score on 16. That though would kick start a fantastic as Mirza Tahir Baig and Andre Fletcher went through the gears against the Joburg Buffaloes' bowling. 

While it was Fletcher, who was finding the boundaries with more regularity, Baig ensured he kept the scoreboard moving at his end. The duo put on a 49-run stand for the second wicket in quick time before Baig was dismissed in the 6th over for 20 by Victor Nyauchi. A short while later, George Linde departed for 1, and that was followed by the big scalp of Fletcher for 39 off 14 deliveries. 

That brought the due of Asif Ali and Nick Welch to the middle in the death overs, and they piled on the runs at good pace. Both hammered a six each and smashed 8 boundaries between themselves, as the Qalandars' total soared over the 100-run mark, to stop at 140/4 in their 10 overs. At that point, it was the highest total in an innings during the course of the tournament. 

Far from over when @iamyusufpathan is in this form! #JBvDQ #T10League #ZimAfroT10 #CricketsFastestFormat pic.twitter.com/Cdgi7HCsAd

— T10 League (@T10League) July 28, 2023

In response, the Joburg Buffaloes did not quite have the start they needed. Mohammad Hafeez and Tom Banton, both big hitters were looking to tee off from the get-go, as required, but the Qalandars' bowlers had other ideas. 

They tied up the batters with some fantastic bowling, which led to Hafeez (17) becoming the first wicket for the Qalandars. Soon after, Banton (4) was cleaned up by Tayyab Abbas, who would also go on to dismiss the dangerous Will Smeed (16) a little later in the fifth over. At that time the score read 56/3, with the Qalandars well and truly in the ascendency. 

Ravi Bopara could only add 1 to the cause before Tendai Chatara had his number, after which Yusuf Pathan and Mushfiqur Rahim came together, with quite the task on hand. After the duo absorbed the pressure, Yusuf broke free against Mohammad Amir in the 8th over, smashing him for 3 sixes and a boundary, in what was a 25-run over, and took the Buffaloes over the 100-run mark. In the final two overs, the Buffaloes would need 39 to win. 

Yusuf completed his fifty in the 9th over, and then continued to put the long handle to good use, much to the joy of the fans. In the final over, the Buffaloes needed 20 to win with Yusuf going great guns.

The Indian batter was absolutely rolling back the years with a vintage knock, and continued in his merry ways in the final over, beginning as he smashed two fours and two sixes, finishing off the game with a boundary to help the Buffaloes storm into the final of the Zim Afro T10.

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Ireland Secure Spot In ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

Ireland became one of the two teams to seal an ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 berth from the ongoing Europe Qualifier following a washout against Germany on Thursday. The match between Ireland and Germany was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain on Thursday, 27 July. Ireland remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having registered victories against Italy, Denmark, Austria, and Jersey before their clash against Germany resulted in a washout, as per ICC. 

This means, after five games, Ireland now have a total of nine points with one more game remaining against Scotland. 

Following their 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier heartbreak, Ireland made a strong comeback in the Europe Qualifier as they secured a spot in next year's T20 World Cup. 

Ireland opened their account in this tournament with a close-fought victory over Italy by seven runs. Having set a target of 158 from their 20-overs quota, they restricted Italy to 151/9. Curtis Campher top-scored for the Irish side with a 39-ball 61 while Harry Tector contributed with a brisk 41.

Against Denmark, they secured a dominant nine-wicket victory with skipper Paul Stirling and his opening partner Andrew Balbirnie making quick fifties to chase down a paltry target of 122. Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy led the bowling attack, claiming three wickets apiece.

In their next two games, Ireland once again registered big wins - by 128 runs against Austria and by nine wickets against Jersey. 

In the clash against Austria, Ireland recorded a big total of 226/4 powered by Lorcan Tucker's unbeaten 94. Their solid batting performance was well complemented by their bowling attack. Mark Adair led from the front with figures of 4/13 from 3.4 overs, bundling Austria out for 98.

In their encounter against Jersey, McCarthy yet again starred with the ball, snaring three wickets by giving away only seven runs at just 1.80. Only Jersey's wicketkeeper-batter Asa Tribe scored in double-digits (26) as the rest of the line-up crumbled, posting a meagre 78/9. Ireland chased down the target in just 10.2 overs with nine wickets in hand.

After the rained-out game against Germany, skipper Stirling expressed his joy in having booked their berth for the T20 World Cup.

"While it is true that we would rather have achieved qualification on the field today, we are delighted to have achieved our primary objective of qualifying for next year's T20 World Cup. We came to Scotland with a clear plan and style of play we wanted to implement, and I think we delivered on that front," said Stirling as quoted by ICC. 

"So, we will celebrate job done this afternoon, but there is a trophy on the line tomorrow and we are keen to continue that winning momentum going into the India T20 series next month," he added. 

One more spot is still up for grabs in the Europe Qualifier, with Scotland leading the race needing just one point to join Ireland in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

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