Cricket
David Warner is back, exactly as he promised.
This, Warner’s 25th Test century, felt extra special, maybe because there was so much going on around it.
David Warner said this was going to happen. On Christmas Eve, he told us. He told us he was feeling good. Warner told us that he had just been unlucky and out of runs, not that he had lost his form or was getting worse.
Warner promised that he would play like he used to. He told us that he doesn’t worry about the attack in South Africa because he faces the best attack in the world every day in the nets. Warner told us that he was still that kid from the housing commission in Matraville, Sydney, who didn’t know how to do anything else but fight when he was in trouble.
David Warner used his bat to tell us. He told us during his party. David Warner has came back. And it was as if he had never left.
Almost every one of his 25 Test centuries has been unique in some way. But this one felt extra special and like one of his best. David Warner hadn’t made a century in a Test match in three years, and the desire to do so was burning in him. When he lost in the Ashes last year with scores of 94 and 95, the pain on his face told us that.
He hadn’t reached 50 in a Test since March. That’s five Tests and ten innings. We should have known, though. He once had a 9.50 average over ten innings in five Tests. After that, he scored 154 and 335 not out in a row.
But some people thought that maybe Stuart Broad wasn’t the only one to blame for this run of outs when he was around the wicket and the ball was swinging. His mind was not where it should have been. He said that was true. The appeal against the ban on being a leader had been hard on him and his family.
He did strange things to get ready for the first Test of the summer in Perth. He was hitting in the nets with sunglasses on the day before the game. He went after the ball instead of letting it come to him.
He told us that his two chop-ons against West Indies were just bad luck. That he was in a good place when he stole a car in Adelaide. But they looked like a man who was looking for runs and trying to get back to the player he used to be. Then Brisbane came along. Kagiso Rabada’s ball was a real beast. Anyone could have used it. But the way he fought it and took his eyes off of it was different from how Warner used to fight.
This inning was so satisfactory because of this. Yesterday, he looked good from the first ball. His steps were precise. His swing at the bat was tight. His strike points were under his eyes. His judgment was as sharp as a razor. He was like the old Warner when he was in the middle. Chris Rogers, Joe Burns, and Matt Renshaw, who used to work with him, talked about his presence in the days before the match.
Warner was hit by Rabada, but he didn’t defend himself. He turned around and hit the ball off his nose behind square to get a boundary. Rabada tried again, but Warner got him through square again. Rabada pitched up, and Warner hit him between the covers with a check drive. Just a little push from a great place. No full-blooded flourish from his body, which had happened three times against West Indies and caused him to lose. It was well-planned and perfectly timed, but it didn’t even make it to the rope. But he got an all-run four because he was so fast and fit. This is the first of three in an inning.
He had good luck. He also knew it, and he was determined to make the most of it.
A cut in half of Anrich Nortje flew right over them. On the second day, he hit two fours by edging the ball between the slip and the gully. Lungi Ngidi’s swerving inswinger hit him on the inside edge and went past his leg stump for four. Nortje gave his helmet a quick glance, and it went four leg-byes.
But all but one of the edges came from soft hands, and they were just the result of him making better decisions in this inning than he had all summer.
The flat pitch was also helpful. On a 37-degree day in Melbourne, the fan-forced northerly wind made it feel like an oven, which worked in his favor. He is one of the fittest batters in modern cricket, and because he was so fit, his fast running between the wickets helped him score more runs than other players. Even though he might have helped bring down Marnus Labuschagne because he was too eager, But the fact that he was able to get a lot of all-run threes and fours in the blazing heat may have made it worth it.
His last test was right after lunch, when he was getting close to that elusive century. Nortje cast a spell that was just as strong and hot as the Melbourne sun. Almost every ball he threw for four overs was faster than 150kph. Warner dug out a 151 kph yorker that was swinging in. He moved around inside a 152kph bouncer that flew over Kyle Verreynne’s head for four byes. He defended a 155kph rocket on middle stump. Nortje kept getting closer and closer, but Warner never moved back. He was hit on the index finger, but he still tried to get back on strike by going for a second run.
After he got through that, Rabada gave him a gift he deserved down the leg side. He pulled it off just fine, which started a long and emotional party. His signature jump and kiss to his family were there. But he also turned his attention to the area where the media and possibly other people he was after were.
It was a happy accident that Steven Smith was there to celebrate with him. Because of many things, Smith and Warner will always be linked. Even though they were the best Australian batters of their generation, they had never batted together for 200 runs in a Test. Former teammates have often talked about an unspoken rivalry between the two when they were at the top of their game as batters from 2013 to 2017. A century by one of them would make the other score a century in response. But they had never really been able to work together.
In a 239-run stand, they tore South Africa apart and brought them to their knees. Warner ran into Keshav Maharaj to get to 200 as fast as possible, trying to avoid cramps and heat exhaustion. With an edge to third man, he got there. He got down on his knees to celebrate, and then he tried to jump again to celebrate. But his body locked up, and he had to leave the game hurt on 200 not out.
He finally died not because of bad luck, Rabada, Nortje, South Africa, or even the heat. He left the room with one last “I told you so.” But he didn’t want things to be any other way.
Cricket
KL Rahul’s Fitness Update: Asia Cup Anticipation
Indian cricket player KL Rahul doing exercise
Get the latest KL Rahul Fitness Update as the Asia Cup draws near. With the tournament on the horizon, all eyes are on KL Rahul and his efforts to enhance his physical condition. This anticipation adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming Asia Cup, as fans eagerly await his progress and contributions on the field.
Unveiling the Remarkable Strides
“KL’s journey within our conditioning camp has yielded remarkable strides,” Dravid affirmed during an engaging conversation in Alur on a Tuesday. He further elaborated on Rahul’s intensive training regimen, highlighting the significant advancements achieved in alignment with the team’s envisioned trajectory. However, it’s important to underscore that Rahul’s participation will be limited to the earlier part of the tour, excluding the segment taking place in Kandy.
Amid this cricketing expedition, the responsibility of overseeing Rahul’s well-being in the upcoming days rests firmly on the shoulders of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). A comprehensive reassessment of his physical state is scheduled for September 4—a critical juncture that will shape the course of action moving forward. Encouragingly, Rahul’s journey so far is indicative of a promising future, marked by substantial progress and commendable breakthroughs.
Navigating Injury Setbacks and Selection Strategy
The meticulous composition of the Asia Cup team on August 21 took into careful consideration KL Rahul’s state of health. Ajit Agarkar, the discerning chairman of selectors, disclosed that Rahul had encountered a “minor niggle” after a complete recovery from a thigh injury sustained during the IPL 2023 season. While the medical team at the NCA expressed contentment with Rahul’s batting workload, concerns surfaced regarding his wicketkeeping prowess, particularly after he expressed fatigue following practice games.
Mastering the Art of Batting: Rahul’s Regimen
Intriguingly, Rahul’s batting prowess has showcased resilience during his practice sessions at the Alur nets. On the final day of India’s intensive six-day training camp, Rahul dedicated nearly 35 minutes to the crease, confronting an array of bowlers encompassing both pace and spin. While he refrained from partaking in bowling drills, his immersive practice was apparent.
Rahul’s training routine unveiled a multifaceted approach, with a special emphasis on handling spin bowling. Positioned as the No. 5 batsman, he skillfully employed footwork to counter leg spin, demonstrating meticulous shot selection. Moreover, his adaptability shone through as he engaged in full-blooded sweeps against the spin duo of R Sai Kishore and Manav Suthar, both known for their left-arm spin expertise.
Starting to feel like me again 🏃♂️🏟️ pic.twitter.com/8cECI7oRDZ
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) July 11, 2023
Strategizing for Excellence
As Rahul’s training regimen progressed, he navigated to the second net—a space dedicated to facing the new ball delivered by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. His unwavering attention was directed towards aligning his stance with the bounce, honing his ability to play straight, and judiciously utilizing pace to manipulate the trajectory of the ball. A post-session interaction with Coach Dravid and Virat Kohli underscored Rahul’s commitment to refining his skills.
Balancing Act: Skill Development and Preservation
Despite his fervent dedication, Rahul’s training routine has been carefully curated to prevent undue physical strain. The team management, vigilant about his well-being, has ensured that his wicketkeeping drills strike the right balance between intensity and preservation. His sessions, particularly those focused on lateral movement and spin, are calibrated to foster growth without compromising his physical resilience.
Rahul’s proactive participation extended to meaningful interactions with fellow cricketer Rishabh Pant. The duo shared insights and engaged in rehab and fitness drills alongside the team, underscoring the collaborative spirit within the Indian cricket fraternity.
A Glimpse of Squad Dynamics
As the cricketing spectacle approaches, India’s Asia Cup contingent boasts the presence of wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan. Additionally, Sanju Samson has been designated as the team’s travelling substitute, poised to step in when needed.
In Conclusion: The Path Ahead
In conclusion, KL Rahul fitness update and contribute significantly to the upcoming stages of the Asia Cup resonates as a central narrative. His ongoing progress, meticulously overseen by the NCA physiotherapy team, holds the promise of an impactful return to the field. The cricketing community eagerly anticipates his presence in the Super 4s phase, envisioning his role as a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of glory.
Ashwin doesn’t think India has a problem at No.4 or No.5 now that Dhoni and Yuvraj have left the team. He said that there is no question about India’s opening order.
India’s middle-order in ODIs is always a topic of discussion. When they lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, a big reason was that they didn’t have a good No. 4. Since Yuvraj Singh’s last ODI on June 30, 2017, India has tried more than 10 players in that position, but captain Rohit Sharma says they still haven’t found the right fit. The No. 5 spot is just the same. Even though the way teams think about batting in ODIs is changing quickly, flexible batting line-ups are now the rule. However, not having a bankable middle order has hurt many times. In the last couple of years, however, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul seem to have helped India find the right mix.
Ravichandran Ashwin says that if both Iyer and Rahul are ready to play, there should be no question about India’s No. 4 and No. 5 in the Asia Cup and World Cup. He is correct. Rahul and Iyer have the best numbers of any middle-order openers India has tried since the 2019 World Cup.
Ashwin even said that Rahul, who has scored 742 runs at a remarkable average of 53 and a striking strike rate of 99.33 since taking on the new role of keeping wickets and batting at No.5, has filled the middle-order spot with “expertise” since MS Dhoni and Yuvraj retired.
“India had been looking for a candidate for Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni since they left the team. Rahul has done a good job in that role. He will always bat at No. 5 and keep wickets for us,” Ashwin wrote on his YouTube account.
Ashwin, who didn’t make it to the Asia Cup, praised Rahul for taking over as keeper-batsman after Rishabh Pant got hurt.
“Before Pant got hurt, Rahul was next in line. Now that Pant is out, Ishan Kishan is the second goal, and he has jumped at the chance. Rahul has a minor injury, but he should be fine for the first game. If he isn’t, we have a travelling team of 18 people in Sanju Samson,” Ashwin said.
“India’s No.4 should not be up for debate”: Ashwin
Shreyas Iyer is similar. Iyer got 805 runs before he hurt his back again and again. His average was 47.35, and his strike rate was 94.37. The Mumbai right-hander’s ability to hit big shots against all types of spinners makes him an ideal No.4 in subcontinent conditions. He also has a double game. Iyer has shown that he can handle the pressure if a couple of wickets fall early and then use it to his advantage. If he comes in to bat after a good start, he can beat the spinners right away.
“Shreyas Iyer is just as important to this team as KL Rahul. He is a steady No.4 for India and one of their best players against spin. Whenever he has played at 4, he has been a key part of their success. “If he is fully fit to play, there shouldn’t be any debate about the No. 4 spot,” Ashwin said on his YouTube account when talking about India’s Asia Cup team.
Ajit Agarkar, the head of selectors for the BCCI, put to rest any doubts about Iyer’s health. He also said that Rahul has a new injury and might not play in India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan. Rahul and Iyer’s good health will be the most important thing for India in the Asia Cup and World Cup, not where they play in the XI. Ashwin has said that if Rahul and Iyer are both healthy, they will play at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively.
India’s 2023 Asia Cup Squad
September marks the start of the next Asia Cup competition. The Asian Cricket Council oversees this prestigious competition. There had been talk of Pakistan hosting the competition, but now it appears that plans have changed. When the ACC announces the final host and schedule, that will be it. There will be 13 games played in this major competition, according to the data.
Many cricket followers can’t wait for this massive ACC-run competition. Cricket fans in India are eager to learn about their team’s Asia Cup 2023 roster. The team for the forthcoming competition has not been announced as of yet.
Nonetheless, the following players will likely be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023: KL Rahul, Venkatesh Iyer, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, etc.
List of 2023 Asia Cup Participants
Six teams will compete in the 2023 Asia Cup, according to reports. There will be one-day matches in this competition. Sri Lanka won this prestigious competition in 2022 and is the current holder of the title.
The roster of participating players in the Asia Cup will be made public shortly.
1. Indian Squad: KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Suryakumar Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, etc. The exact roster will be described in greater depth in the near future.
💬 "Hopefully Sharma and Kohli can roll some arm over in the World Cup" 😃#TeamIndia captain Rohit Sharma at his inimitable best! 👌#AsiaCup2023 | @imRo45 pic.twitter.com/v1KKvOLcnq
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2023
2. Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, Khushdil Shah, Naseem Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, etc. are all members of the Pakistan Squad. The exact roster will be described in greater depth in the near future.
3.Bangladesh Squad: Mohammad Saifuddin, Ebadot Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, Anamul Haque, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Naim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Sabbir Rahman, Afif Hossain, etc. The exact roster will be described in greater depth in the near future.
4.Afghanistan Squad : Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Fareed Ahmad, Usman Ghani, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ibrahim, Zadran, Afsar Zazai. Soon, we shall get more specifics about the actual team.
5.Sri Lanka Squad : Asitha Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan, Madushanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay, etc. The exact roster will be described in greater depth in the near future.
6.Nepal Squad : Aarif Sheikh and Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami and Lalit Rajbanshi and Sandeep Lamichhane and Karna KC and Gulsan Jha and Rohit Paudel and Bhim Sharki and so on. The exact roster will be described in greater depth in the near future.
Schedule for the 2023 Asia Cup
The ACC will soon announce the dates of the upcoming matches. In September, you may watch this fascinating and important competition. Hong Kong qualified for the Asia Cup in the previous tournament. Nepal, however, beat out the United Arab Emirates in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup to earn entry to this year’s tournament.
To see how well this young team does in such a major competition would be thrilling. This tournament features a lot of big names and big players. The 2019 Asia Cup will include 13 total games between the six participating teams (split into two groups). They’ll be competing for the title of Asia Cup 2023 champion.
2023 India Asia Cup Team Captain
There has been no announcement made regarding who will lead the Indian team at the 2023 Asia Cup. However, Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the Indian team at the upcoming Asia Cup in 2023. In the ongoing WCC Finals, India is being captained by Rohit Sharma.
He is undoubtedly a top-tier cricket player. As a result, many people expect Rohit Sharma to lead the Indian team at the 2023 Asia Cup. When India last competed in the ACC event, Rohit led the team as captain.
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