Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria reckons that emerging pacer Arshdeep Singh could be a great option for India in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup this year. Known for his death overs spells and the ability to bowl well-disguised yorkers, Arshdeep who was impressive in the last two editions of the IPL finally found a place in the Indian T20I squad during the first game against England earlier this month.

Speaking on Arshdeep’s potential to be the next big thing in Indian fast bowling, Kaneria said that the left-arm speedster can certainly be a valuable asset for India in both the major tournaments this year as the youngster bowls sensibly and knows how to take wickets. At the same time, the veteran spinner also added that Arshdeep Singh can create a good impression on Dubai wickets during the Asia Cup.

Arshdeep Singh can be successful being a left-arm pacer: Danish Kaneria

“Mark my words. Arshdeep will play the third ODI and make an impact too. Arshdeep has the art, and he uses his mind while bowling. He bowls sensibly and knows how to take wickets. He can be a fantastic option for the Indian team for T20 World Cup and maybe for Asia Cup as well. Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and he can be successful being a left-arm pacer,” said Kaneria while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Arshdeep Singh created a good first impression on his T20I debut against England with figures of 2/18 from his 3.3 overs at an economy of 5.1 including a maiden. With less than three months to go for the T20 World Cup down under, the Indian think tank would now be eager to give Singh a few more chances going forward.

It would be interesting to see whether the left-arm pacer gets to feature in the playing XI for the upcoming five T20Is starting Friday, July 29 as the final auditions for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup get underway

A powerful show by Axar Patel in the second ODI helped India clinch the ongoing three-match series and take an unassailable 2-0 lead against hosts West Indies. The Shikhar Dhawan & Co. will now look to continue the momentum, and whitewash the series by 3-0, by winning the third and final ODI which is set to happen on July 27 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad.

West Indies yet again came perilously close to defeating India, but were unable to defend their total of 311/6 as a remarkable cameo from Axar Patel helped the visitors cross the finish line, condemning the Windies to an eighth straight ODI loss. As the hosts’ batters continue to shine throughout this series, opener Shai Hope celebrated his 100th ODI for the West Indies with a century.

However, until and unless the bowlers pull up their socks to restrict India from scoring, they would keep facing a challenging time. Gudakesh Motie was replaced in the lineup by Hayden Walsh, however, Walsh only bowled three overs at an economy rate of 8.00 and went wicketless. Thus, the Windies might plan to reverse that move.

All-rounder Axar Patel‘s thrilling cameo of an unbeaten 64 off 35 deliveries brought India’s bench strength to the limelight once again in the recently concluded game. If Ravindra Jadeja hadn’t missed out on the game due to his injury, Patel might not have gotten the chance of making it to the XI. Patel played a match-winning knock and confirmed his place in the lineup.

Another such player, who impressed everyone was Sanju Samson, who portrayed the wicketkeeper-batter’s role in the absence of regular Rishabh Pant. For the second ODI, there was only one replacement made as pacer Avesh Khan replaced Prasidh Krishna in the lineup. However, Avesh struggled to create an impact with the ball and having won the series already, India might well be persuaded to give a debut cap to Arshdeep Singh.

Pitch Conditions

The match at The Queen’s Park Oval will be competitive because of the pitch, which equally encourages bowlers and batters. In both the games so far, both pacers and spinners made good use of the conditions, but the batters found it to be a little slow. After witnessing two back-to-back thrillers, the team batting first will have to post a target higher than 300 runs in order to win.

Playing Combinations for WI vs IND

West Indies

West Indies demonstrated gritty character in both ODIs but fell short in the final over in both the game, thereby losing it by the barest of margins. West Indies strengthened their weakness—their inability to bat for 50 overs—and conquered it to record significant totals.

Predicted Playing XI: Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (c and wk), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales

India

Having won the series, there are chances that India might call up a couple of players for their debut game. India has the option of playing Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had a good track record in 50-over games recently, and Arshdeep Singh, the sensational young bowler, and try them in the series finale.

Predicted Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Siraj, Avesh Khan/Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

WI vs IND Head-to-Head

Played- 138 | West Indies- 63 | India- 69 | Tied- 02 | NR- 04

WI vs IND Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 7:00 PM IST

TV- DD Sports

Streaming- FanCode

A new chapter is about to open in Women’s cricket as they are set to feature in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in its history in 2022. The multi-sport tournament is going to feature cricket for only the second time after a hiatus of almost 24 years in Birmingham. Women’s cricket was part of the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, with Pakistan winning the Gold on both occasions.

The historic tournament in Birmingham will commence on the 29th of July and will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four. The seven-day long tournament will be played in the T20 format and will feature 16 matches, hosted by Edgbaston. Although it is expected to be a hotly contested affair with the Gold medal at stake, some teams are the favorites going into the tournament.

Here are three teams who can win the gold medal in the competition: 

1. Australia

The dominant force in Women’s cricket, Australia are at the summit of the rankings in all formats of the game and are one of the bookie’s favorites to clinch the gold at the quadrennial sporting event. Led by their enigmatic leader Meg Lanning, Australia got their hands on the seventh World Cup title earlier this year, defeating arch-rivals England in the final.

The Aussies are also the most successful T20I team in women’s cricket, with five World Cup titles to their name in seven editions of the tournament, a testament to their superiority. The reigning champions will face off against India in the opening fixture of the tournament.

Beth Mooney is the lynchpin in the batting order for the Women in Yellow alongside skipper Meg Lanning, the pair are the highest ranked T20I batters in the ICC rankings. The emergence of Ashleigh Gardner has been fruitful for them, who will be vying to make a mark in the tournament alongside the mercurial Ellyse Perry from the all-rounder contingent.

2. England

Australia’s nemesis and the 2017-World Cup winners England are arguably the biggest threat to the Kangaroos’ ambition of clinching the gold medal at this tournament. England and Australia are placed in different groups being the top-seeded side and could potentially lock horns in the blockbuster finale, in a repeat of the 2022 WC final.

The English camp has been hit by terrible news ahead of the tournament, as the 2017 WC-winning skipper Heather Knight is doubtful for the CWG 2022 after sustaining a hip injury in the ongoing series against South Africa.

They will be looking to redeem themselves by winning the gold medal after losing out on the WC title earlier this year. Knight deputy Nat Sciver has been in the inspired form off late and is likely to lead the side if Knight misses out. Young bowling sensation Sophie Ecclestone will be accompanying veteran spearhead Katherine Brunt in the bowling department.

3. India

The Women in Blue are the dark horses for the momentous tournament at CWG 2022 and can throw in the spanner in the hopes and dreams of Australia and England. The fourth-ranked T20I team in the world is capable of turning over any side in the world on their day, and the opponents will be wary of their abilities.

Under the truculent leadership of star all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, India have reinvigorated their hunger after a disappointing World Cup earlier this year. Mithali Raj’s retirement in June has left a massive void to fill for the Indian camp, but the emergence of youngsters like Harleen Deol bodes well for the team.

The onus will be on the eye-catching opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma along with accomplished all-rounder Deepti Sharma, while the bowling lineup will be relying upon Radha Yadav, who has been an constant threat with her left-arm spin.

WI vs IND Team Previews:

India (IND) will be up against the challenge of West Indies (WI) in the third and last fixture of the ODI series at Queen’s Park Oval. The second game of the series witnessed India pulling off a win in another thrilling encounter and taking an unassailable lead of 2-0. This game can witness Ravindra Jadeja making a comeback to the team, after recovering from the injury. The likes of Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Kishan can also find a place in this game. On the other hand, West Indies are not expected to make any changes and will play with their full strength.

WI vs IND Match Details:

West Indies vs India, 3rd ODI

Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Date & Time: 27th July at 7:00 PM IST and 9:30 AM Local Time

Live Streaming: FanCode

Live Telecast: Doordarshan (DD)

WI vs IND, 3rd ODI Pitch Report

The pitch has assisted the batters in a strong fashion in the first two ODIs, and the same is expected in this fixture as well. The team chasing down the score will have an advantage, of the relatively flat surface.

Injury News:

(will be added if there is any update)

Also Read: France’s Gustav McKeon becomes youngest men’s player to score a T20I century

WI vs IND, 3rd ODI, Probable Playing XIs:

India

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan

West Indies

Shai Hope (wk), Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Hayden Walsh

Top Picks for WI vs IND Dream11 Match:

Top Picks- Batters

Shreyas Iyer:

The experienced campaigner has set a proper platform for the team in posting or chasing a big score. He has 117 runs in 2 innings.

Shubman Gill:

The opening batter has been impressive in both the games with the knocks of 64 and 43 and would look to convert this into a triple figure.

Top Picks- All-Rounders

Kyle Mayers:

The all-rounder has been able to provide blistering starts to the Caribbean team in the ODI series. In the last game, he scalped two important wickets as well. He has 114 runs and 2 wickets to his name.

Top Picks- Bowlers

Shardul Thakur:

Thakur has been terrific at taking wickets in crunch moments. With 5 wickets in two appearances, he is the best bowler of the series.

Top Picks- Wicketkeeper

Shai Hope:

Hope completed his 13th hundred in his 100th ODI appearance and finally returned to form. He will certainly be the top pick for this game.

WI vs IND Must Picks Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for WI vs IND Dream11 Team for Fantasy Cricket:

Shai Hope (vc), Sanju Samson, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Romario Shepherd, Shardul Thakur, Alzarri Joseph, Yuzvendra Chahal

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for WI vs IND Dream11 Team for Fantasy Cricket:

Shai Hope, Shubman Gill (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks, Kyle Mayers (c), Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Alzarri Joseph, Yuzvendra Chahal

WI vs IND Risky Captaincy Choices:

Sanju Samson:

The talented batter is a top-quality player but has displayed inconsistency to continue his momentum throughout his career.

Nicholas Pooran:

Pooran scored 74 in the second ODI and was terrific with his ball-striking abilities. However, he has not been consistent enough in international cricket.

Players you should avoid:

Hayden Walsh:

The spinner returned with figures of 0/24 in three overs in the last fixture and should be avoided for this game.

Click here to know who will win today’s match between West Indies and India?

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

After winning two close encounters against the hosts West Indies, the final ODI for the visitors, India is scheduled to take place on July 27 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side has used their available resources to the best and is likely to try the players on the bench with the T20 World Cup coming up.

On the other hand, West Indies will be quite disappointed after not being able to finish off games despite having enough chances. Kyle Mayers and Shai Hope have performed quite well at the top of the order while Gukatesh Motie is likely to return to the XI in place of Hayden Walsh Jr. who looked in complete disarray.

WI vs IND Match Details

Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain

Date and Time: July 27, 7:00 PM

Telecast & Live Streaming: FanCode

WI vs IND Pitch Report

The two games so far at the venue have been quite high-scoring games and the team batting first will need at least 320 to be on the safer side. The wrist spinners were taken to the cleaners in the previous game and it will be important to have wickets in the bank so that, the death overs could be capitalized. The skipper winning the toss is likely to bowl first as chasing looks the easier option.

WI vs IND, 3rd ODI Probable Playing XIs:

West Indies:

Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd/Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales

India:

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson/Ishan Kishan (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan

WI vs IND Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter of the 3rd ODI match

Shikhar Dhawan:

Shikhar Dhawan missed out to score big in the previous game as he was dismissed off a flying catch from Kyle Mayers. However, the left-hander has been a run machine at the top of the order for India over the years in the format and will be looking to get to the three-figure mark. The skipper’s 97 in the first ODI was quite fantastic and he will be looking to lead from the front again.

Probable best bowler

Axar Patel:

Axar Patel bowled an economical spell in the previous game despite the pitch favouring the fast bowlers and he finished with 1 for 40 in his 9 overs. His superb knock with the bat also earned him the Player of the Match award. However, he has a big role to play in the bowling lineup still. This will be a good chance for him to make a case for himself in the ODI setup after his stupendous innings with the bat.

Today’s Match Prediction: India to win the match

Also Check: Dream11 Team Prediction for WI vs IND

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

ODIs and the T20Is over the last few years have witnessed several close contests, with the results decided in the last over. It is always entertaining for the fans when the game stays in balance throughout and goes right down to the last over in limited-overs cricket. 

This is where the finishers and the death-over bowlers come into play and make the game their own. Knowing the art of yorkers, slower balls and well-directed bouncers becomes crucial for a bowler during these times. For the batters, it is about holding their nerves, being brave and backing themselves to take on the bowlers and go for a big shot.

India have had some top-class finishers such as MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik among many others. There have been some iconic games that the Men in Blue were part of, which were decided with a last-ditch effort in the final moments.

Here are 6 times when an Indian player finished off the game with a six in the final over:

1. Axar Patel vs West Indies (ODI), in Port of Spain, July 2022

It was on July 24 at Queen’s Park Oval when West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. Windies opening batter Shai Hope scored a magnificent 115 runs off 135 balls, and skipper Nicholas Pooran contributed later on with 74 runs off 77 balls. 

The hosts put up a total of 311 for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs. India opener Shubman Gill scored 43, and Shreyas Iyer, at number three, scored 63. Sanju Samson followed it up with a well-made 54 in the middle. Axar Patel walked in when India needed 107 off 68 balls with only five wickets in hand. 

Axar came to India’s rescue, scoring his maiden fifty in ODIs. In the last over, Kyle Mayers had the ball in hand, and the visitors needed eight off six balls with the two wickets in hand. It came down to six off three, and Axar finished it off with a six to snatch India a victory from the jaws of defeat.

2. MS Dhoni vs Sri Lanka (ODI), in Port of Spain, July 2013

MS Dhoni was at his very best during the finals of the 2013 West Indies Tri-Nation Series between India and Sri Lanka. It was a low-scoring affair, and Sri Lanka only managed to put 201 on board while batting first. Kumar Sangakkara scored a  fighting 71 runs off 100 balls on a slow, spin-friendly wicket.

Opener Rohit Sharma laid a good foundation, scoring 58 off 89 balls at the top. But the chase was not straightforward for the Men in Blue as they were reduced to 167 for eight wickets in 41.5 overs and 182 for nine wickets in 46.2 overs.

It came all the way down to the last over, with India needing 15 off six balls. Shaminda Eranga was handed the ball, and it was MS Dhoni at the striker’s end. The first ball was a dot, making it 15 off five. And then came a six, four and six in the next three balls. Dhoni, as always, finished the game for India in a last-over thriller.

3. Dinesh Karthik vs Bangladesh (T20I), in Colombo, March 2018

The 2018 Nidhas T20 Tri-Series final between Bangladesh and India is one of the most memorable T20I games for Indian fans in recent years. Bangladesh scored a competitive total of 168 on a sticky wicket, thanks to Sabbir Rahman, who scored 77 off 50 balls.

In the second innings, India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma scored 56 off 42 balls. The middle order failed to make a substantial contribution, lo and behold, India needed 34 off the last two overs. While Vijay Shankar was struggling at one end, it was Dinesh Karthik, on the other end, who came to India’s rescue. 

Karthik scored 22 off the 19th over and brought down the equation to 12 off six balls. After the strike was rotated a few times, it came down to 5 off the last bowl. Soumya Sarkar bowled a wide half-volley, and Karthik pounced on it and smashed it over covers. It was a flat six as India crossed the line in style.  

4. Hardik Pandya vs Australia (T20I), in Sydney, December 2020

This was yet another thrilling contest between India and Australia, a high-scoring affair, which came right down to the wire. Australia, after being put to bat first, scored 194 for the loss of five wickets. Opener Matthew Wade top-scored with 58 off 32 balls, and Steve Smith, at number three, chipped in with 46 off 38 balls.

Indian top three, all were among runs, and they were well on course to the finishing line. After 16.1 overs, the Asian side were on 149 for four wickets and needed 56 off 23 balls, and it was on Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer.

It came down to 14 needed off the last over, and the ball was given to Daniel Sams. Pandya was on strike, and got a two, six and dot off the first three balls. With India needing six off three balls, Pandya launched one over the mid-wicket boundary and finished with 42 not out off 22 balls.

5. Harbhajan Singh vs Pakistan (ODI), in Dambulla, June 2010

It was an Asia Cup classic between India and Pakistan, which was a do-or-die game for the Men in Green. Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first. Opener Salman Butt got Pakistan off to a good start, scoring 74. Kamran Akmal in the backend scored 51, helping his side post 267.

For India, it was opener Gautam Gambhir and skipper MS Dhoni who contributed with 83 and 56, respectively. But the pendulum started to swing the other way as India lost wickets at regular intervals and found themselves on 219 for six wickets in the 46th over.

Mohammad Amir was given the ball to defend seven off the last over, and India had Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh on the crease. Raina was out in the second ball, and it was all on the off-spinner. The equation came down to three off two balls with Harbhajan on strike. Amir bowled a short-of-length ball, and the Indian smashed it over the boundary on the on-side to win it for his team.

6. Irfan Pathan vs Sri Lanka (T20I), in Colombo, February 2007

Sri Lanka took on world champions India four months after the inaugural T20 World Cup. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. Skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan starred with the bat for the Lankans, scoring 61 off 47 balls. At the end of the innings, the Lankans posted 171 for four wickets.

India’s chase never got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh made some decent contributions but eventually got out in the 30s. After 15.1 overs, it seemed like it was curtains for the visitors as they were seven down for 115. India needed 56 off 29 balls, and on crease were Yusuf Pathan and his younger brother Irfan Pathan.

It was Yusuf, who initially led the counter-attack, and Irfan joined shortly after. The duo well and truly swung the game in India’s favour, and they only needed five off the last over. It was Sri Lanka’s go-to death bowler Lasith Malinga with the ball. Yusuf took a single off the first ball, and Pathan hit a flat six over mid-wicket off the second ball. As a result, India won the game in an emphatic fashion. 

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who is a part of the playing combination that is facing the West Indies in the ongoing ODI series, opened up about the emotions that he went through after India clinched a thrilling victory in the second ODI on Sunday, 24 July. After chasing down a huge score of 312, the visitors won the game by two wickets with two balls remaining.

With Shai Hope smashing a beautiful hundred earlier in the first innings, West Indies batters had a blast on the field. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, as he notched up 115 runs off 135 deliveries. Skipper Nicholas Pooran was great support on the field as he joined him in power-hitting and scored 74 runs in his tenure.

The Indian innings in response got off to a poor start, and by the time of the 18th over, Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, and Suryakumar Yadav had departed. Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer, though, formed a potent alliance that shifted the game in India’s favor. Iyer eventually scored 63 runs, while Samson amassed 54.

Axar Patel assumed the role of the finisher after the duo left the field and led India to victory with brilliant innings of an unbeaten 64 runs off of 35 balls. In a video posted by the BCCI on Twitter, Siraj, who was at the other end when Patel struck the winning runs, and finished off the game in style with a six, spoke candidly about the triumph.

We all had the self-belief: Mohammed Siraj

“Oh my god, don’t ask brother. Emotions were running high, Axar Patel was pumped up, we all had the self-belief, even I had the belief of hitting a six but me taking a single was more sensible,” said Siraj.

Reactions from the dugout and change room as @akshar2026 sealed the ODI series in style 😎👏#TeamIndia #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/ZB8B6CMEbP

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 25, 2022

India’s hunt for a series white-wash

Win the resounding win, India clinched the ODI series with a match to spare. The final game will be played on July 27 as visitors India would aim to white-wash the series against West Indies on their home soil. The two teams will then play a five-match T20I series, the first three of which will be hosted by the Caribbean nation. The two teams will move to Florida for the final two T20Is.

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, who is also regarded as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever represented the nation, has previously talked about how life lessons can be learned from the game of cricket. Dravid, who has 48 centuries to his name in international cricket, opened up about how his first century came in school cricket and recalled how it taught him a lesson that he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Dravid is currently with the Indian side in the West Indies, where the Men in Blue are facing the Men in Maroon for three ODIs followed by five T20Is. India won the first two games of the ODI series, which were nail-biting thrillers. Having sealed the series with a game to spare, Dravid would hope for the Shikhar Dhawan-led side to white-wash the home team.

During the podcast ‘In the Zone’, hosted by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, Dravid recalled a comical event in which his name was misspelled as “David” in the press. This realization made him think that, despite scoring a century, he wasn’t very well-known at the time.

I think it was a good lesson for me: Rahul Dravid

“The editor obviously thought that there was a spelling mistake and there could be no one as Dravid. So, it had to be David, right?,” Dravid said recalling the incident.

“Because it’s a lot more common name. So, I think it was a good lesson for me as well to realize that while I might be really happy and excited about scoring a 100 in school cricket but I am still not well known. And people don’t even know my name. They can’t even trust my name to be right and have to change it,” Dravid added.

But the kid made sure that for the rest of his life, everyone in India as well as every publication would remember his name. Rahul Dravid and Bindra had previous encounters before this one.  At a book launch a few years back, Dravid discussed how Bindra’s Beijing 2008 gold medal encouraged him to push himself while he was on the “wrong side of his 30s” and going through a hard time.

“Abhinav’s achievement emboldened me to give it that last push with my own career to dig deep again and to do whatever it took, as difficult as it might seem. His no-shortcuts, no-excuses approach is something we can all aspire for, in whatever tasks big or small that we undertake,” he had said at the Book Launch.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri reckoned that the ODI format needs to be shortened from 50 to 40 overs so that it does not fade away. While the emergence of the T20 format was expected to slide down the Test format, it hasn’t been the case, and instead, the 50-over format has taken a toll. With a lot of T20 leagues around the world, fans are much more into viewing the shorter formats.

Interestingly, Test cricket has taken a different route and is starting to gain more and more popularity. Totals are getting chased down in the fourth innings, which has now left the situation of the ODI format in jeopardy. Ben Stokes’ retirement from ODIs at just 31 years was an entire shock to the whole cricketing fraternity, and hence, it is important to address the situation until another valuable talent parts ways with the format.

It stayed for 50 for too long: Ravi Shastri

Shahid Afridi had earlier suggested a reduction in overs from 50 to 40 in the ODI format, and he noted that the format isn’t interesting as it was before. Shastri emulated Afridi’s words stating that shortening the span will definitely work as he explained the examples from the 1983 World Cup when 60 overs were played per innings. He feels the need to think forward and added that the ODI format has been played for 50 overs for a long time now.

“One-day cricket has become quite boring now. I would suggest to cut ODI cricket from 50 overs to 40 overs in order to make it entertaining,” Shahid Afridi earlier told during his interview with Samaa TV after Stokes’ retirement.

“There is no harm in shortening the span of the game. When one-day cricket started, it was of 60 overs. When we won the World Cup in 1983, it was of 60 overs. After that, people thought that 60 overs were a bit too long. People found that span of overs between 20 to 40 hard to digest. So they reduced it from 60 to 50. So years have gone by now since that decision so why not reduce it from 50 to 40 now. Because you got to be forward-thinking and evolve. It stayed for 50 for too long,” Shastri said during the second ODI between India and West Indies on Fancode.

Emerging cricketer Will Pucovski’s international career might not have taken off, but he is still pretty much in  Australia’s long-term future plans. It has been learned that Pucovski happens to be one of the candidates named in the group of emerging batters and spin bowlers to head to the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai for being a part of a ten-day training camp next month.

The 24-year-old, who made his Test debut against India at the SCG in January last year, could not don the whites again for the Aussies after suffering a shoulder dislocation that required immediate surgery. The injury kept him out of action for a while and he also ended up missing the Ashes 2021/22 later that year.

Will Pucovski looks to make a comeback to the Australian team

The ten-member group will be coached by former Sri Lankan cricketer Thilan Samaraweera who was also one of the members of the coaching staff for the Australia A team in Sri Lanka. Pace legend and three-time World Cup winner Glenn McGrath would also be making his presence felt during the camp. The veteran fast bowler’s role will be that of a coach of the group as he’s a consultant to the MRF Pace Foundation.

Meanwhile, the selector, as well as tour manager Tony Dodemaide, has explained how this experience would be handy for the players. “It is exciting to renew the partnership with the MRF Foundation and provide this group of young players with a truly unique experience,” Dodemaide said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Some players have toured the subcontinent in the past so this trip will further refine their skills while others will gain valuable new experience in these testing conditions,” he added. The training camp is scheduled to be held from August 7 to 17 and Pucovski will be joining the likes of Josh Philippe, Matthew Kuhnemann, Henry Hunt, Tanveer Sangha, Todd Murphy, Cooper Connolly and Teague Wyllie respectively.