At the toss ahead of the Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, a rare scene unfolded. For the first time on a cricket field, the two captains spoke to two different commentators -- naturally, each one from their own country.
Former India captain and current commentator Ravi Shastri said hosts Pakistan would become 'doubly dangerous' if they can qualify for the knockout phase of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.
West Indies great Clive Lloyd is "disturbed" by the idea of a two-tier structure for Test cricket and believes efforts should instead be focused on ensuring struggling teams play more often against the top sides.
Vaughan joined former India coach Ravi Shastri in urging a shake-up which would include relegation and promotion to help ensure the survival of the red-ball game.
Regular skipper and opener Rohit was "rested" for Sydney Test, India said, after failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings during the series, which Australia lead 2-1.
His comments follow the blockbuster fourth Test between India and Australia that drew a record 373,691 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground over five enthralling days.
While he was dismissed for just 11 in his first innings of the series, Head went on to hit 89, 140 and 152 in his next three outings.
Shastri was referring to Kohli’s exceptional performances in Australia thus far - including a fighting Test ton in Adelaide in his first-ever Test tour in 2011/12, a staggering 692 runs at 86.50 from his four Tests during his second visit in 2014 and captaining India to their first-ever series win in the country in 2018/19 during which he scored an exceptional 123 in Perth.
Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri said Test cricket must remain competitive and the only way to do so was to have only the relatively stronger teams competing in this format.
While he was dismissed for just 11 in his first innings of the series, Head went on to hit 89, 140 and 152 in his next three outings.
Shastri was referring to Kohli’s exceptional performances in Australia thus far - including a fighting Test ton in Adelaide in his first-ever Test tour in 2011/12, a staggering 692 runs at 86.50 from his four Tests during his second visit in 2014 and captaining India to their first-ever series win in the country in 2018/19 during which he scored an exceptional 123 in Perth.
Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri said Test cricket must remain competitive and the only way to do so was to have only the relatively stronger teams competing in this format.
"Please watch out for (Dube), because he is explosive, he's devastating and he's a match-winner," Shastri told the ICC
The duo will be playing their first world cup, beginning next month.
“What a waste of opportunity on a great batting wicket. Disappointed. Very disappointed," said former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on X, formerly Twitter.
"With the fading interest in 50-over games, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in front of a full stadium."
Rohit Sharma on Wednesday angrily dismissed suggestions his India side had become overconfident, calling the criticism from former head coach Ravi Shastri "absolutely rubbish".
India need to appoint a new Twenty20 captain and follow England's template to revive their fortunes in that format, former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Thursday.
Cricketers and pundits slammed India's batting in the second innings as England batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root hit hundreds to thrash the tourists in the fifth Test on Tuesday.