“England’s batting line-up is unbelievable, it’s a real challenge” – Josh Hazlewood ahead of Ashes 2025-26
Josh Hazlewood praised the recent performances of Harry Brook and Joe Root, noting that both batters have been in exceptional form. Speaking ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, the Australian pacer admitted that England possess a formidable batting line-up and that his side will face a tough challenge in countering them during the five-match series. Josh Hazlewood: The Ashes 2025-26 marks the next Test series for both Australia and England in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The highly anticipated contest begins on November 21 in Perth, with the final Test scheduled in Sydney from January 4-8, 2026. Australia enter the series on the back of a commanding 3-0 whitewash over the West Indies, while England are coming off a hard-fought 2-2 draw in their five-match series against India. Josh Hazlewood Praises England’s Batting Depth Ahead of Ashes 2025-26 In a chat with ESPNCricinfo, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood lauded England’s batting strength, highlighting the form of Harry Brook and Joe Root. Hazlewood believes both players are well-prepared to make an impact during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. “England have had pretty flat wickets in recent years, along with a dry summer, so spin is starting to play more of a role. I think Brook will adapt quickly. He’s a quality player, ranked among the best in the world, and will be a tough challenge,” Josh Hazlewood said. He further added, “A fresh face like Harry Brook can play with freedom, without any baggage. Joe Root is probably in the form of his life as well. England’s top seven have been outstanding in Tests—they really are an unbelievable batting line-up. It’s going to be a real challenge.” Josh Hazlewood: Meanwhile, Australia are set to face New Zealand in a T20I series and India in a white-ball series before the Ashes begins. England, on the other hand, will take on South Africa and New Zealand in white-ball cricket, along with a T20I series against Ireland. Several Australian players will also feature in the Sheffield Shield as preparation for the marquee Ashes contest. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
R Ashwin Poised to Make History for India with Landmark England Move Post-IPL Retirement: Report
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from the IPL and, following a distinguished India career with 537 Test wickets, is reportedly aiming for The Hundred. Ashwin Retires from IPL, Eyes The Hundred in England After announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, former India spinner Ravichandran has already set his sights on his next venture. According to Telegraph Sport, Ashwin is keen to participate in next year’s The Hundred competition in England, potentially becoming the first Indian male player to feature in the event. Ravichandran, one of the finest spinners in cricket history, returned from international cricket in December last year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. He ended his illustrious career with 537 Test wickets, ranking seventh-highest in the format. Amid ongoing discussions about his trade from Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin officially concluded his IPL career on Wednesday. Sharing the news on social media, Ashwin expressed enthusiasm for exploring overseas leagues after ending his BCCI commitments. “Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years, and most importantly the IPL and the BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” he said. Ashwin Eyes The Hundred After IPL Retirement According to Telegraph Sport, R. Ashwin has already “identified The Hundred as a competition in which he would be eager to appear,” following his retirement from the IPL. With Ashwin no longer a BCCI-contracted player, he is unlikely to face any restrictions in participating. For context, BCCI rules bar India’s male cricketers from joining overseas T20 leagues unless they retire from all levels of Indian cricket. Women cricketers, however, face no such restriction, and several Indian female stars have previously featured in The Hundred. Next year’s edition of The Hundred will see teams under new identities after a major stake sale earlier this year. With fresh ownership in place, the demand for star players is expected to rise, making Ashwin a highly sought-after prospect. Notably, four of the eight franchises now have links to IPL ownership groups, giving them a likely edge in pursuing Ashwin, though interest is expected from other teams as well. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul Scheduled for Yo-Yo Test at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on This Date
India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma is set to return to action in October for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. According to Revsportz, both Rohit Sharma and batter KL Rahul will undergo fitness assessments, including the yo-yo test, at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru on August 30 and 31. It remains unclear whether Virat Kohli will also take part in these fitness tests. Rohit Sharma last represented India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, leading the team to the title. His most recent competitive cricket came in the IPL 2025, where he featured in 15 matches for Mumbai Indians, scoring 418 runs at a strike rate of 149.28, including four fifties. Sharma and Kohli, who now focus exclusively on the 50-over format, were originally scheduled to play in India’s ODI series against Bangladesh in August. However, the white-ball tour was postponed to next year. Both players will next be seen in action during India’s ODI series against Australia in October Down Under. Rohit Sharma Set to Lead India in ODI Series Against Australia in October Rohit Sharma, India’s current ODI captain, is expected to lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming series against Australia this October. During India’s 2025 tour Down Under, the teams will face off in three ODIs and five T20Is. The three ODIs are scheduled for October 19, 23, and 25. The series will kick off at Perth Stadium, Perth, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, and Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Prior to the Australia tour, India will compete in the Asia Cup 2025 from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. India enters the tournament as the defending champions, with this edition being played in the T20 format. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Vijay Shankar Teams Up with Hanuma Vihari, Transfers to Tripura for the 2025-26 Domestic Season
A Tripura Cricket Association official has confirmed that India cricketers Vijay Shankar and Hanuma Vihari will be switching their domestic teams. Vijay Shankar, previously representing Tamil Nadu, will now play for Tripura starting from the upcoming Indian domestic season. Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari has signed with Tripura after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). According to ACA sources, Vihari applied for the NOC on Sunday and received it within a day, finalizing the move swiftly. This transfer also marks the end of his strained relationship with the ACA. Last season, Nara Lokesh, the general secretary of the state’s ruling TDP, had persuaded Vihari against changing teams after he resigned as Andhra captain at the start of the 2023–24 season, amid allegations of “political interference.” Announcing the move on social media, Vihari wrote:“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to join the Tripura Cricket Association, where I will represent the state across all three formats. I am grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association for their support throughout my journey, but I believe it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently. I am excited for this new challenge and fully committed to giving my best in this next phase.” New Chapter begins… pic.twitter.com/ufBxmxA8vU — Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) August 26, 2025 Vijay Shankar Confirms Move to Tripura Ahead of New Domestic Season Vijay Shankar announced on August 27 that he will be moving from Tamil Nadu to Tripura for the upcoming Indian domestic season. The right-handed batting all-rounder began his domestic career with Tamil Nadu in 2012 and has since played 58 Ranji Trophy matches, scoring 3,142 runs at an average of 44.25 while batting down the order, including 11 centuries. In List A cricket, Vijay Shankar appeared in 106 matches for Tamil Nadu, amassing 2,632 runs at an average of around 35, with two centuries. He has also made significant contributions in T20s, scoring 2,454 runs and taking 36 wickets. “I have obtained the NOC from TNCA but am still waiting for confirmation from the Tripura Cricket Association. I will be able to officially announce my switch once I receive the formal approval letter from Tripura,” Vijay Shankar stated. The all-rounder has represented India in 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is, including appearances in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Late Tuesday night, a Tripura Cricket Association representative confirmed to Cricbuzz that Vijay Shankar will join forces with Hanuma Vihari for the next domestic season. Tripura is expected to compete in the Elite divisions of the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Fast bowling takes a toll…” – Ex-India pacer’s sharp take on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management saga
Jasprit Bumrah featured in only three of the five Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.Former India pacer Balwinder Singh Sandhu has supported Jasprit Bumrah decision to manage his workload, even as the fast bowler faced criticism from fans and ex-cricketers for selectively playing matches in the England vs India series. Before the tour began, Jasprit Bumrah had informed the management that he would participate in just three Tests to avoid excessive strain and reduce the risk of injuries. Staying true to that plan, he skipped the decisive fifth Test at The Oval—a must-win game for India to level the series. Balwinder Singh Sandhu Backs Jasprit Bumrah on Workload Concerns Former India pacer and 1983 World Cup winner Balwinder Singh Sandhu has come out in support of Jasprit Bumrah’s stance on workload management. Writing in his column for Midday, Sandhu stressed that fast bowlers face undue criticism compared to batters when they take breaks. “In the last seven years, how many batsmen have gone without injury breaks? How many have opted out of a series quietly? Nobody questions them. But when it comes to a fast bowler, everyone seems ready to pounce. The truth is – fast bowling is brutal,” Sandhu wrote. Highlighting statistics, he pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah has averaged just 3.2 rest days for every day played over the past seven years. In comparison, Mohammed Siraj averaged 3.5 and Mohammed Shami 3.7. “And remember, both Bumrah and Shami have also missed matches due to injuries. That only makes these numbers more striking,” he added. Jasprit Bumrah recently suffered an injury after playing all five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, which ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The senior pacer is now set to return in the Asia Cup 2025, where he will lead India’s pace attack. Under captain Suryakumar Yadav, India are placed in Group A and will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Not the Desert Storm or the 2003 World Cup knock against Pakistan! Sachin Tendulkar reveals this innings as his all-time favourite
Sachin Tendulkar recently took part in a Reddit AMA, answering questions from fans. Widely regarded as India’s greatest batsman, Tendulkar was asked about his favourite innings during the session. Having retired in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar illustrious career spanned 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and a single T20I since his debut for India in 1989 at just 16 years old. Over this time, he scored 15,921 Test runs, 18,426 ODI runs, and 10 T20I runs, compiling a remarkable total of 100 centuries. Throughout his career, Sachin Tendulkar played several iconic innings. His two centuries against Australia in Sharjah in 1998, famously dubbed the “Desert Storm,” and his 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup are among the most memorable. Yet, surprisingly, neither of these innings ranks as Tendulkar’s personal favourite. Sachin Tendulkar Names His Most Memorable Knock for India Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that his most significant innings for India came in a high-pressure and emotional situation. During a tightly contested series, India won all five matches of a shortened seven-match ODI series and then secured the two-Test series 1-0. In the Chennai Test, England batted first, posting 316, thanks to a century from Andrew Strauss, while Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra took three wickets each. India responded with 241 runs. England then declared at 311/9, with Strauss and Paul Collingwood scoring centuries. Chasing a daunting target of 387, India got a blazing start from Virender Sehwag, who smashed 83 off 68 balls on day four. Gautam Gambhir contributed 66, and Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 85, supporting Tendulkar as he crafted a masterful 103 to guide India to a six-wicket victory. During an ‘Ask Sachin’ session on Reddit, Sachin Tendulkar described his 2008 Test century against England at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium as his most meaningful innings. “There are many, but the most significant was against England in Chennai in 2008,” the legendary batter said. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Sehwag urges Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav to focus on team-building ahead of Asia Cup: ‘In my opinion…’
Virender Sehwag stated that the upcoming Asia Cup would serve as the perfect platform for India to gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sehwag Sees Asia Cup 2025 as a Launchpad for T20 World Cup 2026 Veteran opener Virender Sehwag has stated that the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 will provide a golden opportunity for the Indian management to build a team for next year’s T20 World Cup. India will head into the tournament as defending champions, this time with a fresh-looking side under a new captain and head coach. The All India Selection Committee has already announced the 15-member squad for the multi-nation tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side and Shubman Gill reinstated as his deputy after missing the last couple of T20I series. However, there were notable omissions as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna failed to make the cut despite impressive IPL performances last season. Sehwag believes the Asia Cup will be an ideal platform for India to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He explained that the tournament offers a chance to test fresh talent, identify potential squad members, and begin shaping a competitive team for the global event. “I think in the T20 format, this Asia Cup can serve as a great preparation for our 2026 T20 World Cup. It’s an opportunity to see which new players should be given chances and who can be included in the squad. You can start building a team for the World Cup,” Sehwag said on Sony Sports Network. Asia Cup: A Crucial Test for India’s Strength The veteran batter said it would be the best chance for Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav to analyse their strength and prepare accordingly for the future. “In my opinion, there is no better opportunity for the Indian team to check its strength than the Asia Cup,” he added. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned to the T20 squad after missing two games in England due to workload management. His last T20 appearance came during India’s World Cup triumph against South Africa at Barbados in June 2024. The Asia Cup will begin on September 9, with defending champions India set to face hosts United Arab Emirates a day later in Dubai. India and arch-rivals Pakistan have been placed in Group A, with the most-anticipated clash of the tournament scheduled for September 14. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
David Miller and Marco Jansen Return as South Africa Unveil Squads for White-Ball Tour of England
South Africa will face England in three ODIs and three T20Is during their white-ball tour in September 2025. On Saturday, August 23, Cricket South Africa (CSA) unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated series. The tour kicks off with the ODIs, beginning on September 2 at Headingley, Leeds. The second ODI is set for September 4 at Lord’s in London, followed by the third and final game on September 7 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. The T20I series will then get underway on September 10 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The second match will be staged on September 12 at Old Trafford, Manchester, with the tour concluding on September 14 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Temba Bavuma will captain South Africa in the ODIs. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Australia series with an ankle injury, returns to the squad. In addition, CSA has retained in-form batter Matthew Breetzke, who has impressed in his four ODI appearances so far. For the T20Is, all-rounder Marco Jansen makes his comeback after recovering from injury. David Miller and Keshav Maharaj also return to strengthen the Proteas’ squad for the shortest format. South Africa Announce Squads for White-Ball Series Against England South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs. South Africa T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams. The Proteas are currently engaged in the ODI series against Australia. After losing the T20I series 2-1 to the hosts, South Africa made a strong comeback in the ODIs, winning the first two matches by 98 runs and 84 runs, respectively. The third ODI is scheduled for August 24. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Jasprit Bumrah ditched burgers and pizzas, built strength to sustain unique bowling action: ‘We tried to change…’”
Bharat Arun revealed that Jasprit Bumrah had to make several sacrifices to sustain his unorthodox action, driven by his deep love for bowling. The Sacrifices Behind Bumrah’s Success Jasprit Bumrah might be modern cricket’s most unique fast bowler, a rare weapon effective across all three formats. Yet, like any great pacer, his rise is built on immense effort, discipline, and development. India’s former bowling coach Bharat Arun, who first worked with Bumrah at the NCA, recalled how the pacer had to transform his lifestyle to sustain his unorthodox action over time. “He could bowl quick, and so we discussed with the physio and conditioning coach. I didn’t want to touch his action because it generates pace, but it also puts him under stress,” Arun explained in an interview with Bombay Sport. The focus, therefore, shifted to Bumrah’s fitness and diet—what Arun described as ‘sacrifices.’ To withstand the demands of fast bowling, Bumrah was told he had to become “like a bull,” committing to exercise, discipline, and clean eating. “In all fairness, Bumrah changed instantly. He began eating healthy, worked in the gym, and showed the same dedication as Virat Kohli,” Arun revealed. And just like Kohli, Bumrah had to cut out his favorite indulgences. “He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. He gave up everything overnight. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat — but his love for bowling was greater than any craving,” said Arun, summing up the mindset that turned Bumrah into one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers. Bumrah’s Unique Action and Fitness Commitment Arun revealed that discussions about modifying Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action date back to an U19 camp at the NCA in 2013. At the time, there were attempts to remodel his style into something more orthodox, but the move was soon abandoned when it became evident that Bumrah’s strength and effectiveness came from his unorthodox action. “A lot has been said about Virat Kohli’s fitness culture, but Jasprit Bumrah is no less,” Arun explained. “In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective?” Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Matches shifted from Bengaluru as ICC unveils updated schedule for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to take place from September 30 to November 2. On Friday, August 22, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a revised schedule for the tournament, confirming DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as a replacement for Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup The decision follows the tragic incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this year, where a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations led to multiple casualties. Declared unfit to host international fixtures, the venue has lost its rights for the Women’s World Cup. Consequently, all matches originally slated for Bengaluru will now be staged at Navi Mumbai. At DY Patil Stadium, fans will witness three league matches, one semi-final, and the final. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, other four venues remain unchanged: The tournament final will be contested either in Navi Mumbai or Colombo. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Women’s team will play all their group-stage fixtures at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Should they progress to the knockouts, their semi-final or final matches will also be held there. Updated Schedule for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025It is worth noting that M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a tragic incident during RCB’s IPL title celebrations in June earlier this year, where a stampede resulted in multiple fatalities and left over 50 people injured. The updated match schedule for #CWC25 is out now 🏆 All the action starts on 30 September! 🗓️ ✍️: https://t.co/jBoQOHox5V pic.twitter.com/RcErcJR6yU — ICC (@ICC) August 22, 2025 Eight Teams Set to Clash for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Glory Eight teams will compete in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India Women, Sri Lanka Women, Australia Women, New Zealand Women, Bangladesh Women, Pakistan Women, England Women, and South Africa Women. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament. The opening match will feature the co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka, facing off on September 30 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. Defending champions Australia Women will kick off their campaign the following day against New Zealand in Indore. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration