Matthew Hayden’s daring bet: Promises to walk naked if Joe Root scores a century in Ashes 2025-26
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has expressed confidence that England’s Joe Root will register his first Test century in Australia during the Ashes 2025-26. Root is expected to play a pivotal role for England in the highly anticipated series later this year. Root, who has scored over 13,500 runs, is the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar, with 39 centuries to his name. Despite his prolific career, he has yet to score a Test century on Australian soil. In 14 Tests in Australia, Root has accumulated 892 runs, including nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 89. Interestingly, all four of Root’s Test centuries against Australia have come at home in England. The 34-year-old has also never reached triple figures in Australia in ODIs or T20Is. As a result, the Ashes 2025-26 presents him with a chance to achieve his maiden century in Australia across international formats. Matthew Hayden promises to walk nude at MCG if Joe Root fails to score a century Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden has made a bold prediction ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, expressing confidence that England’s Joe Root will break his century drought in Australia. Speaking on the All Over Bar the Cricket podcast on YouTube, Matthew Hayden jokingly declared that he would walk nude around the Melbourne Cricket Ground if Root fails to score a hundred during the series. “I will walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t make a hundred this summer,” Matthew Hayden said. Root has been in sensational form in Test cricket since 2021. During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, he surpassed the likes of Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Matthew Hayden also topped the charts for England in the five-match series, amassing 537 runs at an average of 67.12. The Ashes 2025-26 is set to begin on November 21 with the opening Test in Perth, while the fifth and final Test will take place from January 4-8, 2026, in Sydney. This series will mark the second Test series for both England and Australia in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-27 cycle. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Pat Cummins prepared to take “a few risks” to ensure readiness for Ashes 2025-26
Pat Cummins Faces Lower Back Stress Reaction Ahead of Ashes 2025-26. Australia captain Pat Cummins, has been hit by a stress reaction in his lower back just as the team ramps up preparations for the Ashes 2025-26. The 32-year-old revealed that he might adopt “aggressive” strategies to prove his fitness for the series opener despite the setback. A recent scan revealed lumbar bone stress, forcing Pat Cummins to miss Australia’s white-ball series against India and New Zealand. Since returning from the Caribbean tour, he has been restricted to light gym work, avoiding running and bowling, while hoping the tension in his back eases. Having battled injuries throughout the first six years of his international career, Pat Cummins is well aware of the risks. Pushing too hard too soon could trigger a stress fracture, something he is cautious to avoid. “I’m never going to go into a Test match unless I know I can finish it. When you’re 18 or 19, you aim for perfect rehab, even if it takes six months. Now, with the Ashes, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to play. If I’m not 100% by the end, I can take a break next year … there isn’t another Ashes series,” Pat Cummins told cricket.com.au. Cummins has historically bowled over 400 overs annually, but his workload has dropped significantly in 2025, with just 175.1 overs bowled in the first nine months. “I’m still doing a bit of gym” – Pat Cummins on his rehab Despite bowling a total of 60 overs across three Tests, Pat Cummins felt the strain following Australia’s 3-0 series sweep of the West Indies in July. As the Ashes approach, Cummins remains optimistic about regaining his pace, even if it means missing a few games. “Do the rehab properly and give it a solid effort. The Ashes is a huge series—it doesn’t get much bigger. So you’re willing to take a few risks and push a bit to play as much Test cricket as you can. I gave it another month after the tour, kept things fairly quiet to help it settle, and had another scan on Monday. It wasn’t terrible, but it showed there’s still a little something there, so I’ve got to be careful for the next little while,” Cummins explained. “I’m still doing a bit of gym work, but no running or bowling yet. Once we get that right, we’ll start building toward the summer. There’s plenty of time—about 12 weeks until the first Test—so we’ll see how it goes in the coming weeks,” he added. While the exact cause of his injury remains unclear, Cummins suggested it could be linked to the heavy workload during the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s earlier this year, where he bowled 35.1 overs over four days. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma arrive at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for fitness assessments
Shubman Gill has been named India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. On Saturday, August 30, senior Indian cricketers reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for fitness tests. Among them were Test captain Shubman Gill, ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, according to The Times of India. Shubman Gill and Bumrah are both part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. While Shubman Gill will serve as deputy to captain Suryakumar Yadav, Bumrah is set to lead the pace attack. Shubman Gill recently missed the opening round of the 2025–26 Duleep Trophy due to illness. Several Indian players have also visited the CoE for assessments in recent weeks. Nitish Kumar Reddy is currently undergoing rehab for a knee injury at the facility. Shubman Gill: Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will begin preparations for India’s white-ball series against Australia in October-November. He is expected to lead the ODI side in the three-match series and could also feature for India A in their ODI matches against Australia A. Indian squad set to arrive in Dubai on September 4 The Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to land in Dubai on September 4, with players flying in from their respective cities. The Men in Blue will begin training the following day, September 5. The Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9 to 28. India, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, will play their opening match against hosts UAE on September 10. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“One dream still remains for me…” – Mohammed Shami on his goal before retirement
Mohammed Shami has expressed his burning desire to win the ICC ODI World Cup and bring the trophy home. The veteran Indian pacer revealed that lifting the ODI World Cup remains the one unfulfilled dream of his career. He also reflected on India’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where despite his brilliant performances, the Men in Blue fell short against Australia. India had gone unbeaten throughout the tournament until that crushing loss in the final. Mohammed Shami, who was instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for his side with nine wickets in five matches, reaffirming his importance to the team. “Winning the ODI World Cup is my only remaining dream,” says Mohammed Shami In an exclusive conversation with News24, 34-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami revealed his ultimate ambition: lifting the ICC ODI World Cup trophy for India. He reflected on the team’s near-miss in the previous edition. “I only have one dream left — to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be part of that team, contribute, and bring the trophy home,” Shami said. Recalling the 2023 campaign, he added, “We came very close. There was a mix of excitement and fear during the knockout stages. But the fans’ belief and enthusiasm kept us motivated. It was a dream that could have been realized, but perhaps luck wasn’t on our side.” The next ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October-November 2027, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By then, Mohammed Shami will be 37, and his inclusion in the squad could be uncertain. Currently, Mohammed Shami is representing the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26. He is expected to return to the national side for India’s home Test series against the West Indies in October. Notably, he was absent from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Mohammed Shami Hints at Retirement with Shocking “I Will Leave…” Remark Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Mohammed Shami stated that if he is not selected for the national team, he will continue playing domestic cricket. The veteran pacer clarified that retirement is not on his mind yet, adding that he will only consider stepping away from the game when he feels he has lost interest. Mohammed Shami has been sidelined from international action for some time. He was not part of India’s squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, with his last appearance coming in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March. Despite India’s loss, he impressed with nine wickets in five matches, finishing as the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakaravarthy. Interestingly,Mohammed Shami has been absent from Test cricket for an even longer period. His last outing in the longest format was the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021–23 final against Australia in June 2023. “The day I get bored, I will leave”: Mohammed Shami on retirement In a candid chat with News24, senior pacer Mohammed Shami clarified that he has no immediate plans to retire from cricket. The 34-year-old said he will only consider stepping away from the game when he loses the passion for it. “If someone has a problem, tell me. Whose life will improve if I retire? The day I get bored, I will leave,” Shami remarked, stressing that he is not burdening anyone with his career. He further added that not being selected for the national team will not affect his commitment to the sport. “You don’t pick me, don’t play me—I don’t care. I’ll keep working hard. If I’m not chosen for international matches, I will play domestic cricket. I will keep playing somewhere or the other,” he said. Explaining his mindset, Mohammed Shami noted that retirement comes only when a player loses the willpower to continue. “Such decisions are made when you start feeling bored, when you no longer want to wake up at 7 am for a Test. That’s not the case with me now. If needed, I’ll be up at 5,” he asserted. Currently, Shami is not part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. However, he is expected to feature in the ODI series against Australia in October and could also make his Test comeback during the home series against the West Indies the same month. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“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
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
এমএস ধোনি না রিশভ পান্ত? টেস্ট ক্রিকেটে ভারতের সেরা উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান হিসাবে আকাশ চোপড়ার পছন্দ কী?
আকাশ চোপড়া MS Dhoni এবং ঋষভ পান্তের পরিসংখ্যান তুলনা করে টেস্ট ক্রিকেটে ভারতের সেরা উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান নির্বাচন করেছেন। বিখ্যাত ক্রিকেট কমেন্টেটর আকাশ চোপড়া টেস্ট ক্রিকেটে ভারতের সেরা উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান হিসেবে MS Dhoni ও ঋষভ পান্তের মধ্যে তার পছন্দ প্রকাশ করেছেন। ৪৭ বছর বয়সী এই ক্রিকেট বিশ্লেষক দীর্ঘতম ফরম্যাটে দুই খেলোয়াড়ের পরিসংখ্যান তুলনা করে তার প্রিয় ব্যাটসম্যানের নাম ঘোষণা করেছেন। সম্প্রতি শেষ হওয়া অ্যান্ডারসন-তেন্ডুলকার ট্রফি ২০২৫ এ ঋষভ পান্ত তার অসাধারণ ব্যাটিং পারফরম্যান্স দিয়ে অনেক আলোড়ন সৃষ্টি করেছেন। বামহাতি এই ব্যাটসম্যান চারটি টেস্টে সাত ইনিংসে ৪৭৯ রান করেছেন গড় ৬৮.৪৩ নিয়ে, যার মধ্যে রয়েছে দুইটি সেঞ্চুরি এবং তিনটি হাফ-সেঞ্চুরি। হেডিংলি, লিডসে প্রথম ম্যাচে পান্ত ইংল্যান্ডে একটি টেস্ট ম্যাচে জোড়া সেঞ্চুরি করা প্রথম ভারতীয় ব্যাটসম্যান হন। সিরিজে তার অষ্টম টেস্ট সেঞ্চুরি হাঁকিয়ে তিনি ধোনির (৬) রেকর্ড ভেঙে ভারতের সবচেয়ে বেশি টেস্ট সেঞ্চুরি করা উইকেটকিপারের নাম লিখিয়ে দিয়েছেন। MS Dhoni আকাশ চোপড়া নির্বাচিত করলেন রিশভ পান্তকে ভারতের সেরা উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান হিসেবে টেস্টে তাঁর ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে কথা বলার সময়, চোপড়া টেস্টে ধোনি এবং পান্তের ব্যাটিং রেকর্ডের ওপর আলোকপাত করেন। তিনি উল্লেখ করেন, গত কয়েক বছরে পান্ত ব্যাটে অনেক বেশি কার্যকরী হয়ে উঠেছেন এবং টেস্ট সেঞ্চুরির রেকর্ডে প্রাক্তন ভারতীয় অধিনায়ক ধোনিকে ছাড়িয়ে গেছেন। “MS Dhoniম্যাচ খেলার সংখ্যা এবং রান সংগ্রহের দিক থেকে শীর্ষে আছেন। তিনি ৯০টি ম্যাচ, ১৪৪ ইনিংস খেলেছেন, ৩৮.০৯ গড়ে ৪৮৭৬ রান করেছেন, এবং তার নামে রয়েছে ছয়টি সেঞ্চুরি। রিশভ পান্ত গত পাঁচ বছরে ছয়টি সেঞ্চুরি করেছেন,” তিনি বলেন। “যদি সামগ্রিকভাবে দেখি, রিশভ পান্ত ইতোমধ্যেই আটটি সেঞ্চুরি করেছেন আর MS Dhoni ছয়টি সেঞ্চুরি। রিশভ পান্ত রান সংখ্যায় ইতোমধ্যে দ্বিতীয় স্থানে আছেন। তিনি MS Dhoni থেকে ১৪০০ রান পিছিয়ে আছেন এবং প্রায় অর্ধেক ম্যাচই খেলেছেন। তিনি আরও খেললে অবশ্যই ধোনিকে ছাড়িয়ে যাবেন,” তিনি আরও যোগ করেন। এর পাশাপাশি, চোপড়া পান্তের প্রশংসাও করেন, যিনি ইংল্যান্ডে ১০০০ টেস্ট রান করার প্রথম উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান হিসেবে ইতিহাস সৃষ্টি করেছেন। “ইংল্যান্ডে উইকেটকিপারদের মধ্যে সবচেয়ে বেশি রান কার, যদি দেখি, পান্ত একমাত্র যিনি ইংল্যান্ডে ১০০০ রান করেছেন। তিনি চারটি সেঞ্চুরি এবং পাঁচটি হাফ-সেঞ্চুরি করেছেন। ১৩ ম্যাচ এবং ২৪ ইনিংসে তিনি ১০০০ রান পার করেছেন,” তিনি যোগ করেন। উল্লেখযোগ্য, পান্ত আগস্ট ২০১৮ সালে টেস্টে অভিষেক করেন এবং এ পর্যন্ত ৪৭টি ম্যাচ খেলেছেন। চমৎকার ৪৪.৫১ গড়ে, এই বাঁহাতি ব্যাটসম্যান ৮২ ইনিংসে ৩৪২৭ রান সংগ্রহ করেছেন। উইকেটকিপার ব্যাটসম্যান হিসেবে তাঁর নামে আটটি সেঞ্চুরি এবং ১৮টি হাফ-সেঞ্চুরি রয়েছে। Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration