South Africa Name New Captain for Second Test Against Zimbabwe After Keshav Maharaj Is Ruled Out
Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out of Second Test with Groin Injury. In a significant setback for South Africa, stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a groin injury. The left-arm spinner sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test. Keshav Maharaj was leading the side in place of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who missed the series after suffering a hamstring injury during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against Australia last month. South Africa are currently on a two-match Test tour of Zimbabwe. The second and final Test is scheduled to begin on July 6 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The visitors hold a 1-0 lead in the series following their victory in the opening Test. Wiaan Mulder Named South Africa Captain for Second Test Against Zimbabwe All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been named South Africa’s captain for the second Test against Zimbabwe, replacing Keshav Maharaj, who will miss the match. Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy has been drafted into the squad as Maharaj’s replacement, while pacer Lungi Ngidi, initially expected to join the team, has been released. Keshav Maharaj played a pivotal role in South Africa’s dominant win in the first Test. The experienced spinner claimed four wickets in the match, including three in the first innings, and also scored a vital half-century in the second innings. South Africa sealed a commanding 328-run victory in the opening Test. Batting first, the Proteas posted 418/9 declared, powered by centuries from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch. Keshav Maharaj, They then bowled Zimbabwe out for 291, despite a century from Sean Williams. In the second innings, captain Mulder led from the front with a century, helping South Africa set a mammoth target of 537. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 208, handing South Africa a resounding win and a 1–0 lead in the series. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Sachin Tendulkar Ecstatic After South Africa’s WTC Victory; Yuvraj Singh Tells Australia It’s ‘Okay to Let Go’ of Trophy
Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh extended their congratulations to South Africa for their World Test Championship victory over Australia at Lord’s. Cricket World Celebrates South Africa’s Historic WTC Final Triumph The cricketing fraternity was abuzz following South Africa’s dramatic victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Temba Bavuma and his resilient team successfully chased down a target of 282 runs in the fourth innings at Lord’s Cricket Ground, securing the title by five wickets. This momentous win ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, with Aiden Markram and Bavuma playing starring roles. Markram’s commanding 136 and Bavuma’s gritty 66, despite a hamstring strain, were key to the Proteas’ success. The pair forged a crucial 147-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding South Africa home in the first session of Day 4. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs, extended his congratulations to South Africa for overcoming a strong Australian lineup. On social media, Sachin Tendulkar praised the team’s composure under pressure, writing, “Test cricket continues to weave its magic. In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings.” Despite Australia’s fierce resistance, South Africa’s determination and skill prevailed, sparking celebrations worldwide. This historic victory not only secured the coveted WTC trophy but also marked a defining moment in South African cricket history. Test cricket continues to weave its magic. In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram’s composure and Bavuma’s grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings. A century that will be remembered, a partnership that… — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 14, 2025 ‘Okay, to let go of one trophy’ Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulated South Africa on their historic World Test Championship victory, applauding their resilience and character in the longest format. He specifically highlighted the impressive bowling performances of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen, who played pivotal roles in restricting Australia throughout the match. Rabada was particularly outstanding, taking nine wickets in the contest, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings and four more in the second. Yuvraj also acknowledged Australia’s strong legacy in ICC events but humorously told captain Pat Cummins that “it’s okay to let go of one trophy.” In a heartfelt message, Yuvraj wrote, “The class of 2025 ends a 27-year wait and lifts the ICC World Test Championship Trophy in style! Huge congrats to the @ProteasMenCSA on a historic win at Lord’s. I’ve always believed there’s no greater measure of resilience and character than Test cricket and South Africa rose to the occasion! #AidenMarkram’s century was pure class.” He added, “@KagisoRabada25, @marcojansen2000 and @NgidiLungi brought relentless intensity and #TembaBavuma led with calm and courage. A final worthy of the format. Tough luck #Australia! You know it’s okay to let go of one trophy.” The class of 2025 ends a 27-year wait and lifts the ICC World Test Championship Trophy in style! Huge congrats to the @ProteasMenCSA on a historic win at Lord’s. I’ve always believed there’s no greater measure of resilience and character than Test cricket and South Africa rose to… — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 14, 2025 Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his joy as the Bavuma-led South African team clinched the World Test Championship, powered by Aiden Markram’s stellar performance. Alongside Irfan, his brother Yusuf Pathan and Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh also praised South Africa for ending their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy. The trio’s reactions highlighted the widespread admiration and respect for the Proteas’ resilience and skill in securing this historic triumph. Well Deserved CHAMPIONS . Well played South Africa ♠️🏏 pic.twitter.com/BGg39fGues — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 14, 2025 Australia experienced their first loss in an ICC final since the 2010 T20 World Cup final against England in Barbados. As wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne struck the winning runs, jubilant celebrations broke out inside the South African dressing room. Captain Temba Bavuma was visibly overwhelmed with emotion, while Keshav Maharaj was moved to tears during a heartfelt post-match interview with Graeme Smith, reflecting the immense significance of this long-awaited victory. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad pledges to prioritize the national team over franchise leagues.
Shukri Conrad has recently been appointed as the head coach of South Africa’s white-ball cricket teams. Earlier this week, Conrad officially took over as the head coach of the South African cricket team. He was already serving as the head coach of the Test team, but Cricket South Africa (CSA) has now entrusted him with the additional responsibility of coaching the ODI and T20I sides. Following his appointment, Conrad has emphasized that his focus will be on the national team rather than franchise T20 leagues. Shukri Conrad succeeds former white-ball coach Rob Walter, who stepped down for personal reasons after completing a two-year tenure. Shukri Conrad appointment as head coach for the ODI and T20 teams will last until the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in South Africa. Shukri Conrad Urges Players to Prioritize National Team Over Franchise T20 Leagues Shukri Conrad, the newly appointed head coach of South Africa’s ODI and T20I teams, has made it clear that he expects players to prioritize representing the national team over participating in franchise T20 leagues. Conrad emphasized that he has communicated this stance to South Africa’s multi-format players, who have expressed their support for his vision. “It’s clear in black and white — this is when South Africa plays, and I want all my players available to play. If you choose not to play for South Africa, then we will move forward without you,” Conrad stated. He further explained that the players have been informed of the plan. “The all-format players are aware of it and fully support my approach. We will plan their schedules in advance, including rest periods, which will strictly be for rest and not an opportunity to participate in other leagues,” the 58-year-old coach added. In recent years, several South African players have prioritized franchise T20 leagues over national duty, leading Cricket South Africa (CSA) to exclude some prominent names from central contracts. Shukri Conrad also praised former white-ball coach Rob Walter for his successful tenure, which saw South Africa performing well in recent ICC events. The Proteas reached the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. “Rob laid a strong foundation. He achieved great results, as seen in the team’s performances at ICC tournaments. My goal is to build on his achievements,” Conrad commented. Looking ahead, Shukri Conrad first challenge as the white-ball coach will be South Africa’s T20I and ODI series against Australia in August. The team will play three T20Is and three ODIs on Australian soil. Before that, Conrad will coach the Test team in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final and a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in June. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Bowling Attack 2025: Which Cricket Team Has The Most Impressive Bowling Attack?
Bowling Attack: In cricket, a great bowling attack can completely change the course of a game. From fast bowlers who can break through even the most robust batting line-ups to spinners who can turn a match with a few tight overs, the strength of a team’s bowling unit often determines its success. While batting often receives the spotlight, a world-class bowling attack is equally crucial in both defending and chasing targets. Over the years, certain teams have distinguished themselves with some of the most impressive and destructive bowling line-ups. Bowling Attack: This article aims to assess which cricket team currently boasts the most impressive bowling attack. We will evaluate teams based on their recent bowling performances, key players, the versatility of their attack (pace, spin, and all-round options), and their ability to dominate in different formats and conditions. Let’s dive into a comparison of the top bowling units in modern-day international cricket. The Key Characteristics Of An Impressive Bowling Attack Bowling Attack: An impressive bowling attack is built on several key characteristics, including: Pace and Aggression: A team with top-tier fast bowlers can consistently pressure the opposition through sheer pace, bounce, and aggressive bowling tactics. Spin Precision and Control: High-quality spinners can break partnerships, control the game, and exploit conditions such as turn or flat pitches. Depth and Versatility: A diverse attack, offering multiple options—be it fast bowling, swing, spin, or all-rounders—provides flexibility, enabling teams to adapt to different conditions. Consistency and Wicket-taking Ability: A team must have bowlers who can consistently perform and take wickets, especially at crucial moments in the game. Mental Toughness: Bowlers who can perform under pressure and break through difficult situations, like getting key batsmen out when needed, make a bowling attack stand out. Top Bowling Attacks In World Cricket Bowling Attack: Here is a breakdown of some of the top bowling attacks in international cricket as of 2025. The table below highlights key players, their strengths, and the overall performance of each team. Team Key Bowlers Strengths Recent Bowling Achievements India Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja Balanced pace and spin, depth in attack No. 1 Test bowling rankings, strong ODI and T20I performances Australia Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon Aggressive pace attack, strong home bowling unit Consistent success in Tests, ODI dominance, 2021-2022 Ashes win South Africa Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj Fast bowling potency, bounce, swing Dominant in home conditions, top-tier fast bowling unit England James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid Swing bowling, pace, spin in subcontinent conditions Strong in home conditions, excellent in swing-friendly pitches New Zealand Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner Consistent fast bowling, disciplined, swing bowling Excellent overseas performances, especially in Tests Pakistan Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah High pace, good spin options, emerging young talent Impressive performances in the UAE, excellent young fast bowlers India: A Balanced Attack With World-Class Spinners And Pacers India has established itself as one of the strongest cricketing nations with a well-rounded and powerful bowling attack. The combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja gives India a perfect balance of pace and spin. Jasprit Bumrah: Known for his pinpoint yorkers, Bumrah has developed into one of the best fast bowlers in the world. His ability to bowl in all formats and under pressure makes him invaluable, especially in limited-overs cricket. Mohammed Shami: Shami is one of the most reliable fast bowlers, capable of extracting swing and bounce from any surface. He often delivers match-winning performances, especially in Test matches. Ravichandran Ashwin: A maestro in spin bowling, Ashwin’s skill and variations make him a constant threat, especially in longer formats. His ability to bowl in diverse conditions has earned him the title of one of the world’s leading spinners. Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja offers exceptional control and accuracy with the ball. His left-arm spin has been a crucial part of India’s success, and his ability to turn the ball sharply has made him a key weapon in home conditions. India’s bowling attack has been one of the most impressive in world cricket, with their recent rise to the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings being a testament to their consistency and depth. Australia: Aggression And Control Australia has long been known for producing some of the fiercest fast bowlers in world cricket. The Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood trio offers unmatched pace, aggression, and skill, while Nathan Lyon has been one of the most effective spinners for Australia in recent years. Pat Cummins: A captain and a world-class fast bowler, Cummins is known for his ability to generate pace and swing while maintaining impeccable accuracy. His leadership skills and bowling prowess make him one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. Mitchell Starc: Starc’s left-arm pace and deadly yorkers make him an invaluable asset, especially in limited-overs formats. His ability to reverse swing the ball has been critical to Australia’s bowling success. Josh Hazlewood: Hazlewood’s line and length are his main weapons. His ability to bowl long spells, maintain pressure, and provide breakthroughs in crucial moments makes him a key part of Australia’s attack. Nathan Lyon: Australia’s premier off-spinner, Lyon has been instrumental in breaking partnerships and has consistently delivered in home conditions, especially during the Ashes series. Australia’s attack is known for its aggressive and fearless nature, often overwhelming the opposition with pace and bounce. Their success in both Tests and limited-overs cricket proves the strength of their bowling unit. South Africa: Pace And Bounce South Africa’s pace attack is arguably one of the most lethal in the world, known for extracting bounce and seam movement, particularly on their home soil. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi lead the pace attack, while Keshav Maharaj offers an excellent spin option in favorable conditions. Kagiso Rabada: Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in the world, with the ability to generate pace and swing. He is known
Cricketers Most Unorthodox Bowlers & Their Actions
Cricketers Most Unorthodox Bowlers & Their Actions: Every bowler has their own way of bowling. Some bowlers use a traditional style with a straight arm, while others have tried different methods with different results. When a new style comes up, it often gets criticized and sometimes laughed at. This list has some of the most successful and unforgettable bowlers, as well as some who were known for their strange styles but only succeeded briefly. Lasith Malinga Bowlers ‘Malinga the Slinga’ is one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers, especially in the final overs. Known for his low round-arm action, he learned to bowl with a tennis ball, which helped him develop his unique style. Malinga has 338 ODI wickets and ranks ninth in the format. In T20Is, he ranks fifth all-time with 107 wickets. He led Sri Lanka to win the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014. Malinga’s action includes a deadly inswinging yorker, a deceptive slower ball, and a sharp bouncer. He credits his coach, Champaka Ramanayake, who helped him perfect his yorker by having him bowl at shoes placed near the crease. There were questions about the legality of his action, but it never violated the ICC’s permissible flexing angle of 15 degrees. His unique action put a lot of strain on his hips and knees, leading to injuries later in his career. Remarkably, he is the only male player to take four wickets in four balls twice in international matches, doing so against South Africa in 2007 and New Zealand in 2019. Paddy Dooley Bowlers Bowlers Australian Paddy Dooley has impressed in the Big Bash League since his debut. In the latest tournament, he took 19 wickets at an average of 12.78. The 25-year-old left-arm spinner has a unique ‘windmilling’ action, which he developed from imitating Jasprit Bumrah. This peculiar style has caught batters off guard. Dooley’s best performance was taking 4-16 for the Hobart Hurricanes against the Perth Scorchers, including the wickets of Marcus Stoinis and Faf du Plessis. He believes his action’s novelty may wear off but is prepared for when it does. Paul Adams Bowlers Bowlers Paul Adams, a South African left-arm spinner, had one of cricket’s most unusual bowling actions, described as a “frog in a blender” by Mike Gatting. He played 45 Tests from 1995 to 2004, taking 134 wickets. His action involved a blend of arms and legs, making it difficult for batters to read. Adams bowled with his head facing away from the wicket, appearing to be blind, but he insisted he could see enough to bowl effectively. Injuries and the diminishing surprise factor led to his decline after his last Test in 2004. Shivil Kaushik Bowlers Shivil Kaushik, inspired by Paul Adams, had a brief but memorable cricket career. He performed well in the Karnataka Premier League, earning an IPL contract with the Gujarat Lions in 2016. Kaushik’s action, involving a head drop and wrist spin, was unpredictable even to himself. Despite a promising start, including almost getting Steve Smith out, his inconsistency led to a short career. His most memorable moment was conceding 30 runs in an over to Virat Kohli in 2016. Sohail Tanvir Bowlers Bowlers Sohail Tanvir, a Pakistani fast bowler, is known for his unorthodox action, bowling ‘off the wrong foot.’ He has played for over 20 teams in various domestic T20 leagues and took 54 T20I wickets. Tanvir’s unique style helped him win the first IPL ‘purple cap’ for most wickets in the tournament. His Test career was short-lived, with only two matches in 2007. Frustrated during a match against India, he switched to left-arm spin but found no success. Dan Lawrence Bowlers Dan Lawrence, an English part-time off-break bowler, has an eccentric run-up. During England’s 2022 tour of the West Indies, his unusual action gained attention on social media. Lawrence’s run-up involves a winding motion and several unnecessary steps, leading to a relatively standard delivery. Mike Procter Bowlers Mike Procter, a South African all-rounder, had a brief but impactful Test career, averaging 36.01 with the bat and 19.53 with the ball in first-class cricket. Despite South Africa’s ban from Test cricket during his prime, Procter’s unconventional action, bowling just before his front foot planted, made him a standout player. Procter’s chest-on bowling style did not hinder his success, and he is remembered as one of cricket’s great talents despite limited international exposure. Join E2Bet: Best Place For Fun Games!