Mohammed Shami to play Ranji Trophy game against Madhya Pradesh
Shami's inclusion will provide a boost to Bengal's fast bowling attack. So far in Ranji Trophy 2024, Bengal has scored 8 points in 4 matches, while Madhya Pradesh has scored 10 points in the same number of matches.
India's star fast bowler Mohammed Shami is ready to return to competitive cricket after being away from cricket for almost a year. Shami will represent Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh starting on Wednesday.
The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has given Shami approval to play. The return of this right-arm fast bowler was considered certain for a long time, but due to the delay in receiving the fitness certificate from NCA, he was not able to participate earlier. It was claimed that for this reason he was not selected in the Indian team for the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
Ready to return after a year
Experienced bowler Mohammed Shami was last seen playing in the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19 last year. Since then the pacer has been struggling with injuries. He has been battling with an ankle injury and underwent surgery on his right foot in March earlier this year. Shami has been at the Bengaluru's National Cricket Academy for his rehabilitation.
Shami will play Ranji match against Madhya Pradesh
Bengal Cricket Association Honorary Secretary Naresh Ojha said in a statement, "In a major boost to Indian cricket and the Bengal Ranji Trophy team, star pacer Mohammad Shami will make a comeback into competitive cricket for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Indore starting on Wednesday,"
Shami's inclusion will provide a boost to Bengal's fast bowling attack as their bowlers like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar are currently in Australia with the Indian team. So far in Ranji Trophy 2024, Bengal has scored 8 points in 4 matches, while Madhya Pradesh has scored 10 points in the same number of matches.
The Indian team will be seen playing a five-match Test series against Australia from November 22. Shami's fitness will be very important for India and he will be monitored during the Ranji match. If Shami proves his fitness in the upcoming four-day match, then it is expected that he can be included in the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The selection committee has selected Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana for this series. At the same time, Mukesh Kumar and Khalil Ahmed have been included in the team as reserves.
Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests
Ishant Sharma has taken the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. Kapil Dev, Jasprit Bumrah and a few other Indian legends follow him on the list.
Indian bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England.
With another England tour forthcoming, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets
Ishant Sharma during his 5-wicket haul against England in 2018. Image | Cricshots
Ishant Sharma has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.
Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.
Kapil Dev in action against England in a test match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.
Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.
Dev stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1979-1990
13
22
43
129
563.1
2.99
39.18
5/125
8/168
3. Jasprit Bumrah | 37 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah celebrating a wicket in a test match vs ENG in 2021. Image | ESPNcricinfo
One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, climbed up the ladder really fast in his career. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 37 wickets in just 8 matches (15 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.
Anil Kumble celebrating a successful dismissal during his test career for India. Image | YouTube
Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.
Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."
Kumble's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1990-2007
10
19
36
113
524.5
2.84
41.41
4/66
7/159
5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi in action for India during his test career. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.
He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.
Singh Bedi stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
1967-1979
12
18
35
133
524.5
2.54
38.08
6/226
6/111
6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets
Mohammed Shami playing against England in a test match in 2022. Image | Instagram
Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.
Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.
Shami's status vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2014-2022
12
21
34
65
402.3
3.56
42.14
4/57
6/108
7. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets
B.S. Chandrashekhar in action for India during his test career. Image | Heritage Times
The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).
His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.
Zaheer Khan celebrating a successful dismissal in a match against England in 2011. Image | Firstpost
One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the eighth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era.
Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.
Khan's stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Wickets
Maidens
Overs
Economy
Avg
BBI
BBM
2002-2011
8
14
31
81
296.5
2.92
27.96
5/75
9/134
9. Ravindra Jadeja | 22 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja in action for India in a test match against England. Image | Instagram
Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the ninth position with 22 wickets in 10 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.
Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.
Vinoo Mankad in action for India during his test career. Image | Cricket Times
Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches.
With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.
Is Mohammad Shami ready to spearhead India's pace attack in the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025?
With concerns over his form and fitness following a lacklustre IPL 2025 and a long injury layoff, we dive deep into whether the star pacer should be included in the squad.
From his stellar 2023 ODI World Cup performance to recent struggles with pace and rhythm, we analyse Shami’s prospects and what he brings to the table. Plus, we explore potential alternatives like Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and others who could step up if Shami’s fitness remains a concern.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed, who else can India rely on to challenge England’s batsmen?
BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement
7 new names were included in the BCCI Central contract, whereas Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer returned to the list as the BCCI announced their central contract for 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Central Contract for the 2025-26 season on Monday, 21st April 2025. 7 new players were added to the contract, while players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan returned to the list after missing out last time.
Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were left out of the BCCI central contract after opting out of the domestic games for their respective state teams. BCCI's focus on domestic cricket left them out of the central contract despite being part of the Indian team set up a few months ago.
But, this time, both the Indian batters were added to the contract after Iyer won everything in the domestic cricket last season, along with lifting the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishan Kishan also played through the entire domestic season and has been rewarded with the contract too.
Talking points from the BCCI Central Contract 2025
Rohit and Kohli stay in Grade A+
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained in the Grade A+ category despite retiring from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
Ravindra Jadeja is another name who has been listed in the A+ category despite retiring from the T20Is after the World Cup victory.
Bumrah is the only all-format player in A+
With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from the shortest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah remains the only all-format player to be in the A+ category of the BCC Central Contract 2025.
Pant is promoted to the Grade A category
Rishabh Pant received a promotion to the A category after being in the B category last year. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are the other names in the A category, who were already there in last year's contract.
Ravi Ashwin has been left out of the contract since he retired from international cricket.
Iyer listed in grade B; Kishan in grade C
Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the contract last year, has been included in the Grade B, while Ishan Kishan has been listed in the Grade C.
Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other names in Grade B, who were there last time as well.
New 7 names in Grade C
Nitish Kumar Reddy was among the seven new names in the BCCI Central Contract. Image | Assoicated Press
7 new players have been added to the BCCI Central Contract 2025. All of these players found themselves in Grade C.
Dhruv Jurel, Sarafraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep are the players who received the contract for their performances in the last season.
Not to be confused, Akash Deep earlier had a fast bowling contract and this year received the central contract after doing well in the Test format.
Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, KS Bharath, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been left out of the contract this year.
Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa were all part of the fast bowling contract last season.
Hello and welcome to the LIVE coverage of the India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be played today at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Exactly a week ago,India faced off against New Zealand in the last group game of the Group A. India won the match by 44 runs to finish first in the group stage.
Both teams have displayed supreme cricketing action so far in this tournament, setting up a potential thrilling final. So just relax and enjoy the epic clash as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, images and match commentary of the epic India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC CT '25.
After a slow start, Shubman Gill steps out of his crease to punch the ball over long off for a six!
India 86/0 after 14 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:47 PM
Rohit completes his fifty
In just 41 balls, Rohit Sharma scores his first fifty in ICC knockouts!
India 65/0 after 10.1 overs
Mar 9, 2025, 1:43 PM
Rohit goes bang-bang! INDI 59/0 after 8
Rohit hits two fours and one huge six against Smith and put more pressure on New Zealand.
India 59/0 after 8.
Mar 9, 2025, 1:36 PM
India cross 50 in 7th over
Rohit smacks Smith over the side screen and his third six of the inning brings India’s 50!
India 50/0 after 7.2 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:32 PM
Mitchell drops Gill!
This is very rare from New Zealand team!
Gill tried to step down and got the inner edge!
Mitchell at short mid-wicket could not hold on to catch!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:31 PM
Rohit welcomes Smith with a 6! IND 39/0 after 6
Rohit had it enough!
The Indian skipper stepped out to hit Smith over the long on for a six!
India 39/0 after 6!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:29 PM
Tight over from Jamieson | IND 31/0 after 5
Tight over from Jamieson as the does not allow Gill to extend his arms!
India 31/0 after 5 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:22 PM
NZ pull things back | IND 30/0 after two
After two poor overs, New Zealand bowlers Jamieson and Will pulled things back with some dot balls!
India 30/0 after 4 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:11 PM
Rohit at his best! IND 22/0 after 2
Two boundaries in the second over from Rohit Sharma!
India get 13 from the second over!
India 22/0 after 2 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 1:09 PM
Great start for India!
Welcome back from the break!
This is Koushik Biswas with the updates of the second inning!
Rohit with a huge six and India 9/0 after first over!
Mar 9, 2025, 12:42 PM
Innings break | NZ post 251, India will chase 252
Throughout the middle overs, New Zealand batsmen were kept in a chokehold by Indian spinners. The Kiwis passed the 250-run milestone thanks to Michael Bracewell's 40-ball 53, but Mitchell produced a fairly leisurely fifty. A challenging score combined with few on-field problems could work in India's favor.
The Kiwis have posted a hard-fought 251 for 7 wickets in 50 overs.
India will have to chase down 252 to win!
Mar 9, 2025, 12:29 PM
Brilliant fifty for Bracewell!
An absolute brilliant half-century for Bracewell as he completes the mark with a two.
51 off 39, studded with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:26 PM
Santner Run out!
Santner pulled it straight to Kohli at deep midwicket, Kohli throws it back when Santner was trying to snatch the second, but KL Rahul whipped off the bails quickly.
Santner gone, Smith comes on.
Despite an expensive over of 11 runs, a wicket in the last ball.
NZ 239/7 in 49 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:21 PM
Over the long-on!
Bracewell clattered Hardik's short ball delivery over the long-on for a huge six!
Mar 9, 2025, 12:19 PM
Hardik Pandya comes into attack
Hardik Pandya comes in to bowl the crucial 49th over.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:13 PM
NZ 216/6 in 47 overs
Only four runs off Kuldeep's last over of his spell.
NZ 216/6 in 47 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:09 PM
NZ 212/6 in 46 overs.
Despite conceding 10 runs in the first three balls, Shami removed Mitchell to fall NZ's sixth.
Four overs remaining.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:08 PM
Gone! Mitchell is dismissed!
Daryll Mitchell misread the pace and length and tried to send it through the cover, where Rohit Sharma takes a simple catch to end his innings.
Mitchell goes back after a good innings of 63 off 101.
Kiwis skipper Santner comes on to bat.
NZ 211/6 in 45.4 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 12:06 PM
10 off the first three balls of the 46th!
4,2,4!
Mohammad Shami came into attack but faced two boundaries. Mitchell has steadied on the crease.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:59 AM
NZ 196/5 in 44 overs.
Mohammad Shami came into attack but faced an expensive over, giving away 12 runs including a six!
NZ 196/5 in 44 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:51 AM
NZ 178/5 in 42 overs.
Only three off the 42nd over delivered by Varun.
NZ 178/5 in 42 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:50 AM
Half-century for Daryll Mitchell
Daryll Mitchell has pulled off a half-century off 91 deliveries.
Although it has been sloppy, the innings steadied the ship for NZ.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:49 AM
Match resumes
Mitchell smashed the ball straight towards Varun’s foot. He was hurt and now back after getting medical treatment.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:40 AM
NZ 172/5 in 40 overs!
Last ten overs are remaining!
Mitchell on verge of his half-century, though it comes in a sloppy manner.
NZ 172/5 in 40 overs!
Mar 9, 2025, 11:36 AM
NZ 165/5 in 38 overs
NZ are is deep, deep trouble now.
Daryll Mitchell batting on 44* off 79 along with Bracewell who just replaced Phillips.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:33 AM
Varun removes Phillips!
Varun Chakravarthy landed the delivery just outside off, and it breaks Phillips stumps!
Important wicket for India!
Phillips goes back after making 34 off 52, as Bracewell comes on to bat.
NZ 165/5 in 38 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:28 AM
Fifty runs of partnership between Mitchell and Philllips
Daryll Mitchell and Glenn Phillips have fought back for New Zealand, posting a 51-run partnership off 80 balls.
NZ 161/4 in 37 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:27 AM
NZ 156/4 in 36 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:23 AM
Shubman drops Phillips!
It has been a tough day at office for the Indian fielders!
Gill missed the catch while running to the left from deep square leg. He got both hands on the ball, but it slipped away and fell to the ground.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:21 AM
121 dot balls played so far till 36 over
Mar 9, 2025, 11:18 AM
Rohit drops Mitchell!
That was a one-hander effort from Rohit Sharma in the midwicket at 34.5, but the ball tipped off his right hand.
NZ 153/4 in 35 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:17 AM
NZ 150/4 in 34.3 overs
Although the NZ batters are forced to play a lot of dot balls in the last couple of over, the Kiwis reach 150.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:15 AM
NZ close to 150 runs
New Zealand are just a run behind to touch the 150-run mark.
NZ 149/4 in 34 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:06 AM
30 overs are up!
Daryll Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are holding onto the crease, NZ 135/4 in 30 overs.
Axar Patel comes in to attack.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:02 AM
NZ 131/4 in 29 overs
Five off the over against Kuldeep, including a boundary.
Mar 9, 2025, 11:00 AM
Six on the last ball of 27th
Phillips gets a boundary after 81 balls for NZ. He extends his arms, a full swing of the bat, and goes straight over the bowler's head.
NZ 123/4 in 27 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:53 AM
NZ 116/4 in 26 overs
Only two singles off the 26th delivered by Jadeja.
NZ 116/4 in 26 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:47 AM
NZ 110/4 in 24 overs.
NZ can find themselves in the backfoot after the dismissal of Tom Latham, whereas India have taken the driver's seat.
NZ 110/4 in 24 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:45 AM
Decision stands! Latham departs!
Ravindra Jadeja picks up New Zealand's fourth wicket!
Latham goes back after making 14 off 30.
Glen Phillips will come on to bat at six.
NZ 108/4 in 23.2 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:43 AM
Latham takes the review!
This time Jadeja has seemingly found the breakthrough off lbw. Latham misses the sweep, Jadeja appeals and the umpire lifts his finger straightaway. Latham reviews immediately.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:37 AM
NZ 104/3 in 22 overs.
Only two singles off Jadeja's over, NZ 104/3 in 22 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:37 AM
Shouts from Jadeja, but Latham is safe
Third ball of the 21st over as Jadeja seems to get Latham out on lbw. Huge appeal from Jadeja, Rohit Sharma takes the review!
However, the DRS shows the ball missing the wickets, Latham survives.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:28 AM
20 overs are up, NZ reach hundred
NZ have crossed the hundred-run mark.
India have been successful in these ten overs after the first ten, managing two wickets while giving only 32 runs.
NZ 101/3 in 20 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:24 AM
Appeal for a direct run-out, but Mitchell is safe
India lodged a huge appeal for a run-out following a direct throw in the fourth ball of the over!
Rohit hit the bull's eye with a direct throw but Mitchell has made it.
NZ 95/3 in 18 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:21 AM
NZ edging closer to hundred
NZ are 90/3 in 17 overs, edging closer to the 100-run mark.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:11 AM
NZ 83/3 in 15 overs.
Only two runs off Kuldeep's over, NZ stands on 83/3 in 15 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:07 AM
NZ 77/3 in 13 overs.
Indian spinners have pulled India back in the game after a fierce start from the Kiwi openers.
NZ managed only 26 runs, whereas India picked three wickets in the last six overs.
NZ 77/3 in 13 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 10:04 AM
Williamson gone!
Kuldeep comes in attack, and oh yes, gets another wicket!
Williamson misread the length and spooned the ball back. Kuldeep sprinted to the right to take an easy catch!
Tom Latham replaces Kane Williamson (11 off 14).
NZ 75/3 in 12.2 overs!
(Image Credit | CREIMAS)
Mar 9, 2025, 9:57 AM
NZ 73/2 in 11 overs.
Kuldeep had an impressive first over, taking an important wicket by dismissing Rachin after conceding only four runs.
NZ 73/2 in 11 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:55 AM
What a delivery! Kuldeep breaks Rachin's stumps!
Kuldeep Yadav comes in attack and benefits India in the best possible way in the very first ball!
What a brilliant googly from the Indian wrist-spinner, as the ball fooled Rachin and broke the stumps!
Huge wicket for Team India!
Daryll Mitchell replaces Rachin Ravindra. (37 off 29)
(Image Credit | AFP)
Mar 9, 2025, 9:52 AM
10 overs are up
NZ brings up 69/1 in the first powerplay.
Rachin Ravindra (37* off 28) and Kane Williamson (9* off 9) are on the crease.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:44 AM
NZ 58/1 in 8 overs.
NZ loses their first wicket in the eighth over.
Only three off Varun, along with an expensive wicket.
NZ 58/1 in 8 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:43 AM
Will Young dismissed!
This time Varun Chakravarthy hit the pad low with a legbreak delivery. Clear lbw as NZ loses their first.
Will Young returns after making 15 off 23.
Kane Williamson comes on to bat.
NZ 57/1 in 7.5 overs.
Varun Chakaravarthy traps Will Young LBW to hand India the opening breakthrough 👊
Rachin Ravindra gets another lifeline as Shreyas Iyer drops him in the deep in the second ball of the eighth over!
Ravindra swept the ball high into the air, and Shreyas covered ground well to reach it in the deep midwicket area. He dived with his arms outstretched but could not catch the ball.
(Image Credit | Getty Images)
Mar 9, 2025, 9:38 AM
NZ Review
Varun Chakravarthy comes in attack, and seemingly traps Rachin to get caught behind. KL looks confident but Rachin calls for an immediate review.
However, the third umpire calls to overturn the decision.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:36 AM
NZ brings up the fifty!
Will Young pulls it toward the mid-on, and it's a four in the last ball of a chaotic seventh over.
NZ 51/0 in 7 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:33 AM
Shami drops Rachin!
Shami had a chance to send Rachin back off his bowling, but he dropped the catch, similarly to how he dropped a catch in the semis.
Shami calls on the physio immediately and looks to have hurt his finger.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:31 AM
Appeal for lbw
Huge appeal from Indian players following a supposed lbw from Shami's second ball. Though it was not given as height is the issue.
However, no DRS is taken as well.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:29 AM
NZ 46/0 in 6 overs.
Nine comes in Varun's first over. NZ edges closer to fifty.
NZ 46/0 in 6 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:26 AM
Varun Chakravarthy replaces Hardik Pandya
Rohit Sharma wastes no time in bringing in India's trumpcard, Varun Chakravarthy!
Mar 9, 2025, 9:25 AM
NZ 37/0 in 5 overs.
11 comes from the 5th over delivered by Shami.
Rachin Ravindra batting on 25* off 14, accompanied by Wil Young, 10* off 14.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:24 AM
Two consecutive fours
Shami comes on to deliver the fifth over, as the first ball is a single, but two consecutive fours come off Rachin Ravindra's willow.
A sudden flurry of bounadries, NZ eyeing a big total.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:20 AM
NZ 26/0 in 4 overs.
New Zealand picks up the momentum in an expensive 4th over, picking 16 runs.
Two boundaries and one over boundary off Hardik's over.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:19 AM
Cracking one from Ravindra!
Hardik delivers a short length one, and Rachin sends it out of the ground over the extra cover.
The first six comes off NZ's innings.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:11 AM
NZ 6/0 in 2 overs.
Following the only boundary in Shami's first over, only two runs come off in the second over from Hardik.
NZ 6/0 in 2 overs.
Mar 9, 2025, 9:02 AM
First ball
Rachin Ravindra and Will Young open NZ innings!
On the other end, Mohammad Shami opens bowling for India.
Mar 9, 2025, 8:58 AM
Playing XI: New Zealand
Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson.
"Use of saliva on ball," Mohammed Shami wants the ban to be lifted on applying saliva on the ball
The ban on the use of saliva on ball was first imposed in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.
Indian bowler Mohammed Shami recently demanded the ICC to lift the ban on applying saliva on ball. Now former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee and former South African all-rounder Vernon Philander have supported Shami's demand.
Shami, while talking to reporters after Team India's 4-wicket win over Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, had requested the ICC to lift the ban on the use of saliva on ball.
Use of saliva on ball should be allowed to bring back reverse swing
"We are trying (to get reverse swing), but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed," Shami told reporters.
"We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting."
Southee and Philander backed Shami
Supporting Shami's statement, Southee said on ESPNcricinfo's Match Day, "That was a rule brought around Covid with the virus going around the world, but I think as a bowler, you want to have a slight advantage,"
"We see the game going the way it's going and seeing sides score 362 and more often than not over 300 in this format. I think there needs to be something in the bowlers' favour, and whether that's a little bit of saliva, then yeah, I don't see why they couldn't afford to get that back in."
At the same time, Philander said that in the second semi-final played against New Zealand, the South African bowlers could have benefited from applying saliva and using reverse swing, particularly in the later half of the innings. New Zealand amassed 362 for 6 in their 50 overs.
"If we look at the state of that ball, I mean towards the back end, it was really scuffed up, and I think had you used the saliva [to polish one side of the ball], the element of the reverse swing might have come into play," Philander said.
"So it certainly does play a part. You can get it to shine up and you use the elements to swing it a little longer."
The ban on the use of saliva on ball was first imposed in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.
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