Siraj takes five as India pull off thrilling six-run victory to level Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The fifth and final Test of the series at the Oval finally ended, exhibiting a thrilling climax after rain and fading light halted play on the fourth day with the match hanging in the balance. England, chasing a challenging 374-run target, finished at 339 for six, still 37 runs away from victory with the new ball due early on the fifth Day. India, having clawed back into the contest after being outplayed for large portions of the day, made an unforgettable come-back and recorded a six-run victory to level the series 2-2, thanks to the bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s superb performance. However, the afternoon on the fifth day belonged entirely to Joe Root and Harry Brook, whose blistering 195-run partnership looked to have taken the game away from India. Brook, batting with flair and aggression, hammered a 98-ball 111, while Root’s composed 105 was his third century of the series and 13th against India. At tea, England were cruising at 317 for four, needing just 57 runs. But after tea, India’s pacers came roaring back. Prasidh Krishna struck twice — first uprooting Jacob Bethell and then removing Root caught behind — while Siraj’s effort ensured that Brook’s wicket before the interval wasn’t in vain. The old ball suddenly came to life, with carry and seam movement troubling the English batters. The scoreboard nearly stalled, with just 22 runs added in the final session before play was stopped again. Earlier in the day, Siraj had set the tone with a fiery morning spell that helped reduce England to 164 for three by lunch. He trapped Ollie Pope lbw and tested Duckett with pace and movement. Prasidh Krishna also impressed, removing Duckett early and pushing Brook with smart changes in pace and line. India’s energy dipped in the middle session, as Brook’s attacking game and Root’s grace punished anything loose. Brook was handed a life when Siraj stepped on the boundary ropes after taking a catch at fine leg, a moment that seemed to break India’s spirit temporarily. However, the final session flipped the narrative. With the pitch spicing up again and overcast skies looming, India’s bowlers found their rhythm. England will resume needing 37 more, but with only four wickets in hand and India eyeing the new ball, Day 5 promises a tense finish that could define the entire series.
D Gukesh hails Divya Deshmukh
India’s chess might was on display once again at the recent Women’s World Cup in Batumi, where title-winner Divya Deshmukh scripted a hat-trick of extraordinary successes. Divya, the country’s latest Grandmaster, powered through with her teen spirit despite not being among the odds-on favourites to clinch the crown. Speaking during an event recently, D Gukesh labelled Divya’s victory as ‘inspiring’. “We (Gukesh and Divya) basically grew up together. We played in the same tournaments right from when we were eight or nine-years-old. The way Divya won the World Cup was really inspiring. It is not easy to win the tournament, you have to play regularly for a month. I have played the World Cup two times, so I know how difficult it is to win,” he said. “We (Gukesh and Divya) basically grew up together. We played in the same tournaments right from when we were eight or nine years old. The way Divya won the World Cup was really inspiring. It is not easy to win the tournament, you have to play regularly for a month. I have played the World Cup two times, so I know how difficult it is to win,” Gukesh said in a Velammal Nexus event that was organised to felicitate Mount Everest conqueror Ashish. “Both of them (Divya and losing finalist, veteran Koneru Humpy) played amazingly well. For Indian chess, it is important that we have good results in both men (open) and women.” The Men’s World Cup is also scheduled for October 30-November 27, and it will take place in India. Gukesh said, “For sure, I will take part in the World Cup. I am really excited and looking forward to it. In chess, we do not have many knockout events, so the World Cup is the biggest knockout tournament. After the Olympiad (in 2022), India hosting a big event is important for Indian chess.” After her win, Divya was in tears immediately, and took some time to process the moment. Then she immediately went to her mother, who was at the sidelines. Her mother calmed her down, as the pair exchanged a heartwarming hug. Since then, the moment has gone viral on social media. India can complete a WorldCup double when the global tournament is hosted in the country later this year. While chess world’s governing body FIDE have announced the dates for the event – October 30 to November 27 – the host city is yet to be finalised.
Bumrah Misses Fifth Test Due To Injury, Not Workload
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, not for workload management, as initially speculated, but due to a knee injury. Accordind to a report from Mumbai Mirror has confirmed that the decision was precautionary in nature. A report by Mumbai Mirror stated that the decision to not include Bumrah in the fifth Test was precautionary in nature. However, the BCCI, in its statement on 31st July, did not reveal that Bumrah was injured. It simply stated: “Bumrah has been released from India’s squad for the fifth Test of the series against England.” This revelation has now prompted questions about the decision and intention of the BCCI. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from The Oval Test is being felt more acutely now, as India stare at a potential defeat in the match and the series, with hosts England just 35 runs away from victory while chasing a mammoth 374. As the match heads into the fifth day for a thrilling finish, with India needing four wickets, it has come to light that Bumrah did not choose to skip the Test as part of workload management, but due to injury. He ended the series with 14 wickets in three matches. With the series on the line at The Oval, everybody through Bumrah would push a little more to play in the fifth Test, but an BCCI update put end to all discussions. Mr Jasprit Bumrah has been released from India’s squad for the fifth Test of the series against England. The fifth and final Test of the series is underway at Kennington Oval, London,” the BCCI said in a release. However, a BCCI official clarified the situation, saying: “Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it’s not a major one and won’t require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports.” The 31-year-old speedster is expected to begin his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). Although details of Bumrah’s injury are yet to be known, the 31-year-old might have injured his knee during the fourth Test in Manchester. Recently a viral video that surfaced online, caught Bumrah limping while climbing the stairs at Old Trafford. The report stated that Bumrah will head to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) straight from England and is expected to begin his rehabilitation. With no international commitments in August, the Indian teams will next be seen in the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9, followed by a Test series against West Indies at home. However, recent reports have stated that Bumrah might be rested for the Asia Cup 2025 and keep him fresh for the Test series against the Caribbean. Bumrah has a long injury history. Earlier this year, he suffered a back stress fracture sustained during the New Year’s Test in Sydney on India’s tour of Australia. Now, this knee injury marks a fresh fitness concern. Meanwhile, England edged closer to a series win on Sunday. On Day 4 at The Oval, Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) stitched a 195-run partnership, helping England reach 339/6, just 35 runs shy of their target.
Sachin’s daughter Sara Tendulkar appointed brand ambassador for Australian tourism campaign
Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar is entering the international limelight in an entirely new manner as one of the endorsers of Australia’s massive tourism campaign, “Come and Say G’Day.” The campaign boasts a combination of international celebrities, and Sara’s addition is making waves throughout India. The Australian government is set to launch a new tourism campaign featuring legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar‘s daughter Sara Tendulkar, a biomedical science graduate from University College London, has a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and public health as well. Passionate about science and healthcare, she has chosen to focus on meaningful work through the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, where she serves as a director. Speaking to Vogue, she shared turning down Bollywood offers and opting for projects that resonate with her, complementing her job in public health with discreet entries into fashion and lifestyle. The $130 million campaign, named Come and Say G-day, is aimed at encouraging international travelers to plan and book an Australian holiday. It will first go live in China on August 7, while it will progressively roll out in other key markets before the end of the year. The two-year campaign brings the Federal Government’s total investment in Come and Say G’Day to $255 million since 2022. The government reports that every dollar invested in tourism generates a $14 return, supporting over 700,000 jobs and 360,000 businesses. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell stated: “The previous campaign struck a chord with visitors, with Ruby the Roo bounding into the imagination of countless guests, encouraging them to book a holiday down under. I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash. Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs. Come and Say G’Day is bringing more visitors to our shores, creating more jobs and growing our economy.” In the new TV and online video advertisements brand ambassador Ruby the Roo will be joined by talent well-known to audiences in the US, UK, China, India and Japan, Australian Ministry of Trade and Tourism said in a statement. While Sara Tendulkar will feature in the campaign set to launch in India, other popular faces include Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, who is the son of legendary Steve Irwin, for the campaign in the US. Food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson will star in the UK. Actor Yosh Yu in China and Comedian Abareru-kun in Japan/ Australian actor Thomas Weatherall will also feature in the new advertising creative. “The new campaign features Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin in the US; food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson in the UK; actor Yosh Yu in China; entrepreneur and philanthropist Sara Tendulkar in India; and media personality and comedian Abareru-kun in Japan,” Tourism Australian Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said. Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green added: “Supporting our tourism industry means supporting the jobs in Australia that rely on it. This next chapter of Come and Say G’Day will do just that. It’s energetic, funny and heart-warming, and highlights Australia’s iconic places and the memories you can make by visiting them. I can’t wait to see the campaign launched across key markets, and bringing more visitors to every part of Australia.”
Amidst the shower of appreciations, Mohammed Siraj reveals his ‘simple plans’ on the pitch!
Michael Atherton compared Siraj to Yorkshire and England legend, the warhorse, big-grinned Darren Gough, a fiery fast bowler from his playing days. He said that Siraj can lift the whole team with his enthusiasm, which makes 35 runs not a mere formality. “Absolutely, and the type of cricketer I think that just makes other people rise as well. We had one way back in my time, Darren Gough, would make people play better just because of the way they carried on in the middle and the dressing room, actually,” Atherton told Sky. “When the going gets tough, there are some characters that just grow a bit taller. He is one, and everybody else will look at him,” Atherton said. Elaborating, he added, “He’s a bit of a leader in the field. He’s not the captain obviously, not wearing the armband. But he’s the guy they look to when it gets tough. So he makes others play better in those moments.” Siraj, who crossed the milestone of 200 wickets, also surpassed Bhubneshwar Kumar and is now behind only Jasprit Bumrah for most wickets (24) against England in England. His spell on the fourth day was a scorching one, bowling eight overs, giving away 33 runs, and getting a crucial wicket of Ollie Pope to end the first session with figures of 2 for 44 in 12 overs, though he set up the board for Prasidh to snare wickets. The hard-working bowler is the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets at an average of 34.30 in nine innings, with best figures of 6/70. He went past Bhuvneshwar’s 19-wickets in 2014 at an average of 26.63 and best figures of 6/82. But Siraj waved away all concerns of breaking down, even as other pacers from both sides ended up knackered if not broken, and explained, “I love to play for the country. I don’t think of breaking down or anything. I try to make simple plans whenever I am in the field. I give it everything. And rest will follow,” Siraj told Sky Cricket after the fourth day. “Since childhood, why did you play…motivation is to play for India. I don’t fixate on the result. Just give 100 percent in the body. When you relax after a tough day, you ask yourself if the answer is yes, you have 100 percent, then I sleep well, concluded Siraj.
Swiss Court dismisses Churchill Brothers’ appeal; acknowledges Inter Kashi’s status as 2024–25 I-League champions
The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has dismissed Churchill Brothers’ appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that had declared Inter Kashi as the official champion of the I-League last season. The order, issued a few days ago, brings final closure to a prolonged legal saga involving multiple I-League clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This means Inter Kashi’s League triumph, confirmed by CAS on 18th July, will stand as Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC finishing second, third, and fourth in the League, respectively. Churchill Brothers, who were initially handed the title by the AIFF Appeals Committee after Inter Kashi were docked points, had challenged the CAS verdict in Switzerland. The club had hoped to overturn the CAS ruling and retain its place at the top of the I-League table. In their appeal, Churchill Brothers argued that they were unfairly stripped of the I-League title and that the CAS decision had profound implications for their future, particularly with discussions about the ISL becoming a closed league. They claimed that being denied the title also meant losing a pathway to ISL promotion and the associated sporting, media, and financial benefits. Churchill’s lawyers had requested the Swiss top court to issue super-provisional and provisional measures, including a suspension of the CAS ruling and, alternatively, permission for Churchill Brothers to participate in the upcoming ISL 2025–26 season. Swiss Federal Supreme Court in its final decision has rejected all of Churchill Brothers’s arguments. It concluded that both Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers were in similar positions, each seeking entry into the ISL. Thus, no clear interest imbalance existed to grant Churchill special relief. In its ruling, the court noted: “It is not possible to conclude, on the basis of the explanations provided by the appellant, that the latter’s interests outweigh those of Inter Kashi FC, given that both clubs are at risk of not being able to play in the Indian first division.” Further, the court stated that it lacked jurisdiction to issue any directive that could impact ISL participation or AIFF’s operational structure. As such, Churchill’s plea to allow both them and Inter Kashi to be included in ISL 2025–26 was outside the remit of the Swiss judiciary. “The Federal Court cannot grant provisional measures when these exceed its jurisdiction… since it may only, except in cases not applicable here, set aside an award when it is seized of an appeal in arbitration matters.” With the Swiss court upholding the CAS’s ruling, the matter is now closed at all levels. AIFF, after the CAS decision, only updated the final I-League standings, confirming Inter Kashi as champions with 42 points, followed by Churchill Brothers with 40 points. This decision also reaffirms CAS’s directive asking AIFF and the involved clubs to comply with the original arbitration order, which included financial penalties and legal reimbursements. AIFF was directed to bear 55% of the arbitration costs, while each of the three protesting clubs, Churchill, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari, were instructed to pay 15% each. Additionally, Inter Kashi were awarded legal compensation from all four parties. However, while reacting to the Swiss Court’s decision founder and president of the Goan outfit, Churchill Alemao said, “We have not yet received any order from the Swiss Court. I can comment only after receiving it.”
