Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury raises questions again for mid-Test injury replacements
The never-ending tale of injuries continues to plague both England and India at the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as the latest entrant to the long list of injured players sees English fast-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes being escorted off the field during the first day of the fifth and final Test at the Oval in London on Thursday. Woakes, who has been integral in England’s bowling attack, landed awkwardly on his shoulder while chasing after the ball at the boundary line in the 57th over. The 36-year-old had to be taken off the field with his left shoulder wrapped in his sweater. Woakes’ teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update, which England would be dreading as he said: “It doesn’t look great. I will be surprised if he participates in the game. It’s a big shame when anyone gets injured. I’m hoping it’s not too bad, but whatever it is, he’ll get the full support from everyone,” said Atkinson after the day’s play.” Woakes’ injury has reignited the conversation around the injury replacements, as this has been a major talking point during this season after Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant also had to miss out due to a toe injury he picked up during the fourth Test. Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik is in favour of an injury replacement and said,” For the second time in this series, on day one of a Test match, an injury has happened where you get the feeling that the player couldn’t participate in the Test match anymore,” Karthik said to Sky Sports.
John Hastings sends social media into a frenzy after bowling a bizarre 18-ball over
Former Australia all-rounder John Hastings sent social media into a frenzy after bowling a bizarre 18-ball over during a World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against the Pakistan Champions on Tuesday. Chasing 75 for the win, Pakistan were cruising at 55/0 when Hastings was brought into the attack. In total, Hastings bowled 12 wides and one no-ball. In fact, he couldn’t complete his over as Pakistan won the game after the fifth legal ball, What followed was one of the longest overs in recorded cricket history. Hastings started with five wide deliveries, all well outside the off-stump to right-hander Sohaib Maqsood. After a change in strike, Sharjeel Khan put the next ball away for a boundary. Hastings followed with a no-ball and a wide bouncer outside the leg-stump, before a leg-bye changed the strike once again. Desperation took over as he changed angles again, only to fire more deliveries far from the stumps. In total, the over included 12 wides and one no-ball, and was never even completed, as Pakistan reached the target before it ended. Pakistan will now take on India in the semi-final on Thursday, while Australia will also face South Africa for a place in the final. Earlier, the India-Pakistan league stage clash was officially called off, following strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which escalated military tensions between both nations. Earlier, Pakistan had bundled out Australia for just 74 in 11.5 overs after electing to field. Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removed the openers before Saeed Ajmal ran through the middle and lower order with an outstanding spell of 3.5-0-16-6. Imad Wasim provided able support with 2-11 in three overs. Australia’s innings never really took off. Ben Dunk (26) and Callum Ferguson (10) were the only batters to reach double figures. Such was the collapse that Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 25 runs in 39 balls. In the second innings, John Hastings, who had come on as a substitute for Chris Lynn, was handed the ball when Pakistan needed only 20 runs in seven overs. But the over turned into a comedy of errors, including five consecutive wides to start and three more later after he tried switching to round the wicket. The over ended with Pakistan comfortably reaching the target. Hastings’ outing was best summed up by the numbers: 18 balls, 12 wides, 1 no-ball, and just 5 legal deliveries.
Oval curator reportedly threatens Gambhir to lodge a complaint
Indian cricket team head coach, was involved in a heated spat with Lee Fortis, the chief curator of The Oval, on Tuesday, two days before the venue hosts the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The video of the clash has gone viral on social media. While it was not clear why the two got into an argument, Gambhir and Fortis appeared to be arguing over the conditions of the pitches for practice. Batting coach Kotak then intervened and took Fortis to one corner of the practice arena and had a lengthy discussion with him. Fortis and Gambhir then went their separate ways, with the India coach returning to oversee the net session. “You don’t tell us what we need to do,” Gambhir told the curator, according to news agency PTI. According to a report in TOI, The Oval’s ground staff threatened to lodge a complaint against Gautam Gambhir. Undeterred, Gambhir replied: “You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can’t tell us what to do!” Despite the confrontation at the nets, Gambhir remained focused on the task ahead. Speaking at the event, he acknowledged the high stakes of the final Test: “Both teams have thrown a lot of punches and have fought for every inch. We have got one more week to go, one final push to make and one more opportunity to make our country and people out here proud.” Tensions have simmered throughout the series, spilling over on multiple occasions. It began at Lord’s, where Shubman Gill visibly expressed his displeasure at England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett arriving nearly 90 seconds late for their second innings.
Gambhir says Bumrah fit, yet to confirm his participation in the Oval Test
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke on Jasprit Bumrah playing in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England starting from July 31 at the Oval. Gautam Gambhir has confirmed India have a whole quota of fit fast bowlers to select from for The Oval Test, which they need to win to level the series. Equally significantly, Gambhir didn’t rule out the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah playing a fourth Test after he had said he was good to play only three in the lead-up to the series. “There has been no discussion about anyone and no decision has been made whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the last test match or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, whether they play or not, they will try and do the job for the country,” Gambhir told media. Bumrah has been the best bowler for the Indian team in the ongoing series, having grabbed 14 wickets with two fifers at an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 3.04. He also said, “All fast bowlers are fit, there is no injury.” Gambhir emphasized his focus on results, acknowledging India’s 2-1 deficit in the series. Despite the team’s inexperience, he considers it the best Indian team currently and aims to level the series to 2-2. “You’re asking someone who only believes in results. And I’ve always said that in the past as well. I believe in results. We’re still 2-1 down in the series. This is an Indian team. Yes, there is an inexperience, but this is still the best Indian team right now. So for me, I think we’re still down 2-1, and hopefully we can try and make it 2-2. It would be a great achievement,” he added. Gambhir said this India team was an inexperienced side and the results needed to be seen in that light. But he also said that reason doesn’t change the scoreline of the series. He also didn’t want to get carried away with the achievement of drawing at Old Trafford. “When you are put under pressure, and you end up batting five sessions, I think that’s great character. Anything that you do in these conditions, when you are put under pressure and you come out of those pressure moments, it is always a great feeling, and it just ends up giving a lot of confidence in the dressing room as well. “And I’m sure going into The Oval, we will be high on confidence, but we can’t take anything for granted. I think it’s going to be a new game, it’s going to be against a strong England side, and we absolutely will be up for it.” It will be interesting to see if India risk Bumrah. His speed, after all, had come down significantly on the third evening of the third Test, where he returned figures of 2/112, his poorest show in his seven-year-long Test career. India’s only win has come when Bumrah opted to sit out of the second Test at Edgbaston. It’s not that the Indian bowling can’t hold its own without him.
Manjrekar asserts India have Moved On From Kohli-Rohit
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has explained that the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test Match hasn’t hurting India badly in the IND vs ENG series. Speaking on JioHotstar, Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Rohit Sharma was averaging a dismal 10 in the last two Test series that he played, while ace batter Virat Kohli was averaging 30 in the last five years and although they weren’t easy to replace, their retirements haven’t been a huge loss to India. It was a loss of two very senior players, but not a loss of contribution, because they weren’t contributing as much,” Manjrekar explained “I think India have given a great account of themselves. They’ve kept the series alive, and it’s certainly interesting to see the mood in the bus on the England bus when it goes down to London compared to the Indian bus on the way down to London. As we see Shubman Gill here in a league of legends, as it said, and certainly has the opportunity to go to the top of that sort of leaderboard there, and I wouldn’t bet against it,” Having conceded a 311-run lead and lost their openers for ducks in the second innings, India displayed resolve to get a favourable result because of the efforts of Gill (103 off 238), KL Rahul (90 off 230), Jadeja (107 not out off 185) and Washington (101 not out off 206). In the absence of Rohit and Kohli, Test skipper Shubman Gill led India’s batting charge twice, first in the Birmingham victory over England, then in the Manchester draw that kept the series alive. Former England batter Jonathan Trott said while speaking on Sony Sports, he admitted that had the scenario been reversed, England wouldn’t have managed to pull off the same. “If you’re taking the Joe Root out of the side or taking two experienced players like India have had to retire recently, it would be a very, very different scenario. I think India have given a great account of themselves,” “They’ve kept the series alive and it’s certainly interesting to see the mood in the bus on the England bus when it goes down to London compared to the Indian bus on the way down to London,” Trott added.
Washington Sundar Post a heartfelt message to everyone and thankful to God
Following his maiden Test and international ton during a hard-fought draw against England at Manchester during the fourth Test, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar said that the century was special and the feeling is “difficult to put into words” as reaching three figures in whites is “something truly unique”, and post a heartfelt message “Grateful for the people, and forever grateful to you, God,” After missing out on centuries against England twice in the past, most recently in 2021, when he was left stranded at scores of 85* and 96*, Sundar got his moment when it mattered the most. Promoted to number five for his rock-solid technique to guard an injured Rishabh Pant, Sundar stood tall with leftie and seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, forging an alliance worth 203 runs and scoring his maiden Test hundred — a composed, unbeaten 101* that helped India pull off a dramatic draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old all-rounder’s quiet gratitude came after a loud statement on the field, where he and Ravindra Jadeja (107) batted through the final phase of Day 5 to rescue India from what once looked like certain defeat. Reduced to 0/2 at the start of their second innings, India needed a miracle. They found it in the form of a rock-solid batting effort, with Shubman Gill (103) and and KL Rahul (90) also playing key roles. This was just the second draw for England in 40 Tests under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, which was a rare occurrence in their aggressive ‘Bazball’ era. But it was a deserved result for India, whose batters absorbed immense pressure to ensure the series stays alive at 2-1. Sundar shared his feelings while speaking to JioHotstar, saying, “It feels very special. Honestly, it’s difficult to put this feeling into words because a Test hundred is something truly unique. Every century matters, but this one holds special significance. I got the opportunity to bat at number five, and my only focus was to fight for an entire day. That was the only message from the coach as well. I am just really glad we managed to draw this match.” Speaking about the team’s approach in their second innings, Washington said that the team wanted to play to the merit of the ball, as the wicket offered something to both seamers and spinners alike. “Our focus was to stay disciplined and give everything we could. To experience the moments we did today, especially after managing to draw the game, feels amazing. I think the whole team played really well throughout the Test match, and now it is going to be even more exciting heading into the next one,” he concluded. In three Tests of this series so far, Sundar has scored 205 runs in six innings, averaging 51.25, with a century to his name. He has also taken seven wickets in five innings at an average of 35.85, with best figures of 4/22 at Lord’s. With the possibility of leveling the series still on the line, the stage is set for a cracking finale at The Oval. But for now, Sundar’s words and his resolve linger as the high point of a chaotic final day.
Indomitable Rishabh Pant will again step in with his bat on the fifth day for the country!
India’s batting coach Sitangshu Kotak has confirmed after the end of the fourth day of the ongoing Test at Old Trafford, on Saturday, that India’s vice-captain Rishav Pant, though ruled out of the pitch for next six weeks, will again enter the pitch with his bat, risking again for the country on the fifth day on Sunday. When Rishabh Pant grimaced in pain and had to be carried off the field on the first Day of the Manchester Test, it could not be imagined that he would return to play any further part in the game. But the maverick wicketkeeper-batsman stunned the cricket fraternity on the very next day. He came on the pitch, delivered a much-needed 54 at a time when India were struggling for survival. If this wasn’t enough, India’s vice-captain is set to put himself at risk once again. According to India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, Pant will indeed pad up once again in his quest to save the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant will bat again in the fourth innings, despite him being certain to be unavailable for the fifth and final Test in London. The trouble began when Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on the first day, only to be struck flush on the right foot. He collapsed in agony and had to be helped off, with initial scans confirming a fractured metatarsal. Reports came that the medical experts ruled him out for six weeks, at least. But Pant had other plans. On Day 2, ignoring medical advice and the pain, he walked out to bat after the fall of Shardul Thakur. Limping, yet fearless, he took on the English bowlers and smashed a counter-attacking half-century, delighting the Old Trafford crowd. It was a statement indeed. At stumps on the fourth day, India were 174 for the loss of two wickets in their second innings, still trailing England by 137 runs. Despite the early blows of losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul put on a defiant stand to steady the innings. Their partnership kept India in the game, but with a full day to go, the job is far from finished. That’s where Pant’s return becomes crucial. Without him, India would be effectively one batter short, something India cannot afford against a quality English attack on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch. “Rishabh will bat tomorrow,” Kotak confirmed to reporters after Day 4 of the Manchester Test.
Jasprit Bumrah concedes 100 runs in a Test innings for the first time after 48 Tests; India struggle to survive
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah recorded the most expensive spell of his Test career during the second innings of the fourth Test match against England in Manchester. Bumrah’s tally for the innings ticked past 100 runs, making it the first instance in 48 Tests where he’s conceded more than 100. The pacer’s previous worst figures were four for 99 against Australia in Melbourne in December 2024. Bumrah made his Test debut in 2018 in South Africa and has picked 219 wickets so far with the red ball. However, Bumrah’s stumbling on the staircase of Old Trafford triggered another major injury scare after Rishav Pant, who already has been ruled out of the pitch for the next six weeks following a severe toe fracture. On the third day of the ongoing Manchester Test, a video went viral rapidly, showing Bumrah stumbling while walking up the stairs during the second session, visibly grimacing as he limped back onto the field at Old Trafford. “It’s a good sign that Bumrah is back on the field, but it’s a bad sign that he went off the field. However, it looks like he is grimacing a little bit. Doesn’t look comfortable; he is reaching down at his left ankle,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said while commentating. The tension grew when Mohammed Siraj also appeared to be in discomfort, struggling to complete his 22nd over before limping off for treatment. Siraj, however, returned to the field later in the session, easing some of India’s immediate worries. Meanwhile, on Saturday, England scored 669 runs against India during the fourth Test in Manchester, the highest team total at Old Trafford. India, in reply, are struggling to survive with the loss of two wickets, having scored only three runs in the fourth innings. The visitors need 306 to win the Test. Across its Test history, this was the ninth-highest total conceded by India. Sri Lanka holds the record for the highest team total against India. The side scored 952 for six against India in Colombo in 1997. For England, this was its second-best effort against India, with the best of 710 for seven coming in Birmingham in 2011. The last team to score 600 runs or more against India was New Zealand, which managed 680 runs in Wellington in 2014.
Ayush Mhatre breaks Brendon McCullum’s record
India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre played a remarkable knock under pressure in the second Youth Test against England Under-19 at Chelmsford and broke a number of records, including that of England’s current head coach and former New Zealand icon Brendon McCullum to hammer over 200 runs in a Youth Test with a strike-rate of over 100. Mhatre’s strike-rate, however, read better than the Kiwi legend, who had achieved the feat in a Youth Test against South Africa back in 2001. Chasing a big target of 355 runs, Ayush Mhatre played a magnificent innings of 126 runs off just 80 balls, hitting 13 fours and 6 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 157.50. India Under-19s started with a setback as opening batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball by Alex Green Mhatre’s individual score in both innings totalled to 206 off 170 balls at a strike-rate of 121.17. McCullum, on the other hand, had smoked 186(172) in the first innings and 46 unbeaten off 42 balls in the second while leading New Zealand’s U-19 unit. His combined total was 232 off 214 balls, which came at a strike rate of 108.41. Mhatre breaks number of records , Mhatre reached his century in only 64 balls, making it the third-fastest Youth Test hundred in all recorded history. Only Moeen Ali (56 balls) and Suryavanshi (58) have recorded quicker Youth Test hundreds. Mhatre finished on 126 off 80 balls after an innings studded with 13 fours and six sixes. The Chennai Super Kings revelation was also in prime touch in the first innings, aggregating 80 in only 90 deliveries. Mhatre thereby became only the second batter after New Zealand legend Brendon McCullum to record more than 200 runs in a Youth Test with a strike-rate above 100. The young Mumbaikar went even further up, with his whopping 121.17 strike rate ranking even higher than McCullum’s 108.41 in a Youth Test against South Africa in 2001. The New Zealand U19 skipper then, Mhatre also broke the Indian Youth Test record held by Manoj Tiwary for most sixes in a match. Ayush Mhatre was in excellent form throughout the Youth Test series against England. In the first test at Beckenham, he scored a brilliant 102 runs in the first innings and added 32 more in the second. In the second Youth Test, Mhatre continued his strong run with a match-winning knock, but unfortunately, rain spoiled the game once again. Just when India was pushing for victory at 290 for 6 in the 43rd over, rain stopped play and the match ended in a draw. With both matches drawn, the Youth Test series ended 0-0, bringing India U19’s England tour to a close without a winner.
Vaughan bats for substitute in test
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has pointed out how the contest will effectively be reduced to 11 vs 10 with four days left and suggested that teams be allowed option to introduce a substitute player in the eventuality of someone in their eleven getting seriously injured. “I don’t like the fact that we’ve got four days left in the game – four days of action in what has been an incredible series – where we are going to have ten versus eleven,” Vaughan said on Test Match Special. “I prefer that you’d have a sub. You know, once they brought in concussion subs, I was crying out, saying, ‘Well, just have substitutions then in the first innings of a game.’ That would be my stepping point. If it happens in the second innings, I feel that team might kind of break the rules or indulge in a bit of skullduggery.” “But if it’s clear and obvious – when someone breaks a hand or a foot or ruptures a calf – it’s so evident that someone is in real pain and can’t carry on. I think it’s very clear to me: you should be allowed a sub,” he added. India vs England: India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was taken off the field after being struck on the foot during the opening day of the Manchester Test. Pant is unlikely to take further part in the game. India endured a significant setback on the opening day of the fourth Test at Manchester as Rishabh Pant was forced off the field after sustaining a painful blow to his right foot. The incident occurred late in the final session on Wednesday, July 23, when Chris Woakes delivered a sharp yorker that beat Pant’s attempted no-look sweep and struck him flush on the foot, just below the toe. Pant was visibly in distress immediately after the impact. The physios rushed in, and after a brief assessment on the field, he was taken off via a cabby ambulance for further treatment. Broadcast visuals revealed swelling and even a small cut near the affected area, raising concerns about the extent of the damage. The Indian team management is expected to have the injury thoroughly assessed to determine his availability for the remainder of the match. This incident marks an unfortunate trend for Pant, who had also picked up an injury during the first day of the previous Test at Lord’s. While keeping wickets, he sustained a finger injury that ruled him out of continuing behind the stumps. Despite that setback, he came out to bat later in the match and played a key role in extending the contest to the final day. India had made a promising start earlier in the day, with half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan pushing them past the 200-run mark. However, the side has struggled to stitch together a lasting partnership in the middle order, and Pant was expected to anchor the innings with his counter-attacking presence. Ponting, speaking to Sky Sports, said the signs were ominous: “He hardly put his foot on the ground. He rolled around for 6-8 minutes before the golf cart came out. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones. The fact he couldn’t put any weight on it — it doesn’t look good at all.” Pant’s absence could severely dent India’s chances, especially as they trail 1-2 in the five-match series. “The momentum he brings to the Indian team — that’s what they potentially miss the most,” Ponting added. “Someone who can break the game open and put pressure back on the opposition.” India’s Sai Sudharsan, who top-scored with 61, said Pant “was in a lot of pain” and confirmed he had gone for scans. “We’ll get to know overnight ,” he added. Former England Captain Alastair Cook though has a different view on it. Cook asked what happens if it’s just a bruise which renders a batter unable to hold a bat? “I’m not sure I agree,” said Cook. “I’m not even sure what I think at the moment. But say we’ve just seen Pant walk off – he looks in all kinds of pain. And then it turns out it’s not broken. “So there’s nothing on the X-ray, it’s just a bruise. Does he have to play on then? If he has broken his foot, then that’s a different thing.” “But there will be cases where someone gets hit on the arm. ‘I can’t move my hand, I’m bruised.’ But it’s only a bruise. So do you get replaced because of discomfort and the fact that you can’t hold the bat as well as you’d like – even though it’s just a bruise?” he added.
