The Ashes | 3rd Test | Day 2: Australia regain dominance despite Anderson's masterclass with ball

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 Final: Always wanted to play an innings like this on a big stage, says Shubham Arora

Himachal Pradesh’s Shubham Arora played an exceptional knock of 136* against Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final in Jaipur on Sunday. Himachal Pradesh created history as they clinched the title with a brilliant win by 11 runs (VJD Method) while chasing a mammoth 315 in 50 overs. Talking about his knock and the planning while chasing the big score, Arora said that to the batsmen was that they have to play 50 overs. “We were told that we need to keep wickets in hand and try to play out the entire 50 overs,” he said while talking to The Indian Express. “My duty was to try and not get out especially during the play-off. A good start is always needed while chasing a big score.” Tamil Nadu had rode on Dinesh Karthik’s ton to put 314 on the board before getting bundled out. Apart from Karthik, Baba Indrajith struck a fifty while Shahrukh Khan chipped in with a brisk 21-ball 42. In reply, Himachal Pradesh had a decent start to the chase but lost the way in the middle before Shubham and Amit Kumar steadied the ship and stitched a stand of 148 runs for the fourth wicket. Kaur scored 74 off 79. Later, Shubham was joined by captain Rishi Dhawan who unleashed a terrific knock of 42* off 23 as Himachal Pradesh stood on the winning podium.

SA vs IND | 1st Test | Day 1: Mayank Agarwal highlights discipline with bat for commanding start

India had a brilliant start to the first Test against South Africa in Centurion after the visitors piled up 272/3 on the first day. Openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal laid a perfect foundation as the two batters stitched a first-wicket stand of 117 runs before Mayank was out for 60. Rahul on the other side, went on to notch up a hundred during the course. Talking about the proceedings, Agarwal revealed the plans that the batting unit had. “The plan was to be very disciplined, to play balls which come around the stump and leave as many as possible. We could do just that,” Agarwal said at the press conference after the day’s play . “At 272 for 3, it is credit to our batting unit, we applied ourselves. The plan is those who get set will have to continue and Rahul bhai did that.” Agarwal lauded Rahul for scoring a ton and also credited the partnerships that the batting unit had. “The highlight as a team was Rahul getting a hundred. We had partnerships and that was crucial. He had a partnership first up with me, and Virat bhai had it also and then with Rahane. I hope they continue the same,” he said. Rahul is unbeaten at 122 while Ajinkya Rahane is at 40*. For South Africa, it was Lungi Ngidi who was the pick of the bowlers after he bagged all the wickets for his side.

The Ashes | 3rd Test, Day 2: Bowlers fight hard, pick early wickets to keep England in the game

England bowlers turned fortunes on the second day of the third Ashes Test in Melbourne after they picked up early wickets and didn’t let the Australian batters take an upper-hand. Beginning the proceedings at 61/1, the hosts lost night watchman Nathan Lyon early and that certainly broke the shackles as Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals during the course. The home side was reduced to 180/6 with the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith also back in the hut. Opener Marcus Harris tried the hold the fort at one end but he too was eventually sent back for 76 by James Anderson. At the time of writing, Australia were 188/6 while James Anderson already had three scalps to his name. Ollie Robinson had picked up a couple fo wickets while Mark Wood had one to his name. Earlier, England’s struggle with the bat continued as they were bundled out for 185 in the first innings. Captain Joe Root top-scored for them with half-century. For Australia, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon bagged three wickets apiece. The Australian team is currently leading the five-match series 2-0.

The Ashes | 3rd Test | Day 2: Test continued after delayed start despite Covid-19 scare in England camp

The England cricket team players had cleared a round of Covid-19 testing ahead of the start of the second day’s proceedings of the third Ashes Test in Melbourne. Two of the support staff and two members from their families had returned positive for Covid-19 after which the tests were held. "The entire playing group and all other support staff have undertaken Rapid Antigen Tests this morning and all have tested negative," Cricket Australia's media release said. "The England Cricket team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play. Both playing squads remain unchanged. There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government COVID-Safe Event Plan." Talking about the game, Australia had bundled out England for 185 in the first innings and were 61/1 at the end of first day’s play. But the visitors were on song on Day 2 as they picked up wickets at regular intervals and Australia were 180/6 at the time of writing. Australia presently led the five-match series 2-0.