India's Star Batsmen Struggle in Ranji Trophy Return

India's stars misfire in first game back in Ranji Trophy.

January 23, 2025

India's Star Batsmen Struggle in Ranji Trophy Return

Several of India's prominent batsmen faced challenges upon their return to the Ranji Trophy, raising concerns ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

  • Rohit Sharma: In his first Ranji appearance in nearly a decade, the Indian captain was dismissed for just 3 runs off 19 balls while representing Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: Opening alongside Sharma, Jaiswal managed only 4 runs, falling leg before wicket to Auqib Nabi in the third over.

  • Shubman Gill: Leading Punjab against Karnataka, Gill was dismissed for 4 runs, caught by KL Shrijith off Abhilash Shetty's delivery.

  • Rishabh Pant: Playing for Delhi against Saurashtra, Pant scored just 1 run before being caught by Prerak Mankad off DA Jadeja.
     

These underwhelming performances come as these players aim to regain form ahead of India's forthcoming series against England and the Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had encouraged contracted players to participate in domestic matches to find their rhythm after recent international setbacks.

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International games

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Rocky Flintoff's Century for England Lions

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, showcased his talent by scoring a remarkable century for the England Lions against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane. Batting at number nine, Rocky amassed 108 runs off 127 balls, an innings highlighted by nine fours and six sixes. His performance was instrumental in lifting the Lions from a precarious 161 for seven to a total of 319.

At 16 years and 291 days old, Rocky became the youngest player to score a century for the England Lions, surpassing the previous record held by Ian Bell.

His father, Andrew Flintoff, who is part of the Lions' coaching staff, was present to witness this achievement.

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"In cricket, you need to take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone to achieve greatness."

- Kevin Pietersen

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Australia opener Marcus Harris joins Lancashire for 2025 season

Australian Opener Strengthens Red Rose Squad

Lancashire Cricket Club has announced the signing of Australian international Marcus Harris for the 2025 season. The 32-year-old left-handed opener will be available for both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup campaigns.

Marcus Harris brings experience

Harris brings a wealth of experience to Lancashire, having played 14 Test matches for Australia since his debut in 2018. In domestic cricket, he boasts a first-class average just shy of 40, with 29 centuries to his name. His previous stints in English county cricket include successful seasons with Leicestershire (2021 and 2024) and Gloucestershire (2022 and 2023).

Marcus Harris has his say

Expressing his enthusiasm, Harris said, "I am really excited by the opportunity to join Lancashire for the English summer and will give my all to help this great club win promotion back to Division One of the County Championship." He also fondly recalled Emirates Old Trafford, mentioning its special memories from the 2019 Ashes series.

Club's Vision

Mark Chilton, Lancashire's Director of Cricket Performance, highlighted Harris's credentials, stating, "Marcus is an experienced operator with international pedigree and has a proven track record of scoring runs at the top of the order in domestic cricket in Australia and England." Chilton emphasized that Harris's availability for the majority of the season was a key factor in the signing, aiming to bolster the squad's bid for promotion.

On This Day

1958

Hanif Mohammad batted for 970 minutes (more than 16 hours, or over 11 football matches) to save Pakistan's maiden Test against the West Indies in Barbados. His 337 was once the second-highest score in Test history; it is currently the ninth. It was also the longest innings in first-class cricket until Rajeev Nayyar improved by 45 minutes for Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy in 1999–2000. Pakistan had followed on in Hanif's match, despite being 473 runs behind - they finished with 657 for 8 from 319 overs.

Coming tomorrow

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