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“Quite easy for Jadeja” – Former India coach’s big statement on spinner’s 4-fer on Day 2 of 1st IND vs SA 2025 Test

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Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has expressed that the Eden Gardens pitch perfectly suits Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling style, which contributed to his lethal performance on Day 2 of the Test match against South Africa.

According to Bangar, all Jadeja needed to do was consistently land the ball at a particular length, and the pitch took care of the rest. Spinners dominated Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 15.

Resuming their first innings at 37-1, Team India were eventually bowled out for 189 runs. At stumps, South Africa were struggling at 93-7 in their second innings. Off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed impressive figures of 4-30 for the Proteas, while Ravindra Jadeja picked up 4-29 from his 13 overs.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar praised Jadeja for yet another impressive display with the ball. He also noted that the surface at Eden Gardens made the spinner’s job much easier.

“He’s got his stock ball sorted and he doesn’t really have too many variations. You rarely see him bowl the arm ball. It’s just ball in, ball out, over after over. Bowl the same way on a particular length. That has been classic Jadeja for a number of years,” Bangar said.

“When pitches offer so much turn and variable bounce, then it is quite an easy thing for Jadeja to pick up those wickets. The best thing a spinner can do is master his stock ball. You do not need any other delivery to pick up a lot of wickets,” he added.

While Jadeja went wicketless in India’s first innings, he was instrumental in South Africa’s second innings by dismissing key batsmen Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs.

### Ravindra Jadeja Joins Legends in Elite List

On Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, Jadeja also etched his name in cricketing history by becoming only the fourth all-rounder to complete the double of 4,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket. Before him, only Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori have achieved this remarkable feat.

The left-handed batter reached this milestone by scoring his 10th run in India’s first innings. Looking at the Saurashtra cricketer’s Test career stats after Day 2, the 36-year-old has amassed 4,017 runs at an average of 38.62 and claimed 342 wickets at an impressive average of 25.04.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-quite-easy-ravindra-jadeja-sanjay-bangar-big-statement-spinner-4-fer-day-2-1st-ind-vs-sa-2025-test

Shivam Dube to miss Ranji Trophy opener with back stiffness

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**Shivam Dube to Miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Opener Due to Back Stiffness**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 14, 2025, 11:35 PM*

Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out of his team’s first Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place in Srinagar starting Wednesday, due to back stiffness.

### Injury and Recovery

Dube had travelled with the Mumbai squad to Jammu and Kashmir but returned to Mumbai after experiencing discomfort in his back. The cold weather conditions reportedly aggravated his stiffness, prompting the team’s medical staff to advise rest. A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed to *The Indian Express* that Dube came back on Tuesday night to focus on recovery.

Despite missing the opener, Mumbai remains hopeful that Dube will regain full fitness in time to participate in India’s upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia, commencing on October 23.

### Impact on the Team

Shivam Dube’s absence will undoubtedly be felt given his all-round prowess. Known for his powerful hitting—especially his ability to clear sixes off spinners—Dube played a key role in India’s recent Asia Cup triumph. While he continues to be a vital member of the Indian T20 squad, Dube has also represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy over the past couple of seasons.

Mumbai will look to compensate for his absence with the return of middle-order batsman Musheer Khan.

### Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Campaign

Mumbai is placed in Elite Group D alongside Hyderabad, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The team traveled to J&K recently under the leadership of their new captain, Shardul Thakur.

The squad also features established Indian players such as Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan, who will be key contributors as Mumbai aims for a strong performance this season.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy journey and Shivam Dube’s recovery progress.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/dube-to-miss-ranji-opener-with-back-stifness/story

Nat Sciver-Brunt hammers her 5th Women’s ODI WC century: Stats

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**Nat Sciver-Brunt Smashes Her 5th ICC Women’s World Cup Century**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 11, 2025, 7:13 PM*

England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased a masterclass innings by hammering her 5th ICC Women’s World Cup century. In a thrilling contest against Sri Lanka Women in Colombo on Saturday, Sciver-Brunt scored a commanding 117 runs off 117 balls, powering England to a total of 253/9 in their 50 overs.

Sciver-Brunt’s brilliant knock was central to England’s innings. Coming to the crease when the team was 49/2, she stabilized the innings and then took charge, forging a crucial 60-run partnership with captain Heather Knight for the third wicket. Throughout her innings, she maintained momentum with several 30-run stands and accelerated impressively towards the end.

The innings had a moment of drama as Sciver-Brunt was dropped early on by Udeshika Prabodhani when she was just on three runs—an error Sri Lanka would come to regret. Eventually, Prabodhani did manage to claim her wicket, but not before Sciver-Brunt inflicted substantial damage.

### Impressive Stats and Milestones

Sciver-Brunt’s 117-run innings included nine fours and two sixes, taking her World Cup tally to an impressive 954 runs at an average of 59.62. This knock marked her 5th century and 2nd fifty-plus score in the tournament, elevating her to the 8th-highest run-scorer in Women’s World Cup history. In doing so, she surpassed Australia’s Meg Lanning, who has 948 World Cup runs at an average of 52.66.

In terms of overall Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), this was Sciver-Brunt’s 10th hundred. She has amassed 4,241 runs in 124 matches (110 innings) at an average of 47.12, complemented by 25 fifties. Highlighting her dominance against Sri Lanka, she now has over 500 runs against them—523 runs from 12 matches (10 innings) with a remarkable average of 74.71. This century was her 5th score above fifty against Sri Lanka (2 hundreds and 3 fifties).

### Record-Breaking Feats for England

According to Cricbuzz, Sciver-Brunt now holds the second-highest number of centuries for England in Women’s ODIs, a testament to her consistency and class.

**Most hundreds for England Women in ODIs:**

1. Tammy Beaumont – 12 centuries (125 innings)
2. Nat Sciver-Brunt – 10 centuries (110 innings)
3. Charlotte Edwards – 9 centuries (180 innings)
4. Claire Taylor – 8 centuries (120 innings)

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s stunning performance in Colombo once again highlighted why she is one of the premier all-rounders in women’s cricket today. England will be counting on her firepower as the World Cup progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/nat-sciver-brunt-hammers-century-versus-sri-lanka-in-women-s-wc/story

Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine hammers her 7th fifty-plus score

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**Women’s World Cup: Sophie Devine Smashes Her 7th Fifty-Plus Score**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 10, 2025 | 7:58 PM*

Veteran New Zealand star Sophie Devine once again showcased her exceptional batting prowess in a crucial ICC Women’s World Cup match against Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday.

Devine began the tournament with a stellar 115-run innings against Australia, followed by a strong 85 against South Africa. Continuing her impressive form, she scored a commanding 63 runs against Bangladesh, proving why she remains one of the top performers in the competition.

### A Superb 112-Run Stand with Halliday

Coming to the crease when the White Ferns were struggling at 35/2, and quickly turning to 38/3, Devine found a reliable partner in Brooke Halliday. Together, they resurrected the innings with a valuable 112-run partnership for the 4th wicket, shifting momentum back in New Zealand’s favor. The stand was broken when Fahima Khatun dismissed Halliday.

Just 29 runs later, Devine was also dismissed by Nishita Akter Nishi, leaving New Zealand at 179/5.

### Impressive Stats and Milestones

In her innings of 63 runs off 85 balls, Devine struck 2 fours and 2 sixes, demonstrating both patience and power. This innings marked her 7th fifty-plus score in ICC Women’s World Cup matches, including 3 centuries and 4 fifties, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Playing her 28th Women’s ODI World Cup game, Devine has amassed 929 runs at an average of 38.20 from 25 innings. In the 2025 edition alone, she has already scored 263 runs in just 3 matches, reinforcing her pivotal role in the New Zealand batting lineup.

### Career Milestone: 18th WODI Fifty

On a broader scale, this knock was Devine’s 18th fifty in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). Over 155 WODI matches, she has scored 4,250 runs from 142 innings at an average of 32.94. Her career tally includes 9 centuries alongside these half-centuries.

Additionally, against Bangladesh in WODIs, Devine has accumulated 141 runs from 5 matches at an average of 28.20, with this match featuring her first fifty against the team.

Sophie Devine’s consistent performances continue to be crucial for New Zealand’s campaign in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. Fans will be eager to see more stellar innings from the seasoned campaigner as the tournament progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sophie-devine-shines-vs-ban-w-in-world-cup/story

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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**By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 PM**

### The Story: Daren Sammy Compares West Indies Cricket Decline to “Cancer”

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark and powerful comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test match against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shortest formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he also emphasized that these players can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

### Candid Remarks on Deep-Rooted Issues

West Indies suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against India, losing by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the struggles faced by West Indies cricket — particularly in the Test format.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism,” Sammy said. But he was quick to point out that the problems the team faces didn’t begin just two years ago; rather, they are deeply rooted in the system.

### The Cancer Analogy: A Metaphor for West Indies Cricket Struggles

Sammy used a powerful metaphor to describe the ongoing challenges: he likened the issues plaguing West Indies cricket to “cancer that’s already in the system.”

He explained, “If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

He also highlighted the financial difficulties that have plagued the West Indies cricket board for years. “The difference between the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four is huge. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time,” Sammy added.

### Missed Commercial Opportunities and Financial Struggles

Sammy expressed regret over missed commercial opportunities during the era when West Indies cricket was at its peak.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,” he said, reflecting on cricket’s global appeal. Yet, he pointed out that due to mismanagement and other setbacks over the years, the West Indies are now in dire need of financial resources to enable growth and development.

### Woeful Numbers Reflect Current Struggles

Statistics highlight the Windies’ ongoing challenges in the longest format. According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. Moreover, in those 15 innings, the team has failed to bat out 90 overs or even a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India — with their last victory dating back to 2002. They have lost six of their last seven Tests overall, underscoring the difficult times faced by Caribbean cricket.

—

Daren Sammy’s candid remarks serve as a grim reminder of the deep-seated issues that require urgent attention if West Indies cricket is to regain its former stature.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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**By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 pm**

**What’s the story?**

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shorter formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he emphasized that they can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

—

**Candid remarks on deep-rooted issues in West Indies cricket**

West Indies recently lost the first match of the two-Test series in India by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the struggles facing West Indies cricket, particularly in the Test format.

He said, *“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism.”* But Sammy also stressed that these problems are not new — they run deep within the system.

—

**Metaphorical comparison: Cancer analogy for West Indies cricket struggles**

Sammy likened the many challenges plaguing West Indies cricket to *“cancer that’s already in the system.”* He explained, *“If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”*

He further highlighted the financial difficulties facing West Indies cricket. *“The difference between the different teams, the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time,”* Sammy said.

—

**Missed commercial opportunities for West Indies**

Reflecting on the past, Sammy lamented how West Indies failed to capitalize commercially during their glory days as the world’s best side — unlike India, which has successfully leveraged its cricketing success.

*“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,”* Sammy noted. But due to mismanagement and other factors over the years, the team now finds itself in dire need of financial resources to help foster growth and development.

—

**Woeful numbers paint a grim picture**

According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. In those innings, they failed to bat out even 90 overs or complete a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India — the last victory coming back in 2002. Overall, they have lost six of their last seven Test matches.

—

Daren Sammy’s candid remarks shine a light on the deep-rooted challenges facing West Indies cricket, calling for urgent action to revive the pride and performance of the once-dominant Test side.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 pm

**The Story**

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shorter formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he emphasized that they can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

**Candid Remarks: Deep-rooted Issues in West Indies Cricket**

West Indies lost the first Test of the two-match series in India by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the ongoing struggles of West Indies cricket, particularly in the Test format.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism,” he said. Yet, Sammy stressed that these problems did not emerge overnight; they are deeply embedded within the system.

**Metaphorical Comparison: Cancer Analogy for West Indies Cricket Struggles**

Sammy likened the chronic issues affecting West Indies cricket to “a cancer that’s already in the system.” He elaborated, “If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by West Indies cricket, noting, “The difference between the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four is huge. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time.”

**Missed Chances: Commercial Opportunities Slip Away**

Reflecting on missed commercial opportunities, Sammy lamented that when West Indies was once the best side in the world, they failed to capitalize on commercial benefits in the way nations like India did.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,” he remarked. He added that due to lack of management and other factors over the years, West Indies now find themselves in dire need of financial resources to help the game grow within the region.

**Woeful Numbers for West Indies**

According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. In those innings, they consistently failed to bat out 90 overs or a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India, the last victory coming in 2002. Overall, they have lost six of their last seven Tests.

—

The road ahead is challenging for West Indies cricket, but addressing the deep-rooted issues highlighted by Sammy is crucial for rebuilding the once-dominant Test side.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

Australia’s Beau Webster suffers injury scare ahead of Ashes

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**Australia’s Beau Webster Suffers Injury Scare Ahead of Ashes**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 4, 2025, 09:50 AM*

Australian all-rounder Beau Webster has been ruled out of Tasmania’s opening match in the Sheffield Shield season against Queensland after suffering an ankle injury. Fortunately, the injury is not considered serious. Webster will be reassessed ahead of Tasmania’s One-Day Cup match against Queensland on Thursday and before the second round of the Shield tournament.

**Looking Ahead to the Ashes**

Webster is expected to be part of Australia’s squad for the upcoming home Ashes series, starting November 21. He had initially planned to play all four of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield matches before the Ashes kick off.

Despite a strong start to his Test career—including four half-centuries in seven matches under tough batting conditions—Webster’s spot in the Test eleven could be under pressure. The likely return of Cameron Green to unrestricted bowling duties may alter team dynamics and spark selection debates.

**Team Dynamics and Player Aspirations**

Before the season began, Webster spoke candidly to ESPNcricinfo about his hopes to play alongside Cameron Green. He said, “If you’re scoring runs in the top six batters for Australia, then if you can bowl it’s a bonus.” Webster expressed his desire for both players to contribute with bat and ball to help Australia secure victories.

**Strong Domestic Season Start**

Webster’s domestic season has started on a high note. In two One-Day Cup matches, he took five wickets and also scored an impressive 81 runs off 95 balls in the second match against Victoria. These performances underline his importance to Tasmania and highlight his potential impact for Australia—despite the current injury setback.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Webster works on his recovery and aims to be fully fit for the key fixtures ahead. Cricket fans will be watching closely as he vies to maintain his place ahead of the prestigious Ashes series.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/beau-webster-misses-sheffield-shield-opener-with-ankle-injury/story