Leeds, June 23 (IANS) India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said his magnificent 5-83 against England in the ongoing first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley was down to him focusing on what worked well for him after assessing conditions.
Bumrah was India’s standout bowler on day three’s play as his figures of 5-83 in 24.4 overs- his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests – ensured India got a narrow six-run lead after bowling out England for 465 in their first innings. Bumrah, who picked his third five-wicket haul in England, has also equalled the legendary Kapil Dev for the most fifers for India in away Tests (12).”I felt good in the first innings. Sometimes the downward slope helps and the wind was also decent, so that gives you a push. Sometimes when you see the dukes ball you can try to bowl banana swing and magic balls, but I was trying to focus on what worked for me,” said Bumrah on Sky Sports’ broadcast ahead of day four’s play on Monday.Asked to dissect his dismissal of Zak Crawley in the presence of former India head coach Ravi Shastri, Bumrah explained, “Pretty much, you want to hit the seam and you want to get some swing early on if you’re bowling with the new ball. So that is what I was looking to do. It was cloudy weather at that time.“Usually over here, the Duke ball sometimes never swings with the new ball. Slightly, when it gets a little older, it starts to do consistently. But the ball was swinging from the word go. So I was trying to bowl a nice length and tried to bring him forward, and it was a good execution on that day.”Further quizzed about the fingers he uses for making the ball swing and seam, Bumrah stated, “I’m slightly different – so I don’t use my index finger. I use the big figure all the time. So I try to flick the ball. When I want to bowl an outswing, I flick it this way. When I want to bowl the inswing, I flick it inside because I can’t usually change my arm path too much because of the way my bowling style is.”So I usually use my second finger for whichever swing I want to do because that’s how I’ve always bowled. I’ve learned this over the years as well that I can’t really change my arm path. Yes, I do change from where I want to bowl from the crease, but I try to flick it when I want to bowl it either way.”Bumrah signed off by saying he was pleased with the rhythm he had while picking the five-wicket haul at Headingley. “The rhythm felt really good even in Beckenham, where we were practicing. Since I’ve come here after the IPL, the rhythm felt very good. So I was just trying to be in that zone and trying to take it to the game that I am not trying too much or not to get too aggressive.”–IANSnr/bc

Leeds, June 23 (IANS) Ahead of a highly anticipated day four’s play in the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test set to begin at Headingley, former fast-bowler Stuart Broad believes that India has some degree of control over the proceedings as compared to England.
On Sunday, Jasprit Bumrah’s magnificent 5-83 gave India a slender six-run lead, despite Ollie Pope’s fine 106 and Harry Brook’s swashbuckling 99 taking England to 465. KL Rahul then mixed cautiousness with elegant cover drives to be not out on 47 and swell India’s lead to 96.”I don’t think, with two days left, that India can get into a position to completely bat England out of the game and give themselves enough time to take 10 wickets. England will go for the win even if that risks a loss – but India are in a bit of control at the moment as the surface is more cracked and worn than I expected from a day four-pitch.”India are in a strong position. If I was in India’s camp now, I would be saying ‘get me another 250’ so 350 runs on the board. Headingley gets better to bat historically, but we don’t see this heat and sunshine so often, and it has spun, so I don’t think it will be as easy as it has been in previous years,” said Broad on Sky Sports’ broadcast.Nasser Hussain, former England captain, said India would still feel slightly disappointed by the late batting collapse preventing them from having a bigger first innings total. “I think India will be a little disappointed. They had the collapse of 7-41 in their innings and the England score should then have been a lot less. That last little session last night was vital for them in that they didn’t let England back into the game even more.”With the match still on a knife’s edge, former Australia women’s cricketer Mel Jones believes everyone at the venue will be treated to two more thrilling days of Test match action.”Over the last three days, we have seen individual performances and how players go about things. The next two days I think we are going to learn about how collectively the teams want to go about this series. How do India want to push this game forward? Are England willing to risk losing in order to win? It will be a thrilling next few days,” she said.–IANSnr/bc

Mumbai, June 23 (IANS) The Rugby Premier League (RPL) has given Indian players their first taste of elite competition as they play the sport with and against stars at the pinnacle of the sport. It has also given international Olympians a close look at India’s future in rugby and they believe the nation will be a force to reckon with in the coming years.
Rugby sevens, the faster, sharper version of traditional Rugby 15s, has exploded in popularity globally, especially since its inclusion in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. With shorter matches, high-intensity action and the fast nature of the game, it’s a format that appeals to newer audiences and newer nations. While countries like Fiji, Kenya, and Australia have long embraced the sport, India is only just stepping into the arena with promising signs and a bright future ahead of it. Kevin Wekesa of Kenya, playing for Hyderabad Heroes, shared his insights on the impact of RPL in Indian Rugby. “I think leagues like the RPL are the future of sevens. I see rugby growing in India. From what I’ve witnessed, the Indian boys are really good and very soon we’ll see them play, probably in the Olympics, which is the greatest platform in sports.””Just from the stands, seeing the young boys and girls coming to watch rugby, getting free jerseys and balls, I know this is an inspiration to them and when they grow up they will definitely want to be on the field. India is on the right track and in 3-7 years, I think India will be a force to reckon with in the World Series,” he added.Uganda’s Philip Wokorach of Bengaluru Bravehearts also touched upon how it felt good to see children in the stands cheer for all the players. “What I love most about what RPL have done here is bringing school kids to watch the games. I think that is where the foundation starts, when the children watch the sport and take interest in it since they are our future.”Lucas Lacamp, the United States international, who has played rugby around the globe since a very young age and now features for Kalinga Black Tigers, spoke about the incredible growth he has seen in Indian players during his time here. “The local Indian players have definitely grown a lot. If they’ve improved so much in the span of a week, the growth is inevitable. Imagine how good they can be with each season. I think if they get the right infrastructure in place, the right money is put in the right places, there is no stopping India in the future.”Upon the areas Indian players need to improve upon, Henry Hutchison from Australia, playing for the Mumbai Dreamers, stated, “Rugby is the biggest game of consequence and one mistake can cost you a lot of points. And it’s just understanding that, which is where they’re lacking.””The physical side of sevens is difficult, but you train for that. However, the mental side is harder because you can’t train for that except for experiencing it. If Indians keep playing the sport at the highest level like this league, they will learn that naturally in no time,” he explained.–IANSbc/ab

Mumbai, June 23 (IANS) India opener Prithvi Shaw has sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) with a wish to leave Mumbai and play for another team in the upcoming 2025/26 domestic cricket season.”Yes it’s true that Prithvi Shaw has applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) & our Apex Council will take decision by today evening,” said Abhay Hadap, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary, to IANS on Monday afternoon.Shaw, who captained India to 2018 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup win in New Zealand, was dropped from the Mumbai side during the first leg of last year’s Ranji Trophy in October because of form and fitness-related issues.He was then brought back into the team during their victorious 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, where he amassed 197 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 156.34. But after that, Shaw, 25, wasn’t included in Mumbai’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT).”At this juncture in my career, I have been presented with a promising opportunity to play professional cricket under another State Association, which I believe will further contribute to my growth and development as a cricketer. In light of this, I kindly request you to issue me a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that will enable me to officially represent the new State Association in the upcoming domestic season.”Please be assured that this decision has been made after careful consideration, and with utmost respect for the MCA. I remain ever grateful to the association for the guidance and platform provided over the years,” wrote Shaw in his NOC application to MCA.Shaw, who hit a century on his Test debut against the West Indies at Rajkot in 2018, was also dropped by his IPL side Delhi Capitals in the 2024 season before being released by them. He then went unsold in the mega auction for the 2025 edition and wasn’t even given a look-in by any of the ten contesting teams as a replacement player during the tournament.So far, Shaw has played five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I for India, while he recently turned out for North Mumbai Panthers in the recently revived Mumbai T20 League. It’s yet to be confirmed which team Shaw will turn out for in the upcoming domestic season if his NOC request is accepted by the MCA.There was a speculation that Shaw could be headed to Maharashtra, but Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Honorary Secretary Advocate Kamlesh Pisal, denied it. “This is all speculation in regards to that player from Mumbai (Shaw), because there is no official information which I can endorse. But when things are in place, we will issue a statement in the coming days,” he said to IANS.–IANSnr/

Dhaka, June 23 (IANS) Litton Das and left-handed opener Naim Sheikh have been recalled to Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) named a 16-member squad on Monday.
The ODI series will take place from July 2 to 8, with the first two matches scheduled in Colombo and the final ODI set to be played in Pallekele.Naim returns to the one-day set-up after nearly two years, while Litton also makes a comeback alongside several other familiar faces. Along with Litton and Naim, Shamim Patwary, Tanvir Islam and Hasan Mahmud also return to the side.From the squad that last featured in the Champions Trophy, veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have since retired from ODIs, while Soumya Sarkar and Nasum Ahmed have been left out.Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have also rejoined the squad after recovering from injuries that ruled them out of the recent T20I series.Naim, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Sylhet in March 2020, has played eight ODIs and scored 95 runs. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said Naim’s improved intent and approach at the crease were key factors in his selection.”Naim has shown that he can bat with the same intensity as our (recent) white-ball openers,” Ashraf said. “He has done well in the Dhaka Premier League. We also have someone like Soumya Sarkar, who has ten years of international experience. (He has been dropped because) we want to help him recover fully so that he can come back properly.”On Litton’s return, Ashraj said, “Litton Das was in a bad patch, but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup,” Ashraf said. “If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is.”Ashraf explained that five fast bowlers were included in the squad to help manage the workloads of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.”We have included five fast bowlers in the ODI side, as we have Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed are returning from injuries. We are also mindful of Nahid Rana’s workload management, so we have kept enough options to choose from,” he said.Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.–IANSab/bc

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) The Indian shooting contingent on Monday celebrated Olympic Day and expressed confidence to continue their rise in the upcoming Olympic events.
At the Paris Games last year, India sent a 21-member contingent to compete across all 15 events in shooting. Manu Bhaker created history in Paris, winning two medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and 10m air pistol mixed team event along with Sarabjot Singh, becoming the only Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.Meanwhile, Swapnil Kusale also created history, earning India’s only Olympic medal in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions. With the shooting contingent bagging three out of six medals for India at the 2024 Olympics, the popularity of the sport surged across the nation, with the athletes gaining widespread recognition all around the globe.Now, after a successful stint at the recently concluded ISSF World Cup 2025 in Munich, where Indian athletes secured four medals, two gold and two bronze, Indian athletes expressed hopes to continue their form in the coming years to set themselves up for a bigger success at the next Olympic edition set to take place in Los Angeles, USA in 2028.Speaking on the importance of the Olympic Day, Paris Games bronze medallist Sarabjot said, “This day is an important one for all of us and it reminds us of the efforts we all put in to earn the opportunity to compete in the biggest sporting event. For an athlete, a chance to represent the nation on the Olympic stage is the highest achievement. For me, to win a medal and stand on the podium is a memory that I will cherish forever.”The 23-year-old further added, “Our success at the Paris Olympics and the recent shooting events this year has truly sparked a fire within all the athletes to do our best. We are confident that the Indian shooters will win even more medals in LA and continue to make the nation proud.”Introduced in 1948, Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. Its main objective is to promote participation in sports worldwide, irrespective of age, gender, or level of athletic ability.Paris Olympics medal-winning shooter Kusale further echoed Sarabjot’s sentiments and said, “Because of our success last year at the Games, all of us feel excited to celebrate the Olympic Day this year. We feel the eyes of the nation are upon us now and the entire country is praying and wishing for our success in each and every competition.””While it is an additional responsibility to repay their faith, it also motivates us to continue to do better and make the nation proud. I am confident that India’s Olympic success story in shooting will see a new chapter at the LA Games in 2028,” he signed off.–IANSab/bc

Hyderabad, June 23 (IANS) The Government of Telangana will soon come out with a new sports policy to bring recognition to the state at the international level, along with providing training to produce world-class athletes, a top official said on Monday.The policy is likely to come up for discussion in the state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the day.Special Chief Secretary to the government, Jayesh Ranjan, revealed this while addressing Olympic Day celebrations at LB Stadium in Hyderabad.Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had already asked officials to set the goals in the sports policy, eying the 2036 Olympic Games.Jayesh Ranjan stated that several countries were showing their excellence in the Olympics. He underlined the need for producing athletes who can compete in the Olympics.Telangana Sports Authority chairman Shivsena Reddy said the proposed sports policy would provide incentives to sportspersons. Alleging that injustice was done to many under the previous government, he gave an assurance that the present government will do justice to them.He said the sportspeople who won medals in different events will be provided with jobs.Sports Minister Vakati Srihari, Telangana government advisor (sports) and Telangana Olympics Association president Jithender Reddy and others were present.The state government has already announced that it will establish Young India Physical Education and Sports University in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model on the lines of Young India Skill University.The Chief Minister has directed officials to constitute a Special Board and appoint a chairman by delegating powers to him to run the Sports University as an autonomous institution.The proposed university will offer 14 sports training programmes in cricket, hockey, football, basketball, swimming, tennis, badminton, shooting, boxing, wrestling, table tennis, athletics, gymnastics, and aquatics.The Sports University will start operations in the Gachibowli Sports Stadium. Since the stadium is spread over 70 acres and ready-made facilities for various sports training were already provided, the Chief Minister suggested that the facilities should be upgraded in a sophisticated manner to meet future needs.Students from 14 places in the state reached the LB Stadium for the Olympic Day celebrations. Para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji, who won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics, participated in the celebrations.–IANSms/dpb