IND v ENG: Bazball Has Arrived
Jos Buttler and his men from England have arrived to take on the Indian Cricket Team for an exciting white ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs starting January 22, 2025 at the Eden gardens, Kolkata. The audiences are anticipating England to play Bazball. However, let’s understand what Bazball really is. What Does “Bazball” In Cricket Mean? Bazball is the aggressive game of cricket, more so in test match cricket. In cricketing terms, this means playing the fearless attacking game of cricket making a flurry of quick runs scored by taking risks with a positive approach. This was coined after former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum, infamously known as “Baz” while he came up with that style of game during his time as coach for the England men’s test team. Is Bazball Only Limited To Test Match Cricket? Not really. Bazball, in simple terms, means an aggressive style of playing cricket. Be it test matches, ODI’s or even T20’s. Delivering with aggression with an aim to score quickly in the shortest time possible can be described as Bazball. We have seen England playing Bazball not only in test match cricket, but also in ODI’s and T20’s as well. What Is The History Of Bazball In The Back? Bazball was an invention of that time when Brendon McCullum took the mantle of the head coach of the England men’s cricket team in 2022. From then to date, it is when the bold, aggressive nature of Brendon McCullum began to emerge before everyone’s eyes since the players of England started imbibing it in themselves and giving a completely different turn to the game. The term does not only express a style but actually encompasses a mindset – the essence is to take bold decisions and carry strategic attacking movements. Why Is Brendon McCullum Called As The ‘Architect Of Bazball’? Brendon McCullum is aggressive, in his cricketing leadership, cricketer-captain-turned-coach of New Zealand with aggressive batting style. He as a coach of the England test cricket team brought the attitude towards playing cricket with aggression in the simplest and yet most positive way one could enjoy oneself in while playing. The philosophy scribbled at the back reads: negativity avoided while preserving a win attitude, under the command of Ben Stokes. How Has Bazball Helped The Success Of The England Cricket Team? Bazball has transformed the way England plays cricket entirely. It is a much more exciting and dynamic game. The aggressive style brings fresh energy to the team and that is beginning to reflect in performances and international attention. Bazball is being moulded under the philosophy of Brendon McCullum and under the leadership of Ben Stokes. However, England’s limited overs skipper, Jos Buttler also believes to attack right from the word-go. That exciting brand of cricket will be seen when England and India clash in a white ball series in January 2025. Is Bazball a thing that really fascinates you or do you feel that such aggressive intent towards the game is harmful in the long run? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Which Team Will Make It To The WTC25 Final?
With only 15 test matches left in the current WTC cycle, the battle for the top two has really heated up. No side yet, is guaranteed a place in the WTC25 final and several teams still have a shot at landing one of the coveted spots. Here’s how the teams are shaping up as they go into the final stretch: South Africa Percent: 59.26, matches remaining: SL (1 home Test), PAK (2 home) A big win for South Africa at Durban has put them in a good position, but they still need to pick up more points to guarantee qualification to the WTC25 final. If they lose to Sri Lanka but win both their remaining Tests against Pakistan, then they would still have a fair chance of qualification with 61.11%. However, the two teams that could surpass them both are Sri Lanka and India. If South Africa somehow draw their second Test against Sri Lanka and then beat Pakistan 1-0, things would be much safer than they are now. In this best-case scenario, winning each of their next two series could guarantee them a place at the final, with only a possibility of Australia and India outscoring them. Sri Lanka Percent: 50.00, matches remaining: SA (1 away Test), AUS (2 home) Sri Lanka’s loss in Durban has complicated their route to the WTC25 final. They can get a maximum of 61.54% if they win their remaining three tests, which will guarantee them a spot in the final. However if they lose another test, they will rely on other teams’ performances as South Africa, India and Australia could surpass them. In order to stay ahead of the pack, Sri Lanka should aim to win the series against South Africa and Australia in their last matches. New Zealand Percent: 50.00, matches remaining: ENG (2 home) New Zealand’s chances are somewhat doused by its dismal performance in Christchurch, reducing their highest possible points to 57.14%. Though this leaves them a thin chance, they still have a mathematical chance to be in the WTC25 final. For instance, if the Australia-India series goes 1-1 and other series end in draws, New Zealand will top the table. However they would need a number of results to go in their favor to qualify and will rely on a series win against England for their hopes. India Percent: 61.11, matches remaining: AUS (4 away) A dominant win in Perth has increased India’s chances of qualifying into the final, however they need to finish strong in the remaining series against Australia. To be confirmed for a place in the WTC25 finals, India need to win three out of four remaining tests at Australia. In case India wins 3-0, it would get more points than Sri Lanka’s best achievable points and also would stand better than South Africa. While it has lesser points, they might also qualify among top two. However this all greatly depends on other teams. India’s fate is tied not only to their own results but also to the performances of South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka. Australia Percent: 57.69, matches remaining: Ind (4 home Tests), SL (2 away) Australia’s loss to India in Perth has placed them under pressure. With their remaining six tests, they need four wins and a draw to stay in the hunt. If they win both the home series against India and Sri Lanka, they will exceed Sri Lanka’s maximum potential points. However Australia can finish at the top two only if they make their remaining series spotless, especially the one against Sri Lanka in the away series. Even if India wins 3-2 in the current series, Australia may finish ahead as they would have swept Sri Lanka. Pakistan Percent: 33.33, matches remaining: SA (2 away), WI (2 home) Pakistan’s revival at home has come too late in the cycle. Their maximum possible points of 52.38% still leave them with slim chances of qualification. To even have a chance, they would need several results to go their way. If Sri Lanka and New Zealand fail to go well in their remaining series, Pakistan may still end up in the running for a second-place finish. However, even a perfect record in their last four Tests most likely will not be enough to secure them a place in the final without other results working in their favor. England Percent: 43.75, matches remaining: NZ (2 away) England’s hopes of qualification are very low however not impossible. They now stand at 43.75% after their win in Christchurch, which means that there is very little margin for error. Still, on paper, they can mathematically finish second if all the other results go in their favor. If India loses all the remaining tests and South Africa and Sri Lanka do not garner enough points, England could sneak into second place. However, their chances of qualification for the WTC25 final are extremely low. Bangladesh and West Indies (Eliminated) Both Bangladesh and the West Indies are effectively out of the running for the top two positions in the WTC25 and their points and results aren’t enough to challenge the leaders. As the last 15 test matches take place, the battle for a place in the WTC25 final at Lord’s is bound to intensify. South Africa, Sri Lanka and India have a shot at it, whereas Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan still have a very slim chance. A few results will determine who finally goes to the final however one thing is sure, the race to the final of the WTC25 is wide open. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: A Team-by-Team Preview
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to get underway from the 3rd to the 20th of October, 2024 at Sharjah and Dubai. Ten teams would be rubbing their shoulders against each other to have their hands on that elusive title at the Dubai International Stadium on 20th October, 2024. Let’s quickly go through the 10 participating teams in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. India India had to face a setback in the 2023 semi-final in an incredible game against Australia at Cape Town. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is where they will look to repeat that for a second final appearance and possibly a first title win. Australia Four times in a row, Australia come in as the tournament favorites, after dominating the competition in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, which they won for the sixth time in South Africa. The Australians have never lost since 2020 and are expected to try to maintain the grip on the trophy. England Traditionally a strong team, England made its debut as champions in 2009 and will expect an easy comeback from the loss in the semi-finals of last year. England has made it to the final thrice since winning their first title. Hence, they are again one of the favorites to win. South Africa South Africa, the runners-up of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, are going to try that little extra inch further this time round since they managed history to make it to the very first final of their lives. They have all it takes to go deep again, and a rightful push to attain their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. New Zealand New Zealand have been the runners-up in 2009 and 2010. The Kiwis do have a good account of World Cup performances, and they would be looking to get it to the final this time around. Qualification increased following their crushing victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the fag end of last year. West Indies West Indies, champions in 2016, qualified solely based on their group play in South Africa. The Caribbean team will look to reignite the good old days with another title victory. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka qualified by winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifier. Having done quite well in 2023, where they opened with a win over South Africa, they will look forward to delivering when it matters the most this time around. Scotland The only first-time team participating in this event is Scotland, which gained qualification through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. This is actually the first taste of action on the world stage for the team. Pakistan Pakistan had qualified as the highest-ranked side, not including those that had otherwise already qualified for the event. As first-timers to the semis, they will look to make it big in the 2024 edition. Bangladesh Bangladesh, who had qualified as hosts before the competition was switched to the UAE, start against Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It is Bangladesh’s sixth visit to the tournament; however, they have failed to go beyond the group stage so far. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 round the corner, teams are in full preparations to make their presence felt in the tournament. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Brendon McCullum: The Maverick Who Gave England “Bazball”
Few in the cricketing world had an idea of what they would go through when Brendon McCullum took over as head of England’s test team in 2022. Enter Bazball-a form of cricket that queries, “Why tap it for a single when you can belt it for six?” The affectionately named “Baz” McCullum shook the very fibers of test match cricket with the addition of a relentlessly aggressive attitude. And guess what? It is working just like a treat! McCullum’s fearless philosophy soon saw England’s fortunes turned around, surging forward to win more than 70% of their Test matches by 2024, however even more spectacularly, his close partnership with England test Captain, Ben Stokes turned England into an unbeatable force: Batman and Robin against the best that world cricket has to offer. Think of them-thwacking cricket balls into the stands-getting test matches to be a must-watch piece of TV, instead of a fight against crime. Test Match Cricket Revamped With McCullum’s arrival, test cricket-which was in danger of being termed a “snooze fest”-got a much-needed wake-up call. The matches of England have now transformed into blockbusters, with spectators anticipating, “How soon this time will England send the opposition packing?” His aggression combined with a penchant for taking audacious risks has transformed England into a red-ball juggernaut. Next Stop: White-Ball Set-Up Just when you thought Bazball was the end of it, McCullum is now going to conquer ODI and T20 cricket, starting from 2025. This could just be the doctor’s prescription that England’s recently misfiring limited-overs teams need. He has experience in franchise cricket, guiding teams such as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and he clearly has the chops to bring back the white-ball magic for England. So, is Bazball going to move from Test triumphs to white-ball wonders? One thing for sure, with McCullum at the helm, it’s going to be one wild ride. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
What Is The Hundred And How Is It Changing The Dynamics Of Cricket?
What Is The Hundred? The Hundred is a thrilling 100-ball cricket extravaganza that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. This action-packed tournament features world-class players and some of the biggest names in cricket from around the globe. Teams and Format The 100 ball competition showcases eight city-based teams, each with a men’s and women’s squad competing alongside each other over five weeks every English summer. The teams include Birmingham Phoenix (Edgbaston), London Spirit (Lord’s), Manchester Originals (Emirates Old Trafford), Northern Superchargers (Headingley), Oval Invincibles (The Kia Oval), Southern Brave (Utilita Bowl), Trent Rockets (Trent Bridge) and Welsh Fire (Sophia Gardens). Each squad consists of 15 players, with a maximum of four overseas stars and no more than two centrally contracted England players in the Men’s Competition. Player Selection Process The selection of players is an exciting aspect of The Hundred. A Draft system allocates players to each men’s team, ensuring a fair and thrilling selection process. The women’s teams have a bespoke player selection process tailored to their competition’s unique needs, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Unique 100-Ball Format The Hundred introduces a format with 100 balls per innings, where the team scoring the most runs wins. Key features of the format include fielding side changes after every 10 balls, flexible bowling with bowlers delivering either five or 10 consecutive balls as decided by the captain and a maximum of 20 balls per match for each bowler. Each bowling side gets a 90-second strategic timeout, allowing the coach to discuss tactics mid-match. A 25-ball powerplay for each team, with only two fielders allowed outside the initial 30-yard circle, makes the game even more dynamic. Each match lasts approximately two and a half hours, making for a fast-paced and exciting viewing experience. Player Salaries The Hundred sets competitive salary bands to attract top talent. For 2024, the women’s salary bands range from £50,000 for the top two players to £8,000 for three players, ensuring a broad range of compensation. The men’s salary bands for 2024 remain unchanged from 2023, with top players earning £125,000, including one England Centrally Contracted Player, down to £30,000 for three players. Where To Watch The Hundred In India? Enthusiasts can watch The Hundred 2024 on the Sony Sports Network television across different languages. Fans can also live stream The Hundred 2024 on the Sony LIV app and on FanCode. The Hundred offers an unmissable blend of fast-paced action and top-tier cricket, making it a must-watch event every summer. With its unique format and star-studded teams, it is set to revolutionize the way fans experience cricket. Also read about IPL franchise owners showing interests in investing in The Hundred here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ENG vs WI: For The First Time Since 2012, England Will Play A Home Test Without Either James Anderson Or Stuart Broad
England have named their lineup for the second test match against the West Indies at the Trent Bridge, Nottingham starting on Thursday, 18th of July, 2024. Fast bowler Mark Wood has been recalled in place of James Anderson who called time on his cricketing career last week following a massive victory against the West Indies at the Lord’s. Wood missed the first Test after being part of the England squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. The 34-year-old has taken 108 wickets in 34 Tests and will form a pacey pairing alongside Gus Atkinson, with Chris Woakes the other specialist seamer. England Squad For The 2nd Test Match Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt) Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir. England Without Anderson And Broad Indeed, this will be England’s first home Test without at least one of Anderson or Broad in their side since 2012. Anderson and Broad, who together claimed 1,308 wickets, have exited the test match cricket scene in back-to-back summers as England moves forward. In the 138 Tests where they both played, they took over 1,000 wickets, with Anderson securing 537 and Broad 502, at an average of 26.73 combined. Anderson achieved 26 five-wicket hauls in these matches, compared to Broad’s 17. Notably, Broad’s career-best figures of 8-15 against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2015 were achieved without Anderson in the team. Click here to read more on James Anderson’s legacy with the ball. England Without Anderson And Broad England’s effort to find replacements for the Anderson-Broad duo will start at the Trent Bridge, Nottingham as the Three Lions face the Caribbean in the second test match of the English summer. Well one thing remains sure, filling these big boots is certainly going to be the real test for England. England have a couple of fast bowling youngsters in the pipeline and coach Brendon Mccullum has a major task on his to-do-list. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024 Final: Spain’s Forward Lamine Yamal Wins Young Player of the Year
Spain’s forward Lamine Yamal won the Young Player of the Year after his side beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday. A Record-Breaking Performance A day after his 17th birthday, Spain’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, was thrust into the spotlight as he started in the Euro 2024 final against England. Not only did he shine in the match, but he also made history, becoming the youngest player to ever participate in a major international final—a record previously held by the legendary Pele since the 1958 World Cup final. A Tournament of Milestones Lamine Yamal has been breaking records throughout the European Championship. At the start of the tournament, he became the youngest player ever to start in a European Championship match during Spain’s opening game against Croatia. His talent continued to shine brightly as he scored in the semi-final against France, making him the youngest scorer in the competition’s history. An Interesting Twist Interestingly, Yamal’s participation in the final could have been cut short if the match had gone into extra time. German law restricts anyone under 18 from working past 11 pm, which means Spain would have faced a fine if Yamal continued playing beyond this time. Fortunately, Spain clinched the victory within regulation time, winning 2-1 with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, so this wasn’t an issue. With this victory, Lamine Yamal now holds the title of the youngest player to ever win the European Championship. His contribution to Spain’s triumph under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente has been immense, and his future looks incredibly bright as he continues to make his mark on the football world. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
James Anderson; From Lord’s 2003 To Lord’s 2024, And Everything In Between
On the morning of 22nd of May, 2003, England announced a shy but cheeky young debutante in their playing 11 against Zimbabwe at Lords. 21 years down the line on the 12th of July, 2024, the same lad walked out of the Lord’s Long Room for the one final time in his career. This time as a confident and a decent man. The crowd was in tears. James Anderson played his final Test for England against the West Indies, capping off his remarkable career with a memorable performance. In the first Test at Lord’s, England outclassed the West Indies, winning by an innings and 114 runs in just three days. Anderson took four wickets and led England towards victory. This feat made him the second-highest wicket-taker against the West Indies in test matches, with a total of 91 wickets. Throughout his career, Anderson delivered outstanding performances against various nations, especially those where he took 90 or more test match wickets. Dominance Against India Anderson took an impressive 149 wickets in 39 matches while playing against India, averaging 25.47. He notched up six five-wicket hauls with his best being 5/20. He was particularly effective at home, taking 105 wickets at an average of 23.46. In away matches, he claimed 44 wickets at an average of 30.27. Ashes Heroics Against Australia For every Englishman, the Ashes series against Australia is always the pinnacle and so was the case with Anderson. He was a consistent force. Anderson picked up 117 wickets in 39 matches at an average of 35.97, with his best figures being 6/47. He achieved five five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. In 21 test matches in Australia, he took 68 wickets at an average of 34.01. In England, he secured 49 wickets at 38.69. Mastering South Africa South Africa is always a tough challenge. Anderson appeared in 29 tests and took 103 wickets at an average of 30.07 against South Africa. His record includes four five-wicket hauls, with a best performance of 5/40. Among pace bowlers, he is the highest wicket-taker against South Africa and ranks third overall, behind Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. At home, he claimed 69 wickets, with 34 more taken in away matches. Conquering the West Indies Anderson’s remarkable performance against the West Indies saw him surpass Kapil Dev to become the second-highest wicket-taker against the men in maroon in test match cricket. He ended with 91 wickets from 23 matches at an average of 22.25, including five five-wicket hauls, with his best being 7/42. In total, Anderson wrapped up his Test career with an extraordinary 704 wickets from 188 matches, maintaining an average of 26.45. His achievements have cemented his place as one of cricket’s greatest bowlers. OPPONENT MATCHES WICKETS AVERAGE BEST FIGURES 5 WICKET HAULS 10 WICKET HAULS India 39 149 25.47 5-20 6 0 Australia 39 117 35.97 6-47 5 1 South Africa 29 103 30.07 5-40 4 0 West Indies 23 91 22.25 7-42 5 0 Anderson vs The Rest Of The Teams James Anderson managed to grab 84 wickets against New Zealand, 82 against Pakistan, 58 against Sri Lanka, 11 against Zimbabwe and 9 while playing against Bangladesh. Apart from these stats, James Anderson also has 5 other unique records under his belt. Most Wickets Caught by Wicket-Keeper James Anderson holds the record for the most wickets caught behind by a wicket-keeper in Test matches, with 249 out of his 704 wickets. He is also second only to Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 167 bowled dismissals, with Anderson achieving 137. Second Most Five-Wicket Hauls for a Fast Bowler At 41 years of age, James Anderson has achieved 32 five-wicket hauls in his career, making him the sixth highest in the history of cricket. The only fast bowler ahead of him is New Zealand’s Sir Richard Hadlee, who has 36 five-wicket hauls. Exclusive Century Club at a Single Venue James Anderson is one of only four bowlers in Test history to have taken 100 wickets at a single venue. He has claimed 123 wickets in 29 matches at Lord’s, London. The others in this elite group are Muttiah Muralitharan (166 at Colombo, 117 at Kandy), Rangana Herath (111 at Galle), and Stuart Broad (113 at Lord’s). Leading Fast Bowler in Wickets With 704 wickets, James Anderson is the highest wicket-taking fast bowler of all time. His closest rival among pacers is his English teammate Stuart Broad, who has 604 wickets. Second Most Test Matches Played James Anderson has played 188 Test matches, the second most in the history of the game. The only player with more Test appearances is India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who has played 200 Tests. Well this was James Anderson and his career which was no less than a cinema. As the cricketing public acknowledges greatness, Jimmy Anderson leaves the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
James Anderson; Beyond 704 Wickets
James Anderson has brought down the curtains to his career as England won by an innings and 114 runs. The cricketing fraternity has already started missing the man who represented England in 188 test matches, took 704 wickets at an average of 26.45 and an economy of 2.79. And how can one not remember his 32 5 wicket hauls and 3 10 wicket hauls. Well even after bowling 40,037 deliveries in his career, it’s not just his performance that the cricketing world will miss, but the unique style and character he brought to the game. A Hair Apparent James Anderson’s journey wasn’t just about the wickets; it was also about his distinct flair, evident in his ever-evolving hairstyles. Famously shy in his early days, Anderson’s bowling spoke volumes, but his haircuts became another form of self-expression. John Stanworth, Lancashire’s academy coach, once remarked, “He said absolutely zip all to me for two-and-a-half years,” highlighting Anderson’s reserved nature. However, his initial foray into the international scene was marked by frosted tips and a striking red ‘faux hawk’. During his early career, Anderson’s flamboyant hairstyles often garnered more attention than his on-field exploits. On a tour of Zimbabwe in 2004, he opted for a complete shave, emerging with a rebuilt action and a reliance on consistency rather than style. As he matured into England’s premier fast bowler, his hairstyles evolved, featuring a tight crop and a Morrissey-esque quiff. In 2018, Anderson surprised fans with an all-over platinum dye job, a mix of “part silver fox, part white owl,” which he attributed to “maybe a midlife crisis.“ As Anderson approached his 40s, his look evolved to a sophisticated salt-and-pepper style, though he continued to experiment. Recently, he sported a golden streak in his quiff, dubbed “Auburn Anderson” or “Fast Bowler Sunset.” When asked about bringing back the red streak for his Lord’s send-off, Anderson curtly responded, “Doesn’t look like it.“ The Sledging Maestro On the field, James Anderson’s mastery extended beyond the cricket ball to his sharp tongue. Known for his aggressive sledging, he often used it as a strategy to get into the minds of opposition batsmen. Alastair Cook, one of Anderson’s closest friends, recalled, “The only thing I can remember about our first meeting was that he called me everything under the sun.“ Sledging was Anderson’s way of engaging in a battle, and it sometimes revealed an edgier side to his game. One of the most notorious incidents was an altercation with Ravindra Jadeja in 2014, which nearly escalated into a diplomatic row. Anderson’s sledging repertoire included memorable jibes, such as repeatedly calling Michael Hussey “Dave” to irk the Australian batsman. Hussey acknowledged Anderson as “probably a bit smarter” than most sledgers he had encountered. Some of Anderson’s sledging exchanges became legendary. During the 2010-11 series, Mitchell Johnson’s taunt, “Why are you chirping now, mate? Not getting any wickets?” was swiftly answered when Anderson bowled Ryan Harris next ball and silenced Johnson with a finger to his lips. Media Savvy and Emotional Moments Despite his gruff on-field persona, Anderson’s off-field demeanor showed a different side. His friendship with Graeme Swann brought out a playful aspect, seen in their antics on Swanny’s Ashes Diary and the popular BBC 5 Live show “Not Just Cricket.” His transition from player to pundit was seamless, highlighted by his role in the “Tailenders” podcast with Greg James and Felix White. Anderson’s tough exterior often hid a softer side. Known for his emotional moments, he famously broke down during a post-match presentation at Headingley in 2014 after a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka. He fought back tears again in 2018 after taking the final wicket in Alastair Cook’s farewell Test. Reflecting on his career, Anderson hinted at more tears during his final match. “Big thing for me this week is wanting to play well, bowl well and get a win. That’s what I’m trying to focus on to stop myself crying,” he shared with a smile. As James Anderson steps away from the game, the cricketing world comes to a halt and bids farewell to a player who was not just a master of swing and seam but also a charismatic figure with memorable haircuts and legendary sledging. Thank you Jimmy. You will be missed. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: And Then There Were Three
The UEFA EURO 2024 has reached its thrilling end game, narrowing the field from 24 teams to just three. England, the Netherlands and Spain have emerged as the top survivors. Here’s a detailed look at each team’s journey, key players, and what to watch for as they vie for the championship. Spain Pedigree: Spain has won the EURO three times (1964, 2008, 2012) and reached the semi-finals in 2020. Story so far: Spain has been in excellent form, winning all their matches and conceding only two goals. They defeated Germany in extra time in the quarter-finals. They took on France in the semi-finals and went past the line 2-1. Key player: Rodri, possibly the best midfielder in the world right now, is crucial to Spain’s success. One to watch: Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, has made history as the youngest player at a EURO and has impressed with his performances. Did you know?Spain is the only team to have won three consecutive major international titles: EURO 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and EURO 2012. Netherlands Pedigree: The Netherlands won the EURO back in 1988. They reached the round of 16 in 2020. Story so far: The Netherlands had a mixed group stage but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. They comfortably defeated Romania in the round of 16 and fought back to beat Türkiye in the quarter-finals. They now face England in the semi-finals. Key player: Memphis Depay, despite injury setbacks, remains the leading force in the Dutch attack. One to watch: Xavi Simons has emerged as a creative powerhouse, contributing significantly in the knockout stages. Did you know?Wim Kieft’s goal in EURO ’88 was the Netherlands’ first headed goal in a major finals, with Marco van Basten contributing to most of their goals. England Pedigree: England’s best EURO performance was as runners-up in 2020, losing to Italy on penalties. Story so far: England topped Group C despite not being at their free-flowing best. Key players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden showed glimpses of brilliance. England overcame Slovakia in extra time in the round of 16 and won a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Key player: Jude Bellingham has been an asset, scoring two goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia. One to watch: Cole Palmer showed his composure by scoring the first penalty in the shootout against Switzerland. Did you know?Under Southgate, England have topped their group in both EURO campaigns, matching their record from their previous eight tournaments combined. With Spain already booking their place in the finals of EURO 2024 by knocking France out by 2-1, it would be interesting to see who amongst Netherlands and England book their date with Spain in the finals of the EURO 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
