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
ENG vs WI: James Anderson’s Last Week At The Office.
England’s legendary paceman, James Anderson is set to bid farewell to international cricket after playing the first test match against the West Indies. As he steps onto the field at the Lord’s for his 188th and final test match, the cricketing world celebrates the remarkable journey of one of England’s most storied bowlers. A Cinematic Career James Anderson’s career has been nothing short of cinematic. Debuting in 2003, Anderson quickly established himself as a linchpin of England’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his exceptional control and consistency, made him a formidable opponent for batsmen worldwide. Throughout his career, Anderson achieved numerous milestones that solidified his place among the cricketing greats. He became the first English bowler to reach the 600-wicket mark in Test cricket and is only the third bowler in history of test match cricket to take 700 wickets. His longevity in the sport is highlighted by his ability to maintain peak performance well into his late 30s, a rarity among fast bowlers. ANDERSON – A SYNONYM TO SPEED CATEGORY MATCHES 7th Fastest To 450 Test Match Wickets 115 Matches 7th Fastest To 500 Test Match Wickets 129 Matches 4th Fastest To 600 Test Match Wickets 156 Matches 3rd Fastest To 700 Test Match Wickets 187 Matches James Anderson’s contributions have been pivotal in many of England’s memorable victories. His iconic spells, especially in Ashes series, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As he prepares to hang up his boots, Anderson leaves behind a legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations of cricketers. ANDERSON – A CRICKETING LEGEND CATEGORY STAT 2nd Most Test Matches In A Career 187 3rd Most Test Match Runs In An Innings By A Number 11 Batter 81 vs India 3rd Most Test Match Wickets On A Single Ground 119 at Lords 7th Player With Most Five Wickets In An Innings In A Career 32 Hauls 30th Player With Most Ten Wickets In A Match In A Career 3 Hauls 16th Oldest Player To Take Five Wickets In An Innings 39y 336d 42nd Oldest Player To Take Ten Wickets In A Match 33y 294d As James Anderson prepares to bring down the curtains on his illustrious career, his achievements and records will continue to inspire and set benchmarks for cricketers around the world. His final appearance in the test match arena marks the end of an era for English cricket, however his legacy will endure for generations to come. The Sportz Plane Desk,Atharva Shetye
