'Not good enough for Test debut': Abhimanyu Easwaran flops again for India A; internet reacts | Cricket News

‘Not good enough for Test debut’: Abhimanyu Easwaran flops again for India A; internet reacts | Cricket News

Abhimanyu Easwaran of India A (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: India A’s second unofficial Test against England Lions in Northampton began with a rocky start, as top-order batters failed to deliver under early pressure. The focus of criticism was once again on skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, whose struggles with form continued in the spotlight.Winning the toss and electing to field, England Lions skipper James Rew made the right call, with seamer Chris Woakes making an instant impact. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India A openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began cautiously, trying to negotiate the movement early on. The duo stitched together a slow but steady 28-run opening stand before Jaiswal was trapped lbw by Woakes for 17.Easwaran, walking in at No. 3, was expected to steady the innings, but he faltered again, falling to Woakes for just 11 runs off 13 balls, despite hitting a couple of boundaries. His early dismissal added fuel to the ongoing debate over his readiness for international cricket, with fans and critics alike pointing to his inconsistent red-ball performances.Coming off a commanding double-century in the previous game, Karun Nair looked confident at the crease. Alongside a patient KL Rahul, he began the rebuilding process. The duo guided India A to 75/2 at lunch, forming a 35-run stand.By the end of 62 overs, India A had clawed their way to 253/5, thanks largely to a stunning century by KL Rahul, who scored a dominant 116 off 168 balls, and a steady contribution of 52 from Dhruv Jurel. Nair, however, couldn’t capitalise on his start and was dismissed for 40. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Despite the decent recovery, the narrative remained focused on Easwaran’s repeated failures at a crucial No. 3 position—a role that demands consistency and temperament, especially in the longer format. With selectors keeping a close watch, his latest outing will do little to bolster his case for national selection.

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Class act! KL Rahul smashes century vs England Lions in second Unofficial Test; India A in command | Cricket News

Class act! KL Rahul smashes century vs England Lions in second Unofficial Test; India A in command | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: KL Rahul stormed back into form with a sublime century on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against England Lions in Northampton on Friday. Put into bat first, India A tweaked their playing XI from the previous game, promoting Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran moved down to No. 3. But Chris Woakes struck early, removing Jaiswal (17) and Easwaran (11) cheaply, leaving Rahul to steady the innings.Rahul combined caution with well-timed aggression as he expertly built his innings. He reached his hundred in the 56th over and went on to score 116 off 168 balls, laced with 15 fours and a six — a classy knock that couldn’t have come at a better time, with the five-Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley.Since making his Test debut at the MCG in 2014, Rahul has played 58 Tests for India, scoring 3,257 runs at an average of 33.57. Among the current Indian squad touring England, he remains one of the most seasoned in English conditions. In nine Tests there, he has tallied 614 runs at 34.11, including two centuries and a fifty, with a best of 149.At the other end, Dhruv Jurel extended his fine run of form. After scores of 94 and 53* in the first unofficial Test, the young wicketkeeper-batter compiled a gritty 52 off 87 balls. His 121-run partnership with Rahul helped revive India A’s innings after the early blows. Huge prediction! KL Rahul would play in place of Rishabh Pant in 2026 T20 World Cup Jurel’s stay ended when George Hill bowled him through the gate. Hill then got rid of Rahul as well, with Emilio Gay taking the catch to end the centurion’s superb knock — one that earned generous applause from the Northampton crowd.India’s Test Series Schedule vs England:1st Test: June 20–24, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025 – Lord’s, London4th Test: July 23–27, 2025 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025 – Kia Oval, London Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy

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'If India get flogged 5-0 in England ... ': Michael Clarke's bold claim on Virat Kohli's Test comeback | Cricket News

‘If India get flogged 5-0 in England … ‘: Michael Clarke’s bold claim on Virat Kohli’s Test comeback | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli, who has often called Test cricket the pinnacle of the sport, might come out of retirement if India endure a heavy defeat in the upcoming five-Test series in England and the team management and selectors request his return.Kohli had announced his retirement from the longest format last month after playing 123 Tests for India, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again,” Clarke told the Beyond23 Cricket podcast on Friday.“And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket.“I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.” Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy After fulfilling his long-standing dream of winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli had said the title still ranked “five levels under Test cricket.”Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma had announced their retirement from the Test format ahead of the England series, which begins with the opening match in Leeds on June 20.“Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket. I think tactically any team will miss his captaincy. I think tactically he was a brilliant captain. Virat Kohli walks away from Test cricket. Devastating! What an absolute champion he’s been and Test cricket will miss him,” Clarke said.

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Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele or Raphinha? Breaking down the Ballon d'Or frontrunners of 2025

Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele or Raphinha? Breaking down the Ballon d’Or frontrunners of 2025

As the curtain falls on the 2024–25 football season, a new conversation begins — who deserves the Ballon d’Or? This year’s debate is a compelling one, driven not just by legacy or fanfare, but by raw, undeniable numbers. With PSG finally lifting their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy and Barcelona returning to domestic dominance, three names have emerged as leading contenders: Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. All three played pivotal roles for their clubs — but each had a season defined by different milestones. Dembele led PSG to an unprecedented quadruple, silencing critics and fulfilling years of promise. In Spain, Yamal and Raphinha drove Barcelona to a treble, with the teenager breaking records while the Brazilian finally stepped into his prime. Between the three of them, they’ve scored over 85 goals and registered 66 assists this season — numbers that put them firmly in Ballon d’Or contention. Beyond the stats lies narrative power: Yamal became Spain’s headline act, Dembele redeemed his club legacy, and Raphinha went from nearly being sold to leading his club’s frontline. Here’s a closer look at each of their cases. Lamine Yamal: The Golden teen prodigy At just 17, Lamine Yamal has had a season that would make even legends take notice. At this early age, Yamal wrapped up the season with an astonishing 19 goals and 26 assists across all competitions — numbers that defy his age. In Barcelona’s treble-winning season, Yamal was their creative pulse: drifting into pockets, carving open defences, and stepping up in big matches. Lamine Yamal was one of the standout elements of Flick’s Barcelona. (Photo: Reuters) But Yamal’s magic wasn’t limited to club football. He lit up Euro 2024, playing a key role in Spain’s title win, and followed it up with a stunning performance against France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final — scoring twice in a dramatic 5-4 win over Dembele’s side. With four major trophies and consistent high-level performances, Yamal isn’t just a sensation — he’s a serious Ballon d’Or contender. Ousmane Dembele: The redemption hero After years of injury setbacks and missed chances, Ousmane Dembele delivered the season of his life. With 33 goals and 15 assists, he was PSG’s most dangerous forward, delivering crucial contributions in Ligue 1 and Europe. In the Champions League, he was the man for the big nights — scoring in both the semi-final and final as Paris finally ended their UCL curse. Dembele became the main drive of PSG’s Champions League triumph. (Reuters Photo) His efforts helped PSG claim a historic quadruple: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophe des Champions. It wasn’t just the trophies — it was his game-changing impact in tight moments, his creativity in the final third, and his leadership in a post-Mbappe PSG. At 28, Dembele finally stepped out of the shadows to become one of Europe’s most effective wide men — and a front-running Ballon d’Or nominee. Raphinha: The machine Barcelona never knew they needed Had Barcelona succeeded in signing Nico Williams last summer, Raphinha might have been shown the door. Instead, he exploded into one of the most productive players in Europe. Raphinha racked up 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 games, emerging as the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack and the standout performer in Hansi Flick’s debut season. Raphinha’s 18 goals and 11 assists didn’t just light up La Liga — they crowned him the league’s finest, earning him the Player of the Season award. Raphinha was Barcelona’s leader from the very front. (Reuters Photo) He added 13 goals and 9 assists in the UEFA Champions League, guiding Barcelona to the semi-finals. Even in elimination, he was among the few who looked capable of turning the game around. With career-best stats and a domestic treble to his name, Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or credentials rest not on buzz, but undeniable results. Who will stand tallest? All three players delivered historic campaigns — different in style, but equal in weight. At 17, Yamal is chasing a record untouched since Ronaldo Nazario in 1997 — no player has won the Ballon d’Or this young. Dembele finally justified his price tag and potential. He might fly under the radar, but Raphinha’s output and steady brilliance speak louder than any hype. Each has a case. Each has a cabinet brimming with silver. And each has a signature moment this season that lit up the football world. Whether it’s Yamal bending reality at 17, Dembele finally soaring on the big stage, or Raphinha bulldozing through doubters with numbers Messi would nod at — this Ballon d’Or race has more flavour than it’s had in years. Three stories. One golden ball. And as the world watches, only one name will be crowned. So — who deserves to rise above the rest and crown their season with football’s ultimate individual glory? Or, can you really look past a 17-year-old who’s already rewriting the script? Published By: Debodinna Chakraborty Published On: Jun 6, 2025

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Japan Women vs Philippines Women, WTSIJ, Today Match Prediction

Japan Women vs Philippines Women, WTSIJ, Today Match Prediction

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : ​​​​Japan Women vs Philippines Women​​​𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : June 07,Saturday​𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 06:00 AM IST​​​​𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 :​ Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano, Japan​𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : Women’s T20I Series in Japan, 2025​​ Japan eye a spot in the Final Japan Women vs Philippines Women​ TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. JPN-W vs PHPS-W Match Prediction & Analysis Japan and the Philippines have won one match each. While Hong Kong has a better chance of making it to the Final, if they lost their last game, the winner of the Japan vs Philippines match would cruise into the Final. The Philippines have a great NRR too. In case Hong Kong Women’s last match is abandoned due to rain, then Philippines would need a win and a good NRR to reach the Final. They are coming into this match on the back of a strong win over Mongolia. Philippines posted 167 runs batting first. This is the highest score of the tournament so far. While Alex Smith and Katie Donovan were the top scorers, the extra runs conceded by Mongolia also made a big impact. Japan slightly improved their batting performance in their recent match. However, they still couldn’t cross the 100-run mark. The bowlers completely outplayed the opposition as they successfully defended 94 runs. TEAMS PREVIEW Japan Women Preview Japan’s strong bowling attack could put the opposition on the back foot. Ahilya Chandel, Ayaka Kato-Stafford, and Kurumi Ota are among the top wicket-taking bowlers in this squad. There are more players with great bowling potential in this squad. They bowled out the table toppers for just 70 runs in their last game. That will boost their confidence going into this match. Nevertheless, Japan must work out their batting issues. They haven’t got many reliable performers in the middle and lower middle order. A lot depends on the openers in this side. Kato-Stafford and Ota opened the innings for Japan in their recent match. Ota scored 18 off 32 balls. In their previous game against Hong Kong Women, Japan had Kato-Stafford opening alongside Haruna Iwasaki. Ahilya Chandel was also decent with the bat in that game. She would be a better choice for the middle-order, considering how even the skipper, Mai Yanagida, is struggling to score runs at number 3. Philippines Women Preview The Philippines Women posted a big total in their last match against Mongolia. It is the highest score of this tournament by any team. While Katie Donovan was pretty impressive with her 34 off 27-ball knock at number 4, there were a lot of extras conceded by the opposition, which helped the Philippines post 167 runs. Opening batter Alex Smith was the top scorer with 49 off 56 balls. Amelia Valdez and Karri Gullem Kleen need to step up and build partnerships alongside Donovan in the middle order. There is potential in this batting lineup. Unlike Japan, they aren’t completely dependent on a few top-order players. However, they would still expect opening batter Jhon Andreano to find her rhythm and deliver a strong start. Andreano, however, has been pretty decent with the ball. Though she was wicketless in the opening match, she picked up 1 for 12 in 4 Overs against Mongolia. Katie Donovan is a very economical bowler and is in great form. Karri Gullem Kleen is a consistent wicket-taker who would be expected to put Japan on the back foot early on in the game. There is a great variety in the bowling attack and plenty of promising players too. Weather Conditions It will be clear weather with a high of 26 degrees Celsius in Sano. There are no signs of cloud or rain throughout the day and we can expect an uninterrupted game between the two teams. JPN-W vs PHPS-W Pitch Report Sano International Cricket Stadium is the venue for all the matches of this pentangular series. It is a low-scoring ground with teams struggling to even cross the 100-run mark. The average 1st innings score in this tournament is 86 runs. It would have been even lower if not for the recent performance by the Philippines’ batters. Toss: To Bat Batting first and having runs on the board will be a great strategy on this ground. Teams have managed to successfully defend below 100 runs total in this tournament. Of the 5 matches that weren’t abandoned in this series so far, teams batting first have won 3.

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French Open semi-finals Live Updates: Carlos Musetti vs Lorenzo Alcaraz in action soon

After Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka set up an ultimate showdown in the women’s singles, it’s time for the men’s singles on Friday.  Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the first semi-final at Court Philippe Chatrier from 6 PM IST, local time 2:30 PM onwards.  Thereafter, the match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will lock horns in the second semis. The match won’t start not before 10:30 PM IST, 7:00 PM local time. 

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