England made a stunning comeback in the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. For the first time in Test cricket history, England scored over 400 runs in both innings of a match.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. England scored 416 in their first innings, led by a century from Ollie Pope and other solid contributions. The West Indies then fought back, scoring 457 in their first innings to take a lead.

In response, England scored over 400 runs again in their second innings, reducing the deficit. Centuries from Harry Brook (109) and Joe Root (122) gave England a lead of over 350 runs.

Joe Root’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge

Joe Root hit his 32nd Test century, including his sixth against the West Indies and his fifth at Trent Bridge. He reached this milestone in just 260 innings, with only Alastair Cook ahead of him among English players.

Historically, teams have scored over 400 runs in a Test innings 12 times. England has been on the receiving end five times. Australia has done it six times, India three times, and South Africa, Pakistan, and England once each.

Australia achieved this six times between 1924 and 2008. South Africa did it against England in Durban in 1939. India scored over 400 against Pakistan in 2005, Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, and England in 2024. Pakistan did it against India in Faisalabad in 2006. Recently, England achieved this against the West Indies in the second Test.

Historic achievement for England in Test cricket

England has set a target of 385 runs for the West Indies at Trent Bridge. After being bowled out for 425, England made a remarkable comeback after initially being overtaken by the West Indies’ first innings score. The West Indies need 385 runs to win with one and a half days left.

England sets a challenging target for West Indies

It’s a tough challenge for the West Indies batters. Despite their first Test win, England is still at the bottom of the WTC points table, while the West Indies are sixth. England’s win could move them above South Africa in the standings.

Jayden Seals took 4-97, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-103. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder, and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket.

Star West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph caused a big scene at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Day 3 of the second Test against England. During the 107th over, Joseph took on England’s young fast bowler Gus Atkinson and hit two powerful shots that were crucial for his team.

Joseph first pulled a delivery from Atkinson over deep mid wicket for a six, then smashed another ball over deep backward square leg for another huge six. The second shot was so well timed that it sailed into the stands and hit the roof of one of the boxes, causing tiles to fall on the crowd below. Fortunately, no fans were injured.

Watch Shamar Joseph’s incredible six

Joseph scored a quick 33 off 27 balls, including five fours and two sixes. He partnered with Joshua Da Silva for the tenth wicket adding 71 runs off 78 balls. Their stand frustrated England as they easily scored against a tired bowling attack.

Their partnership ended just before lunch when Joseph hit a delivery from Mark Wood straight to Gus Atkinson at mid on. Da Silva was left not out on 82, missing a well deserved century as he walked back to the pavilion.

England claims early breakthroughs on day 3

West Indies started their innings at 351/5 with Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva. England struck early when Chris Woakes caught Holder’s edge and Jamie Smith took the catch. Kevin Sinclair followed but was out after scoring 4, caught by Harry Brook.

Woakes continued his good work by dismissing Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales with back-to-back deliveries. West Indies was all out for 457, taking a narrow lead of 41 runs.

England opener Ben Duckett made history with the fastest fifty by an England player in Tests. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 32 balls during the 2nd Test against West Indies at Nottingham, showcasing his exceptional skill and talent.

In the 10th over, Jason Holder bowled a good length delivery. Duckett opened the face of his bat and guided it perfectly past the gully fielder for a boundary. This shot marked his 11th boundary of the innings, bringing up his fifty in style.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium as they celebrated Duckett’s historic achievement.

Duckett eventually got out for 71 runs off 59 balls by Shamar Joseph in the 19th over, with England at 105 for 2. He lost his opening partner, Zak Crawley in the first over when Alzarri Joseph bowled him out for a duck after the West Indies chose to bowl first in Nottingham.

Fastest team fifties in Test cricket by overs

4.2 overs – England vs West Indies (today)

4.3 overs – England vs South Africa in 1994

4.6 overs – England vs Sri Lanka in 2002

5.2 Overs – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in 2004

Fastest Test fifties for England by balls

28 – Ian Botham vs India, 1981

30 – Jonny Bairstow vs New Zealand, 2022

32 – Ben Duckett vs West Indies, 2024

32 – Ian Botham vs New Zealand, 1986

Lucknow Super Giants have made an introduction to their IPL stint with a bang by consecutively qualifying for playoffs two times. After the edition’s auction, we can see the squad’s management get a significant revamp for their coaching staff or add some emerging players.

Primarily, LSG have excellent depth and variety in their all-rounder section for IPL 2024. With the optimal mix of experience and emergent players, here is a list of the top four players from the Lucknow Super Giants team.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has become the face of LSG’s performance thanks to his aggressive batting approach and captaincy. Despite a setback from injury last season, Rahul’s comeback promises to strengthen his team’s batting order. Rahul is in top form after a fantastic performance in the previous World Cup and is ready to continue his momentum in the IPL. With 4163 runs in 118 matches, his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary makes him an essential asset for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran would put on the shoes of the team’s vice-captain position, replacing the prominent Indian all-rounder, Krunal Pandya. The Trinidadian wicketkeeper batter was recognised for his powerful batting and outstanding wicket-keeping abilities. He established himself as a critical character in the worldwide Twenty20 circuit. In his previous edition, he scored 358 runs, including two half-centuries, at an excellent strike rate of 172.94.

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Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal, a swanky top-order left-handed batter, made a reshuffle from his previous squad, Rajasthan Royals and with a whooping sum of INR 7.75 Crore, he has entered his third IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Ever since his 2020 debut, he has made 1520 runs off 57 matches, with an impressive strike of 125.4, including nine half-centuries and one century. It will be interesting to watch the batter from Karnataka team up with his fellow state-team batter and captain, KL Rahul, and how he starts his new IPL team stint with a bang.

Shamar Joseph

Shamar Joseph got off to an impeccable cricketing start following his unforgettable debut performance for the Caribbean team against Australia. He became a global sensation when, despite an injured foot, he took seven wickets in the final innings to lead the West Indies to a surprising eight-run victory at the Gabba in the second Test of a drawn series. As his performance implies, Shamar Joseph is no doubt a viable substitute for Mark Wood to contribute significantly to the LSG’s bowling assault and make his first IPL outing memorable.

The Indian Premier League has become a gateway to execution and the display of impeccable cricketing talent. It is not a lie that we have seen many top and prominent players making a mark amongst the cricket fanatics, thanks to this cash-rich and massive fanbase tournament. Be it for a domestic player creating a breakthrough in the Indian team space or a foreign player making their fanbase amongst the Indian fanbase.

As it implies, the auctions in December have seen some intriguing additions to the IPL family, and they would create an impact in giving an excellent kickstart to their IPL stint. This listicle will look at the top four debutants to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2024 edition.

Rachin Ravindra- Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, the reigning five-time champions, have signed all-rounder Rachin Ravindra for Rs 1.8 crore. In his T20I career, he has scored only 146 runs in 19 innings at an average of 13.18 and taken 11 wickets. Rachin Ravindra distinguished out for New Zealand at the recent World Cup 2023 tournament.

Ravindra took full use of his place up the order, scoring three three-digit figures for a total of 565 runs, the most by any batter making his World Cup debut. And with Devon Conway being ruled out for most of the tournament due to a significant thumb injury for the next two months, Rachin Ravindra can fill up the boots of a vacant opening partner with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Gerald Coetzee- Mumbai Indians

Gerald Coetzee, a South African quickgun, joined the Mumbai Indians for Rs 5 crore. Coetzee had a base price of Rs 2 crore. Coetzee played four T20Is and took six wickets. He played his final 20-over match against India in 2023. The five-time winners are well-known for their excellent speed bowling, and the team is working hard to improve it for the IPL 2024.

The Proteas pacer will assist Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya’s pace attack. The highlights of his maiden IPL season will be his rapid pace and wicket-scalping technique in essential situations.

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Dilshan Madhushanaka- Mumbai Indians

In the IPL 2024 auction, the Mumbai Indians spent Rs 4.6 crore for Sri Lanka’s left-arm fast Dilshan Madushanka. In 14 T20 matches, the seamer has taken 14 wickets at an average of 30.93.

It is hardly surprising that the arrival of the Sri Lankan pacer and South African quickie Gerald Coetzee has improved the Mumbai Indians’ pace-bowling department, which already has Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Jason Behrendoff, to mention a few. This player’s debut will make the five-time champion bowling team one of the strongest in the tournament.

Shamar Joseph- Lucknow Super Giants

Though he has got his name in the IPL ecosystem as a replacement for Mark Wood from the Lucknow Super Giants, Shamar Joseph did the talking with the ball after his brilliant and memorable performance for the Carribean side against the Aussies. Joseph made his West Indies debut in the drawn series against Australia, dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball in Test cricket, which the team lost in Adelaide.

He became a worldwide sensation when, despite an ailing foot, he claimed seven wickets in the final innings to lead West Indies to a stunning eight-run victory at the Gabba in the second Test. It was West Indies’ first Test victory in Australia since 1997. As his performance suggests, it is not surprising to see Shamar Joseph being the major contributor in the LSG’s bowling attack and, of course, an IPL debutant to check out for.

In a recent update, the West Indies Cricket Board has approved an enhanced central contract for right-arm pacer Shamar Joseph in recognition of his outstanding performance during the West Indies’ victorious 2nd Test against Australia at the renowned Gabba stadium in Brisbane earlier this month.

Shamar Joseph played a pivotal role in the series finale, contributing significantly to the West Indies’ historic Test match victory in Australia after 27 years. The two-time World Champions were striving for their first red-ball series win down under since the 1992/93 season.

Despite facing a setback with a 10-wicket loss in the 1st Test, the West Indies found inspiration in Rodney Hogg’s critical comments labeling the visiting team as extremely lackluster. Hogg’s remarks not only fueled frustration but also ignited a determination within the West Indies’ camp to make history.

During the Pink ball Test, standout performances from Kavem Hodge, Joshua Da Silva, Kevin Sinclair, and Alzarri Joseph led the underdogs to post 311 in the 1st innings. Subsequently, a commendable bowling display limited the Australians to 289, with Shamar Joseph claiming a solitary wicket, while the experienced Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph secured 3 and 4 wickets, respectively.

Despite a challenging 2nd innings with the bat, the West Indies managed to reach a total of 211, setting a target for their opponents.

In the defense of the target, Shamar Joseph displayed leadership despite an injured toe resulting from Mitchell Starc’s formidable yorker. The 24-year-old openly acknowledged his uncertainty about taking the field after the match. However, following treatment, Joseph not only provided initial support but also went on to secure an impressive 7/68 in just his second Test match.

His victims included Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. Throughout the series, Shamar Joseph claimed a total of 13 wickets, building on his earlier success with a 5-wicket haul in his debut Test in Adelaide.

“CWI Director Asserts the Necessity of Promoting Shamar Joseph to a CWI International Retainer Contract”

After his remarkable performance at the Gabba and considering his evident quality and potential, Shamar Joseph has been granted an international retainer contract by the West Indies Cricket Board. Prior to the series, the right-arm fast bowler held a franchise contract.

This enhancement in his contract by CWI is aimed at ensuring his continued commitment to international cricket, in contrast to some of his seniors like Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers, who opt for participation in the flourishing franchise T20 leagues over national duties.

CWI director Enoch Lewis viewed this development as a significant moment for the nation, asserting that Shamar Joseph had rightfully earned his new contract.

“We are filled with exhilaration, and it is also our duty to promote Shamar Joseph to a CWI international retainer contract. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in our team’s recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise deserves proper recognition. Shamar has not merely received a retained contract; he has truly earned it.” – Lewis expressed.

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Shamar Joseph, the talented fast bowler hailing from the West Indies, will be sidelined for the ILT20 2024 tournament despite initially joining the Dubai Capitals. Unfortunately, a toe injury sustained during a formidable performance against Mitchell Starc has led to his exclusion. Shamar played a pivotal role in West Indies’ Test triumph at the Gabba, where he showcased exceptional bowling skills, securing figures of 7/68 on the final day.

Despite enduring the toe injury inflicted by Mitchell Starc on day four, Shamar continued to make significant contributions. He was awarded the Player of the Match and Series for his outstanding display, helping his team achieve their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years. Despite his heroic efforts, Shamar’s fitness remains compromised, leading to his absence for the remainder of the ILT20 season with the Dubai Capitals.

Shamar Joseph Reiterates Dedication to Represent West Indies in Test Cricket

However, the up-and-coming pace sensation, showcasing brilliance at the Gabba, affirmed his steadfast dedication to prioritize Test cricket for West Indies.

“I am wholeheartedly devoted to participating in Test cricket for the West Indies. Without reservation, I publicly declare this commitment. While T20 opportunities may present themselves, Test cricket will consistently be my top priority. I affirm my steadfast availability to represent the West Indies, irrespective of any financial offers that may be extended my way.”

Ian Bishop, the former West Indies fast bowler, emphasized the crucial importance of prudently handling the workload of young talents, underscoring the necessity to avoid burnout resulting from an excess of cricket. Acknowledging the individual as a valuable asset for West Indies cricket, Bishop highlighted the significance of safeguarding and nurturing the promising player.

“It is imperative for the board, the Guyana government, and corporate entities to unite in finding a resolution to allocate funds for compensating Shamar Joseph and one or two other fast bowlers. This collaborative strategy is designed to retain them in the Caribbean and manage their cricket workload effectively. Acknowledging the crucial role of their pace, it is essential to prevent burnout and secure their continuous contribution to West Indies cricket.”

In addition to securing an ILT20 contract, Shamar Joseph has also secured a PSL contract with Peshawar Zalmi, filling in as a replacement for the English pacer Gus Atkinson. The upcoming PSL 9 season is set to kick off on February 17, concluding with the final on March 18. However, uncertainty looms over Joseph’s participation in the league due to his lingering toe injury.

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Shamar Joseph, the pace sensation from the West Indies, will not be participating in the ILT20 2024 tournament. Despite being signed up to play for the Dubai Capitals, he has been ruled out due to a toe injury. Shamar played a crucial role in West Indies’ Test victory at the Gabba, where he delivered a remarkable bowling performance, taking 7/68 on the final day.

Despite his inspiring display, he suffered a toe injury on day four from Mitchell Starc but continued to contribute significantly. Shamar, named the Player of the Match and Series for his outstanding performance, battled through the pain to secure his team’s first Test victory in Australia in 27 years. Despite his heroic feat, Shamar is not fully fit and will be absent for the remainder of the ILT20 season with the Dubai Capitals.

Shamar Joseph Affirms Commitment to Represent West Indies in Test Cricket

Nevertheless, the emerging pace sensation, following his outstanding performance at the Gabba, expressed his unwavering commitment to prioritize playing Test cricket for West Indies.

“I am unreservedly dedicated to playing Test cricket for the West Indies. Without hesitation, I declare this publicly. While T20 opportunities may arise, Test cricket will always take precedence for me. I affirm my unwavering availability to represent the West Indies, regardless of the financial offers that may come my way.”

Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop addressed the importance of carefully managing the workload on the young talent, emphasizing the need to prevent burnout from excessive cricket. Recognizing him as a prized asset for West Indies cricket, Bishop stressed the significance of preserving and nurturing the promising player.

“It is crucial for the board, the Guyana government, and corporate bodies to collaborate in finding a solution to allocate funds for compensating Shamar Joseph and one or two other fast bowlers. This strategic approach aims to retain them in the Caribbean and regulate their cricket workload. Recognizing the significance of their pace, it is imperative to prevent burnout and ensure their sustained contribution to West Indies cricket”.

Regarding Shamar Joseph, in addition to securing an ILT20 contract, he has also acquired a PSL contract with Peshawar Zalmi, stepping in as a replacement for the England pacer Gus Atkinson. The upcoming PSL 9 season is scheduled to commence on February 17, culminating with the final on March 18. However, there remains uncertainty about Joseph’s participation in the league due to his toe injury.

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After stunning Australia in Brisbane, West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has reaped the rewards of his outstanding performance. He is set to join Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming Pakistan Super League season nine. Joseph’s remarkable nine-wicket haul in the second Test against Australia played a pivotal role in West Indies’ historic eight-run victory, leveling the series at 1-1.

Gus Atkinson, the English pacer, has been replaced by Shamar Joseph through the draft for a partial season, but there are expectations for Joseph to stay with the team for the entire season, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. In a symbolic move, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi posted the franchise without a name, featuring the number 13 on the back—reflecting Joseph’s remarkable 13-wicket debut Test series against Australia. Alongside his PSL stint, Joseph is also slated to represent the Dubai Capitals in the ongoing ILT20 2024.

Shamar Joseph Takes Over from Gus Atkinson in Peshawar Zalmi for PSL Season 9

In addition to Shamar Joseph, Peshawar Zalmi has revealed Waqar Salamkheil as the substitute for Lungi Ngidi. Furthermore, Gus Atkinson is set to step in for Noor Ahmad, who will miss the tournament owing to international commitments. Khurram Shahzad, partially available for PSL 9, has been replaced by Arshad Iqbal. Additionally, Zalmi has kept a spot open for Naveen-ul-Haq.

In Monday’s replacement draft, several franchises made additions to their squads by including supplementary and replacement players.

Karachi Kings’ all-rounder Kieron Pollard, available for only part of PSL 9, will be substituted by Zahid Mehmood. The Kings have also kept a replacement reserved for Tim Seifert. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have secured replacements for both Rashid Khan and Dan Lawrence. Bimillah Khan is slated to step in for Wanindu Hasaranga in Quetta Gladiators.

The upcoming ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to commence on February 17 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The tournament will reach its conclusion on March 18 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The competition will feature six teams: Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators. These teams will engage in a total of 34 games throughout the course of the tournament.

The tournament is set to take place across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Karachi is designated to host a total of 11 games, encompassing both the playoffs and the final.

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