Ricky Ponting, Australia’s batting coach, has declared that Australia's World Cup chances will be defined by how well Aaron Finch's team use spin bowling and also bat against it. Australia’s past success was underpinned largely by Starc's furiously fast, hyper-aggressive bowling, with only a namesake spinner in Xavier Doherty, who played only one match in the entire tournament. However, this time around, Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon loom as key components of the team, while Ponting also pointed out that the proliferation of spin bowlers among the world's leading teams in the past three years have also raised the emphasis on playing spin bowling adroitly. "The thing that will define Australia's success in the World Cup is, one, how well they bowl spin and, two, how well they play it," Ponting said. “With Zampa bowling well now, Nathan Lyon's obviously in the squad and Glenn Maxwell's done a good job with the ball whenever he's played.”

M.S. Dhoni’s wicket-keeping gloves have always been an object of awe among the cricketing fraternity. The manner in which he pouches catches, his lightning stumpings and reverse flick run-outs have further enhanced a halo built around his muscular batting exploits. But little could he have imagined that his wicket keeping gloves would become the focus of a raging controversy that has set social media abuzz with a torrent of views of varied persuasions.

Indian veteran Leander Paes says he feels “blessed” to have had such a long career, as he closes in on his fourth decade as a professional, having accumulated 18 Grand Slam doubles titles and an impressive racquet collection. For a man who once beat a young Roger Federer in Indian Wells qualifying and wona singles bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, it has been some journey.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has described India captain Virat Kohli as “immature” and someone who cannot take abuses, while talking about a face-off between the duo in an IPL match. Rabada and Kohli had a verbal exchange during one of the IPL matches between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli is the captain of RCB, while Rabada plays for DC.

Rohit Sharma took the matter into his own hands with a gritty century after India were dealt early blows in their World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. He also became the third highest century scorer in alltime list for India behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Moreover, Rohit Sharma also became the first Indian centurion of the ongoing World Cup, which came off 128 balls. Rohit Sharma's knock was laced with 10 boundaries and two hits over the fence as he led India's fightback at the top of the order.

MUMBAI, 15 JUNE.Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar is suing Australian batmaker Spartan Sports after it allegedly failed to pay him almost $3 million under an exclusive licensing agreement to use the Indian’s name and image on sporting goods.