Page 41 - The Indian EYE 122024

SPORTS DECEMBER 20, 2024 | The Indian Eye 41

Wednesday, as quoted by Wide World promising. While there were ques-
of Sports, Warner urged the Austra- tions about his selection, his perfor-
lian batters to step up their game, al- mance shows why he was chosen. He
leviating the pressure on the pacers. has a good temperament and setup,
“I think the pressure is on all of the and I think he has a bright future
top order, not just Uzzie (Usman ahead,” said Warner.
Khawaja). Travis came out and coun- McSweeney, after low scores of
terpunched with a brilliant hundred-- 0 and 10 in Perth, impressed with a
we know he’s capable of that--but it’s composed 39 in Adelaide, contribut-
about everyone else around him pro- ing to a half-century stand with La-
viding support,” Warner remarked. buschagne, followed by an unbeaten
“It’s not just one player in partic- 10 in the second innings.
ular; it’s the top six scoring bulk runs Despite growing calls for U19
and giving the fast bowlers a break. sensation Sam Konstas to make his
The first game was high-paced, but debut, Warner believes it’s a decision
in the last one, we saw Mitchell Starc for the selectors and that Konstas
at his best with the pink ball. Come may not yet be ready.
Brisbane, we need to see some big “That’s up to the selectors. If
runs from the top order.” they thought he was ready, they
“This Indian bowling attack is Travis Head, who has been the standout performer, amassing 438 runs in seven Tests at an would have picked him by now,”
relentless when they bowl in partner- Warner stated.
ships. If they maintain the intensity, average of 39.81, led the Aussies to victory at the Adelaide Oval (ANI) Konstas played a vital role in
we saw with Bumrah the other day, Australia’s ICC U19 World Cup 2024
the boys will need to dig deep and in 13 innings), Mitchell Marsh (272 quantity, Head looks to be the most triumph, scoring 191 runs in seven in-
put big runs on the board,” he added. runs in seven Tests at 24.72, with two in-form batter among Australia’s nings at an average of 27.28, includ-
Warner’s concern is well-found- fifties in 11 innings), and Alex Carey top-order players. ing a century. He also impressed in
ed. Key batters have struggled to per- (317 runs in seven Tests at 31.70, with Warner also commended opener the series between Australia A and
form this series, including Khawaja two fifties in 11 innings). Nathan McSweeney for his tempera- India A ahead of the Border-Gavas-
(308 runs in seven Tests at an average Travis Head, however, has been ment and handling of the role under kar Trophy, scoring 92 runs in four
of 25.66, with one fifty in 14 innings), the standout performer, amassing challenging conditions. innings, highlighted by a match-win-
Steve Smith (232 runs in seven Tests 438 runs in seven Tests at an average “He’s faced four of the five ning 73*. In the warm-up pink-ball
at 23.20, with one fifty in 13 innings), of 39.81, with two centuries and a fif- toughest challenges for an opening game against India, he stamped his
Marnus Labuschagne (309 runs in ty in 11 innings. Despite his relative- batsman and handled them well. The authority with a classy 107 off 97 balls
seven Tests at 28.09, with four fifties ly limited contributions in terms of intent he showed the other day was against a formidable Indian attack.

Smriti Mandhana sets record with fourth ODI century of 2024

mriti Mandhana scored her fourth ODI King to short fine leg, reaching the milestone in
century of 2024 during India’s defeat to 103 balls. However, she was dismissed less than
SAustralia at the WACA. This remarkable two overs later for 105, sparking India’s collapse.
achievement set a new all-time record for the
most centuries scored in a calendar year in wom- This century marked Mandhana’s fourth
en’s ODIs, according to Wisden. of the year, following two consecutive
Mandhana’s innings came as India chased
299, a target set by Australia thanks to Anna- centuries against South Africa in June
bel Sutherland’s 110 off 99 balls, with Ashleigh and another against New Zealand in Oc-
Gardner and Tahlia McGrath also contribut- tober. Her achievement of four centuries
ing half-centuries. Despite losing her opening
partner, Richa Ghosh, early--bowled by Megan in a single calendar year sets a new re-
Schutt--Mandhana stood out in an otherwise dis- cord in women’s ODIs, surpassing the
appointing performance by the Indian batting previous mark held by seven players who
lineup.
Following Harleen Deol’s dismissal for 39 by each scored three centuries in a year.
Alana King, Mandhana held the innings together
as wickets fell rapidly around her. Harmanpreet Mandhana’s latest century also elevated her
Kaur managed only 12 runs off 22 balls before position on the all-time century list in women’s
being dismissed, while Jemimah Rodrigues con- ODIs, bringing her total to nine. She is now tied
tributed 16. The lower order crumbled, with with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Chamari Athapaththu,
Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, and Saima Thakor and Charlotte Edwards in joint fourth place.
all falling for single-digit scores. Tammy Beaumont, with 10 ODI centuries, is
Mandhana reached her half-century off 50 Mandhana’s next target.
balls in the 14th over, at a time when India’s pros- Mandhana’s exceptional form in 2024 un-
pects seemed brighter with a run rate exceed- Mandhana’s exceptional form in 2024 underscores her status derscores her status as one of the premier bat-
ing five an over and only one wicket down. She as one of the premier batters in women’s cricket (ANI) ters in women’s cricket, despite India’s struggles
brought up her century by tucking a delivery from in the series against Australia.

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