Tag: Test Cricket

Sports

Goan Player Basappa Madar Named in Indian Squad for Inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s veteran cricketer Basappa Madar has been selected to represent India in the inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 28 to February 4. His selection marks a proud moment for Goa, with Abhijit Kadam from Sangli also named in the Indian squad from the West Zone.

The Indian squad has been officially announced by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, marking the launch of the first-ever Asia-level continental championship for cricketers aged 40 years and above. The tournament will feature six Asian nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong — and is being seen as a landmark event for veteran cricket in the country.

Former India international Manpreet Gony has been appointed captain of the Indian team, with Jatin Saxena named vice-captain. The squad has been selected based on performances in recent inter-zonal veteran tournaments, bringing together experienced and consistent performers from across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, Vinod Phadke, President of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association and Secretary of the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, described the tournament as a historic step for the sport. He said the selection of Basappa Madar reflects the depth of talent within Goa and the West Zone and expressed confidence that the Indian team would perform strongly on the Asian stage.

Sudesh Prabhudesai, Secretary of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association, also welcomed the development, stating that it was encouraging to see a Goan player gain international exposure through veteran cricket. He added that the association’s sustained efforts and competitive leagues have helped provide players with the right platform to progress to higher levels.

Expressing his happiness, Basappa Madar said that representing India at an international veterans’ tournament was a dream come true and that he was proud to take Goa’s name onto the Asian stage. Abhijit Kadam echoed similar sentiments, calling the selection a great honour and a responsibility he looked forward to embracing.

The Asian Legends Cup 2026 is expected to give veteran cricket a new dimension, offering seasoned players the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level while celebrating the passion, experience, and enduring spirit of the game.

Sports

Joe Root’s Gritty 160 Anchors England on Final Ashes Day

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Joe Root once again underlined his status as one of modern cricket’s finest batters with a commanding 160-run innings on day two of the fifth Ashes Test, anchoring England in challenging conditions on Australian soil.

The 34-year-old’s knock marked his 41st Test century, drawing him level with Australian legend Ricky Ponting, and his second hundred of the series in Australia. Root faced 242 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries, and showcased immense patience, technique, and temperament as England battled back from early trouble.

England found themselves in difficulty after losing early wickets, but Root’s calm presence at the crease steadied the innings. His crucial 154-run partnership with Harry Brook shifted momentum and kept England competitive in a contest where Australia already holds an unassailable 3–1 series lead.

Root’s innings finally came to an end when he was dismissed by Michael Neser, but by then, he had laid a strong foundation and reaffirmed his reputation as England’s dependable pillar in Test cricket.

The match also carries emotional weight for Australia, serving as a farewell Test for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who has announced his retirement. Khawaja’s contribution to Australian cricket was widely acknowledged, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praising his legacy, even as opinions remain divided over Khawaja’s off-field activism.

As the Ashes series draws toward its conclusion, Root’s milestone innings stands out as a reminder of cricket’s enduring ability to blend records, resilience, and legacy on the game’s grandest stage.

Sports

Remembering Dilip Sardesai: Goa’s Cricketing Icon on His Birth Anniversary

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Margao, Goa | August 8, 2025

On this day in 1940, a cricketing legend was born in Margao — Dilip Narayan Sardesai, one of India’s finest Test batsmen and Goa’s first true sporting icon. As we mark his birth anniversary today, we reflect on the remarkable journey of a man who rose from a cricket-invisible region to the international stage, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

Born into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family in Portuguese India, Sardesai spent his early years in Margão, a town then devoid of cricketing infrastructure or organized sports facilities. He studied at New Era High School and moved to Mumbai for higher education, where his cricketing career took flight.

At a time when Goa was not even on India’s cricketing map, Sardesai’s move to Mumbai proved pivotal. He joined Bombay University and soon began to shine in domestic cricket, ultimately making his way into the national team.

A right-handed batsman with classical technique and a steely temperament, Sardesai debuted for India in 1961. His career-defining moment came a decade later — during India’s historic 1971 tour of the West Indies. Sardesai played a crucial role, scoring 642 runs in 5 Tests, including a brilliant 212 in Kingston, Jamaica.

His innings helped India secure their first-ever Test win in the Caribbean and laid the foundation for one of Indian cricket’s most memorable overseas series victories. He was widely hailed as the “Renaissance Man of Indian Cricket” — the one who revived India’s batting fortunes at a time of crisis.

Career Highlights

  • Test Debut: 1961 vs England
  • Matches Played: 30
  • Test Runs: 2001
  • Highest Score: 212
  • Centuries: 5
  • Domestic Stalwart: Played for Bombay in the Ranji Trophy

He retired from international cricket in 1972 and remained involved in mentoring and cricket administration for many years.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

Dilip Sardesai was not just a cricketer; he was a symbol of perseverance, grit, and excellence. His career proved that origin doesn’t limit talent. Despite coming from a region with zero cricketing presence, he broke barriers and became an icon for Goa and for India.

Even decades after his retirement and his passing in 2007, Sardesai remains an inspiration for young athletes — especially from non-traditional regions — proving that passion and discipline can overcome the lack of resources.

Family and Personal Life

Sardesai is also remembered as the father of renowned journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, who has often shared stories of his father’s resilience, humility, and love for the game. The Sardesai family continues to carry his legacy forward with pride.

As Goa continues to produce national-level sports talent across fields, it’s only fitting to remember Dilip Sardesai as the trailblazer who proved that a Goan could shine at the highest level of international sport.

His life serves as a reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected places — and that perseverance, talent, and belief are the ultimate equalizers.

📖 Read more tributes and inspiring stories on allycaral.com
✍️ Story by Team Allycaral

Sports

Shubman Gill Eyes Four Historic Cricket Records Against England, Including Bradman’s Legacy

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As India locks horns with England in their latest cricket series, all eyes are on India’s prodigious batter, Shubman Gill. The 24-year-old has been in stellar form and now has the rare chance to challenge history — by breaking four world records, including three held by the iconic Sir Donald Bradman.

What’s at Stake?

  1. Fastest to 2000 Test Runs
    Gill is just a few innings away from this milestone. If he gets there in the next couple of matches, he could eclipse Bradman’s record of 22 innings.
  2. Highest Average After 15 Tests
    Bradman’s average after 15 Tests was an astonishing 99.96. Gill, who currently averages over 63, needs big scores to even come close — but the possibility exists.
  3. Most Centuries Before Age 25 in Tests
    With multiple centuries already to his name, Gill could match or surpass Bradman’s tally of 10 Test centuries before turning 25.
  4. Consecutive 50+ Scores in England Series
    No Indian batter has scored 50+ in five consecutive innings against England. Gill is currently on a streak — and if it continues, he’ll set a new benchmark.

Gill’s Mental Game

In interviews, Gill has credited his calm mindset and disciplined preparation. “I don’t look at records before matches. My job is to stay in the moment and score for my team,” he said before the series opener.

The Bradman Shadow

Sir Donald Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, set standards that have remained unmatched for decades. For Gill to come close or surpass them, even partially, would be a feat few in modern cricket could boast of.

Conclusion

Whether or not Shubman Gill breaks all four records, his consistency, flair, and hunger for runs make him one of India’s brightest stars. The England series could well be his defining moment — a modern chapter written in the shadow of a timeless legend.

Sports

BCCI & ECB Unveil Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for India-England Test Series

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A Historic Tribute to Two Titans of Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar & James Anderson

June 20, 2025 — In a landmark moment for international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have jointly unveiled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a new symbol of excellence and legacy for all future India vs England Test series.

Named after Sachin Tendulkar, India’s iconic batting maestro, and James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, the trophy honours two players who defined generations of cricket fans and achieved enduring greatness in the longest format of the game.

🌟 Legends Immortalised

The decision to name the Test series trophy after Tendulkar and Anderson pays tribute to their remarkable contributions:

  • Sachin Tendulkar: The highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 15,921 runs, 51 Test centuries, and a career spanning 24 years.
  • James Anderson: The most prolific fast bowler in Test history, with over 700 wickets and still going strong at 42 — the epitome of longevity and discipline.

Both players have been involved in some of the most memorable India-England clashes over the past two decades, making their names synonymous with the intensity and respect this rivalry commands.

“This is a fitting tribute to two of the greatest players the game has seen. Their impact goes far beyond numbers — they’ve inspired generations,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the unveiling ceremony.

ECB CEO Richard Gould added, “Test cricket is built on legacy, character and skill — and no one embodies that more than James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.”

🏆 A Trophy of Class and Character

The newly designed trophy, which was unveiled ahead of the upcoming India-England Test series, features:

  • A dual relief engraving of Anderson and Tendulkar in iconic poses.
  • A silver and teak wood finish, symbolising the heritage of the two cricketing nations.
  • An inscribed plaque that reads: “In honour of excellence, endurance and the spirit of Test cricket.”

The trophy will now be awarded at the conclusion of every India vs England Test series — home or away — making it a permanent fixture in one of cricket’s oldest and most storied rivalries.

🇮🇳🤝🏴 India vs England: A Rivalry Redefined

The India-England Test rivalry dates back to 1932, when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s. Since then, the series has produced legendary moments — from Eden Gardens epics to Lord’s duels, from Rahul Dravid’s elegance to Kevin Pietersen’s dominance.

With the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the series now carries an emblem of legacy, giving a new generation of cricketers something greater to play for — honour, pride, and history.

📌 Fast Facts:

  • Trophy Name: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
  • Announced By: BCCI & ECB
  • Purpose: Official trophy for all India vs England Test series
  • Honours: Sachin Tendulkar (India), James Anderson (England)
  • Debut Series: 2025 India Tour of England (starting July)