The big news: England gain mental advantage?

India survived a scare as they managed to draw the first Test against England in Rajkot on Sunday. Set a target of 310 in the post-lunch session on day five, India managed to reach 172/6 at close. In the end, England gained the upper hand psychologically and will go into the second Test in Visakhapatnam on November 17 on a high.

It was once again skipper Virat Kohli who steered India to a draw with an unbeaten knock of 49, along with Ravindra Jadeja (32 not out), after the hosts were struggling at 132/6. Earlier, England skipper Alastair Cook scored his 30th Test century before declaring at 260/3 in the second innings.

Other top stories

  1. Vidarbha were bowled out for just 59 in Kolkata as Maharashtra’s Anupam Sanklecha took seven wickets. Maharashtra then took a lead of 181 runs as Naushad Shaikh (111) and Ankit Bawne (75) remained unbeaten with the score at 240/3.
  2. After losing both the Test matches against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe will look to make amends in the tri-series against West Indies and the Lankan lions. Zimbabwe face Sri Lanka in the first one-dayer on Monday, where Upul Tharanga will lead the Lankans for the first time in an ODI.
  3. The Indian women’s team beat West Indies by five wickets to win the second ODI in Vijayawada on Sunday. With the win, India clinched the three-match ODI series after winning the first ODI on Thursday. West Indies failed to reach a fighting target and finished on 153/7 in their 50 overs. India chased the target down easily, with Mithali Raj scoring a match-winning knock of 45.
  4. South African fast bowler Dale Steyn underwent a successful shoulder surgery in Cape Town on Thursday. Steyn had to repair the fracture he suffered during the first Test against Australia in Perth. The fast bowler will have to undergo a six-month rehabilitation programme before getting back to the field.
  5. The Pakistan cricket team were safe when an earthquake of high intensity hit New Zealand, manager Wasim Bari confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. Pakistan are in Nelson to play a three-day tour game before the first Test, scheduled to begin in Christchurch on November 17.
  6. Rain played spoilsport in Hobart as play was abandoned on day two of the second Test between Australia and South Africa without a ball being bowled. South Africa resumed play on day three at 171/5, with Temba Bavuma on 38 and Quinton de Kock on 28, with a lead of 86 runs.