Beyond Crisis | Real-Time Analysis, Views & Brief Reports

Smriti Mandhana made history on Saturday. She became the first Indian woman cricketer to score centuries in all formats. This happened during the T20I against England Women. Mandhana scored 112 runs off 62 balls. India Women posted 210/5, their highest T20I score against England. Her achievement places her among the elite cricketers globally.

Mohammad Kaif has criticised Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance in the first Test against England, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat. Kaif emphasized the need for Siraj to bowl with his mind and focus on line and length to take wickets. He also highlighted how England strategically attacked the other bowlers, while playing defensively against Bumrah, ultimately leading to their victory.

Washington Freedom clinched a nail-biting five-wicket victory against LA Knight Riders in a high-scoring match in Dallas. Chasing 214, Freedom's Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar secured the win on the final ball after Holder dropped a crucial catch. Andre Fletcher's century for Knight Riders went in vain as Freedom strengthened their playoff hopes in MLC 2025.

Varun Aaron has criticized Ravindra Jadeja's performance in the first Test against England, highlighting his inability to exploit the rough patches on the fifth-day pitch. Aaron noted Jadeja's inconsistent bowling length and speed, which allowed England's batters, particularly Ben Duckett, to disrupt his rhythm. He emphasized that Jadeja's experience should have enabled him to secure a historic victory for India.

Jofra Archer may return for the second Test against India at Edgbaston. Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler support Archer's inclusion. Archer played for Sussex, showing encouraging signs. Ben Stokes' bowling fitness could manage Archer's workload. Broad wants Archer to start. England lead 1-0 after a win in Leeds. Archer's pace could challenge the Indian batting line-up in Birmingham.

KL Rahul prioritised national duty, choosing to prepare for the England Test series soon after becoming a father. He aimed to lead the team in the absence of senior players. Rahul's commitment was evident as he played an unofficial Test, scoring a century. He opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and scored another century in the first Test.

Greg Chappell lauded Rishabh Pant's explosive batting in the recent Test match against England, comparing his game-changing impact to that of former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist. Pant's twin centuries at Headingley, a feat matched only by Andy Flower previously, showcased his fearless approach and ability to keep bowlers on their toes.