Afghanistan Announces Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup 2025; Fire at Venue Pushes Chennai Grand Masters to August 7th
In a thrilling turn of events, Indian cricketers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have made significant strides in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test bowler rankings following India's 2-2 draw against England.
Mohammed Siraj's Career-Best Ranking
After a stellar performance in the recently concluded Test series, Mohammed Siraj is now ranked 15th in the ICC Test bowler rankings with a career-best rating of 674. Siraj's rise to 15th place marks his highest ranking ever, surpassing his previous best of 16th achieved in January 2024.
Siraj's impactful 9/190 in the final Test at The Oval was a key contributor to his impressive rise. He jumped from 27th place due to his 23 wickets in the series.
Prasidh Krishna's Notable Jump
Prasidh Krishna also saw a notable jump, moving up to 59th position, also a career-best ranking. Krishna took 14 wickets in the series, including 4 wickets in the final Test’s fourth innings.
The duo's strong performances were crucial in India's six-run win and helped India draw the series 2-2.
For broader context, the top ranked Test bowler remains Jasprit Bumrah at number 1, with a rating of 908.
Tragedy at Bonneville Salt Flats
In a tragic turn of events, Chris Raschke, a veteran driver, died in a crash at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah while attempting to break the land speed record. Raschke succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and tributes have been pouring in for the experienced racer.
India's AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Campaign
Under Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, India are chasing a long-awaited return to the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup. They last reached the main draw in 2016 and fell short in the qualifiers last year. India will be one of seven hosts for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, set to be held in Ahmedabad from November 22 to 30. India will face Indonesia to kick off their campaign.
Football Transfers and Rugby Issues
Lyon have signed midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool for £15 million. Morton, who joined Liverpool's academy at the age of seven, made his senior debut in 2021 but featured only 14 times across competitions. Morton had loan spells at Blackburn and Hull City in the Championship, where he struggled for consistent first-team chances.
A report by The Guardian states that nearly 89% of female rugby players experience pain from wearing boots designed for men, with many reporting discomfort under the first metatarsal bone. The report highlights the discomfort experienced by female rugby players and the risk of injury due to improper fit, given differences in foot shape and movement between men and women.
IDA Sports called out the "inequity" in boot design for women's rugby, stressing the need for more attention to be given to the design of footwear specifically for female players.
Other Notable Mentions
- The Chennai Grand Masters chess tournament, originally set to begin on August 6, was postponed due to a fire at the Hyatt Regency hotel.
- A fox sprinted across the hallowed turf at Lord's during The Hundred 2025 season opener, halting play and becoming an instant star.
- Afghanistan announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with Rashid Khan as captain.
- Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash that claimed the life of Chris Raschke at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
[1] ICC Test Bowler Rankings [2] ESPN Cricinfo [3] Cricbuzz [4] India Today [5] ESPN Cricinfo
- The sports-betting world has been abuzz with Mohammed Siraj's career-best ranking of 15th in the ICC Test bowler rankings, significantly improving from his previous 27th position.
- Amidst the excitement, Prasidh Krishna also made a notable move, climbing to 59th position in the same rankings, marking his best achievement to date.
- This rise in rankings came after the thrilling draw between India and England, where both Siraj and Krishna made impressive contributions to the team's performance.
- In a different sports context, a tragic incident occurred at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where veteran driver Chris Raschke lost his life while attempting to break the land speed record.
- Chris Raschna's passing has brought an outpouring of tributes from the racing community, acknowledging his years of experience on the track.
- On a lighter note, a fox caused a moment of chaos at Lord's during The Hundred 2025 season opener, sprinting across the hallowed turf and capturing the hearts of onlookers.
