Tuesday, May 12
Sir Donald Bradman's 1946-47 Ashes series cricket cap has been acquired by the National Museum of Australia for AU$438,500. The federal government contributed half the cost, recognising the cap's significance as a national treasure. This baggy green, worn during a pivotal post-war series, symbolises Bradman's brilliance and the hope he inspired in Australians.
Ravichandran Ashwin, after retiring from the IPL with 187 wickets, has announced his intention to play in overseas franchise leagues. He has already registered for one league, seeking to enjoy cricket without pressure and recapture the joy of street cricket on the global stage.
Coco Gauff overcame immense pressure and serve struggles, drawing inspiration from Simone Biles to win her second-round match on Day 5 at the US Open. Thursday's action also saw reactions unfold on the heated exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko a day prior. Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner advanced easily, while Iga Swiatek fought hard for her victory. In doubles, Venus Williams, partnering with Leylah Fernandez, secured a notable doubles win.
Neeraj Chopra secured second place at the Diamond League Finals in Zurich, his third consecutive runner-up finish, as Julian Weber of Germany claimed his first title. Weber dominated with a world-leading throw of 91.57m. Chopra's best effort was 85.01m in the final round.
Mohammed Shami addresses his past controversies with Hasin Jahan, emphasizing his focus on cricket amidst marital turbulence experienced by other Indian cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal. He is currently playing in the Duleep Trophy, representing East Zone, after a modest performance in the recent IPL season and missing key international series.
A US Open face-off between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko ignited controversy after Ostapenko's unsportsmanlike remarks. Naomi Osaka weighed in, highlighting the racial insensitivity of such comments, especially directed at a Black player in tennis. The dispute arose from a disagreement over tennis etiquette.
Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup in 2025, marking its return to India after 23 years, reminiscent of the 2002 World Junior Championship where Levon Aronian emerged victorious. The event not only boosted Goa's tourism, particularly attracting Russian visitors, but also showcased the region's hospitality and organisational capabilities.
Manoj Tiwary, former Indian cricketer, suggests the newly introduced Bronco Test in Indian cricket might be a strategy to exclude Rohit Sharma from the team, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. He questions the timing of this endurance-focused test, contrasting it with previous instances where fitness benchmarks seemingly sidelined senior players like Gambhir and Sehwag.
