Just one day after the alleged crime, the men illegally left the UAE by bypassing official checkpoints
crime4 hours ago
India coach Rahul Dravid has urged his players to seize the chance to claim a first ever Test series win in South Africa, a moment that could be career defining for many in the team as they prepare for the first Test in Pretoria on Sunday.
India have enjoyed recent success in Australia and England, but South Africa remains a mighty challenge for the top ranked Test side, though they will arguably never have had a better chance against a home team going through a transition period and with far less experience than in the past.
“It is a great challenge and a great opportunity for everyone,” Dravid told reporters on Saturday. “It is something you look forward to as a batsman, the chance to play away from home and test yourself against some really good opposition in their home conditions.
“A lot of your career is defined by those sorts of performances, so it is a great opportunity for everyone in the group to put in the performances that are something that they can remember, and people will remember them for.”
Dravid played 11 Tests in South Africa and averaged under 30, well below his career mark of 52.31, so he is aware of the challenges of adjusting from lower wickets on the sub-continent to the higher bounce of the Highveld.
He said there would be much to consider when selecting a starting XI, and expects those who do not make the cut to be disappointed, something he sees as a positive.
“Most players are professional. Sometimes you have to have difficult conversations. Everyone wants to be part of the playing XI, but they understand situations. As long as you can give them the reasons for it (not being selected).
“Players will be disappointed, but that is one of the things that makes people succeed at this level, you want to be playing, competing and part of the action, not sitting out.”
Decisions around the middle-order batting and how many seamers to pick will be the main conundrum for the selectors.
The second Test will be in Johannesburg from Jan. 3-7, with the third in Cape Town from Jan. 11-15.
Just one day after the alleged crime, the men illegally left the UAE by bypassing official checkpoints
crime4 hours ago
The pontiff opened his annual Christmas address to the Catholic cardinals with what appeared to be a reference to Israeli airstrikes on Friday
europe11 hours ago
Haaland, who was the Premier League's top scorer for the previous two seasons, has found the back of the net just twice in their last eight league games
football11 hours ago
The result leaves the Hammers 14th with 20 points after 17 games, while Brighton are ninth on 25
sports11 hours ago
Dubai Golden Visa Awardee shines with 16-Under-Par Performance in 90-Hole Shoot-Out
sports11 hours ago
Game Changers Falcons advanced to the final despite a loss earlier in the day
tennis11 hours ago
The trekkers formed a connection with the camels, and found the digital detox to be refreshing
uae12 hours ago
The actor is in town with co-star Keerthy Suresh and 'Jawan' director Atlee as their latest action thriller gears up for its Christmas release
entertainment12 hours ago