At the close of play on Day 2 of ICC 2023 Test Championship, Australia who were dismissed for 469 during afternoon session, Is once again in the driving seat. Travis Head scored 163, his fourth 150 plus score  in test cricket. Smith scored his 31st century, he was dismissed for 121 runs.  Siraj 4-108, with Thakur and Shami 2 wickets each.

India in their first innings reply is struggling due to early setbacks. India’s early batters faced a fiery Australian attack.  The pace was quick, the line was precise and accurate, with plenty of movement off the wicket.  And the bounce inflicted pain at times.  This was, indeed, a clear signal to England of what is to come, and very likely to cause a lot of concerns for England when they face off in the Ashes series at home this summer.   Jadeja has top scored so far with 48 he edged a Lyon delivery that was easily taken by Steve Smith in the slips.

Earlier Shubman Gill offered no shot to a Scott Boland delivery only to see his middle and off stumps disturbed. He scored only 13, and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced a similar fate, on 14, he also offered no shot to a Cameron Green delivery which rattled his stumps. Rahane had a reprieve, when his LBW out decision was reversed due to a no ball call against the bowler, he has scored 29 not out at close of play.  Bharat, the other not out batter has scored 5 runs. 

Australia is on top for now, however, I am mindful that the unexpected can and do happen.  So, it would be unwise to count India out at this time. India is trailing by 318 runs, and the possibility of the follow on looms large. The question for today is, Can India avoid the follow-on? 

Dennis (for L. Francis)

The ICC World Test Championship 2023 began today. 

Day one could be described as a magnificent day of test Cricket for Australia.

This red ball format of cricket Coming this soon after the recently completed white ball IPL series, and the sight of men in white and three slips and a gully, was a reminder of the glory days of test cricket.

The Oval at London usually presents the sight and historical memories of a green pitch with overcast and cloudy skies, creating extra swing and ball  movement.  Memories may have overly influenced India’s decision to invite the Australians to bat first. 

The early successes of the Indian seamers saw Australia, uncomfortably on 76 for 3 wickets. India at this stage must have felt quite confident and happy with the decision to take the field.  At close of play on day one, Steve Smith not out 96, and Travis Head 146 not out, were still at the crease with a 251-run partnership. When time was called on day one, India will have overnight to contemplate if they may have made an error to take the field first, and, perhaps, the decision to leave Ashwin on the bench may prove to be error number 2. Australia was 327/3 in command at the end of day one. 

Good cricket, large energetic crowd and the question hanging in the air is this, what will day 2 bring?

On behalf of The Cricket Show Inc. Board members, Panelists & contributors.

I am delighted for your achievements, 

Mr Patel has been a key board member of The Cricket Show USA, for over five years. Your  contribution to our organization is immense and The Cricket Show USA is  better, with your tireless contributions/support, knowledge, expertise, honesty and caring contributions that you have made over the years.

The Cricket Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is prestigous, timely and well deserved.

Congratulations, Jatin Patel we are extremely delighted & privileged to have you serving with us over the years & being part of The Cricket Show.

Blessings, my brother, we are proud of all your accomplishments.

Leon B Francis
President
The Cricket Show Inc

Hartford, CT, May 28, 2023: Indian American Multi Sports coach Jatin Patel becomes the Eighth individual since 1981 to receive Cricket Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, Patel will join a list that includes West Indies legendary all-rounder Sir, Garfield “Gary” Sobers and Dr. Michael Holding, Lloyd Dixon, Roy Sweeney, Denzel Powell, Tony Becca, and Mahammad Ahmad Qureshi, popularly known as Maq Qureshi, received the Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Awards

This will be the third prestigious award for Jatin Patel who also received the USA President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to building a strong nation through volunteer service. He is already qualified for a State of Indiana, Governor’s Long-Term Public Service Recognition for his 35 years of Professional Career.

Previously, Jatin Patel received the Indiana Governor’s Public Service Achievement Award in 2010 and won the American Cricket Federation Inaugural Volunteer Award in 2013. A multi discipline (cricket, soccer, and baseball) coach, Jatin Patel is also a USA Cricket Hall of Famer. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2020 and became a Board member in 2021. His commendable nomination is based on his commitment and sincerity to public service and his multi sports interest as his weekend only hobby.

Jatin Patel, who pioneered the American Cricket Education Council (ACEC) in 2022, is also a Professional Sports Performance Analyst accredited by the International Society of Performance Analysts of Sport (ISPAS). He holds Advance Sports Performance and Analysis Diplomas (FIFA & Olympic Soccer). He is a renowned name in the Indian community for his various roles in cricket establishments in the USA. He also pioneered scholastic Cricket and trained coaches while helping more than sixty youth cricket academy and community programs, in addition to colleges /Universities & schools in the USA.

Extremely delighted at his achievements, Jatin Patel said, “2023 is a momentous year for me as I received Federal the award, followed by CHOF international recognition. These are memorable achievements for the rest of my life. These are one of the greatest honors I have ever received as my accolades. In cricket terms, I scored a Hat-Trick.”

Jatin deserves such honor for all work he has done with the extreme dedication for the sport Cricket, Said Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Legend cricket hall of famer, former West Indies Captain, and Champion CPL 2022 coach.

Photo: – Jatin Patel, Cricket Hall of Famer & Board Director, Presenting Hall of Famer Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former West Indies Captain with his certificates & Induction Ceremony Booklet.

“Receiving another accolade of such high recognition is beyond comparison. I send my heartfelt gratitude for the nomination. To be more precise, I can honestly say all credit goes to my parents, family, and friends who supported me over the years, I thank them all – It is not just my award, but this belongs to all of us as a team. No doubt, We also count our forebears and mentors who provided the inspiration and motivation to serve others,” added Mr. Jatin Patel who is also the Chairperson for Who Is Who in Cricket (CricWho).

It is an honor and a pleasure working with Jatin Patel. He has continued to make all of us proud at the Hall & Museum. Said Michael Chambers, Executive Director & founder of USA Cricket Hall of Fame,

Photo: – Jatin Patel with Mr. Michael Chambers, Executive Director, Cricket Hall of Fame

The Cricket Hall of Fame will bestow a ring and blazer complete with an insignia during the 43^rd Induction ceremony on October 7, 2023, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA.