Latest news with #TomMoody
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill's Indian Team Selection For 2nd England Test Blasted: "Only Have..."
Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody didn't mince his words while decoding India's "baffling" final XI selection for the second Test in Birmingham against England on Wednesday. After surrendering to a five-wicket defeat in Leeds, India is in the race to nullify England's 1-0 advantage by changing their ill-fortune at Edgbaston. While trying to force parity in the five-match series, India made a couple of bold calls by lining up with three all-rounders, dropping Jasprit Bumrah and lining up with five specialist batters. Moody struggled to fathom India's decision to "gamble" with five specialist batters and the fixation to line up with all-rounders, a strategy that has never worked. India has implemented the three all-rounder combination twice during their tour of Australia in the last two Tests and ended up savouring the bitter taste of defeat in each clash. "India's selection for this test is baffling. No Bumrah is one thing, but to only have 5 specialist batsmen is a gamble. The fixation on all-rounders who are there to offer depth with bat and ball has never worked. Specialists are always going to offer more over a test," Moody wrote on X. India's selection for this test is baffling. No Bumrah is one thing, but to only have 5 specialist batsmen is a gamble. The fixation on all-rounders who are there to offer depth with bat and ball has never worked. Specialists are always going to offer more over a test. #ENGvIND — Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 2, 2025 Among the host of changes for the second Test, India replaced Bumrah with Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur with young Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, the most eye-catching change turned out to be Washington Sundar, a spin-bowling all-rounder coming in for Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut at number three at Headingley. India captain Shubman Gill offered a sneak peek into the blueprint that India will try to follow for the next four days in pursuit of a series-levelling victory. During the toss, Gill explained that Bumrah's absence comes down to their approach to managing his workload. While the inclusion of all-rounders stems from their twin tail-end collapses in the series opener. "No Bumrah. Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break, and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord's, we think there'll be more in that pitch, so we'll use him there. We were tempted to play Kuldeep, but looking at the last match, our lower order didn't do well, so we decided to add some depth to the batting," Gil said during the time of the toss.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
India's selection for this test is baffling: Tom Moody slams IND team management for ‘fixation on allrounders' vs ENG at Edgbaston
Former Australian player and coach Tom Moody on Wednesday called India's team selection for the second Test against England at Edgbaston 'baffling'. India lined up without their premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah and also dropped Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. 'India's selection for this test is baffling. No, Bumrah is one thing, but to only have 5 specialist batsmen is a gamble. The fixation on all-rounders who are there to offer depth with bat and ball has never worked. Specialists are always going to offer more over a test,' Moody posted on X. The team have already come under flak for resting Bumrah in this Test after going 1-0 down when they lost the 1st Test at Leeds last week. There were also murmurs of dissatisfaction in most corners due to the non-inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav as well. India's selection for this test is baffling. No Bumrah is one thing, but to only have 5 specialist batsmen is a gamble. The fixation on all-rounders who are there to offer depth with bat and ball has never worked. Specialists are always going to offer more over a test. #ENGvIND — Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 2, 2025 Asked why Bumrah was left out, India skipper Shubman Gill said: 'Just to manage his workload, this is an important match but third match being at Lords, there will be a bit in the wicket, and we thought we'll play him there.' There was also no Kuldeep Yadav and Gill said they looked to add depth to the batting following the defeat in the series opener. 'We were tempted to play him but we thought of adding a bit of depth in our batting,' said Gill. Even former head coach Ravi Shastri expressed disbelief at India's decision to rest a fully fit Bumrah, asserting that the pace spearhead should not have been given the option to sit out of a crucial game. India, enduring a rough patch in Test cricket since October last year, have managed just one win in their last nine matches, marking their worst run in over a decade. Shubman Gill and his men lost the opening Test against England by five wickets in Leeds. 'If you look at the run, India has had, this becomes a very, very important test match. You've lost three against New Zealand, you've lost three against Australia,' Shastri told 'Sky Sports'. 'You've lost the first Test match here and you want to get back to winning ways. You have the best fast bowler in the world, and you make him sit out after seven days of rest, it's something very hard to believe,' he said. (With agency inputs)
South Wales Argus
25-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Ystrad Mynach gym in 24-hour relay for Ronald McDonald House
Runners from Evolution Gym in Ystrad Mynach took part in a 24-hour relay raising funds for Ronald McDonald House. The charity provides free home-away-from-home accommodation and support to families whilst their children are having treatment in hospital. The 22 members taking part divided themselves into teams of four, with each person running one mile before tagging in the next one. The event got underway at 10am on Saturday, with the final leg being run 24 hours later. Julie and Greg Turley organised the 24-hour relay at Evolution Fitness. (Image: Tom Moody) Organiser Julie Turley said: 'We've got a family member that's recently used the charity. 'We heard about their story and thought it was a great charity to support. 'The gym is very community based. We support a lot projects. 'A lot of people at the gym, especially through Covid, struggled with their mental health. 'This gym has been a lifesaver. 'It's almost like a safe space. Members of Evolution Fitness took part in the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody) 'We're all going to pull each other through and support each other. We're so blessed that we're raising all this money for charity and that's what's going to keep us going. 'We've got a mix of people of all abilities who intend on walking a mile right through to some people who are going to try and set a bit of a record.' Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came along to support the runners. Their family, from Machen, stayed at Ronald McDonald House for between a month and six weeks when Floki was kept in the ICU in Cardiff after he was born. Kezia Edwards and her son Floki came to support the runners. (Image: Tom Moody) 'That we were staying close was such a godsend,' Ms Edwards said. 'We were able to be right next to his incubator. 'It was like a home away from home. 'It's a massive stress relief that we didn't have to leave him. Even just the thought of going home every day without our baby. It was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives. 'Without those rooms being sponsored, we would have potentially had to go home to an empty house without our baby for six weeks.' The first runners set off on the opening leg of the 24-hour relay. (Image: Tom Moody) 'I know people who have used the charity so for me and for them it was an important thing to support,' said Jason Jones. 'We're always doing fun events like this. We make them fun too, and raise money for a good cause.' 'We try and do something every year,' said Paul Jessop. 'Believe it or not, we're doing a class afterwards on Sunday!' After completing their challenge, the group has raised more than £3,000. You can find out more, or donate if you are able to, at
News18
07-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Moody Believes AUS Have Edge Over SA In WTC Final: 'That Winning Mentality...'
Last Updated: Tom Moody believes Australia excels in high-stakes matches, giving them an edge in the World Test Championship final against South Africa on June 11 at Lord's. Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody asserts that over the years, Australia has consistently excelled in high-stakes matches, elevating their game ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. The match between South Africa and Australia, vying for the ICC's prestigious mace, will commence on June 11 at Lord's. South Africa is striving to secure their first ICC trophy in over two decades, while Pat Cummins-led Australia aims to retain the mace they won after defeating India in the previous WTC final at the Oval in June 2023. Moody remarked on Star Sports, 'The Australians have built that reputation through consistent success in major tournaments. When it comes to ICC events, Australia somehow elevates their game to another level as a team. They genuinely embrace the challenges of tournament cricket and thrive under the pressure of these high-stakes matches. 'It's also about confidence. Historically, many of their players have won multiple ICC tournaments, and they've grown up watching previous generations achieve the same success. That winning mentality is ingrained in them." In the past two years, the Proteas have enjoyed an impressive run in ICC events. They reached the ICC Men's World Cup semi-final, the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, and now the ICC WTC final. Moody believes Australia has a slight edge over South Africa due to their greater experience in high-pressure situations. 'You need to trust your instincts and ensure you block out the negativity of not having played Test cricket for several months or suddenly playing in England with completely different conditions. That's the essence and beauty of Test cricket: the ability to adapt and respond as needed. Both teams are likely aware of this, but I think Australia has a slight advantage due to their experience in more big matches compared to South Africa in recent years," he commented. (with IANS sources) About the Author Cricketnext Staff First Published: June 07, 2025, 14:41 IST
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Business Standard
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Australia becomes even stronger whenever they play in ICC events: Tom Moody
Former Australian cricketer turned coach Tom Moody believes that, when it comes to ICC tournaments, Australia consistently finds an extra gear that separates them from the rest. Speaking on Star Sports, Moody applauded the team's long-standing tradition of stepping up on the biggest stages—especially when the pressure is at its peak. He noted that Australia's dominance in ICC events is no coincidence, but a product of mental strength, tournament experience, and a deeply rooted winning culture. With several players already seasoned by global trophies, Moody pointed out that the belief in high-pressure environments runs deep in the Australian camp. As another major ICC clash looms, Moody is confident that Australia's big-match mentality will once again give them the edge—especially against sides still growing into the role. Tournament pedigree sets Australia apart Moody praised Australia's knack for thriving under pressure, crediting their strong tournament history. 'There's something about ICC events that brings the best out of Australia,' he explained, adding that it's more than just talent—it's the ability to rise when it matters most. He stressed that many of Australia's current players had grown up watching past champions, and that kind of legacy builds confidence. 'Success becomes part of your DNA when you've seen it and lived it,' Moody noted. Respect for South Africa, but edge with Australia While acknowledging the threat South Africa poses—particularly their fiery pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen—Moody leaned towards Australia because of their proven credentials. 'Jansen's height and swing make him dangerous, and Rabada's Test record speaks for itself,' he said. 'But Australia has battle-hardened pacers like Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc—guys who've mastered English conditions time and again.' Experience matters in a one-off final Moody emphasised that one-off Test finals aren't just about skill—they're about mental clarity and adaptability. He explained that Australia's recent experience in pressure-filled matches gives them a crucial advantage. 'You need to shut out doubts, trust your instincts, and adapt quickly,' he said. 'That's what Australia does best.'
