Sports

Gwalior, June 2 (IANS) Having successfully guided the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to back-to-back IPL crowns, Rajat Patidar is set to begin a new chapter closer to home as he returns to lead Gwalior Cheetahs in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026.

Patidar will captain a side eager to make a breakthrough after reaching the semifinal in 2025 but narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Gwalior Cheetahs will feature in the opening match of the 2026 season when they face Ujjain Falcons on Wednesday at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

One of the most accomplished cricketers to emerge from Madhya Pradesh in recent years, Patidar has enjoyed a remarkable rise through domestic and franchise cricket. From playing a pivotal role in Madhya Pradesh's historic Ranji Trophy triumph to establishing himself as a leader on the IPL stage, the right-hander now returns to familiar surroundings with the ambition of guiding the Gwalior Cheetahs to their maiden title.

The team representing Gwalior will enter the new season with a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Among them is Mangesh Yadav, the leading wicket-taker from the 2025 edition with 14 wickets, while the side will continue to benefit from the guidance of head coach Aditya Srivastava, under whose captaincy Madhya Pradesh ended a 69-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title in 2022.

Speaking ahead of the campaign, Patidar said, "It's always a special feeling to come back and play in Madhya Pradesh. The last couple of months have been memorable, but every new tournament brings fresh challenges and fresh motivation. The MPL has become an important platform for cricket in the state, and I'm excited to once again represent the Gwalior Cheetahs. We have a talented squad, a strong support staff, and a group that's hungry to succeed. Our focus is on playing positive cricket and giving ourselves the best chance to bring the trophy home."

The spotlight will firmly be on the opening clash of the tournament as Patidar's side take on Ujjain Falcons in what is their debut MPL campaign. The Falcons will be led by young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, who arrives fresh from an impressive IPL season with Delhi Capitals, where his pace bowling and lower-order hitting earned him plaudits.

Alongside Tiwari, Ujjain Falcons feature players like Aryan Pandey, Yash Dubey, Chanchal Rathore, and Soham Patwardhan, making them one of the most intriguing teams in the competition. Former Madhya Pradesh cricketer Sunil Dholpure, who played 17 First-Class matches and 21 List A games, will be the coach for the side.

--IANS

hs/bsk/

Ujjain, June 2 (IANS) Ujjain Falcons have named Chanchal Rathore as captain for the upcoming edition of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup, which will commence on June 3, while promising youngster Madhav Tiwari has been appointed vice-captain.

Expressing his happiness after being named captain, Chanchal Rathore said, “It is a proud moment for me to lead Ujjain Falcons. We have a strong and well-balanced squad with a good mix of experience and young talent. The MPL has become a great platform for players to showcase their skills and for young cricketers to make a name for themselves. We are looking forward to the challenge and hope to have a successful season.”

Vice-captain Madhav Tiwari also shared his excitement and said, “I am very happy to be part of Ujjain Falcons. We have a talented squad, and the team has been preparing well for the tournament. Our aim is to play good cricket and give our fans plenty of reasons to cheer. We will do our best to make a strong impact in our first season.”

The Falcons, one of the new franchises in the tournament, will begin their campaign against Gwalior Cheetahs on June 3 at the iconic Holkar Stadium in Indore.

The Madhya Pradesh League has expanded significantly this season with the addition of three new men's teams, Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons and Royal Nimar Eagles, taking the total number of men's franchises to 10.

The women's competition has also grown, with Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles joining the tournament. The women's tournament will start on June 4, with Chambal Ghariyals facing Gwalior Shernis at Daly College, Indore.

Ujjain Falcons Squad: Madhav Tiwari, Aryan Pandey, Chanchal Rathore, Adheer Pratap Singh, Yash Dubey, Soham Patwardhan, Shubham Kushwah, Masoom Raza Kaif, Ojaswa Yadav, Gajendra Goswami, Aayush Mankar, Ankur Singh Chauhan, Rishi Miglani, Harshvardhan Hardia, Naveen Nagle, Vishesh Mudgal and Darshan Rathore

--IANS

sds/

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) A major restructuring of the Victorian franchises in the Big Bash League (BBL) is underway, with the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades reportedly poised to be merged into a single franchise as part of broader changes linked to Cricket Australia's privatisation plans.

Cricket Victoria staff were informed on Tuesday that the state's two BBL clubs will be consolidated into one Melbourne-based team, bringing an end to a decade-long city rivalry that has been a central feature of the competition since its inception.

According to Sen.com.au, the newly formed franchise is expected to be based at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and operate under the name "Melbourne", although discussions are continuing regarding a permanent nickname and branding. Sources indicate the club is likely to adopt navy blue as its primary colour.

The move is understood to be part of a wider strategy that will see Cricket Victoria retain one BBL licence while committing to the sale of its second licence. The timing of that sale remains uncertain and will largely depend on processes overseen by Cricket Australia.

Industry sources familiar with the discussions believe the second Victorian licence could be put on the market as soon as practicable, although questions remain over potential contingencies should a sale not proceed as planned.

The merger also raises immediate questions regarding player contracts and squad composition. While the finer details are yet to be resolved, it is expected that the 10 contracted players from each existing franchise will form the foundation of the new Melbourne squad.

Notably, players reportedly were not formally informed of the developments on Tuesday, despite Cricket Victoria staff receiving updates earlier in the day. Several players, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise and frustration at learning they had not been briefed alongside administrative staff.

The transition will also bring leadership changes, with former Renegades general manager James Rosengarten set to become general manager of the merged Melbourne franchise. The ramifications extend beyond team identities. The future role of venues such as Marvel Stadium, GMHBA Stadium, and Junction Oval within Victoria's domestic cricket landscape remains unclear as administrators work through the implications of the proposed restructure.

Further clarity is expected later this month, with key stakeholders set to meet in Melbourne on June 15 to discuss the next phase of Cricket Australia's privatisation framework and the future shape of the BBL.

--IANS

vi/bsk/

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) When Aarti Pal began working with cricketers at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), she was not trying to turn them into Yogasana athletes. Instead, she wanted to understand how yoga could help improve performance in a sport that demands explosive movement, technical precision, and mental resilience.

What she discovered only reinforced a belief she has carried throughout her journey as an athlete, researcher, and educator: yoga belongs far beyond the confines of wellness centres and meditation halls.

The inaugural World Yogasana Championship is set to be hosted at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad from June 4 to 8. The historic event features over 500 elite athletes from more than 60 countries, showcasing Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport.

For Aarti, India's first Yogasana athlete to receive the Arjuna Award, yoga is not simply a practice. It is a science, a sporting discipline, and, increasingly, a performance tool that can benefit athletes across every sport. “Actually, I feel that yoga should become an essential part of every sport. Every sport requires certain fundamental skills that can be developed effectively through the practice of Yogasana and other yogic disciplines,” Aarti told IANS in an exclusive conversation.

Her conviction stems not only from years of academic research but also from hands-on work with athletes.

“While working with the cricketers of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), when Amay Khurasiya was serving as the chief coach, we had the opportunity to work closely with the players. Although there is already considerable research available on the subject, our own observations also highlighted several significant benefits of yoga for athletes,” she said.

One of the clearest improvements, according to Aarti, came in flexibility, a physical attribute often associated with yoga, but equally important in elite sport. “One of the most noticeable improvements was in flexibility. Flexibility is a key component in Yogasana, but it is equally important in almost every sport. Through regular Yogasana practice, we observed a marked enhancement in the flexibility levels of the cricketers.”

She believes the benefits extend much further than mobility and movement. “Another important area was injury prevention. For any athlete, staying injury-free is crucial for maintaining performance and consistency. While injury rehabilitation is undoubtedly important after an athlete gets injured, it is always better to focus on prevention whenever possible.”

Drawing on a principle familiar to both medicine and sport, Aarti added, “As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In this regard, Yogasana and other yoga practices proved to be highly beneficial in reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall physical preparedness.”

Yet the area she believes is most undervalued is the mental side of the game. “Beyond the physical benefits, emotional stability and mental focus are equally important for sporting success. Every athlete faces pressure, expectations, and challenging situations during competition. Practices such as Pranayama and meditation help athletes remain emotionally balanced, mentally focused, and calm under pressure.

“These practices also contribute significantly to building mental resilience, which is often the difference between success and failure at the highest level of sport,” she stated.

For Aarti, these lessons from cricket reinforce a larger point. “For these reasons, I believe yoga should not be limited to cricket alone. It can become an essential component of training across all sports. Integrating yoga into an athlete's routine can enhance physical fitness, improve mental well-being, and ultimately contribute to better sporting performance.

“In my view, yoga offers a holistic approach to athlete development and has the potential to positively impact performance in every sporting discipline,” she mentioned.

That holistic approach is central to Aarti’s own philosophy. A PhD holder in Yoga Science and former Assistant Professor of Yoga Science at the University of Patanjali, she approaches Yogasana through an interdisciplinary lens that combines sport, science, and lifestyle.

“As a doctorate in Yoga Science, I have not just studied Asanas. When we study Yoga Science, it involves many different subjects and follows an interdisciplinary approach. Along with Asanas, I have studied the complete philosophy of yoga, as well as its physiological and psychological dimensions. Yoga is a comprehensive science that encompasses a wide range of disciplines,” she stated.

Her academic background has shaped the way she coaches athletes. “Beyond physical training, sports science, sports psychology, and nutrition all play a crucial role in an athlete's performance. These elements are deeply connected to Yogasana as well. When I coach athletes, I do not only train them in Asanas. I also guide them in Pranayama, meditation, dietary habits, and overall lifestyle management.”

For Aarti, excellence in sport begins with discipline away from competition.

“Success in any sport, including Yogasana, requires discipline. And discipline is not merely about sitting quietly in a classroom or following instructions. True discipline is reflected in the way you live your life. It is about what time you wake up, what time you sleep, what you eat, how much you eat, and how consistently you follow healthy habits. All these factors are extremely important,” Aarti said.

While her work with cricketers highlights yoga's sporting applications, Aarti also sees Yogasana itself undergoing a transformation. Once viewed primarily as a wellness practice, it is now attracting a younger generation eager to pursue it competitively.

“Yogasana, as a part of yoga, is not a new thing. Rather, I would say that it comes from our ancient science and ancient art, which is known as yoga. If we talk about yoga, it is actually a complete tree, and Yogasana is one of its branches.”

She believes formal recognition has played a major role in changing perceptions. “After Yogasana received a formal structure and recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush in 2020, it was recognised as a priority sport. Since then, Yogasana has covered a remarkable journey.

“Our Prime Minister, through International Yoga Day in 2015, gave yoga recognition as a global subject. But if we look at the audience of yoga, it is often limited to people who are either suffering from diseases or senior citizens. Yogasana, however, is something that has become a point of attraction for youngsters and youth.”

The historic Arjuna Award recognition, she says, has accelerated that shift. “This nomination has once again increased the attraction of youngsters towards the sport.”

As competitive Yogasana evolves, Aarti believes aspiring athletes must embrace a new mindset. “Actually, most people look at yoga primarily as a practice for wellness. So, first of all, I would like to clarify that Yogasana is a part of yoga, and in Yogasana sport, we have adopted Yogasana in a competitive sporting format.”

“Therefore, it is important to understand that when we practise Yogasana as a sport, we need to follow a structured curriculum and a different approach to training,” she added.

The sport now features a syllabus of around 250 asanas, multiple categories, and performance events that blend movement with music. For Aarti, adaptation and openness are key to future growth. “As a Yogasana athlete, the first requirement is to keep an open mind.”

That mindset, she believes, will help Yogasana continue to expand its footprint, not only as a competitive sport but also as a tool capable of shaping stronger, healthier, and more resilient athletes across disciplines. And if her experience with cricketers is any indication, the sport's impact may already be extending well beyond the yoga mat.

--IANS

vi/bsk/

Florida, June 2 (IANS) England football team has started its preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will commence on June 11. The Harry Kane-led side has arrived in the city for the pre-World Cup camp.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel and a number of his squad flew from Birmingham Airport to Florida on Tuesday for their crucial training base in West Palm Beach.

Arsenal's Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka plus Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson - who were all involved in European finals last week - will join the rest of the squad at a later date, as reported by the BBC.

While in Florida, England will continue their World Cup warm-up with two games against New Zealand and Costa Rica, which will be played on 6th and 10th June.

England will then begin their World Cup campaign a week later when they meet Croatia in their group stage opener in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June, before facing Ghana in Boston on Tuesday 23 June and then finishing the group stage games against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday 27 June.

England last lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil back in 1966 by defeating West Germany 4-2 at Wembley. They have since reached the semi-finals twice in 1990 and 2018, while also playing five quarter-finals. England would look to end the 60-year drought in the upcoming tournament hosted by the USA and Mexico.

England FIFA World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford

Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers

Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins

--IANS

sds/

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) The FIFA World Cup 2026 will mark the beginning of a completely new era in international football as the tournament expands from 32 teams to 48 teams for the first time in history.

The tournament, which begins on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will also be the biggest World Cup ever organised, in terms of both the number of participating nations and the number of matches.

For football fans, the new format may appear confusing at first, but FIFA believes the changes will make the competition more inclusive and global.

Under the previous system, 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group advanced to the Round of 16 before the knockout stages began.

For FIFA 2026, the 48 participating nations will now be divided into 12 groups of four teams each. Every team will continue to play three group-stage matches.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout rounds. This means 32 teams will enter the knockout stage instead of 16 under the older format.

As a result, the tournament will now feature an additional knockout round called the Round of 32 before progressing to the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

The total number of matches has increased from 64 to 104, while the competition itself will run for almost six weeks.

The increase in slots have benefited many nations who are making a comeback in the multinational tournament after a long gap. Iraq is returning to the tournament after 40 years. Scotland will play their first World Cup in 28 years.

There are 16 stadiums across the three countries, which have the hosting rights, including 11 in the USA, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The United States will host most of the matches, including the final, while Canada and Mexico will also stage games during the tournament. Mexico will become the first nation to host matches in three separate World Cups after previously organising editions in 1970 and 1986.

Apart from football, FIFA 2026 is expected to become one of the biggest sporting events in history in terms of revenue, broadcasting, and fan attendance, as the watch time will increase.

--IANS

sds/bsk/

Paris, June 2 (IANS) The 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva put on a near-perfect performance to reach the semifinals of the French Open for the second time in her career, defeating Romania's Sorana Cirstea convincingly 6-0, 6-3 in 56 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier at Stade Roland Garros on Tuesday.

Two years on from her maiden Grand Slam semifinal appearance at Roland Garros, the teenager eased her way into the final four, further establishing her presence on the WTA tour.

Under the closed roof of Philippe Chatrier, Andreeva dictated play from the outset. The Russian conceded just nine points throughout the first six games and offered the 36-year-old Cirstea not one game point, let alone a break point opportunity, as she raced through the first set in just 22 minutes.

The match-up was the biggest age disparity at a women's Grand Slam singles quarter-final since Martina Navratilova faced Jennifer Capriati at Wimbledon in 1991, but the youthful exuberance and pinpoint precision of Andreeva was ultimately too much to overcome.

Cirstea, in her second Grand Slam quarterfinal, eventually opened her account on the board at the beginning of the second set and then stayed level with Andreeva in the first six games as both players traded service holds to level the set at three-all. Andreeva immediately reasserted her authority in the contest, winning the next three games without dropping a point and sealing the 6-0, 6-3 triumph.

In statistics, Andreeva fired 18 winners to 20 Cirstea errors while making just six unforced errors of her own. Cirstea, on the other hand, only managed 4 winners to 17 errors, with the Russian converting every single one of the six break points she created.

The result improves Andreeva's career head-to-head record against Cirstea to 2-0 and puts her in the lead on the WTA Tour for the number of matches won this season, including team events, to 34. Andreeva's 20th clay court victory of the year means she has the most wins on the surface on the WTA tour in 2026.

Andreeva faces the winner of the seventh seed, Elina Svitolina, and the fifteenth seed, Marta Kostyuk, in her next match. She holds a 1-1 career record against Svitolina but lost their first meeting this season; she has yet to overcome Kostyuk, having lost to the Ukrainian on two occasions in 2026.

--IANS

hs/bsk/

Colombo, June 2 (IANS) India all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to become the lone Indian player in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after being signed by Kandy Royals, while Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando emerged as the No. 1 overall pick in the Season 6 Draft as franchises completed their squads for the sixth edition of the tournament.

The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will feature SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers and Galle Gallants competing in a double round-robin format followed by the playoffs. The tournament will begin on July 17, 2026, and conclude with the final on August 8, 2026.

The draft saw all five franchises strengthen their squads with a mix of established international stars, emerging overseas talent and leading Sri Lankan cricketers, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in the league's history.

Holding the first overall selection in the LPL 2026 Draft, defending champions SC Jaffna Kings opened proceedings by selecting Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando as the No. 1 pick.

The Kings further strengthened their squad with the additions of experienced all-rounder David Wiese, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran and Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who join marquee signings Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as the franchise looks to defend its title and extend its successful run in the competition.

One of the biggest talking points for Indian cricket fans will be the participation of Vijay Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The experienced all-rounder joins a formidable Kandy Royals squad featuring Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews.

The Royals further bolstered their line-up through the draft with the additions of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara.

Elsewhere, Colombo Kaps bolstered their line-up with the international recruit Mujeeb Ur Rahman to complement icon players Jimmy Neesham and Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Dambulla Sixers added proven match-winners Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi to their ranks alongside marquee signings Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera.

Galle Gallants strengthened their squad with Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, who join marquee signings Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga ahead of the new season.

The player draft generated significant international interest, with more than 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries registering for selection, underlining the growing global appeal of the Lanka Premier League and its emergence as one of the region's leading T20 competitions.

Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, said, "The quality of players secured by franchises through the draft reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of the Lanka Premier League. The squads feature an exciting blend of international experience, emerging overseas talent and some of Sri Lanka's finest cricketers. The balance across all five teams promises a highly competitive tournament and an exciting experience for fans."

Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, founder and CEO of IPG Group, the official rights holder of the LPL, said, "The response to this year's player draft has been outstanding and highlights the growing reputation of the Lanka Premier League among players around the world."

--IANS

bc/

Madrid, June 2 (IANS) The presidential election at Real Madrid took another turn Tuesday after challenger Enrique Riquelme announced former club great Raul Gonzalez would become director of sport if he wins Sunday's vote.

Raul, 48, is regarded as one of Real Madrid's greatest players after scoring 323 goals in 741 appearances for the club. He also coached reserve side Real Madrid Castilla before leaving in the summer of 2025 after being overlooked for the first-team job, which went to Xabi Alonso.

"If I win the election, Raul Gonzalez Blanco will be Real Madrid's director of sport," Riquelme said in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE early Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

Current president Florentino Perez, who is seeking another term in Sunday's election, has not appointed a sporting director since returning to power in 2009.

"There has to be a professional culture that will never harm Real Madrid," Riquelme said, adding he had "explained the project" to Raul and that "the more I know him, the more certain I am that he will always look out for Real Madrid."

Perez has yet to announce any names linked to his campaign, although reports in Spain have heavily linked Jose Mourinho with a return as coach if Perez retains the presidency.

Mourinho was also the coach who brought Raul's playing career at the club to an end in 2010.

Riquelme has promised to reveal future transfer targets and the identity of his preferred coach in the coming days.

Sunday's elections are the first to be held at the club since 2006, with Perez subsequently elected uncontested, with no need for a vote, in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.

Club members will vote on Sunday to elect Madrid's next president, choosing between 79-year-old Perez, 79, who has been in office since 2009, and renewable energy entrepreneur Riquelme, 37.

--IANS

bc/bsk/

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) Former England pacer Steven Finn believes that the focus on England's batting changes has overshadowed the bowlers, who will be under scrutiny as the English team takes on New Zealand at Lord's on Thursday to begin the home summer season.

In a column for the BBC, Finn expressed that England is undergoing a period of rebuilding following their Ashes failures and that the nation will need to develop a new identity as a pace bowling side, due to the retirement of a few established bowlers.

"With several established stars leaving and a number of players coming in, England is heading into a transitional period following their Ashes downfall, and questions are being raised over their pace bowling capability ahead of a crucial summer," Finn stated.

Comparing the situation to the devastating 5-0 Ashes defeat suffered by England in Australia in 2013/14, Finn noted that the Ashes loss had caused a shake-up of England's side.

"After losing 5-0 in Australia in 2013/14, I, as well as the rest of that team that went down to Mitchell Johnson and co, was sent home with our tails between our legs," Finn said. "It was the end of the road for that team as we knew it; a huge shift was required."

Although a complete overhaul isn't likely, Finn revealed that Zak Crawley's absence from the Test side has been the biggest consequence of England's poor Ashes performance.

"Zak Crawley is the most high-profile casualty," Finn observed. "He has obviously got the skills to be a successful international player, but I don't know whether he might have to come in at No. 3 or No. 4 to make the best use of the raw materials and potential that is obvious in his game."

Questioning the choice to select a 15-man squad with eight fast bowling options for the first Test, Finn commented that a squad size like this may be an indication of a lack of direction.

"It has not been confirmed with me which conversations have taken place, so I do not have insight into what England may be thinking, but selecting eight fast bowlers is indicative of something else happening in the background," Finn wrote.

When discussing England's ideal pace bowling attack, Finn suggested a blend of an attack leader, a supporting fast bowler, and an X-factor wicket-taker alongside captain Ben Stokes. With Ollie Robinson recalled to the England side, Finn believes he has been chosen to be the leader of the pack.

"He's been recalled to lead the pack, and with good reason," Finn explained. "The skills to do the job have always been obvious – anyone who averages 22.92 with the ball in Test cricket has the technique to be very effective, but more so, the discipline and application to be selected for that role."

"A key factor to being selected as attack leader is the ability to affect what is happening around you, as the player the rest of the attack are looking towards for inspiration when the pressure is applied to both you and them with the ball in hand and the state of your body language," he stated.

Although Robinson has been out with injury and has played just one Test in more than a year, Finn believes he is ready for his latest chance. "He needs to show restraint when dealing with the opposition batsmen and not get dragged into it more than is necessary, and he needs to be able to be on the field for five days. If Robinson can execute those two things, I believe he is the leading candidate in England to be the attack leader and put his imprint on this English bowling unit," Finn concluded.

For the supporting fast bowler role, Finn has chosen Gus Atkinson to complement Robinson, and his control, pace, and height are perfect qualities to have in the side. "The Surrey man is more reserved in nature," Finn wrote. "He's an assassin rather than a warrior; the way he uses his height, controls his pace, and length has made him a very strong option."

For the X-factor, Finn backed Josh Tongue, whose hostile bowling earned him a spot in the Ashes side. "Josh Tongue certainly stood himself up as a nailed-on starter in the Ashes Tests he played in," Finn stated. "His hostility and the speed he picked up while being able to trouble any opposition batsmen."

"His ability to hit an awkward length from an angle behind the perpendicular has created a lot of doubt from opposition batsmen and has made it particularly challenging for them," Finn concluded.

Expressing surprise at Tongue being left out of the first Ashes Test in Perth, Finn believes this opportunity would put him on track to become a regular in England's top Test XI.

Although both Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were excluded from England's squad, Finn insists Archer remains England's best fast bowler when fit.

"With both Brydon Carse and Archer absent from the squad, England's pace attack looks weaker for them now. Archer can certainly return to fill either position or any gap that arises with his ability to swing the ball and bowl pace," Finn stated.

Ultimately, Finn believes that the new-look pace bowling attack will need to quickly establish itself for England to achieve victory in the summer. "This is the first home summer since 2007 where we've not had all of Jimmy Anderson, Broad and Woakes out there together, and with the absence of the injured Mark Wood, this represents the loss of over 1,600 Test wickets of some of the greatest fast bowlers in English cricket," Finn said.

"While chasing results post-Ashes, England will be aiming for the new engine room of their pace bowling to make sure they maintain standards and achieve their objectives," he added.

--IANS

hs/bsk/