Krithi Shetty to play the lead in Venkat Prabhu’s next with Naga Chaitanya

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Krithi Shetty to play the lead in Venkat Prabhu’s next with Naga Chaitanya

Actress Krithi Shetty will be playing the female lead in director Venkat Prabhu’s upcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual film, featuring actor Naga Chaitanya in the lead, its makers announced on Thursday.

The film, which is tentatively referred to as #NC22, has triggered a huge amount of interest as it will not only mark Venkat Prabhu’s entry into the Telugu film industry as a director but also mark actor Naga Chaitanya’s entry into Tamil cinema as an actor.

Produced by Srinivasa Silver Screen, the film, presented by Pavan Kumar, will be a full-fledged commercial entertainer. Taking to Twitter, Venkat Prabhu said, “Welcome aboard The most happening Kirthi Shetty.

“The production house, on its official Twitter handle, tweeted: “A beautiful performer with ever-smiling face and abundance of talent. Welcome aboard dazzling beauty Krithi Shetty.”

Salman Khan urges fans to plant trees

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Salman Khan urges fans to plant trees

Bollywood star Salman Khan on Wednesday participated in Green India Challenge here by planting a sapling and urged all his fans to plant trees to protect the environment.

Salman planted a sapling at Ramoji Film City where he was shooting for his upcoming movie “Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali”.

He was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP and Green India Founder J Santosh Kumar and his film crew.

The actor appreciated the mission taken up by the MP. “Planting trees is a very good thing. I don’t know why people take interest in cutting trees. It is said that when a man stops growing, he should plant a tree. The tree is a still man and a man is a walking tree. This bond is very important,” Salman said.

Underlining the importance of plantation, he said “wherever you have trees, you will have water”.

Salman said that every person should take responsibility for the plantation program and also take adequate care of the saplings until they grow big trees. It is unfortunate that human loss due to natural calamities, heavy rains, and floods is immense, he said, adding that the only solution to check human loss is to promote massive plantations.

Santosh Kumar thanked the Bollywood star for accepting his request and joining the Green India Challenge. He said that Salman’s initiative to plant saplings will definitely inspire crores of his fans.

Salman Khan urges fans to plant trees

Netizens question Rajamouli about the deleted scene in ‘RRR’

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Netizens question Rajamouli about the deleted scene in ‘RRR’

‘RRR’ fans who have watched a deleted scene from the movie, through an online source, want to know why director S.S. Rajamouli decided to chop off the fascinating scene from the original cut of the Ram Charan and Jr NTR-starrer.

Viswanath Sundaram, the concept artist for the magnum opus ‘RRR’ movie, earlier disclosed the deleted scene that is connected to the concept art. The video byte was later deleted by Sundaram for whatever reasons.

The scene in the film depicts the birth of Ram Charan, and the artwork portrays the infant Ram receiving blessings from the Pandits in front of a fire.

Internet users who saw the fascinating scene questioned Rajamouli about why he deleted it and urged him to upload it on the movie’s socials or YouTube because, according to them, it is a scene that is not to be missed.

‘RRR’, which took the whole country by storm, is still one of the most-watched movies even after its OTT arrival.

 

Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and Keerthy Suresh wish Vijay a happy birthday

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Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and Keerthy Suresh wish Vijay a happy birthday

Actors Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and Keerthy Suresh joined scores of people from different walks of life who wished actor Vijay a happy birthday on Wednesday.

Sources say that actor Kamal Haasan called up Vijay to wish him his birthday. Dhanush took to Twitter to tweet his birthday wish to Vijay. He wrote, “Happy birthday dear Vijay sir. Thank you for paving the way for us and making us believe.”

Keerthy Suresh posted a birthday poem for Vijay on her Twitter timeline. She wrote, “Poo pola manasu.. yeratha vayasu, kollywood-in #Varisu (Heart is like a flower, he never ages and he is Kollywood’s heir). The name is Thalapathy. Happy Birthday Vijay sir!! Let this year bring you lots of happiness and verithanamaana box office success. Can’t wait to watch #Varisu on the big screens!!”

Several other actors, directors and even cricketers joined fans in wishing Vijay a happy birthday.

Director Vignesh Shivan tweeted, “Happy birthday to the always amazing Thalapathy Vijay sir. May you have a beautiful life that inspires all of us. God bless you sir always!”

Cricketer Badrinath, who played for Chennai Super Kings, too took to Twitter to greet Vijay on his birthday. He wrote, “Happy Birthday actor Vijay. ‘Ghilli’ (is) my all time favourite.”

Kicker: Aamir enjoys playing football with son Azad in the rain

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Kicker: Aamir enjoys playing football with son Azad in the rain

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shared an adorable video of him playing football with his youngest son Azad Khan in the Mumbai rains.

A video was shared on Aamir Khan Productions’ official Instagram page, where Aamir and his son can be seen enjoying the new rain while drenching in it as they played a fun game of football. The father-son duo seems to be completely immersed in the game. At one point Azad also tricks Aamir to score a goal while Aamir was slightly unattentive.

The video was captioned: “All fun and a lot of rains! Aamir & Azad enjoy the rains over a football session.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Aamir Khan will be next seen in ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ along with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh in the lead roles.

Pics of Chiranjeevi, Salman, and Venkatesh partying in Hyderabad go viral

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Pics of Chiranjeevi, Salman, and Venkatesh partying in Hyderabad go viral

Salman Khan is visiting all of his close friends while he is in Hyderabad filming for his upcoming movie ‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’. At another private gathering, Salman ran into Tollywood superstars Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh.

The trio of Salman, Chiranjeevi, and Venkatesh was spotted at their dear friend JC Pawan Reddy’s residence, as they were all gathered for a private party. A picture featuring them along with JC Pawan Reddy has been doing rounds on social media as all of them are seen having a great time.

The other day, Salman Khan and Kamal Haasan were pictured celebrating the success of Kamal’s latest outing ‘Vikram’ at a dinner held by Chiranjeevi at his Hyderabad residence.

On the professional front, Salman Khan will make a cameo appearance in Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film ‘Godfather’ while Venkatesh will have a small but significant role in Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali.’

 

Vaishnav Tej and Sreeleela’s ‘PVT04’ gets a formal launch

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Vaishnav Tej and Sreeleela’s ‘PVT04’ gets a formal launch

‘Uppena’ fame Vaishnav Tej will team up with upcoming director Srikanth N Reddy for a full mass and action entertainer. The creators have now made the official announcement.

The upcoming film ‘PVT04’ (working title), starring Vaishnav Tej, was officially introduced by the film’s creators earlier on Wednesday.

Additionally, a sneak peeks from the film was made public, introducing the strong and popular role played by Vaishnav Tej. Although the actors aren’t seen in the video, the voiceover hides that fact.

‘PVT04’ is to be produced jointly by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. ‘PelliSandaD’ actress Sreeleela will be playing the leading lady opposite Vaishnav Tej in the movie.

The flamboyant poster features Vaishnav Tej, showcasing his remarkable makeover for the movie.

 

Revathy, Nithya Menen to star in ‘Modern Love Hyderabad’

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Revathy, Nithya Menen to star in ‘Modern Love Hyderabad’

Actors Revathy, Nithya Menen, and director Nagesh Kukunoor are some names who will be seen as part of the upcoming anthology ‘Modern Love Hyderabad’.

The Hyderabad edition of the acclaimed international Original anthology ‘Modern Love’, showcases six diverse stories exploring different facets and forms of love rooted in the city’s many unique milieus.

The anthology includes ‘My Unlikely Pandemic Dream Partner’ directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and it features Revathy and Nithya Menen.

Kukunoor’s ‘Fuzzy, Purple And Full Of Thorns’ stars Aadhi Pinisetty and Ritu Varma. Uday Gurrala directed ‘What Clown Wrote This Script’ will have Abijeet Duddala and Malavika Nair share screen space.

Then there is ‘Why Did She Leave Me There ?’ again by Kukunoor starring Suhasini Maniratnam and Naresh Agastya.

Devika Bahudhanam’s directorial ‘About That Rustle In The Bushes’ has Ulka Gupta and Naresh.

Venkatesh Maha helmed ‘Finding Your Penguin’ stars Komalee Prasad.

Aparna Purohit, head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video said: “‘Modern Love Hyderabad’ explores the joys, complications, tribulations, and the healing power of love. Working with ElaheHiptoola and Nagesh Kukunoor to tell these emotionally charged but rooted stories have been an incredible creative journey of ideation and collaboration.”

“Set in the city of Hyderabad, these stories explore the culture, history, and the confluence of culture through its lanes like never before. We are certain that these stories will make you smile, laugh, pine, cry and restore your faith in the power of love.”

Kukunoor added that unlike the New York and Mumba editions, which are megapolises, the charm of ‘Modern Love Hyderabad’ lies in the fact that it is a city that has witnessed rapid modernization in the last decade or so while keeping in touch with its multi-cultural roots.

“This made for an excellent study in how the true cultural essence and social fabric of the city could feature in these stories of modern love,” said the showrunner and one of the directors.”

Produced under the banner of SIC Productions, the new Telugu Amazon Original Series will be available to stream on Prime Video starting 8 July.

A SIC Productions, the new Telugu Amazon Original series is produced by well-acclaimed creator Elahe Hiptoola with Nagesh Kukunoor as the showrunner.

“Audiences are in for an entertainment treat as the anthology features some of the finest actors from the region who are masters of their craft and directed by filmmakers of repute. We have on board some brilliant musicians who have created original tracks for the episodes elevating the uniquely Hyderabadi flavor of all our stories,” added producer Elahe Hiptoola.

 

Film production hit as Telugu cine workers protest for wage hike

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Film production hit as Telugu cine workers protest for wage hike

Film shooting in and around Hyderabad was affected on Wednesday as more than 20,000 Telugu cine workers began a protest demanding a hike in wages.

A large number of cine workers laid siege to the office of the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation in Jubilee Hills to demand a 45 percent increase in wages.

Police stopped the protesters, who raised slogans in support of their demand.

The Federation president and general secretary assured the workers that a solution will be found by the evening after talks with the Film Producers’ Council.

The workers’ unions, comprising 24 crafts of cinema, have called for an indefinite strike. However, there was no clarity on whether the workers were staying away from work indefinitely. The protesters left the Federation office after an assurance by the leaders that they will ensure a 30 percent hike but it was immediately not clear if they will resume work.

The workers said they had long been demanding revision in wages in view of the increasing cost of fuel and all essential commodities. They said they extended all cooperation to the filmmakers by not pressing for their demand as the film producers were hit hard by Covid-19.

The union leaders said they were forced to launch the protest as no steps were taken to meet their demand though they had been discussing the issues with the Telugu Film Chamber for the last six months.

They said since the film industry has recovered from the impact of Covid and has produced some big hits including pan-India movies, the Film Chamber should take the initiative and address their long-pending demand.

They expressed disappointment over the lack of coordination between the Telugu Film Chamber, Telugu Film Producers Council, and the Film Industry Employees Federation.

The protest affected the production of about 20 films, including Chiranjeevi’s ‘Waltair Veerayya’, ‘Bholaa Shankar’ and Prabhas’ ‘Salaar’ and ‘RC 15’.

Meanwhile, actor Naresh found fault with the decision to go on strike. He said such a move would hit the interests of the industry which was recuperating from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He urged the unions to hold talks to find a solution.

“A knee-jerk stop will crush not only the producers but also the lower financial strata members who are the majority. As a son of the TFI (Telugu film industry) it is my humble appeal to go slow on the lockdown & negotiate. Kindly cooperate with the federation & producers to avert a major crisis,” he tweeted.

Genelia Deshmukh all set to start six-week fitness journey

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Genelia Deshmukh all set to start six-week fitness journey

Actress Genelia Deshmukh is going on a six-week-long fitness journey and said that these coming weeks are about taking hold of her routine and spending at least an hour on herself.

Talking about her plan of action, she says, “Getting healthier is all about knowing yourself and working on your problem areas. These six weeks are about taking hold of my routine and spending at least an hour on myself.”

The actress, who is married to actor Riteish Deshmukh and is a mother of two young boys, added: “As a mother, I feel it’s really important to give that time and attention to myself.”

“I feel I want to be upfront with putting forward all the obstacles that I see on the journey and not just glamourizing fitness or restricting it to a particular size or shape but rather doing it for oneself and through the process, rediscovering oneself – be it through strength, looks, perseverance or hard work.”

She added: “I often tell my children to set their own benchmark, and build their own competition, hence it’s high time that I start adhering to it, as well. Super excited and anxious to see how it goes about!”

VVS Laxman latest celeb to laud Adivi Sesh’s ‘Major’

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VVS Laxman latest celeb to laud Adivi Sesh’s ‘Major’

Even a few weeks after its debut, the Adivi Sesh-starrer ‘Major’ is still doing well in theatres.

While popular leaders, politicians, and dignitaries have praised the biographical film, ex-India cricketer VVS Laxman is the most recent celebrity to join the list.

After watching the Sashi Kiran Tikka’s directorial, the cricketer tweeted about his experience: “Just finished watching Major and I have to say it’s not just a film but an emotion. A really inspiring story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan that hits you right in the feels. Great job by Adivi Sesh to take it to another level. A must-watch!”

In a flash, Adivi Sesh replied: “An extraordinary moment. Thank you Laxman sir. When a National Icon likes your art. All the blessings of #MajorSandeepUnnikrishnan.”

Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj, Revathi, and Murali Sharma are all featured prominently in the blockbuster film.

‘X-Factor’ alum Tom Mann’s fiancee dies suddenly on their wedding day

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‘X-Factor’ alum Tom Mann’s fiancee dies suddenly on their wedding day

‘X-Factor’ alum Tom Mann confirmed that his fiancee, Dani Hampson, died on what would have been their wedding day.

“I can’t believe I am writing these words but my darling Dani – my best friend, my everything and more, the love of my life – passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 18th June,” the songwriter, 28, wrote via Instagram, alongside a photo of his late partner holding their son, Bowie, reports usmagazine.com.

“What was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives ended in irreversible heartbreak. I feel like I have cried an ocean.”

Mann continued: “We never made it to the alter; or got to say our vows, or dance our first dance, but I know you know that you were my entire world and the best thing that has ever happened to me, Danielle. I will wear this ring that I was always supposed to wear as a sign of my unconditional love to you.”

Hampson, 34, had no apparent health issues and the cause of her death has not been publicly revealed. The publicist and Mann, who were forced to postpone their September 2020 wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic, welcomed Bowie in October 2021.

According to usmagazine.com, in his post, the former Stereo Kicks member wrote that while he was “completely broken” by the loss of Hampson, he was using “any strength I can muster” in order to be there for the infant.

“I will not be a mark on the parent that you had already become but I promise I will do my everything to raise Bowie just the way we always wanted,” Mann wrote.

“I promise you he will know how amazing his mummy was. I promise to make you so so proud.”

Describing Hampson as “the most beautiful person inside and out” and “the most incredible soul,” Mann concluded his post with a candid confession that he would be grieving “for a very, very long time.”

He continued, “My darling Dani, the brightest light in any room, my world is nothing but darkness without you. I will miss you forever.”

Mann originally auditioned for the X-Factor in 2013 before returning the following year. He and four other contestants on the UK talent show were placed into a boy band and they ultimately finished in fifth place. After Stereo Kicks disbanded in July 2015, Mann released music as a solo artist and worked as a songwriter and producer for artists including Rita Ora and Lewis Capaldi.

Hampson frequently shared her support for her fiancee’s career on social media.

Vijay is the person who has made me what I am today: Producer Jagadish

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Vijay is the person who has made me what I am today: Producer Jagadish

Greeting actor Vijay on his birthday, producer Jagadish on Wednesday showered praises on the actor saying that it was literally Vijay who had made him into what he was today.

Jagadish, who was a manager of Vijay before turning producer with the actor’s film, ‘Master’, A took to Instagram to post his birthday wishes for the actor. He wrote, “(This is) the day that I get more excited than my birthday. Yes, my Thalapathya s birthday. A person who has literally made me who I am today. Instrumental in building a life that I cherish every moment of. Not just me but the way you always care and bring up the people around you is astonishing.

“Have always felt blessed being around you and the love and respect I have for you is something beyond words na. Wishing you a very happy and healthy birthday.”Not just Jagadish, scores of film celebrities and fans have been sending their birthday wishes to the actor, the second look of whose 66th film, ‘Varisu’, is to be released today.

Jayam Ravi thanks fans, family, friends on completing 19 years in film industry

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Jayam Ravi thanks fans, family, friends on completing 19 years in film industry

Actor Jayam Ravi, who has delivered several critically acclaimed hits in Tamil, has penned an emotional note of gratitude to family, friends, media, and fans as he completes 19 productive years in the film industry.

In a statement, the actor said, “To my beloved ones, it all looks like yesterday! The memory of facing the camera, for the first time for my debut movie ‘Jayam’ is still fresh in my memory. And today, I have completed 19 years. It seems like a magical whirlwind. The creators and magicians behind this journey are many, and I am a mere performer, a medium that translated their vision on the screens.

“My father has been the ultimate source of all my energy, and passion, who identified my potential to be an actor, even before I self-realized them. My mother, who has been my emotional support, is my backbone. My elder brother Raja always envisioned a successful actor and made it happen with his Midas touch. I thank my wife Aarti, who is my first critic and friend.

“I thank my senior actors in the industry for being my source of inspiration. Their unceasing energy, insatiable passion, and sheer commitment to their profession keep me highly motivated.

“I thank my producers. directors, co-stars, industry friends, and technicians, who earnestly wanted me to scale great heights with every film, were associated with me. I take this opportunity to thank everyone from the press-media fraternity and social media influencers, who have never missed to appreciate my works, and at the same time, helped me improvise my career with their positive criticism.

“I am saving the best for the last to thank my fans, whose unconditional love and support have not just nurtured my career, but instilled a lot of responsibilities in me to deliver the best works. Thank you all! With lots of love!”

 

The second look of Vijay’s ‘Varisu’ released

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The second look of Vijay’s ‘Varisu’ released

The team of director Vamshi Paidipally’s ‘Varisu’, featuring actors Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, has just released the second look of the film.

The second look has been released on Wednesday to coincide with the birthday celebrations of actor Vijay.

The bilingual, which is Vijay’s 66th film, is being directed by Vamshi Paidipally and co-directed by Rambabu Kongarapi.

On Tuesday evening, the team released the title and the first look of the film. The film’s title ‘Varisu’ means ‘Successor’ or ‘Heir’ in Tamil. Interestingly, the title poster has the tagline, ‘The Boss Returns’.

Apart from Vijay, Sri Venkateswara Creations, the production house producing the film, too tweeted the second look of the film.

The production house, in a tweet, said, “Let us all come together to celebrate ‘Varisu’ for Pongal 2023.”

Expectations from this film, which has music by Thaman, cinematography by Karthik Palani and editing by National Award winning editor K L Praveen, are huge.

 

Chinmyi Sripada sang a bhajan while giving birth to her twins

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Chinmyi Sripada sang a bhajan while giving birth to her twins

The celebrity couple took to their social media profiles to announce the names of their twins- a girl and a boy.

“Driptah and Sharvas. The new and forever center of our Universe,” Chinmayi wrote on Instagram.

She said, “And if you need to know, I actually *sang* a bhajan during the cesarean as our twins entered the world. Get a grip on that. More on this later. But, for now, this is enough.”

In one of her recent posts, Chinmayi Sripada wrote, “I’m absolutely loving these people who are DM-ing me asking if I had twins through a surrogate just because I didn’t post photos of me being pregnant.”

“I didn’t post photos of me being pregnant. Only those who were in my innermost circle knew because I was protecting myself”, she stated.

Chinmayi also stated, “I was and will always be extremely guarded about my personal life, my family. My friends’ circle.”

Chinmayi also announced that she and her husband Rahul Ravindran would not be posting any of their twins’ photos on social media, for at least a while.

“Photos of our kids won’t be on our socials either for a long while,” she said.

 

Big B joins the ‘Nach Punjaabban’ bandwagon with quirky picture

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Big B joins the ‘Nach Punjaabban’ bandwagon with quirky picture

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan stunned actors Varun Dhawan and Maniesh Paul as he joined the viral ‘Nach Punjaabban’ trend on social media.

Amitabh shared a picture on Instagram, where he is seen dressed in a purple tracksuit and a black sweatband. He is seen doing the hook step from the song which is featured in the forthcoming film ‘JugJugg Jeeyo’.

“Nach panjaban nach panjabnan nach panjaban nach,” the thespian captioned the image.

Actor Varun Dhawan took to the comment section as he could not control his excitement and wrote: “Sir (with several heart emojis).”

Maniesh Paul wrote: “Yesssss we love you sir.”

Earlier on Monday, Big B shared a throwback video of performing on stage in 1983.

He wrote: “Initiated and pioneered the idea of stage shows from 1983 .. Been a while .. of personal performing stage shows from 1983 and on.”

On the work front, Amitabh will be seen in ‘Brahmastra’ and ‘Uunchai’.

 

Spinning wickets in ODI series have prepared Australia well for Tests vs Sri Lanka: Warner

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Spinning wickets in ODI series have prepared Australia well for Tests vs Sri Lanka: Warner

Australia’s veteran opener David Warner is seeing positives in the ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka, saying that the turning wickets will make the tourists counter spin much better when the two-Test series begins in Galle from June 29.

Sri Lanka won the fourth One-day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium here by four wickets to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, with the home team spinners using the conditions well to earn a historic win against the Aaron Finch-led Australia.

Warner, who was the only Australian batter to play the Sri Lankan slow bowlers with plenty of confidence scoring a 112-ball 99 as the tourists failed to counter spin in their chase of 258, indicated post-match that the “extreme” pitches in the island nation will likely backfire on the hosts in the Test series.

The hosts utilized six different spinners, “exposing Australia to more than 40 overs of spin for just the fifth time in their 51-year ODI history”, according to cricket.com.au. With turning pitches expected in the two Tests at Galle, Warner said Sri Lanka might have given Australia the advantage.

“We’re always expecting turning wickets and it’s fantastic preparation for us… it’s great practice leading into the Test series,” the 35-year-old said after the four-run loss. We actually love that they’re playing on the wickets back-to-back, that’s what we want, we can’t get that practice in the nets — the nets are green.

“For us it’s great practice out in the middle with these dustbowls. It’s going to be exciting for the Test matches in Galle because we know what we’re going to get there.

“This is extreme spin, you don’t usually see these types of wickets, you only see them here. India is completely different, they’re actually good wickets and they turn day three and four. It’s about being busy — I remember playing in Dhaka, that was one of the worst wickets I’ve ever played on, and I made a hundred. It’s about committing, it’s about concentration and it’s about batting long periods of time,” added Warner.

 

4th ODI: Asalanka, bowlers lead Sri Lanka to 4-run win, 3-1 series lead over Australia

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4th ODI: Asalanka, bowlers lead Sri Lanka to 4-run win, 3-1 series lead over Australia

A fighting maiden ODI century by Charith Asalanka followed by an impressive bowling effort led Sri Lanka to a thrilling four-run win over Australia in the fourth ODI and helped them take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series at R Premadasa Stadium, here on Tuesday.

Riding on Asalanka’s century (110 off 106) Sri Lanka posted a total of 258 all out in 49 overs. On a deck that was assisting the spinners, the hosts then threw 43 overs of spin at Australia and emerged victorious despite some late hiccups in a last-ball thriller.

The spinners picked seven of the 10 Australian wickets on the day. It was Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over Australia in 30 years.

Chasing a challenging target, David Warner sealed up one end but he lost many partners. Aaron Finch, his opening partner, fell early on, and he was swiftly followed back into the dugout by Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey.

Marsh (26), Labuschagne (14), and Carey (19) got off to decent starts but failed to convert them and got out at regular intervals. Warner, however, proved to be the biggest thorn for Sri Lanka and kept the scoreboard ticking, and brought up a brilliant half-century.

Despite Warner’s best efforts, the lack of support from the other end led to Australia’s downfall. Warner looked well on course to notch up his 19th ODI ton, but his innings ended in heartbreak as he fell just one short of the mark, stumped on 99 off Dhananjaya de Silva.

The off-spinner played a major role in turning the tide of the match as he also snared Travis Head (27) just as a partnership was brewing between him and Warner. Pat Cummins (35 off 43) was Australia’s last hope and he kept the visitors in the game before he got out in the 48th over.

Australia needed 19 off the last over with only one wicket in hand. But Matthew Kuhnemann (15) gave Sri Lanka a scare by showcasing some improvisation. The No. 10 batter sliced Dasun Shanaka for a boundary off the second ball and followed it up by lapping and lofting the Sri Lanka captain to bring the equation down to five off one ball.

However, Shanaka held his nerves, used the slower ball and pitched it around back of a length, with Kuhnemann spooning a catch to the fielder at cover, giving Sri Lanka a memorable win.

Earlier, put in to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start as Glenn Maxwell outfoxed Niroshan Dickwella in the second over and then Kusal Mendis saw his stumps uprooted after a beautiful delivery by Pat Cummins. Mitchell Marsh also made an immediate impact, getting the vital wicket of Patum Nissanka, as the hosts found themselves reeling at 34/3.

From there on, Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka steadied the ship. After a sedate start, the pair upped the ante, registering a 101-run partnership off just 100 deliveries. Dhananjaya de Silva perished relatively soon after reaching his half-century, but Asalanka carried on to make it count big.

Asalanka continued to battle hard for the Lankan cause, registering some crucial partnerships with Dunith Wellalage and Wandindu Hasaranga. In the process, he also brought up his maiden international ton. Hasaranga (21 not out off 20) and Wellalage (19 off 35) also played handy knocks as Sri Lanka posted 258 in 49 overs, which turned out to be a winning total in the end.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 258 in 49 overs (Charith Asalanka 110; Mitchell Marsh 2-29) beat Australia 254 in 50 overs (David Warner 99; Chamika Karunaratne 2-19, Dhananjaya de Silva 2-39) by four runs.

 

Defending champ Ostapenko advances in Eastbourne; former winner Keys and Kvitova win

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Defending champ Ostapenko advances in Eastbourne; former winner Keys and Kvitova win

Defending champion Jelena Ostapenko made a winning start at the Rothesay International here on Tuesday, beating Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets.

The eighth-seeded Latvian won 6-4, 6-4 against Tomljanovic to open her 2022 campaign at the WTA 500 event, with her sixth straight win in the British coastal city.

“She’s a good player and I knew it was going to be a tough battle. For some moments, I didn’t feel comfortable, but then I managed to win the match. It’s great to be back … and I’m happy to be back here,” Ostapenko said in victory.

Looking for grass-court revenge on Tomljanovic, her conqueror at Wimbledon 12 months ago, Ostapenko was a breakdown in each set. She came from 4-2 behind in the first set to win it and also lost her serve to open the second set.

“I was just trying to not miss any balls and put more balls in play, but also still to stay aggressive,” the defending champion added. “I felt like, in some moments, balls that I shouldn’t miss, I missed. I’m just glad I managed to win,” she was quoted as saying in a report on the WTA Tour website.

Meanwhile, former finallist Petra Kvitova and 2014 winner Madison Keys of the United States too advanced in the grass-court event.

Since reaching the quarterfinals in Miami in March, Kvitova has struggled for wins. The two-time Wimbledon champion arrived in Eastbourne with a 1-5 record in her last six events, including a first-round loss to Beatriz Haddad Maia in Birmingham last week. The Czech defeated former Top 20 player Donna Vekic, 6-1, 7-6(1) for her first grass win of the season.

Kvitova’s 1 hour, 12-minute win was the first match between the two on a natural surface all-time; she’d won two of their prior three that were all played on hard courts.

After Kvitova dominated the opening set, breaking Vekic’s serve twice, neither woman faced a break point in the second set; Kvitova, seeded 14th here, was dominant in the tiebreak, winning the first three points and the last four.

Madison Keys, the 2014 champion here, was the third former champion alongside Ostapenko and Karolina Pliskova in the draw, was a 6-4, 6-3 winner over Lauren Davis in her first grass-court match of the season.

Keys last played at Roland Garros, where she reached the fourth round in singles and the semifinals in doubles with compatriot Taylor Townsend. Keys won her first career WTA singles title in Eastbourne eight years ago and is playing here for the first time since her title defense ended in the second round the next year.

 

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