'Such things happen': fast bowler Varun Aaron plays down India's Adelaide Test batting debacle


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India's shock collapse in the Adelaide Test sent shockwaves through the cricket world, but Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Varun Aaron puts it down to just a bad day at the office.

Virat Kohli's team were blown away by Australia's fast bowlers for just 36 in the second innings as they went from holding a 53-run first innings lead to lose inside three days.

However, Aaron – who was speaking at a special virtual interaction with kids at Rajasthan Royals Academy UAE’s Xmas Camp – said it was just a bizarre day of cricket.

“I can tell you it wouldn’t have felt good,” Aaron said while answering a question from five-year-old all-rounder Atharv.

"It might seem a bit bizarre how India can get out for 36, but cricket is a funny game and such things happen once in a while."

The Adelaide Test defeat was the last assignment for Kohli before the India captain took paternity leave for the birth of his first child. Aaron lauded the leadership skills of Kohli, calling him the best captain he has played under.

“My favourite captain is Virat Kohli because I’ve really enjoyed playing under him,” the India pacer said.

“He’s a good captain for fast bowlers because as a fast bowler you want to bowl fast and express yourself on the field. He is somebody who will readily let you do that because he enjoys fast bowling as well and he enjoys playing the game aggressively.”

What Aaron does not enjoy is playing against Australia star Steve Smith, labelling his fellow Rajasthan Royals player the toughest opponent he has faced.

"In Test cricket, it’s Steve Smith because he’s just a bit weird. He does some weird things that other batsmen don’t,” Aaron added.

The India quick urged budding cricketers to not get disheartened by setbacks and to get ready for the next challenge.

“When you’re trying to do your best, you are going to mess up at some stage. Every bowler in the world has messed up and you should know that if you’re out there and you’ve had a bad over, you’re not the only person to have had a bad over."

The Rajasthan Royals Academy UAE's Xmas Camp is open for boys and girls aged 5-16. For more details, visit rajasthanroyalsacademyuae.com.

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

RESULT

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Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’

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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia

When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start

Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1

Tickets: Admission is free

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle

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Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

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Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
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Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
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Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The permutations for UAE going to the 2018 World Cup finals

To qualify automatically

UAE must beat Iraq.

Australia must lose in Japan and at home to Thailand, with their losing margins and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.

Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.

 

To finish third and go into a play-off with the other third-placed AFC side for a chance to reach the inter-confederation play-off match

UAE must beat Iraq.

Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.