Cricket's finest pictures of the week: From Team India's dapper look to Shamar Joseph's Gabba heroics

A lot happened in the cricketing fraternity over the past seven days making the fourth week of 2024 full of action. The week started with the historic Pran Pratishtha Ceremony of Ram Mandir where several cricketers had marked their attendance to be part of the momentous occasion. The BCCI Naman Awards also grabbed headlines as the Indian Board recognised the marvellous performances of the players across all age and gender groups by felicitating them.

The pitch was also full of action as the week featured the final two games of Big Bash League 2023-24 and the two Tests between Australia-West Indies and India-England which gave thrilling finishes. 

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket:

1. Master Blaster meets Thalaiva

Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar graced the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony and called the event a dream come true moment for the nation. The Master Blaster shared some photographs from the spiritual event with his fans and much to everyone’s surprise the legendary cricketer was spotted with Superstar Rajnikanth as the duo posed for a selfie.

2. Brisbane Heat reign supreme in Big Bash League 2023-24

Brisbane Heat beat three-time champions Sydney Sixers in the final of the Big Bash League 2023-24 by 54 runs to clinch their second title in the history of the tournament.  Spencer Johnson was awarded Player of the Match for restricting Sixers to 112 in reply of Heat’s 166/8 with figures of 4/26.

3. ‘Men in Blue’ turn ‘Men in Black’

The Indian Cricket Team broke the internet with their classy look during the Naman Awards organised by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). The entire team looked dapper as they posed in black suits with trendy hairstyles.

4. Cameron plays without a Green signal from COVID

Star Australia all-rounder Cameron Green played the second Test against West Indies at the Gabba, Brisbane despite being Covid positive. As a result, he had to maintain social distancing from his teammates and hence was seen standing separately for the national anthem ahead of the match. The photograph instantly went viral as it was never seen before moment on the cricket field.

5. Kevin Sinclair’s gravity-defying celebration

West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sinclair decided to celebrate his maiden Test wicket in a unique fashion during Day 2 of the second Test. The 24-year-old got the prized scalp of in-form Usman Khawaja getting him out caught at first slip on 75. To celebrate his first Test wicket on debut, Sinclair did the acrobatic moves of cartwheeling followed by a somersault and left the cricketing fraternity in awe of his fitness.

6. Hyderabad's Tanmay Agarwal goes on a record-breaking spree

Hyderabad’s opening batter Tanmay Agarwal etched his name in record books as he registered the fastest triple hundred in First-Class cricket off just 147 balls during Ranji Trophy game against Arunachal Pradesh. The 28-year-old played a breathtaking innings of 366 (181) smashing 34 fours and 26 sixes, which is also a world record for most sixes in a First Class innings.

7. Resilient Ollie Pope leads England's fightback with a historic knock

England batter Ollie Pope played one of the greatest innings by a visiting batter in India as he helped England gain a significant lead of 230 runs after they were 190 runs behind in the first innings. Pope played a magnificent innings of 196 (278) with the help of 21 fours as he sucked the juice out of the formidable Indian bowling attack.

8. Shamar Joseph’s tryst with Destiny at the Gabba

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph stunned Australia with his incredible 7-wicket haul and helped West Indies register their first Test win in Australia after 27 years. The 24-year-old registered figures of 7/68 and also won the Player of the Series award for picking 13 wickets across two Tests. What made his achievement even more astounding was the fact that he was working as a security personnel to make his living before starting cricket.

9. Brian Lara and Carl Hooper shed tears of joy after West Indies’ historic win

Former West Indies captains Carl Hooper and Brian Lara were seen shedding tears of extreme joy as West Indies pulled off a miraculous win by 8 runs during the second Test against Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane. Notably, it was the first Test win for the Windies after 27 long years in Australia and hence the former players couldn’t control their emotions in the commentary box.

10. Tom Hartley poses after a dream debut

England’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley made an incredible comeback after being hammered in the first innings of the first Test against India. The 24-year-old scored 34 crucial runs on Day 5 and later registered match-winning figures of 7/62 to set up a 28-run win for his side in Hyderabad.