<p>The captain of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli and his wife and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma on Monday announced the birth of their first child – a baby girl. Kohli took to social media platform to share a statement with his fans and followers as he announced that they have been blessed with a baby girl while thanking everyone for all the love, prayers and good wishes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli’s tweet went viral in no time with fans and former cricketers wishing the Indian captain and his wife on the birth of a baby girl. From the likes of Shreyas Iyer to Shikhar Dhawan, Brett Lee to Suresh Raina among others,&nbsp;Kohli’s teammates and colleagues&nbsp;congratulated the Indian skipper and his wife. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are thrilled to share with you that we have been blessed with a baby girl this afternoon. We thank you all for your love, prayers and good wishes. Anushka and the baby are both healthy and we are feeling beyond blessed to start this new chapter of our lives. &nbsp;We hope that you can respect our privacy at this time," Kohli tweeted. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ÁLSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anushka-sharma-and-virat-kohli-blessed-with-baby-girl-356017" hreflang="en">Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli blessed with baby girl</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">♥️ <a href="https://t.co/js3SkZJTsH">pic.twitter.com/js3SkZJTsH</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1348580955594768385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here's how Twitter reacted to the birth of Kohli and Anushka's child:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Daughters are the biggest blessing to those who are the luckiest! Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anushkasharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and welcome to the wonderful world of parenting <a href="https://t.co/ZMMWu0TKgN">https://t.co/ZMMWu0TKgN</a></p>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1348593562682724353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations brother and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> 🤗 Welcome to parenthood. A big hug to the little one, who'll give you happiness like you've never experienced before ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/SsjLobB4Eu">https://t.co/SsjLobB4Eu</a></p>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1348592982660763648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://t.co/0t0d66MPt2">https://t.co/0t0d66MPt2</a></p>
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1348596236069191683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big congratulations to both of you 😇</p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1348584335067074566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saving her birthdate on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheWall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheWall</a>. 💗<br />
<br />
Congratulations. 👨‍👩‍👧</p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1348590417034416130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations both ❤️</p>
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHartley93/status/1348582046470430722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the proud parents 😊😊</p>
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) <a href="https://twitter.com/chopraanjum/status/1348584342977593345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> on the birth of your daughter ❤️ Lots of love to the little one 🤗 <a href="https://t.co/OuHVLnrbgB">https://t.co/OuHVLnrbgB</a></p>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1348587143786975233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/t5nCYawqdq">https://t.co/t5nCYawqdq</a></p>
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15/status/1348586646539681793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a>. Welcoming Virat to the Father's club now and especially to the one where the father's first kid is a daughter! The greatest feeling of being Dad is even sweeter when it's a daughter first baby. <a href="https://t.co/mVYTadTdXy">https://t.co/mVYTadTdXy</a></p>
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rpsingh/status/1348586264392474626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations 🎉👨‍👩‍👧 <a href="https://t.co/4LfSFyVF8t">https://t.co/4LfSFyVF8t</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1348582573560107012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>Fans were even more ecstatic about the news as India, hours before Kohli’s tweet, clinched a memorable draw against Australia in the Sydney Test, against all the odds. Interestingly, the baby girl shares her birthday with legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, whose birthday is widely celebrated by cricket fanatics every year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli had taken paternity leave after playing the first Test against Australia in Adelaide with Ajinkya Rahane stepping in to lead the Indian side in the highly-competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli and Anushka got married in a private ceremony in Italy in November 2017 after dating for around four years. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The captain of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli and his wife and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma on Monday announced the birth of their first child – a baby girl.

The captain of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli and his wife and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma on Monday announced the birth of their first child – a baby girl. Kohli took to social media platform to share a statement with his fans and followers as he announced that they have been blessed with a baby girl while thanking everyone for all the love, prayers and good wishes. Kohli’s tweet went viral in no time with fans and former cricketers wishing the Indian captain and his wife on the birth of a baby girl. From the likes of Shreyas Iyer to Shikhar Dhawan, Brett Lee to Suresh Raina among others, Kohli’s teammates and colleagues congratulated the Indian skipper and his wife. "We are thrilled to share with you that we have been blessed with a baby girl this afternoon. We thank you all for your love, prayers and good wishes. Anushka and the baby are both healthy and we are feeling beyond blessed to start this new chapter of our lives. We hope that you can respect our privacy at this time," Kohli tweeted. ÁLSO READ: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli blessed with baby girl ♥️ pic.twitter.com/js3SkZJTsH — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 11, 2021 × Here's how Twitter reacted to the birth of Kohli and Anushka's child: Daughters are the biggest blessing to those who are the luckiest! Congratulations @anushkasharma @imVkohli and welcome to the wonderful world of parenting https://t.co/ZMMWu0TKgN — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations brother and @AnushkaSharma 🤗 Welcome to parenthood. A big hug to the little one, who'll give you happiness like you've never experienced before ❤️ https://t.co/SsjLobB4Eu — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations https://t.co/0t0d66MPt2 — Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) January 11, 2021 × Big congratulations to both of you 😇 — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 11, 2021 × Saving her birthdate on #TheWall. 💗 Congratulations. 👨‍👩‍👧 — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations both ❤️ — Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations to the proud parents 😊😊 — Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations @imVkohli and @AnushkaSharma on the birth of your daughter ❤️ Lots of love to the little one 🤗 https://t.co/OuHVLnrbgB — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations skipper @imVkohli and @AnushkaSharma ❤️ https://t.co/t5nCYawqdq — Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) January 11, 2021 × Congratulations @imVkohli and @AnushkaSharma. Welcoming Virat to the Father's club now and especially to the one where the father's first kid is a daughter! The greatest feeling of being Dad is even sweeter when it's a daughter first baby. https://t.co/mVYTadTdXy — R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) January 11, 2021 × Many congratulations 🎉👨‍👩‍👧 https://t.co/4LfSFyVF8t — BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney Fans were even more ecstatic about the news as India, hours before Kohli’s tweet, clinched a memorable draw against Australia in the Sydney Test, against all the odds. Interestingly, the baby girl shares her birthday with legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, whose birthday is widely celebrated by cricket fanatics every year. Kohli had taken paternity leave after playing the first Test against Australia in Adelaide with Ajinkya Rahane stepping in to lead the Indian side in the highly-competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli and Anushka got married in a private ceremony in Italy in November 2017 after dating for around four years.

Cricket fraternity congratulates Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma after birth of baby girl

<p>Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>"We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. <a href="https://t.co/4VBZGCvbnp">pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1348548286123180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.

Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw. India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win. As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India. The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory." "Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. "So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good." Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney "We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added. "But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field." Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now." Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 11, 2021 × With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics

<p>Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana.<br />
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. <a href="https://t.co/IfttxRXHeM">pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348528230655950850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... <a href="https://t.co/ChxUGPubHk">pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk</a></p>
— STR (@AmourAnand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmourAnand/status/1348494382337384448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith.<br />
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And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coward</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/uTi3klbU7N">pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N</a></p>
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMP86793444/status/1348558475379539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith <a href="https://t.co/01ZCQGjQkO">pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO</a></p>
— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanthtarak9/status/1348558367334100993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGCAQVL0Oz">pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz</a></p>
— Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) <a href="https://twitter.com/007deepak_/status/1348527274987978755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vihari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vihari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Payne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Payne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/0quJIEhL2A">pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A</a></p>
— Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nims_Ahuja/status/1348517665816469507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1348522159790907394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1348508668212334597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimPaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimPaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkH8SoYKzS">pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS</a></p>
— ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryanTripathi_2/status/1348535206421032961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin.<br />
<br />
Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test".<br />
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Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". <a href="https://t.co/0yWs9jLUqW">pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1348521355596075008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1348517169194094598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhavsarJ2_0/status/1348500158640578561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" <a href="https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg">https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg</a></p>
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1348539004657020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1. Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × #SteveSmith once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk — STR (@AmourAnand) January 11, 2021 × "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. #Cheat #Coward pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N — Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 11, 2021 × If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO — Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz — Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) January 11, 2021 × Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦#AUSvsIND #AUSvINDtest #Australia #Vihari #Payne #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A — Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) January 11, 2021 × Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021 × Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? #AUSvIND — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2021 × Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game. I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine#INDvAUS #stevesmith #Wade #Ashwin #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS — ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) January 11, 2021 × Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2021 × Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021 × Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. #AUSvIND — Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 11, 2021 × It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 11, 2021 × India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match.

'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test

<p>Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<h2>Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li><em><strong>131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 *&nbsp;</strong></em></li>
	<li>89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15&nbsp;</li>
	<li>85.0 SL Cairns 2004&nbsp;</li>
	<li>75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>!<br />
<br />
Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a> for the roles they’ve played brilliantly.<br />
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Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneTeamOneCause?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneTeamOneCause</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/hG60Iy6Lva">pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1348532505796878336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) <a href="https://twitter.com/danbrettig/status/1348530153052258304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease.<br />
Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin.<br />
<br />
And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team,<br />
Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently &amp; d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara &amp; Ashwin was unbelievable <a href="https://t.co/aU3qN6O3JF">pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348532044456890371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it.<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0">https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1348530620742307842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁<br />
<br />
An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/5RLA5aqnQp">pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1348528958472536067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1348534192703893505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1348528291251159040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TestCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TestCricket</a> at its best! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/l8CtOppu6q">pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1348535032290267137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil.<br />
Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandvasu/status/1348522771639242755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUSTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUSTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/8vdhYktNm8">pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8</a></p>
— Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenzbenzy/status/1348535170492633089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-australia-india-test-gets-go-ahead-at-brisbanes-gabba-355934" hreflang="en">Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba</a></strong></p>

<p>India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.&nbsp;</p>


Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane.

Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia 131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 * 89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15 85.0 SL Cairns 2004 75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81 “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw: Really proud of #TeamIndia! Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @cheteshwar1, @ashwinravi99 and @Hanumavihari for the roles they’ve played brilliantly. Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀#OneTeamOneCause #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 11, 2021 × India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that #AusvInd — Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) January 11, 2021 × Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease. Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin. And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team, Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently & d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara & Ashwin was unbelievable pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it. #AUSvsIND https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0 — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2021 × A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁 An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp — ICC (@ICC) January 11, 2021 × Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. #AUSvIND — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) January 11, 2021 × 'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of #TeamIndia for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @Hanumavihari, @cheteshwar1 & @ashwinravi99. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 #AUSvsIND — Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 11, 2021 × Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳#TestCricket at its best! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 11, 2021 × Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil. Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. @ashwinravi99 #AUSvIND — Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) January 11, 2021 × History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful #AUSvIND#INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8 — Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw. Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.

'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney

<p>Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season.</p>

<p>Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old has only six months left on his contract and is now free to talk to other clubs over a pre-contract agreement for next season.</p>

<p>However, he could bring to an end his eight-year stay in London in the coming weeks, with reports in Turkey saying Ozil is close to agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce.</p>

<p>"We will discuss internally what the best situation for him is for the near future, obviously with the player and the agent too, and try to find the best solution for everyone," said Arteta on Thursday.</p>

<p>"If something was sorted this month, it's because it is good for both parties, it is good for Mesut and his future, and it's good for the club. If that's the case, we will move forward. If it's not the case the player will stay here."</p>

<p>Ozil was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for this season, but is free to face Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on Saturday if selected.</p>

<p>Clubs can make changes to those squads after the January transfer window, but Arteta hinted he is not likely to change his mind on Ozil's exclusion even if he remains at the Emirates for another six months.</p>

<p>"We know that we have a really important player who is one of the key players in the past few seasons for this football club," added Arteta, who played alongside Ozil for three seasons at Arsenal before retiring in 2016.</p>

<p>"We have to make a decision. I had to make a decision and I made it. I knew the consequences of it and now we're going to have to make another one in January.</p>

<p>"We will just (be) putting the balance on what is the best thing for the club and the best thing for the team, and what the intentions of the player are, and we will try to find the right solutions for that."</p>

<p>Arteta also confirmed that 19-year-old defender Omar Rekik is close to joining the club from Hertha Berlin.</p>


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season. Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season. Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7. The 32-year-old has only six months left on his contract and is now free to talk to other clubs over a pre-contract agreement for next season. However, he could bring to an end his eight-year stay in London in the coming weeks, with reports in Turkey saying Ozil is close to agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce. "We will discuss internally what the best situation for him is for the near future, obviously with the player and the agent too, and try to find the best solution for everyone," said Arteta on Thursday. "If something was sorted this month, it's because it is good for both parties, it is good for Mesut and his future, and it's good for the club. If that's the case, we will move forward. If it's not the case the player will stay here." Ozil was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for this season, but is free to face Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on Saturday if selected. Clubs can make changes to those squads after the January transfer window, but Arteta hinted he is not likely to change his mind on Ozil's exclusion even if he remains at the Emirates for another six months. "We know that we have a really important player who is one of the key players in the past few seasons for this football club," added Arteta, who played alongside Ozil for three seasons at Arsenal before retiring in 2016. "We have to make a decision. I had to make a decision and I made it. I knew the consequences of it and now we're going to have to make another one in January. "We will just (be) putting the balance on what is the best thing for the club and the best thing for the team, and what the intentions of the player are, and we will try to find the right solutions for that." Arteta also confirmed that 19-year-old defender Omar Rekik is close to joining the club from Hertha Berlin.

Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta

<p>England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.</p>

<p>The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14.</p>

<p>Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder".</p>

<p>"I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota.</p>

<p>"The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been.</p>

<p>"Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well."</p>

<p>Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career.</p>

<p>Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format.</p>

<p>Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday.</p>

<p>"There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about.&nbsp;I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow.</p>

<p>"Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself.</p>

<p>"It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him."</p>

<p>The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.</p>


England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.

England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour. The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14. Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder". "I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota. "The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been. "Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well." Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career. Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format. Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday. "There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about. I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow. "Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself. "It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him." The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.

Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England

<p>Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month.</p>

<p>Since the last window closed in early October, hopes for a large-scale return of fans have been dashed by soaring infection rates across England, which have led to another national lockdown.</p>

<p>Football is feeling the strain. Forty positive Covid-19 cases were discovered over two rounds of Premier League testing in late December and early January, with three matches postponed.</p>

<p>This led to fears that another season could be interrupted by the pandemic, with clubs taking a fresh financial hit, even if Premier League bosses insist the season will continue.</p>

<p>"It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Other potential revenue streams have also dried up. A plan to televise matches on pay-per-view to mitigate the loss of matchday income was quickly dropped after a supporter backlash.</p>

<h2>- Buyer's market -</h2>

<p>Clubs on the continent were far more cautious in the summer window, with La Liga and Bundesliga clubs even running at a transfer surplus.</p>

<p>Premier League clubs found they were unable to offload players for the fees they had hoped for. The net spend of around £800 million was the second-highest on record in a single window and could have consequences for the market over the next month.</p>

<p>January tends to be a seller's market, with buyers panicked into improving their squads after a disappointing start to the season.</p>

<p>However, this time around a number of the biggest Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, are desperate to offload players to trim bloated squads and cut wage bills.</p>

<p>United and Spurs have already posted major losses from the 2018/19 season, when stadiums were open for two-thirds of the season.</p>

<p>Tottenham expect to lose £150 million in revenue for the 2020/21 season alone due to the impact of the pandemic on matchday income and the cancellation of events such as NFL games and concerts.</p>

<p>Chelsea's £32.5 million profit for last season came in a campaign when they were serving a transfer ban and they benefited from £150 million of sales, with the departures of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata.</p>

<p>The £220 million the Blues spent in the summer is not reflected in those figures and sales are the priority over signings at Stamford Bridge despite a run of one win in six league games.</p>

<h2>- Brexit effect -</h2>

<p>The impact of Covid-19 is not the only factor limiting clubs' options this month, with new Brexit rules on work permits for European Union nationals coming into force on January 1.</p>

<p>West Brom boss Sam Allardyce was the first top-flight manager to express his frustration at the new rules, with three of his transfer targets ruled out because they would not pass the new points-based system.</p>

<p>Points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club.</p>

<p>Major signings should not have any trouble fulfilling the criteria but the new system will have a radical impact on clubs' ability to recruit young players from Europe.</p>

<p>Britain no longer benefits from an exception to FIFA's rules that allows youth players to sign for clubs in another EU state, under which Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba first came to England.</p>

<h2>- Liverpool to make a move? -</h2>

<p>Just 10 points separate leaders Liverpool from Leeds in 12th in the most wide open title race for many years.</p>

<p>Manchester United and Manchester City would overtake the champions at the top if they win their games in hand.</p>

<p>Klopp admitted in normal circumstances he would definitely be in the market for a centre-back this month after losing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season and with Joel Matip also currently sidelined.</p>

<p>However, the economic impact of empty stadiums may force him to make do with a defence patched up by midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson playing out of position.</p>

<p>"You have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something? Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not," Klopp added.</p>

<p>"We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this."</p>


Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month.

Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month. Since the last window closed in early October, hopes for a large-scale return of fans have been dashed by soaring infection rates across England, which have led to another national lockdown. Football is feeling the strain. Forty positive Covid-19 cases were discovered over two rounds of Premier League testing in late December and early January, with three matches postponed. This led to fears that another season could be interrupted by the pandemic, with clubs taking a fresh financial hit, even if Premier League bosses insist the season will continue. "It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday. Other potential revenue streams have also dried up. A plan to televise matches on pay-per-view to mitigate the loss of matchday income was quickly dropped after a supporter backlash. - Buyer's market - Clubs on the continent were far more cautious in the summer window, with La Liga and Bundesliga clubs even running at a transfer surplus. Premier League clubs found they were unable to offload players for the fees they had hoped for. The net spend of around £800 million was the second-highest on record in a single window and could have consequences for the market over the next month. January tends to be a seller's market, with buyers panicked into improving their squads after a disappointing start to the season. However, this time around a number of the biggest Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, are desperate to offload players to trim bloated squads and cut wage bills. United and Spurs have already posted major losses from the 2018/19 season, when stadiums were open for two-thirds of the season. Tottenham expect to lose £150 million in revenue for the 2020/21 season alone due to the impact of the pandemic on matchday income and the cancellation of events such as NFL games and concerts. Chelsea's £32.5 million profit for last season came in a campaign when they were serving a transfer ban and they benefited from £150 million of sales, with the departures of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata. The £220 million the Blues spent in the summer is not reflected in those figures and sales are the priority over signings at Stamford Bridge despite a run of one win in six league games. - Brexit effect - The impact of Covid-19 is not the only factor limiting clubs' options this month, with new Brexit rules on work permits for European Union nationals coming into force on January 1. West Brom boss Sam Allardyce was the first top-flight manager to express his frustration at the new rules, with three of his transfer targets ruled out because they would not pass the new points-based system. Points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club. Major signings should not have any trouble fulfilling the criteria but the new system will have a radical impact on clubs' ability to recruit young players from Europe. Britain no longer benefits from an exception to FIFA's rules that allows youth players to sign for clubs in another EU state, under which Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba first came to England. - Liverpool to make a move? - Just 10 points separate leaders Liverpool from Leeds in 12th in the most wide open title race for many years. Manchester United and Manchester City would overtake the champions at the top if they win their games in hand. Klopp admitted in normal circumstances he would definitely be in the market for a centre-back this month after losing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season and with Joel Matip also currently sidelined. However, the economic impact of empty stadiums may force him to make do with a defence patched up by midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson playing out of position. "You have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something? Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not," Klopp added. "We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this."

Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending

<p>Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday announced the month-long measure covering the greater Tokyo area, taking effect from Friday, as the country battles a surge in infections.</p>

<p>Tokyo 2020 chiefs have already said that another postponement of the Games -- set to begin on July 23 -- is out of the question.</p>

<p>And they insisted Friday that the emergency would not derail plans.</p>

<p>"This declaration of emergency offers an opportunity to get the Covid-19 situation under control and for Tokyo 2020&nbsp;to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer, and we will proceed with the necessary preparations accordingly," organisers said in a statement.</p>

<p>Suga said Thursday that Japan is committed to holding a "safe and secure" Olympics, and that he believes public mood will change when the country begins vaccinations, currently scheduled for late next month.</p>

<p>International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told the BBC he could not "be certain" the Games will go ahead, because "the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus".</p>


Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony.

Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday announced the month-long measure covering the greater Tokyo area, taking effect from Friday, as the country battles a surge in infections. Tokyo 2020 chiefs have already said that another postponement of the Games -- set to begin on July 23 -- is out of the question. And they insisted Friday that the emergency would not derail plans. "This declaration of emergency offers an opportunity to get the Covid-19 situation under control and for Tokyo 2020 to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer, and we will proceed with the necessary preparations accordingly," organisers said in a statement. Suga said Thursday that Japan is committed to holding a "safe and secure" Olympics, and that he believes public mood will change when the country begins vaccinations, currently scheduled for late next month. International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told the BBC he could not "be certain" the Games will go ahead, because "the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus".

Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers

<p>A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.</p>

<p>On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62.</p>

<p>Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131.</p>

<p>They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1.</p>

<p>India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14.</p>

<p>Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him.</p>

<p>He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent.</p>

<p>He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41&nbsp;before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit.</p>

<p>Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership.</p>

<p>It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand.</p>

<p>But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja.</p>

<p>Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch.</p>

<p>At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in.</p>

<p>On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah.</p>

<p>Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back.</p>

<p>Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners.</p>

<p>He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.</p>


A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.

A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test. On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62. Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131. They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1. India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14. Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him. He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent. He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41 before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit. Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership. It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand. But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja. Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch. At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in. On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah. Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back. Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners. He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.

Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312

<p>Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne&nbsp;and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-next-big-thing-cricket-fraternity-left-awestruck-by-shubman-gill-after-maiden-half-century-355414" hreflang="en">'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahh Kayo, thank you for this <a href="https://t.co/Jy6PfTpvYK">pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK</a></p>
— Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29/status/1347443367651680257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lenphil29</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rpjward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rpjward</a> our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise.</p>
— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports/status/1347475408027930628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019.</p>

<p>Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.

Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India. The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test. "Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said. ALSO READ: 'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century "Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person. "Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh. Ahh Kayo, thank you for this pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK — Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) January 8, 2021 × Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. "Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance Hey @lenphil29 @rpjward our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise. — Kayo Sports (@kayosports) January 8, 2021 × Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits. Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter. Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019. Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.

Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds involved in expletive-laden mocking of Marnus Labuschagne on-air

<p>Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.</p>

<p>The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation.</p>

<p>Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15.</p>

<p>"We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP.</p>

<p>"The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)."</p>

<p>Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted"&nbsp;by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>"Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia&nbsp;will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said.</p>

<p>Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia.</p>

<p>"In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday.</p>

<p>"What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball."</p>

<p>The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team."</p>

<p>The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city.</p>

<p>The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant.</p>

<p>The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.</p>


Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.

Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city. The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation. Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15. "We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP. "The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)." Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted" by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions. "Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia. "In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday. "What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball." The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team." The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city. The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant. The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.

Brisbane virus lockdown raises concerns over cricket Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6cb15615-ea01-4675-a7e3-a57d68928629}{142}" paraid="896571717" >Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea56cd79-1dca-4a9d-b2c9-6ea99ae7426c}{56}" paraid="1860724502" >Villa were forced to shut their training ground on Thursday with concerns that they would have to forfeit their match&nbsp;against&nbsp;Jurgen Klopp’s side.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d18116e0-c88f-43d3-9452-302121aa94a5}{255}" paraid="1885788301" >"Aston Villa can confirm that the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool will be played at Villa Park this evening," read a brief statement on the club's website.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3f2eda50-45d1-4b0f-b778-b1ec05a438b8}{26}" paraid="1732816023" >As per reports, no first-team player will participate in the FA Cup tie with 10 players in the first-team bubble testing positive for the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3f2eda50-45d1-4b0f-b778-b1ec05a438b8}{26}" paraid="1732816023" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-exit-for-ozil-could-be-best-solution-says-arteta-355324" hreflang="en">Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1e44dfe2-1d28-479e-8611-ef52e7e84ea7}{53}" paraid="642968733" >With no Steve Bruce available, under-23s coach Mark Delaney is expected to take charge of a side assembled with under-18 and under-23 players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9696dbea-7374-4a54-bf24-7e3ab6589b57}{100}" paraid="1099793882" >The recent outbreak at Villa also put their upcoming Premier League matches in doubt. They are set to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday before taking on Everton on January&nbsp;16.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d51b05d-afd5-4468-a7a4-dc2c96993310}{11}" paraid="1675415798" >There are further concerns over the Premier League 2020-21 season fate with infection rising sharply in Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d51b05d-afd5-4468-a7a4-dc2c96993310}{11}" paraid="1675415798" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-brexit-tame-premier-league-spending-355319" hreflang="en">Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a3f3431c-2c3c-4759-a60d-36882b2f58ae}{50}" paraid="1480006862" >A record-high 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a3f3431c-2c3c-4759-a60d-36882b2f58ae}{62}" paraid="127167830" >Newcastle United’s match against Aston Villa in December 2020 was the first top-flight match to get postponed by COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b2e877b4-62a0-4c27-b641-6bd3569a419b}{47}" paraid="1385479716" >Magpies manager Steve Bruce questioned the morality of playing on as the pandemic worsens.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{238}" paraid="514474188" >"The speed which it hit our club within a week, and ripped through, is something which all clubs will be looking at now," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{247}" paraid="638919862" >"It's difficult to contain and it leaves people sick. Financially it's right to play on but morally, for me, it's probably wrong."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{97}" paraid="1409819267" >&nbsp;</p>


Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus.

Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus. Villa were forced to shut their training ground on Thursday with concerns that they would have to forfeit their match against Jurgen Klopp’s side. "Aston Villa can confirm that the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool will be played at Villa Park this evening," read a brief statement on the club's website. As per reports, no first-team player will participate in the FA Cup tie with 10 players in the first-team bubble testing positive for the virus. ALSO READ: Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta With no Steve Bruce available, under-23s coach Mark Delaney is expected to take charge of a side assembled with under-18 and under-23 players. The recent outbreak at Villa also put their upcoming Premier League matches in doubt. They are set to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday before taking on Everton on January 16. There are further concerns over the Premier League 2020-21 season fate with infection rising sharply in Britain. ALSO READ: Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending A record-high 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3. Newcastle United’s match against Aston Villa in December 2020 was the first top-flight match to get postponed by COVID-19 outbreak. Magpies manager Steve Bruce questioned the morality of playing on as the pandemic worsens. "The speed which it hit our club within a week, and ripped through, is something which all clubs will be looking at now," he said. "It's difficult to contain and it leaves people sick. Financially it's right to play on but morally, for me, it's probably wrong."

FA Cup: Aston Villa confirm Liverpool match to go ahead despite coronavirus outbreak

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