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Melbourne, Australia: Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was absolutely livid with the shot Rishabh Pant played and got out on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out.
<h2>Sunil Gavaskar questions Rishabh Pant's shot selection</h2>
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," was Gavaskar's immediate reaction on commentary. Have a look at the shot below:
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<a href="https://t.co/yxc8oQ4Iu2">pic.twitter.com/yxc8oQ4Iu2</a>
&mdash; Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) <a href="https://twitter.com/gavaskar_theman/status/1872805545100591257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"You've got two fielders there, and you still go for that, you've missed the previous shot. And look where you've been caught. You've been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was. You have to understand the situation as well, you cannot say that that's your natural game. I'm sorry, that is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!"
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-nitish-reddy-keeps-india-afloat-in-boxing-day-test-with-maiden-hundred-8572499">BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred</a>
The former skipper, however, acknowledged that there was a bit of bad luck but still criticised the shot as irresponsible.
"I think earlier on, when there had been no fielders around, that's when he's attempted these shots, that is understandable because you're taking a very good chance," Gavaskar said on official broadcaster Star Sports during the lunch break. "That [the shot] was supposed to go to the leg side, that went to the off side, it actually tells you maybe [there was] a little bit of bad luck involved, but terrible selection of a shot to play at that particular point with two fielders down at deep square-leg and deep point."
India, however, were rescued by 127 runs partnership for the eighth wicket between Washington Sundar (50) and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (105 not out).
India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG.

Sports Cricket News BGT: Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out at MCG on Day 3.

Melbourne, Australia: Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was absolutely livid with the shot Rishabh Pant played and got out on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out. Sunil Gavaskar questions Rishabh Pant's shot selection "Stupid, stupid, stupid," was Gavaskar's immediate reaction on commentary. Have a look at the shot below: pic.twitter.com/yxc8oQ4Iu2 — Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 28, 2024 "You've got two fielders there, and you still go for that, you've missed the previous shot. And look where you've been caught. You've been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was. You have to understand the situation as well, you cannot say that that's your natural game. I'm sorry, that is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!" Also Read: BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred The former skipper, however, acknowledged that there was a bit of bad luck but still criticised the shot as irresponsible. "I think earlier on, when there had been no fielders around, that's when he's attempted these shots, that is understandable because you're taking a very good chance," Gavaskar said on official broadcaster Star Sports during the lunch break. "That [the shot] was supposed to go to the leg side, that went to the off side, it actually tells you maybe [there was] a little bit of bad luck involved, but terrible selection of a shot to play at that particular point with two fielders down at deep square-leg and deep point." India, however, were rescued by 127 runs partnership for the eighth wicket between Washington Sundar (50) and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (105 not out). India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG.

BGT 2024-25: Gavaskar livid with 'terrible selection' of Rishabh Pant

Nitish Kumar Reddy is the new hero of Indian cricket. The rookie all-rounder smashed his maiden international hundred on day three of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG, pulling India out of trouble after early blows. Reddy&rsquo;s maiden ton saw the fans, dressing room, broadcasters and social media bursting into joy, celebrating his success.
Reddy comes across as a typical old-school player with a temperament worth a glance. Outside of his stance and steady and calm head that helped him taste early success in only his fourth Test Down Under, Reddy&rsquo;s composure drives his game despite coming in lower down the order.
On day three, Reddy walked in at 191 for six, at a time when India&rsquo;s aim was to avoid the follow-on.
He took hold of the situation and, alongside Washington Sundar, kept the run rate ticking. The pair made most of the batting conditions at the MCG, scoring runs off the bad balls and leaving the good ones, impressing the former players sitting in the commentary box.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-nitish-reddy-keeps-india-afloat-in-boxing-day-test-with-maiden-hundred-8572499" rel="dofollow">BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred</a>
Both hit respective fifties, with Reddy going one step further to complete his maiden Test hundred, but that didn&rsquo;t come smoothly.&nbsp;
Batting in the 90s, Reddy lost Sundar (50) and Jasprit Bumrah (0) at the other end, besides needing Mohammed Siraj to play just three balls to avoid missing out on a milestone, which he did.
Facing Boland, Reddy took three balls before whacking one over the mid-on to cross the three-digit mark, much to everyone&rsquo;s ecstasy.
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Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vbqq5C26gz">pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872890790956974365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Soon, social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for the newcomer, with cricket celebrities calling him the next big thing.
<h2>Check reactions -&nbsp;</h2>
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This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude and most importantly the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played 👏🏻👏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nitishkumarreddy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nitishkumarreddy</a> <a href="https://t.co/vIZyVyM2UJ">pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ</a>
&mdash; Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1872890470763991214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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So much emotion and joy. Amidst the tough and unyielding nature of our sport, it still leaves room for tender moments. That was beautiful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NitishKumarReddy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NitishKumarReddy</a>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1872894980425171353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Constantly amazed by these young Indian players, born in T20 times, but still&hellip;oh so desperate, for Test match success. Jaiswal, Gill, Washy &amp; now, this new revelation Nitish Kumar Reddy! 👏👏👏🙇🙇
&mdash; Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1872890715656863765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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That&rsquo;s a test century of high quality and technical skill from 21 yr old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Left the ball expertly, &amp; attacked when needed. Another deeply moving story of parental sacrifice in Indian cricket.
&mdash; Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1872889792473731444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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8 years ago, Mutyala Reddy, an employee at Hindustan Zinc, quit as he was getting transferred &amp; wanted to instead focus on his son's cricket. Today he saw him get his maiden century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG It's as much his dream coming true as Nitish's! <a href="https://t.co/vaifQtlzGU">pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU</a>
&mdash; Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) <a href="https://twitter.com/joybhattacharj/status/1872898576235508019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Happy with that 🇮🇳 Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his maiden Test century! <a href="https://t.co/VLC23NWNqQ">pic.twitter.com/VLC23NWNqQ</a>
&mdash; Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCG/status/1872892388617929099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On public demand This is for Nitish Kumar reddy. Well played youngster 👏 so proud of you 💯 <a href="https://t.co/F6e4T9XEkJ">pic.twitter.com/F6e4T9XEkJ</a>
&mdash; Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1872892652754223265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations to Nitish kumar reddy on scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. <a href="https://t.co/fjhe7iN8T9">pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9</a>
&mdash; 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1872901620167786976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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That was as good a 100 as you could ever make .. the pressure of the game,huge crowd,it&rsquo;s at the G and his first in only his 4th game .. absolutely brilliant from Nitish Kumar reddy .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDIA</a>
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1872909926760329588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A star is born! Take a bow Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a 100 in a tough situation, so composed and well organised in defence and attack . His partnership with Washington Sundar just what India needed. Great day to be an Indian at the Boxing Day test: dholaks, India India chants,&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/hT5z37UWEa">pic.twitter.com/hT5z37UWEa</a>
&mdash; Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1872889657844711691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! 🔥🔥 Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on! He is now the leading run scorer for India in the ongoing BGT 🙌👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/URu6dBsWmg">https://t.co/URu6dBsWmg</a> <a href="https://t.co/J8D08SOceT">pic.twitter.com/J8D08SOceT</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1872889525892219194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Take a bow, Nitish Reddy! What a gritty debut century!!! Your innings was pure class, but I bet the proudest smile today belongs to your dad. Here&rsquo;s to many more centuries and to keeping that Reddy fire alive. P.S. - Your dad might need a bigger trophy shelf soon <a href="https://t.co/I56yC2QsOw">pic.twitter.com/I56yC2QsOw</a>
&mdash; Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunielVShetty/status/1872906845507207608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar you beauty! This is the fight we all Indian fans want to see - it&rsquo;s time for the next generation of Indian cricket to take over - bring it on Aussies - you can heckle us but don&rsquo;t you dare abuse our greats and the games greats because if&hellip;
&mdash; Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParthJindal11/status/1872881949926097187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A century to remember for a long for Nitish kumar reddy Fought like a warrior <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKReddy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKReddy</a> keep going buddy.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BGT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Snc9OwWzlb">pic.twitter.com/Snc9OwWzlb</a>
&mdash; Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) <a href="https://twitter.com/munafpa99881129/status/1872892912142565439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, stumps were taken early on day three due to bad light, with India's scorecard reading 358 for nine, trailing behind by 116 runs.

Nitish Reddy leads the runs chart for India in this marquee Test series Down Under. His maiden ton saw the fans and social media bursting into joy, celebrating his success.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is the new hero of Indian cricket. The rookie all-rounder smashed his maiden international hundred on day three of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG, pulling India out of trouble after early blows. Reddy’s maiden ton saw the fans, dressing room, broadcasters and social media bursting into joy, celebrating his success. Reddy comes across as a typical old-school player with a temperament worth a glance. Outside of his stance and steady and calm head that helped him taste early success in only his fourth Test Down Under, Reddy’s composure drives his game despite coming in lower down the order. On day three, Reddy walked in at 191 for six, at a time when India’s aim was to avoid the follow-on. He took hold of the situation and, alongside Washington Sundar, kept the run rate ticking. The pair made most of the batting conditions at the MCG, scoring runs off the bad balls and leaving the good ones, impressing the former players sitting in the commentary box. Also read | BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred Both hit respective fifties, with Reddy going one step further to complete his maiden Test hundred, but that didn’t come smoothly. Batting in the 90s, Reddy lost Sundar (50) and Jasprit Bumrah (0) at the other end, besides needing Mohammed Siraj to play just three balls to avoid missing out on a milestone, which he did. Facing Boland, Reddy took three balls before whacking one over the mid-on to cross the three-digit mark, much to everyone’s ecstasy. Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024 Soon, social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for the newcomer, with cricket celebrities calling him the next big thing. Check reactions - This young man just continues to impress. His compact technique, gutsy attitude and most importantly the way he puts a price on his wicket are all impressive attributes of a fine Test batter in the making. Very well played 👏🏻👏🏻 #AUSvIND #nitishkumarreddy pic.twitter.com/vIZyVyM2UJ — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2024 So much emotion and joy. Amidst the tough and unyielding nature of our sport, it still leaves room for tender moments. That was beautiful #NitishKumarReddy — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 28, 2024 Constantly amazed by these young Indian players, born in T20 times, but still…oh so desperate, for Test match success. Jaiswal, Gill, Washy & now, this new revelation Nitish Kumar Reddy! 👏👏👏🙇🙇 — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 28, 2024 That’s a test century of high quality and technical skill from 21 yr old Nitish Kumar Reddy. Left the ball expertly, & attacked when needed. Another deeply moving story of parental sacrifice in Indian cricket. — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 28, 2024 8 years ago, Mutyala Reddy, an employee at Hindustan Zinc, quit as he was getting transferred & wanted to instead focus on his son's cricket. Today he saw him get his maiden century in front of 80,000 spectators at the MCG It's as much his dream coming true as Nitish's! pic.twitter.com/vaifQtlzGU — Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 28, 2024 Happy with that 🇮🇳 Nitish Kumar Reddy brings up his maiden Test century! pic.twitter.com/VLC23NWNqQ — Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 28, 2024 On public demand This is for Nitish Kumar reddy. Well played youngster 👏 so proud of you 💯 pic.twitter.com/F6e4T9XEkJ — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 28, 2024 Congratulations to Nitish kumar reddy on scoring his first century. This remarkable achievement reflects hard work and dedication. We look forward to witnessing more successes in your career. Keep inspiring us all. pic.twitter.com/fjhe7iN8T9 — 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) December 28, 2024 That was as good a 100 as you could ever make .. the pressure of the game,huge crowd,it’s at the G and his first in only his 4th game .. absolutely brilliant from Nitish Kumar reddy .. #AUSvINDIA — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 28, 2024 A star is born! Take a bow Nitish Kumar Reddy, what a 100 in a tough situation, so composed and well organised in defence and attack . His partnership with Washington Sundar just what India needed. Great day to be an Indian at the Boxing Day test: dholaks, India India chants,… pic.twitter.com/hT5z37UWEa — Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) December 28, 2024 फायर नहीं वाइल्डफायर है! 🔥🔥 Nitish Kumar Reddy gets to his maiden CENTURY and what a stage to get it on! He is now the leading run scorer for India in the ongoing BGT 🙌👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND https://t.co/URu6dBsWmg pic.twitter.com/J8D08SOceT — BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2024 Take a bow, Nitish Reddy! What a gritty debut century!!! Your innings was pure class, but I bet the proudest smile today belongs to your dad. Here’s to many more centuries and to keeping that Reddy fire alive. P.S. - Your dad might need a bigger trophy shelf soon pic.twitter.com/I56yC2QsOw — Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) December 28, 2024 Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar you beauty! This is the fight we all Indian fans want to see - it’s time for the next generation of Indian cricket to take over - bring it on Aussies - you can heckle us but don’t you dare abuse our greats and the games greats because if… — Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) December 28, 2024 A century to remember for a long for Nitish kumar reddy Fought like a warrior @NitishKReddy keep going buddy.#NKR #BGT #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/Snc9OwWzlb — Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) December 28, 2024 Meanwhile, stumps were taken early on day three due to bad light, with India's scorecard reading 358 for nine, trailing behind by 116 runs.

BGT: Social media erupts in joy at Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test hundred; check reactions

Nitish Kumar Reddy completed his maiden international hundred against Australia on day three of the fourth Test at the MCG. Reddy continues to impress everyone with his game awareness, playing style, grit and the art of not chasing every ball in only his fourth game in the whites, putting India afloat in the Boxing Day Test.
Reddy and Washington Sundar completed a 127-run stand for the eighth wicket, which saw India avoiding follow-on and cutting the deficit to under 150. The left-right combination made most of the batting conditions on day three at the MCG after India lost two wickets in the first session on day three.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-nitish-reddy-and-washington-sundar-lead-indias-fightback-on-day-three-8572284" rel="dofollow">BGT, MCG Test: Reddy, Sundar lead India's fightback on day three</a>
Walking into bat after Rishabh Pant&rsquo;s bizarre dismissal on 28 for which he received bashing from commentators, including veteran Sunil Gavaskar, Reddy took his time and cautiously approached his innings, indicating his high sense of the game awareness. The newcomer, who played a few handy knocks in this ongoing series, looked in his elements and, with Sundar in the middle, scripted India&rsquo;s comeback in this Test.
The right-hander was on the top of his game, playing like he had been around forever. His calm and steady head, adding up the ability to absorb pressure like none other, kept him ahead of the Aussies on a gloomy day three at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;. Despite rain interruption before tea, Reddy looked certain to frustrate the hosts even more by piling up runs. &nbsp;
Soon after he completed his first Test fifty, Reddy kept the run-rate ticking, and despite losing Sundar (on 50) close to his first Test ton, he held his calm before taking on Scott Boland over the mid-on for a four to realise his dream.
<h2>Father in tears in stand</h2>
Nitish Reddy&rsquo;s father, sitting in the stands watching his son play perhaps his best international knock in a brief career thus far, shed tears of joy as his son became the latest Indian batter to smash a Boxing Day hundred against Australia.&nbsp;
<h3>WATCH VIDEO -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m57sxess-b4vifvqq-xggfw3wa">
Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vbqq5C26gz">pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872890790956974365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
The whole dressing room and the crowd erupted in joy seeing Reddy saving India&rsquo;s day in this crucial game of the series.&nbsp;
The bad light stopped play, and stumps were taken on day three, with India's scorecard reading 358 for nine, trailing behind by 116 runs.
(With inputs from agencies)

In only his fourth Test for India, all Down Under, Nitish Reddy completed his maiden Test hundred, helping India avoid the follow-on and cut the deficit. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy completed his maiden international hundred against Australia on day three of the fourth Test at the MCG. Reddy continues to impress everyone with his game awareness, playing style, grit and the art of not chasing every ball in only his fourth game in the whites, putting India afloat in the Boxing Day Test. Reddy and Washington Sundar completed a 127-run stand for the eighth wicket, which saw India avoiding follow-on and cutting the deficit to under 150. The left-right combination made most of the batting conditions on day three at the MCG after India lost two wickets in the first session on day three. Also read | BGT, MCG Test: Reddy, Sundar lead India's fightback on day three Walking into bat after Rishabh Pant’s bizarre dismissal on 28 for which he received bashing from commentators, including veteran Sunil Gavaskar, Reddy took his time and cautiously approached his innings, indicating his high sense of the game awareness. The newcomer, who played a few handy knocks in this ongoing series, looked in his elements and, with Sundar in the middle, scripted India’s comeback in this Test. The right-hander was on the top of his game, playing like he had been around forever. His calm and steady head, adding up the ability to absorb pressure like none other, kept him ahead of the Aussies on a gloomy day three at the ‘G’. Despite rain interruption before tea, Reddy looked certain to frustrate the hosts even more by piling up runs. Soon after he completed his first Test fifty, Reddy kept the run-rate ticking, and despite losing Sundar (on 50) close to his first Test ton, he held his calm before taking on Scott Boland over the mid-on for a four to realise his dream. Father in tears in stand Nitish Reddy’s father, sitting in the stands watching his son play perhaps his best international knock in a brief career thus far, shed tears of joy as his son became the latest Indian batter to smash a Boxing Day hundred against Australia. WATCH VIDEO - Nitish Kumar Reddy hits his maiden Test century and receives a standing ovation from the MCG crowd ❤️ #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vbqq5C26gz — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024 The whole dressing room and the crowd erupted in joy seeing Reddy saving India’s day in this crucial game of the series. The bad light stopped play, and stumps were taken on day three, with India's scorecard reading 358 for nine, trailing behind by 116 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred

Young all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar led a day three rearguard Saturday as India battled back to 326-7 in the fourth Test against Australia.<o:p></o:p>
In overcast conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Reddy posted a maiden Test half-century and was 85 not out before light rain caused tea to be called 15 minutes early.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-pak-debutant-corbin-bosch-continues-impressive-run-breaks-this-122-year-old-record-8571445" rel="dofollow">SA vs PAK: Debutant Corbin Bosch breaks THIS 122-year-old record</a>
Sundar was equally defiant on 40 off 115 balls in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 105 to leave India still trailing by 148 runs.<o:p></o:p>
The pair batted through the second session in largely untroubled fashion, passing the follow-on mark and seeing off the second new ball to frustrate the home side, who have been in the driving seat since posting 474 in their first innings.<o:p></o:p>
They held up Australia's push for a win that would put them 2-1 up going into the fifth and final Test in Sydney next week.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Batting at number eight in an Indian line-up that has largely struggled for runs, Reddy has been a shining light in his debut series. <o:p></o:p>The 21-year-old's 264 runs have come at an average of 66, although he had fallen narrowly short of 50 on several occasions.<o:p></o:p>
He mixed resolute defence with some classical straight-bat stroke play in facing 119 balls, scoring eight fours and a six -- the eighth time he has cleared the ropes this series.<o:p></o:p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m57p5fad-0hlsr47m-hor6asws">
The eighth maximum of the series for Nitish Kumar Reddy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/yOPTdJhL64">pic.twitter.com/yOPTdJhL64</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872813423509000473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Sundar, who missed the second and third Tests, was recalled primarily for his off-spin.<o:p></o:p>
The 25-year-old survived a freakish chance when he was on 18.<o:p></o:p>
Attempting to flick a leg-sided delivery from Mitchell Starc, the ball flew from the back of the bat into the slip cordon where a diving Steve Smith spilled a one-handed opportunity.<o:p></o:p>
India lost Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in the first session, advancing from 164-5 overnight to 244-7 at lunch.<o:p></o:p>
Seamer Scott Boland, who taken 3-49, removed the aggressive Pant for 28 off 37 balls before off-spinner Nathan Lyon accounted for Jadeja for 17.<o:p></o:p>
Pant's slightly streaky knock ended when he over-balanced while attempting a ramp shot for six, top-edging the ball to third man where Lyon held the catch.<o:p></o:p>
Jadeja batted more doggedly, taking 18 balls to score his first runs of the day, before playing back to a Lyon delivery that skidded on and trapped him lbw.<o:p></o:p>
The forecast for the remainder of the afternoon was for sporadic showers.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In overcast conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Reddy posted a maiden Test half-century and was 85 not out before light rain caused tea to be called 15 minutes early.

Young all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar led a day three rearguard Saturday as India battled back to 326-7 in the fourth Test against Australia. In overcast conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Reddy posted a maiden Test half-century and was 85 not out before light rain caused tea to be called 15 minutes early. Also read | SA vs PAK: Debutant Corbin Bosch breaks THIS 122-year-old record Sundar was equally defiant on 40 off 115 balls in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 105 to leave India still trailing by 148 runs. The pair batted through the second session in largely untroubled fashion, passing the follow-on mark and seeing off the second new ball to frustrate the home side, who have been in the driving seat since posting 474 in their first innings. They held up Australia's push for a win that would put them 2-1 up going into the fifth and final Test in Sydney next week. Batting at number eight in an Indian line-up that has largely struggled for runs, Reddy has been a shining light in his debut series. The 21-year-old's 264 runs have come at an average of 66, although he had fallen narrowly short of 50 on several occasions. He mixed resolute defence with some classical straight-bat stroke play in facing 119 balls, scoring eight fours and a six -- the eighth time he has cleared the ropes this series. The eighth maximum of the series for Nitish Kumar Reddy! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/yOPTdJhL64 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2024 Sundar, who missed the second and third Tests, was recalled primarily for his off-spin. The 25-year-old survived a freakish chance when he was on 18. Attempting to flick a leg-sided delivery from Mitchell Starc, the ball flew from the back of the bat into the slip cordon where a diving Steve Smith spilled a one-handed opportunity. India lost Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in the first session, advancing from 164-5 overnight to 244-7 at lunch. Seamer Scott Boland, who taken 3-49, removed the aggressive Pant for 28 off 37 balls before off-spinner Nathan Lyon accounted for Jadeja for 17. Pant's slightly streaky knock ended when he over-balanced while attempting a ramp shot for six, top-edging the ball to third man where Lyon held the catch. Jadeja batted more doggedly, taking 18 balls to score his first runs of the day, before playing back to a Lyon delivery that skidded on and trapped him lbw. The forecast for the remainder of the afternoon was for sporadic showers. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT, MCG Test: Reddy, Sundar lead India's fightback on day three

Match 14 of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will see the Melbourne Stars lock horns with the Sydney Thunder on Saturday (Dec 28) in Canberra. While the Melbourne franchise are yet to get off the mark this season, the Thunder will be aiming to hit a consistent run as the tournament slowly and steadily enters the halfway mark.&nbsp;
Talking about the Marcus Stoinis-led Melbourne Stars, they are winless after four games. To add to their woes, they have lost by big margins as well. Even Glenn Maxwell's comeback didn't lead to a change in fortunes. Speaking about the Sydney franchise, the David Warner-led squad is at the sixth spot with a win and a loss after two games.
Sydney beat Adelaide Strikers in their opening game before losing to Sydney Sixers by five wickets in their previous encounter.
HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LIVE-STREAMING DETAILS OF THE CLASH:
Which stadium will host the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match?
The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will be played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra.
What time will the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match start?
The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will commence at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST).
Where to watch the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match on TV?
The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder will be telecast on Star Sports network in India.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-sanjay-manjrekar-irfan-pathan-indulge-in-heated-argument-over-yashasvi-jaiswals-run-out-on-day-2-at-mcg-8570434" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal&rsquo;s run out on day 2 at MCG</a>
Where to watch the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder LIVE Streaming online on OTT?
The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India.
Squads:
Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Tom Curran, Hamish McKenzie, Adam Milne, Brody Couch, Blake Macdonald, Campbell Kellaway, Jonathan Merlo, Joel Paris
Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sherfane Rutherford, Daniel Sams, Sam Billings(w), Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Liam Hatcher, Jason Sangha

Big Bash League 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder live on laptop, TV

Match 14 of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will see the Melbourne Stars lock horns with the Sydney Thunder on Saturday (Dec 28) in Canberra. While the Melbourne franchise are yet to get off the mark this season, the Thunder will be aiming to hit a consistent run as the tournament slowly and steadily enters the halfway mark. Talking about the Marcus Stoinis-led Melbourne Stars, they are winless after four games. To add to their woes, they have lost by big margins as well. Even Glenn Maxwell's comeback didn't lead to a change in fortunes. Speaking about the Sydney franchise, the David Warner-led squad is at the sixth spot with a win and a loss after two games. Sydney beat Adelaide Strikers in their opening game before losing to Sydney Sixers by five wickets in their previous encounter. HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LIVE-STREAMING DETAILS OF THE CLASH: Which stadium will host the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match? The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will be played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. What time will the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match start? The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will commence at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST). Where to watch the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match on TV? The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder will be telecast on Star Sports network in India. Also read: BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal’s run out on day 2 at MCG Where to watch the Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder LIVE Streaming online on OTT? The Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India. Squads: Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Tom Curran, Hamish McKenzie, Adam Milne, Brody Couch, Blake Macdonald, Campbell Kellaway, Jonathan Merlo, Joel Paris Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sherfane Rutherford, Daniel Sams, Sam Billings(w), Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Liam Hatcher, Jason Sangha

BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder live on laptop, TV

Steve Smith might have broken plenty of records with his Boxing Day hundred against India in the ongoing BGT but admitted enjoying teenager Sam Konstas&rsquo; debut outing more, especially for how he remained unfazed against the world&rsquo;s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
Konstas&rsquo; reverse ramps to the ace Indian seamer for a six and a few fours already fetched him countless praises, with Smith going one step ahead, claiming he nearly had a heart attack seeing Sam smashing Bumrah for fun.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-sanjay-manjrekar-irfan-pathan-indulge-in-heated-argument-over-yashasvi-jaiswals-run-out-on-day-2-at-mcg-8570434" rel="dofollow">BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal&rsquo;s run out on day 2 at MCG</a>
Smith made day two of the MCG Test about himself with a majestic 140, powering Australia to a massive 474 in the first innings. His hundred saw him become the most successful century-maker against India in Tests, surpassing England's Joe Root with 11 Test tons and counting.
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11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/SO8tnwPds4">pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872443951627616565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
Smith&rsquo;s 140 was his second ton of this series and 18th on the Australian soil.
He, however, was excited to talk about the fearless youngster, who seemed to take the world by storm.
"I don't think much fazes the young kid," Smith said about Konstas following day two play in Melbourne. "As we saw yesterday, he was reverse ramping Bumrah, and I was having a heart attack up in the (viewing) box."
<h2>Swung the momentum our way</h2>
Meanwhile, Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the XI for the MCG Test and made a name for himself by hitting the Indian bowlers left, right and centre.&nbsp;
Blown away with the magic he brought to the crease with his array of shots and confidence beaming with each boundary, Smith said one has to have the courage to do what he did to Bumrah on day one.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m56nnblg-0b2gbsgj-5jdohbx7">
WHAT ARE WE SEEING! Sam Konstas just whipped Jasprit Bumrah for six 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZuNdtCncLO">pic.twitter.com/ZuNdtCncLO</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872071914895659053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
"You've got to have some serious courage to do what he did yesterday. That first over, Bumrah beat him three or four times and bowled some really nice balls.
"I actually thought he (Konstas) played them really well; he played down the line, and they just did too much, and they beat the outside edge.
"And then for a kid to have the confidence to start lapping and reverse lapping arguably one of the best bowlers that has played the game, shows some serious confidence and real courage,&rdquo; Smith added.
"It swung momentum our way.&nbsp;
"You saw when he got picked that George (Bailey, selection panel chair) and 'Ron' (Andrew McDonald, men's team coach) said they wanted to see something different and show something different to the new ball.
"We certainly saw that, and it worked out really well for us yesterday,&rdquo; the veteran batter continued.
Meanwhile, as things stand, India trail behind by 310 runs, with five of their batters back in the hut.
(With inputs from agencies)

Konstas’ reverse ramps to the ace Indian seamer for a six and a few fours already fetched him countless praises, with Smith going one step ahead.


Steve Smith might have broken plenty of records with his Boxing Day hundred against India in the ongoing BGT but admitted enjoying teenager Sam Konstas’ debut outing more, especially for how he remained unfazed against the world’s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas’ reverse ramps to the ace Indian seamer for a six and a few fours already fetched him countless praises, with Smith going one step ahead, claiming he nearly had a heart attack seeing Sam smashing Bumrah for fun. ALSO READ: BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal’s run out on day 2 at MCG Smith made day two of the MCG Test about himself with a majestic 140, powering Australia to a massive 474 in the first innings. His hundred saw him become the most successful century-maker against India in Tests, surpassing England's Joe Root with 11 Test tons and counting. 11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 Smith’s 140 was his second ton of this series and 18th on the Australian soil. He, however, was excited to talk about the fearless youngster, who seemed to take the world by storm. "I don't think much fazes the young kid," Smith said about Konstas following day two play in Melbourne. "As we saw yesterday, he was reverse ramping Bumrah, and I was having a heart attack up in the (viewing) box." Swung the momentum our way Meanwhile, Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the XI for the MCG Test and made a name for himself by hitting the Indian bowlers left, right and centre. Blown away with the magic he brought to the crease with his array of shots and confidence beaming with each boundary, Smith said one has to have the courage to do what he did to Bumrah on day one. WHAT ARE WE SEEING! Sam Konstas just whipped Jasprit Bumrah for six 😱#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/ZuNdtCncLO — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 "You've got to have some serious courage to do what he did yesterday. That first over, Bumrah beat him three or four times and bowled some really nice balls. "I actually thought he (Konstas) played them really well; he played down the line, and they just did too much, and they beat the outside edge. "And then for a kid to have the confidence to start lapping and reverse lapping arguably one of the best bowlers that has played the game, shows some serious confidence and real courage,” Smith added. "It swung momentum our way. "You saw when he got picked that George (Bailey, selection panel chair) and 'Ron' (Andrew McDonald, men's team coach) said they wanted to see something different and show something different to the new ball. "We certainly saw that, and it worked out really well for us yesterday,” the veteran batter continued. Meanwhile, as things stand, India trail behind by 310 runs, with five of their batters back in the hut. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT – ‘I was having a heart attack,’ Smith on Konstas’ unfazed approach against Bumrah

Plenty happened on day two of the fourth BGT Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. While Steve Smith put Australia ahead with his record 34th Test hundred, second in two Tests and 11th against India in this format, what unfolded in the last 20 minutes of play further dent India&rsquo;s chances of taking a lead in this five-match series.
A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, leading to the latter&rsquo;s dismissal on 82, Virat edging one to the keeper off Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sending nightwatchman Akash Deep back on zero, all happened in the space of four overs, reducing India from 153 for two to 159 for five.
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A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/a9G4uZwYIk">pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872533433701806530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
That passage of play, however, blew Team India&rsquo;s momentum, which they gained with the 102-run stand between Kohli and Jaiswal earlier.
<h2>Kohli-Jaiswal mix up</h2>
On the last ball of the 41st over, Jaiswal played one towards the mid-on off Boland and ran immediately. Instead of trusting his partner&rsquo;s call and going for the single, Kohli, upon looking back, realised Jaiswal had taken a risk by going for it; Kohli held his ground, leaving Jaiswal nowhere to go after he almost reached the non-striker&rsquo;s end.&nbsp;
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-its-a-bit-of-desperation-ravi-shastri-slams-australian-media-for-targeting-virat-kohli-8569734" rel="dofollow">BGT: &lsquo;It&rsquo;s a bit of desperation,&rsquo; Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli</a>
That led to a massive mix-up with Pat Cummins and Alex Carey accounting for Jaiswal's run-out, which later triggered a mini-collapse.
<h3>Blame game continues</h3>
Stunned by Kohli&rsquo;s decision not to complete the run, the commentators, mainly Sanjay Manjrekar, came down hard on the Indian veteran for his mistake before he got into a heated argument with his fellow broadcaster and ex-India star Irfan Pathan in the Star Sports&rsquo; post-match show.
While Manjrekar stuck to his point of Kohli being the culprit in this situation, Pathan jumped onto defending the former India captain, saying Kohli was at risk of getting run out at the striker&rsquo;s end, leaving Manjrekar furious over the whole argument.
"Ball was going slow, I don't think Kohli would've been run out. It was Jaiswal's call. Maybe a risky run, but he was at the danger end, not Kohli. It was a schoolboy error from Virat that he looked back and decided it wasn't a run. If it was a bad call from Jaiswal, he would've gotten out at the non-striker's end," Manjrekar said on the Star Sports show.
After Pathan defended his point on how Jaiswal was wrong in calling it in the first go, Sanjay said, "If you don't want to let me talk, it's alright".
Manjrekar further lost his cool after Pathan continued to press his opinion, replying, "Irfan Pathan's new interpretation of whether it is a run or not, should be added to the coaching manual."
The former Mumbai batter didn&rsquo;t stop there, continuing to talk about how the &lsquo;guilt&rsquo; of Jaiswal&rsquo;s run out led to Kohli&rsquo;s dismissal.
"Kohli's dismissal probably also down to the guilt he had inside his heart over Jaiswal's run-out. He was leaving outside-off deliveries until then but lost his concentration after the run-out incident," he noted.
Meanwhile, in reply to Australia&rsquo;s 474 in the first innings, India scored 164 for five at stumps on day two, trailing behind by 310 runs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat edging one to the keeper off Boland and Starc sending Akash Deep back on zero, all happened within four overs.

Plenty happened on day two of the fourth BGT Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. While Steve Smith put Australia ahead with his record 34th Test hundred, second in two Tests and 11th against India in this format, what unfolded in the last 20 minutes of play further dent India’s chances of taking a lead in this five-match series. A horrific mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, leading to the latter’s dismissal on 82, Virat edging one to the keeper off Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sending nightwatchman Akash Deep back on zero, all happened in the space of four overs, reducing India from 153 for two to 159 for five. A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 That passage of play, however, blew Team India’s momentum, which they gained with the 102-run stand between Kohli and Jaiswal earlier. Kohli-Jaiswal mix up On the last ball of the 41st over, Jaiswal played one towards the mid-on off Boland and ran immediately. Instead of trusting his partner’s call and going for the single, Kohli, upon looking back, realised Jaiswal had taken a risk by going for it; Kohli held his ground, leaving Jaiswal nowhere to go after he almost reached the non-striker’s end. ALSO READ: BGT: ‘It’s a bit of desperation,’ Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli That led to a massive mix-up with Pat Cummins and Alex Carey accounting for Jaiswal's run-out, which later triggered a mini-collapse. Blame game continues Stunned by Kohli’s decision not to complete the run, the commentators, mainly Sanjay Manjrekar, came down hard on the Indian veteran for his mistake before he got into a heated argument with his fellow broadcaster and ex-India star Irfan Pathan in the Star Sports’ post-match show. While Manjrekar stuck to his point of Kohli being the culprit in this situation, Pathan jumped onto defending the former India captain, saying Kohli was at risk of getting run out at the striker’s end, leaving Manjrekar furious over the whole argument. "Ball was going slow, I don't think Kohli would've been run out. It was Jaiswal's call. Maybe a risky run, but he was at the danger end, not Kohli. It was a schoolboy error from Virat that he looked back and decided it wasn't a run. If it was a bad call from Jaiswal, he would've gotten out at the non-striker's end," Manjrekar said on the Star Sports show. After Pathan defended his point on how Jaiswal was wrong in calling it in the first go, Sanjay said, "If you don't want to let me talk, it's alright". Manjrekar further lost his cool after Pathan continued to press his opinion, replying, "Irfan Pathan's new interpretation of whether it is a run or not, should be added to the coaching manual." The former Mumbai batter didn’t stop there, continuing to talk about how the ‘guilt’ of Jaiswal’s run out led to Kohli’s dismissal. "Kohli's dismissal probably also down to the guilt he had inside his heart over Jaiswal's run-out. He was leaving outside-off deliveries until then but lost his concentration after the run-out incident," he noted. Meanwhile, in reply to Australia’s 474 in the first innings, India scored 164 for five at stumps on day two, trailing behind by 310 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Manjrekar, Pathan argue over Jaiswal’s run out on day 2 at MCG

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad slammed Rohit Sharma for his ordinary batting and poor captaincy in the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia, on Friday (Dec 27), Rohit's torrid run continued with the bat as he opened and departed for 3. Moreover, he looked clueless in his bowling changes as Australia posted 474 after being asked to bat first on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Hence, MSK lashed out at Rohit.
Rohit missed the series opener of the ongoing BGT, in Perth. In his absence, India won by 295 runs but everything has gone downhill for the visitors since Rohit's arrival. He has struggled with the bat and several questions have been raised on Hitman's captaincy, for his team selection and on-field calls.&nbsp;
In this regard, MSK said, on commentary, during Day 2 of the MCG Test, "You really raised the topic of Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Heading into this series, you know, we had our 3-match series against New Zealand. It was pathetic. It never happened in the history of Indian cricket that we lost back-to-back 3 games. Rohit got absolutely no runs in that series, so he comes into this series. He didn't play the first game. Bumrah led the side very well, so Rohit comes after the backdrop of continuous failures."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mcg-test-day-2-report-india-hurt-by-late-setbacks-in-response-to-australias-474-border-gavaskar-trophy-boxing-day-test-8569799" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474</a>
The former Indian keeper-batter added, "I personally feel that has got a direct impact, you know, if you see that, you know, captain, you know, if he comes with some sort of form that has a direct impact on the side and he comes after a series of failures and that has clearly shown the way he led the side also he's not proactive on many occasions. If you see in this Test match itself, you know, he had 11 overs bowled by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah on a trot, especially when Sam Konstas was going tongs and tongs and that's has been the case with his captaincy. He's been struggling a bit both with his bat and also in captaincy."
Talking about the second day's play of the MCG Test, India ended at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474. After Steve Smith's 140 propelled the hosts to a big score, India fell from 153-2 to 164-5. Rohit opened the innings, after his failures at No. 6, but fell for 3 whereas Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) fell in quick succession before stumps.
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BGT: 'He's been struggling', - MSK Prasad SLAMS Rohit Sharma's captaincy as India struggle in MCG Test

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad slammed Rohit Sharma for his ordinary batting and poor captaincy in the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia, on Friday (Dec 27), Rohit's torrid run continued with the bat as he opened and departed for 3. Moreover, he looked clueless in his bowling changes as Australia posted 474 after being asked to bat first on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Hence, MSK lashed out at Rohit. Rohit missed the series opener of the ongoing BGT, in Perth. In his absence, India won by 295 runs but everything has gone downhill for the visitors since Rohit's arrival. He has struggled with the bat and several questions have been raised on Hitman's captaincy, for his team selection and on-field calls. In this regard, MSK said, on commentary, during Day 2 of the MCG Test, "You really raised the topic of Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Heading into this series, you know, we had our 3-match series against New Zealand. It was pathetic. It never happened in the history of Indian cricket that we lost back-to-back 3 games. Rohit got absolutely no runs in that series, so he comes into this series. He didn't play the first game. Bumrah led the side very well, so Rohit comes after the backdrop of continuous failures." Also read: MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474 The former Indian keeper-batter added, "I personally feel that has got a direct impact, you know, if you see that, you know, captain, you know, if he comes with some sort of form that has a direct impact on the side and he comes after a series of failures and that has clearly shown the way he led the side also he's not proactive on many occasions. If you see in this Test match itself, you know, he had 11 overs bowled by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah on a trot, especially when Sam Konstas was going tongs and tongs and that's has been the case with his captaincy. He's been struggling a bit both with his bat and also in captaincy." Talking about the second day's play of the MCG Test, India ended at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474. After Steve Smith's 140 propelled the hosts to a big score, India fell from 153-2 to 164-5. Rohit opened the innings, after his failures at No. 6, but fell for 3 whereas Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) fell in quick succession before stumps.

India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500.&nbsp;
In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pat-cummins-removes-kl-rahul-with-an-absolute-jaffa-on-day-2-of-mcg-test-watch-8569713" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch</a>
The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour.
Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.

MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474

India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500. In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery. Also read: BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour. Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind star batter Virat Kohli, who has been coping with severe criticism over his 'shoulder bump' to Aussie teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the MCG Test. Though the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, with a few former cricketers calling it an escape, Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli.
At a time when debutant Konstas made the right noises with his impressive stroke play early on day one, Kohli jammed his shoulder into the youngster&rsquo;s while crossing paths, leading to an altercation.
The umpires and even Usman Khawaja intervened and separated them.
The ICC noted Kohli&rsquo;s action, later punishing him for breaching its code of conduct.
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Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL13nZ9IGI">pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872076770788212737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Speaking on the issue, Shastri came down hevaliy on the Australian media for acting too desperate to target Kohli, adding the current situation has forced them to do so. Had they been leading 2-0 or even 3-0 leading into the MCG Test, the headlines would have been different, Shastri pointed out.&nbsp;
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-the-scale-of-punishment-is-different-for-some-people-ponting-on-kohlis-fine-for-shouldering-konstas-8569390" rel="dofollow">BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough'</a>
&ldquo;It's a little bit of desperation. You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar trophy is still not yours. You want to win in Melbourne. I've been to Australia many times; the whole country comes behind the team. Not just the crowd, the media&hellip; everyone,&rdquo; Shastri said while commentating on Star Sports on day two of the Boxing Day Test.
&ldquo;I'm not surprised. That's why I said it's a sense of desperation. If Australia had already been 3-0 or 2-0 up, the headlines might have been different,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
<h2>&lsquo;Someone had to be the target&rsquo;</h2>
Considering Australia has more to look forward to than just winning this BGT as they haven&rsquo;t beaten India at home in the past two outings, they&rsquo;d go out of their way to turn the tables around and end their losing streak, Shastri reckons.
The Australian media, he said, needed to target someone, and when this incident unfolded, they found their target and got after him.
"When you want to win badly&hellip; it not so often a country comes to Australia and win a series for 7-8 years. I know where it's coming from, it has been there for a period of time, someone had to be the target, and they got the opportunity with the physical incident yesterday.
&ldquo;When the physical contact happened, they were like, &lsquo;this is our chance to get the fangs out, get the paintbrush out&rsquo; and start doing all sort of things,&rdquo; Shastri&nbsp; said.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli had a confrontation with a local journalist over her breaching Kohli and his family&rsquo;s privacy by clicking photos without their consent.
The Aussie media made quite a noise about it.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Even as the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, Ravi Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind star batter Virat Kohli, who has been coping with severe criticism over his 'shoulder bump' to Aussie teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the MCG Test. Though the ICC fined him 20 per cent of his match fees as punishment, with a few former cricketers calling it an escape, Shastri slammed the Australian media for being desperate to target Kohli. At a time when debutant Konstas made the right noises with his impressive stroke play early on day one, Kohli jammed his shoulder into the youngster’s while crossing paths, leading to an altercation. The umpires and even Usman Khawaja intervened and separated them. The ICC noted Kohli’s action, later punishing him for breaching its code of conduct. Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Speaking on the issue, Shastri came down hevaliy on the Australian media for acting too desperate to target Kohli, adding the current situation has forced them to do so. Had they been leading 2-0 or even 3-0 leading into the MCG Test, the headlines would have been different, Shastri pointed out. ALSO READ: BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough' “It's a little bit of desperation. You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar trophy is still not yours. You want to win in Melbourne. I've been to Australia many times; the whole country comes behind the team. Not just the crowd, the media… everyone,” Shastri said while commentating on Star Sports on day two of the Boxing Day Test. “I'm not surprised. That's why I said it's a sense of desperation. If Australia had already been 3-0 or 2-0 up, the headlines might have been different,” he continued. ‘Someone had to be the target’ Considering Australia has more to look forward to than just winning this BGT as they haven’t beaten India at home in the past two outings, they’d go out of their way to turn the tables around and end their losing streak, Shastri reckons. The Australian media, he said, needed to target someone, and when this incident unfolded, they found their target and got after him. "When you want to win badly… it not so often a country comes to Australia and win a series for 7-8 years. I know where it's coming from, it has been there for a period of time, someone had to be the target, and they got the opportunity with the physical incident yesterday. “When the physical contact happened, they were like, ‘this is our chance to get the fangs out, get the paintbrush out’ and start doing all sort of things,” Shastri said. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli had a confrontation with a local journalist over her breaching Kohli and his family’s privacy by clicking photos without their consent. The Aussie media made quite a noise about it. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘It’s a bit of desperation,’ Shastri slams Australian media for targeting Kohli

Australia started Day 2 of the MCG Test versus India with a bang, with Steve Smith (140) and valuable contribution from skipper Pat Cummins (49) taking the hosts to 474 all-out. In reply, Rohit Sharma-led India started poorly, losing the captain (who regained the opening slot) whereas KL Rahul, demoted to No. 3, was also removed by a peach of a delivery. Cummins got both the wickets but his delivery to get rid of in-form Rahul was an absolute jaffa.
Here is the video:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m56dw0pl-3g4ovoz6-979kzjt2">
ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nbn_australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/zvzvkDyAnb">pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872497414206009414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-the-scale-of-punishment-is-different-for-some-people-ponting-on-kohlis-fine-for-shouldering-konstas-8569390" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough'</a>
Cummins' delivery came angling in and straightened just a bit to hit the stumps. Rahul missed the it and saw his stumps rattle as he walked back to the pavilion before the tea break, despite looking good in the middle. The in-form batter departed for 24 (42).
Before Rahul, Cummins also removed Rohit as Hitman failed in trying to pull and got dismissed for 3.
At tea, India were 51-2.
Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), ended with Australia 311-6, after fifties from the top four including debutant Sam Konstas.
Smith, unbeaten on 68, smashed his 34th Test hundred. In addition, he scored his 11th ton in BGT history; the most by any batter.
With Smith's ton and Cummins' strikes, Australia are well ahead on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27), of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG, Melbourne.
At the time of publishing this report, India lost two quick wickets, after Rahul and Rohit's departures, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) being dismissed in quick succession before stumps.
The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch

Australia started Day 2 of the MCG Test versus India with a bang, with Steve Smith (140) and valuable contribution from skipper Pat Cummins (49) taking the hosts to 474 all-out. In reply, Rohit Sharma-led India started poorly, losing the captain (who regained the opening slot) whereas KL Rahul, demoted to No. 3, was also removed by a peach of a delivery. Cummins got both the wickets but his delivery to get rid of in-form Rahul was an absolute jaffa. Here is the video: ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @nbn_australia pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 Also read: BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough' Cummins' delivery came angling in and straightened just a bit to hit the stumps. Rahul missed the it and saw his stumps rattle as he walked back to the pavilion before the tea break, despite looking good in the middle. The in-form batter departed for 24 (42). Before Rahul, Cummins also removed Rohit as Hitman failed in trying to pull and got dismissed for 3. At tea, India were 51-2. Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), ended with Australia 311-6, after fifties from the top four including debutant Sam Konstas. Smith, unbeaten on 68, smashed his 34th Test hundred. In addition, he scored his 11th ton in BGT history; the most by any batter. With Smith's ton and Cummins' strikes, Australia are well ahead on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27), of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG, Melbourne. At the time of publishing this report, India lost two quick wickets, after Rahul and Rohit's departures, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) being dismissed in quick succession before stumps. The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1.

BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch

Melbourne: The ICC fined Virat Kohli 20 per cent of his match fees for deliberately shouldering Australian teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting feels it was not harsh enough. Calling out the instance from the commentary box, Ponting expressed disappointment ahead of day two with how Kohli got away with a minute punishment, claiming 'it's different for some people'.
"Personally, I do not think it [the punishment] was harsh enough. I know there are precedents [where similar infringements have incurred similar-sized penalties] - they have generally been between a 15 and 25 per cent fine, but let us have a think about the enormity of yesterday,&rdquo; Ponting said while speaking on 7 Cricket ahead of day two.
After Australia elected to bat first at the MCG, Konstas, who had replaced McSweeney and was making his Test debut, smoked Indian ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in his fourth over, including hitting him a six off a reverse scoop.
His stroke play impressed everyone except Virat, who bumped into Konstas after the end of the 10th over, leading to a confrontation.
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Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL13nZ9IGI">pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872076770788212737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the crowd and social media buzzing over the incident.&nbsp;
Cricket Australia reported first that the ICC would look into the matter following the day&rsquo;s play, and they did, finding Kohli guilty of breaching their code of conduct and punishing him for the same.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-australia-all-out-on-474-in-first-innings-after-steve-smiths-record-34th-test-ton-8569119" rel="dofollow">BGT, MCG Test: Australia all out on 474 after Smith&rsquo;s record Test ton</a>
Kohli accepted the fine.
However, Ponting talked about its larger implications.
&ldquo;It is probably the most-watched day of cricket all year all around the world. Imagine if that happens in a grade game on the weekend now, what is going to happen there? I think people are going to think that that is almost acceptable now,&rdquo; Ponting noted.
<h2>'Punishments are different for different people'</h2>
The former Aussie captain, who during his time was also a fierce competitor, didn&rsquo;t mince his words in implying that Kohli perhaps escaped a ban, adding there are different punishments for different people.
"And, unfortunately, for someone like Virat, as we got told as players and as senior players, sometimes it is [the scale of punishment] just different for some people. He is a role model; he is somebody the cricketing world looks up to, so I, personally, do not think that the fine was harsh enough,&rdquo; he noted.
Meanwhile, Australia scored 474 in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant 140 from Steve Smith &ndash; his record 34th Test ton, second of this series, fifth at the MCG and 18th overall in Australia.&nbsp;
In reply, India lost their captain Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24) before tea on day two.&nbsp;
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ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nbn_australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/zvzvkDyAnb">pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872497414206009414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)

Calling out the instance from the commentary box earlier, Ponting expressed disappointment with how Kohli got away with a small fine

Melbourne: The ICC fined Virat Kohli 20 per cent of his match fees for deliberately shouldering Australian teenager Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting feels it was not harsh enough. Calling out the instance from the commentary box, Ponting expressed disappointment ahead of day two with how Kohli got away with a minute punishment, claiming 'it's different for some people'. "Personally, I do not think it [the punishment] was harsh enough. I know there are precedents [where similar infringements have incurred similar-sized penalties] - they have generally been between a 15 and 25 per cent fine, but let us have a think about the enormity of yesterday,” Ponting said while speaking on 7 Cricket ahead of day two. After Australia elected to bat first at the MCG, Konstas, who had replaced McSweeney and was making his Test debut, smoked Indian ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in his fourth over, including hitting him a six off a reverse scoop. His stroke play impressed everyone except Virat, who bumped into Konstas after the end of the 10th over, leading to a confrontation. Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the crowd and social media buzzing over the incident. Cricket Australia reported first that the ICC would look into the matter following the day’s play, and they did, finding Kohli guilty of breaching their code of conduct and punishing him for the same. ALSO READ: BGT, MCG Test: Australia all out on 474 after Smith’s record Test ton Kohli accepted the fine. However, Ponting talked about its larger implications. “It is probably the most-watched day of cricket all year all around the world. Imagine if that happens in a grade game on the weekend now, what is going to happen there? I think people are going to think that that is almost acceptable now,” Ponting noted. 'Punishments are different for different people' The former Aussie captain, who during his time was also a fierce competitor, didn’t mince his words in implying that Kohli perhaps escaped a ban, adding there are different punishments for different people. "And, unfortunately, for someone like Virat, as we got told as players and as senior players, sometimes it is [the scale of punishment] just different for some people. He is a role model; he is somebody the cricketing world looks up to, so I, personally, do not think that the fine was harsh enough,” he noted. Meanwhile, Australia scored 474 in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant 140 from Steve Smith – his record 34th Test ton, second of this series, fifth at the MCG and 18th overall in Australia. In reply, India lost their captain Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24) before tea on day two. ABSOLUTE SEED FROM CUMMINS! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @nbn_australia pic.twitter.com/zvzvkDyAnb — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Ponting reckons Kohli's fine for shouldering Konstas wasn't 'harsh enough'

Steve Smith completed his record 34th Test hundred against India early on day two of the Boxing Day BGT Test at the iconic MCG, powering the host to 474 in the first innings. Smith notched up his 11th three-digit plus score against India in Tests, becoming the batter with the most centuries in this format against the Indian Team, surpassing England&rsquo;s Joe Root (10).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m567j69k-52q7u6m9-d9j0oo4o">
11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/SO8tnwPds4">pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872443951627616565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
For the visiting side, ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah picked four wickets, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returned with three, with India wrapping up Australia&rsquo;s first innings shortly after lunch on day two.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-steve-smiths-140-puts-australia-ahead-at-lunch-on-day-2-8569072" rel="dofollow">BGT, MCG Test: Smith&rsquo;s 34th Test ton puts Australia ahead early on day 2</a>
The hosts began day two on 311 for six, with Smith (on 68) and captain Pat Cummins at the crease. The pair made merry early on with plenty of good-looking shots, including smoking 15 runs off Akash Deep&rsquo;s over.
Smith and Cummins added 112 runs for the seventh wicket before Jadeja returned to dismiss the skipper on 49.&nbsp;
By then, Smith had completed his record hundred at the 'G', his 11th against India in Tests &ndash; the most by any batter against them in this format. Australia crossed the 400-mark at lunch with seven batters back in the hut.
After both teams returned to the field, Jadeja removed Starc in his first over before Akash Deep got rid of Smith on 140 off a bizarre dismissal soon after.&nbsp;
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Oh dear Steve Smith! That is as bizarre as it gets 😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZDUWggwBq4">pic.twitter.com/ZDUWggwBq4</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872467574765555896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
Smith walked back with pride as the packed house at the iconic MCG gave him a standing ovation. Also, Smith's 140 was his second ton of the series, fifth at the venue and 18th overall in Australia.
However, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrated India with a little 19-run partnership for the last wicket. Though there were a few close calls favouring the Aussies, Bumrah returned to pick his 25th wicket of the series by removing Lyon trapped in the front.
<h2>India lose its captain early</h2>
Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s dismal run with the bat continues as he departed on just three to his counterpart Cummins in his first over.&nbsp;
Rohit failed to make a mark despite returning to the top, where he usually bats across formats.&nbsp;
Cummins bowled a good length delivery, which did a bit of the surface, catching Rohit off guard as he top-edged one for Boland to grab it successfully.&nbsp;
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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is gone for just three runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/m1fLiqKLO7">pic.twitter.com/m1fLiqKLO7</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872481189132439900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
(With inputs from agencies)

Steve Smith hit his 11th Test hundred against India, the most by any batter in Tests. His 140 is his fifth ton at the MCG and 18th in Australia. 

Steve Smith completed his record 34th Test hundred against India early on day two of the Boxing Day BGT Test at the iconic MCG, powering the host to 474 in the first innings. Smith notched up his 11th three-digit plus score against India in Tests, becoming the batter with the most centuries in this format against the Indian Team, surpassing England’s Joe Root (10). 11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 For the visiting side, ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah picked four wickets, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returned with three, with India wrapping up Australia’s first innings shortly after lunch on day two. ALSO READ: BGT, MCG Test: Smith’s 34th Test ton puts Australia ahead early on day 2 The hosts began day two on 311 for six, with Smith (on 68) and captain Pat Cummins at the crease. The pair made merry early on with plenty of good-looking shots, including smoking 15 runs off Akash Deep’s over. Smith and Cummins added 112 runs for the seventh wicket before Jadeja returned to dismiss the skipper on 49. By then, Smith had completed his record hundred at the 'G', his 11th against India in Tests – the most by any batter against them in this format. Australia crossed the 400-mark at lunch with seven batters back in the hut. After both teams returned to the field, Jadeja removed Starc in his first over before Akash Deep got rid of Smith on 140 off a bizarre dismissal soon after. Oh dear Steve Smith! That is as bizarre as it gets 😳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ZDUWggwBq4 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 Smith walked back with pride as the packed house at the iconic MCG gave him a standing ovation. Also, Smith's 140 was his second ton of the series, fifth at the venue and 18th overall in Australia. However, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrated India with a little 19-run partnership for the last wicket. Though there were a few close calls favouring the Aussies, Bumrah returned to pick his 25th wicket of the series by removing Lyon trapped in the front. India lose its captain early Rohit Sharma’s dismal run with the bat continues as he departed on just three to his counterpart Cummins in his first over. Rohit failed to make a mark despite returning to the top, where he usually bats across formats. Cummins bowled a good length delivery, which did a bit of the surface, catching Rohit off guard as he top-edged one for Boland to grab it successfully. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is gone for just three runs! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/m1fLiqKLO7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 (With inputs from agencies)

BGT, MCG Test: Australia all out for 474 after Smith’s record Test ton

A resurgent Steve Smith crunched his second century in as many Tests as Australia built a daunting total on day two of the fourth Test of Border Gawaskar Trophy against India in Melbourne on Friday (Dec 27).<o:p></o:p>
The hosts resumed on 311-6 after a dominant opening day where all their top four blasted 50 or more to lay a solid platform, spearheaded by carefree debutant Sam Konstas.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-pak-dane-paterson-corbin-bosch-give-south-africa-edge-over-pakistan-in-first-test-8568729" rel="dofollow">SA vs PAK: Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch give South Africa edge over Pakistan in first Test</a> 
That thrilling action in front of 87,000 fans was equally notable for Virat Kohli's shoulder barge on Konstas, with the Indian superstar fined 20 percent of his match fee. <o:p></o:p>
There was no let up from Australia on Friday, stretching their innings to 454-7 by lunch, with the composed Smith not out 139 accompanied by Mitchell Starc on 15.<o:p></o:p>
Just one wicket fell in the session -- skipper Pat Cummins for a fine 49.<o:p></o:p>
Smith padded up again on 68, with Cummins alongside him on eight.<o:p></o:p>
The veteran batsman showed his intent early with a four from Jasprit Bumrah, while Cummins also batted with freedom, not afraid to play his shots.<o:p></o:p>
They took 15 off one Akash Deep over to bring up their 50-run partnership before Smith hooked Bumrah for six to rub salt in the wounds.<o:p></o:p>
India's body language showed their frustration as the Test slipped away on a benign pitch offering them little.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, which came on the back of a return to form at the last Test in Brisbane where he made 101.<o:p></o:p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m564h3be-gng3hir6-ygu47guc">
11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/SO8tnwPds4">pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872443951627616565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
It was a patient innings from the 35-year-old and moved him alongside four other players on the all-list of century-makers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.<o:p></o:p>
Only six players have scored more, led by Sachin Tendulkar's 51.<o:p></o:p>
With the landmark out of the way both players began swinging the bat, with Cummins paying the price, caught by Reddy in the deep off Ravindra Jadeja to end a 112-run stand.<o:p></o:p>
The five-match series is locked at 1-1 after India won by 295 runs in Perth before being crushed by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane was drawn.<o:p></o:p>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

There was no let-up from Australia on Friday, stretching their innings to 454-7 by lunch, with the composed Smith not out 139 accompanied by Mitchell Starc on 15.

A resurgent Steve Smith crunched his second century in as many Tests as Australia built a daunting total on day two of the fourth Test of Border Gawaskar Trophy against India in Melbourne on Friday (Dec 27). The hosts resumed on 311-6 after a dominant opening day where all their top four blasted 50 or more to lay a solid platform, spearheaded by carefree debutant Sam Konstas. ALSO READ: SA vs PAK: Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch give South Africa edge over Pakistan in first Test That thrilling action in front of 87,000 fans was equally notable for Virat Kohli's shoulder barge on Konstas, with the Indian superstar fined 20 percent of his match fee. There was no let up from Australia on Friday, stretching their innings to 454-7 by lunch, with the composed Smith not out 139 accompanied by Mitchell Starc on 15. Just one wicket fell in the session -- skipper Pat Cummins for a fine 49. Smith padded up again on 68, with Cummins alongside him on eight. The veteran batsman showed his intent early with a four from Jasprit Bumrah, while Cummins also batted with freedom, not afraid to play his shots. They took 15 off one Akash Deep over to bring up their 50-run partnership before Smith hooked Bumrah for six to rub salt in the wounds. India's body language showed their frustration as the Test slipped away on a benign pitch offering them little. Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, which came on the back of a return to form at the last Test in Brisbane where he made 101. 11 Test 100s for Steve Smith against India! More than anyone else in history 👏 #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/SO8tnwPds4 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024 It was a patient innings from the 35-year-old and moved him alongside four other players on the all-list of century-makers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara. Only six players have scored more, led by Sachin Tendulkar's 51. With the landmark out of the way both players began swinging the bat, with Cummins paying the price, caught by Reddy in the deep off Ravindra Jadeja to end a 112-run stand. The five-match series is locked at 1-1 after India won by 295 runs in Perth before being crushed by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane was drawn. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT, MCG Test: Smith’s 34th Test ton puts Australia ahead early on day 2

Match 13 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 edition will see the Adelaide Strikers host the Hobart Hurricanes on Friday (Dec 27). The Adelaide franchise will be eager to return to winning ways after a loss to Brisbane Heat whereas the seventh-ranked Hurricanes will look to make it two wins in a row after a victory over Perth Scorchers in their last tie.
Talking about Adelaide's last game, they rode on a combined batting performance to post a competitive 174-6. However, it wasn't enough as Brisbane chased down the score on the last ball of the contest, with fifties from Nathan McSweeney (78) and Matt Renshaw (56) at The Gabba, Brisbane.
Hobart, on the other hand, thrashed Perth by eight wickets at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. After opting to bowl first, Hobart rode on Riley Meredith's 3-fer to restrict the opponent to 155/6. In the run-chase, the hosts were led by Mitchell Owen's 101 not out to chase the target in 19.2 overs and earn a big win.&nbsp;
Which stadium will host the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match?
The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be played at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.
What time will the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match start?
The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will start at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST).
Where to watch the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match on TV?
The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be telecast on Star Sports network in India.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-virat-kohli-accidentally-bumped-into-me-sam-konstas-after-drama-on-day-1-of-mcg-test-8567488" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me: Sam Konstas after drama on Day 1 of MCG Test</a>
Where to watch the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes LIVE Streaming online on OTT?
The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India.
Squads:
Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short (c), D Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Chris Lynn, Ollie Pope(w), Alex Ross, Jamie Overton, James Bazley, Henry Thornton, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope, Brendan Doggett, Liam Haskett, Liam Scott
Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade, Mitchell Owen, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott(w), Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis(c), Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Waqar Salamkheil, Caleb Jewell, Peter Hatzoglou, Charlie Wakim

BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: Here are the details of when and where to watch the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes tie in the ongoing edition - 

Match 13 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 edition will see the Adelaide Strikers host the Hobart Hurricanes on Friday (Dec 27). The Adelaide franchise will be eager to return to winning ways after a loss to Brisbane Heat whereas the seventh-ranked Hurricanes will look to make it two wins in a row after a victory over Perth Scorchers in their last tie. Talking about Adelaide's last game, they rode on a combined batting performance to post a competitive 174-6. However, it wasn't enough as Brisbane chased down the score on the last ball of the contest, with fifties from Nathan McSweeney (78) and Matt Renshaw (56) at The Gabba, Brisbane. Hobart, on the other hand, thrashed Perth by eight wickets at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. After opting to bowl first, Hobart rode on Riley Meredith's 3-fer to restrict the opponent to 155/6. In the run-chase, the hosts were led by Mitchell Owen's 101 not out to chase the target in 19.2 overs and earn a big win. Which stadium will host the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match? The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be played at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. What time will the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match start? The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will start at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST). Where to watch the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match on TV? The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be telecast on Star Sports network in India. Also read: Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me: Sam Konstas after drama on Day 1 of MCG Test Where to watch the Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes LIVE Streaming online on OTT? The Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India. Squads: Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short (c), D Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Chris Lynn, Ollie Pope(w), Alex Ross, Jamie Overton, James Bazley, Henry Thornton, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope, Brendan Doggett, Liam Haskett, Liam Scott Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade, Mitchell Owen, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott(w), Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis(c), Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Waqar Salamkheil, Caleb Jewell, Peter Hatzoglou, Charlie Wakim

BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes live on laptop, TV

Sam Konstas has emerged on the international cricket scene with his bumper Boxing Day Test debut against India. On day one of the fourth BGT Test at the iconic MCG, in front of over 87000 fans, the rookie batter did something no other cricketer had done before, reverse scooping Jasprit Bumrah for a six. He also hit 18 runs off Bumrah&rsquo;s fourth over &ndash; the most he conceded in six balls in his decorated Test career thus far.
Having failed to get going against Bumrah earlier in the innings, Konstas found his touch in the seventh over, hitting Bumrah for a six off a reverse scoop before hitting him for a couple of boundaries later in the same over.
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WHAT ARE WE SEEING! Sam Konstas just whipped Jasprit Bumrah for six 😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZuNdtCncLO">pic.twitter.com/ZuNdtCncLO</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872071914895659053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
He then whacked him for a six to long-on in the 11th over, completing his second maximum against Bumrah and becoming only the second batter after Jos Buttler to do so.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-steve-smith-joins-donald-bradman-on-elite-list-with-68-on-day-one-of-boxing-day-test-8567176" rel="dofollow">BGT: Smith joins Bradman on elite list with 68* on day one at MCG</a>
What brought everyone&rsquo;s attention to him was his sheer audacity to perhaps hit the best Test bowler right now, Bumrah, who attained the highest ranking for an Indian pacer ever (904), for boundaries for fun. Detailing on facing Bumrah at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;, Konstas said he wanted to put the pressure back on him, a punt that paid off.
"I think it probably will look silly if I did get out," Konstas said after the first day&rsquo;s play at MCG. "But I've worked pretty hard on that shot, and I feel like it's probably a safe shot for me really. But I think that's the beauty about being young and maybe a bit naive. I'm just trying to put pressure back on the bowler in the best way I think is, and it was good to get a few runs today."
<h2>Looking at the ball and not bowler</h2>
Bumrah has had the better of Nathan McSweeney (who got replaced by Konstas) and Usman Khawaja mostly during three concluded BGT Tests; Australia needed someone brave to weather his storm and score runs against him. Walk in Sam, who scored 34 runs against the ace pacer &ndash; the most by any batter against him in a single spell (in Tests).
"I think I was just getting used to the wicket, first time facing him, getting used to his action," Konstas said. "Obviously, he beat my bat quite a few times, and [I] was lucky enough to get a few away. But it was a great contest."
"He's a legend of the game, obviously, so I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him, and it paid off today. But obviously, he took three wickets, and he changed the momentum. But, I think, I'm always challenging myself, trying to bring the best out of myself; so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away,&rdquo; Konstas continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Sam scored 60 on his maiden outing before Ravindra Jadeja accounted for his dismissal by trapping him in front of the wickets.
At stumps on day one, Australia&rsquo;s scorecard read 311 for six.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Konstas also whacked Bumrah for a six to long-on in the 11th over, completing his second maximum against Bumrah and becoming only the second batter after Jos Buttler to do so.

Sam Konstas has emerged on the international cricket scene with his bumper Boxing Day Test debut against India. On day one of the fourth BGT Test at the iconic MCG, in front of over 87000 fans, the rookie batter did something no other cricketer had done before, reverse scooping Jasprit Bumrah for a six. He also hit 18 runs off Bumrah’s fourth over – the most he conceded in six balls in his decorated Test career thus far. Having failed to get going against Bumrah earlier in the innings, Konstas found his touch in the seventh over, hitting Bumrah for a six off a reverse scoop before hitting him for a couple of boundaries later in the same over. WHAT ARE WE SEEING! Sam Konstas just whipped Jasprit Bumrah for six 😱#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/ZuNdtCncLO — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 He then whacked him for a six to long-on in the 11th over, completing his second maximum against Bumrah and becoming only the second batter after Jos Buttler to do so. ALSO READ: BGT: Smith joins Bradman on elite list with 68* on day one at MCG What brought everyone’s attention to him was his sheer audacity to perhaps hit the best Test bowler right now, Bumrah, who attained the highest ranking for an Indian pacer ever (904), for boundaries for fun. Detailing on facing Bumrah at the ‘G’, Konstas said he wanted to put the pressure back on him, a punt that paid off. "I think it probably will look silly if I did get out," Konstas said after the first day’s play at MCG. "But I've worked pretty hard on that shot, and I feel like it's probably a safe shot for me really. But I think that's the beauty about being young and maybe a bit naive. I'm just trying to put pressure back on the bowler in the best way I think is, and it was good to get a few runs today." Looking at the ball and not bowler Bumrah has had the better of Nathan McSweeney (who got replaced by Konstas) and Usman Khawaja mostly during three concluded BGT Tests; Australia needed someone brave to weather his storm and score runs against him. Walk in Sam, who scored 34 runs against the ace pacer – the most by any batter against him in a single spell (in Tests). "I think I was just getting used to the wicket, first time facing him, getting used to his action," Konstas said. "Obviously, he beat my bat quite a few times, and [I] was lucky enough to get a few away. But it was a great contest." "He's a legend of the game, obviously, so I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him, and it paid off today. But obviously, he took three wickets, and he changed the momentum. But, I think, I'm always challenging myself, trying to bring the best out of myself; so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away,” Konstas continued. Meanwhile, Sam scored 60 on his maiden outing before Ravindra Jadeja accounted for his dismissal by trapping him in front of the wickets. At stumps on day one, Australia’s scorecard read 311 for six. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘I tried putting pressure and it paid off,’ Sam Konstas on facing Bumrah

India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant.
After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point.
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Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."
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"When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-fined-20-per-cent-of-match-fee-handed-1-demerit-point-for-sam-konstas-altercation-on-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-in-melbourne-8567061" rel="dofollow">BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation</a>
Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."
</section>

BGT 2024-25 | Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, stated debutant Sam Konstas after a huge drama unfolded on Day 1 of the MCG Test in Melbourne.

India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant. After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point. Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire." "When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made." Also read: BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."

Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me: Sam Konstas after drama on Day 1 of MCG Test

India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd.
Here is the video of Head's dismissal:
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m54yffvn-7dvpbvrk-cv0xjdp4">
&ldquo;Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravisHead?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravisHead</a> "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDOnStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDOnStar</a> 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToughestRivalry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToughestRivalry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/p6a0gzc3BB">pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1872157300842226055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-sam-konstas-hits-jasprit-bumrah-for-a-reverse-sweep-six-on-test-debut-at-mcg-watch-8566648" rel="dofollow">BGT&ndash; Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut &ndash; WATCH</a>
Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback.&nbsp;
Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets.
The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.

MCG Test: India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismissed in-form Travis Head for duck during the opening day of the Boxing Day tie. Here is the video - 

India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd. Here is the video of Head's dismissal: “Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎#TravisHead "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024 Also read: BGT– Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut – WATCH Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback. Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets. The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.

India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismisses Travis Head for duck in MCG Test - Watch

Australia&rsquo;s batting great Steve Smith has joined veteran Sir Donald Bradman on the list of players with the most fifty-plus scores at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). During day one of the Boxing Day Test against India, Smith completed his fifty, his 10th at the venue, remaining unbeaten on 68 at stumps, with Australia&rsquo;s scorecard reading 311 for six.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-on-iccs-radar-for-confrontation-with-sam-konstas-on-day-one-at-mcg-8567024" rel="dofollow">BGT &ndash; Kohli on ICC's radar for confrontation with Konstas on day one at MCG</a>
While Smith currently sits fourth on the list with ten fifty-plus scores in 12 matches played at this venue, former captains - Greg Chappell (13 from 17 Tests), Donald Bradman (12 from 11 Tests) and Ricky Ponting (11 from 15 Tests), are ahead of him.
<h2>Batters with most 50+ scores in Tests at MCG -</h2>
<ul>
<li>Greg Chappel&nbsp; - 13 from 17 Tests</li>
<li>Donald Bradman - 12 from 11 Tests</li>
<li>Ricky Ponting - 11 from 15 Tests</li>
<li>Steve Smith - 10 from 12 Tests*&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The right-handed batter completed another fifty of this series following tea on day one off 71 balls. Besides, unlike how it panned out for the hosts in the previous three games, where they lost wickets upfront, the top four completed respective fifties in this ongoing Test.
<h3>Smith nears massive milestone</h3>
For what he brings to the table in this format with an average of over 56 (56.44), Smith is perhaps the best Test batter of the past decade. His accolades speak for himself, and even though his reflexes seem to catch up with time, he stands tall as one of the best in his country.
Following day one's play, Smith's overall runs tally reads 9877 runs, just 123 away from completing 10,000 Test runs - a massive milestone in cricket. Should and when he reach the landmark, Smith will become the fourth Australian batter after Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,178) and Steve Smith (10,927).
<h3>Even Steven day one at the 'G'</h3>
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in Melbourne. They made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Scott Boland for injured Josh Hazlewood and replacing Nathan McSweeney with uncapped Sam Konstas.
Konstas and Usman Khawaja shared an 89-run stand for the first wicket, with the newcomer making headlines for his impressive start to his Test career (scoring 60) and an uncalled-for mid-pitch altercation with India great Virat Kohli.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m553hdk0-qosqotk4-pojj4cpw">
Sam Konstas taps the Australian crest as he makes a remarkable 50 on debut! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1tp4rT9qG">pic.twitter.com/y1tp4rT9qG</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872080558714421287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Following his departure inside the first session, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne kept the run rate ticking, scoring respective fifties. Though Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh got out on 0 and 4, respectively, Smith stood one end, hitting another gritty yet decisive fifty. Australia also lost keeper-batter Alex Carey on 31 but ended the day with Smith and captain Pat Cummins at the crease.
(With inputs from agencies)

During day one of the Boxing Day Test, Smith completed his fifty, his 10th at the venue, remaining unbeaten on 68 at stumps, with Australia’s scorecard reading 311 for seven.

Australia’s batting great Steve Smith has joined veteran Sir Donald Bradman on the list of players with the most fifty-plus scores at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). During day one of the Boxing Day Test against India, Smith completed his fifty, his 10th at the venue, remaining unbeaten on 68 at stumps, with Australia’s scorecard reading 311 for six. ALSO READ: BGT – Kohli on ICC's radar for confrontation with Konstas on day one at MCG While Smith currently sits fourth on the list with ten fifty-plus scores in 12 matches played at this venue, former captains - Greg Chappell (13 from 17 Tests), Donald Bradman (12 from 11 Tests) and Ricky Ponting (11 from 15 Tests), are ahead of him. Batters with most 50+ scores in Tests at MCG - Greg Chappel - 13 from 17 Tests Donald Bradman - 12 from 11 Tests Ricky Ponting - 11 from 15 Tests Steve Smith - 10 from 12 Tests* The right-handed batter completed another fifty of this series following tea on day one off 71 balls. Besides, unlike how it panned out for the hosts in the previous three games, where they lost wickets upfront, the top four completed respective fifties in this ongoing Test. Smith nears massive milestone For what he brings to the table in this format with an average of over 56 (56.44), Smith is perhaps the best Test batter of the past decade. His accolades speak for himself, and even though his reflexes seem to catch up with time, he stands tall as one of the best in his country. Following day one's play, Smith's overall runs tally reads 9877 runs, just 123 away from completing 10,000 Test runs - a massive milestone in cricket. Should and when he reach the landmark, Smith will become the fourth Australian batter after Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,178) and Steve Smith (10,927). Even Steven day one at the 'G' Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in Melbourne. They made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Scott Boland for injured Josh Hazlewood and replacing Nathan McSweeney with uncapped Sam Konstas. Konstas and Usman Khawaja shared an 89-run stand for the first wicket, with the newcomer making headlines for his impressive start to his Test career (scoring 60) and an uncalled-for mid-pitch altercation with India great Virat Kohli. Sam Konstas taps the Australian crest as he makes a remarkable 50 on debut! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/y1tp4rT9qG — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Following his departure inside the first session, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne kept the run rate ticking, scoring respective fifties. Though Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh got out on 0 and 4, respectively, Smith stood one end, hitting another gritty yet decisive fifty. Australia also lost keeper-batter Alex Carey on 31 but ended the day with Smith and captain Pat Cummins at the crease. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Smith joins Bradman on elite list with 68* on day one at MCG

Virat Kohli has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, handed 1 demerit point for altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne on Thursday (Dec 26). The incident took place during the opening session after India asked Australia to bat first, and debutant Konstas came out all guns blazing. He attacked from the word go, including taking on Jasprit Bumrah, and Kohli came towards him -- in between overs -- and shouldered the newcomer, receiving flak from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after end of the day's play.
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Article 2.02 of ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire.
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When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-australia-end-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-at-311-6-debutant-sam-konstas-impresses-with-fiery-60-8566856" rel="dofollow">BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60</a>
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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also lashed out at Kohli for his action versus Konstas. "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," Ponting was quoted in Channel Seven as saying by Fox.
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Even Ravi Shastri, former India coach, slammed Kohli's act and termed it 'unnecessary' post the day's play. "There is a line and you don't want to overstep that line," Shastri stated on air.
Talking about Day 1 of the MCG Test, Australia ended at 311-6 courtesy of fifties from the top four batters. The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests.
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BGT: Virat Kohli has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

Virat Kohli has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, handed 1 demerit point for altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, at the MCG, Melbourne on Thursday (Dec 26). The incident took place during the opening session after India asked Australia to bat first, and debutant Konstas came out all guns blazing. He attacked from the word go, including taking on Jasprit Bumrah, and Kohli came towards him -- in between overs -- and shouldered the newcomer, receiving flak from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after end of the day's play. Article 2.02 of ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made." Also read: BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60 Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also lashed out at Kohli for his action versus Konstas. "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," Ponting was quoted in Channel Seven as saying by Fox. Even Ravi Shastri, former India coach, slammed Kohli's act and termed it 'unnecessary' post the day's play. "There is a line and you don't want to overstep that line," Shastri stated on air. Talking about Day 1 of the MCG Test, Australia ended at 311-6 courtesy of fifties from the top four batters. The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests.

BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas were involved in a heated exchange on day one of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. Konstas, making his Test debut in Melbourne, replacing Nathan McSweeney, was on the top of his game, hitting Jasprit Bumrah for sixes and fours for fun before Virat shouldered him after the end of the 10th over, leading to a minor altercation.
<h3>WATCH VIDEO -</h3>
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Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL13nZ9IGI">pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1872076770788212737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Usman Khawaja and the umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the commentators expressing concern about Kohli facing a potential fine or punishment for this uncalled-for mid-pitch instance. Ricky Ponting, the former Aussie great and fierce competitor, noted that Kohli deliberately charged towards Konstas, instigating the confrontation.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-sam-konstas-hits-jasprit-bumrah-for-a-reverse-sweep-six-on-test-debut-at-mcg-watch-8566648" rel="dofollow">BGT&ndash; Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut &ndash; WATCH</a>
"Have a look at where Virat walks," Ponting observed while commentating on Channel 7 on this incident. "Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever."
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia reported that ICC might review his actions after the day's play, and if found guilty of doing it purposely, which the former ICC official Simon Taufel believes was the case, Kohli could face some repercussions.&nbsp;
Speaking to Channel 7 about this instance, Taufel feels Kohli&rsquo;s actions qualify as "inappropriate physical contact" under the ICC's Code of Conduct.
&ldquo;This long shot that's been provided by the director is really interesting because it shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Now, there's a clause within the ICC Code of Conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact and that's the clause that the umpires and the referee will be looking at, at close of play today to see whether or not Virat's actions fall into that category and my suggestion would be that they'll probably - looking at that seriously - more than likely do something about that now,&rdquo; Taufel said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
<h2>What does Konstas has to say about this instance?</h2>
Regardless of this incident, Konstas' Test debut is one to remember. Impressing everyone with his array of shots, including hitting Bumrah for 18 runs in an over &ndash; the most that he conceded thus far in Tests, Konstas shared his views on his unlikely altercation with Kohli.
Following his dismissal, Konstas detailed what happened on the pitch.
"I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn't quite realise; I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket,&rdquo; Konstas said on Channel 7 during the second session.
Meanwhile, Australia ended day one on 311 for six, with the top four, including Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith completing respective fifties.&nbsp;
(With inpits from agencies)

Khawaja and the umpires intervened to separate them, with the commentators expressing concern about Kohli facing a potential punishment for this uncalled-for mid-pitch instance.

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas were involved in a heated exchange on day one of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the iconic MCG. Konstas, making his Test debut in Melbourne, replacing Nathan McSweeney, was on the top of his game, hitting Jasprit Bumrah for sixes and fours for fun before Virat shouldered him after the end of the 10th over, leading to a minor altercation. WATCH VIDEO - Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024 Usman Khawaja and the umpires had to intervene to separate them, with the commentators expressing concern about Kohli facing a potential fine or punishment for this uncalled-for mid-pitch instance. Ricky Ponting, the former Aussie great and fierce competitor, noted that Kohli deliberately charged towards Konstas, instigating the confrontation. ALSO READ: BGT– Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut – WATCH "Have a look at where Virat walks," Ponting observed while commentating on Channel 7 on this incident. "Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever." Meanwhile, Cricket Australia reported that ICC might review his actions after the day's play, and if found guilty of doing it purposely, which the former ICC official Simon Taufel believes was the case, Kohli could face some repercussions. Speaking to Channel 7 about this instance, Taufel feels Kohli’s actions qualify as "inappropriate physical contact" under the ICC's Code of Conduct. “This long shot that's been provided by the director is really interesting because it shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas. “Now, there's a clause within the ICC Code of Conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact and that's the clause that the umpires and the referee will be looking at, at close of play today to see whether or not Virat's actions fall into that category and my suggestion would be that they'll probably - looking at that seriously - more than likely do something about that now,” Taufel said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. What does Konstas has to say about this instance? Regardless of this incident, Konstas' Test debut is one to remember. Impressing everyone with his array of shots, including hitting Bumrah for 18 runs in an over – the most that he conceded thus far in Tests, Konstas shared his views on his unlikely altercation with Kohli. Following his dismissal, Konstas detailed what happened on the pitch. "I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn't quite realise; I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket,” Konstas said on Channel 7 during the second session. Meanwhile, Australia ended day one on 311 for six, with the top four, including Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith completing respective fifties. (With inpits from agencies)

BGT – Kohli on ICC's radar for confrontation with Konstas on day one at MCG

Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus India, at the MCG, Melbourne, at 311-6 on Thursday (Dec 26). There was plenty of drama and action during the opening day's play which saw Australia's top four impress with a fifty each with debutant Sam Konstas making a 65-ball 60. For India, in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained among wickets as he managed to account for three big scalps, also removing Travis Head for a duck, to stage his side's recovery after the Aussies were 237-2 at one stage.
The day's play commenced with Rohit Sharma-led visitors asking Australia to bat first at the iconic venue. The new opening pair of Konstas and Usman Khawaja started positively. The debutant impressed one and all by taking on Bumrah, with a reverse-sweep six, and wasn't afraid to charge down the ground as well. He scored a blazing 65-ball 60 as Australian openers put on 89 in 19 overs. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him before the lunch break as Australia ended the first session at 112-1.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-australia-end-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-at-311-6-debutant-sam-konstas-impresses-with-fiery-60-8566856" rel="dofollow">Also read | BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60</a>
The second session saw Australia progress steadily as India got one breakthrough with Bumrah removing Khawaja (57). The third session saw Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continue to add runs on the board as the duo complemented each other very well. Labuschagne got out for 72 against the run of play, taking on Washington Sundar. This opened the doors for India's comeback as Bumrah struck twice in quick succession. From 237-2, Australia was reduced to 246-5.
Alex Carey and Smith stitched an important 53-run sixth-wicket stand with both taking on the attack. Before the end of the play, Carey was dismissed by Akash Deep. The home side ended with 311-6. They scored at a healthy pace in the first and last session, however, India would be content with their comeback and aim to dismiss the hosts before the 350-run mark on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27).&nbsp;

BGT: Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at 311-6 with fifties from the top four. Debutant Sam Konstas impressed with a fiery 60.

Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus India, at the MCG, Melbourne, at 311-6 on Thursday (Dec 26). There was plenty of drama and action during the opening day's play which saw Australia's top four impress with a fifty each with debutant Sam Konstas making a 65-ball 60. For India, in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained among wickets as he managed to account for three big scalps, also removing Travis Head for a duck, to stage his side's recovery after the Aussies were 237-2 at one stage. The day's play commenced with Rohit Sharma-led visitors asking Australia to bat first at the iconic venue. The new opening pair of Konstas and Usman Khawaja started positively. The debutant impressed one and all by taking on Bumrah, with a reverse-sweep six, and wasn't afraid to charge down the ground as well. He scored a blazing 65-ball 60 as Australian openers put on 89 in 19 overs. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him before the lunch break as Australia ended the first session at 112-1. Also read | BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60 The second session saw Australia progress steadily as India got one breakthrough with Bumrah removing Khawaja (57). The third session saw Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continue to add runs on the board as the duo complemented each other very well. Labuschagne got out for 72 against the run of play, taking on Washington Sundar. This opened the doors for India's comeback as Bumrah struck twice in quick succession. From 237-2, Australia was reduced to 246-5. Alex Carey and Smith stitched an important 53-run sixth-wicket stand with both taking on the attack. Before the end of the play, Carey was dismissed by Akash Deep. The home side ended with 311-6. They scored at a healthy pace in the first and last session, however, India would be content with their comeback and aim to dismiss the hosts before the 350-run mark on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27).

BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60

Melbourne, Australia
Former coach Ravi Shastri has backed India to win the Boxing Day Test, saying the visitors have exploited Australia's "brittle" top order to have their "nose ahead" in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Shastri added that Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is "almost single-handedly" responsible for the visitors keeping the series levelled at 1-1.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-equals-ravi-ashwins-historic-feat-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-786710">BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravi Ashwin's historic feat ahead of Boxing Day Test</a>
"I think India would take this, the way the series is poised. Any overseas team being 1-1, especially with the games being in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, they would take this.
"Going 1-1 into Boxing Day is the best case scenario. I would say India have their nose ahead," Shastri told news.Com.Au.
Australia's top order comprising Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne have been unable to score against Bumrah.
It has have forced them to hand a debut to teenage sensation Sam Konstas while dropping rookie opener Nathan McSweeney.
"It's been pretty brittle. When you look at this Australian line-up, it's been a long time since I've seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle. India have exploited that and continue to exploit it,” Shastri said.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has also largely struggled for runs. In the last year, Labuschagne, Marsh, Khawaja and Steve Smith all had average less than 30 in Test cricket.
"India is 1-1 in the series and that man (Bumrah) has almost single-handedly got India into that position,” Shastri said.
"As far as Konstas goes, I think he's very refreshing. He's got flair, he's got flamboyance. But Test cricket is Test cricket. His technique will tighten up and he will be the future for Australia." Shastri feels McSweeney was unfortunate to have been axed after just three Tests.
"McSweeney was very unfortunate. He did the hard yards but he's a middle order batsman. I see him travelling to Sri Lanka when the Australian team go there and rebuild his career from there.
"But I think it's a good move getting Konstas in because you need someone who can take the attack to the Indian team, because the punches were coming from nowhere." 
India have won the last two series in Australia and now have the opportunity to become only the third touring side to win three consecutive series Down Under, joining the West Indies (1984/85, 1988/89, 1992/93) and South Africa (2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17).
"Massive. No team has done that in a long time. Australia hammers sides when they come here. For India to pull off three on the trot will be something special.
"But they'll have to play good cricket. I see Australia coming hard in this Test match, especially with the bowlers. It's the batting that'll be the challenge for Australia more than anything else." Shastri feels India has come to Australia with a strong intent to win.
"India have come here to win, they haven't come here to fill in the numbers. Even when I was the coach, our mantra was to play extremely hard, fair and to win.
"You have to think of a method to beat Australia and not just compete. You've got to plan properly, how to take your 20 wickets. India have done that and been very aggressive.
"They've been in the face of Australia and give as good as they get. It's been entertaining and feisty stuff. The first day of the Boxing Day Test will determine which way the series will go," he added.

Australia's top order comprising Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne have been unable to score against Bumrah.



Melbourne, Australia Former coach Ravi Shastri has backed India to win the Boxing Day Test, saying the visitors have exploited Australia's "brittle" top order to have their "nose ahead" in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shastri added that Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is "almost single-handedly" responsible for the visitors keeping the series levelled at 1-1. Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravi Ashwin's historic feat ahead of Boxing Day Test "I think India would take this, the way the series is poised. Any overseas team being 1-1, especially with the games being in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, they would take this. "Going 1-1 into Boxing Day is the best case scenario. I would say India have their nose ahead," Shastri told news.Com.Au. Australia's top order comprising Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne have been unable to score against Bumrah. It has have forced them to hand a debut to teenage sensation Sam Konstas while dropping rookie opener Nathan McSweeney. "It's been pretty brittle. When you look at this Australian line-up, it's been a long time since I've seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle. India have exploited that and continue to exploit it,” Shastri said. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has also largely struggled for runs. In the last year, Labuschagne, Marsh, Khawaja and Steve Smith all had average less than 30 in Test cricket. "India is 1-1 in the series and that man (Bumrah) has almost single-handedly got India into that position,” Shastri said. "As far as Konstas goes, I think he's very refreshing. He's got flair, he's got flamboyance. But Test cricket is Test cricket. His technique will tighten up and he will be the future for Australia." Shastri feels McSweeney was unfortunate to have been axed after just three Tests. "McSweeney was very unfortunate. He did the hard yards but he's a middle order batsman. I see him travelling to Sri Lanka when the Australian team go there and rebuild his career from there. "But I think it's a good move getting Konstas in because you need someone who can take the attack to the Indian team, because the punches were coming from nowhere." India have won the last two series in Australia and now have the opportunity to become only the third touring side to win three consecutive series Down Under, joining the West Indies (1984/85, 1988/89, 1992/93) and South Africa (2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17). "Massive. No team has done that in a long time. Australia hammers sides when they come here. For India to pull off three on the trot will be something special. "But they'll have to play good cricket. I see Australia coming hard in this Test match, especially with the bowlers. It's the batting that'll be the challenge for Australia more than anything else." Shastri feels India has come to Australia with a strong intent to win. "India have come here to win, they haven't come here to fill in the numbers. Even when I was the coach, our mantra was to play extremely hard, fair and to win. "You have to think of a method to beat Australia and not just compete. You've got to plan properly, how to take your 20 wickets. India have done that and been very aggressive. "They've been in the face of Australia and give as good as they get. It's been entertaining and feisty stuff. The first day of the Boxing Day Test will determine which way the series will go," he added.

BGT 2024-25: 'India have their nose ahead,' says former coach Ravi Shastri before Boxing Day Test

Melbourne, Australia
Australia skipper Pat Cummins has backed teen batter Sam Konstas to 'have fun' ahead of his upcoming debut in the Boxing day Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Konstas, who is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, will replace Nathan McSweeney at the top. Cummins also remembered his debut as an 18-year-old and shared a funny anecdote as well.
"I think you always want to do well (but) I was saying this to Sam the other day, I remember that as an 18-year-old, I was thinking I got a lot more leeway because I was young. It almost felt like if I didn’t have a great game, it wasn’t my fault. It was the selectors’ fault for picking me. I was like, ‘Well, they’re the idiots who picked an 18-year-old.’ You’re so young starting out your career (and) it’s Boxing Day. It doesn’t get any better than this, so just enjoy the moment," said Cummins at the pre-match press conference as shared by cricket.com.au.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-equals-ravi-ashwins-historic-feat-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-786710">BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravi Ashwin's historic feat ahead of Boxing Day Test</a>
"It’s pretty awesome. I spent a bit of the time wondering why or how I was there (because) it happened so quickly. I just remember being really excited and I think, similar to Sammy this week, there’s a level of naivety that you just want to go out and play like you do when you’re a kid in the backyard. You just want to take the game on and have fun and … not overthink it. So that’s the message of Sam," Cummins said in the same press conference.
"That’s definitely how I felt as an 18-year-old. I was just really excited. And once the kind of game started, you go into game mode and it’s just like any other game," he added.
Konstas, despite playing only 11 First Class games, has hit the limelight with his aggressive style of play. He has scored 718 runs in these 11 games at an average of 42 with three fifties and two hundreds.
The Boxing Day Test, fourth of the five-match series, begins December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Konstas, despite playing only 11 First Class games, has hit the limelight with his aggressive style of play. He has scored 718 runs in these 11 games at an average of 42 with three fifties and two hundreds.



Melbourne, Australia Australia skipper Pat Cummins has backed teen batter Sam Konstas to 'have fun' ahead of his upcoming debut in the Boxing day Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Konstas, who is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, will replace Nathan McSweeney at the top. Cummins also remembered his debut as an 18-year-old and shared a funny anecdote as well. "I think you always want to do well (but) I was saying this to Sam the other day, I remember that as an 18-year-old, I was thinking I got a lot more leeway because I was young. It almost felt like if I didn’t have a great game, it wasn’t my fault. It was the selectors’ fault for picking me. I was like, ‘Well, they’re the idiots who picked an 18-year-old.’ You’re so young starting out your career (and) it’s Boxing Day. It doesn’t get any better than this, so just enjoy the moment," said Cummins at the pre-match press conference as shared by cricket.com.au. Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravi Ashwin's historic feat ahead of Boxing Day Test "It’s pretty awesome. I spent a bit of the time wondering why or how I was there (because) it happened so quickly. I just remember being really excited and I think, similar to Sammy this week, there’s a level of naivety that you just want to go out and play like you do when you’re a kid in the backyard. You just want to take the game on and have fun and … not overthink it. So that’s the message of Sam," Cummins said in the same press conference. "That’s definitely how I felt as an 18-year-old. I was just really excited. And once the kind of game started, you go into game mode and it’s just like any other game," he added. Konstas, despite playing only 11 First Class games, has hit the limelight with his aggressive style of play. He has scored 718 runs in these 11 games at an average of 42 with three fifties and two hundreds. The Boxing Day Test, fourth of the five-match series, begins December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

BGT 2024-25: 'There’s a level of naivety,' Aussie skipper Pat Cummins on teen Sam Konstas ahead of MCG Test

New Delhi
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has created history by equalling recently retired Ravi Ashwin's points tally on the ICC Test bowlers rankings. Bumrah's 904 points are the joint-highest ever for an Indian bowler along with Ashwin who had achieved the feat in December 2016.
Bumrah's tally, which he achieved after the figures of 9/94 in third Test vs Australia, is also the best ever for an Indian pacer. He already stands at the top of ICC Test Bowler ranking - a huge 39 points clear of South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada's 865.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-icc-releases-full-schedule-of-tournament-check-all-details-inside-786503">Champions Trophy 2025: ICC releases full schedule of tournament - check details inside</a>
It is because of Bumrah that India are still alive in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The pacer has been outstanding with 21 wickets in six innings of three Tests.
Bumrah's wicket-tally in the series is the highest from both sides with Aussie duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at second place with 14 wickets apiece.
It has been a miserable situation for Indian bowlers apart from Bumrah. All the other Indian bowlers used in the series so far have 22 wickets collectively, with Mohammed Siraj taking 13 of them with India taking a total of 47 wickets.
With no Mohammed Shami available, Bumrah has been waging the lone battle against Australia with two five-for and one four-for and an economy rate of 2.60 with a strike rate of 25.14.
It is thanks to Bumrah that India won the first Test in Perth despite being bowled out for 150 in the first innings. With the pacer being played cautiously in the second Test of the series, Australia piled on runs against other bowlers and won the match eventually.
Bumrah was back to his best at the Gabba and helped India draw the Test with good performance from both bat and ball.
The five-Test series stands equal at 101 after three matches with two more games to go. The next match start December 26 (Boxing Day) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while the last game is slated to be played from January 3-7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

It is because of Bumrah that India are still alive in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The pacer has been outstanding with 21 wickets in six innings of three Tests



New Delhi India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has created history by equalling recently retired Ravi Ashwin's points tally on the ICC Test bowlers rankings. Bumrah's 904 points are the joint-highest ever for an Indian bowler along with Ashwin who had achieved the feat in December 2016. Bumrah's tally, which he achieved after the figures of 9/94 in third Test vs Australia, is also the best ever for an Indian pacer. He already stands at the top of ICC Test Bowler ranking - a huge 39 points clear of South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada's 865. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC releases full schedule of tournament - check details inside It is because of Bumrah that India are still alive in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The pacer has been outstanding with 21 wickets in six innings of three Tests. Bumrah's wicket-tally in the series is the highest from both sides with Aussie duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at second place with 14 wickets apiece. It has been a miserable situation for Indian bowlers apart from Bumrah. All the other Indian bowlers used in the series so far have 22 wickets collectively, with Mohammed Siraj taking 13 of them with India taking a total of 47 wickets. With no Mohammed Shami available, Bumrah has been waging the lone battle against Australia with two five-for and one four-for and an economy rate of 2.60 with a strike rate of 25.14. It is thanks to Bumrah that India won the first Test in Perth despite being bowled out for 150 in the first innings. With the pacer being played cautiously in the second Test of the series, Australia piled on runs against other bowlers and won the match eventually. Bumrah was back to his best at the Gabba and helped India draw the Test with good performance from both bat and ball. The five-Test series stands equal at 101 after three matches with two more games to go. The next match start December 26 (Boxing Day) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while the last game is slated to be played from January 3-7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravi Ashwin's historic feat ahead of Boxing Day Test

Melbourne, Australia
The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG.
<img alt="WTC Standings" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6852fdef-954e-4d64-8af0-53b34a8ca49e" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC Standings (1).png"/>
<h2>What are the current WTC standings?</h2>
Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand.
<h2>What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match?</h2>
If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-travis-head-declared-fit-for-boxing-day-test-as-australia-announce-playing-xi-konstas-to-debut-786605">BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut</a>
<h2>What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw?</h2>
In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way.
<h2>What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test?</h2>
In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.

With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG.



Melbourne, Australia The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG. What are the current WTC standings? Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand. What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match? If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw? In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way. What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test? In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.

BGT 2024-25: Here's how WTC standings will look if India win, lose or draw MCG Test

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