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A power-packed innings by David Miller and a career-best all-round performance by George Linde took South Africa to an 11-run win in the first T20 international century against Pakistan at Kingsmead on Friday.

Miller slammed 82 off 40 balls with four fours and eight sixes and Linde hit a rapid 48 in a South African total of 183 for nine.

Left-arm spinner Linde followed up by taking four for 21.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan hit 74 and his team were still in with a chance of winning until he was caught off the second ball of the final over.

"It was almost the perfect comeback," said Linde after being ignored by successive South African selectors for more than three years.

Linde said he felt calm with both bat and ball – but he said he felt he "had to deliver a good performance" after missing the team bus to the ground. He needed a police escort to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Linde took two wickets in his final over and briefly had a hat-trick when Haris Rauf was given out leg before wicket before successfully reviewing the decision.

Rizwan said the individual performances of Miller and Linde was the difference between the teams.&nbsp;

Shaheen Shah Afridi led a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack, taking three for 22 – and reaching 100 wickets in T20 internationals.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-with-series-at-1-1-tickets-for-first-day-of-boxing-dat-test-at-mcg-sold-out-two-weeks-in-advance-783034">BGT 2024-25: With series at 1-1, tickets for first day of Boxing Dat Test at MCG sold out two weeks in advance</a>

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed took three for 37 despite being hit for three successive sixes by Miller.

Miller was in sublime form but the rest of South Africa’s top order failed, with only captain Heinrich Klaasen (12) reaching double figures.

Miller was sixth out with the total on 135 in the 14th over but Linde hit four sixes in a 24-ball innings – including three in the last over by Sufiyan Muqeem – to take South Africa to a respectable total.

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.

A power-packed innings by David Miller and a career-best all-round performance by George Linde took South Africa to an 11-run win in the first T20 international century against Pakistan at Kingsmead on Friday.

A power-packed innings by David Miller and a career-best all-round performance by George Linde took South Africa to an 11-run win in the first T20 international century against Pakistan at Kingsmead on Friday. Miller slammed 82 off 40 balls with four fours and eight sixes and Linde hit a rapid 48 in a South African total of 183 for nine. Left-arm spinner Linde followed up by taking four for 21. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan hit 74 and his team were still in with a chance of winning until he was caught off the second ball of the final over. "It was almost the perfect comeback," said Linde after being ignored by successive South African selectors for more than three years. Linde said he felt calm with both bat and ball – but he said he felt he "had to deliver a good performance" after missing the team bus to the ground. He needed a police escort to catch up. Linde took two wickets in his final over and briefly had a hat-trick when Haris Rauf was given out leg before wicket before successfully reviewing the decision. Rizwan said the individual performances of Miller and Linde was the difference between the teams. Shaheen Shah Afridi led a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack, taking three for 22 – and reaching 100 wickets in T20 internationals. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: With series at 1-1, tickets for first day of Boxing Dat Test at MCG sold out two weeks in advance Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed took three for 37 despite being hit for three successive sixes by Miller. Miller was in sublime form but the rest of South Africa’s top order failed, with only captain Heinrich Klaasen (12) reaching double figures. Miller was sixth out with the total on 135 in the 14th over but Linde hit four sixes in a 24-ball innings – including three in the last over by Sufiyan Muqeem – to take South Africa to a respectable total. 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.

SA vs PAK: David Miller, George Linde guide South Africa to narrow 11-run win in Durban

Former Australia pacer Brett Lee shared his pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland ahead of the third Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), versus India at The Gabba, Brisbane. Hazlewood played the series opener in Perth but missed the following Test, in Adelaide, due to injury (side strain). With him out of the playing XI, Pat Cummins-led hosts brought in Scott Boland for the pink-ball contest. With Hazlewood expected to be fit, Lee shared his choice between Boland and the former.

<h2>'For me, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in'</h2>

Lee said on Fox Cricket, "Look it’s a tough one but you’d have to go back on form and what Josh Hazlewood has done. For me, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in. If he’s fully fit he gets the new ball or at least is definitely back in the team."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-test-rankings-harry-brook-replaces-joe-root-to-become-no-1-virat-and-rohit-suffer-massive-drops-783216">ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops</a>

He further opined, "It’s unfortunate for Scott Boland because when he’s had his opportunity he’s nailed it. I look at Scott Boland and I probably think he’s a bit like MacGill playing in the Warne era. MacGill took 200 Test wickets bowling when Shane Warne was either injured or out for other reasons. So he was a quality, quality bowler."

"Boland could be in any team around the world. Any playing nation. But unfortunately, when you’ve got Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, they’re still doing the business and they’re in his way at the moment. It’s nothing against Boland because he’s bowled the house down," added Lee.

Hazlewood had a good outing in the Perth Test, which Australia lost by 295 runs. He ended with a five-wicket match haul. Boland, on the other hand, also had an impressive run in Adelaide, with match figures of 5 for 105. Cummins &amp; Co. won the day-night Test by ten wickets, riding on Travis Head's 140, Mitchell Starc's six-fer in the first innings and captain's 5 for 57 in the second essay.

The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) with the ongoing BGT edition interestingly poised at 1-1.&nbsp;

Former Australia pacer Brett Lee shared his pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland ahead of the third Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), versus India at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Former Australia pacer Brett Lee shared his pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland ahead of the third Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), versus India at The Gabba, Brisbane. Hazlewood played the series opener in Perth but missed the following Test, in Adelaide, due to injury (side strain). With him out of the playing XI, Pat Cummins-led hosts brought in Scott Boland for the pink-ball contest. With Hazlewood expected to be fit, Lee shared his choice between Boland and the former. 'For me, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in' Lee said on Fox Cricket, "Look it’s a tough one but you’d have to go back on form and what Josh Hazlewood has done. For me, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in. If he’s fully fit he gets the new ball or at least is definitely back in the team." Also read: ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops He further opined, "It’s unfortunate for Scott Boland because when he’s had his opportunity he’s nailed it. I look at Scott Boland and I probably think he’s a bit like MacGill playing in the Warne era. MacGill took 200 Test wickets bowling when Shane Warne was either injured or out for other reasons. So he was a quality, quality bowler." "Boland could be in any team around the world. Any playing nation. But unfortunately, when you’ve got Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, they’re still doing the business and they’re in his way at the moment. It’s nothing against Boland because he’s bowled the house down," added Lee. Hazlewood had a good outing in the Perth Test, which Australia lost by 295 runs. He ended with a five-wicket match haul. Boland, on the other hand, also had an impressive run in Adelaide, with match figures of 5 for 105. Cummins & Co. won the day-night Test by ten wickets, riding on Travis Head's 140, Mitchell Starc's six-fer in the first innings and captain's 5 for 57 in the second essay. The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) with the ongoing BGT edition interestingly poised at 1-1.

BGT: Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland? Brett Lee shares his pick for crucial Brisbane Test vs India

Australia's newest Test opener Nathan McSweeney has undergone baptism through fire in his first two Tests against India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. The youngster, who has been called up to fill the David Warner-shape like hole, believes that he can throw a few punches around in the remaining Tests.

"To get a bowler like Jasprit early on my career, it's not going to get much tougher than that," he said as reported by Cricket Australia.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-cheteshwar-pujara-explains-why-rohit-sharma-should-continue-to-bat-at-no-6-as-brisbane-test-nears-783141">Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at No. 6 as Brisbane Test nears&nbsp;</a>

"I can take some confidence getting through a spell in Adelaide, and the more I face him, the more comfortable I'll get against him. It's challenging, no doubt, but it's nice to get a little bit of confidence from Adelaide, and hopefully continue throughout the series," added McSweeney.

The batter has been dismissed three times out of four he has batted in the series - all of them by Bumrah. The youngster, however, showed better composure in the second Test in Adelaide and played over 100 balls in the first innings itself after being dismissed twice in 17 balls in Perth.

"Facing him for the first time, he's quite a unique bowler … So (it's) just (about) adapting to his angle and where he delivers on the crease. I got two pretty good balls from him (in Perth), so (I) try and just wear that on the chin and trust that what I've been doing is going to be good enough. He got me again in Adelaide … (but) I'm really enjoying the experience (of trying to) work out a game plan on the run against a world-class bowler. Hopefully I'll get better the more I face him, and I can throw a few more punches hopefully here at the Gabba," said McSweeney.

The third match of the series, which stands equal at 1-1, is scheduled to be played from Saturday (Dec 14) in Brisbane's iconic Gabba stadium.

Australia's newest Test opener Nathan McSweeney has undergone baptism through fire in his first two Tests against India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series.

Australia's newest Test opener Nathan McSweeney has undergone baptism through fire in his first two Tests against India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. The youngster, who has been called up to fill the David Warner-shape like hole, believes that he can throw a few punches around in the remaining Tests. "To get a bowler like Jasprit early on my career, it's not going to get much tougher than that," he said as reported by Cricket Australia. Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at No. 6 as Brisbane Test nears "I can take some confidence getting through a spell in Adelaide, and the more I face him, the more comfortable I'll get against him. It's challenging, no doubt, but it's nice to get a little bit of confidence from Adelaide, and hopefully continue throughout the series," added McSweeney. The batter has been dismissed three times out of four he has batted in the series - all of them by Bumrah. The youngster, however, showed better composure in the second Test in Adelaide and played over 100 balls in the first innings itself after being dismissed twice in 17 balls in Perth. "Facing him for the first time, he's quite a unique bowler … So (it's) just (about) adapting to his angle and where he delivers on the crease. I got two pretty good balls from him (in Perth), so (I) try and just wear that on the chin and trust that what I've been doing is going to be good enough. He got me again in Adelaide … (but) I'm really enjoying the experience (of trying to) work out a game plan on the run against a world-class bowler. Hopefully I'll get better the more I face him, and I can throw a few more punches hopefully here at the Gabba," said McSweeney. The third match of the series, which stands equal at 1-1, is scheduled to be played from Saturday (Dec 14) in Brisbane's iconic Gabba stadium.

BGT 2024-25: Nathan McSweeney confident of 'throwing punches' after baptism through fire in first two Tests

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi created history on Tuesday (Dec 10) during the first T20I against South Africa by becoming the first bowler from his country to take at least 100 international wickets in each of the formats (Tests, ODIs and T20Is). Afridi is also only the fourth pacer in the world to achieve the landmark.

Ahead of Afridi, New Zealand's Tim Southee (389 Test wickets, 221 ODI wickets and 164 T20I wickets), Bangladesh's Tim Southee (246 Test wickets, 317 ODI wickets and 149 T20I wickets) and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga (101 Test wickets, 338 ODI wickets and 107 T20I wickets) had achieved the record.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-test-rankings-harry-brook-replaces-joe-root-to-become-no-1-virat-and-rohit-suffer-massive-drops-783216">ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops</a>

Afridi currently has 116 Test wickets and 112 ODI wickets to go with his 100 wickets in the shortest format which he reached with the figures of 3/22 in the match against the Proteas.

Overall, Afridi is the third Pakistan bowler to take 100 or more T20I wickets behind fellow pacer Harris Rauf (110 T20I wickets) and spinner Shadab Khan (107 T20I wickets).

As for the match, a power-packed innings by David Miller and a career-best all-round performance by George Linde took South Africa to an 11-run win.

Miller slammed 82 off 40 balls with four fours and eight sixes and Linde hit a rapid 48 in a South African total of 183 for nine. Left-arm spinner Linde followed up by taking four for 21. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan hit 74 and his team were still in with a chance of winning until he was caught off the second ball of the final over.

Linde took two wickets in his final over and briefly had a hat-trick when Haris Rauf was given out leg before wicket before successfully reviewing the decision. Rizwan said the individual performances of Miller and Linde was the difference between the teams.&nbsp;

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi created history on Tuesday (Dec 10) during the first T20I against South Africa by becoming the first bowler from his country to take at least 100 international wickets in each of the formats (Tests, ODIs and T20Is).

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi created history on Tuesday (Dec 10) during the first T20I against South Africa by becoming the first bowler from his country to take at least 100 international wickets in each of the formats (Tests, ODIs and T20Is). Afridi is also only the fourth pacer in the world to achieve the landmark. Ahead of Afridi, New Zealand's Tim Southee (389 Test wickets, 221 ODI wickets and 164 T20I wickets), Bangladesh's Tim Southee (246 Test wickets, 317 ODI wickets and 149 T20I wickets) and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga (101 Test wickets, 338 ODI wickets and 107 T20I wickets) had achieved the record. Also Read: ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops Afridi currently has 116 Test wickets and 112 ODI wickets to go with his 100 wickets in the shortest format which he reached with the figures of 3/22 in the match against the Proteas. Overall, Afridi is the third Pakistan bowler to take 100 or more T20I wickets behind fellow pacer Harris Rauf (110 T20I wickets) and spinner Shadab Khan (107 T20I wickets). As for the match, a power-packed innings by David Miller and a career-best all-round performance by George Linde took South Africa to an 11-run win. Miller slammed 82 off 40 balls with four fours and eight sixes and Linde hit a rapid 48 in a South African total of 183 for nine. Left-arm spinner Linde followed up by taking four for 21. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan hit 74 and his team were still in with a chance of winning until he was caught off the second ball of the final over. Linde took two wickets in his final over and briefly had a hat-trick when Haris Rauf was given out leg before wicket before successfully reviewing the decision. Rizwan said the individual performances of Miller and Linde was the difference between the teams.

Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi creates history, becomes fourth bowler in world to achieve THIS feat

England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand. The right-hander has impressed with scores of 171, 123 and 55 to take the numero uno position. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are the only two Indian batters in the top ten.

Here is the updated list:&nbsp;

ICC Test Rankings For Batters

1. Harry Brook - 898 rating points 
2. Joe Root - 897 rating points 
3. Kane Williamson - 812 rating points 
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal - 811 rating points 
5. Travis Head - 781 rating points 
6. Kamindu Mendis - 759 rating points 
7. Temba Bavuma - 753 rating points 
8. Darly Mitchell - 729 rating points 
9. Rishabh Pant - 724 rating points 
10. Saud Shakeel - 724 rating points

Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head also returned to the top 10 following his match-winning 140-run knock versus India in the recently-held Adelaide Test.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-england-2025-ticket-demand-for-second-test-in-edgbaston-sets-new-record-783196">India tour of England 2025: Ticket demand for second Test in Edgbaston sets new record</a>

Indian batters in Top 35

Yashasvi Jaiswal (No. 4) 
Rishabh Pant (No. 9) 
Shubman Gill (No. 17) 
Virat Kohli (No. 20) 
Rohit Sharma (No. 31)

The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have suffered massive drops following the second Test between India and Australia, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. In the second Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Rohit returned with scores of 3 for 6 to drop five places. Kohli, who scored a ton in the series opener in Perth, flopped in the pink-ball contest and, as a result, suffered a drop of six places.&nbsp;

Talking about the bowlers, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top. There is only one change in the top five with R Ashwin being replaced by Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the No. 4 spot. Cummins ended the Adelaide Test with a five-fer in the second innings.

ICC Test Rankings For Bowlers

1. Jasprit Bumrah - 890 rating points 
2. Kagiso Rabada - 856 rating points 
3. Josh Hazlewood - 851 rating points 
4. Pat Cummins - 816 rating points 
5. R Ashwin - 797 rating points 
6. Ravindra Jadeja - 786 rating points 
7. Nathan Lyon - 779 rating points 
8. Prabath Jayasuriya - 768 rating points 
9. Matt Henry - 764 rating points 
10. Noman Ali - 759 rating points

England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand.

England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand. The right-hander has impressed with scores of 171, 123 and 55 to take the numero uno position. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are the only two Indian batters in the top ten. Here is the updated list: ICC Test Rankings For Batters 1. Harry Brook - 898 rating points 2. Joe Root - 897 rating points 3. Kane Williamson - 812 rating points 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal - 811 rating points 5. Travis Head - 781 rating points 6. Kamindu Mendis - 759 rating points 7. Temba Bavuma - 753 rating points 8. Darly Mitchell - 729 rating points 9. Rishabh Pant - 724 rating points 10. Saud Shakeel - 724 rating points Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head also returned to the top 10 following his match-winning 140-run knock versus India in the recently-held Adelaide Test. Also read: India tour of England 2025: Ticket demand for second Test in Edgbaston sets new record Indian batters in Top 35 Yashasvi Jaiswal (No. 4) Rishabh Pant (No. 9) Shubman Gill (No. 17) Virat Kohli (No. 20) Rohit Sharma (No. 31) The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have suffered massive drops following the second Test between India and Australia, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. In the second Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Rohit returned with scores of 3 for 6 to drop five places. Kohli, who scored a ton in the series opener in Perth, flopped in the pink-ball contest and, as a result, suffered a drop of six places. Talking about the bowlers, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top. There is only one change in the top five with R Ashwin being replaced by Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the No. 4 spot. Cummins ended the Adelaide Test with a five-fer in the second innings. ICC Test Rankings For Bowlers 1. Jasprit Bumrah - 890 rating points 2. Kagiso Rabada - 856 rating points 3. Josh Hazlewood - 851 rating points 4. Pat Cummins - 816 rating points 5. R Ashwin - 797 rating points 6. Ravindra Jadeja - 786 rating points 7. Nathan Lyon - 779 rating points 8. Prabath Jayasuriya - 768 rating points 9. Matt Henry - 764 rating points 10. Noman Ali - 759 rating points

ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops

India are set to tour England for a five-match Test series next year, which will begin their journey in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This will be India's first tour of England for a full-fledged Test series since 2021. In 2022, they went to England for a rescheduled one-off Test, in Edgbaston. Ahead of the much-anticipated five-match series, the tickets for the first four days of the second Test, to be held in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have been sold out.

According to the iconic cricket ground, this is a new record. It is the first time tickets for the first four days of a non-Ashes Test in England have been sold out.&nbsp;

"Following unprecedented demand, general admission tickets for the first four days of the Men's Test between England and India in 2025 are now sold out," the Edgbaston Stadium stated.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-cheteshwar-pujara-explains-why-rohit-sharma-should-continue-to-bat-at-no-6-as-brisbane-test-nears-783141">BGT: Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at No. 6 as Brisbane Test nears</a>

ENGLAND VS INDIA, TEST SERIES SCHEDULE IN 2025

1st Test: June 20-24 - Headingley, Leeds 
2nd Test: July 2-6 - Edgbaston, Birmingham 
3rd Test: July 10-14 - Lord’s, London 
4thTest: July 23-27 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 
5th Test: July 31-Aug&nbsp;4 - The Kia Oval, London

The last India-England Test series was held in India, where Rohit Sharma-led hosts won 4-1. Ben Stokes-led visitors won the first Test, in Hyderabad, to take a 1-0 lead and add pressure on India. However, the home side rose to the occasion and staged a strong comeback to emerge on top with a 4-1 scoreline.

It will be interesting to see if the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the Indian squad for next year's tour of England.

India are set to tour England for a five-match Test series next year, which will begin their journey in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This will be India's first tour of England for a full-fledged Test series since 2021.

India are set to tour England for a five-match Test series next year, which will begin their journey in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This will be India's first tour of England for a full-fledged Test series since 2021. In 2022, they went to England for a rescheduled one-off Test, in Edgbaston. Ahead of the much-anticipated five-match series, the tickets for the first four days of the second Test, to be held in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have been sold out. According to the iconic cricket ground, this is a new record. It is the first time tickets for the first four days of a non-Ashes Test in England have been sold out. "Following unprecedented demand, general admission tickets for the first four days of the Men's Test between England and India in 2025 are now sold out," the Edgbaston Stadium stated. Also read: BGT: Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at No. 6 as Brisbane Test nears ENGLAND VS INDIA, TEST SERIES SCHEDULE IN 2025 1st Test: June 20-24 - Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test: July 2-6 - Edgbaston, Birmingham 3rd Test: July 10-14 - Lord’s, London 4thTest: July 23-27 - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 5th Test: July 31-Aug 4 - The Kia Oval, London The last India-England Test series was held in India, where Rohit Sharma-led hosts won 4-1. Ben Stokes-led visitors won the first Test, in Hyderabad, to take a 1-0 lead and add pressure on India. However, the home side rose to the occasion and staged a strong comeback to emerge on top with a 4-1 scoreline. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the Indian squad for next year's tour of England.

India tour of England 2025: Ticket demand for second Test in Edgbaston sets new record

The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1. While Mitchell Starc and Cummins impressed with a five-fer each, Travis Head also made heads turn with a swashbuckling 141-ball 140, helping his side take a sizeable lead in the pink-ball contest. His dismissal led to an aggressive send-off from bowler Mohammed Siraj, which has now become the talking point of the series. While both have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Aussie batter Simon Katich opened up on Head vs Siraj face-off.

Katich said on on SEN Radio, "His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite. He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’.

“Hopefully it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times... it’s going to get heated in the next few Tests because the series is on the line,” concluded Katich.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-tim-paine-takes-scorching-dig-at-former-coach-justin-langer-says-sacking-helped-travis-head-flourish-782812">BGT: Tim Paine takes scorching dig at former coach Justin Langer, says 'sacking helped Travis Head flourish'</a>

Head and Siraj made up on the third day of the Adelaide Test, post Australia's big win. Speaking on his spat with Siraj, Head told ABC Sport, "Sweet with it. He came out and just said [it was] a little bit of a misunderstanding ... I think we will move on. We've had a great week, so let's not let it ruin it."

"It was fine. He said, 'Why'd you swear?' I sort of said, 'Look, I didn't at first ... [but] I definitely swore at you the second time round,"&nbsp;Head added.

Talking about the second Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first and got dismissed for 180 courtesy of Starc's 6 for 48. In reply, Australia made 337 with Head scoring 140. In the second essay, India only managed 175, losing by ten wickets in defence of 19.

The third Test kicks off in Brisbane on Dec 14 (Saturday).

The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.

The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1. While Mitchell Starc and Cummins impressed with a five-fer each, Travis Head also made heads turn with a swashbuckling 141-ball 140, helping his side take a sizeable lead in the pink-ball contest. His dismissal led to an aggressive send-off from bowler Mohammed Siraj, which has now become the talking point of the series. While both have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Aussie batter Simon Katich opened up on Head vs Siraj face-off. Katich said on on SEN Radio, "His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite. He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’. “Hopefully it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times... it’s going to get heated in the next few Tests because the series is on the line,” concluded Katich. Also read: BGT: Tim Paine takes scorching dig at former coach Justin Langer, says 'sacking helped Travis Head flourish' Head and Siraj made up on the third day of the Adelaide Test, post Australia's big win. Speaking on his spat with Siraj, Head told ABC Sport, "Sweet with it. He came out and just said [it was] a little bit of a misunderstanding ... I think we will move on. We've had a great week, so let's not let it ruin it." "It was fine. He said, 'Why'd you swear?' I sort of said, 'Look, I didn't at first ... [but] I definitely swore at you the second time round," Head added. Talking about the second Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first and got dismissed for 180 courtesy of Starc's 6 for 48. In reply, Australia made 337 with Head scoring 140. In the second essay, India only managed 175, losing by ten wickets in defence of 19. The third Test kicks off in Brisbane on Dec 14 (Saturday).

BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests

Former Australia Test team captain Tim Paine has taken a dig at Justin Langer after the hosts levelled the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday (Dec 8) with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. With Travis Head shining on the big stage, Paine did not hold back and revealed that his growth was accelerated by the sacking of Langer. According to Paine, neither Head nor Langer were on the same page and shared differences of opinion.

<h2>Paine takes a dig at Langer</h2>

“I don’t think either of them will mind me saying this, but I think he (Travis Head) and JL (Justin Langer) used to have a real difference of opinion,” Paine said on Tuesday (Dec 10).

“They were trying really hard for him to work on his defence and it wasn’t the way he wanted to go about it, but he was a young Test player who was trying to impress and trying to stay in the team, so he was trying to please a bit of everyone. I think that’s been the major shift in his output because he is sticking true to the way he wants to play," Tim Paine added on Travis Head.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-doesnt-deserve-kapil-dev-on-jasprit-bumrah-replacing-rohit-sharma-as-india-test-skipper-782768">BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper</a>

Head has been with the Australia side since 2016, but it was not until the 2021-22 Ashes that the southpaw established himself in the team.

Head was named Player of the Series in the Ashes where the Aussies dismantled England 4-0 and would later dominate in all three formats.

Head was at the centre of Australia’s successful run in 2023 where they won the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup, particularly after Langer left his coaching role in March 2022.&nbsp;

However, during Langer’s spell, the duo had a tough time working together, with the coach focused on the defence rather than the attacking side of Head.

With Head in red-hot form, the hosts will look to make the most of the opportunity to take on India in the third BGT Test, which starts on Saturday (Dec 14).

Former Australia Test team captain Tim Paine has taken a dig at Justin Langer after the hosts levelled the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday (Dec 8) with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide.

Former Australia Test team captain Tim Paine has taken a dig at Justin Langer after the hosts levelled the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday (Dec 8) with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. With Travis Head shining on the big stage, Paine did not hold back and revealed that his growth was accelerated by the sacking of Langer. According to Paine, neither Head nor Langer were on the same page and shared differences of opinion. Paine takes a dig at Langer “I don’t think either of them will mind me saying this, but I think he (Travis Head) and JL (Justin Langer) used to have a real difference of opinion,” Paine said on Tuesday (Dec 10). “They were trying really hard for him to work on his defence and it wasn’t the way he wanted to go about it, but he was a young Test player who was trying to impress and trying to stay in the team, so he was trying to please a bit of everyone. I think that’s been the major shift in his output because he is sticking true to the way he wants to play," Tim Paine added on Travis Head. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper Head has been with the Australia side since 2016, but it was not until the 2021-22 Ashes that the southpaw established himself in the team. Head was named Player of the Series in the Ashes where the Aussies dismantled England 4-0 and would later dominate in all three formats. Head was at the centre of Australia’s successful run in 2023 where they won the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup, particularly after Langer left his coaching role in March 2022. However, during Langer’s spell, the duo had a tough time working together, with the coach focused on the defence rather than the attacking side of Head. With Head in red-hot form, the hosts will look to make the most of the opportunity to take on India in the third BGT Test, which starts on Saturday (Dec 14).

BGT: Tim Paine takes dig at former coach Justin Langer, says his sacking 'helped Travis Head flourish'

England’s legendary batter Joe Root has hailed youngster Harry Brook as the ‘best in the world’ as he continues to impress in 2024. Brook played a key role in England’s latest away success after they beat New Zealand 2-0 with a Test to go on Sunday (Dec 8). According to Root, Brook is by far the best player in the world considering his impact on the game. The English batter scored 123 and 55 in the Wellington Test while completing 1000 runs in Tests in 2024.

<h2>Root hails Brook after a stellar year</h2>

"If you asked me, Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute," Root said on Monday (Dec 9).

"He has such an all-round game: he can absorb pressure, he can apply it, he can whack you over your head for six, he can scoop you over his head for six, he can smack spin, he can smack seam. He's so hard to bowl to."

With 1,099 Test runs in 18 innings (at the time of writing), Brook is the fourth-highest run-getter in the red-ball format. He remains one of the consistent performers in the side having averaged 61.05 with a best of 317 against Pakistan recently. During the marathon innings, he was accompanied by Root as they stitched a stand of 454 runs for the fourth wicket in Multanin October.

The partnership is also the highest for any England pair, highlighting the batting impact of Brook.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-doesnt-deserve-kapil-dev-on-jasprit-bumrah-replacing-rohit-sharma-as-india-test-skipper-782768">BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper</a>

All of 25, Brook will look to make a significant impact in all three formats as England look to reclaim their dominance.

He will be next in action on Saturday (Dec 14) when Ben Stokes’ side takes on New Zealand in the third and final Test match with pride up for stakes. Despite pocketing the series 2-0, visitors will push for a whitewash having already won in Christchurch and Wellington.

England’s legendary batter Joe Root has hailed youngster Harry Brook as the ‘best in the world’ as he continues to impress in 2024. Brook played a key role in England’s latest away success after they beat New Zealand 2-0 with a Test to go on Sunday (Dec 8).

England’s legendary batter Joe Root has hailed youngster Harry Brook as the ‘best in the world’ as he continues to impress in 2024. Brook played a key role in England’s latest away success after they beat New Zealand 2-0 with a Test to go on Sunday (Dec 8). According to Root, Brook is by far the best player in the world considering his impact on the game. The English batter scored 123 and 55 in the Wellington Test while completing 1000 runs in Tests in 2024. Root hails Brook after a stellar year "If you asked me, Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute," Root said on Monday (Dec 9). "He has such an all-round game: he can absorb pressure, he can apply it, he can whack you over your head for six, he can scoop you over his head for six, he can smack spin, he can smack seam. He's so hard to bowl to." With 1,099 Test runs in 18 innings (at the time of writing), Brook is the fourth-highest run-getter in the red-ball format. He remains one of the consistent performers in the side having averaged 61.05 with a best of 317 against Pakistan recently. During the marathon innings, he was accompanied by Root as they stitched a stand of 454 runs for the fourth wicket in Multanin October. The partnership is also the highest for any England pair, highlighting the batting impact of Brook. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper All of 25, Brook will look to make a significant impact in all three formats as England look to reclaim their dominance. He will be next in action on Saturday (Dec 14) when Ben Stokes’ side takes on New Zealand in the third and final Test match with pride up for stakes. Despite pocketing the series 2-0, visitors will push for a whitewash having already won in Christchurch and Wellington.

NZ vs ENG: Joe Root hails 'best player in the world' Harry Brook after stellar 2024

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged everyone to move on from the row between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head as the focus now turns to the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match. On Saturday (Dec 7), Siraj and Head were seen exchanging words after the former bowled the Aussie star. The incident was later reported to the match referee for which Siraj was fined 20 percent of his match fees while Head was given a warning.

<h2>Harbhajan urges everyone to move</h2>

"Well, I think ICC is a bit too strict on players. These things happen in the ground. Obviously, forget what has happened and move forward. The players have patched up and talked to each other. Anyways, ICC being ICC has sanctioned the players. Let's put that aside now and let's move forward which is obviously, Brisbane. Let's focus on cricket rather than all these controversies. Enough is enough," said Harbhajan while speaking to Star Sports.

On Saturday with Australia in pole position, Head smashed Siraj for a six in the 82nd over, sparking anger for the Indian bowler. However, that incident was followed by Siraj getting the big wicket of Head after which both players were seen exchanging heated arguments. Both players then spoke on the incident in a press conference and to the broadcasters, as they cleared their stance.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-doesnt-deserve-kapil-dev-on-jasprit-bumrah-replacing-rohit-sharma-as-india-test-skipper-782768">BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper</a>

According to Harbhajan, everyone needs to move on from the incident as both teams have bigger things to address on the field. Interestingly, both Siraj and Head were seen shaking hands on the final day of the Test match, cooling the heat in on the matter.

Both India and Australia are set to meet in the third Test match in Brisbane on Saturday (Dec 14) as teams look to take the lead in the five-match series. Josh Hazlewood is expected to return for the Aussies while Harshit Rana is expected to keep his place in the Indian Playing XI.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged everyone to move on from the row between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head as the focus now turns to the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged everyone to move on from the row between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head as the focus now turns to the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match. On Saturday (Dec 7), Siraj and Head were seen exchanging words after the former bowled the Aussie star. The incident was later reported to the match referee for which Siraj was fined 20 percent of his match fees while Head was given a warning. Harbhajan urges everyone to move "Well, I think ICC is a bit too strict on players. These things happen in the ground. Obviously, forget what has happened and move forward. The players have patched up and talked to each other. Anyways, ICC being ICC has sanctioned the players. Let's put that aside now and let's move forward which is obviously, Brisbane. Let's focus on cricket rather than all these controversies. Enough is enough," said Harbhajan while speaking to Star Sports. On Saturday with Australia in pole position, Head smashed Siraj for a six in the 82nd over, sparking anger for the Indian bowler. However, that incident was followed by Siraj getting the big wicket of Head after which both players were seen exchanging heated arguments. Both players then spoke on the incident in a press conference and to the broadcasters, as they cleared their stance. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper According to Harbhajan, everyone needs to move on from the incident as both teams have bigger things to address on the field. Interestingly, both Siraj and Head were seen shaking hands on the final day of the Test match, cooling the heat in on the matter. Both India and Australia are set to meet in the third Test match in Brisbane on Saturday (Dec 14) as teams look to take the lead in the five-match series. Josh Hazlewood is expected to return for the Aussies while Harshit Rana is expected to keep his place in the Indian Playing XI.

BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh hoping everyone moves on from Siraj-Head row, says 'enough is enough'

Former Australia skipper Mark Taylor has criticised Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj for his outburst against Aussie Travis Head in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Siraj had given Head a send-off after bowling him out and Head, in turn, engaged in the verbal battle as well. Both the players were later reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“I didn’t like the send-off from Mohammed Siraj,” Taylor said while talking to local media outlet Nine News. “My biggest concern with Mohammed is this desire to assume that umpires are going to give dismissals.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-with-series-at-1-1-tickets-for-first-day-of-boxing-dat-test-at-mcg-sold-out-two-weeks-in-advance-783034">With series at 1-1, tickets for first day of Boxing Dat Test at MCG sold out two weeks in advance</a>

“I don’t like him running down the pitch when he hits a guy on the pads, going past the batsman, assuming he’s going to be given out, without showing respect to the umpire and the game to at least have a look at the decision. I think Mohammed ... someone needs to have a chat with him about that,” he added.

Siraj coped a lot of criticism for his act because Head's dismissal came after the batter had scored 140 runs and effectively taken the game away from India.

Both the players came up with their versions of the incident later on and contradicted each other.

Siraj eventually received a fine of 20 per cent of the match fee and a demerit point too, while Head got away with just a demerit point.&nbsp;

The incident happened on day 2 of the Test on Saturday (Dec 7) after Siraj clean bowled Head with a yorker in Australia's first innings.

As for the match, Australia amassed 337 runs in reply to India's first innings total of 180 and took a hefty lead of 157 runs. The hosts then bowled out India for 175 in the second innings and chased the nominal 19-run target without losing a wicket.

With the win, Australia equalled the five-Test series 1-1 after losing the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

Former Australia skipper Mark Taylor has criticised Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj for his outburst against Aussie Travis Head in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test.

Former Australia skipper Mark Taylor has criticised Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj for his outburst against Aussie Travis Head in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Siraj had given Head a send-off after bowling him out and Head, in turn, engaged in the verbal battle as well. Both the players were later reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC). “I didn’t like the send-off from Mohammed Siraj,” Taylor said while talking to local media outlet Nine News. “My biggest concern with Mohammed is this desire to assume that umpires are going to give dismissals.” Also Read: With series at 1-1, tickets for first day of Boxing Dat Test at MCG sold out two weeks in advance “I don’t like him running down the pitch when he hits a guy on the pads, going past the batsman, assuming he’s going to be given out, without showing respect to the umpire and the game to at least have a look at the decision. I think Mohammed ... someone needs to have a chat with him about that,” he added. Siraj coped a lot of criticism for his act because Head's dismissal came after the batter had scored 140 runs and effectively taken the game away from India. Both the players came up with their versions of the incident later on and contradicted each other. Siraj eventually received a fine of 20 per cent of the match fee and a demerit point too, while Head got away with just a demerit point. The incident happened on day 2 of the Test on Saturday (Dec 7) after Siraj clean bowled Head with a yorker in Australia's first innings. As for the match, Australia amassed 337 runs in reply to India's first innings total of 180 and took a hefty lead of 157 runs. The hosts then bowled out India for 175 in the second innings and chased the nominal 19-run target without losing a wicket. With the win, Australia equalled the five-Test series 1-1 after losing the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: 'Don't like him....,' Ex-Australia skipper Mark Taylor on Mohammed Siraj after Adelaide send-off

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia is breaking all records in terms of in-person match attendance. The first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide saw record crowds coming in for the high-octane contest between the two sides and now the iconic Boxing Day Test tickets for the first day are also sold out.

Cricket Australia, in a social media post, shared, "All available public tickets for Day 1 of the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test have been sold. There will be a possible final release of a small number of public tickets on December 24 for non-members to get their seats."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-former-west-indies-pacer-questions-virat-kohli-and-indias-decision-to-bat-first-in-adelaide-783018">Former West Indies pacer questions Virat Kohli and India's decision to bat first in Adelaide</a>

The Boxing Day Test, which will be the fourth match of the five-game series, is scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Earlier, the second Test in Adelaide, which was a day-night contest, saw 135,012 people coming in to watch—a record for the India vs. Australia Tests at the venue.

The first day of the Adelaide game saw people in excess of 50,000—the fourth highest for any Test in Adelaide and the highest ever for the India vs. Australia Test in the City of Churches.

The first Test in Perth also saw around 96,000 people coming out for the contest, during which India orchestrated a win of the ages.

After winning the first Test by 295 runs, India lost the second one by 10 wickets, which makes the next two Tests pivotal towards the result of the series.

The next Test starts Saturday (Dec 14) in Brisbane's iconic Gabba stadium where India had created history on the last tour in 2020-21 by becoming the first team to beat Australia in 32 years.

India would be hoping for reprise the same kind of performance this time as well at the Gabba after the Adelaide hammering.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia is breaking all records in terms of in-person match attendance. The first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide saw record crowds coming in for the high-octane contest between the two sides and now the iconic Boxing Day Test tickets for the first day are also sold out.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia is breaking all records in terms of in-person match attendance. The first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide saw record crowds coming in for the high-octane contest between the two sides and now the iconic Boxing Day Test tickets for the first day are also sold out. Cricket Australia, in a social media post, shared, "All available public tickets for Day 1 of the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test have been sold. There will be a possible final release of a small number of public tickets on December 24 for non-members to get their seats." Also Read: Former West Indies pacer questions Virat Kohli and India's decision to bat first in Adelaide The Boxing Day Test, which will be the fourth match of the five-game series, is scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Earlier, the second Test in Adelaide, which was a day-night contest, saw 135,012 people coming in to watch—a record for the India vs. Australia Tests at the venue. The first day of the Adelaide game saw people in excess of 50,000—the fourth highest for any Test in Adelaide and the highest ever for the India vs. Australia Test in the City of Churches. The first Test in Perth also saw around 96,000 people coming out for the contest, during which India orchestrated a win of the ages. After winning the first Test by 295 runs, India lost the second one by 10 wickets, which makes the next two Tests pivotal towards the result of the series. The next Test starts Saturday (Dec 14) in Brisbane's iconic Gabba stadium where India had created history on the last tour in 2020-21 by becoming the first team to beat Australia in 32 years. India would be hoping for reprise the same kind of performance this time as well at the Gabba after the Adelaide hammering.

BGT 2024-25: With series at 1-1, tickets for first day of Boxing Dat Test at MCG sold out two weeks in advance

Former West Indies great Andy Roberts has questioned India's decision to bat first in second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide under lights. India lost the match by 10 wickets after being bowled out for 180 runs in the first innings and 175 in the second.

Travis Head's 140 then took Australia to 337 in the first innings. With a comprehensive 157-run lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings in two hours into Day 3 of the Test to level the series.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-do-not-hold-back-one-bit-shastri-shares-advice-for-md-siraj-after-heated-exchange-with-travis-head-782966">'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head</a>

“Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers out bowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” asked Roberts while talking to news outlet Mid-Day.

The former West Indies pacer was also critical of Virat Kohli who failed in both innings in Adelaide after scoring a 100 in second innings of first Test in Perth.

“I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” Roberts said.

“He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” he added.

The third Test of the series, which stands equal at 1-1, kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Former West Indies great Andy Roberts has questioned India's decision to bat first in second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide under lights.

Former West Indies great Andy Roberts has questioned India's decision to bat first in second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide under lights. India lost the match by 10 wickets after being bowled out for 180 runs in the first innings and 175 in the second. Travis Head's 140 then took Australia to 337 in the first innings. With a comprehensive 157-run lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings in two hours into Day 3 of the Test to level the series. Also Read: 'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head “Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers out bowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” asked Roberts while talking to news outlet Mid-Day. The former West Indies pacer was also critical of Virat Kohli who failed in both innings in Adelaide after scoring a 100 in second innings of first Test in Perth. “I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” Roberts said. “He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” he added. The third Test of the series, which stands equal at 1-1, kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at the Gabba, Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: Former West Indies pacer questions Virat Kohli and India's decision to bat first in Adelaide

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth. The match was headlined by Mitchell Starc's 6 for 48, on the opening day, whereas Travis Head's 140 and Cummins' 5 for 57 led Australia to a massive ten-wicket win. The tie also saw Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head get involved in a heated exchange on Day 2, after the former dismissed the Aussie.

While Head and Siraj have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared some advice for Siraj. Ahead of the third Test, in Brisbane, Shastri wrote in his column at the Code, "I’m sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it and the dust would have settled already.&nbsp;If anything, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a fast bowler after he’d been hit for a six. Siraj was letting off some steam. That’s the fast bowler’s temperament. You want it to be like that."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-harbhajan-singh-backs-rohit-sharma-at-no-6-suggests-two-changes-for-brisbane-test-782915">BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test</a>

<h2>'Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step'</h2>

The former Indian all-rounder added, "When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get. And it’s exactly what I would tell my players when I was coaching India in Australia. Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step. It then became the team’s philosophy and everyone from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant and every member of the squad was prepared to give it back to the Aussies."

Talking about the Adelaide Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first but only managed 180 with Starc ruling the roost. In reply, Head's 140 took Australia to 337. With a comprehensive lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings on Day 3 to level the series.

The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at The Gabba, Brisbane.

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth.

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth. The match was headlined by Mitchell Starc's 6 for 48, on the opening day, whereas Travis Head's 140 and Cummins' 5 for 57 led Australia to a massive ten-wicket win. The tie also saw Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head get involved in a heated exchange on Day 2, after the former dismissed the Aussie. While Head and Siraj have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared some advice for Siraj. Ahead of the third Test, in Brisbane, Shastri wrote in his column at the Code, "I’m sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it and the dust would have settled already. If anything, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a fast bowler after he’d been hit for a six. Siraj was letting off some steam. That’s the fast bowler’s temperament. You want it to be like that." Also read: BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test 'Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step' The former Indian all-rounder added, "When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get. And it’s exactly what I would tell my players when I was coaching India in Australia. Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step. It then became the team’s philosophy and everyone from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant and every member of the squad was prepared to give it back to the Aussies." Talking about the Adelaide Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first but only managed 180 with Starc ruling the roost. In reply, Head's 140 took Australia to 337. With a comprehensive lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings on Day 3 to level the series. The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at The Gabba, Brisbane.

BGT: 'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed pacer Harshit Rana to retain his place in the playing XI for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Brisbane which starts on December 14. The comments come as Pujara answered a question about changes in the playing XI after India's loss in the second BGT Test.

“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match," said Pujara while talking on Star Sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-harbhajan-singh-backs-rohit-sharma-at-no-6-suggests-two-changes-for-brisbane-test-782915">Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test</a>

“He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. Probably the only change for me would be Sundar for Ashwin if the team feels the batting lineup needs strengthening,” he added.

Rana, who made his debut in the first BGT Test in Perth, has been impressive but not enough to make a huge impact. In his first Test, Rana took four wickets (three in first innings and one in second) but went wicketless in the second Test played under lights in Adelaide.

India won the first match by 295 runs but lost the second one by 10 wickets and they have looked desperate for a pacer to compliment Jasprit Bumrah, who has been outstanding so far with 12 wickets in two games.&nbsp;

While Mohammed Siraj has played his part with nine wickets in two games, he largely fits the bill of a third pacer but has been pushed to the frontline pair with Bumrah in Mohammed Shami's absence.

Shami, meanwhile, has bowled his full quota of four overs in all eight Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 games, further proving that the bowler is almost 100 per cent fit for his much-awaited international return.

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed pacer Harshit Rana to retain his place in the playing XI for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Brisbane which starts on December 14.

Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed pacer Harshit Rana to retain his place in the playing XI for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Brisbane which starts on December 14. The comments come as Pujara answered a question about changes in the playing XI after India's loss in the second BGT Test. “I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match," said Pujara while talking on Star Sports. Also Read: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test “He is a good bowler. You cannot drop him just because one match went bad. Probably the only change for me would be Sundar for Ashwin if the team feels the batting lineup needs strengthening,” he added. Rana, who made his debut in the first BGT Test in Perth, has been impressive but not enough to make a huge impact. In his first Test, Rana took four wickets (three in first innings and one in second) but went wicketless in the second Test played under lights in Adelaide. India won the first match by 295 runs but lost the second one by 10 wickets and they have looked desperate for a pacer to compliment Jasprit Bumrah, who has been outstanding so far with 12 wickets in two games. While Mohammed Siraj has played his part with nine wickets in two games, he largely fits the bill of a third pacer but has been pushed to the frontline pair with Bumrah in Mohammed Shami's absence. Shami, meanwhile, has bowled his full quota of four overs in all eight Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 games, further proving that the bowler is almost 100 per cent fit for his much-awaited international return.

BGT 2024-25: Cheteshwar Pujara backs pacer Harshit Rana for Gabba Test, suggests THIS change instead

ZIM vs AFG 1st T20I Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue:&nbsp;Afghanistan will look to make a winning start to the T20I series as they take hosts Zimbabwe on Wednesday (Dec 11). And as&nbsp;the Champions Trophy edges closer, Afghanistan will look to test the depth of their&nbsp;squad while Zimbabwe will look to end the year on a winning note.&nbsp;Ahead of the opening T20I contest between hosts Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads and others.

<h2>When is the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match?</h2>

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be played on Wednesday (Dec 11).

<h2>Which stadium will host the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match?</h2>

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

<h2>What time will the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match start?</h2>

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will start at 1:30 PM local time (5:00 PM&nbsp;IST) with toss taking place at 1:00 PM local time (4:30 PM&nbsp;IST).

<h2>Where to watch the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match on TV?</h2>

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will not be telecast&nbsp;in India.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/heres-how-india-australia-and-other-teams-can-reach-world-test-championship-final-782873">Here's how India, Australia and other teams can reach World Test Championship final</a>

<h2>Where to watch the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I LIVE Streaming online on OTT?</h2>

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I&nbsp;match will be live-streamed on the FanCode App and website in India.

<h2>Squads:</h2>

Zimbabwe:&nbsp;Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wicket-keeper), Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicket-keeper), Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava

Afghanistan:&nbsp;Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Ishaq (wicket-keeper), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq

ZIM vs AFG 1st T20I Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Afghanistan will look to make a winning start to the T20I series as they take hosts Zimbabwe on Wednesday (Dec 11).

ZIM vs AFG 1st T20I Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Afghanistan will look to make a winning start to the T20I series as they take hosts Zimbabwe on Wednesday (Dec 11). And as the Champions Trophy edges closer, Afghanistan will look to test the depth of their squad while Zimbabwe will look to end the year on a winning note. Ahead of the opening T20I contest between hosts Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads and others. When is the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match? The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be played on Wednesday (Dec 11). Which stadium will host the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match? The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. What time will the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match start? The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will start at 1:30 PM local time (5:00 PM IST) with toss taking place at 1:00 PM local time (4:30 PM IST). Where to watch the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match on TV? The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will not be telecast in India. ALSO READ | Here's how India, Australia and other teams can reach World Test Championship final Where to watch the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I LIVE Streaming online on OTT? The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match will be live-streamed on the FanCode App and website in India. Squads: Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wicket-keeper), Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicket-keeper), Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Ishaq (wicket-keeper), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq

ZIM vs AFG 1st T20I live streaming: When & where to watch Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan live on laptop, TV

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.

Confirming Europe&#39;s second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown.&nbsp;

The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet.&nbsp;

The European Space Agency said&nbsp;the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander&#39;s parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is &quot;larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece&quot;, flight director Michel Denis told AFP. &quot;It is smashed.&quot;

The ESA said the lander&#39;s speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. &quot;Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour,&quot; it said in a statement. &quot;It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full.&quot;

The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars&#39; orbit as planned.&nbsp;

The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday. Confirming Europe's second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown. The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet. The European Space Agency said the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander's parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is "larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece", flight director Michel Denis told AFP. "It is smashed." The ESA said the lander's speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. "Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour," it said in a statement. "It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full." The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars' orbit as planned. The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020. (WION with inputs from agencies)

BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test

With less than seven months to go for the World Test Championship (WTC), the race to play at Lord’s in the summit clash has heated up with recent wins for Australia and South Africa. With India losing their grip in the race for the top two in the standings, Temba Bavmua’s South Africa and Pat Cummins’ Australia are in pole position to reach the final. So with limited matches to go, here are all the permutations for all teams to qualify for the WTC final.

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South Africa on 🔝 
 
The Proteas displace Australia at the summit of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> standings after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvSL</a> series sweep 👊 
 
Latest state of play 👉 <a href="https://t.co/1TUUJ5ThVs">https://t.co/1TUUJ5ThVs</a> <a href="https://t.co/bXizReyaAu">pic.twitter.com/bXizReyaAu</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1866098157538381876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>1. India</h2>

P 16 | W 9 | D 1 | L 6 | Pen -2 | Points 110 | PCT% 57.29

Remaining Tests:&nbsp;Three v Australia (away)

Form guide:&nbsp;L&nbsp;W&nbsp;L L L W&nbsp;

With just three matches to go, India’s chances of reaching a third successive WTC final now hang in balance after defeats to New Zealand and Australia in the Adelaide Test. India’s best chance of reaching the WTC final is if they win all three remaining Border-Gavaskar trophy matches and pocket the series 4-1. However, any other result will see them at the mercy of other teams dropping points, meaning India will have to depend on other teams and results.

<h2>2. Australia</h2>

P 14 | W 9 | D 1 | L 4 | Pen -10 | Points 102 | PCT% 60.71

Remaining Tests:&nbsp;Three v India (home), two v Sri Lanka (away)

Form guide:&nbsp;W&nbsp;L W W L W&nbsp;

With five matches still to go in the WTC cycle and three on home turf, Australia will fancy their chances of reaching the final. If they lose the current BGT series by 4-1 they will have to depend on other teams to make the summit clash. However, a 4-1 series win should see them reach the final while a 3-1 or 2-1 series win coupled with a win in Sri Lanka will see them qualify.

The only way Australia miss out on the final is if they fail to win two or fewer matches while other teams get maximum points.

<h2>3. South Africa</h2>

P 10 | W 6 | D 1 | L 3 | Pen 0 | Points 76 | PCT% 63.33

Remaining Tests:&nbsp;Two v Pakistan (home)

Form guide (most recent first):&nbsp;W W W W W D&nbsp;

South Africa were fifth before the first Test series against Sri Lanka but have jumped up to the top spot following two very impressive wins at home. A single victory in either of their two remaining Tests at home against Pakistan will secure them the spot in the WTC Final for the first time.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-doesnt-deserve-kapil-dev-on-jasprit-bumrah-replacing-rohit-sharma-as-india-test-skipper-782768">BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper</a>

<h2>4. Sri Lanka</h2>

P 11 | W 5 | D 0 | L 6 | Pen 0 | Points 60 | PCT% 45.45

Remaining Tests:&nbsp;Two v Australia (home)

Form guide:&nbsp;L L W W W L&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's 0-2 loss to South Africa isn't the end of the world for the plucky Lankans. But, they'll need a massive favour from Pakistan to make it happen. If Pakistan win both Tests against South Africa, and then Sri Lanka defeat Australia 2-0 at home, SL would go through regardless of the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.&nbsp;

With less than seven months to go for the World Test Championship (WTC), the race to play at Lord’s in the summit clash has heated up with recent wins for Australia and South Africa.

With less than seven months to go for the World Test Championship (WTC), the race to play at Lord’s in the summit clash has heated up with recent wins for Australia and South Africa. With India losing their grip in the race for the top two in the standings, Temba Bavmua’s South Africa and Pat Cummins’ Australia are in pole position to reach the final. So with limited matches to go, here are all the permutations for all teams to qualify for the WTC final. South Africa on 🔝 The Proteas displace Australia at the summit of the #WTC25 standings after #SAvSL series sweep 👊 Latest state of play 👉 https://t.co/1TUUJ5ThVs pic.twitter.com/bXizReyaAu — ICC (@ICC) December 9, 2024 × 1. India P 16 | W 9 | D 1 | L 6 | Pen -2 | Points 110 | PCT% 57.29 Remaining Tests: Three v Australia (away) Form guide: L W L L L W With just three matches to go, India’s chances of reaching a third successive WTC final now hang in balance after defeats to New Zealand and Australia in the Adelaide Test. India’s best chance of reaching the WTC final is if they win all three remaining Border-Gavaskar trophy matches and pocket the series 4-1. However, any other result will see them at the mercy of other teams dropping points, meaning India will have to depend on other teams and results. 2. Australia P 14 | W 9 | D 1 | L 4 | Pen -10 | Points 102 | PCT% 60.71 Remaining Tests: Three v India (home), two v Sri Lanka (away) Form guide: W L W W L W With five matches still to go in the WTC cycle and three on home turf, Australia will fancy their chances of reaching the final. If they lose the current BGT series by 4-1 they will have to depend on other teams to make the summit clash. However, a 4-1 series win should see them reach the final while a 3-1 or 2-1 series win coupled with a win in Sri Lanka will see them qualify. The only way Australia miss out on the final is if they fail to win two or fewer matches while other teams get maximum points. 3. South Africa P 10 | W 6 | D 1 | L 3 | Pen 0 | Points 76 | PCT% 63.33 Remaining Tests: Two v Pakistan (home) Form guide (most recent first): W W W W W D South Africa were fifth before the first Test series against Sri Lanka but have jumped up to the top spot following two very impressive wins at home. A single victory in either of their two remaining Tests at home against Pakistan will secure them the spot in the WTC Final for the first time. ALSO READ | BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper 4. Sri Lanka P 11 | W 5 | D 0 | L 6 | Pen 0 | Points 60 | PCT% 45.45 Remaining Tests: Two v Australia (home) Form guide: L L W W W L Sri Lanka's 0-2 loss to South Africa isn't the end of the world for the plucky Lankans. But, they'll need a massive favour from Pakistan to make it happen. If Pakistan win both Tests against South Africa, and then Sri Lanka defeat Australia 2-0 at home, SL would go through regardless of the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Here's how India, Australia and other teams can reach World Test Championship final

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series. Pakistan are coming into this tour following a trip to Zimbabwe, where they won the ODIs 2-1 and T20Is by the same margin. For SA, they will be led by Heinrich Klaasen as regular captain Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen will join during the latter part of the white-ball leg.&nbsp;

Only Ryan Rickelton will&nbsp;participate in the T20I series soon after the conclusion of the two-match&nbsp;Test series&nbsp;vs Sri Lanka, which ended on Monday (Dec 9). Thus, he is&nbsp;expected to miss the series opener to take a breather before shifting to the shortest format.&nbsp;

The two sides didn't meet each other in this year's T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners-up.&nbsp;

Here is all you need to know about the T20I series opener, to be held in Durban:

When is the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I match?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be held on Tuesday (Dec 10).

Which stadium will host the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be played at Kingsmead, Durban.

At what time will the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;start?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will commence at 9:30 PM (IST).

Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;on TV?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be telecast on Sony Sports 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-katich-backs-head-in-spat-vs-siraj-predicts-india-australia-rivalry-to-heat-up-in-remaining-tests-782860">BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests</a>

Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;on OTT?

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I streamed live on the JioCinema app and website.

Squads:

South Africa:&nbsp;Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen

Pakistan:&nbsp;Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series.

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series. Pakistan are coming into this tour following a trip to Zimbabwe, where they won the ODIs 2-1 and T20Is by the same margin. For SA, they will be led by Heinrich Klaasen as regular captain Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen will join during the latter part of the white-ball leg. Only Ryan Rickelton will participate in the T20I series soon after the conclusion of the two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka, which ended on Monday (Dec 9). Thus, he is expected to miss the series opener to take a breather before shifting to the shortest format. The two sides didn't meet each other in this year's T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners-up. Here is all you need to know about the T20I series opener, to be held in Durban: When is the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I match? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be held on Tuesday (Dec 10). Which stadium will host the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be played at Kingsmead, Durban. At what time will the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I start? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will commence at 9:30 PM (IST). Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I on TV? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be telecast on Sony Sports 18. Also read: BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I on OTT? South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I streamed live on the JioCinema app and website. Squads: South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

SA vs Pak, Live streaming details: When and where to watch 1st T20I in Durban

Ace Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood is nearing full fitness but has asked for another 24 hours to decide on his availability for the Gabba Test against India starting December 14. Hazlewood missed the second game in Adelaide due to a minor side strain, with backup Scott Boland picked in the XI. Though Boland returned with five wickets across both innings, including removing Yashasvi Jaiswal on his first ball in the second, he will likely make way for Josh should he declare fit.

Josh bowled on the centre wicket at the Adelaide Oval on Monday (Dec 9), which could have been day four of the second BGT, which Australia won by 10 wickets inside three days.

The right-arm pacer bowled top pace during his lengthy recovery examination, looking to replicate match conditions. After a brief spell, he cooled down before returning to ensure his fitness across multiple stints ahead of the third Test.

"I think it'll be how I pull up in the 24 hours following it really," Hazlewood said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

"It’s just that repetitive (action), and obviously two spells make a big difference. Cooling down pretty much fully and then going again in the same day, and the intensity has got to be right up there as well.

"So a few boxes to tick, but it's probably the 24 hours that follow, and pulling up again the next day and then thinking 'yeah, I'd be right to go again if I had to',” he continued.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-siraj-head-may-face-repercussions-for-adelaide-brawl-as-iccs-disciplinary-hearing-looms-report-782572">BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report</a>

Reflecting more on the nature of the injury, Hazlewood said though he sustained side strains throughout his career, the current setback wasn’t as damaging, and that he could have risked playing through it in Adelaide had it been the last Test of the summer.

Considering Australia and India will face off in three more Tests in this series in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, respectively, with what is on the stake – a spot in the WTC 2025 Final, Hazlewood wouldn’t have risked his injury in Adelaide. With plenty to play for in the remainder of this series, Hazlewood would like to play when 100%.

"It's not necessarily your typical side strain, which I've had a couple in my career," Hazlewood said of his most recent setback. "It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years, but perfect prep this year (heading into the first Test).

"If this (Adelaide) was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played.

"I think I would have been in a pretty bad state by the end of the game, even though it was only a short game but it just wasn't quite right,” he continued.

<h2>‘Red ball in Gabba suits us’</h2>

Hazlewood was part of the Test XIs which lost to India and West Indies, respectively, at the Gabba on the past two occasions. Although India’s batting masterclass cost them a defeat in Brisbane the first time, Hazlewood feels Australia failing to apply them with the pink ball against the Windies resulted in their loss earlier this year.

Expressing composure over returning to the Gabba playing with the red ball, Hazlewood said, “We always play pretty well in Brissy (but) the last Test was obviously pink ball."

"The pink ball gets quite soft in Brisbane quite early on, with the wicket being quite hard, it doesn't have that thatch grass that we see here at Adelaide.

"So we're back to the red ball there, which I think suits us.

"We obviously haven't won recently up there, but it's a place we like to play,” Hazlewood said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ace Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood is nearing full fitness but has asked for another 24 hours to decide on his availability for the Gabba Test against India starting December 14.

Ace Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood is nearing full fitness but has asked for another 24 hours to decide on his availability for the Gabba Test against India starting December 14. Hazlewood missed the second game in Adelaide due to a minor side strain, with backup Scott Boland picked in the XI. Though Boland returned with five wickets across both innings, including removing Yashasvi Jaiswal on his first ball in the second, he will likely make way for Josh should he declare fit. Josh bowled on the centre wicket at the Adelaide Oval on Monday (Dec 9), which could have been day four of the second BGT, which Australia won by 10 wickets inside three days. The right-arm pacer bowled top pace during his lengthy recovery examination, looking to replicate match conditions. After a brief spell, he cooled down before returning to ensure his fitness across multiple stints ahead of the third Test. "I think it'll be how I pull up in the 24 hours following it really," Hazlewood said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. "It’s just that repetitive (action), and obviously two spells make a big difference. Cooling down pretty much fully and then going again in the same day, and the intensity has got to be right up there as well. "So a few boxes to tick, but it's probably the 24 hours that follow, and pulling up again the next day and then thinking 'yeah, I'd be right to go again if I had to',” he continued. ALSO READ: BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report Reflecting more on the nature of the injury, Hazlewood said though he sustained side strains throughout his career, the current setback wasn’t as damaging, and that he could have risked playing through it in Adelaide had it been the last Test of the summer. Considering Australia and India will face off in three more Tests in this series in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, respectively, with what is on the stake – a spot in the WTC 2025 Final, Hazlewood wouldn’t have risked his injury in Adelaide. With plenty to play for in the remainder of this series, Hazlewood would like to play when 100%. "It's not necessarily your typical side strain, which I've had a couple in my career," Hazlewood said of his most recent setback. "It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years, but perfect prep this year (heading into the first Test). "If this (Adelaide) was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played. "I think I would have been in a pretty bad state by the end of the game, even though it was only a short game but it just wasn't quite right,” he continued. ‘Red ball in Gabba suits us’ Hazlewood was part of the Test XIs which lost to India and West Indies, respectively, at the Gabba on the past two occasions. Although India’s batting masterclass cost them a defeat in Brisbane the first time, Hazlewood feels Australia failing to apply them with the pink ball against the Windies resulted in their loss earlier this year. Expressing composure over returning to the Gabba playing with the red ball, Hazlewood said, “We always play pretty well in Brissy (but) the last Test was obviously pink ball." "The pink ball gets quite soft in Brisbane quite early on, with the wicket being quite hard, it doesn't have that thatch grass that we see here at Adelaide. "So we're back to the red ball there, which I think suits us. "We obviously haven't won recently up there, but it's a place we like to play,” Hazlewood said. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT – Josh Hazlewood sets deadline before committing to Gabba Test availability

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins &amp; Co levelled the five-match series 1-1.

Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat.

Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180.

"Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result,&nbsp;he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157.

It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-siraj-head-may-face-repercussions-for-adelaide-brawl-as-iccs-disciplinary-hearing-looms-report-782572">BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report</a>

Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave.

Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre."

Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor&nbsp;27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane?

Only time will tell.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins & Co levelled the five-match series 1-1. Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat. Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180. "Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result, he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157. It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily. Also read: BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave. Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre." Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor 27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane? Only time will tell.

BGT: 'We saw defensive captaincy,' former Indian opener slams Rohit Sharma after India's Adelaide Test loss

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj and Adelaide’s Player of the Match Travis Head from Australia may face ICC’s disciplinary hearing for their verbal brawl in the second BGT Test, which the hosts won by 10 wickets. Both players are on ICC’s radar as milder repercussions loom, according to reports.

Siraj and Head might face a disciplinary hearing for their on-field antics that made headlines worldwide, reported&nbsp;The Daily Telegraph.

The incident happened during the 82nd over in Australia’s first innings, when, after dismissing Head of a searing Yorker, Siraj gave him a fiery yet ugly sendoff, gesturing aggressively towards the dressing room.

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That, however, led to the Adelaide crowd coming hard on Siraj every time he fielded near the boundary or even when he came on to bat in the second innings by booing him, expressing displeasure at his conduct.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sherfane-rutherfords-maiden-hundred-guides-west-indies-home-against-bangladesh-in-1st-odi-782555">Sherfane Rutherford’s maiden hundred guides West Indies home against Bangladesh in 1st ODI</a>

Though both let it slide under the mat afterwards, Siraj and Head would not get away with this without warning.

The ICC might not punish them by slapping suspensions as such incidents mostly garner milder penalties.

<h2>Who said what?</h2>

Head hit a brilliant 140 off 141 balls against India in the second innings, steering Australia to a massive 157-run lead. Given how he took the attack to the Indian seamers, having sent Siraj for a six just one ball before he got out, Siraj’s over-the-top reaction was always coming.

&nbsp;

The left-handed batter went on record claiming that he said ‘well-bowled’ to Siraj, but how he reacted to that disappointed Head. Though he expressed regrets over his reaction to his dismissal, Head defended his decision to stand his ground.&nbsp;

“It probably (went) a little bit far; that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back, but I’m also going to stand up for myself. Like to think in our team, we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my teammates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did,” Head said during the press conference after the second day’s play.

<h3>Head lied, says Siraj</h3>

The Indian seamer broke his silence ahead of the start of the third day’s play in Adelaide, claiming Head never said ‘well-bowled’ to him and that it was something else.&nbsp;

“When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently. And when I got him bowled, I only celebrated, and he abused me, and you saw that on TV, too," Siraj said in a chat with Star Sports.&nbsp;

“I only celebrated at the start; I didn’t say anything to him. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right; it’s a lie that he only said ‘well bowled’ to me. It’s there for everyone to see that that’s not what he said to me. We respect everyone; it’s not like we disrespect other players. I respect everybody because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but what he did wasn’t right. I didn’t like it at all,” he noted.

With the five-match series drawn 1-1, the third Test will get underway at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 14.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj and Adelaide’s Player of the Match Travis Head from Australia may face ICC’s disciplinary hearing for their verbal brawl in the second BGT Test, which the hosts won by 10 wickets.

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj and Adelaide’s Player of the Match Travis Head from Australia may face ICC’s disciplinary hearing for their verbal brawl in the second BGT Test, which the hosts won by 10 wickets. Both players are on ICC’s radar as milder repercussions loom, according to reports. Siraj and Head might face a disciplinary hearing for their on-field antics that made headlines worldwide, reported The Daily Telegraph. The incident happened during the 82nd over in Australia’s first innings, when, after dismissing Head of a searing Yorker, Siraj gave him a fiery yet ugly sendoff, gesturing aggressively towards the dressing room. A century, a send-off, Travis Head reflects on a day full of action #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/cNRZ5lxnSz — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024 × That, however, led to the Adelaide crowd coming hard on Siraj every time he fielded near the boundary or even when he came on to bat in the second innings by booing him, expressing displeasure at his conduct. ALSO READ: Sherfane Rutherford’s maiden hundred guides West Indies home against Bangladesh in 1st ODI Though both let it slide under the mat afterwards, Siraj and Head would not get away with this without warning. The ICC might not punish them by slapping suspensions as such incidents mostly garner milder penalties. Who said what? Head hit a brilliant 140 off 141 balls against India in the second innings, steering Australia to a massive 157-run lead. Given how he took the attack to the Indian seamers, having sent Siraj for a six just one ball before he got out, Siraj’s over-the-top reaction was always coming. The left-handed batter went on record claiming that he said ‘well-bowled’ to Siraj, but how he reacted to that disappointed Head. Though he expressed regrets over his reaction to his dismissal, Head defended his decision to stand his ground. “It probably (went) a little bit far; that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back, but I’m also going to stand up for myself. Like to think in our team, we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my teammates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did,” Head said during the press conference after the second day’s play. Head lied, says Siraj The Indian seamer broke his silence ahead of the start of the third day’s play in Adelaide, claiming Head never said ‘well-bowled’ to him and that it was something else. “When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently. And when I got him bowled, I only celebrated, and he abused me, and you saw that on TV, too," Siraj said in a chat with Star Sports. “I only celebrated at the start; I didn’t say anything to him. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right; it’s a lie that he only said ‘well bowled’ to me. It’s there for everyone to see that that’s not what he said to me. We respect everyone; it’s not like we disrespect other players. I respect everybody because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but what he did wasn’t right. I didn’t like it at all,” he noted. With the five-match series drawn 1-1, the third Test will get underway at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 14. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report

Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah.

"I think it is too early to talk about that. With one performance, you can't say he is one of the best, and with one bad performance, you can't say he doesn't deserve that. Let the player play a lot of cricket. There will be ups and downs. Then you will judge how he reacts during difficult time," Kapil told reporters on Monday (Dec. 9) during an event, reported news agency ANI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-with-every-smat-game-mohammed-shami-gets-inch-closer-to-much-needed-test-return-for-india-782745">With every SMAT game, Mohammed Shami gets an inch closer to much-needed Test return for India</a>

Rohit is facing a lot of heat for not just captaincy but batting as well. Before losing the Adelaide Test, India also lost a three-Test series 0-3 against New Zealand at home with Rohit at command.

Rohit has played in four of India's last five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at home.

Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out.

Overall, India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident, with the team not being able to cross the 200-run mark in the first innings of the four&nbsp;previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games, two were at home against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah.

Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah. "I think it is too early to talk about that. With one performance, you can't say he is one of the best, and with one bad performance, you can't say he doesn't deserve that. Let the player play a lot of cricket. There will be ups and downs. Then you will judge how he reacts during difficult time," Kapil told reporters on Monday (Dec. 9) during an event, reported news agency ANI. Also Read: With every SMAT game, Mohammed Shami gets an inch closer to much-needed Test return for India Rohit is facing a lot of heat for not just captaincy but batting as well. Before losing the Adelaide Test, India also lost a three-Test series 0-3 against New Zealand at home with Rohit at command. Rohit has played in four of India's last five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at home. Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out. Overall, India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident, with the team not being able to cross the 200-run mark in the first innings of the four previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games, two were at home against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper

A superb maiden hundred from Sherfane Rutherford led the West Indies to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first one-day international at Warner Park on Sunday.

Rutherford, playing in his 10th ODI, slammed seven fours and eight sixes in his 80-ball innings of 113 which ended with West Indies just seven runs short of completing the highest ever run chase on the ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-optional-practice-should-sunil-gavaskar-lashes-out-at-india-after-10-wicket-adelaide-loss-782492">BGT 2024-25: 'Optional practice should...,' Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at India after 10-wicket Adelaide loss</a>

The 26-year-old, who was named player of the match, came to the crease with West Indies 94-3 chasing the 294-6 that Bangladesh posted in their 50 overs.

He added 99 for the fourth wicket with captain Shai Hope who made 86 from 88 balls, before drilling off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz down the throat of Jaker Ali at midwicket.

Rutherford then partnered up with Justin Greaves (41 not out) to add 95 for the sixth wicket, taking West Indies to the brink of victory.

"I think he's really improved his batting," said Hope of his match-winner. "We ask for consistency, we always speak about it, and he's showing that. He strikes the ball really well and the hard work is paying off in the middle. He was disappointed not to finish the game."

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh made a solid start through opener Tanzid Hasan (60) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74).&nbsp;

Mahmudullah, with 50 not out, and Jaker Ali (48) added 96 for the sixth wicket but it was not enough to see off Rutherford.

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.&nbsp;

A superb maiden hundred from Sherfane Rutherford led the West Indies to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first one-day international at Warner Park on Sunday.

A superb maiden hundred from Sherfane Rutherford led the West Indies to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first one-day international at Warner Park on Sunday. Rutherford, playing in his 10th ODI, slammed seven fours and eight sixes in his 80-ball innings of 113 which ended with West Indies just seven runs short of completing the highest ever run chase on the ground. ALSO READ: BGT 2024-25: 'Optional practice should...,' Sunil Gavaskar lashes out at India after 10-wicket Adelaide loss The 26-year-old, who was named player of the match, came to the crease with West Indies 94-3 chasing the 294-6 that Bangladesh posted in their 50 overs. He added 99 for the fourth wicket with captain Shai Hope who made 86 from 88 balls, before drilling off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz down the throat of Jaker Ali at midwicket. Rutherford then partnered up with Justin Greaves (41 not out) to add 95 for the sixth wicket, taking West Indies to the brink of victory. "I think he's really improved his batting," said Hope of his match-winner. "We ask for consistency, we always speak about it, and he's showing that. He strikes the ball really well and the hard work is paying off in the middle. He was disappointed not to finish the game." After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh made a solid start through opener Tanzid Hasan (60) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74). Mahmudullah, with 50 not out, and Jaker Ali (48) added 96 for the sixth wicket but it was not enough to see off Rutherford. 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.

Sherfane Rutherford’s maiden hundred guides West Indies home against Bangladesh in 1st ODI

India pacer Mohammed Shami continues to impress upon his return to competitive cricket while playing for Bengal in domestic cricket. The bowler played for the first time about a month ago since getting injured in the ICC ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023.&nbsp;

Since his return, he has played one four-day Ranji game and eight T20s in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), taking 16 wickets in total.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-seen-a-fair-bit-pat-cummins-praises-india-youngster-and-srh-teammate-nitish-kumar-reddy-782727">'Seen a fair bit...,' Pat Cummins praises India youngster and SRH teammate Nitish Kumar Reddy</a>

Shami has also bowled his full quota of four overs in all eight SMAT games, further proving that the bowler is almost 100 per cent fit for his much-awaited international return.

The pacer was expected to be back for the three-Test home series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3, but wasn't named in the squad. He then was expected to be named in the India squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) squad, but the team management decided otherwise.

Shami's absence has been visible for India in the first two BGT Tests, with India winning one and losing one. More importantly, India are desperate for a pacer to compliment Jasprit Bumrah, who has been outstanding so far with 12 wickets in two games.

While Mohammed Siraj has played his part with nine wickets in two games, he largely fits the bill of a third pacer but has been pushed to frontline pair with Bumrah in Shami's absence.

India's third pacer, Harshit Rana, while being impressive, has failed to make a huge impact given the inexperience, and that's why Shami's return is awaited more than ever.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, after the loss in the second Test, also spoke on the possibility of the pacer joining the India squad in Australia and said, "We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel."

The third India vs Australia match of the BGT series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

India pacer Mohammed Shami continues to impress upon his return to competitive cricket while playing for Bengal in domestic cricket. The bowler played for the first time about a month ago since getting injured in the ICC ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023.

India pacer Mohammed Shami continues to impress upon his return to competitive cricket while playing for Bengal in domestic cricket. The bowler played for the first time about a month ago since getting injured in the ICC ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023. Since his return, he has played one four-day Ranji game and eight T20s in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), taking 16 wickets in total. Also Read: 'Seen a fair bit...,' Pat Cummins praises India youngster and SRH teammate Nitish Kumar Reddy Shami has also bowled his full quota of four overs in all eight SMAT games, further proving that the bowler is almost 100 per cent fit for his much-awaited international return. The pacer was expected to be back for the three-Test home series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3, but wasn't named in the squad. He then was expected to be named in the India squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) squad, but the team management decided otherwise. Shami's absence has been visible for India in the first two BGT Tests, with India winning one and losing one. More importantly, India are desperate for a pacer to compliment Jasprit Bumrah, who has been outstanding so far with 12 wickets in two games. While Mohammed Siraj has played his part with nine wickets in two games, he largely fits the bill of a third pacer but has been pushed to frontline pair with Bumrah in Shami's absence. India's third pacer, Harshit Rana, while being impressive, has failed to make a huge impact given the inexperience, and that's why Shami's return is awaited more than ever. India skipper Rohit Sharma, after the loss in the second Test, also spoke on the possibility of the pacer joining the India squad in Australia and said, "We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel." The third India vs Australia match of the BGT series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: With every SMAT game, Mohammed Shami gets an inch closer to much-needed Test return for India

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has praised India youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy for his performance in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Cummins also captains Nitish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where both of them turn up for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).

"I've seen a fair bit of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the IPL. He's a really good player, quite adaptable. He's played some awesome ramp shots, pull shots and drives," said Cummins about the India all-rounder while talking to official broadcaster Star Sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-icc-announces-sanctions-on-mohammed-siraj-and-travis-head-for-adelaide-face-off-782700">ICC announces sanctions on Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head for Adelaide face-off</a>

Nitish has been the top scorer for India in three of the four innings played on the tour so far despite coming in to bat at number 7-8. In all those three innings when Nitish top scored, India failed to cross the 200-run mark - further showing his credibility as a batter.

Nitish is also India's second-highest run scorer in the series with 163 runs in four innings at an average of 54.33 behind Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has managed 185 runs in the same number of innings at an average of 46.25. While Jaiswal's runs were boosted by a century in the&nbsp;second innings of the&nbsp;first Test in Perth, Reddy is yet to score even a fifty and has a highest score of 42.

Overall, the India all-rounder is the third-highest run scorer in the series so far, behind Travis Head (240 runs) and Jaiswal. The all-rounder has also chipped in with two wickets in 14 overs he has bowled on the tour so far.

Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has praised India youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy for his performance in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has praised India youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy for his performance in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Cummins also captains Nitish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where both of them turn up for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). "I've seen a fair bit of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the IPL. He's a really good player, quite adaptable. He's played some awesome ramp shots, pull shots and drives," said Cummins about the India all-rounder while talking to official broadcaster Star Sports. Also Read: ICC announces sanctions on Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head for Adelaide face-off Nitish has been the top scorer for India in three of the four innings played on the tour so far despite coming in to bat at number 7-8. In all those three innings when Nitish top scored, India failed to cross the 200-run mark - further showing his credibility as a batter. Nitish is also India's second-highest run scorer in the series with 163 runs in four innings at an average of 54.33 behind Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has managed 185 runs in the same number of innings at an average of 46.25. While Jaiswal's runs were boosted by a century in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, Reddy is yet to score even a fifty and has a highest score of 42. Overall, the India all-rounder is the third-highest run scorer in the series so far, behind Travis Head (240 runs) and Jaiswal. The all-rounder has also chipped in with two wickets in 14 overs he has bowled on the tour so far. Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: 'Seen a fair bit...,' Pat Cummins praises India youngster and SRH teammate Nitish Kumar Reddy

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