<p>The newly-appointed ICC chairman, Jay Shah, has arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to attend the 2032 Olympics meet. Shah landed in the city on Wednesday (Dec 11); besides being set to watch the third BGT Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, he will attend the much-awaited Olympic meet for the 2032 Summer Games program.</p>

<p>Shah, the former BCCI secretary, is said to have played a crucial role&nbsp;in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic program for the first time in over a century and is now believed to be pushing for the game's continuity for the 2032 Brisbane Games.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-rohit-as-opener-siraj-five-for-and-pant-89-not-out-how-india-breached-fortress-gabba-in-2021-783303">BGT 2024-25: Rohit as opener, Siraj five-for and Pant 89 not out - How India breached Fortress Gabba in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Back in August 2021, the apex body had announced the establishment of a working group to pursue cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Summer Games, with representatives from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), USA Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, all included.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially added cricket among the five new sports in the LA28 Olympic program at the 141st IOC session held over a year ago.</p>

<p>Upon beginning his tenure as the ICC chair with a visit to the headquarters in Dubai the past week, Shah highlighted cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Games as a massive chance for the game’s expansion. Shah also stressed how cricket at the Olympics would attract fans from a lesser-tapped market, making it inclusive and accessible across regions.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former India coach Ravi Shastri discusses the impact <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> had on India cricket and why he will succeed as ICC Chair. <a href="https://t.co/V8mZaHGaVS">pic.twitter.com/V8mZaHGaVS</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1865694002042859983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Brisbane awaits India-Australia clash</h2>

<p>With the Indian Team breaking Australia’s unbeaten record at the Gabba, which they held for nearly three decades, the last time they played here, the excitement and expectations are at an all-time high with the third BGT Test approaching.</p>

<p>After landing the first punch in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, winning by 295 runs, India went down by ten wickets in the next game in Adelaide, with Australia scripting a stunning comeback. While newcomers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside game’s veterans Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, shone in the first Test, none came close to repeating the heroics in the Pink-Ball Test at the Adelaide Oval.</p>

<p>However, with the scoreline reading one-all after the first two Tests, all eyes will be on the third match starting on Saturday (Dec 14) at the iconic Gabba.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The newly-appointed ICC chairman, Jay Shah, has arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to attend the 2032 Olympics meet. Shah landed in the city on Wednesday (Dec 11); besides being set to watch the third BGT Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, he will attend the much-awaited Olympic meet for the 2032 Summer Games program.

The newly-appointed ICC chairman, Jay Shah, has arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to attend the 2032 Olympics meet. Shah landed in the city on Wednesday (Dec 11); besides being set to watch the third BGT Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, he will attend the much-awaited Olympic meet for the 2032 Summer Games program. Shah, the former BCCI secretary, is said to have played a crucial role in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic program for the first time in over a century and is now believed to be pushing for the game's continuity for the 2032 Brisbane Games. ALSO READ: BGT 2024-25: Rohit as opener, Siraj five-for and Pant 89 not out - How India breached Fortress Gabba in 2021 Back in August 2021, the apex body had announced the establishment of a working group to pursue cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Summer Games, with representatives from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), USA Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, all included. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially added cricket among the five new sports in the LA28 Olympic program at the 141st IOC session held over a year ago. Upon beginning his tenure as the ICC chair with a visit to the headquarters in Dubai the past week, Shah highlighted cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Games as a massive chance for the game’s expansion. Shah also stressed how cricket at the Olympics would attract fans from a lesser-tapped market, making it inclusive and accessible across regions. Former India coach Ravi Shastri discusses the impact @JayShah had on India cricket and why he will succeed as ICC Chair. pic.twitter.com/V8mZaHGaVS — ICC (@ICC) December 8, 2024 × Brisbane awaits India-Australia clash With the Indian Team breaking Australia’s unbeaten record at the Gabba, which they held for nearly three decades, the last time they played here, the excitement and expectations are at an all-time high with the third BGT Test approaching. After landing the first punch in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, winning by 295 runs, India went down by ten wickets in the next game in Adelaide, with Australia scripting a stunning comeback. While newcomers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside game’s veterans Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, shone in the first Test, none came close to repeating the heroics in the Pink-Ball Test at the Adelaide Oval. However, with the scoreline reading one-all after the first two Tests, all eyes will be on the third match starting on Saturday (Dec 14) at the iconic Gabba. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC chairman Jay Shah arrives in Brisbane to attend the 2032 Olympics meet

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"I think it'll be how I pull up in the 24 hours following it really," Hazlewood said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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%.</p>

<p>"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).</p>

<p>"If this (Adelaide) was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<h2>‘Red ball in Gabba suits us’</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"So we're back to the red ball there, which I think suits us.</p>

<p>"We obviously haven't won recently up there, but it's a place we like to play,” Hazlewood said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj spoke up on his infamous send-off to Australia batter Travis Head on day two of the ongoing Border–Gavaskar Trophy test series in Adelaide. Following the day's play, where Australia dominated thoroughly thanks to an incredible 140 from Head in the second innings, the Aussie batter revealed what he said to Siraj after his dismissal, leading to an ugly exchange of actions and words, with the cricket world talking about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Head claimed he had said ‘well-bowled’ to Siraj, who knocked off his stumps with a searing Yorker to send him packing, the Indian pacer called it a ‘lie’, saying that’s not what Head uttered while walking back.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nz-vs-eng-2024-joe-roots-36th-test-ton-sees-england-win-series-in-wellington-782378">NZ vs ENG 2024: Joe Root’s 36th Test ton sees England win series in Wellington</a></strong></p>

<p>Siraj said although he enjoyed his battle against Head, who has been a thorn in the flesh of the Indians especially since last year, he reacted to Head’s comments, which he said were not as subtle as Head portrayed in the presser.</p>

<p>“I enjoyed bowling at him because it was a good battle. When you get hit for a good delivery, it fills you with even more energy. I celebrated after the bowled dismissal, and you saw what he said on TV. I didn't say anything on TV, he lied in the press conference that he told me 'well-bowled'. We know it wasn't that,” Siraj said.</p>

<p>Siraj broke his silence on Head’s remarks during a segment on Star Sports ahead of the third day’s play in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don't disrespect anyone. Cricket is a gentleman's game, but the way he did what he did was wrong,” the Indian seamer added.</p>

<h2>What did Head say?</h2>

<p>Shortly after the umpires called it a day, the media rushed towards Head to get his reaction to the send-off that Siraj gave him, with the Aussie batter opening up without mincing his words.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I said, 'well-bowled,' but he thought otherwise when he pointed me towards the sheds. He got a little bite back from me," Head said in a chat with Fox Cricket.</p>

<p>"Slightly disappointed with the way that transpired. It is what it is. If they want to react like that, and if that's how they want to represent themselves, then so be it."</p>

<p>Later, in the post-day presser, the journalists again asked him about his thoughts on the same, to which Head continued, "I was surprised at the reaction in terms of the situation of the game and the lead-up.</p>

<p>"There was no confrontation leading up to him, and I felt like it was probably, yeah, a little bit far at the time, and that's why I'm disappointed in the reaction that I gave back.</p>

<p>"But I'm also going to stand up for myself. I'd like to think that, in our team, we wouldn't do that. It's not how I'd like to play the game, and I feel like my teammates are the same. And if I had seen that in that circumstance, I'd probably call it out, which I did,” Head said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj spoke up on his infamous send-off to Australia batter Travis Head on day two of the ongoing Border–Gavaskar Trophy test series in Adelaide.

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj spoke up on his infamous send-off to Australia batter Travis Head on day two of the ongoing Border–Gavaskar Trophy test series in Adelaide. Following the day's play, where Australia dominated thoroughly thanks to an incredible 140 from Head in the second innings, the Aussie batter revealed what he said to Siraj after his dismissal, leading to an ugly exchange of actions and words, with the cricket world talking about it. While Head claimed he had said ‘well-bowled’ to Siraj, who knocked off his stumps with a searing Yorker to send him packing, the Indian pacer called it a ‘lie’, saying that’s not what Head uttered while walking back. ALSO READ: NZ vs ENG 2024: Joe Root’s 36th Test ton sees England win series in Wellington Siraj said although he enjoyed his battle against Head, who has been a thorn in the flesh of the Indians especially since last year, he reacted to Head’s comments, which he said were not as subtle as Head portrayed in the presser. “I enjoyed bowling at him because it was a good battle. When you get hit for a good delivery, it fills you with even more energy. I celebrated after the bowled dismissal, and you saw what he said on TV. I didn't say anything on TV, he lied in the press conference that he told me 'well-bowled'. We know it wasn't that,” Siraj said. Siraj broke his silence on Head’s remarks during a segment on Star Sports ahead of the third day’s play in Adelaide. “We don't disrespect anyone. Cricket is a gentleman's game, but the way he did what he did was wrong,” the Indian seamer added. What did Head say? Shortly after the umpires called it a day, the media rushed towards Head to get his reaction to the send-off that Siraj gave him, with the Aussie batter opening up without mincing his words. "I said, 'well-bowled,' but he thought otherwise when he pointed me towards the sheds. He got a little bite back from me," Head said in a chat with Fox Cricket. "Slightly disappointed with the way that transpired. It is what it is. If they want to react like that, and if that's how they want to represent themselves, then so be it." Later, in the post-day presser, the journalists again asked him about his thoughts on the same, to which Head continued, "I was surprised at the reaction in terms of the situation of the game and the lead-up. "There was no confrontation leading up to him, and I felt like it was probably, yeah, a little bit far at the time, and that's why I'm disappointed in the reaction that I gave back. "But I'm also going to stand up for myself. I'd like to think that, in our team, we wouldn't do that. It's not how I'd like to play the game, and I feel like my teammates are the same. And if I had seen that in that circumstance, I'd probably call it out, which I did,” Head said, as quoted by Cricbuzz. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Travis Head lied...didn't say 'well-bowled' - Siraj speaks up on send-off row

<p>Team India has lost points on the World Test Championship (WTC) table following their 10-wicket loss against Australia in the just-concluded second BGT Test in Adelaide on Sunday (Dec 8). After going down to the hosts inside three days in the Pink-Ball Test, India has slipped to the third spot on the WTC Final standings with a PCT reading of 57.29, while Australia has returned to the top (60.71), with South Africa second on the list (59.26).</p>

<p>A dip in the points and position will hurt India’s chances of sealing direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025, scheduled in June at Lord’s.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Current WTC Standings after Adelaide Test Result -</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>RANK</td>
			<td>TEAM</td>
			<td>PCT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>60.71</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>South Africa</td>
			<td>59.26</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>57.29</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sri Lanka</td>
			<td>50</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>England</td>
			<td>44.44</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pink-ball-test-australia-level-series-in-adelaide-after-cummins-starc-heroics-782394">BGT, Pink-Ball Test: Australia level series in Adelaide after Cummins, Starc heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>After India drew first blood in the BGT opener in Perth, winning the game by a whopping 295-run margin, their PCT reached 61.11, leading the standings. However, a loss at the Adelaide Oval brought the number down to less than 58, while Australia’s ninth win in this cycle shot up their BGT from 57.69 to 60.71.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South Africa, currently second on the table and among the favourites to reach their maiden WTC Final could pip Australia for the top spot should they win the second ongoing Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.</p>

<h3>How can India qualify for WTC Final after Adelaide loss?</h3>

<p>After losing the home Test series to New Zealand 0-3, Team India needed to win 4-0 Down Under to seal direct qualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, following the result in Adelaide, reaching their third successive WTC Final looks like a distant dream for the Indian Team, as they now need to win the remaining three matches scheduled in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, to give them the best chance to cruise ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If India beats Australia 4-1 in this ongoing BGT, they will accumulate 64.05 PCT, confirming&nbsp;their&nbsp;spot in the WTC Final 2025. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But, if India loses another game or plays a draw in the remaining three matches, they would rely on the other team's results to get through.</p>

<p>On the other hand, South Africa will face Pakistan at home, while Australia tours Sri Lanka early next year, keeping the race to the top alive and active.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third BGT Test begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Team India has lost points on the World Test Championship (WTC) table following their 10-wicket loss against Australia in the just-concluded second BGT Test in Adelaide on Sunday (Dec 8).

Team India has lost points on the World Test Championship (WTC) table following their 10-wicket loss against Australia in the just-concluded second BGT Test in Adelaide on Sunday (Dec 8). After going down to the hosts inside three days in the Pink-Ball Test, India has slipped to the third spot on the WTC Final standings with a PCT reading of 57.29, while Australia has returned to the top (60.71), with South Africa second on the list (59.26). A dip in the points and position will hurt India’s chances of sealing direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025, scheduled in June at Lord’s. Current WTC Standings after Adelaide Test Result - RANK TEAM PCT 1 Australia 60.71 2 South Africa 59.26 3 India 57.29 4 Sri Lanka 50 5 England 44.44 ALSO READ: BGT, Pink-Ball Test: Australia level series in Adelaide after Cummins, Starc heroics After India drew first blood in the BGT opener in Perth, winning the game by a whopping 295-run margin, their PCT reached 61.11, leading the standings. However, a loss at the Adelaide Oval brought the number down to less than 58, while Australia’s ninth win in this cycle shot up their BGT from 57.69 to 60.71. Meanwhile, South Africa, currently second on the table and among the favourites to reach their maiden WTC Final could pip Australia for the top spot should they win the second ongoing Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha. How can India qualify for WTC Final after Adelaide loss? After losing the home Test series to New Zealand 0-3, Team India needed to win 4-0 Down Under to seal direct qualification. However, following the result in Adelaide, reaching their third successive WTC Final looks like a distant dream for the Indian Team, as they now need to win the remaining three matches scheduled in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, to give them the best chance to cruise ahead. If India beats Australia 4-1 in this ongoing BGT, they will accumulate 64.05 PCT, confirming their spot in the WTC Final 2025. But, if India loses another game or plays a draw in the remaining three matches, they would rely on the other team's results to get through. On the other hand, South Africa will face Pakistan at home, while Australia tours Sri Lanka early next year, keeping the race to the top alive and active. The third BGT Test begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 14. (With inputs from agencies)

India slips to 3rd spot in WTC Final rankings after Adelaide loss; Australia returns to top

<p>Travis Head headlined day two of the second BGT Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. The left-hander slammed a stunning hundred in the Pink-Ball Test, with Captain Pat Cummins and Scott Boland picking two wickets each in India’s second innings to keep Australia’s nose in front. India ended day two on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs.</p>

<p>The hosts began day two by losing two early wickets to Jasprit Bumrah, including Steve Smith on just two. Head and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 65-run stand for the fourth wicket before India all-rounder Nitish Reddy dismissed Marnus on a well-made 64. Mitchell Marsh departed soon after on nine, with the review showing no contact between the bat and the ball, creating buzz among the Indian fans.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-brisbane-early-but-mohammed-shami-can-be-available-for-mcg-scg-tests-reckons-ravi-shastri-782270">BGT: ‘Brisbane early but Mohammed Shami can be available for MCG, SCG Tests,’ reckons Ravi Shastri</a></strong></p>

<p>Head then opened his arms, smashing pacers, mainly Harshit Rana and Siraj, to all parts of the ground. Though he also took on Bumrah, cracking a few boundaries, he cleared the ropes against Ashwin, slamming him for a few sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Travis completed his hundred at his home ground at the Adelaide Oval soon after, and despite Alex Carey’s dismissal, he didn’t lower his guard and kept the run-rate ticking.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That's for baby Harrison!<br />
<br />
Another home-town ton for Travis Head! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/u4s6nV62RZ">pic.twitter.com/u4s6nV62RZ</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865298852405780779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mohammed Siraj bowled him off a brilliant Yorker, giving him a fiery send-off, which led to both exchanging some verbal volleys.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian seamers completed the formality, dismissing Australia on 337 in their first innings.</p>

<h2><strong>Australian bowlers on top</strong></h2>

<p>Trailing behind by 157, the Indian openers got off to a shaky start, with Cummins removing KL Rahul caught behind on just seven. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal shared a 30-run stand for the second wicket, only for Boland to dismiss the rookie batter off his first ball, caught on 24.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BOLAND!<br />
<br />
Another first-ball wicket - and this one's not a noey! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/xEgEzFL06u">pic.twitter.com/xEgEzFL06u</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865337447078346804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Gill and veteran Virat Kohli played a few shots but never looked in their element, as two peach deliveries from Boland (Kohli) and Starc (Gill) got rid of the pair, putting India on the back foot right away.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CASTLED!<br />
<br />
Mitch Starc gets some "banana swing" to make a mess of Shubman Gill's stumps 🍌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBN_Australia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/sP41huXm4F">pic.twitter.com/sP41huXm4F</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865350965987069970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma appeared like the pale shadow of himself batting at number six. Despite getting a life on his second ball, when he got out LBW off a no-ball, he failed to make the most of his chance, as Cummins castled the top of his off stump with a beauty.</p>

<p>Rishabh Pant showed intent with a few Pant-like shots, including running-down-the-track-four off Boland on his first ball; a steady stand with Reddy restricted the flow of wickets.</p>


Travis Head headlined day two of the second BGT Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. The left-hander slammed a stunning hundred in the Pink-Ball Test, with Captain Pat Cummins and Scott Boland picking two wickets each in India’s second innings to keep Australia’s nose in front.

Travis Head headlined day two of the second BGT Test between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. The left-hander slammed a stunning hundred in the Pink-Ball Test, with Captain Pat Cummins and Scott Boland picking two wickets each in India’s second innings to keep Australia’s nose in front. India ended day two on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs. The hosts began day two by losing two early wickets to Jasprit Bumrah, including Steve Smith on just two. Head and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a 65-run stand for the fourth wicket before India all-rounder Nitish Reddy dismissed Marnus on a well-made 64. Mitchell Marsh departed soon after on nine, with the review showing no contact between the bat and the ball, creating buzz among the Indian fans. ALSO READ: BGT: ‘Brisbane early but Mohammed Shami can be available for MCG, SCG Tests,’ reckons Ravi Shastri Head then opened his arms, smashing pacers, mainly Harshit Rana and Siraj, to all parts of the ground. Though he also took on Bumrah, cracking a few boundaries, he cleared the ropes against Ashwin, slamming him for a few sixes. Travis completed his hundred at his home ground at the Adelaide Oval soon after, and despite Alex Carey’s dismissal, he didn’t lower his guard and kept the run-rate ticking. That's for baby Harrison! Another home-town ton for Travis Head! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/u4s6nV62RZ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024 × Mohammed Siraj bowled him off a brilliant Yorker, giving him a fiery send-off, which led to both exchanging some verbal volleys. Meanwhile, the Indian seamers completed the formality, dismissing Australia on 337 in their first innings. Australian bowlers on top Trailing behind by 157, the Indian openers got off to a shaky start, with Cummins removing KL Rahul caught behind on just seven. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal shared a 30-run stand for the second wicket, only for Boland to dismiss the rookie batter off his first ball, caught on 24. BOLAND! Another first-ball wicket - and this one's not a noey! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xEgEzFL06u — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024 × Gill and veteran Virat Kohli played a few shots but never looked in their element, as two peach deliveries from Boland (Kohli) and Starc (Gill) got rid of the pair, putting India on the back foot right away. CASTLED! Mitch Starc gets some "banana swing" to make a mess of Shubman Gill's stumps 🍌#DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/sP41huXm4F — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024 × The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma appeared like the pale shadow of himself batting at number six. Despite getting a life on his second ball, when he got out LBW off a no-ball, he failed to make the most of his chance, as Cummins castled the top of his off stump with a beauty. Rishabh Pant showed intent with a few Pant-like shots, including running-down-the-track-four off Boland on his first ball; a steady stand with Reddy restricted the flow of wickets.

BGT, Pink-Ball Test, Day 2: Travis Head hits hundred at home as Australia pile pressure on India

<p>Mitchell Starc registered his best Test figures, while Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne tackled the new-ball threat under the lights as Australia dominated day one of the second BGT Test against India in Adelaide. Reducing India to 180 inside the first two sessions, with the veteran left-arm seamer picking 6/48, Australia cut the deficit to 94 runs as they ended the first day at 86 for one.</p>

<p>The hosts began day one of the second Test in the most Aussie manner, with Starc accounting for Yashasvi Jaiswal on a first-ball duck, trapping him in the front. Returning Shubman Gill slammed a few fours in the first over to calm the dressing room atmosphere, with KL Rahul, who retained his place at the top after Perth Test heroics, added 69 runs for the second wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FIRST BALL OF THE TEST!<br />
<br />
Mitchell Starc sends Adelaide into delirium.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/pIPwqlX3dJ">pic.twitter.com/pIPwqlX3dJ</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1864886583578468562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Four quick wickets for Australia put India’s back against the wall, with India going into the dinner on day one with half of their side back in the hut. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to demote himself in the batting order to adjust KL at the top, departed cheaply on three soon after, while Rishabh Pant was caught off guard off a steamy bouncer off Pat Cummins on 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pink-ball-bgt-test-adelaide-birthday-boy-bumrah-joins-indian-greats-for-50-test-wickets-in-a-calendar-year-782022">BGT: Birthday boy Bumrah joins Indian greats for 50 Test wickets in a calendar year</a></strong></p>

<p>With Starc completing his five-for, continuing an unbelievable wicket-taking spree with the pink ball, he removed Nitish Kumar Reddy (on 42) to register his best Test figures.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The inswinging peach of a yorker gets Mitchell Starc his fifth wicket!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBN_Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/SwVIHFiNhK">pic.twitter.com/SwVIHFiNhK</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1864946289848316410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India got all out on 180.</p>

<h2>Batters save Australia’s day</h2>

<p>Unlike how it panned out for Australia’s top order in Perth, where Bumrah floored them across both innings, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney successfully dodged suffering early blows, adding 24 for the first wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though the birthday boy Bumrah gifted himself a present in Khawaja’s dismissal on 13, he failed to jolt the partnership for the second wicket between McSweeney and under-fire Marnus Labuschagne.</p>

<p>Both batters escaped the new ball threat and instead applied better to keep Australia’s nose in front. Despite a few close calls and countless misses, including a floodlight failure that resulted in a blackout during the 18th over, breaking rhythm, the batters stood their ground, adding 62 runs for the second wicket before the day's play ended.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The lights went out twice in quick succession at Adelaide Oval, but play has resumed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/u6Jtd39Utc">pic.twitter.com/u6Jtd39Utc</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1864981751195451407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Australia’s scorecard read 86 for one in 33 overs, trailing behind by 94 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mitchell Starc registered his best Test figures, while Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne tackled the new-ball threat under the lights as Australia dominated day one of the second BGT Test against India in Adelaide.

Mitchell Starc registered his best Test figures, while Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne tackled the new-ball threat under the lights as Australia dominated day one of the second BGT Test against India in Adelaide. Reducing India to 180 inside the first two sessions, with the veteran left-arm seamer picking 6/48, Australia cut the deficit to 94 runs as they ended the first day at 86 for one. The hosts began day one of the second Test in the most Aussie manner, with Starc accounting for Yashasvi Jaiswal on a first-ball duck, trapping him in the front. Returning Shubman Gill slammed a few fours in the first over to calm the dressing room atmosphere, with KL Rahul, who retained his place at the top after Perth Test heroics, added 69 runs for the second wicket. FIRST BALL OF THE TEST! Mitchell Starc sends Adelaide into delirium.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/pIPwqlX3dJ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024 × Four quick wickets for Australia put India’s back against the wall, with India going into the dinner on day one with half of their side back in the hut. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to demote himself in the batting order to adjust KL at the top, departed cheaply on three soon after, while Rishabh Pant was caught off guard off a steamy bouncer off Pat Cummins on 21. ALSO READ: BGT: Birthday boy Bumrah joins Indian greats for 50 Test wickets in a calendar year With Starc completing his five-for, continuing an unbelievable wicket-taking spree with the pink ball, he removed Nitish Kumar Reddy (on 42) to register his best Test figures. The inswinging peach of a yorker gets Mitchell Starc his fifth wicket!#AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/SwVIHFiNhK — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024 × India got all out on 180. Batters save Australia’s day Unlike how it panned out for Australia’s top order in Perth, where Bumrah floored them across both innings, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney successfully dodged suffering early blows, adding 24 for the first wicket. Though the birthday boy Bumrah gifted himself a present in Khawaja’s dismissal on 13, he failed to jolt the partnership for the second wicket between McSweeney and under-fire Marnus Labuschagne. Both batters escaped the new ball threat and instead applied better to keep Australia’s nose in front. Despite a few close calls and countless misses, including a floodlight failure that resulted in a blackout during the 18th over, breaking rhythm, the batters stood their ground, adding 62 runs for the second wicket before the day's play ended. The lights went out twice in quick succession at Adelaide Oval, but play has resumed. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/u6Jtd39Utc — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024 × Australia’s scorecard read 86 for one in 33 overs, trailing behind by 94 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Starc, batters help Australia kill Pink-Ball Test blues as hosts dominate India on day one in Adelaide

<p>In a strange set of events during Day 1 of the second BGT Test between Australia and India in Adelaide, a floodlight failure resulted in the blackout during the 18th over when the ground was plunged into darkness twice, interrupting play. Though it resumed shortly, the interruption did not damage Australia’s momentum.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pink-ball-bgt-test-adelaide-birthday-boy-bumrah-joins-indian-greats-for-50-test-wickets-in-a-calendar-year-782022">BGT: Birthday boy Bumrah joins Indian greats for 50 Test wickets in a calendar year</a></strong></p>

<p>Harshit Rana&nbsp;was bowling that over and seemed frustrated with dual interruptions that broke his rhythm. The hosts made most of that chance, piling runs steadily and cutting the deficit, unlike in their first innings in Perth, where they got bundled out on 104 - 46 runs behind India's first innings total.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the Video here –</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The lights went out twice in quick succession at Adelaide Oval, but play has resumed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/u6Jtd39Utc">pic.twitter.com/u6Jtd39Utc</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1864981751195451407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Australia on top in Adelaide</strong></h2>

<p>Following the Perth Test shocker, where they surrendered by 295 runs, Australia made early inroads in the second Test. After being asked to bowl first, Mitchell Starc removed Yashasvi Jaiswal on a first-ball duck, trapping him in the front. The veteran seamer later picked five more wickets, registering his best Test figures (6/48) as Australia wrapped up India on 180 in the first innings.</p>

<p>Scott Boland, who replaced injured Josh Hazlewood in the XI for the Pink-Ball Test, picked two wickets, with Captain Pat Cummins returning with two to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the visitors, Reddy impressed everyone, precisely for his two sixes to Starc and Boland, respectively, which made headlines. KL Rahul, who retained his place at the top, slammed a gritty 37, while the returning Indian skipper Rohit Sharma departed cheaply on just three.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now THIS is entertaining stuff from Nitish Kumar Reddy!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/JgsupvPUkN">pic.twitter.com/JgsupvPUkN</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1864950704579735653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On the other hand, Australia got off to a better start than the one in the previous Test in Perth, with both openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney seeing off the new ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah broke the opening stand by picking Khawaja, caught in the first slip on 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p>McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne played the waiting game to keep Australia’s nose in front, completing a fifty-plus run stand for the second wicket. Both batters applied better by leaving the good ones and attacking the bad ones. At stumps on day one, Australia's scorecard read 86 for one, 94 runs behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a strange set of events during Day 1 of the second BGT Test between Australia and India in Adelaide, a floodlight failure resulted in the blackout during the 18th over when the ground was plunged into darkness twice, interrupting play.

In a strange set of events during Day 1 of the second BGT Test between Australia and India in Adelaide, a floodlight failure resulted in the blackout during the 18th over when the ground was plunged into darkness twice, interrupting play. Though it resumed shortly, the interruption did not damage Australia’s momentum. ALSO READ: BGT: Birthday boy Bumrah joins Indian greats for 50 Test wickets in a calendar year Harshit Rana was bowling that over and seemed frustrated with dual interruptions that broke his rhythm. The hosts made most of that chance, piling runs steadily and cutting the deficit, unlike in their first innings in Perth, where they got bundled out on 104 - 46 runs behind India's first innings total. Watch the Video here – The lights went out twice in quick succession at Adelaide Oval, but play has resumed. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/u6Jtd39Utc — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024 × Australia on top in Adelaide Following the Perth Test shocker, where they surrendered by 295 runs, Australia made early inroads in the second Test. After being asked to bowl first, Mitchell Starc removed Yashasvi Jaiswal on a first-ball duck, trapping him in the front. The veteran seamer later picked five more wickets, registering his best Test figures (6/48) as Australia wrapped up India on 180 in the first innings. Scott Boland, who replaced injured Josh Hazlewood in the XI for the Pink-Ball Test, picked two wickets, with Captain Pat Cummins returning with two to his name. For the visitors, Reddy impressed everyone, precisely for his two sixes to Starc and Boland, respectively, which made headlines. KL Rahul, who retained his place at the top, slammed a gritty 37, while the returning Indian skipper Rohit Sharma departed cheaply on just three. Now THIS is entertaining stuff from Nitish Kumar Reddy!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/JgsupvPUkN — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024 × On the other hand, Australia got off to a better start than the one in the previous Test in Perth, with both openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney seeing off the new ball. Jasprit Bumrah broke the opening stand by picking Khawaja, caught in the first slip on 13. McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne played the waiting game to keep Australia’s nose in front, completing a fifty-plus run stand for the second wicket. Both batters applied better by leaving the good ones and attacking the bad ones. At stumps on day one, Australia's scorecard read 86 for one, 94 runs behind. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Blackout at Adelaide Oval stops play during day one of Pink-Ball Test – WATCH

<p>Birthday boy Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler this year and the third Indian seamer overall to complete 50 or more Test wickets in a calendar year. Bumrah unlocked this feat against Australia during day one of the second BGT Test (Day/Night Test) at the Adelaide Oval by picking their opener, Usman Khawaja, caught in the slips on 13. Meanwhile, Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan are the other two Indians who achieved this.</p>

<p>While Kapil did it twice (75 wickets in 1983 and 74 wickets in 1979), Zaheer bagged this milestone once (51 wickets in 2002). However, late Australian great Shane Warne topped the chart with 95 wickets in 2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-mitchell-starc-wreaks-havoc-in-adelaide-with-maiden-fifer-against-team-india-781981">BGT 2024/25: Mitchell Starc wreaks havoc in Adelaide with maiden fifer against Team India</a></strong></p>

<p>Bumrah featured in 11 Tests in 2024, missing just one, and despite India playing plenty of games at home this year, Bumrah pips the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, marking a stunning 2024 for him, where he even won the T20 World Cup in the Americas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the ongoing Test, Bumrah shared the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the second innings, and unlike how it unfolded twice in the previous game, India failed to pick any wicket up front. But soon after, he provided India with the breakthrough; coming over the wicket to the left-handed Khawaja, Bumrah found a neat edge that went straight to the first slip as the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma grabbed it comfortably.</p>

<p>After electing to bowl first in this Pink-Ball Test, India got all out on 180, with Aussie quick Mitchell Starc returning with his best Test figures of 6/48. For the visitors, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 42.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bumrah back to his best</strong></h2>

<p>Bumrah captained India in the first BGT Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, picking eight for 72 across two innings, including a five-for in the first. Though he remained the ultimate thorn in the flesh for the Aussies, breaking their back in the series opener with early strikes, Bumrah impressed everyone with his leadership skills, helping India win the Test and draw first blood in the five-match marquee series.</p>

<p>With Rohit returning to the playing XI for the second Test, he took over the captaincy hat while Bumrah remains the leader of the pace attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Birthday boy Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler this year and the third Indian seamer overall to complete 50 or more Test wickets in a calendar year. Bumrah unlocked this feat against Australia during day one of the second BGT Test (Day/Night Test) at the Adelaide Oval by picking their opener, Usman Khawaja, caught in the slips on 13.

Birthday boy Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler this year and the third Indian seamer overall to complete 50 or more Test wickets in a calendar year. Bumrah unlocked this feat against Australia during day one of the second BGT Test (Day/Night Test) at the Adelaide Oval by picking their opener, Usman Khawaja, caught in the slips on 13. Meanwhile, Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan are the other two Indians who achieved this. While Kapil did it twice (75 wickets in 1983 and 74 wickets in 1979), Zaheer bagged this milestone once (51 wickets in 2002). However, late Australian great Shane Warne topped the chart with 95 wickets in 2005. ALSO READ: BGT 2024/25: Mitchell Starc wreaks havoc in Adelaide with maiden fifer against Team India Bumrah featured in 11 Tests in 2024, missing just one, and despite India playing plenty of games at home this year, Bumrah pips the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, marking a stunning 2024 for him, where he even won the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Meanwhile, in the ongoing Test, Bumrah shared the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the second innings, and unlike how it unfolded twice in the previous game, India failed to pick any wicket up front. But soon after, he provided India with the breakthrough; coming over the wicket to the left-handed Khawaja, Bumrah found a neat edge that went straight to the first slip as the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma grabbed it comfortably. After electing to bowl first in this Pink-Ball Test, India got all out on 180, with Aussie quick Mitchell Starc returning with his best Test figures of 6/48. For the visitors, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 42. Bumrah back to his best Bumrah captained India in the first BGT Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, picking eight for 72 across two innings, including a five-for in the first. Though he remained the ultimate thorn in the flesh for the Aussies, breaking their back in the series opener with early strikes, Bumrah impressed everyone with his leadership skills, helping India win the Test and draw first blood in the five-match marquee series. With Rohit returning to the playing XI for the second Test, he took over the captaincy hat while Bumrah remains the leader of the pace attack. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Birthday boy Bumrah joins Indian greats for 50 Test wickets in a calendar year

<p>India batter Shubman Gill returned to the nets for the first time since breaking his thumb in the lead-up to the Perth Test against Australia in BGT. Gill admitted feeling disappointed about missing the series opener but revealed he is happy about his recovery ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6. At the start of India’s training session in Canberra on Friday (Nov 29), Gill faced throwdowns in the nets before opening arms in the extended session.</p>

<p>"He is batting right now, and our physio will evaluate him, and I will know his status after that," Team India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said on Friday afternoon. "But from what I have seen, he is looking comfortable batting, and he looks like he can bat [in a match]. He is batting in the indoor nets, and we will know if he can play the practice match or not."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-mustve-earned-30-40-crore-maybe-he-couldnt-handle-glamour-and-money-amre-on-prithvi-shaws-ipl-snub-780277">‘He must’ve earned 30-40 crore; maybe he couldn’t handle glamour and money’: Amre on Prithvi Shaw's IPL snub</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill also reflected on his first outing since getting injured during India’s simulation at WACA, saying he just wanted to get the feel of it and see how his injury is reacting.</p>

<p>Speaking on BCCI.TV, Gill said, “It was my first day, and I was just trying to get a feel to be honest, see how the injury is reacting if there was any kind of soreness. But it actually went much better than what I and Kamlesh bhai expected. I am very happy with that”.</p>

<h2>Disappointed to miss out on Perth Test</h2>

<p>Gill made his Test debut Down Under the last time at the MCG. He played a handy knock in the final Test in Brisbane to help India breach Gabba fortress and win the second Test series in Australia. While he played at three venues, including at the SCG in Sydney, Gill is yet to play at the Optus Stadium in Perth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When I got to know about my injury, for the first couple of days, I was quite low and disappointed. Perth was the only venue where I didn’t play when we came the last time, and I was looking forward to playing there at such an iconic venue. The way we played that game, at the end of the day, I was very happy,” Gill added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shubman Gill hits the nets for the first time since his thumb injury that forced him to miss the Perth Test.<br />
<br />
Here’s how the star batter is shaping up! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShubmanGill</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZtbvQhgLn">pic.twitter.com/sZtbvQhgLn</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1862423196655657245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, in Gill’s absence, India played Devdutt Padikkal at number three, who will make way for returning Rohit Sharma for the second Test in Adelaide. While Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open in the Pink-Ball Test, KL might bat at number three. Should Gill attain full fitness and remain available for selection, he will play ahead of Dhruv Jurel in the XI, with Gill back at number three, while Rahul will bat lower the order at five or six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will play a two-day game (under the lights) against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India batter Shubman Gill returned to the nets for the first time since breaking his thumb in the lead-up to the Perth Test against Australia in BGT. Gill admitted feeling disappointed about missing the series opener but revealed he is happy about his recovery ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6.

India batter Shubman Gill returned to the nets for the first time since breaking his thumb in the lead-up to the Perth Test against Australia in BGT. Gill admitted feeling disappointed about missing the series opener but revealed he is happy about his recovery ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6. At the start of India’s training session in Canberra on Friday (Nov 29), Gill faced throwdowns in the nets before opening arms in the extended session. "He is batting right now, and our physio will evaluate him, and I will know his status after that," Team India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said on Friday afternoon. "But from what I have seen, he is looking comfortable batting, and he looks like he can bat [in a match]. He is batting in the indoor nets, and we will know if he can play the practice match or not." ALSO READ: ‘He must’ve earned 30-40 crore; maybe he couldn’t handle glamour and money’: Amre on Prithvi Shaw's IPL snub Gill also reflected on his first outing since getting injured during India’s simulation at WACA, saying he just wanted to get the feel of it and see how his injury is reacting. Speaking on BCCI.TV, Gill said, “It was my first day, and I was just trying to get a feel to be honest, see how the injury is reacting if there was any kind of soreness. But it actually went much better than what I and Kamlesh bhai expected. I am very happy with that”. Disappointed to miss out on Perth Test Gill made his Test debut Down Under the last time at the MCG. He played a handy knock in the final Test in Brisbane to help India breach Gabba fortress and win the second Test series in Australia. While he played at three venues, including at the SCG in Sydney, Gill is yet to play at the Optus Stadium in Perth. “When I got to know about my injury, for the first couple of days, I was quite low and disappointed. Perth was the only venue where I didn’t play when we came the last time, and I was looking forward to playing there at such an iconic venue. The way we played that game, at the end of the day, I was very happy,” Gill added. Shubman Gill hits the nets for the first time since his thumb injury that forced him to miss the Perth Test. Here’s how the star batter is shaping up! #TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/sZtbvQhgLn — BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2024 × Meanwhile, in Gill’s absence, India played Devdutt Padikkal at number three, who will make way for returning Rohit Sharma for the second Test in Adelaide. While Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open in the Pink-Ball Test, KL might bat at number three. Should Gill attain full fitness and remain available for selection, he will play ahead of Dhruv Jurel in the XI, with Gill back at number three, while Rahul will bat lower the order at five or six. India will play a two-day game (under the lights) against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Shubman Gill provides update on thumb injury; gears up for return to XI for Pink-ball Test

<p>Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he didn’t expect India to win the BGT opener in Perth, let alone win it with a thorough margin. The visiting team headed to Australia suffering their maiden whitewash in Tests at home against New Zealand; with the chips already down, most fans and experts expected Australia to run through their XI and strike the first blow. However, destiny had other plans, and India now leads the five-match series 1-0.</p>

<p>Ponting, who was in Jeddah for the IPL 2025 mega auction, commented on Team India’s performance at the Optus Stadium, saying they are a better touring side than how they perform at home. Although India had the most dominant run at home since 2012 before New Zealand crushed them last month, they are the only side to beat Australia in Down Under twice, beating them in five of the nine contested matches since the 2018 tour.</p>

<h2>India run through Oz in Perth</h2>

<p>India batted first in Perth, scoring a paltry 150 in the first innings. In reply, they dismissed the hosts on 104, with India captain Jasprit Bumrah returning with a five-wicket haul. India then made most of the 46-run lead, and declared after scoring 487 for six in their second inning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/financial-repercussions-loom-as-icc-miss-champions-trophy-2025-contractual-deadline-date-779880">Financial repercussions loom as ICC miss Champions Trophy 2025 contractual deadline date</a></strong></p>

<p>For the touring Indian side, Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100*) slammed hundreds, setting Australia a daunting target of 534. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj then reduced the home team to 12 for three at stumps on&nbsp;the third day before wrapping them up on 238, winning the first match by a whopping 295 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Australia lost by what? Nearly 300 runs. So, they'll be very disappointed. Everyone asked me on day one when India won the toss about having a bat, and I said, no, absolutely, you have to bat first there. Four test matches have been played there.”</p>

<p>“The team batting first has won all four times. You don't want to go against what stats say.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Although they were out for 150, they still got a chance to bowl on the wicket when it was probably at its best to bowl on. And Bumrah in those conditions, and Siraj, and actually all three of them. And Nitish Reddy today, they're all very good,” Ponting said while talking on Star Sports.</p>

<p>“So, you've got to give them credit. I must admit, I didn't think that they could win the first Test, India, going there in Perth with conditions that are so foreign to them. But I also made a point going into the Test match that I actually think India are a better team away from home now than they are at home. I think they play foreign wickets and conditions better than they play their own conditions now. And I think that's been proven over the last week in Perth,” he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India and Australia will square off in the second game at the Adelaide Oval (Day/Night Test) starting December 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he didn’t expect India to win the BGT opener in Perth, let alone win it with a thorough margin. The visiting team headed to Australia suffering their maiden whitewash in Tests at home against New Zealand; with the chips already down, most fans and experts expected Australia to run through their XI and strike the first blow.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he didn’t expect India to win the BGT opener in Perth, let alone win it with a thorough margin. The visiting team headed to Australia suffering their maiden whitewash in Tests at home against New Zealand; with the chips already down, most fans and experts expected Australia to run through their XI and strike the first blow. However, destiny had other plans, and India now leads the five-match series 1-0. Ponting, who was in Jeddah for the IPL 2025 mega auction, commented on Team India’s performance at the Optus Stadium, saying they are a better touring side than how they perform at home. Although India had the most dominant run at home since 2012 before New Zealand crushed them last month, they are the only side to beat Australia in Down Under twice, beating them in five of the nine contested matches since the 2018 tour. India run through Oz in Perth India batted first in Perth, scoring a paltry 150 in the first innings. In reply, they dismissed the hosts on 104, with India captain Jasprit Bumrah returning with a five-wicket haul. India then made most of the 46-run lead, and declared after scoring 487 for six in their second inning. ALSO READ: Financial repercussions loom as ICC miss Champions Trophy 2025 contractual deadline date For the touring Indian side, Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100*) slammed hundreds, setting Australia a daunting target of 534. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj then reduced the home team to 12 for three at stumps on the third day before wrapping them up on 238, winning the first match by a whopping 295 runs. “Australia lost by what? Nearly 300 runs. So, they'll be very disappointed. Everyone asked me on day one when India won the toss about having a bat, and I said, no, absolutely, you have to bat first there. Four test matches have been played there.” “The team batting first has won all four times. You don't want to go against what stats say.” “Although they were out for 150, they still got a chance to bowl on the wicket when it was probably at its best to bowl on. And Bumrah in those conditions, and Siraj, and actually all three of them. And Nitish Reddy today, they're all very good,” Ponting said while talking on Star Sports. “So, you've got to give them credit. I must admit, I didn't think that they could win the first Test, India, going there in Perth with conditions that are so foreign to them. But I also made a point going into the Test match that I actually think India are a better team away from home now than they are at home. I think they play foreign wickets and conditions better than they play their own conditions now. And I think that's been proven over the last week in Perth,” he added. Meanwhile, India and Australia will square off in the second game at the Adelaide Oval (Day/Night Test) starting December 6. (With inputs from agencies)

‘India play better in away conditions than at home,’ says Ponting after Australia’s Perth Test mauling in BGT

<p>India has done the unthinkable by beating Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match BGT 2024/25. Captain Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, picking eight&nbsp;wickets in the game, as India took one step closer to directly qualifying for the WTC Final 2025. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli struck hundreds, hitting 161 and 100*, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/7-all-out-ivory-coast-succumb-to-lowest-total-in-mens-t20i-history-779016">7 all-out! Ivory Coast succumb to lowest total in men's T20I history</a></strong></p>

<p>Chasing 534, Australia knew it was never going to be easy, and Bumrah’s twin strike later on day three made things even worse for the hosts, who were reeling at 12 for three at stumps. The Oz began day four losing Usman Khawaja in the second over. The left-handed opener looked clueless since the offset, mistiming a pull shot only for Rishabh Pant to pluck it.&nbsp;Mohammed Siraj picked his second wicket of the day with Steve Smith on 17, with Australia going into lunch on 104 for five.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big wicket for India!<br />
<br />
Siraj with a beauty! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/NEJykx9Avj">pic.twitter.com/NEJykx9Avj</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1860897421334589741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India’s nemesis, Travis Head, completed his fifty by then and with Mitchell Marsh around, the pair looked to turn things around for the hosts. Though they did the damage with an 82-run stand for the sixth wicket, Bumrah returned to pick up Head’s wicket on a well-made 89.</p>

<p>19 runs later, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Marsh, bowled on 47, while Washington Sundar removed Mitchell Starc on 12, putting Australia’s back against the wall. The offie quickly got rid of Nathan Lyon on a duck before Harshit Rana bagged the last wicket to see India win perhaps their greatest win Down Under.</p>

<h2>Run to the top</h2>

<p>India began miserably at the Optus Stadium by getting all out on 150 inside two sessions on day one. They, however, made a stunning comeback in the game by reducing Australia to 67 for seven at stumps on day one, with India's skipper picking up four out of them. The ace seamer completed his five-for, his ninth in SENA countries, with India wrapping up the Oz on 104 in reply.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He's back! Virat Kohli hits his 30th Test ton!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/X6P7RnajnX">pic.twitter.com/X6P7RnajnX</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1860614003057160591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, the second innings turned the tide in India's favour. Making most of the 46-run lead, India scored 487 for seven declared, with Jaiswal and Kohli completing respective tons. A handy unbeaten 37 from Nitish Reddy helped India’s cause, as they gave a daunting 534-run target to Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the hosts surrendering the first game, India will take the lead and face Australia next in the Day/Night Test in Adelaide starting December 6.&nbsp;</p>


India has done the unthinkable by beating Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match BGT 2024/25. Captain Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, picking eight wickets in the game, as India took one step closer to directly qualifying for the WTC Final 2025.

India has done the unthinkable by beating Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match BGT 2024/25. Captain Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, picking eight wickets in the game, as India took one step closer to directly qualifying for the WTC Final 2025. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli struck hundreds, hitting 161 and 100*, respectively. ALSO READ: 7 all-out! Ivory Coast succumb to lowest total in men's T20I history Chasing 534, Australia knew it was never going to be easy, and Bumrah’s twin strike later on day three made things even worse for the hosts, who were reeling at 12 for three at stumps. The Oz began day four losing Usman Khawaja in the second over. The left-handed opener looked clueless since the offset, mistiming a pull shot only for Rishabh Pant to pluck it. Mohammed Siraj picked his second wicket of the day with Steve Smith on 17, with Australia going into lunch on 104 for five. Big wicket for India! Siraj with a beauty! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NEJykx9Avj — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 25, 2024 × India’s nemesis, Travis Head, completed his fifty by then and with Mitchell Marsh around, the pair looked to turn things around for the hosts. Though they did the damage with an 82-run stand for the sixth wicket, Bumrah returned to pick up Head’s wicket on a well-made 89. 19 runs later, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Marsh, bowled on 47, while Washington Sundar removed Mitchell Starc on 12, putting Australia’s back against the wall. The offie quickly got rid of Nathan Lyon on a duck before Harshit Rana bagged the last wicket to see India win perhaps their greatest win Down Under. Run to the top India began miserably at the Optus Stadium by getting all out on 150 inside two sessions on day one. They, however, made a stunning comeback in the game by reducing Australia to 67 for seven at stumps on day one, with India's skipper picking up four out of them. The ace seamer completed his five-for, his ninth in SENA countries, with India wrapping up the Oz on 104 in reply. He's back! Virat Kohli hits his 30th Test ton!#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/X6P7RnajnX — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024 × Meanwhile, the second innings turned the tide in India's favour. Making most of the 46-run lead, India scored 487 for seven declared, with Jaiswal and Kohli completing respective tons. A handy unbeaten 37 from Nitish Reddy helped India’s cause, as they gave a daunting 534-run target to Australia. With the hosts surrendering the first game, India will take the lead and face Australia next in the Day/Night Test in Adelaide starting December 6.

India strike first blow to Australia in BGT, win series opener in Perth by 295 runs

<p>India seamer Mohammed Siraj picked up two big wickets inside the first session on day four to help India inch closer to drawing first blood in the BGT opener in Perth. Siraj first removed opener, Usman Khawaja, caught by Rishabh Pant off a mistimed pull shot and later accounted for Steve Smith caught behind on 17. Travis Head completed his fifty as Australia's scorecard at lunch read 104 for five.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big wicket for India!<br />
<br />
Siraj with a beauty! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/NEJykx9Avj">pic.twitter.com/NEJykx9Avj</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1860897421334589741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India began day four needing seven wickets to win the first Test at the Optus Stadium, with Siraj, who removed Aussie captain Pat Cummins late on day three, bagged Khawaja's wicket in his first over of the day. Putting Australia on the back foot right away was the Bumrah-led Indian Team's plan, and they delivered accordingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mega-auction-from-rishabh-pant-to-jos-buttler-list-of-players-sold-on-day-1-778921">IPL 2025 mega auction: From Rishabh Pant to Jos Buttler - list of players sold on day 1</a></strong></p>

<p>The left-handed Head joined Smith in the middle, opting for a cautious approach to steady Australia’s sinking ship. After minimising the new ball threat, Head attacked the opposition, smashing the pacers all across. He completed his fifty soon after, reviving little hopes of an unlikely turnaround for the hosts.</p>

<p>However, when the pair looked like winning Australia’s only session with the bat in this Test, Siraj struck again with a beauty, removing dangerous batter Smith. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Head played out the last few overs before lunch to keep wickets in hand, with two sessions remaining in the day.</p>

<h2>What happened in Perth?</h2>

<p>The series opener began outstandingly for the hosts, who wrapped up India’s first innings on 150 inside the first two sessions on day one. However, the Indians made a quick turnaround in the match after dismissing Australia on a paltry 104 in their turn. With a 46-run lead, the visitors made the most of the chance, piling up runs at will.</p>

<p>After a colossal 201-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the first wicket, India lost five wickets quickly, with their scorecard reading 321 for five at one stage. In the meantime, Jaiswal notched up his fourth Test hundred, hitting a brilliant 161.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Standing at the other end, Virat Kohli returned to form, scoring his 30th Test hundred, his first in this format since July 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Riding on twin tons and a quick-fire unbeaten 38 off 27 balls by Nitish Reddy, India declared their second innings on 487 for six, giving Australia a daunting target of 534.</p>

<p>The hosts began the chase in the worst possible way, losing three wickets inside five overs, with opener Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne departing on single digits.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India seamer Mohammed Siraj picked up two big wickets inside the first session on day four to help India inch closer to drawing first blood in the BGT opener in Perth.

India seamer Mohammed Siraj picked up two big wickets inside the first session on day four to help India inch closer to drawing first blood in the BGT opener in Perth. Siraj first removed opener, Usman Khawaja, caught by Rishabh Pant off a mistimed pull shot and later accounted for Steve Smith caught behind on 17. Travis Head completed his fifty as Australia's scorecard at lunch read 104 for five. Big wicket for India! Siraj with a beauty! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NEJykx9Avj — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 25, 2024 × India began day four needing seven wickets to win the first Test at the Optus Stadium, with Siraj, who removed Aussie captain Pat Cummins late on day three, bagged Khawaja's wicket in his first over of the day. Putting Australia on the back foot right away was the Bumrah-led Indian Team's plan, and they delivered accordingly. ALSO READ: IPL 2025 mega auction: From Rishabh Pant to Jos Buttler - list of players sold on day 1 The left-handed Head joined Smith in the middle, opting for a cautious approach to steady Australia’s sinking ship. After minimising the new ball threat, Head attacked the opposition, smashing the pacers all across. He completed his fifty soon after, reviving little hopes of an unlikely turnaround for the hosts. However, when the pair looked like winning Australia’s only session with the bat in this Test, Siraj struck again with a beauty, removing dangerous batter Smith. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Head played out the last few overs before lunch to keep wickets in hand, with two sessions remaining in the day. What happened in Perth? The series opener began outstandingly for the hosts, who wrapped up India’s first innings on 150 inside the first two sessions on day one. However, the Indians made a quick turnaround in the match after dismissing Australia on a paltry 104 in their turn. With a 46-run lead, the visitors made the most of the chance, piling up runs at will. After a colossal 201-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the first wicket, India lost five wickets quickly, with their scorecard reading 321 for five at one stage. In the meantime, Jaiswal notched up his fourth Test hundred, hitting a brilliant 161. Standing at the other end, Virat Kohli returned to form, scoring his 30th Test hundred, his first in this format since July 2023. Riding on twin tons and a quick-fire unbeaten 38 off 27 balls by Nitish Reddy, India declared their second innings on 487 for six, giving Australia a daunting target of 534. The hosts began the chase in the worst possible way, losing three wickets inside five overs, with opener Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne departing on single digits. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT, Perth Test, Day 4: Mohammed Siraj strikes twice in first session as India inch closer to win

<p>There is no stopping Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth, as the Indian opener remains unbeaten on 141, with India taking a 321-run lead at lunch on day three of the first Test against Australia. Jaiswal completed his maiden Test hundred Down Under with a six off Josh Hazlewood, while KL Rahul departed on a well-made 77 early in the day. Mitchell Starc provided the only breakthrough for the Aussies, but bowlers struggled otherwise.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a way to bring up the ton! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/okMDAno5tE">pic.twitter.com/okMDAno5tE</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1860516689995022384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Like how India dominated the two sessions on day two, they strengthened their chances of winning this game with another commanding one this morning, scoring 103 runs and losing one wicket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-explained-how-perth-pitch-suddenly-became-easier-to-bat-on-day-2-778725">BGT 2024-25: Explained | How Perth pitch suddenly became easier to bat on day 2</a></strong></p>

<p>India began proceedings on day three similarly to how they wrapped it up the previous evening, by scoring runs. Not only were KL and Jaiswal successful in hitting boundaries at will as the pitch lost its spice over the past three sessions, but they also kept the scoring rate ticking with quick ones and twos.</p>

<p>The pair completed the 200-run opening stand, breaking several records with that, and soon after, Jaiswal hammered his first hundred against Australia at their home. However, Rahul, looking settled in the middle, gave away his wicket to Starc, caught behind on 77, as the hosts enjoyed the moment of relief. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Padikkal joined Jaiswal, with both left-handers making merry on a dryer Perth pitch, mounting trouble on the Aussies. Though Australia tried several options in Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, they failed to pick another wicket, making it just one in three sessions in the first BGT Test.</p>

<p>With India’s scorecard reading 275 for one in 84 overs, they have plenty of time to pile up runs and misery on the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, social media was filled with congratulatory messages for Jaiswal, look at some of the reactions -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What an extraordinary moment to watch Yashaswi Jaiswal reach his hundred! His is not just a story of remarkable talent. It is, in fact, a tale of how overcoming extreme adversity and poverty builds character and gives some a steely determination to succeed. His capacity for hard… <a href="https://t.co/5kLMwpdUxg">pic.twitter.com/5kLMwpdUxg</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1860519895127195834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feet on the ground<br />
Eyes on the sky<br />
The rise and rise of Jaiswal<br />
Sit back and admire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/omrQv8DwW5">pic.twitter.com/omrQv8DwW5</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1860516113806950621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There’ll be a lot of where were you when Yashasvi Jaiswal played that shot to get to that century in his first outing on Australian soil. Rarely feel this privileged to be at a sporting venue. This kid will be the headline act of this generation if he isn’t already <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a> <a href="https://t.co/kdeNiIKMtE">pic.twitter.com/kdeNiIKMtE</a></p>
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) <a href="https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1860519111354393014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very special <a href="https://twitter.com/ybj_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ybj_19</a> .. We are all in for a treat over the next few years watching him Bat .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1860516774040732053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🗣️ "He looks every inch the chosen one!" - <a href="https://twitter.com/GerardWhateley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GerardWhateley</a><br />
<br />
🇮🇳 India's next big thing Yashasvi Jaiswal, announces himself on Australian soil with a big 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> 🏏 | <a href="https://twitter.com/maccas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maccas</a> <a href="https://t.co/wOKwJOhetm">pic.twitter.com/wOKwJOhetm</a></p>
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEN_Cricket/status/1860520875214381291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A memorable century for Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first Test on Australian soil 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> | Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> live ➡ <a href="https://t.co/S9JXIoxvKC">https://t.co/S9JXIoxvKC</a> <a href="https://t.co/hr9056M21T">pic.twitter.com/hr9056M21T</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1860517581133619526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There is no stopping Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth, as the Indian opener remains unbeaten on 141, with India taking a 321-run lead at lunch on day three of the first Test against Australia.

There is no stopping Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth, as the Indian opener remains unbeaten on 141, with India taking a 321-run lead at lunch on day three of the first Test against Australia. Jaiswal completed his maiden Test hundred Down Under with a six off Josh Hazlewood, while KL Rahul departed on a well-made 77 early in the day. Mitchell Starc provided the only breakthrough for the Aussies, but bowlers struggled otherwise. What a way to bring up the ton! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/okMDAno5tE — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024 × Like how India dominated the two sessions on day two, they strengthened their chances of winning this game with another commanding one this morning, scoring 103 runs and losing one wicket. ALSO READ: BGT 2024-25: Explained | How Perth pitch suddenly became easier to bat on day 2 India began proceedings on day three similarly to how they wrapped it up the previous evening, by scoring runs. Not only were KL and Jaiswal successful in hitting boundaries at will as the pitch lost its spice over the past three sessions, but they also kept the scoring rate ticking with quick ones and twos. The pair completed the 200-run opening stand, breaking several records with that, and soon after, Jaiswal hammered his first hundred against Australia at their home. However, Rahul, looking settled in the middle, gave away his wicket to Starc, caught behind on 77, as the hosts enjoyed the moment of relief. Padikkal joined Jaiswal, with both left-handers making merry on a dryer Perth pitch, mounting trouble on the Aussies. Though Australia tried several options in Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, they failed to pick another wicket, making it just one in three sessions in the first BGT Test. With India’s scorecard reading 275 for one in 84 overs, they have plenty of time to pile up runs and misery on the hosts. Meanwhile, social media was filled with congratulatory messages for Jaiswal, look at some of the reactions - What an extraordinary moment to watch Yashaswi Jaiswal reach his hundred! His is not just a story of remarkable talent. It is, in fact, a tale of how overcoming extreme adversity and poverty builds character and gives some a steely determination to succeed. His capacity for hard… pic.twitter.com/5kLMwpdUxg — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 24, 2024 × Feet on the ground Eyes on the sky The rise and rise of Jaiswal Sit back and admire #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/omrQv8DwW5 — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 24, 2024 × There’ll be a lot of where were you when Yashasvi Jaiswal played that shot to get to that century in his first outing on Australian soil. Rarely feel this privileged to be at a sporting venue. This kid will be the headline act of this generation if he isn’t already #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/kdeNiIKMtE — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 24, 2024 × Very special @ybj_19 .. We are all in for a treat over the next few years watching him Bat .. #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 24, 2024 × 🗣️ "He looks every inch the chosen one!" - @GerardWhateley 🇮🇳 India's next big thing Yashasvi Jaiswal, announces himself on Australian soil with a big 💯#AUSvIND 🏏 | @maccas pic.twitter.com/wOKwJOhetm — SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) November 24, 2024 × A memorable century for Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first Test on Australian soil 👏#WTC25 | Follow #AUSvIND live ➡ https://t.co/S9JXIoxvKC pic.twitter.com/hr9056M21T — ICC (@ICC) November 24, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - Perth Test, Day 3: Yashasvi Jaiswal nears 150 as India’s lead cross 320 at lunch

<p>Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian captain for the Perth Test against Australia, picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the BGT opener; his spell of 5/30 restricted Australia to 104 in reply to India’s moderate 150 on day one. With this, he completed his ninth away Test five-for, his 11th overall, surpassing several former greats, including Sir Andy Roberts, Allan Donald, Zaheer Khan and Denis Lillee.</p>

<p>Bumrah was instrumental in helping India bag a first-inning lead (46) despite failing miserably with the bat at the Optus Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-perth-test-day-2-australia-all-out-on-104-as-captain-bumrah-completes-five-for-778524">BGT, Perth Test, Day 2: Australia all out on 104 as captain Bumrah completes five-for</a></strong></p>

<p>Bumrah first dismissed debutant Nathan McSweeney on ten before accounting for Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off successive deliveries in this third over late on day one.</p>

<p>While Bumrah got rid of the left-handed Khawaja for the first time in his career, he became only the second bowler after retired Dale Steyn to dismiss Smith on a golden duck in Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bumrah’s opening spell put Australia on the back foot, from where they never recovered, losing four more wickets before stumps on day one. The India Test captain also accounted for counterpart Pat Cummins on three.</p>

<p>On day two, Bumrah struck gold on his first delivery, dismissing Australia’s only recognised batter, Alex Carey, caught behind on 21, with the hosts reeling at 70 for eight at that stage. Though that was his last wicket, with Harshit Rana picking the remaining two, Bumrah’s spell broke Australia’s back, who got all out on 104 just at the stroke of lunch.</p>

<h2><strong>Most away Test five-fors</strong></h2>

<p>While Bumrah has age, skill and time at his disposal to rise on this list, he still is far from the number one position holder, New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, who has an astonishing 21 away five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Bowling veterans Glenn McGrath (18), Wasim Akram (17), Sydney Barns (15) and Malcolm Marshall (14) are among the top five.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Here is the list -</strong></h3>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>RANK</td>
			<td>NAME&nbsp;</td>
			<td>AWAY FIVE-FORS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)</td>
			<td>21</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>Glenn McGrath (Australia)</td>
			<td>18</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>Wasim Akram (Pakistan)</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>Sydney Barns (England)</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)</td>
			<td>14</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>Courtney Walsh (West Indies)</td>
			<td>14</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td>Jasprit Bumrah (India)*</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian captain for the Perth Test against Australia, picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the BGT opener; his spell of 5/30 restricted Australia to 104 in reply to India’s moderate 150 on day one.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian captain for the Perth Test against Australia, picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the BGT opener; his spell of 5/30 restricted Australia to 104 in reply to India’s moderate 150 on day one. With this, he completed his ninth away Test five-for, his 11th overall, surpassing several former greats, including Sir Andy Roberts, Allan Donald, Zaheer Khan and Denis Lillee. Bumrah was instrumental in helping India bag a first-inning lead (46) despite failing miserably with the bat at the Optus Stadium. ALSO READ: BGT, Perth Test, Day 2: Australia all out on 104 as captain Bumrah completes five-for Bumrah first dismissed debutant Nathan McSweeney on ten before accounting for Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off successive deliveries in this third over late on day one. While Bumrah got rid of the left-handed Khawaja for the first time in his career, he became only the second bowler after retired Dale Steyn to dismiss Smith on a golden duck in Tests. Bumrah’s opening spell put Australia on the back foot, from where they never recovered, losing four more wickets before stumps on day one. The India Test captain also accounted for counterpart Pat Cummins on three. On day two, Bumrah struck gold on his first delivery, dismissing Australia’s only recognised batter, Alex Carey, caught behind on 21, with the hosts reeling at 70 for eight at that stage. Though that was his last wicket, with Harshit Rana picking the remaining two, Bumrah’s spell broke Australia’s back, who got all out on 104 just at the stroke of lunch. Most away Test five-fors While Bumrah has age, skill and time at his disposal to rise on this list, he still is far from the number one position holder, New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, who has an astonishing 21 away five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Bowling veterans Glenn McGrath (18), Wasim Akram (17), Sydney Barns (15) and Malcolm Marshall (14) are among the top five. Here is the list - RANK NAME AWAY FIVE-FORS 1 Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) 21 2 Glenn McGrath (Australia) 18 3 Wasim Akram (Pakistan) 17 4 Sydney Barns (England) 15 5 Malcolm Marshall (West Indies) 14 6 Courtney Walsh (West Indies) 14 16 Jasprit Bumrah (India)* 9 (With inputs from agencies)

Record Alert: Jasprit Bumrah goes past great Andy Roberts, James Anderson for most away Test five-fors

<p>Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated India with a 25-run stand for the final wicket but failed to prevent them from taking the lead, as the visitors wrapped Australia on 104 in their first innings in Perth. Leading by 46 runs, India will resume batting after lunch, aiming to pile up runs and march towards a win in the BGT opener at the Optus Stadium. For India, the skipper for this game, Jasprit Bumrah, picked a five-wicket haul.</p>

<p>India began day two with a bumper wicket of Alex Carey, Australia’s last recognised batter, with Bumrah completing another five-for Down Under.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Make that FIVE!<br />
<br />
There's the first five-wicket haul of the series <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/t4KIdyMTLI">pic.twitter.com/t4KIdyMTLI</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1860149576570663153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With Australia reeling at 70 for eight at one stage, they looked like folding inside the next two-three overs. However, what followed later frustrated the Indians and put the hosts back in the game after a horror first-day show.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-icc-calls-for-emergency-meeting-with-bcci-pcb-over-scheduling-issues-report-778411">Champions Trophy 2025: ICC calls for emergency meeting with BCCI, PCB over scheduling issues - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Mitchell Starc, alongside Nathan Lyon, put on a nine-run stand before Harshit Rana’s fiery bouncer caught Lyon off guard, as he departed on five off 16 balls. With the Aussies 79 for nine, almost 70 runs behind India’s first-inning total of 150, the last pair restored some pride for the Oz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hazlewood and Starc took some blows, escaped countless close chances, yet stood tall in the middle for close to an hour, playing over 100 balls. Though they managed just 25 runs, crossing a hundred on this wicket gave them the psychological satisfaction of staying alive in the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian bowlers kept bowling short, with Starc playing cautiously and opting against attacking everything thrown at him. He, however, ran out of gas just at the stroke of lunch as he pulled a bouncer off Rana, only to get caught by Rishabh Pant on 26.</p>

<h2><strong>India to resume batting after lunch</strong></h2>

<p>India will resume their second innings on day two of the first BGT Test in Perth, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal facing the new ball. Unlike how it unfolded in the first innings, the Indian batters will try and apply themselves better this time, aiming to pile up on the lead and give a daunting target to the Aussies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, considering the WTC Final spot on the line, India must beat Australia by 4-0 or better in this series to confirm direct qualification; otherwise, they will have to rely on other teams’ results to enter the summit clash for the third straight time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated India with a 25-run stand for the final wicket but failed to prevent them from taking the lead, as the visitors wrapped Australia on 104 in their first innings in Perth.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated India with a 25-run stand for the final wicket but failed to prevent them from taking the lead, as the visitors wrapped Australia on 104 in their first innings in Perth. Leading by 46 runs, India will resume batting after lunch, aiming to pile up runs and march towards a win in the BGT opener at the Optus Stadium. For India, the skipper for this game, Jasprit Bumrah, picked a five-wicket haul. India began day two with a bumper wicket of Alex Carey, Australia’s last recognised batter, with Bumrah completing another five-for Down Under. Make that FIVE! There's the first five-wicket haul of the series #MilestoneMoment #AUSvIND @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/t4KIdyMTLI — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024 × With Australia reeling at 70 for eight at one stage, they looked like folding inside the next two-three overs. However, what followed later frustrated the Indians and put the hosts back in the game after a horror first-day show. ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC calls for emergency meeting with BCCI, PCB over scheduling issues - Report Mitchell Starc, alongside Nathan Lyon, put on a nine-run stand before Harshit Rana’s fiery bouncer caught Lyon off guard, as he departed on five off 16 balls. With the Aussies 79 for nine, almost 70 runs behind India’s first-inning total of 150, the last pair restored some pride for the Oz. Hazlewood and Starc took some blows, escaped countless close chances, yet stood tall in the middle for close to an hour, playing over 100 balls. Though they managed just 25 runs, crossing a hundred on this wicket gave them the psychological satisfaction of staying alive in the game. The Indian bowlers kept bowling short, with Starc playing cautiously and opting against attacking everything thrown at him. He, however, ran out of gas just at the stroke of lunch as he pulled a bouncer off Rana, only to get caught by Rishabh Pant on 26. India to resume batting after lunch India will resume their second innings on day two of the first BGT Test in Perth, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal facing the new ball. Unlike how it unfolded in the first innings, the Indian batters will try and apply themselves better this time, aiming to pile up on the lead and give a daunting target to the Aussies. Meanwhile, considering the WTC Final spot on the line, India must beat Australia by 4-0 or better in this series to confirm direct qualification; otherwise, they will have to rely on other teams’ results to enter the summit clash for the third straight time. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT, Perth Test, Day 2: Australia all out on 104 as captain Bumrah completes five-for

<p>The Indian captain for the first Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah, picked four&nbsp;wickets, including removing Usman Khawaja and veteran batter Steve Smith on successive balls to lead India’s comeback on day one in the Perth Test, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana chipping in with theirs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bumrah won the toss and elected to bat first; the Indian batters failed to score big in the first innings as they got all out on 150, with Josh Hazlewood being the architect, picking four wickets. In reply to India's first-inning total, Australia scored 67 for 7 at stumps on day one, trailing by 83 runs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-virat-kohlis-horror-day-continues-in-perth-as-he-drops-marnus-labuschagne-on-zero-watch-778283">BGT: Jasprit Bumrah strikes gold in Perth after Kohli drops sitter in slips</a></strong></p>

<p>The much-hyped Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 began with a bang, with Mitchell Starc producing a stunning spell to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal inside the third over. Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul tried deploying a defensive approach but fell prey to serious pace from Hazlewood and Starc, respectively, though KL Rahul’s debatable dismissal sparked controversy.</p>

<p>Hazlewood also removed India veteran Virat Kohli, caught in the first slip on five.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extra bounce from Hazlewood - Kohli's back in the sheds for five <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6M5DjgOqrV">pic.twitter.com/6M5DjgOqrV</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1859805717609214288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Rishabh Pant again became a thorn in the flesh for the Aussies, hitting a gritty 37, while Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy showed hearts on their first outing for India Down Under. Jurel scored 11, but Reddy’s 41 off 59 helped India reach the 150-mark.</p>

<h2><strong>Bumrah leads India’s comeback</strong></h2>

<p>Bumrah was right on the target from ball one, causing trouble to the new opening pair of Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja, before removing the debutant on just ten. He could have bagged twice in the same over had Kohli not dropped Labuschagne’s sitter in the second slip.</p>

<p>Bumrah, however, fulfilled his wish in his next over by removing Khawaja and Smith off two straight balls. While he dismissed the left-handed opener for the first time in eight meetings, he accounted for Smith, who registered only his second golden duck in Test history.</p>

<p>India’s nemesis, Travis Head, joined Marnus in the middle and began hitting boundaries like he never left, reminding everyone of how good he is. Just before he could pile pressure on the Indians, debutant Harshit Rana bowled him on 11, reducing Australia to 31 for four at one stage.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a way to get your maiden Test wicket! ⚡️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredwithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredwithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBN_Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkykgwUEWW">pic.twitter.com/IkykgwUEWW</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1859878035706527926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mitchell Marsh also failed to weather the storm as he edged one to the slip cordon off Siraj, who later dismissed Australia’s best batter on the day, Marnus, on 52-ball two. Before the end of play, India removed Aussie skipper Pat Cummins for cheap with Alex Carey-Mitchell Starc remaining unbeaten at the stumps. They have a herculean task to take their side near India's total.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian captain for the first Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah, picked four wickets, including removing Usman Khawaja and veteran batter Steve Smith on successive balls to lead India’s comeback on day one in the Perth Test, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana chipping in with theirs.

The Indian captain for the first Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah, picked four wickets, including removing Usman Khawaja and veteran batter Steve Smith on successive balls to lead India’s comeback on day one in the Perth Test, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana chipping in with theirs. Bumrah won the toss and elected to bat first; the Indian batters failed to score big in the first innings as they got all out on 150, with Josh Hazlewood being the architect, picking four wickets. In reply to India's first-inning total, Australia scored 67 for 7 at stumps on day one, trailing by 83 runs. ALSO READ: BGT: Jasprit Bumrah strikes gold in Perth after Kohli drops sitter in slips The much-hyped Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 began with a bang, with Mitchell Starc producing a stunning spell to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal inside the third over. Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul tried deploying a defensive approach but fell prey to serious pace from Hazlewood and Starc, respectively, though KL Rahul’s debatable dismissal sparked controversy. Hazlewood also removed India veteran Virat Kohli, caught in the first slip on five. Extra bounce from Hazlewood - Kohli's back in the sheds for five #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6M5DjgOqrV — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024 × Rishabh Pant again became a thorn in the flesh for the Aussies, hitting a gritty 37, while Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy showed hearts on their first outing for India Down Under. Jurel scored 11, but Reddy’s 41 off 59 helped India reach the 150-mark. Bumrah leads India’s comeback Bumrah was right on the target from ball one, causing trouble to the new opening pair of Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja, before removing the debutant on just ten. He could have bagged twice in the same over had Kohli not dropped Labuschagne’s sitter in the second slip. Bumrah, however, fulfilled his wish in his next over by removing Khawaja and Smith off two straight balls. While he dismissed the left-handed opener for the first time in eight meetings, he accounted for Smith, who registered only his second golden duck in Test history. India’s nemesis, Travis Head, joined Marnus in the middle and began hitting boundaries like he never left, reminding everyone of how good he is. Just before he could pile pressure on the Indians, debutant Harshit Rana bowled him on 11, reducing Australia to 31 for four at one stage. What a way to get your maiden Test wicket! ⚡️#DeliveredwithSpeed | #AUSvIND | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/IkykgwUEWW — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024 × Mitchell Marsh also failed to weather the storm as he edged one to the slip cordon off Siraj, who later dismissed Australia’s best batter on the day, Marnus, on 52-ball two. Before the end of play, India removed Aussie skipper Pat Cummins for cheap with Alex Carey-Mitchell Starc remaining unbeaten at the stumps. They have a herculean task to take their side near India's total. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT, Perth Test, Day 1: Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s comeback after batters disappoint in 1st innings

<p>Ace India batter Virat Kohli has struggled to score Test runs in bulk for the past five years, something he enjoyed doing for most of his career. And with him touring Australia at 36, his reflexes and limitations are probably more exposed to everyone, which the hosts would like to bank on and keep him quiet throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Former Australia great Glenn McGrath has suggested something similar.</p>

<p>As India and Australia gear up for the five-match Test series starting November 22 in Perth, all eyes will be on Kohli, who loves playing Down Under and has scored hundreds at almost all venues scheduled to host matches this time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/kl-rahuls-return-to-nets-boosts-indias-morale-ahead-of-bgt-opener-in-perth-776831">KL Rahul’s return to nets boosts India’s morale ahead of BGT opener in Perth</a></strong></p>

<p>India's star&nbsp;batter had a horrid time against New Zealand during the recently concluded home Tests, scoring just&nbsp;93 runs across six innings, and&nbsp;the team lost the&nbsp;series&nbsp;0-3. Down on form, if not technically, Kohli will aim to get to his best against his favourite Test opponent.</p>

<p>Speaking on the same lines, McGrath said as much as Kohli loves playing against the Oz, the hosts must target ‘emotional and down’ Kohli in their quest to win the BGT.</p>

<p>"But I think he's probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he's quite an emotional player. When he's up, he's up, and when he's down, he sort of struggles a little bit," McGrath said, as quoted by Fox Sports.</p>

<p>The legendary seamer, however, also warned the hosts of Kohli’s turnaround in form should he win the war of words.</p>

<p>"If they go hard at him, if he gets in the fight with emotions, there's a bit of chat out there, who knows, he might sort of lift," McGrath further added.</p>

<h2>Australia is ready for India challenge</h2>

<p>Having lost Test series to India four times since the past decade, Australia is hungrier to turn the tables around this time, and with India down on confidence, McGrath feels it’s the right time to catch them by their throat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Without a doubt, especially after coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand, you've got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up. So put the pressure on them and see if they're up for it," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, for India to directly qualify for the WTC Final 2025, they must beat Australia 4-0 or better; otherwise, they will have to rely on other teams’ results to cruise ahead.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ace India batter Virat Kohli has struggled to score Test runs in bulk for the past five years, something he enjoyed doing for most of his career. And with him touring Australia at 36, his reflexes and limitations are probably more exposed to everyone, which the hosts would like to bank on and keep him quiet throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.

Ace India batter Virat Kohli has struggled to score Test runs in bulk for the past five years, something he enjoyed doing for most of his career. And with him touring Australia at 36, his reflexes and limitations are probably more exposed to everyone, which the hosts would like to bank on and keep him quiet throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Former Australia great Glenn McGrath has suggested something similar. As India and Australia gear up for the five-match Test series starting November 22 in Perth, all eyes will be on Kohli, who loves playing Down Under and has scored hundreds at almost all venues scheduled to host matches this time. ALSO READ: KL Rahul’s return to nets boosts India’s morale ahead of BGT opener in Perth India's star batter had a horrid time against New Zealand during the recently concluded home Tests, scoring just 93 runs across six innings, and the team lost the series 0-3. Down on form, if not technically, Kohli will aim to get to his best against his favourite Test opponent. Speaking on the same lines, McGrath said as much as Kohli loves playing against the Oz, the hosts must target ‘emotional and down’ Kohli in their quest to win the BGT. "But I think he's probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he's quite an emotional player. When he's up, he's up, and when he's down, he sort of struggles a little bit," McGrath said, as quoted by Fox Sports. The legendary seamer, however, also warned the hosts of Kohli’s turnaround in form should he win the war of words. "If they go hard at him, if he gets in the fight with emotions, there's a bit of chat out there, who knows, he might sort of lift," McGrath further added. Australia is ready for India challenge Having lost Test series to India four times since the past decade, Australia is hungrier to turn the tables around this time, and with India down on confidence, McGrath feels it’s the right time to catch them by their throat. "Without a doubt, especially after coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand, you've got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up. So put the pressure on them and see if they're up for it," he added. Meanwhile, for India to directly qualify for the WTC Final 2025, they must beat Australia 4-0 or better; otherwise, they will have to rely on other teams’ results to cruise ahead. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT 2024/25: Glenn McGrath urges Australian bowlers to go hard at ‘emotional and down’ Virat Kohli

<p>Former Australia greats Michael Hussey and Adam Gilchrist expressed their reservations over the hosts’ squad selection criteria for the first Test against India in Perth starting November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Hussey feels Nathan McSweeney’s selection ahead of a specialist opener for the first Test is a tough call, Gilchrist questions Josh Inglis’ selection as a reserve batter, whom he thinks is among the top six Test batters in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, per Cricket Australia's earlier policy of playing their best batters for any Test, Inglis’ appointment as a backup player, besides being second to McSweeney in the pecking order, contradicts its very purpose.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-mega-auction-kasi-viswanathan-addresses-csk-chasing-rishabh-pant-rumours-says-discussions-were-775017">IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Kasi Viswanathan addresses CSK chasing Rishabh Pant rumours, says ‘discussions were…’</a></strong></p>

<p>McSweeney, 25, never opened in first-class cricket until asked by the selectors to do so for the second unofficial Test against India A at the MCG, where he scored 14 and 25 across both innings. Though he impressed everyone with his match-winning knock in the second inning of the first game, picking him over regular openers and other contenders like Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Sam Konstas baffles Hussey.</p>

<p>“I think it’s a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn’t opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from the middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket while commentating in the third Australia-Pakistan ODI on Sunday (Nov 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering Australia will be without their emerging star Cameron Green for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fitting the top six best batters in the playing XI would be some task for the selectors, captain and management.</p>

<p>“It’s a tough ask, and, personally, I would prefer a specialist opener, but I think the Australian selectors’ philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we’ll figure the order out after that. They may not play him at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne may move up. Maybe they haven’t made up their mind exactly what their order is at this stage. They have just decided these are our six best batters, and now we’ll figure out where they sit best,” Hussey added.</p>

<h2>Gilly questions Inglis’ new role</h2>

<p>Inglis has been Australia’s first-choice white-ball keeper batter since the past year; however, he plays second fiddle to Test regular Alex Carey. Despite being among the runs in the domestic, his selection as a reserve batter, while he should be among the first names on the team sheet, makes Gilchrist question the selection criteria.</p>

<p>“Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open…but do they stick with the policy they had last year where we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six? Josh Inglis, at the moment, is in the six best batters in Australia. Do they break away from that policy? I think they will.” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the right-handed McSweeney will open alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Australia greats Michael Hussey and Adam Gilchrist expressed their reservations over the hosts’ squad selection criteria for the first Test against India in Perth starting November 22.

Former Australia greats Michael Hussey and Adam Gilchrist expressed their reservations over the hosts’ squad selection criteria for the first Test against India in Perth starting November 22. While Hussey feels Nathan McSweeney’s selection ahead of a specialist opener for the first Test is a tough call, Gilchrist questions Josh Inglis’ selection as a reserve batter, whom he thinks is among the top six Test batters in the country. However, per Cricket Australia's earlier policy of playing their best batters for any Test, Inglis’ appointment as a backup player, besides being second to McSweeney in the pecking order, contradicts its very purpose. ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Kasi Viswanathan addresses CSK chasing Rishabh Pant rumours, says ‘discussions were…’ McSweeney, 25, never opened in first-class cricket until asked by the selectors to do so for the second unofficial Test against India A at the MCG, where he scored 14 and 25 across both innings. Though he impressed everyone with his match-winning knock in the second inning of the first game, picking him over regular openers and other contenders like Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Sam Konstas baffles Hussey. “I think it’s a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn’t opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash. “It’s not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from the middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket while commentating in the third Australia-Pakistan ODI on Sunday (Nov 8). Considering Australia will be without their emerging star Cameron Green for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fitting the top six best batters in the playing XI would be some task for the selectors, captain and management. “It’s a tough ask, and, personally, I would prefer a specialist opener, but I think the Australian selectors’ philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we’ll figure the order out after that. They may not play him at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne may move up. Maybe they haven’t made up their mind exactly what their order is at this stage. They have just decided these are our six best batters, and now we’ll figure out where they sit best,” Hussey added. Gilly questions Inglis’ new role Inglis has been Australia’s first-choice white-ball keeper batter since the past year; however, he plays second fiddle to Test regular Alex Carey. Despite being among the runs in the domestic, his selection as a reserve batter, while he should be among the first names on the team sheet, makes Gilchrist question the selection criteria. “Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn’t traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open…but do they stick with the policy they had last year where we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six? Josh Inglis, at the moment, is in the six best batters in Australia. Do they break away from that policy? I think they will.” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket. Meanwhile, the right-handed McSweeney will open alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Australia's squad selection criteria for Perth Test baffles Hussey, Gilchrist

<p>India Test captain Rohit Sharma will fly to Australia with the Indian Test squad while his participation in the first Test in Perth remains uncertain, per the latest report.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“He is travelling, but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," a source close to the information said, as quoted by India Today.</p>

<p>Earlier, several media reports indicated that Rohit could miss any one of the first two Tests Down Under for personal reasons, with the Indian skipper confirming the same in a media statement following the conclusion of the home New Zealand Tests.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sam-konstas-fires-reminder-to-selectors-with-match-winning-73-against-india-a-as-bgt-squad-announcement-looms-774815">Sam Konstas fires reminder to selectors with match-winning 73 against India A as BGT squad announcement looms</a></strong></p>

<p>“Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going, but let’s see. Fingers crossed," Rohit said after the Mumbai Test against New Zealand.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, if Rohit remains unavailable for selection for the Perth Test, India could play either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran in his place, accompanying Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top; the two contenders, however, failed to leave a mark in the second playing for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial Test in Melbourne.</p>

<p>While KL scored 4 and 10 in two innings in the recently concluded tie that India A lost, the right-handed Easwaran scored just 36 runs across four innings in two contested matches. Should Rohit decide against playing the Perth Test, KL leads the race to replace him in the XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, with Dhruv Jurel impressing everyone with his gritty knocks in both innings, including hitting fifties in two outings, chances of him breaking into the Test side grow, if not for the first Test, then surely once during the marquee five-match series.</p>

<h2><strong>Six-hour review meeting</strong></h2>

<p>Following suffering a maiden Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, the BCCI alongside the captain Rohit, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, held a marathon six-hour long review meeting discussing what went wrong, and with the Australian series on the horizon, how can they turn the tables around.</p>

<p>“It was a six-hour marathon meeting which was obviously on the cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank (Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar) are going about it," a senior BCCI source privy to development was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.</p>

<p>The report also suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with team management’s call to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test at the Wankhede and prepare a rank turner, which eventually cost India.</p>

<p>“Bumrah’s absence was discussed although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion," the source concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Test captain Rohit Sharma will fly to Australia with the Indian Test squad while his participation in the first Test in Perth remains uncertain, per the latest report.

India Test captain Rohit Sharma will fly to Australia with the Indian Test squad while his participation in the first Test in Perth remains uncertain, per the latest report. “He is travelling, but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," a source close to the information said, as quoted by India Today. Earlier, several media reports indicated that Rohit could miss any one of the first two Tests Down Under for personal reasons, with the Indian skipper confirming the same in a media statement following the conclusion of the home New Zealand Tests. ALSO READ: Sam Konstas fires reminder to selectors with match-winning 73 against India A as BGT squad announcement looms “Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going, but let’s see. Fingers crossed," Rohit said after the Mumbai Test against New Zealand. Meanwhile, if Rohit remains unavailable for selection for the Perth Test, India could play either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran in his place, accompanying Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top; the two contenders, however, failed to leave a mark in the second playing for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial Test in Melbourne. While KL scored 4 and 10 in two innings in the recently concluded tie that India A lost, the right-handed Easwaran scored just 36 runs across four innings in two contested matches. Should Rohit decide against playing the Perth Test, KL leads the race to replace him in the XI. Besides, with Dhruv Jurel impressing everyone with his gritty knocks in both innings, including hitting fifties in two outings, chances of him breaking into the Test side grow, if not for the first Test, then surely once during the marquee five-match series. Six-hour review meeting Following suffering a maiden Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, the BCCI alongside the captain Rohit, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, held a marathon six-hour long review meeting discussing what went wrong, and with the Australian series on the horizon, how can they turn the tables around. “It was a six-hour marathon meeting which was obviously on the cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank (Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar) are going about it," a senior BCCI source privy to development was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The report also suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with team management’s call to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test at the Wankhede and prepare a rank turner, which eventually cost India. “Bumrah’s absence was discussed although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion," the source concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit Sharma to fly to Australia but Perth Test participation remains uncertain – Report

<p>New Zealand blanked India 3-0 in the recently concluded Test series, becoming the first team to clean-sweep India in their home conditions. That blow hit everyone - from players to analysts and fans to former legends, harder, with ex-India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar coming down hard on Rohit Sharma’s men over this result.</p>

<p>With India losing the home Test series 0-3, their chances of reaching the WTC Final 2025 suffered a serious beating; for them to now qualify for the summit clash for the third straight time, they must beat Australia 4-0, something Gavaskar feels is like a mountain to climb for the visitors.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-and-dhruv-jurel-to-feature-in-second-india-a-game-ahead-of-australia-tests-773195">KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to feature in second India-A game ahead of Australia Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Gavaskar tore into BCCI’s ‘short-gain policy’ of preparing tracks for just spinners when their team has the best fast bowler in the world – Jasprit Bumrah, saying this cost India in this series, adding with this low morale, it’s hard to pull off a miracle Down Under.</p>

<p>“Australia looks like a huge mountain to climb after the Indian team stumbled terribly on a speed bump called New Zealand. Nobody, not even the Kiwis themselves, would have thought of a clean sweep against India, and that too in India.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It has happened thanks to the short-gain policy of preparing pitches for our spinners when just about everybody in the cricketing world agrees that we have the best new-ball bowler in the world across all formats," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.</p>

<h2>Calling off intra-squad game upsets Gavaskar</h2>

<p>The BCCI had earlier planned an intra-squad game between India and India-A at the WACA in Perth ahead of the first Test but scrapped this idea at the last minute, restricting India’s preparation for the marquee series to just training in the nets and batting on centre wicket.</p>

<p>Though most batters picked have toured Australia before, Gavaskar feels this decision could cost the newcomers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, who are crucial to the side’s success in Australia.</p>

<p>"We are now told that the warm-up game before the first Test has been called off. Wouldn’t it benefit youngsters like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Sarfaraz (Khan), who are playing on Australian pitches for the first time, to get some runs under their belt and get a feel of what the pitches will be like?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And if they get out early, they can still get into the nets and practice against the throw-down specialist or the net bowlers. For bowlers like Akash Deep and Harshit Rana too, it’s essential to know the best length to bowl in Australia, as it’s different from India, and the best learning is in a proper match and not just net practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Let’s just hope that good sense prevails, and even now, though it’s too late, some warm-up games can be arranged, even if it’s against the State A teams like Queensland A and Victoria A. These warm-up games will give the first-timers to Australia and youngsters good practice and a better chance to succeed," Gavaskar added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Optus Stadium in Perth will host the first Test starting November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New Zealand blanked India 3-0 in the recently concluded Test series, becoming the first team to clean-sweep India in their home conditions. That blow hit everyone - from players to analysts and fans to former legends, harder, with ex-India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar coming down hard on Rohit Sharma’s men over this result.

New Zealand blanked India 3-0 in the recently concluded Test series, becoming the first team to clean-sweep India in their home conditions. That blow hit everyone - from players to analysts and fans to former legends, harder, with ex-India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar coming down hard on Rohit Sharma’s men over this result. With India losing the home Test series 0-3, their chances of reaching the WTC Final 2025 suffered a serious beating; for them to now qualify for the summit clash for the third straight time, they must beat Australia 4-0, something Gavaskar feels is like a mountain to climb for the visitors. ALSO READ: KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to feature in second India-A game ahead of Australia Tests Gavaskar tore into BCCI’s ‘short-gain policy’ of preparing tracks for just spinners when their team has the best fast bowler in the world – Jasprit Bumrah, saying this cost India in this series, adding with this low morale, it’s hard to pull off a miracle Down Under. “Australia looks like a huge mountain to climb after the Indian team stumbled terribly on a speed bump called New Zealand. Nobody, not even the Kiwis themselves, would have thought of a clean sweep against India, and that too in India.” “It has happened thanks to the short-gain policy of preparing pitches for our spinners when just about everybody in the cricketing world agrees that we have the best new-ball bowler in the world across all formats," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. Calling off intra-squad game upsets Gavaskar The BCCI had earlier planned an intra-squad game between India and India-A at the WACA in Perth ahead of the first Test but scrapped this idea at the last minute, restricting India’s preparation for the marquee series to just training in the nets and batting on centre wicket. Though most batters picked have toured Australia before, Gavaskar feels this decision could cost the newcomers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, who are crucial to the side’s success in Australia. "We are now told that the warm-up game before the first Test has been called off. Wouldn’t it benefit youngsters like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal and Sarfaraz (Khan), who are playing on Australian pitches for the first time, to get some runs under their belt and get a feel of what the pitches will be like? "And if they get out early, they can still get into the nets and practice against the throw-down specialist or the net bowlers. For bowlers like Akash Deep and Harshit Rana too, it’s essential to know the best length to bowl in Australia, as it’s different from India, and the best learning is in a proper match and not just net practice. "Let’s just hope that good sense prevails, and even now, though it’s too late, some warm-up games can be arranged, even if it’s against the State A teams like Queensland A and Victoria A. These warm-up games will give the first-timers to Australia and youngsters good practice and a better chance to succeed," Gavaskar added. Meanwhile, the Optus Stadium in Perth will host the first Test starting November 22. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Cricketing world agrees…’ – India legend slams BCCI’s ‘short-gain policies’ after New Zealand whitewash

<p>KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India-A lost the first match in Mackay by seven wickets, with Test hopefuls Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy failing to leave any mark across both innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-more-miseries-for-india-rohit-sharma-not-sure-of-his-participation-for-perth-test-773091">BGT 2024/25: More miseries for India? Rohit Sharma 'not sure' of his participation for Perth Test</a></strong></p>

<p>The match, however, made headlines for other reasons; the umpires accused India-A of ball tampering before the start of play on the final day, which led to an altercation between Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpires. Though the officials warned him for showing dissent, Kishan escaped a potential ban for passing a comment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Team India had dropped KL Rahul after the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, wherein he returned with scores of 0 and 12 across two innings. Shubman Gill replaced Rahul in the batting order for the remaining two Tests; India’s new number three came good with the bat in the first innings in Mumbai, scoring a gritty 90. India, however, lost all three matches, surrendering the Test series to the Kiwis at home for the first time.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, hasn’t featured in any of the five home Tests this season since Rishabh Pant’s return.&nbsp;Pant and Jurel are the two glovemen for India for the tour Down Under.</p>

<h2>Training and not practice game for India</h2>

<p>Earlier, the BCCI and the team management scheduled an intra-squad game between India and India-A at WACA before the first Test in Perth; however, the board altered the plans at the last minute, reducing Team India's preparation to training in the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Captain Rohit Sharma echoed the same feelings after the final Test in Mumbai, which India lost by 25 runs.</p>

<p>"We are travelling with a squad of 19 players, and only three days were allotted to us. I don't know how much workload we can get in those three days in terms of getting everyone prepared," Rohit said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"The management feels that we'd rather have a match simulation where batters can spend more time in the middle, and the bowlers can bowl a lot of balls. That is something that we, as a team, feel more comfortable doing rather than playing a practice game because game time is not a problem,” he continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the rest of the BGT-bound Test squad will fly to Australia on November 10 and will train at WACA stadium in Perth, where they will acclimatise to the playing conditions by training in the nets and centre wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth.

KL Rahul and keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel are two BGT-bound Indian players flying to Australia a week earlier than the remainder of the Test squad. The duo will feature for India-A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in the second unofficial Test, scheduled for November 7 start at the MCG, to get some match practice ahead of the marquee Australia series beginning on November 22 in Perth. India-A lost the first match in Mackay by seven wickets, with Test hopefuls Abhimanyu Easwaran and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy failing to leave any mark across both innings. ALSO READ: BGT 2024/25: More miseries for India? Rohit Sharma 'not sure' of his participation for Perth Test The match, however, made headlines for other reasons; the umpires accused India-A of ball tampering before the start of play on the final day, which led to an altercation between Ishan Kishan and the on-field umpires. Though the officials warned him for showing dissent, Kishan escaped a potential ban for passing a comment. Meanwhile, Team India had dropped KL Rahul after the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, wherein he returned with scores of 0 and 12 across two innings. Shubman Gill replaced Rahul in the batting order for the remaining two Tests; India’s new number three came good with the bat in the first innings in Mumbai, scoring a gritty 90. India, however, lost all three matches, surrendering the Test series to the Kiwis at home for the first time. On the other hand, Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, hasn’t featured in any of the five home Tests this season since Rishabh Pant’s return. Pant and Jurel are the two glovemen for India for the tour Down Under. Training and not practice game for India Earlier, the BCCI and the team management scheduled an intra-squad game between India and India-A at WACA before the first Test in Perth; however, the board altered the plans at the last minute, reducing Team India's preparation to training in the nets. Captain Rohit Sharma echoed the same feelings after the final Test in Mumbai, which India lost by 25 runs. "We are travelling with a squad of 19 players, and only three days were allotted to us. I don't know how much workload we can get in those three days in terms of getting everyone prepared," Rohit said on Sunday. "The management feels that we'd rather have a match simulation where batters can spend more time in the middle, and the bowlers can bowl a lot of balls. That is something that we, as a team, feel more comfortable doing rather than playing a practice game because game time is not a problem,” he continued. Meanwhile, the rest of the BGT-bound Test squad will fly to Australia on November 10 and will train at WACA stadium in Perth, where they will acclimatise to the playing conditions by training in the nets and centre wicket. (With inputs from agencies)

KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to feature in second India-A game ahead of Australia Tests

<p>Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named. The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of a five home Tests against India.</p>

<p>Selectors rested fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with other Test players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.</p>

<p>All-rounder Cameron Green is injured and will miss the entire Australian summer.</p>

<p>Marsh is the usual T20 captain, leaving Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short in the mix to take charge against Pakistan.</p>

<p>Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return after injuries for the matches in Brisbane on November 14, Sydney two days later and Hobart on November 18.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/a-problem-if-he-doesnt-former-india-batter-aakash-chopra-on-virat-kohlis-form-ahead-of-bgt-771149">'A problem if he doesn't...,' Former India batter Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli's form ahead of BGT</a></strong></p>

<p>The first Test against India begins in Perth on November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series," said chief selector George Bailey. "We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys."</p>

<p>The T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on November 4.</p>

<p>Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc were included in the one-day squad announced two weeks ago, but Marsh and Head will be on paternity leave.</p>

<h2>Australia T20 squad –</h2>

<p>Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> 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.</em></p>


Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named. The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of a five home Tests against India.

Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named. The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of a five home Tests against India. Selectors rested fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with other Test players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. All-rounder Cameron Green is injured and will miss the entire Australian summer. Marsh is the usual T20 captain, leaving Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short in the mix to take charge against Pakistan. Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return after injuries for the matches in Brisbane on November 14, Sydney two days later and Hobart on November 18. ALSO READ: 'A problem if he doesn't...,' Former India batter Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli's form ahead of BGT The first Test against India begins in Perth on November 22. "This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series," said chief selector George Bailey. "We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys." The T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on November 4. Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc were included in the one-day squad announced two weeks ago, but Marsh and Head will be on paternity leave. Australia T20 squad – Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa 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.

Squad announcement - Australia rest Test stars Pakistan T20Is; Glenn Maxwell in mix to lead Oz

<p>Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami missed out on making the 18-man squad for the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia starting November 22 in Perth. The BCCI selectors named a star-studded pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bunch. Though Shami declared himself 100% match-fit during a promotional event in Gurugram the past week, the selectors decided against rushing him into playing Test cricket.</p>

<p>However, the latest reports suggest that all is not over for India quick, as he may link up with the BGT-bound Test squad midway into the Australia series after proving match fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The right-arm seamer began bowling in the nets following the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru; after the second game ended in Pune, he resumed training, bowling to India batter Shubman Gill at full throttle.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/nNHEPjlcF1">pic.twitter.com/nNHEPjlcF1</a></p>
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1849840848680431908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The report also suggested that Shami aims to play two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal against Karnataka in Bengaluru on November 6 and against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, commencing on November 13. Should he clear the match fitness criteria, the Indian pacer will link up with the Test team ahead of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/squad-announcement-australia-rest-test-stars-pakistan-t20is-glenn-maxwell-in-mix-to-lead-oz-771224">Squad announcement - Australia rest Test stars Pakistan T20Is; Glenn Maxwell in mix to lead Oz</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Shami is currently back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, training for his return to competitive cricket.</p>

<p>“Yes, we have heard that Shami may join the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, as the side will be coming to Bengaluru, where he’s already training, preparing to his absolute best and doing his bowling practice at the NCA. Everyone around him has been working hard to ensure he hopefully gets to play the game against Karnataka from November 6.”</p>

<p>“The parameters NCA people could observe for him would be around the number of overs he bowls, and how his recovery process is after being out on the field for a day or even after featuring in all four days of the Ranji Trophy games. If all of the processes with regards to him go well, then one probably may see him be with the Indian team from the Brisbane Test happening from December 14-18,” a source close to the information said, as quoted by News18.</p>

<h2>Shami’s run to the top</h2>

<p>The Indian fast bowler wreaked havoc during the home World Cup last year, picking 24 wickets in just seven games, averaging 10.71. He bagged his career-best figures of 7/59 against New Zealand in Mumbai in the semis but failed to guide his team home against Australia in the summit clash.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, alongside Bumrah, Shami remains India’s top bowler across formats, with Test being his standout one. In 64 matches played thus far, Shami has picked 229 wickets, averaging close to 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami missed out on making the 18-man squad for the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia starting November 22 in Perth. The BCCI selectors named a star-studded pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bunch.

Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami missed out on making the 18-man squad for the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia starting November 22 in Perth. The BCCI selectors named a star-studded pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bunch. Though Shami declared himself 100% match-fit during a promotional event in Gurugram the past week, the selectors decided against rushing him into playing Test cricket. However, the latest reports suggest that all is not over for India quick, as he may link up with the BGT-bound Test squad midway into the Australia series after proving match fitness. The right-arm seamer began bowling in the nets following the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru; after the second game ended in Pune, he resumed training, bowling to India batter Shubman Gill at full throttle. pic.twitter.com/nNHEPjlcF1 — 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) October 25, 2024 × The report also suggested that Shami aims to play two Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal against Karnataka in Bengaluru on November 6 and against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, commencing on November 13. Should he clear the match fitness criteria, the Indian pacer will link up with the Test team ahead of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14. ALSO READ: Squad announcement - Australia rest Test stars Pakistan T20Is; Glenn Maxwell in mix to lead Oz Meanwhile, Shami is currently back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, training for his return to competitive cricket. “Yes, we have heard that Shami may join the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, as the side will be coming to Bengaluru, where he’s already training, preparing to his absolute best and doing his bowling practice at the NCA. Everyone around him has been working hard to ensure he hopefully gets to play the game against Karnataka from November 6.” “The parameters NCA people could observe for him would be around the number of overs he bowls, and how his recovery process is after being out on the field for a day or even after featuring in all four days of the Ranji Trophy games. If all of the processes with regards to him go well, then one probably may see him be with the Indian team from the Brisbane Test happening from December 14-18,” a source close to the information said, as quoted by News18. Shami’s run to the top The Indian fast bowler wreaked havoc during the home World Cup last year, picking 24 wickets in just seven games, averaging 10.71. He bagged his career-best figures of 7/59 against New Zealand in Mumbai in the semis but failed to guide his team home against Australia in the summit clash. Meanwhile, alongside Bumrah, Shami remains India’s top bowler across formats, with Test being his standout one. In 64 matches played thus far, Shami has picked 229 wickets, averaging close to 28. (With inputs from agencies)

All not over for Mohammed Shami as India quick may link up with squad midway into Australian tour – Reports

<p>As Australia gears up for the home Tests against India starting November 22 in Perth, head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at including uncapped opener Sam Konstas in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar series. Konstas, 19, has made headlines back home with successive hundreds in his first Sheffield Shield game this season, followed by a gritty 43 against Victoria on a tricky MCG pitch.</p>

<p>Since David Warner’s retirement from Tests earlier this year, Australia tried Steve Smith at the top, an experiment that failed, with Smith returning to his preferred number four position for five Tests against India. Though the selectors have kept a close eye on other contenders to partner Usman Khawaja at the top, including Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matthew Renshaw, the focus has shifted to Konstas, who is likely to make his Australia debut next month.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Konstas will play for Australia A against India A in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-management-makes-it-mandatory-for-indian-players-to-attend-training-sessions-ahead-of-mumbai-test-771078">Team management makes it ‘mandatory’ for Indian players to attend training sessions ahead of Mumbai Test</a></strong></p>

<p>The right-handed batter has featured in just six first-class matches thus far, with McDonald admitting his lack of experience will not stop the selectors from naming him in the Test side should they consider him the ideal choice to fill the vacant spot.</p>

<p>"I think we're picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we'll head down that direction," McDonald said during a chat with ABC's Offsiders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And clearly Sam Konstas, on the back of his first Shield match, and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland, has definitely made some noise.</p>

<p>"I've heard people commentating 'do you protect the player?' If they're ready, they're ready in our mind, and if Sam's capable and we feel as though is capable to fill that spot I don't think that the opponent should come into the equation,” he continued.</p>

<h2>Sam’s mentor Watson backs Konstas’ selection</h2>

<p>Sam’s mentor and former Australia great Shane Watson also advocated for his selection for the Border-Gavaskar series, with McDonald saying they will not protect any player from any opponent, and knowing India is the strongest opponent, what’s better than playing him at home?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it's purely is this player good enough to play Test cricket?" McDonald said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You've got to start against someone, and you shouldn't be holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent, and India is a strong opponent, but also, the advantage of a player playing in Australia for their first Test summer is that the conditions are familiar. What better place to start than in your own backyard,” he continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, besides Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney are the remaining four venues for India Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Australia gears up for the home Tests against India starting November 22 in Perth, head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at including uncapped opener Sam Konstas in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar series.

As Australia gears up for the home Tests against India starting November 22 in Perth, head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at including uncapped opener Sam Konstas in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar series. Konstas, 19, has made headlines back home with successive hundreds in his first Sheffield Shield game this season, followed by a gritty 43 against Victoria on a tricky MCG pitch. Since David Warner’s retirement from Tests earlier this year, Australia tried Steve Smith at the top, an experiment that failed, with Smith returning to his preferred number four position for five Tests against India. Though the selectors have kept a close eye on other contenders to partner Usman Khawaja at the top, including Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matthew Renshaw, the focus has shifted to Konstas, who is likely to make his Australia debut next month. Meanwhile, Konstas will play for Australia A against India A in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31). ALSO READ: Team management makes it ‘mandatory’ for Indian players to attend training sessions ahead of Mumbai Test The right-handed batter has featured in just six first-class matches thus far, with McDonald admitting his lack of experience will not stop the selectors from naming him in the Test side should they consider him the ideal choice to fill the vacant spot. "I think we're picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we'll head down that direction," McDonald said during a chat with ABC's Offsiders. "And clearly Sam Konstas, on the back of his first Shield match, and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland, has definitely made some noise. "I've heard people commentating 'do you protect the player?' If they're ready, they're ready in our mind, and if Sam's capable and we feel as though is capable to fill that spot I don't think that the opponent should come into the equation,” he continued. Sam’s mentor Watson backs Konstas’ selection Sam’s mentor and former Australia great Shane Watson also advocated for his selection for the Border-Gavaskar series, with McDonald saying they will not protect any player from any opponent, and knowing India is the strongest opponent, what’s better than playing him at home? "I think it's purely is this player good enough to play Test cricket?" McDonald said. "You've got to start against someone, and you shouldn't be holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent, and India is a strong opponent, but also, the advantage of a player playing in Australia for their first Test summer is that the conditions are familiar. What better place to start than in your own backyard,” he continued. Meanwhile, besides Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney are the remaining four venues for India Tests. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Sam Konstas in line for Test debut against India, hints Australia head coach Andrew McDonald

<p>Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the India team for the Australia series raised eyebrows, while Mohammed Shami’s absence worried the fans. Late on Friday night (Oct 25), the BCCI announced a jumbo 18-man squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series starting November 22 in Perth. The selectors made shocking calls with the inclusions of white-ball prospects Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.</p>

<p>Per a PTI report, a source close to the BCCI confirmed that Harshit Rana’s inclusion was head coach Gautam Gambhir’s call, who mentored the pacer at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/abhimanyu-easwaran-included-in-rohit-sharma-led-india-squad-for-australia-tour-vijakumar-in-for-sa-t20-series-770777">Abhimanyu Easwaran included in Rohit Sharma-led India squad for Aussie tour; Vijay Kumar in for SA T20 series</a></strong></p>

<p>“Harshit Rana has been completely Gautam Gambhir's choice. He has been pushing his case for the longest time since the start of the Sri Lanka tour. He was also kept as a reserve bowler. Since he is younger and quicker than both Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar, he has pipped them to the final squad,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, speaking on Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test call-up, the source said, “Nitish is a work in progress, but if India are to bring in balance, they need their fourth seamer to be an all-rounder. Hence, Nitish is a desperate choice going by his IPL and Bangladesh series performance.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also picked Abhimanyu Easwaran as the backup opener and named Washington Sundar as the spare spin-bowling all-rounder, ahead of Shardul Thakur, who starred the last time Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the heavy pace, which includes Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Rana and returning Prasidh Krishna. Despite talks of India including Mayank Yadav for the Australia Tests, the BCCI decided against rushing him into the Test side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, the fans were left wondering about Mohammed Shami, who failed to make the cut despite confirming that he is 100% pain-free and raring to go for the marquee series. The ace India seamer also posted a video of him bowling at full throttle in the nets.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/nNHEPjlcF1">pic.twitter.com/nNHEPjlcF1</a></p>
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1849840848680431908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Per a report in the Indian Express, Shami will play two Ranji Trophy games for Bengal starting November 6 – one against Karnataka and the other against Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the BCCI named three reserve pacers Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed, Shami’s inclusion in the Test side will come down to his fitness, an injury to anyone on that team and the leadership group’s decision.</p>

<h2>Sundar over Ashwin in Australia</h2>

<p>In another turn of event, the PTI report says that Sundar, who picked seven wickets against New Zealand in the first innings in Pune, leads veteran off-spinner and one of India’s heroes the last time, Ravichandran Ashwin, in the pecking order should India decide to play two spinners, with Ravindra Jadeja being the automatic selection.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Here is India’s 18-man squad for Australia Tests –</h3>

<p>Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar</p>

<p><strong>Reserves:</strong> Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the India team for the Australia series raised eyebrows, while Mohammed Shami’s absence worried the fans. Late on Friday night (Oct 25), the BCCI announced a jumbo 18-man squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series starting November 22 in Perth.

Harshit Rana’s inclusion in the India team for the Australia series raised eyebrows, while Mohammed Shami’s absence worried the fans. Late on Friday night (Oct 25), the BCCI announced a jumbo 18-man squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series starting November 22 in Perth. The selectors made shocking calls with the inclusions of white-ball prospects Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Per a PTI report, a source close to the BCCI confirmed that Harshit Rana’s inclusion was head coach Gautam Gambhir’s call, who mentored the pacer at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. ALSO READ: Abhimanyu Easwaran included in Rohit Sharma-led India squad for Aussie tour; Vijay Kumar in for SA T20 series “Harshit Rana has been completely Gautam Gambhir's choice. He has been pushing his case for the longest time since the start of the Sri Lanka tour. He was also kept as a reserve bowler. Since he is younger and quicker than both Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar, he has pipped them to the final squad,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Meanwhile, speaking on Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test call-up, the source said, “Nitish is a work in progress, but if India are to bring in balance, they need their fourth seamer to be an all-rounder. Hence, Nitish is a desperate choice going by his IPL and Bangladesh series performance.” India also picked Abhimanyu Easwaran as the backup opener and named Washington Sundar as the spare spin-bowling all-rounder, ahead of Shardul Thakur, who starred the last time Down Under. Ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the heavy pace, which includes Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Rana and returning Prasidh Krishna. Despite talks of India including Mayank Yadav for the Australia Tests, the BCCI decided against rushing him into the Test side. Besides, the fans were left wondering about Mohammed Shami, who failed to make the cut despite confirming that he is 100% pain-free and raring to go for the marquee series. The ace India seamer also posted a video of him bowling at full throttle in the nets. pic.twitter.com/nNHEPjlcF1 — 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) October 25, 2024 × Per a report in the Indian Express, Shami will play two Ranji Trophy games for Bengal starting November 6 – one against Karnataka and the other against Madhya Pradesh. Although the BCCI named three reserve pacers Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed, Shami’s inclusion in the Test side will come down to his fitness, an injury to anyone on that team and the leadership group’s decision. Sundar over Ashwin in Australia In another turn of event, the PTI report says that Sundar, who picked seven wickets against New Zealand in the first innings in Pune, leads veteran off-spinner and one of India’s heroes the last time, Ravichandran Ashwin, in the pecking order should India decide to play two spinners, with Ravindra Jadeja being the automatic selection. Here is India’s 18-man squad for Australia Tests – Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed (With inputs from agencies)

‘Harshit Rana's selection for BGT is completely Gambhir’s choice’ – BCCI source ahead of Australia Tests

<p>Australia Test captain Pat Cummins said the team management is not considering David Warner’s proposal to make a comeback for the India Test series starting November 22 in Perth. Days after Warner went public about his keenness to return to open for the hosts in the marquee Border-Gavaskar series should Australia consider asking him, Cummins ended all speculations with a clear no.</p>

<p>The fiery left-handed opener retired from Tests in January this year, with batting veteran Steve Smith opening in his absence. Though that experiment didn’t work out the way Smith and Cricket Australia (CA) would have thought, and now that he is back to batting at number four against India, CA has zeroed in on a few options as the squad announcement date looms.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-nz-2024-ravichandran-ashwin-surpasses-nathan-lyon-on-wickets-tally-in-tests-wtc-history-770346">IND v NZ 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Nathan Lyon on wickets tally in Tests, WTC history</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia is backing keeper-batter Jos Inglis to fill in the spot at the top, with Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Shield’s emerging star Sam Konstas being other options.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Cummins addressed this topic during a chat on The Grade Cricketer Podcast, saying he spoke with Warner a few days ago but doesn’t remember talking about his comeback. Though cheekily, Cummins answered all questions.</p>

<p>"Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate," Cummins said on the podcast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, “What do you think?”, and I was like, “Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think the truth’s somewhere in the middle. I reckon it (offer) is a bit of a wind-up, but I reckon, he doesn’t mind seeing himself in the back page. We love Davey, but he is retired," Cummins added.</p>

<p>Watch the clip -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pat Cummins with a message to David Warner in regard to his offer to open the batting again this summer. <a href="https://t.co/Umz4HzRnRH">pic.twitter.com/Umz4HzRnRH</a></p>
— The Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/gradecricketer/status/1849467851012513893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Oz ready for India challenge</h2>

<p>Having failed to beat India twice in the past two outings at home, Australia is raring to go against the top-ranked Test side in the world. The hosts have their bases covered, and with Smith returning to his preferred batting position, where he has scored a bulk of runs throughout, the Aussies have strengthened their batting attack.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, their bowling line-up consists of the four most-feared bowlers, Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.</p>

<p>Besides Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney will host the remaining four matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australia Test captain Pat Cummins said the team management is not considering David Warner’s proposal to make a comeback for the India Test series starting November 22 in Perth.

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins said the team management is not considering David Warner’s proposal to make a comeback for the India Test series starting November 22 in Perth. Days after Warner went public about his keenness to return to open for the hosts in the marquee Border-Gavaskar series should Australia consider asking him, Cummins ended all speculations with a clear no. The fiery left-handed opener retired from Tests in January this year, with batting veteran Steve Smith opening in his absence. Though that experiment didn’t work out the way Smith and Cricket Australia (CA) would have thought, and now that he is back to batting at number four against India, CA has zeroed in on a few options as the squad announcement date looms. ALSO READ: IND v NZ 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Nathan Lyon on wickets tally in Tests, WTC history Australia is backing keeper-batter Jos Inglis to fill in the spot at the top, with Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Shield’s emerging star Sam Konstas being other options. Meanwhile, Cummins addressed this topic during a chat on The Grade Cricketer Podcast, saying he spoke with Warner a few days ago but doesn’t remember talking about his comeback. Though cheekily, Cummins answered all questions. "Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate," Cummins said on the podcast. "I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, “What do you think?”, and I was like, “Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox. "I think the truth’s somewhere in the middle. I reckon it (offer) is a bit of a wind-up, but I reckon, he doesn’t mind seeing himself in the back page. We love Davey, but he is retired," Cummins added. Watch the clip - Pat Cummins with a message to David Warner in regard to his offer to open the batting again this summer. pic.twitter.com/Umz4HzRnRH — The Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) October 24, 2024 × Oz ready for India challenge Having failed to beat India twice in the past two outings at home, Australia is raring to go against the top-ranked Test side in the world. The hosts have their bases covered, and with Smith returning to his preferred batting position, where he has scored a bulk of runs throughout, the Aussies have strengthened their batting attack. Meanwhile, their bowling line-up consists of the four most-feared bowlers, Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. Besides Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney will host the remaining four matches. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We love Davey but he’s retired’ - Pat Cummins shuns David Warner’s comeback proposal for India Tests

<p>Cheteshwar Pujara is a Test cricket giant all across, let alone for India. The closest thing to the great Rahul Dravid is him, and ironically, his batting position, technique, temperament, style of play and ability to tire the opposition are similar to that of ‘The Wall'. With the new-look Indian Team ready to roar Down Under, they somewhere, and for some reason, need Pujara back playing at number three ahead of Shubman Gill, a Test star in the making.</p>

<p>Gill hasn’t done anything wrong. A fantastic ODI opener has found his mojo in the shortest format lately but has yet to cement his place in the Test side; more so for his new position, with him replacing Pujara at number three since the WTC Final last year, Gill has been far from the threat he possessed as an opener.</p>

<p>However, with the captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal certain to take up the opener’s slot for the marquee Test series, Gill’s only chance of playing each of the five Tests is to bat at number three – a position head coach Gautam Gambhir would fancy him to succeed at, but that’s too big a risk to take knowing the stakes – the spot in the 2025 WTC Final.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-love-davey-but-hes-retired-pat-cummins-shuns-david-warners-comeback-proposal-for-india-tests-770555">‘We love Davey but he’s retired’ - Pat Cummins shuns David Warner’s comeback proposal for India Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>So, how can India avoid finding themselves in a position they haven’t been in on the last two tours? The big comeback of Pujara in the Test squad.</p>

<p>The veteran number three batter for India has found his Midas touch in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, whacking a brilliant 234 for Saurashtra – his 18th first-class double hundred, which is the most by an Indian. Since being dropped from the Indian Test Team last year, Pujara returned to the English County, playing for Sussex, for whom he scored two tons this season.</p>

<h2><strong>Pujara – a monster batter in Australia</strong></h2>

<p>Not many have dominated the Aussie pace attack as Pujara did since his first trip Down Under in 2014. However, his best came four years later, when he scored a brilliant 123 in the first innings in Adelaide, helping India put up a fighting total and eventually win the match. His 521-run tally across seven innings – 201 more than the second-best batter (Rishabh Pant), was a testament to his batting prowess.</p>

<p>With the final Test at the SCG ending in a draw, the game in which Pujara hit 193, his best score Down Under, India created history by beating Australia at their home in Tests for the first time.</p>

<p>Two years later, the spirited Indian Team achieved a similar result, winning the four-match series 2-1, becoming the first Indian Team to beat Australia twice Down Under.</p>

<p>Looking beyond his marathon knocks against the Oz all these years, Pujara’s greatest efforts included his innings in the third Test in Sydney, wherein he scored twin fifties, but that’s not even the best part about it. While Pujara batted 176 balls in the first innings, he eventually broke the camel’s back with his gritty 205-ball 77 in the second innings, batting for endless hours and blocking everything coming his way.</p>

<p>What was the cherry on the top? The blows he took hurt him badly, but the Aussies more, who, for the second time in two series, failed to break Pujara’s concentration and defence.</p>

<p>With the stars aligning for Pujara just in time for the Border-Gavaskar series, we could see him return to the Test side for his last tour Down Under.</p>

<h3><strong>What happens to Shubman Gill then?</strong></h3>

<p>For everything that he has done thus far, which is no short of exceptional on several grounds, India must find a way to fit Gill into the XI for the Perth Test. Outside of the top three, which would belong to Rohit, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Pujara should he be picked, Gill’s best chance is probably at lower order, at five or six. That, however, would also depend on KL Rahul’s form heading into the Australian tour.</p>

<p>In an ideal situation, Gill could fit in at five, just after Kohli and before Sarfaraz Khan or Rishabh Pant, though India is unlikely to play Khan so low at seven, putting his spot in jeopardy.</p>

<p>In another scenario, Gill could play ahead of Jaiswal at the top, his preferred position, and having some experience batting there Down Under, Gill could fancy his chances of doing well; with that, he can even press his case for a permanent top-order spot when Rohit bids farewell to this format.</p>

<p>Considering all variables, Gill might have to fight hard for his spot in the XI if the BCCI selectors decide to bring Pujara for the BGT.</p>

<p>However, for now, all eyes would be on Pujara’s selection, and who knows, with that, India could benefit and do an unthinkable – beat Australia thrice at home.</p>


Cheteshwar Pujara is a Test cricket giant all across, let alone for India. The closest thing to the great Rahul Dravid is him, and ironically, his batting position, technique, temperament, style of play and ability to tire the opposition are similar to that of ‘The Wall'.

Cheteshwar Pujara is a Test cricket giant all across, let alone for India. The closest thing to the great Rahul Dravid is him, and ironically, his batting position, technique, temperament, style of play and ability to tire the opposition are similar to that of ‘The Wall'. With the new-look Indian Team ready to roar Down Under, they somewhere, and for some reason, need Pujara back playing at number three ahead of Shubman Gill, a Test star in the making. Gill hasn’t done anything wrong. A fantastic ODI opener has found his mojo in the shortest format lately but has yet to cement his place in the Test side; more so for his new position, with him replacing Pujara at number three since the WTC Final last year, Gill has been far from the threat he possessed as an opener. However, with the captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal certain to take up the opener’s slot for the marquee Test series, Gill’s only chance of playing each of the five Tests is to bat at number three – a position head coach Gautam Gambhir would fancy him to succeed at, but that’s too big a risk to take knowing the stakes – the spot in the 2025 WTC Final. ALSO READ: ‘We love Davey but he’s retired’ - Pat Cummins shuns David Warner’s comeback proposal for India Tests So, how can India avoid finding themselves in a position they haven’t been in on the last two tours? The big comeback of Pujara in the Test squad. The veteran number three batter for India has found his Midas touch in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, whacking a brilliant 234 for Saurashtra – his 18th first-class double hundred, which is the most by an Indian. Since being dropped from the Indian Test Team last year, Pujara returned to the English County, playing for Sussex, for whom he scored two tons this season. Pujara – a monster batter in Australia Not many have dominated the Aussie pace attack as Pujara did since his first trip Down Under in 2014. However, his best came four years later, when he scored a brilliant 123 in the first innings in Adelaide, helping India put up a fighting total and eventually win the match. His 521-run tally across seven innings – 201 more than the second-best batter (Rishabh Pant), was a testament to his batting prowess. With the final Test at the SCG ending in a draw, the game in which Pujara hit 193, his best score Down Under, India created history by beating Australia at their home in Tests for the first time. Two years later, the spirited Indian Team achieved a similar result, winning the four-match series 2-1, becoming the first Indian Team to beat Australia twice Down Under. Looking beyond his marathon knocks against the Oz all these years, Pujara’s greatest efforts included his innings in the third Test in Sydney, wherein he scored twin fifties, but that’s not even the best part about it. While Pujara batted 176 balls in the first innings, he eventually broke the camel’s back with his gritty 205-ball 77 in the second innings, batting for endless hours and blocking everything coming his way. What was the cherry on the top? The blows he took hurt him badly, but the Aussies more, who, for the second time in two series, failed to break Pujara’s concentration and defence. With the stars aligning for Pujara just in time for the Border-Gavaskar series, we could see him return to the Test side for his last tour Down Under. What happens to Shubman Gill then? For everything that he has done thus far, which is no short of exceptional on several grounds, India must find a way to fit Gill into the XI for the Perth Test. Outside of the top three, which would belong to Rohit, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Pujara should he be picked, Gill’s best chance is probably at lower order, at five or six. That, however, would also depend on KL Rahul’s form heading into the Australian tour. In an ideal situation, Gill could fit in at five, just after Kohli and before Sarfaraz Khan or Rishabh Pant, though India is unlikely to play Khan so low at seven, putting his spot in jeopardy. In another scenario, Gill could play ahead of Jaiswal at the top, his preferred position, and having some experience batting there Down Under, Gill could fancy his chances of doing well; with that, he can even press his case for a permanent top-order spot when Rohit bids farewell to this format. Considering all variables, Gill might have to fight hard for his spot in the XI if the BCCI selectors decide to bring Pujara for the BGT. However, for now, all eyes would be on Pujara’s selection, and who knows, with that, India could benefit and do an unthinkable – beat Australia thrice at home.

Shubman Gill is a safe bet at no 3 but India still needs Cheteshwar Pujara in Australia. Here's why

<p>Ace India seamer Mohammed Shami has confirmed that he is 100% pain-free now and wishes to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy to get match-ready for the Australia Tour that begins on November 22.</p>

<p>Out with an ankle injury since the home ODI World Cup last year, Shami bowled full throttle at the M Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru on Sunday (Oct 20) for the first time since, indicating he is ready to roar back into the Test side for the marquee series Down Under.</p>

<p>"It felt great yesterday because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body," he said during an event organised by Eugenix Hair Sciences in Gurugram. "Yesterday, we decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%. It felt great, [and] the results are good. Hopefully, I'll be back on track soon."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-he-will-confirm-ms-dhoni-undecided-over-ipl-2025-participation-csks-kasi-viswanathan-769450">‘Hope he will confirm…’ - MS Dhoni undecided over IPL 2025 participation, says CSK's Kasi Viswanathan</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked if he’s pain-free, having gone under the knife earlier in February, Shami said 100%. The right-arm seamer, however, has a whole month to attain match fitness and fight for a spot in the XI for the first Test in Perth.</p>

<p>"The Australia series is still far away. The only thing I want to focus on is how to keep myself fit, and how strong I can be before going there. I know what kind of an attack we want for that Test series, so it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going. If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia."</p>

<p>"I don't know when I can play next, but the day I feel comfortable about bowling 20-30 overs and I get the nod from the doctors, I'll run to play a match. I want to spend as much time as I can on the ground before going for the Australia series,” he continued.</p>

<h2>Life between fitness and frustration</h2>

<p>Talking about his time off the field, Shami reflected on what good it did to his mindset, helping him become more patient and realise how much fitness matters to a cricketer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don't get frustrated and focus as much as you can on fitness and game," he said about spending months off the field. "It's very difficult to come back on track after an injury, so patience is the biggest thing. Injuries teach you patience, and that makes your skill purer."</p>

<p>"Fitness is the main thing [you have to focus on in recovery]. You shouldn't doubt your skill and talent when you're away because certain things are built in you. I agree you need something like rhythm, but your skill will never leave you. It's your fitness you have to fight for,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ace India seamer Mohammed Shami has confirmed that he is 100% pain-free now and wishes to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy to get match-ready for the Australia Tour that begins on November 22.

Ace India seamer Mohammed Shami has confirmed that he is 100% pain-free now and wishes to play for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy to get match-ready for the Australia Tour that begins on November 22. Out with an ankle injury since the home ODI World Cup last year, Shami bowled full throttle at the M Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru on Sunday (Oct 20) for the first time since, indicating he is ready to roar back into the Test side for the marquee series Down Under. "It felt great yesterday because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body," he said during an event organised by Eugenix Hair Sciences in Gurugram. "Yesterday, we decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%. It felt great, [and] the results are good. Hopefully, I'll be back on track soon." ALSO READ: ‘Hope he will confirm…’ - MS Dhoni undecided over IPL 2025 participation, says CSK's Kasi Viswanathan When asked if he’s pain-free, having gone under the knife earlier in February, Shami said 100%. The right-arm seamer, however, has a whole month to attain match fitness and fight for a spot in the XI for the first Test in Perth. "The Australia series is still far away. The only thing I want to focus on is how to keep myself fit, and how strong I can be before going there. I know what kind of an attack we want for that Test series, so it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going. If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia." "I don't know when I can play next, but the day I feel comfortable about bowling 20-30 overs and I get the nod from the doctors, I'll run to play a match. I want to spend as much time as I can on the ground before going for the Australia series,” he continued. Life between fitness and frustration Talking about his time off the field, Shami reflected on what good it did to his mindset, helping him become more patient and realise how much fitness matters to a cricketer. "Don't get frustrated and focus as much as you can on fitness and game," he said about spending months off the field. "It's very difficult to come back on track after an injury, so patience is the biggest thing. Injuries teach you patience, and that makes your skill purer." "Fitness is the main thing [you have to focus on in recovery]. You shouldn't doubt your skill and talent when you're away because certain things are built in you. I agree you need something like rhythm, but your skill will never leave you. It's your fitness you have to fight for,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohammed Shami is 100% pain-free, aims to play Ranji games before Australia tour

<p>Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey has ended all speculations over Steve Smith’s batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series. Addressing the media ahead of the Pakistan white-ball series starting November 4, Bailey confirmed that Smith will return to his favourite number four position following his brief stint as a Test opener. He also confirmed that all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the marquee series against India.</p>

<p>Smith replaced David Warner at the top following his Test retirement. In his second match as an opener, Smith hit a gritty 91 against West Indies in Brisbane, although the visitors came on top in a famous win. Against New Zealand in the series after that, Smith struggled, scoring just 51 runs in four innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/womens-t20-world-cup-india-barely-hanging-in-semi-final-race-as-australia-book-place-with-thrilling-win-767112">Women's T20 World Cup: India barely hanging in semi-final race as Australia book place with thrilling win</a></strong></p>

<p>Green, who played at number four in Smith’s place, got ruled out of the summer after deciding to opt for the surgery on his back that troubled him lately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bailey confirmed that Captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald decided to bring Smith back to number four in Tests.</p>

<p>"Pat, Andrew and Steve Smith had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green)," Bailey said as quoted by cricket.australia.au. "Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position, and Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer."</p>

<p>While Australia has three options to choose from in Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw to replace Smith at the top, Sam Konstas’ fireworks in the Sheffield Shield with twin tons have rocketed his chances of bagging his maiden Australia call-up for the India series.</p>

<h2>Green to miss India series</h2>

<p>On the other hand, a bigger problem lies ahead of the decision-makers in the Australian camp, with whom to replace Green in the playing XI. The lanky all-rounder will undergo lower spine surgery, sidelining him from any on-field cricket for at least six months.</p>

<p>Following lengthy consultations with CA’s medical team over the fortnight after his initial scans in the UK, Green decided to get the titanium cable infused into his lower back to stabilise the stress fracture and prevent future occurrences.</p>

<p>"Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury," the statement said. "After thorough consultation, it was determined Cameron would benefit from the surgery to stabilise the defect and reduce the risk of future recurrence."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the first Test against India starts on November 22 in Perth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey has ended all speculations over Steve Smith’s batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey has ended all speculations over Steve Smith’s batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series. Addressing the media ahead of the Pakistan white-ball series starting November 4, Bailey confirmed that Smith will return to his favourite number four position following his brief stint as a Test opener. He also confirmed that all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the marquee series against India. Smith replaced David Warner at the top following his Test retirement. In his second match as an opener, Smith hit a gritty 91 against West Indies in Brisbane, although the visitors came on top in a famous win. Against New Zealand in the series after that, Smith struggled, scoring just 51 runs in four innings. ALSO READ: Women's T20 World Cup: India barely hanging in semi-final race as Australia book place with thrilling win Green, who played at number four in Smith’s place, got ruled out of the summer after deciding to opt for the surgery on his back that troubled him lately. Bailey confirmed that Captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald decided to bring Smith back to number four in Tests. "Pat, Andrew and Steve Smith had been having ongoing conversations, separate to the untimely injury to Cameron (Green)," Bailey said as quoted by cricket.australia.au. "Steve had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position, and Pat and Andrew have confirmed that he will be dropping back down the order for the summer." While Australia has three options to choose from in Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw to replace Smith at the top, Sam Konstas’ fireworks in the Sheffield Shield with twin tons have rocketed his chances of bagging his maiden Australia call-up for the India series. Green to miss India series On the other hand, a bigger problem lies ahead of the decision-makers in the Australian camp, with whom to replace Green in the playing XI. The lanky all-rounder will undergo lower spine surgery, sidelining him from any on-field cricket for at least six months. Following lengthy consultations with CA’s medical team over the fortnight after his initial scans in the UK, Green decided to get the titanium cable infused into his lower back to stabilise the stress fracture and prevent future occurrences. "Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury," the statement said. "After thorough consultation, it was determined Cameron would benefit from the surgery to stabilise the defect and reduce the risk of future recurrence." Meanwhile, the first Test against India starts on November 22 in Perth. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia selector George Bailey confirms Steve Smith’s batting position against India; Green ruled out of BGT

<p>Australia seems to have run out of options to replace David Warner at the top, especially in Tests, and with the Border-Gavaskar series looming, they are exploring all options available, including replacing Steve Smith with Travis Head. However, the former Australia captain and batting great, Ian Chappell, feels it’s either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move.</p>

<p>Following Warner’s retirement earlier this year, Test giant Steve Smith volunteered to open despite selectors looking for options like Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Harris. That ploy, however, didn’t pay dividends as Smith fared average against the new ball in limited outings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-name-playing-xi-for-1st-test-against-england-shaheen-afridi-aamer-jamal-return-764959">Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal return as Pakistan name playing XI for 1st Test against England</a></strong></p>

<p>With consensus building on the subject, pundits say&nbsp;Smith must return to bat at his usual position at number four, where he scored the bulk of the runs in his career, averaging above 60. Australia would need someone to replace him at the top, with talks of Travis Head being the right man for that position underway.</p>

<p>Although Head has been a star batter for Australia for the past two years, scoring heaps of runs while opening in the shorter formats, he is yet to prove his mettle at the same position in Tests – a format that Chappell calls ‘very different’ from ODIs and T20Is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Head opening in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There's no doubt Head, with his ultra-aggressive style, is the ideal player to open in the two short forms of the game. However, Test cricket is an entirely different proposition.”</p>

<p>“Head's promotion to open in Test cricket should be seen as either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.</p>

<h2>Head might struggle against Bumrah</h2>

<p>Head has won his battles against some top bowlers worldwide, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, but despite that, he is unlikely to bluff their bowlers, given what they bring to the table, Chappell feels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“One big flaw in the argument for Head to open in Test cricket is the opposition he'll face. If it were a lesser opponent, it might have some merit but a strong Indian attack will be hard to bluff.”</p>

<p>“Any move to open with Head that is designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot of the batter. Bumrah, and to a lesser extent, Mohammad Siraj, are unlikely to be battered into altering their attacking mentality.”</p>

<p>“As well as fine fast bowlers, Head is also vulnerable against good off-spin bowling. The wily R Ashwin is unlikely to be panicked by an opponent's ultra-aggressive approach. The argument could be mounted that opening with Head means he'd be more settled facing Ashwin with some runs on the board. On the other hand, a smart opposing captain can utilise the off-spinner with a newish ball,” he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Optus Stadium in Perth will host the first Test starting November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australia seems to have run out of options to replace David Warner at the top, especially in Tests, and with the Border-Gavaskar series looming, they are exploring all options available, including replacing Steve Smith with Travis Head.

Australia seems to have run out of options to replace David Warner at the top, especially in Tests, and with the Border-Gavaskar series looming, they are exploring all options available, including replacing Steve Smith with Travis Head. However, the former Australia captain and batting great, Ian Chappell, feels it’s either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move. Following Warner’s retirement earlier this year, Test giant Steve Smith volunteered to open despite selectors looking for options like Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Harris. That ploy, however, didn’t pay dividends as Smith fared average against the new ball in limited outings. ALSO READ: Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal return as Pakistan name playing XI for 1st Test against England With consensus building on the subject, pundits say Smith must return to bat at his usual position at number four, where he scored the bulk of the runs in his career, averaging above 60. Australia would need someone to replace him at the top, with talks of Travis Head being the right man for that position underway. Although Head has been a star batter for Australia for the past two years, scoring heaps of runs while opening in the shorter formats, he is yet to prove his mettle at the same position in Tests – a format that Chappell calls ‘very different’ from ODIs and T20Is. “Head opening in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There's no doubt Head, with his ultra-aggressive style, is the ideal player to open in the two short forms of the game. However, Test cricket is an entirely different proposition.” “Head's promotion to open in Test cricket should be seen as either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo. Head might struggle against Bumrah Head has won his battles against some top bowlers worldwide, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, but despite that, he is unlikely to bluff their bowlers, given what they bring to the table, Chappell feels. “One big flaw in the argument for Head to open in Test cricket is the opposition he'll face. If it were a lesser opponent, it might have some merit but a strong Indian attack will be hard to bluff.” “Any move to open with Head that is designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot of the batter. Bumrah, and to a lesser extent, Mohammad Siraj, are unlikely to be battered into altering their attacking mentality.” “As well as fine fast bowlers, Head is also vulnerable against good off-spin bowling. The wily R Ashwin is unlikely to be panicked by an opponent's ultra-aggressive approach. The argument could be mounted that opening with Head means he'd be more settled facing Ashwin with some runs on the board. On the other hand, a smart opposing captain can utilise the off-spinner with a newish ball,” he continued. The Optus Stadium in Perth will host the first Test starting November 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Should Travis Head open against India in Tests? Ian Chappell says NO, explains why

<p>Australia great Steve Smith admits being ‘clueless’ over his batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series Down Under. Since David Warner’s Test retirement earlier this year, Smith volunteered to open, only for him to become the pale shadow of himself at the top of the order. With the five-match Test series against India looming, Smith and the Australian Team are seeking answers to who would open alongside Usman Khawaja.</p>

<p>Though Smith wanted to challenge himself by playing out of his regular position (number four), where he scored most Test runs and hundreds and averaged above 60, his numbers against the new ball suggest a different story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khawaja, however, feels Smith is best at batting at number four for Australia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/younis-khan-overlooks-shaheen-rizwan-for-white-ball-captaincy-picks-fakhar-zaman-to-lead-pakistan-down-under-764447">Younis Khan overlooks Shaheen, Rizwan for white-ball captaincy, picks Fakhar Zaman to lead Pakistan Down Under</a></strong></p>

<p>“I have no idea, there are conversations happening in the background,” Smith said in a chat with reporters, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “Usman, I think said that he likes me down at No.4. I think Marnus has similar thoughts. We will wait and see. I am happy anywhere, I'll bat wherever for the team, but we'll see what happens,” he continued.</p>

<p>With Cameron Green’s latest injury adding worries for the selectors, they have a hefty task to figure out who could open alongside Khawaja if not Smith. Though Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris were a few names discussed ahead of the past summer, the hosts could either pick any one of them or continue with Smith at the top to accommodate Green (when fit) and Mitchell Marsh in the middle order.</p>

<h2><strong>Smith awaits Indian challenge</strong></h2>

<p>Smith was the Australian captain when Australia last won the BGT (home or away) in 2014/15; having fared against them all this while, Smith knows what challenge awaits them this time. Considering Australia has lost to India twice at home (in 2018/2019 and 2020/2021), they have plenty to play for this time when the series gets underway in Perth on November 22.</p>

<p>Smith feels the five-match Test series gives every player a chance to show up and deliver, restricting them from hiding from anything, which makes it a mouth-watering contest.</p>

<p>“It's great that we are able to play a five-match series against them. You can't really hide in a five-Test series like you probably can in a two-match series. If someone gets the wood on you, it can be hard coming back from that. It's going to be a wonderful series,” Smith added.</p>

<p>While acknowledging the touring Indian Team’s mettle on the past two occasions, Smith admitted both teams are best in this format, and irrespective of the latest results, both want to qualify for the WTC Final and win it.</p>

<p>“We are probably the two best teams in the world at the moment in Test cricket. We played the World Test Championship final last year and beat them there. They have been great out here the last couple of times and played some really good cricket. Hopefully, we can turn the tables. It's been 10 years since we last won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We need to do that this year,” Smith concluded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australia great Steve Smith admits being ‘clueless’ over his batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series Down Under. Since David Warner’s Test retirement earlier this year, Smith volunteered to open, only for him to become the pale shadow of himself at the top of the order.

Australia great Steve Smith admits being ‘clueless’ over his batting position against India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series Down Under. Since David Warner’s Test retirement earlier this year, Smith volunteered to open, only for him to become the pale shadow of himself at the top of the order. With the five-match Test series against India looming, Smith and the Australian Team are seeking answers to who would open alongside Usman Khawaja. Though Smith wanted to challenge himself by playing out of his regular position (number four), where he scored most Test runs and hundreds and averaged above 60, his numbers against the new ball suggest a different story. Khawaja, however, feels Smith is best at batting at number four for Australia. ALSO READ: Younis Khan overlooks Shaheen, Rizwan for white-ball captaincy, picks Fakhar Zaman to lead Pakistan Down Under “I have no idea, there are conversations happening in the background,” Smith said in a chat with reporters, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “Usman, I think said that he likes me down at No.4. I think Marnus has similar thoughts. We will wait and see. I am happy anywhere, I'll bat wherever for the team, but we'll see what happens,” he continued. With Cameron Green’s latest injury adding worries for the selectors, they have a hefty task to figure out who could open alongside Khawaja if not Smith. Though Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris were a few names discussed ahead of the past summer, the hosts could either pick any one of them or continue with Smith at the top to accommodate Green (when fit) and Mitchell Marsh in the middle order. Smith awaits Indian challenge Smith was the Australian captain when Australia last won the BGT (home or away) in 2014/15; having fared against them all this while, Smith knows what challenge awaits them this time. Considering Australia has lost to India twice at home (in 2018/2019 and 2020/2021), they have plenty to play for this time when the series gets underway in Perth on November 22. Smith feels the five-match Test series gives every player a chance to show up and deliver, restricting them from hiding from anything, which makes it a mouth-watering contest. “It's great that we are able to play a five-match series against them. You can't really hide in a five-Test series like you probably can in a two-match series. If someone gets the wood on you, it can be hard coming back from that. It's going to be a wonderful series,” Smith added. While acknowledging the touring Indian Team’s mettle on the past two occasions, Smith admitted both teams are best in this format, and irrespective of the latest results, both want to qualify for the WTC Final and win it. “We are probably the two best teams in the world at the moment in Test cricket. We played the World Test Championship final last year and beat them there. They have been great out here the last couple of times and played some really good cricket. Hopefully, we can turn the tables. It's been 10 years since we last won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We need to do that this year,” Smith concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I have no idea’ - Steve Smith ‘clueless’ over batting position against India in Border-Gavaskar series