India batter KL Rahul is ruled out of the third Test against England in Rajkot, while Ravindra Jadeja is declared fit to take the field in the next game. The BCCI, while announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests, announced that Jadeja and Rahul’s selection will depend on their fitness status. As per the latest reports, Rahul hasn’t recovered from the quadriceps injury and is at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The BCCI has named Devdutt Padikkal as his replacement.

Injury to Rahul means India will be without their three most experienced batters in the middle order, including Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. While Virat continues to be away from cricket for personal reasons, Iyer suffered stiffness in his back. Although Iyer cleared the fitness test ahead of the squad selection, his lack of runs at the top pushed the selectors to drop him.

As per the Indian Express, the medical staff at the NCA will observe Rahul for another week before taking any call on his future.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Rahul missed the second Test in Vizag, which India won by 106 runs, levelling the five-match series 1-1, as India played Iyer and debutant Rajat Patidar in the middle order.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jake-fraser-mcgurk-added-to-australias-squad-for-perth-t20i-against-west-indies-689538">Jake Fraser-McGurk added to Australia’s squad for Perth T20I against West Indies</a>

In the absence of Test regulars like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma asked Shubman Gill to take up the number three slot. Having failed in most outings since taking up the spot during the West Indies Tests last year, Gill made his chance count by scoring a hundred against England in the second innings in Vizag, helping India post a fighting total on the board.

<h2>Padikkal’s time has come</h2>

A man in the purple patch in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Devdutt Padikkal earned his maiden India Test call-up.&nbsp;

In his latest outing against Tamil Nadu, the left-handed batter hit 151, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar watching his innings from the stands.&nbsp;

Earlier, he smashed a brilliant 193 versus Punjab before notching up yet another century (103) against Goa.&nbsp;

Playing against the England Lions in the two unofficial Tests last month, Padikkal scored 105, 65 and 21 across three innings, pressing his case for an India call-up.&nbsp;

India’s squad for the final three England Tests –

Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Devdutt Padikkal KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep

India batter KL Rahul is ruled out of the third Test against England in Rajkot, while Ravindra Jadeja is declared fit to take the field in the next game. The BCCI, while announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests, announced that Jadeja and Rahul’s selection will depend on their fitness status.

India batter KL Rahul is ruled out of the third Test against England in Rajkot, while Ravindra Jadeja is declared fit to take the field in the next game. The BCCI, while announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests, announced that Jadeja and Rahul’s selection will depend on their fitness status. As per the latest reports, Rahul hasn’t recovered from the quadriceps injury and is at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The BCCI has named Devdutt Padikkal as his replacement. Injury to Rahul means India will be without their three most experienced batters in the middle order, including Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. While Virat continues to be away from cricket for personal reasons, Iyer suffered stiffness in his back. Although Iyer cleared the fitness test ahead of the squad selection, his lack of runs at the top pushed the selectors to drop him. As per the Indian Express, the medical staff at the NCA will observe Rahul for another week before taking any call on his future. Meanwhile, Rahul missed the second Test in Vizag, which India won by 106 runs, levelling the five-match series 1-1, as India played Iyer and debutant Rajat Patidar in the middle order. ALSO READ: Jake Fraser-McGurk added to Australia’s squad for Perth T20I against West Indies In the absence of Test regulars like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma asked Shubman Gill to take up the number three slot. Having failed in most outings since taking up the spot during the West Indies Tests last year, Gill made his chance count by scoring a hundred against England in the second innings in Vizag, helping India post a fighting total on the board. Padikkal’s time has come A man in the purple patch in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Devdutt Padikkal earned his maiden India Test call-up. In his latest outing against Tamil Nadu, the left-handed batter hit 151, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar watching his innings from the stands. Earlier, he smashed a brilliant 193 versus Punjab before notching up yet another century (103) against Goa. Playing against the England Lions in the two unofficial Tests last month, Padikkal scored 105, 65 and 21 across three innings, pressing his case for an India call-up. India’s squad for the final three England Tests – Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Devdutt Padikkal KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep

IND vs ENG: KL Rahul ruled out of Rajkot Test, BCCI names replacement

India batter Hanuma Vihari is only thinking about improving his game to score runs and make a comeback to the Test team.

Vihari last played for India in Edgbaston Test against England in 2002 which the visitors lost by seven wickets.

The batter is currently playing for Andhra Pradesh in Ranji Trophy - India's premier first class tournament. Vihari mentioned that he hasn't has a word with anyone from team management except head coach Rahul Dravid since his last Test.

"No-one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven't been in touch with anyone since then," Vihari told news outlet ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa20-assailants-mug-fabian-allen-at-gunpoint-in-joburg-take-away-phone-belongings-687283">SA20: Assailants mug Fabian Allen at gunpoint in Johannesburg; take away phone, belongings</a>

"But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don't do that, there is no purpose left. When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs," he added.

The batter agreed that it is disappointing to not be in the team but acknowledged that everyone goes through ups and downs in career.

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Vihari has managed to score 365 runs in seven innings - second only to Andhra skipper Ricky Bhui's 550.

"I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy.

The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team.

"I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen," said Vihari.

Once seen as a replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara at number three, Vihari has played 16 Tests for India since making his debut in 2018.

The batter has scored 839 runs at an average of 33 and also managed to record five fifties along with one hundred with 111 being his highest score.

India batter Hanuma Vihari is only thinking about improving his game to score runs and make a comeback to the Test team. Vihari last played for India in Edgbaston Test against England in 2002 which the visitors lost by seven wickets.

India batter Hanuma Vihari is only thinking about improving his game to score runs and make a comeback to the Test team. Vihari last played for India in Edgbaston Test against England in 2002 which the visitors lost by seven wickets. The batter is currently playing for Andhra Pradesh in Ranji Trophy - India's premier first class tournament. Vihari mentioned that he hasn't has a word with anyone from team management except head coach Rahul Dravid since his last Test. "No-one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven't been in touch with anyone since then," Vihari told news outlet ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: SA20: Assailants mug Fabian Allen at gunpoint in Johannesburg; take away phone, belongings "But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don't do that, there is no purpose left. When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs," he added. The batter agreed that it is disappointing to not be in the team but acknowledged that everyone goes through ups and downs in career. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Vihari has managed to score 365 runs in seven innings - second only to Andhra skipper Ricky Bhui's 550. "I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy. The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team. "I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen," said Vihari. Once seen as a replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara at number three, Vihari has played 16 Tests for India since making his debut in 2018. The batter has scored 839 runs at an average of 33 and also managed to record five fifties along with one hundred with 111 being his highest score.

India batter Hanuma Vihari eyes Test comeback by scoring 'lots of runs' in Ranji Trophy

India beat England by 106&nbsp;runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292&nbsp;runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only. For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets in the second innings as did spinner Ravi Ashwin, who finished the Test with 499 career wickets to his name.

England started well from their overnight score of 67/1 before Axar Patel sent back 'nighthawk' Rehan Ahmed for a team score of 95. The off spinner again struck shortly after to dismiss first Test's hero Ollie Pope and Joe Root as England found themselves at 154/4 shortly before lunch on day 4.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-england-batter-alastair-cook-lauds-young-shubman-gill-for-carrying-pressure-of-india-on-shoulders-687097">Former England batter Alastair Cook lauds young Shubman Gill for 'carrying pressure of India on shoulders'</a>

Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Zak Crawley, who scored a magnificent 73 in addition to his 76 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who took a six-fer in the first innings, then joined the party and sent back Jonny Bairstow. Bumrah's wicket effectively tilted game in India's favour as the teams went to lunch with the hosts just four wickets away from the win.

In the second session, Skipper Ben Stokes was found short by Shreyas Iyer while trying to sneak a quick single as all of England's hope to win the match became futile. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley did put up a bit of resistance with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Bumrah sent back Foakes with a return catch off his own bowling.

England's last two wickets fell cheaply&nbsp;as India&nbsp;completed a much-needed turn around after losing the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his 9-wicket haul including a six-fer in the first innings.

The third Test of the series will be played from February 15-19 in Rajkot.

India beat England by 106 runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292 runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only.

India beat England by 106 runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292 runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only. For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets in the second innings as did spinner Ravi Ashwin, who finished the Test with 499 career wickets to his name. England started well from their overnight score of 67/1 before Axar Patel sent back 'nighthawk' Rehan Ahmed for a team score of 95. The off spinner again struck shortly after to dismiss first Test's hero Ollie Pope and Joe Root as England found themselves at 154/4 shortly before lunch on day 4. Also Read: Former England batter Alastair Cook lauds young Shubman Gill for 'carrying pressure of India on shoulders' Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Zak Crawley, who scored a magnificent 73 in addition to his 76 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who took a six-fer in the first innings, then joined the party and sent back Jonny Bairstow. Bumrah's wicket effectively tilted game in India's favour as the teams went to lunch with the hosts just four wickets away from the win. In the second session, Skipper Ben Stokes was found short by Shreyas Iyer while trying to sneak a quick single as all of England's hope to win the match became futile. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley did put up a bit of resistance with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Bumrah sent back Foakes with a return catch off his own bowling. England's last two wickets fell cheaply as India completed a much-needed turn around after losing the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his 9-wicket haul including a six-fer in the first innings. The third Test of the series will be played from February 15-19 in Rajkot.

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: India beat England by 106 runs in Vizag, level series 1-1

India batter Shubman Gill has lauded support from skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with batting coach Vikram Rathour to keep believing in him. Gill's comments come after he ended a 11-month drought with a century on day three on Sunday (Feb 4) on the second Test against England in Vizag.

Gill's innings gave India a substantial lead in the second innings, setting the visitors a target of 399 to win the match.

"The support I've got from Rohit bhai and Rahul [Dravid] sir and especially Vikram [Rathore] sir as well. They are the ones who have always kept me motivated and always believed in me. And when you have guys like that motivating you, you are always going to be on top of your game," said Gill at the press conference after the end of play on day three.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vizag-test-day-3-india-looked-nervous-they-didnt-know-how-many-runs-were-enough-says-anderson-686953">Vizag Test, Day 3: India looked nervous, they didn’t know how many runs were enough, says Anderson</a>

The batter also spoke about his slump in Tests and said that it is 'part and parcel' of the game.

"I think that's part and parcel of the game. You do well and everybody's going to applaud you. You don't do well, everybody's doing to… But I think the important thing is to be able to know what you're going to do when you go into bat. I'm someone who likes to see the situation, play according to the situation and take chances and I think play percentage cricket," added Gill.

Gill, who got out after scoring 104, credited his century to staying true to his method of scoring runs so far.&nbsp;

"It's very important to stay true to who you are and how you've got runs. Sometimes when you're trying to be over-defensive or over-aggressive and try to be something that you're not, then you are prolonging those innings and you're sometimes not able to get out of that shell. And that was my thinking going into this Test match. I'm going to play the way I've played before," noted Gill.

England were 67/1 by the end of play on day three, needing 332 more runs to win and go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

India batter Shubman Gill has lauded support from skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with batting coach Vikram Rathour to keep believing in him.

India batter Shubman Gill has lauded support from skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with batting coach Vikram Rathour to keep believing in him. Gill's comments come after he ended a 11-month drought with a century on day three on Sunday (Feb 4) on the second Test against England in Vizag. Gill's innings gave India a substantial lead in the second innings, setting the visitors a target of 399 to win the match. "The support I've got from Rohit bhai and Rahul [Dravid] sir and especially Vikram [Rathore] sir as well. They are the ones who have always kept me motivated and always believed in me. And when you have guys like that motivating you, you are always going to be on top of your game," said Gill at the press conference after the end of play on day three. Also Read: Vizag Test, Day 3: India looked nervous, they didn’t know how many runs were enough, says Anderson The batter also spoke about his slump in Tests and said that it is 'part and parcel' of the game. "I think that's part and parcel of the game. You do well and everybody's going to applaud you. You don't do well, everybody's doing to… But I think the important thing is to be able to know what you're going to do when you go into bat. I'm someone who likes to see the situation, play according to the situation and take chances and I think play percentage cricket," added Gill. Gill, who got out after scoring 104, credited his century to staying true to his method of scoring runs so far. "It's very important to stay true to who you are and how you've got runs. Sometimes when you're trying to be over-defensive or over-aggressive and try to be something that you're not, then you are prolonging those innings and you're sometimes not able to get out of that shell. And that was my thinking going into this Test match. I'm going to play the way I've played before," noted Gill. England were 67/1 by the end of play on day three, needing 332 more runs to win and go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill lauds support from Rohit Sharma, coaching staff after century on day 3

India batter Shubman Gill will not be taking field on day four of the second Test in Vizag against England on Monday (Feb 5) due to a finger injury, informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gill had hurt his right index finger on day two of the Test but didn't feel any problem while batting on day three of the Test where he scored a century to take India ahead in the game.

"Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won't be taking the field today," the BCCI said in a post on X. The injury, however, doesn't seem much concerning as Gill batted beautifully on the way to his third Test hundred and the first in 11 months.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shubman-gill-lauds-support-from-rohit-sharma-coaching-staff-after-century-on-day-3-687049">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill lauds support from Rohit Sharma, coaching staff after century on day 3</a>

Gill's century helped India post 255 in their second innings, which coupled with their first innings lead of 143, gave England a daunting target of 399 runs to win the second Test match. England are already ahead 1-0 in the five-match series but winning in Vizag would require a miraculous effort from the visitors.

England veteran James Anderson, however, was confident of England being able to chase the target on day four itself.

"It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70,” Anderson said at the press conference after day three.

“That's the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan [Ahmed] going out and playing his shots. He wanted to get out there and chase those runs down, even tonight. We have set our stall out, tomorrow will be no different, we will play the same way we have the last two years," he added.

England need 332 runs on day 4 after finishing on 67/1 on day 3.&nbsp;

India batter Shubman Gill will not be taking field on day four of the second Test in Vizag against England on Monday (Feb 5) due to a finger injury, informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

India batter Shubman Gill will not be taking field on day four of the second Test in Vizag against England on Monday (Feb 5) due to a finger injury, informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gill had hurt his right index finger on day two of the Test but didn't feel any problem while batting on day three of the Test where he scored a century to take India ahead in the game. "Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won't be taking the field today," the BCCI said in a post on X. The injury, however, doesn't seem much concerning as Gill batted beautifully on the way to his third Test hundred and the first in 11 months. Also Read: IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill lauds support from Rohit Sharma, coaching staff after century on day 3 Gill's century helped India post 255 in their second innings, which coupled with their first innings lead of 143, gave England a daunting target of 399 runs to win the second Test match. England are already ahead 1-0 in the five-match series but winning in Vizag would require a miraculous effort from the visitors. England veteran James Anderson, however, was confident of England being able to chase the target on day four itself. "It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70,” Anderson said at the press conference after day three. “That's the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan [Ahmed] going out and playing his shots. He wanted to get out there and chase those runs down, even tonight. We have set our stall out, tomorrow will be no different, we will play the same way we have the last two years," he added. England need 332 runs on day 4 after finishing on 67/1 on day 3.

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill not to take field on day 4 due to injury, informs BCCI

The Jasprit Bumrah effect is for real.&nbsp;While the Indian seamer was rocking the touring England side with his out-of-the-world spell on day two of the ongoing Vizag Test, former India captain Sourav Ganguly urged the BCCI to back the bowlers to pick 20 wickets in all conditions, thus asking the board to prepare good wickets and not turning tracks at home for the future Test series.

Taking to microblogging site&nbsp;X (formerly known as Twitter),&nbsp;Ganguly said&nbsp;that with each passing day, his conviction of watching teams playing on good wickets is getting stronger. He argued that with the seam attack like Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and newcomer Mukesh Kumar, and alongside the dangerous spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar, this Indian bowling attack can pick 20 wickets on any track anywhere.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-vizag-test-day-2-jasprit-bumrah-rocks-england-with-record-spell-as-india-stand-tall-686679">IND v ENG, Vizag Test, Day 2: Jasprit Bumrah rocks England with record spell as India stand tall</a>

Ganguly wrote, ‘When I see Bumrah Sami Siraj Mukesh bowl . I wonder why do we need to prepare turning tracks in india ..my conviction of playing on good wickets keeps getting stronger every game .. They will get 20 wickets on any surface with ashwin jadeja Kuldeep and axar .. batting quality dropping because of pitches in last 6 to 7 yrs at home ..good wickets are a must .. india will still win over 5 days .. @bcci’

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When I see Bumrah Sami Siraj Mukesh bowl . I wonder why do we need to prepare turning tracks in india ..my conviction of playing on good wickets keeps getting stronger every game .. They will get 20 wickets on any surface with ashwin jadeja Kuldeep and axar .. batting quality…
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Such comments have come after Bumrah’s deadly spell against England on day two in Vizag. The ace India seamer bagged six wickets, including that of Joe Root, who was caught in the slips, and Captain Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope.

Besides Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav returned with three wickets in the first innings, and Axar picked just one. While Ravindra Jadeja is missing this Test due to an injury, seasoned campaigner Ravi Ashwin went wicketless in his 12-over spell.

<h2>Spinners dominate at home</h2>

In the last decade, Ravi Ashwin has picked more than 340 Test wickets at home, while Jadeja is second on the list with 199 wickets. Axar Patel - despite making his Test debut in 2021, is seventh on the list with 46 wickets from 12 games, while Kuldeep Yadav has picked around 20 wickets in five matches at home.&nbsp;

Such figures are enough to tell anyone&nbsp;what works well in this part of the world.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;since the time Indian pacers helped the touring side win the maiden Test series Down Under about 7 years back,&nbsp;the Indian pace attack has started to emerge as a strong force.

Meanwhile, as things stand, India leads by 171 after day two of play in Vizag.&nbsp;

The Jasprit Bumrah effect is for real. While the Indian seamer was rocking the touring England side with his out-of-the-world spell on day two of the ongoing Vizag Test, former India captain Sourav Ganguly urged the BCCI to back the bowlers to pick 20 wickets in all conditions, thus asking the board to prepare good wickets and not turning tracks at home for the future Test series.

The Jasprit Bumrah effect is for real. While the Indian seamer was rocking the touring England side with his out-of-the-world spell on day two of the ongoing Vizag Test, former India captain Sourav Ganguly urged the BCCI to back the bowlers to pick 20 wickets in all conditions, thus asking the board to prepare good wickets and not turning tracks at home for the future Test series. Taking to microblogging site X (formerly known as Twitter), Ganguly said that with each passing day, his conviction of watching teams playing on good wickets is getting stronger. He argued that with the seam attack like Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and newcomer Mukesh Kumar, and alongside the dangerous spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar, this Indian bowling attack can pick 20 wickets on any track anywhere. ALSO READ: IND v ENG, Vizag Test, Day 2: Jasprit Bumrah rocks England with record spell as India stand tall Ganguly wrote, ‘When I see Bumrah Sami Siraj Mukesh bowl . I wonder why do we need to prepare turning tracks in india ..my conviction of playing on good wickets keeps getting stronger every game .. They will get 20 wickets on any surface with ashwin jadeja Kuldeep and axar .. batting quality dropping because of pitches in last 6 to 7 yrs at home ..good wickets are a must .. india will still win over 5 days .. @bcci’ When I see Bumrah Sami Siraj Mukesh bowl . I wonder why do we need to prepare turning tracks in india ..my conviction of playing on good wickets keeps getting stronger every game .. They will get 20 wickets on any surface with ashwin jadeja Kuldeep and axar .. batting quality… — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 3, 2024 × Such comments have come after Bumrah’s deadly spell against England on day two in Vizag. The ace India seamer bagged six wickets, including that of Joe Root, who was caught in the slips, and Captain Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope. Besides Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav returned with three wickets in the first innings, and Axar picked just one. While Ravindra Jadeja is missing this Test due to an injury, seasoned campaigner Ravi Ashwin went wicketless in his 12-over spell. Spinners dominate at home In the last decade, Ravi Ashwin has picked more than 340 Test wickets at home, while Jadeja is second on the list with 199 wickets. Axar Patel - despite making his Test debut in 2021, is seventh on the list with 46 wickets from 12 games, while Kuldeep Yadav has picked around 20 wickets in five matches at home. Such figures are enough to tell anyone what works well in this part of the world. However, since the time Indian pacers helped the touring side win the maiden Test series Down Under about 7 years back, the Indian pace attack has started to emerge as a strong force. Meanwhile, as things stand, India leads by 171 after day two of play in Vizag.

Ganguly urges BCCI to prepare ‘good wickets’ for home Tests, backs seamers to do well in all conditions

The loss for India against England in first Test at Hyderabad has renewed the focus on pitches and the capability of India batters while playing spin as well. The home team was thoroughly outplayed in both the departments by the touring English side and it is visible in numbers. England's Ollie Pope leads the run chart after first match with 197 runs including 196 in the second innings while debutant spinner Tom Hartley leads the bowling chart with nine scalps to his name.

For India, KL Rahul is the batter with most runs - 108 in two innings while pacer Jasprit Bumrah has taken most wickets (9) despite India fielding three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel.

The result is not something new, in fact in the three series played in India after the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 final, Indian players have not been able to play better cricket than the touring sides in both departments, i.e., batting and bowling. While India has managed to win all three series, it is a pot waiting to boil over when India loses one of the home Test series and by the looks of it, England have a very good chance of winning their first red-ball series in India since 2012.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-batting-coach-vikram-rathour-backs-young-batters-to-come-good-after-first-test-loss-685598">India batting coach Vikram Rathour backs young batters to come good after first Test loss</a>

Here's the data from three series' which have taken place in India since 2021 WTC final:

<h2>New Zealand tour of India for two Tests</h2>

During the series, Mayank Agarwal was the highest run getter from both sides with 242 runs in four innings and Shreyas Iyer was overall second with 202 runs. New Zealand's Tom Latham came third with 163 runs. For India Axar Patel, however, scored more runs than Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (one Test only) and Ajinkya Rahane. While for the Kiwis, it was their batters only who scored runs, albeit in small numbers.

As for bowling, Ajaz Patel took 17 wickets including a record 10-wicket haul while Ashwin and Patel combined took 23 wickets. Moreover, Kiwi pacers were also effective on so called spin friendly Indian pitches with Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson taking 14 wickets combined while India's third and fourth highest wicket-takers, Jadeja and Jayant Yadav, took a total of 10 wickets, which shows the bit of ineffectiveness of Indian spinners on their home ground.

<h2>Sri Lanka tour of India for two Tests</h2>

Against Sri Lanka, it was Ravindra Jadeja, once again an all-rounder like Patel, who finished at the top of run charts with 201 runs in three innings. He finished ahead of the India batters namely Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agrawal. Among the bowlers, Bumrah finished just two wickets behind Ravi Ashwin's 12 - highest in the series and two clear of Ravindra Jadeja's eight - once again showing the effectiveness of pacers on Indian pitches.

For Sri Lanka, Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama combined for 15 wickets in comparison to Jadeja and Ashwin's 20 wickets - showing Indian batters are as vulnerable as the visitors against spin.

<h2>Australia tour of India for four Tests</h2>

Visiting batter Usman Khawaja (333) emerged as the highest run-scorer and the only batter with more than 300 runs. Virat Kohli was second with 297 runs but apart from him, no&nbsp;other batter could cross 250 except Axar Patel who scored 264 runs in just five innings.

As for the bowlers, Ashwin and Jadeja took 47 wickets between them while Aussies, who had Nathan Lyon and debutant Todd Murphy in the side, finished with 36 between them - a performance almost at par given the experience of the Aussie duo. For the third spinner role, India had Axar who took three wickets in seven innings while Aussie Matthew Kuhnemann took nine in five innings.

Overall, the Indian spinners had 50 wickets among them while the Aussies, two of them hugely inexperienced in comparison, took 45 wickets along with Lyon.&nbsp;

In the ongoing series, &nbsp;the Indian spinners have managed 14 wickets with Ashwin taking six while Jadeja and Axar chipping in with five and three, respectively. For England, Hartley and part-time spinner Joe Root have only been suffice to manage 14 wickets while Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed also picking up four between them.

The above instances clearly show that not only foreign batters have become better at playing the Indian spinners, the visitors have been able to contain the Indian batters, who are generally thought as better players of spin.

If the trend continues, England will surely have a brighter chance of beating India at home in a Test series, a feat last achieved last by England only in 2012 when they had won the four-match series 2-1.

The loss for India against England in first Test at Hyderabad has renewed the focus on pitches and the capability of India batters while playing spin as well. The home team was thoroughly outplayed in both the departments by the touring English side and it is visible in numbers.

The loss for India against England in first Test at Hyderabad has renewed the focus on pitches and the capability of India batters while playing spin as well. The home team was thoroughly outplayed in both the departments by the touring English side and it is visible in numbers. England's Ollie Pope leads the run chart after first match with 197 runs including 196 in the second innings while debutant spinner Tom Hartley leads the bowling chart with nine scalps to his name. For India, KL Rahul is the batter with most runs - 108 in two innings while pacer Jasprit Bumrah has taken most wickets (9) despite India fielding three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. The result is not something new, in fact in the three series played in India after the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 final, Indian players have not been able to play better cricket than the touring sides in both departments, i.e., batting and bowling. While India has managed to win all three series, it is a pot waiting to boil over when India loses one of the home Test series and by the looks of it, England have a very good chance of winning their first red-ball series in India since 2012. Also Read: India batting coach Vikram Rathour backs young batters to come good after first Test loss Here's the data from three series' which have taken place in India since 2021 WTC final: New Zealand tour of India for two Tests During the series, Mayank Agarwal was the highest run getter from both sides with 242 runs in four innings and Shreyas Iyer was overall second with 202 runs. New Zealand's Tom Latham came third with 163 runs. For India Axar Patel, however, scored more runs than Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (one Test only) and Ajinkya Rahane. While for the Kiwis, it was their batters only who scored runs, albeit in small numbers. As for bowling, Ajaz Patel took 17 wickets including a record 10-wicket haul while Ashwin and Patel combined took 23 wickets. Moreover, Kiwi pacers were also effective on so called spin friendly Indian pitches with Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson taking 14 wickets combined while India's third and fourth highest wicket-takers, Jadeja and Jayant Yadav, took a total of 10 wickets, which shows the bit of ineffectiveness of Indian spinners on their home ground. Sri Lanka tour of India for two Tests Against Sri Lanka, it was Ravindra Jadeja, once again an all-rounder like Patel, who finished at the top of run charts with 201 runs in three innings. He finished ahead of the India batters namely Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agrawal. Among the bowlers, Bumrah finished just two wickets behind Ravi Ashwin's 12 - highest in the series and two clear of Ravindra Jadeja's eight - once again showing the effectiveness of pacers on Indian pitches. For Sri Lanka, Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama combined for 15 wickets in comparison to Jadeja and Ashwin's 20 wickets - showing Indian batters are as vulnerable as the visitors against spin. Australia tour of India for four Tests Visiting batter Usman Khawaja (333) emerged as the highest run-scorer and the only batter with more than 300 runs. Virat Kohli was second with 297 runs but apart from him, no other batter could cross 250 except Axar Patel who scored 264 runs in just five innings. As for the bowlers, Ashwin and Jadeja took 47 wickets between them while Aussies, who had Nathan Lyon and debutant Todd Murphy in the side, finished with 36 between them - a performance almost at par given the experience of the Aussie duo. For the third spinner role, India had Axar who took three wickets in seven innings while Aussie Matthew Kuhnemann took nine in five innings. Overall, the Indian spinners had 50 wickets among them while the Aussies, two of them hugely inexperienced in comparison, took 45 wickets along with Lyon. In the ongoing series, the Indian spinners have managed 14 wickets with Ashwin taking six while Jadeja and Axar chipping in with five and three, respectively. For England, Hartley and part-time spinner Joe Root have only been suffice to manage 14 wickets while Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed also picking up four between them. The above instances clearly show that not only foreign batters have become better at playing the Indian spinners, the visitors have been able to contain the Indian batters, who are generally thought as better players of spin. If the trend continues, England will surely have a brighter chance of beating India at home in a Test series, a feat last achieved last by England only in 2012 when they had won the four-match series 2-1.

Explained: Why England have better chance of winning ongoing Test series in India

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has recovered from the ankle injury suffered in the ODI World Cup 2023 and has started bowling at full tilt. The all-rounder posted a video on his official X handle where he can be seen bowling and doing other drills. Pandya is expected to be back for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season where he'll captain Mumbai Indians (MI) for the first time. He was recently traded to MI from Gujarat Titans in December 2023. Pandya spent two seasons with Titans as the skipper from 2022 to 2023.

"I'm feeling very good after coming back here. I treat (this ground) as a temple, because the amount of things I've learnt on this ground, it's like a temple for me. What it has taught me is priceless. My journey started literally 17 years back on this very ground. I will make sure everything possible today, and every day," Pandya said in the video posted on X. Have a look at the clip below:

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Giving it all I got, every single day ✌️💥 <a href="https://t.co/hYwk7oNOoL">pic.twitter.com/hYwk7oNOoL</a>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1751207086623707214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Pandya got injured on October 19 against Bangladesh in OD WC and hasn't played since. He missed out on the five T20I series against Australia at home right after the quadrennial tournament before missing the South Africa tour as well. He was also not part of the Afghanistan T20Is at home earlier this month.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-australias-mitchell-starc-breaks-wi-bowler-shamar-josephs-toe-with-crushing-yorker-in-2nd-test-684430">Australia's Mitchell Starc INJURES WI bowler Shamar Joseph's toe with crushing yorker in 2nd Test&nbsp;</a>

Pandya's fitness is crucial to India's plans in white-ball cricket, especially in T20Is. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing selective T20Is, he's seen as a potential skipper to lead the side. IPL 2024 will play an important role in proving his fitness as India prepare for the T20I World Cup scheduled to be played in June later this year in West Indies and the USA.

Pandya, however, has proven his credentials as a leader, guiding Gujarat Titans to victory in their first season in the IPL 2023. He also took the team into the final in the next season but lost to eventual winners Chennai Super Kings.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has recovered from the ankle injury suffered in the ODI World Cup 2023 and has started bowling at full tilt. The all-rounder posted a video on his official X handle where he can be seen bowling and doing other drills.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has recovered from the ankle injury suffered in the ODI World Cup 2023 and has started bowling at full tilt. The all-rounder posted a video on his official X handle where he can be seen bowling and doing other drills. Pandya is expected to be back for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season where he'll captain Mumbai Indians (MI) for the first time. He was recently traded to MI from Gujarat Titans in December 2023. Pandya spent two seasons with Titans as the skipper from 2022 to 2023. "I'm feeling very good after coming back here. I treat (this ground) as a temple, because the amount of things I've learnt on this ground, it's like a temple for me. What it has taught me is priceless. My journey started literally 17 years back on this very ground. I will make sure everything possible today, and every day," Pandya said in the video posted on X. Have a look at the clip below: Giving it all I got, every single day ✌️💥 pic.twitter.com/hYwk7oNOoL — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 27, 2024 × Pandya got injured on October 19 against Bangladesh in OD WC and hasn't played since. He missed out on the five T20I series against Australia at home right after the quadrennial tournament before missing the South Africa tour as well. He was also not part of the Afghanistan T20Is at home earlier this month. Also Watch: Australia's Mitchell Starc INJURES WI bowler Shamar Joseph's toe with crushing yorker in 2nd Test Pandya's fitness is crucial to India's plans in white-ball cricket, especially in T20Is. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing selective T20Is, he's seen as a potential skipper to lead the side. IPL 2024 will play an important role in proving his fitness as India prepare for the T20I World Cup scheduled to be played in June later this year in West Indies and the USA. Pandya, however, has proven his credentials as a leader, guiding Gujarat Titans to victory in their first season in the IPL 2023. He also took the team into the final in the next season but lost to eventual winners Chennai Super Kings.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya posts video of bowling ahead of IPL 2024 comeback - WATCH

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal does not rue missing out on a hundred against England on day 2 (Jan 26) of the ongoing first Test in Hyderabad. The batter got out on 80 in the first over of the second day, adding just four runs to his overnight score of 76 from day 1. Jaiswal's innings gave India a quick start and half of England's 246 runs were wiped out by the time he went back in the dressing room.

"I was trying my best to do what I could and sometimes I can make a mistake and get out. Still, I'm learning. If I do make a mistake, I'll make sure that I try to learn from it," the batter said after the end of play on day 2.

Jaiswal was caught and bowled by England all-rounder Joe Root while trying to chip over short mid-off fielder. The batter, however, acknowledged that it would have been amazing to score a hundred.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-nasser-hussain-rues-missing-james-anderson-in-playing-xi-highlights-lack-of-control-as-key-factor-684108">Nasser Hussain rues missing James Anderson in Playing XI, highlights lack of control as key factor</a>

"Of course, it would have been amazing if I would have scored a hundred. But what took me there was my thinking and my process to score runs and I was quite positive in my mind and I was just thinking, making sure I can build an innings. But it was good actually," he said.

The southpaw, who made his debut in whites last year in West Indies, is playing his first Test in India. He agreed that the environment is quite different from the three Tests he played in West Indies and South Africa.

"This is my first Test match in India and I was just thinking of contributing well and doing well for my team. When I was playing in the West Indies and South Africa, it was quite a different environment. Here also the environment is quite different. I was really enjoying all the places, of course. It is a proud and honour moment every time I go and play for my country," noted Jaiswal.

India finished the second day of play at 421/7, with a lead&nbsp;of 175 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (82) and Axar Patel (35) were still on the crease.

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal does not rue missing out on a hundred against England on day 2 (Jan 26) of the ongoing first Test in Hyderabad. The batter got out on 80 in the first over of the second day, adding just four runs to his overnight score of 76 from day 1.

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal does not rue missing out on a hundred against England on day 2 (Jan 26) of the ongoing first Test in Hyderabad. The batter got out on 80 in the first over of the second day, adding just four runs to his overnight score of 76 from day 1. Jaiswal's innings gave India a quick start and half of England's 246 runs were wiped out by the time he went back in the dressing room. "I was trying my best to do what I could and sometimes I can make a mistake and get out. Still, I'm learning. If I do make a mistake, I'll make sure that I try to learn from it," the batter said after the end of play on day 2. Jaiswal was caught and bowled by England all-rounder Joe Root while trying to chip over short mid-off fielder. The batter, however, acknowledged that it would have been amazing to score a hundred. Also Read: Nasser Hussain rues missing James Anderson in Playing XI, highlights lack of control as key factor "Of course, it would have been amazing if I would have scored a hundred. But what took me there was my thinking and my process to score runs and I was quite positive in my mind and I was just thinking, making sure I can build an innings. But it was good actually," he said. The southpaw, who made his debut in whites last year in West Indies, is playing his first Test in India. He agreed that the environment is quite different from the three Tests he played in West Indies and South Africa. "This is my first Test match in India and I was just thinking of contributing well and doing well for my team. When I was playing in the West Indies and South Africa, it was quite a different environment. Here also the environment is quite different. I was really enjoying all the places, of course. It is a proud and honour moment every time I go and play for my country," noted Jaiswal. India finished the second day of play at 421/7, with a lead of 175 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (82) and Axar Patel (35) were still on the crease.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test: 'I was trying...,' Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on missing hundred on day 2

Ollie Pope scored a magnificent hundred to lead England's fightback on day 3 (Jan 27) of the ongoing first Test against India in Hyderabad. The batter is still not out on 148, taking visitors 126&nbsp;runs ahead of India's first innings lead of 190. Spinner Rehan Ahmed (16) is at the crease with Pope with England finishing the day on 316/6 in their second innings. Apart from Pope, opener Ben Duckett also scored 47 while wicketkeeper Ben Foakes chipped in with handy 34 runs.

England were ahead of the hosts all day, first by taking their remaining three wickets for just 15 runs and then by scoring quick runs. They, however, remain behind in the Test with two days left and their lead being just over 120. The visitors would need about 80 more runs to challenge India&nbsp;on a turning pitch with inexperienced spinners sans their leader Jack Leech who suffered a knee injury on day 2.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-west-indies-bowler-kevin-sinclairs-crazy-cartwheel-after-usman-khawajas-wicket-in-2nd-test-684206">West Indies bowler Kevin Sinclair does CRAZY CARTWHEEL stunt after Usman Khawaja's wicket in 2nd Test - WATCH</a>

Earlier in the first session, Joe Root skittled out India's overnight batter Ravindra Jadeja for 87 before cleaning up Jasprit Bumrah the very next ball. Rehan then took the wicket of Jadeja's overnight partner Axar Patel in the next over to fold India's innings on 436. Joe Root finished as highest wicket take for England in innings with the figures of 4/79 while Rehan and debutant Tom Hartley took two each.

Batting in the second innings, English openers started on positive note with Zack Crawley racing to 31 before being sent back by Ravichandran Ashwin. Duckett and Pope then added 68 runs for the second wicket before Bumrah struck twice post lunch to send back Duckett and Root. Jonny Bairstow and skipper Ben Stokes also fell cheaply as England slid to 163/5 from 113/1.&nbsp;

Pope and Foakes then added 112 runs for the sixth wicket to take England past 270. For India, Bumrah and Ashwin took two wickets each while Axar and Jadeja managed one each.

Ollie Pope scored a magnificent hundred to lead England's fightback on day 3 (Jan 27) of the ongoing first Test against India in Hyderabad. The batter is still not out on 148, taking visitors 126 runs ahead of India's first innings lead of 190.

Ollie Pope scored a magnificent hundred to lead England's fightback on day 3 (Jan 27) of the ongoing first Test against India in Hyderabad. The batter is still not out on 148, taking visitors 126 runs ahead of India's first innings lead of 190. Spinner Rehan Ahmed (16) is at the crease with Pope with England finishing the day on 316/6 in their second innings. Apart from Pope, opener Ben Duckett also scored 47 while wicketkeeper Ben Foakes chipped in with handy 34 runs. England were ahead of the hosts all day, first by taking their remaining three wickets for just 15 runs and then by scoring quick runs. They, however, remain behind in the Test with two days left and their lead being just over 120. The visitors would need about 80 more runs to challenge India on a turning pitch with inexperienced spinners sans their leader Jack Leech who suffered a knee injury on day 2. Also Read: West Indies bowler Kevin Sinclair does CRAZY CARTWHEEL stunt after Usman Khawaja's wicket in 2nd Test - WATCH Earlier in the first session, Joe Root skittled out India's overnight batter Ravindra Jadeja for 87 before cleaning up Jasprit Bumrah the very next ball. Rehan then took the wicket of Jadeja's overnight partner Axar Patel in the next over to fold India's innings on 436. Joe Root finished as highest wicket take for England in innings with the figures of 4/79 while Rehan and debutant Tom Hartley took two each. Batting in the second innings, English openers started on positive note with Zack Crawley racing to 31 before being sent back by Ravichandran Ashwin. Duckett and Pope then added 68 runs for the second wicket before Bumrah struck twice post lunch to send back Duckett and Root. Jonny Bairstow and skipper Ben Stokes also fell cheaply as England slid to 163/5 from 113/1. Pope and Foakes then added 112 runs for the sixth wicket to take England past 270. For India, Bumrah and Ashwin took two wickets each while Axar and Jadeja managed one each.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test Day 3: Ollie Pope leads England’s fightback with unbeaten 148 but India still ahead

India's Tanmay Agarwal became the fastest to score 300 runs in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy match (India's domestic first class tournament) between Hyderabad and Arunachal Pradesh on Friday (Jan 26). The batter took only 147 balls to reach the triple-ton mark, beating South Africa's Marco Marais who had scored 300 off 191 balls in 2017 while playing for Border vs Eastern Province.

Tanmay, who plays for Hyderabad, finished the day with 323 not out off 160 balls, hitting 33 fours and 21 sixes as his team scored 529/1. On his way to the milestone, Agarwal also broke former India coach Ravi Shastri's 39-year-old record.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-i-was-trying-yashasvi-jaiswal-opens-up-on-missing-hundred-on-day-2-684153">IND vs ENG, 1st Test: 'I was trying...,' Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on missing hundred on day 2</a>

Agarwal raced to his double hundred off just 119 balls, beating Shastri's record of 123 balls which the latter had set in 1985 against Baroda. Agarwal now holds the record of scoring fastest double hundred in first class cricket for India.

The Hyderabad batter also recorded the most runs for an Indian batter in a day, beating former opener Virender Sehwag's record of 284 runs made against Sri Lanka in 2009.

Agarwal accelerated in phases during his innings, scoring first 50 off 49 ball. For his next fifty runs the batter took just 31 balls, reaching the 100 in 80 balls. He reached from 101 to 150 in just 23 balls before scoring the next 50 runs in just 16 deliveries. Agarwal's next 50 runs (201-250) also came off just 16 balls before he hit sixth gear to reach 300 from 250 in just 12 balls.

Tanmay added 449 runs with Rahul Singh for the opening wicket - the second best in the history of Ranji Trophy. The record for highest opening partnership in Ranji Trophy was&nbsp;464 runs scored by Ravi Sehgal and Raman Lamba for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh in 1994-95 season.

India's Tanmay Agarwal became the fastest to score 300 runs in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy match (India's domestic first class tournament) between Hyderabad and Arunachal Pradesh on Friday (Jan 26).

India's Tanmay Agarwal became the fastest to score 300 runs in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy match (India's domestic first class tournament) between Hyderabad and Arunachal Pradesh on Friday (Jan 26). The batter took only 147 balls to reach the triple-ton mark, beating South Africa's Marco Marais who had scored 300 off 191 balls in 2017 while playing for Border vs Eastern Province. Tanmay, who plays for Hyderabad, finished the day with 323 not out off 160 balls, hitting 33 fours and 21 sixes as his team scored 529/1. On his way to the milestone, Agarwal also broke former India coach Ravi Shastri's 39-year-old record. Also Read: IND vs ENG, 1st Test: 'I was trying...,' Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on missing hundred on day 2 Agarwal raced to his double hundred off just 119 balls, beating Shastri's record of 123 balls which the latter had set in 1985 against Baroda. Agarwal now holds the record of scoring fastest double hundred in first class cricket for India. The Hyderabad batter also recorded the most runs for an Indian batter in a day, beating former opener Virender Sehwag's record of 284 runs made against Sri Lanka in 2009. Agarwal accelerated in phases during his innings, scoring first 50 off 49 ball. For his next fifty runs the batter took just 31 balls, reaching the 100 in 80 balls. He reached from 101 to 150 in just 23 balls before scoring the next 50 runs in just 16 deliveries. Agarwal's next 50 runs (201-250) also came off just 16 balls before he hit sixth gear to reach 300 from 250 in just 12 balls. Tanmay added 449 runs with Rahul Singh for the opening wicket - the second best in the history of Ranji Trophy. The record for highest opening partnership in Ranji Trophy was 464 runs scored by Ravi Sehgal and Raman Lamba for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh in 1994-95 season.

India's Tanmay Agarwal sets world record for fastest 300 in first-class cricket during Ranji Trophy match

India ended day 1 of the first Test against England in Hyderabad with their nose ahead&nbsp;on Thursday (Jan 25). Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting unbeaten on 76&nbsp;along with Shubman Gill (14). The home team currently trails by 127 runs after bowling out England for 246 runs in their first innings. In reply, India posted 119&nbsp;runs for the loss of&nbsp;skipper Rohit Sharma's (28) wicket which was taken by Jack Leach.

Earlier, England won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch which spun, although not viciously, in the first session itself. England, however, had expected a similar pitch as they had named three spinners in their playing XI with Mark Wood being the lone pacer.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indias-sruyakumar-yadav-named-icc-t20i-cricketer-of-the-year-for-second-time-in-a-row-683411">India's Suryakumar Yadav named ICC T20I cricketer of the year for second time in a row</a>

England started well as openers Ben Duckett and Zack Crawley added 58 runs for the first wicket. India's ace spinner Ravi Ashwin broke that partnership and the visitors kept losing wickets at regular interval afterwards. England went from 58/0 to 60/3 before Joe Root (29) and Jonny Bairstow (37)&nbsp;added 38 runs for the fourth wicket to take England into the lunch on day 1 at 108/3.

Skipper Ben Stokes then came to crease after Bairstow's wicket and scored 70 runs before being the last wicket&nbsp;to fall. England were eight down at tea with Stokes at 43 and the skipper came out all guns blazing after that. His hitting eventually took England to near 250 before Jasprit Bumrah bowled him with a peach of a delivery.

For India, spin duo of Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each. Ashwin, who's closing in on 500 Test wickets, managed 3/68 while Jadeja's figures read 3/88. Apart from them, third spinner Axar Patel also chipped in with 2/33 in 13 overs while Bumrah took rest of the two wickets to finish on 2/28 as Mohammed Siraj went wicketless.

India ended day 1 of the first Test against England in Hyderabad with their nose ahead on Thursday (Jan 25). Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting unbeaten on 76 along with Shubman Gill (14).

India ended day 1 of the first Test against England in Hyderabad with their nose ahead on Thursday (Jan 25). Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting unbeaten on 76 along with Shubman Gill (14). The home team currently trails by 127 runs after bowling out England for 246 runs in their first innings. In reply, India posted 119 runs for the loss of skipper Rohit Sharma's (28) wicket which was taken by Jack Leach. Earlier, England won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch which spun, although not viciously, in the first session itself. England, however, had expected a similar pitch as they had named three spinners in their playing XI with Mark Wood being the lone pacer. Also Read: India's Suryakumar Yadav named ICC T20I cricketer of the year for second time in a row England started well as openers Ben Duckett and Zack Crawley added 58 runs for the first wicket. India's ace spinner Ravi Ashwin broke that partnership and the visitors kept losing wickets at regular interval afterwards. England went from 58/0 to 60/3 before Joe Root (29) and Jonny Bairstow (37) added 38 runs for the fourth wicket to take England into the lunch on day 1 at 108/3. Skipper Ben Stokes then came to crease after Bairstow's wicket and scored 70 runs before being the last wicket to fall. England were eight down at tea with Stokes at 43 and the skipper came out all guns blazing after that. His hitting eventually took England to near 250 before Jasprit Bumrah bowled him with a peach of a delivery. For India, spin duo of Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each. Ashwin, who's closing in on 500 Test wickets, managed 3/68 while Jadeja's figures read 3/88. Apart from them, third spinner Axar Patel also chipped in with 2/33 in 13 overs while Bumrah took rest of the two wickets to finish on 2/28 as Mohammed Siraj went wicketless.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test Day 1: Spinners, Yashasvi Jaiswal put India on top after England's 246

Iceland Cricket took a cheeky dig at England after day 1 (Jan 25) of the first Test against India in Hyderabad. England were bowled out for 246 on day 1 before Indian batters took the attack to them, scoring 119/1 in just 23 overs they batted. Indian spin trio of Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel took eight wickets among them as England lost the plot after 58-run opening partnership. For India, opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was sensational, finishing the day on 76.

The pitch did spin in the first session of the match itself but not viciously. After England's 'bazball' got entangled in the spin web, the Indian batters showed the skills of batting on a turning pitch. Iceland Cricket, on their official X handle, called out the same difference in skills.

Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-defending-champion-novak-djokovic-out-after-loss-to-jannik-sinner-in-semi-final-683828">Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic out after loss to Jannik Sinner in semi-final</a>

"How is that when the Indian bowlers stop bowling and the Indian batters start to bat that the pitch stops turning and bouncing? It's almost like it must be because there are a different set of cricketers doing different skills on the pitch. Bizarre.," it wrote. Have a look at the post below:

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How is that when the Indian bowlers stop bowling and the Indian batters start to bat that the pitch stops turning and bouncing? It's almost like it must be because there are a different set of cricketers doing different skills on the pitch. Bizarre.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/icelandcricket/status/1750463030079435259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After the end of day 1, England opener Ben Duckett had also conceded that the team was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/1st-test-india-openers-attacking-intent-sign-of-pitch-going-to-get-worse-says-england-batter-ben-duckett-683766">surprised by the attacking intent</a> of the Indian batters.&nbsp;

"They don't always go about it like that, so to go about it that way shows that they probably think that pitch is going to get quite a bit worse," the English openers said to the reporters.

"We found it pretty tricky and I think, to be honest, they played well and really positively tonight. It's tough work against that attack, and I thought we grafted really well today... when the ball is spinning like that on day one, it can be quite tough,"&nbsp;added&nbsp;Duckett.

Iceland Cricket took a cheeky dig at England after day 1 (Jan 25) of the first Test against India in Hyderabad. England were bowled out for 246 on day 1 before Indian batters took the attack to them, scoring 119/1 in just 23 overs they batted.

Iceland Cricket took a cheeky dig at England after day 1 (Jan 25) of the first Test against India in Hyderabad. England were bowled out for 246 on day 1 before Indian batters took the attack to them, scoring 119/1 in just 23 overs they batted. Indian spin trio of Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel took eight wickets among them as England lost the plot after 58-run opening partnership. For India, opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was sensational, finishing the day on 76. The pitch did spin in the first session of the match itself but not viciously. After England's 'bazball' got entangled in the spin web, the Indian batters showed the skills of batting on a turning pitch. Iceland Cricket, on their official X handle, called out the same difference in skills. Also Read - Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic out after loss to Jannik Sinner in semi-final "How is that when the Indian bowlers stop bowling and the Indian batters start to bat that the pitch stops turning and bouncing? It's almost like it must be because there are a different set of cricketers doing different skills on the pitch. Bizarre.," it wrote. Have a look at the post below: How is that when the Indian bowlers stop bowling and the Indian batters start to bat that the pitch stops turning and bouncing? It's almost like it must be because there are a different set of cricketers doing different skills on the pitch. Bizarre. — Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 25, 2024 × After the end of day 1, England opener Ben Duckett had also conceded that the team was surprised by the attacking intent of the Indian batters. "They don't always go about it like that, so to go about it that way shows that they probably think that pitch is going to get quite a bit worse," the English openers said to the reporters. "We found it pretty tricky and I think, to be honest, they played well and really positively tonight. It's tough work against that attack, and I thought we grafted really well today... when the ball is spinning like that on day one, it can be quite tough," added Duckett.

IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Iceland Cricket takes CHEEKY DIG at England after day 1

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to&nbsp;receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). With this, the former all-rounder will join his ex-teammates Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, and Kris Srikkanth amongst others in receiving the CK Nayudu Award for lifetime achievement.&nbsp;

Shastri, a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs, has been a committed servant of Indian cricket since his playing days. After fulfilling various roles for the team, he then served as team manager and head coach post-retirement. To date, he&nbsp;remains one of the most popular voices among&nbsp;commentators. Moreover, Indian opener Shubman Gill will also bag the men's cricketer honour for his outstanding run across formats in 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-t20i-of-year-2023-four-indians-make-cut-with-suryakumar-as-skipper-no-players-from-australia-pakistan-682557">ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak</a>

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The right-handed Gill ended 2023 with a whopping 2,154 runs in international cricket. He was last year's leading run-getter. He hit seven&nbsp;hundreds, including an ODI double hundred and a maiden T20I ton.

Apart from the lifetime achievement award, the Polly Umrigar Award for best men's international cricketer, the best international cricketer in women's cricket for India, best umpire and best domestic side awards are also likely to be announced&nbsp;in a&nbsp;star-studded event.&nbsp;

Notably, the BCCI awards ceremony returns after a long gap. It was last held in 2019, in the pre-Covid era, when Jasprit Bumrah bagged the men's cricketer honour. It is being held in Hyderabad as both India and England are in the city for the first of the five-match Test series, which gets underway on Jan 25 (Thursday).&nbsp;

Thus,&nbsp;both India and England&nbsp;Test sides&nbsp;are expected to attend the ceremony. It will also&nbsp;be&nbsp;graced by former cricketers from across the country.

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23).

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). With this, the former all-rounder will join his ex-teammates Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, and Kris Srikkanth amongst others in receiving the CK Nayudu Award for lifetime achievement. Shastri, a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs, has been a committed servant of Indian cricket since his playing days. After fulfilling various roles for the team, he then served as team manager and head coach post-retirement. To date, he remains one of the most popular voices among commentators. Moreover, Indian opener Shubman Gill will also bag the men's cricketer honour for his outstanding run across formats in 2023. Also read: ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak × The right-handed Gill ended 2023 with a whopping 2,154 runs in international cricket. He was last year's leading run-getter. He hit seven hundreds, including an ODI double hundred and a maiden T20I ton. Apart from the lifetime achievement award, the Polly Umrigar Award for best men's international cricketer, the best international cricketer in women's cricket for India, best umpire and best domestic side awards are also likely to be announced in a star-studded event. Notably, the BCCI awards ceremony returns after a long gap. It was last held in 2019, in the pre-Covid era, when Jasprit Bumrah bagged the men's cricketer honour. It is being held in Hyderabad as both India and England are in the city for the first of the five-match Test series, which gets underway on Jan 25 (Thursday). Thus, both India and England Test sides are expected to attend the ceremony. It will also be graced by former cricketers from across the country.

BCCI Awards: Ex-coach Ravi Shastri to receive lifetime achievement award, Gill to bag men's cricketer honour

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes home team India will emerge victorious in the upcoming five-Test series against touring English side. The comments come as the teams gear up for the first Test which starts on January 25 in Hyderabad. Atherton also said that the difference would be the spinners of both teams and India have better options.

“I think India will win. Their spinners are better than England’s and that will be the defining thing in the end,” Atherton told Sky Sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-australia-investigating-incident-involving-glenn-maxwell-682507">Cricket Australia investigating hospitalization incident involving Glenn Maxwell</a>

“If you go to India, spin will play a big part, it historically has done and I suspect it always will do. India do have a very strong seam attack as well."

“India’s four spinners are very different to England’s. They have two left-arm finger spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. They have a wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spinners of all time,” Atherton said.

“England have a solid left-arm spinner in Jack Leach and then three very inexperienced spinners after that with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. It will be a particular challenge for them but the selectors see a high ceiling for them,” he added.

<h2>Virat Kohli pulls out of first two Tests</h2>

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-batter-virat-kohli-withdraws-from-first-two-tests-against-england-682452">Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests</a> of upcoming home series against England, announced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a release on Monday (Jan 22). The board has cited personal reasons for Kohli's withdrawal from the series.&nbsp;

A replacement will be named in due course, confirmed the BCCI.

On January 21, England batter Harry Brook had also pulled out of the tour due to personal reasons. The England Cricket Board (ECB) named Dan Lawrence as his replacement in the side.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes home team India will emerge victorious in the upcoming five-Test series against touring English side. The comments come as the teams gear up for the first Test which starts on January 25 in Hyderabad.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton believes home team India will emerge victorious in the upcoming five-Test series against touring English side. The comments come as the teams gear up for the first Test which starts on January 25 in Hyderabad. Atherton also said that the difference would be the spinners of both teams and India have better options. “I think India will win. Their spinners are better than England’s and that will be the defining thing in the end,” Atherton told Sky Sports. Also Read: Cricket Australia investigating hospitalization incident involving Glenn Maxwell “If you go to India, spin will play a big part, it historically has done and I suspect it always will do. India do have a very strong seam attack as well." “India’s four spinners are very different to England’s. They have two left-arm finger spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. They have a wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spinners of all time,” Atherton said. “England have a solid left-arm spinner in Jack Leach and then three very inexperienced spinners after that with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. It will be a particular challenge for them but the selectors see a high ceiling for them,” he added. Virat Kohli pulls out of first two Tests India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests of upcoming home series against England, announced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a release on Monday (Jan 22). The board has cited personal reasons for Kohli's withdrawal from the series. A replacement will be named in due course, confirmed the BCCI. On January 21, England batter Harry Brook had also pulled out of the tour due to personal reasons. The England Cricket Board (ECB) named Dan Lawrence as his replacement in the side.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton predicts India as winner of upcoming Test series

India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests of upcoming home series against England, announced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a release on Monday (Jan 22). The board has cited personal reasons for Kohli's withdrawal from the series. The first Test of the five-Test series will be played in Hyderabad from January 25 and Kohli, who was named in the squad for the first two Tests, will not be playing in the first two.

"Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons," read the statement by board.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inzamam-ul-haq-blasts-former-pcb-chief-zaka-ashraf-for-pakistans-2023-odi-world-cup-debacle-682442">Inzamam-ul-Haq blasts former PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for Pakistan's 2023 ODI World Cup debacle</a>

"Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention."

"The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management extended support to the star batter. We are confident of&nbsp;the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series," it added.

The board also advised against speculating the reasons behind Kohli's withdrawal and said: "The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series."

A replacement will be named in due course, confirmed the BCCI.

On January 21, England batter Harry Brook had also pulled out of the tour due to personal reasons. The England Cricket Board (ECB) named Dan Lawrence as his replacement in the side.

India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests of upcoming home series against England, announced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a release on Monday (Jan 22).

India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests of upcoming home series against England, announced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a release on Monday (Jan 22). The board has cited personal reasons for Kohli's withdrawal from the series. The first Test of the five-Test series will be played in Hyderabad from January 25 and Kohli, who was named in the squad for the first two Tests, will not be playing in the first two. "Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons," read the statement by board. Also Read: Inzamam-ul-Haq blasts former PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for Pakistan's 2023 ODI World Cup debacle "Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention." "The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management extended support to the star batter. We are confident of the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series," it added. The board also advised against speculating the reasons behind Kohli's withdrawal and said: "The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series." A replacement will be named in due course, confirmed the BCCI. On January 21, England batter Harry Brook had also pulled out of the tour due to personal reasons. The England Cricket Board (ECB) named Dan Lawrence as his replacement in the side.

India batter Virat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England

India veteran Cheteshwar Pujara continues to break records in first-class cricket after being overlooked for upcoming home Tests against England. In Ranji Trophy - India's premier first-class (FC) tournament - Pujara crossed 20,000 runs on Sunday (January 21). He's the fourth Indian batter to do so after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. Pujara reached the milestone during Saurashtra's win over Vidarbha.

The 35-year-old now has 20,013 runs in 260 FC games at an average of 51.98 with 61 hundreds and 78 fifties. His highest in the FC games is a staggering 352. Among the batters who are in the club, Gavaskar tops the list with 25,896 runs with Sachin (25,396 runs) and Dravid (23, 794) behind him.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-batter-harry-brook-withdraws-from-upcoming-india-series-announces-board-682048">England batter Harry Brook withdraws from upcoming India series, announces board</a>

Talking about Pujara, the batter recently entered the record books with his 17th double hundred in first-class cricket. He reached the milestone against Jharkhand on January 7 while batting for Saurashtra in the opening round of Ranji Trophy.

The double hundred was Pujara's eighth in the Ranji Trophy - second only to Paras Dogra's nine. In international Tests, Pujara has scored three double hundreds. His rest of six double tons have come in various domestic tournaments across the world, including English county cricket.

For India, Pujara has played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43 with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties. The batter last played a Test for India in June 2023 - the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 against Australia. He could not make an impact in the game, scoring 14 and 27 in two innings as India lost by 209 runs.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) then dropped the batter for the next two series - against West Indies in July 2023 and against South Africa which concluded recently. Shubman Gill was given Pujara's number three position in both the series as Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.

India veteran Cheteshwar Pujara continues to break records in first-class cricket after being overlooked for upcoming home Tests against England. In Ranji Trophy - India's premier first-class (FC) tournament - Pujara crossed 20,000 runs on Sunday (January 21).

India veteran Cheteshwar Pujara continues to break records in first-class cricket after being overlooked for upcoming home Tests against England. In Ranji Trophy - India's premier first-class (FC) tournament - Pujara crossed 20,000 runs on Sunday (January 21). He's the fourth Indian batter to do so after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. Pujara reached the milestone during Saurashtra's win over Vidarbha. The 35-year-old now has 20,013 runs in 260 FC games at an average of 51.98 with 61 hundreds and 78 fifties. His highest in the FC games is a staggering 352. Among the batters who are in the club, Gavaskar tops the list with 25,896 runs with Sachin (25,396 runs) and Dravid (23, 794) behind him. Also Read: England batter Harry Brook withdraws from upcoming India series, announces board Talking about Pujara, the batter recently entered the record books with his 17th double hundred in first-class cricket. He reached the milestone against Jharkhand on January 7 while batting for Saurashtra in the opening round of Ranji Trophy. The double hundred was Pujara's eighth in the Ranji Trophy - second only to Paras Dogra's nine. In international Tests, Pujara has scored three double hundreds. His rest of six double tons have come in various domestic tournaments across the world, including English county cricket. For India, Pujara has played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43 with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties. The batter last played a Test for India in June 2023 - the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 against Australia. He could not make an impact in the game, scoring 14 and 27 in two innings as India lost by 209 runs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) then dropped the batter for the next two series - against West Indies in July 2023 and against South Africa which concluded recently. Shubman Gill was given Pujara's number three position in both the series as Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.

Cheteshwar Pujara joins Sachin, Dravid and Gavaskar in elite list after England series snub

India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter. Rohit reached his hundred in the 19th over and finished unbeaten on 121 as India scored 212/4 in 20 overs.

Earlier, Afghanistan stunned India with four quick wickets for four runs in inside the first five overs. The wickets involved star batter Virat Kohli, last two games' hero Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Among the four wickets, Kohli and Samson fell for first-ball ducks while Dube managed just one run and Jaiswal went back after scoring four runs. This was also Kohli's first golden duck in T20Is.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-skipper-shaheen-afridi-praises-babar-azam-despite-losing-t20i-series-against-new-zealand-680903">Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand</a>

For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed was the destroyer-in-chief, accounting for three of four wickets. Ahmed first dismissed Jaiswal on the third ball of&nbsp;the third over before sending back Kohli on the very next ball. Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the party with the wicket of Dube on the last ball of the next over as India lost the third wicket with just 21 runs on the board.

Ahmed came back in the next over and sent back Samson on the third ball. The pacer's figures read 3/10 in three overs by the time he was taken out of the attack.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, however, continued to bat at the other end. Rinku Singh came to bat at number six and stemmed the fall of wickets. The duo took India past 50 in 8.4 overs to bring some stability to the innings which was falling apart quickly. Rohit and Rinku also brought up their fifty partnership in 41 balls and took India past 100 in the 14 over without the loss of anymore wickets.

In between, Rohit also reached his 30th T20I fifty with a four in the 13th over. The pair crossed the 100-run partnership in the 16th over with Rinku contributing 36 runs to it and finished unbeaten on 69 off just 39 balls. In the last two overs, India scored 58 runs as Afghanistan could not sustain the pressure.

India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter.

India skipper Rohit Sharma scored a record fifth hundred in the T20 internationals during the third T20I in Bengaluru on January 17 vs Afghanistan. This is Rohit's fifth hundred in T20Is - the most for any batter. Rohit reached his hundred in the 19th over and finished unbeaten on 121 as India scored 212/4 in 20 overs. Earlier, Afghanistan stunned India with four quick wickets for four runs in inside the first five overs. The wickets involved star batter Virat Kohli, last two games' hero Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Among the four wickets, Kohli and Samson fell for first-ball ducks while Dube managed just one run and Jaiswal went back after scoring four runs. This was also Kohli's first golden duck in T20Is. Also Read: Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed was the destroyer-in-chief, accounting for three of four wickets. Ahmed first dismissed Jaiswal on the third ball of the third over before sending back Kohli on the very next ball. Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the party with the wicket of Dube on the last ball of the next over as India lost the third wicket with just 21 runs on the board. Ahmed came back in the next over and sent back Samson on the third ball. The pacer's figures read 3/10 in three overs by the time he was taken out of the attack. Skipper Rohit Sharma, however, continued to bat at the other end. Rinku Singh came to bat at number six and stemmed the fall of wickets. The duo took India past 50 in 8.4 overs to bring some stability to the innings which was falling apart quickly. Rohit and Rinku also brought up their fifty partnership in 41 balls and took India past 100 in the 14 over without the loss of anymore wickets. In between, Rohit also reached his 30th T20I fifty with a four in the 13th over. The pair crossed the 100-run partnership in the 16th over with Rinku contributing 36 runs to it and finished unbeaten on 69 off just 39 balls. In the last two overs, India scored 58 runs as Afghanistan could not sustain the pressure.

Rohit hits record fifth hundred after Afghanistan stun India with four wickets for four runs in third T20I

Team India is set to assemble in Hyderabad on Jan 20 to&nbsp;undergo a four-day practice session before the five-match Test series opener versus England, which kicks off on Jan 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The series holds a lot of significance with regard to the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. At present, Rohit Sharma-led India occupy the second spot whereas England is in the eighth position.&nbsp;

As per Cricbuzz, Virat Kohli is expected to take a day off after his net session on Jan 21. He has been given the nod by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to attend the Ram Temple Consecration in Ayodhya on Jan 22.&nbsp;Currently, the Rohit-led Indian team is involved in the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. They have locked horns with the Afghans in the third and inconsequential tie at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with the series in their pocket after an unassailable 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ben Stokes-England team will arrive in Hyderabad on Jan 21 following their preparations in Abu Dhabi. Their late arrival hasn't been well received back home, with former pacer Steve Harmison not mincing his words.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-will-say-no-to-t20-world-cup-shami-hopeful-of-being-part-of-mega-event-with-good-run-in-ipl-2024-680874">'Who will say no to T20 World Cup?': Shami hopeful of being part of mega event with good run in IPL 2024</a>

<h2>'You'd never go to Australia three days before the Gabba. Why go three days before (to) Hyderabad?'</h2>

Talking on radio station talkSport's Following On podcast, Harmison recently said,&nbsp;"I'm an old man and that's what they're going to say, the times have changed. But preparation hasn't changed. You cannot go into India underprepared, you cannot go into India over-prepared. You could be in India six weeks before and still not be prepared for that first Test and the emotion of that."

"I love the new approach with Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key, and everything the ECB has done. But I'm sorry, you'd never go to an Ashes series three days before. You'd never go to Australia three days before the Gabba. Why go three days before (to) Hyderabad? We've got five Test matches in India, you've got to prepare in the right way with overs under your belt, balls faced, and acclimatising," he added.

England's last Test series win in India came in 2012/13. Back then, the visitors reached India&nbsp;almost two weeks in advance. Meanwhile, the last Test series between both sides ended in a 2-2 stalemate, held in the United Kingdom from 2021-22.&nbsp;

Early this month, BCCI announced India's squad for the first two Tests.&nbsp;

India’s squad for the first two Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Avesh Khan

Team India is set to assemble in Hyderabad on Jan 20 to undergo a four-day practice session before the five-match Test series opener versus England, which kicks off on Jan 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Team India is set to assemble in Hyderabad on Jan 20 to undergo a four-day practice session before the five-match Test series opener versus England, which kicks off on Jan 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The series holds a lot of significance with regard to the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. At present, Rohit Sharma-led India occupy the second spot whereas England is in the eighth position. As per Cricbuzz, Virat Kohli is expected to take a day off after his net session on Jan 21. He has been given the nod by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to attend the Ram Temple Consecration in Ayodhya on Jan 22. Currently, the Rohit-led Indian team is involved in the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. They have locked horns with the Afghans in the third and inconsequential tie at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with the series in their pocket after an unassailable 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, the Ben Stokes-England team will arrive in Hyderabad on Jan 21 following their preparations in Abu Dhabi. Their late arrival hasn't been well received back home, with former pacer Steve Harmison not mincing his words. Also read: 'Who will say no to T20 World Cup?': Shami hopeful of being part of mega event with good run in IPL 2024 'You'd never go to Australia three days before the Gabba. Why go three days before (to) Hyderabad?' Talking on radio station talkSport's Following On podcast, Harmison recently said, "I'm an old man and that's what they're going to say, the times have changed. But preparation hasn't changed. You cannot go into India underprepared, you cannot go into India over-prepared. You could be in India six weeks before and still not be prepared for that first Test and the emotion of that." "I love the new approach with Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key, and everything the ECB has done. But I'm sorry, you'd never go to an Ashes series three days before. You'd never go to Australia three days before the Gabba. Why go three days before (to) Hyderabad? We've got five Test matches in India, you've got to prepare in the right way with overs under your belt, balls faced, and acclimatising," he added. England's last Test series win in India came in 2012/13. Back then, the visitors reached India almost two weeks in advance. Meanwhile, the last Test series between both sides ended in a 2-2 stalemate, held in the United Kingdom from 2021-22. Early this month, BCCI announced India's squad for the first two Tests. India’s squad for the first two Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Avesh Khan

Ind vs Eng: Team India to assemble in Hyderabad on Jan 20, five days ahead of Test series opener

Veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has credited current skipper Rohit Sharma for his performances during his playing days for India. Dhawan has been sidelined from the Indian set up for quite some time now but had a good run with Rohit at the top, adding 5,148 runs in 115 innings at an average of 45 from 2013-2022.

"My collaboration with Rohit &amp; his support at the other end at the top of the order has been instrumental in providing strong starts to the team, setting the foundation for successful chases and big totals. I seriously give credit for a lot of my best performances to Rohit's support," Dhawan said as reported by the news outlet Times of India.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/how-ms-dhonis-dont-attack-advice-changed-shivam-dubes-game-680513">How MS Dhoni's 'don't attack' advice changed Shivam Dube's game</a>

"Rohit on the other end gives that sense of comfort and assurance. I think our best innings was a 193-run opening stand against Australia in the fourth ODI at Mohali in 2019 &amp; the second best will be against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai where we put together a 210-run stand for the first wicket," he further added.

Dhawan had last played an ODI for India in December 2022 against Bangladesh while his last T20I in the Indian jersey came in July 2021 against Sri Lanka.

Once a force to reckon with at the top in the world cricket, at least in ODIs, the left-hand batter has 6,793 runs to his name in 167 matches. He scored these runs at an average of 44 along with 17 hundreds and 39 fifties. In T20Is, Dhawan has 1,759 runs in 68 games at a strike rate of 126.&nbsp;

In Tests, Dhawan played for India in just 34 games, scoring 2,315 runs at an average of 40. He also has seven hundreds to his name in the five-day games with a highest score of 190.

Veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has credited current skipper Rohit Sharma for his performances during his playing days for India. Dhawan has been sidelined from the Indian set up for quite some time now but had a good run with Rohit at the top, adding 5,148 runs in 115 innings at an average of 45 from 2013-2022.

Veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has credited current skipper Rohit Sharma for his performances during his playing days for India. Dhawan has been sidelined from the Indian set up for quite some time now but had a good run with Rohit at the top, adding 5,148 runs in 115 innings at an average of 45 from 2013-2022. "My collaboration with Rohit & his support at the other end at the top of the order has been instrumental in providing strong starts to the team, setting the foundation for successful chases and big totals. I seriously give credit for a lot of my best performances to Rohit's support," Dhawan said as reported by the news outlet Times of India. Also Read: How MS Dhoni's 'don't attack' advice changed Shivam Dube's game "Rohit on the other end gives that sense of comfort and assurance. I think our best innings was a 193-run opening stand against Australia in the fourth ODI at Mohali in 2019 & the second best will be against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai where we put together a 210-run stand for the first wicket," he further added. Dhawan had last played an ODI for India in December 2022 against Bangladesh while his last T20I in the Indian jersey came in July 2021 against Sri Lanka. Once a force to reckon with at the top in the world cricket, at least in ODIs, the left-hand batter has 6,793 runs to his name in 167 matches. He scored these runs at an average of 44 along with 17 hundreds and 39 fifties. In T20Is, Dhawan has 1,759 runs in 68 games at a strike rate of 126. In Tests, Dhawan played for India in just 34 games, scoring 2,315 runs at an average of 40. He also has seven hundreds to his name in the five-day games with a highest score of 190.

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan credits India skipper Rohit Sharma for his ‘best performances’ in ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the post of one national selector for the senior men’s team on their official website. The published invite doesn’t indicate who would make way for the new selector in the selection committee. Former India seamer Ajit Agarkar (from the West Zone) heads the five-member selection team.

As per norms, the selection committee must consist of five selectors, one from each zone (North, South, East, West and Central), with the most experienced member (in terms of Test caps) getting to lead the selection panel. However, no selector can have a combined term of more than five years (junior and senior selection panels considered).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/replacing-smith-at-number-four-is-tough-acknowledges-australias-cameron-green-ahead-of-west-indies-tests-680189">'Replacing Smith at number four is tough,' acknowledges Australia's Cameron Green ahead of West Indies Tests</a>

Meanwhile, following Chetan Sharma’s (North zone) departure as the chief selector last July, the BCCI brought in Ajit Agarkar as his replacement at the top, meaning the selection panel now has two selectors from the West Zone, including Salil Ankola, SS Das from the East, S Sharath from South and Subroto Banerjee from Central.

Going by this list, the BCCI might want to rope someone from the North zone, with one of the two men from the West (mainly Ankola) to make way for the incoming selector.

As&nbsp;per the BCCI website, all applicants have until 6 PM IST on January 25 to submit their candidature. The Indian Cricket Board will screen the candidates before zeroing in on the shortlisted ones for interview. The player should have played seven Tests (minimum) or 30 first-class matches or 10&nbsp;ODIs and 20 first-class games to be eligible for applying.

No final date for the interview has been announced yet.

<h2>Selection Committee named squad for England Tests</h2>

The current senior men’s selection committee named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests against England, starting with the first game in Hyderabad on January 25.&nbsp;

After the second Test in Vizag, the BCCI selectors will name the squad for the remaining three Tests.

ALSO WATCH -&nbsp;Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane jailed for eight years for rape

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Right after the England series, the IPL 2024 will get underway in March, with the T20 World Cup scheduled in the Caribbean and the USA in June as the next major assignment.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the post of one national selector for the senior men’s team on their official website.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the post of one national selector for the senior men’s team on their official website. The published invite doesn’t indicate who would make way for the new selector in the selection committee. Former India seamer Ajit Agarkar (from the West Zone) heads the five-member selection team. As per norms, the selection committee must consist of five selectors, one from each zone (North, South, East, West and Central), with the most experienced member (in terms of Test caps) getting to lead the selection panel. However, no selector can have a combined term of more than five years (junior and senior selection panels considered). ALSO READ: 'Replacing Smith at number four is tough,' acknowledges Australia's Cameron Green ahead of West Indies Tests Meanwhile, following Chetan Sharma’s (North zone) departure as the chief selector last July, the BCCI brought in Ajit Agarkar as his replacement at the top, meaning the selection panel now has two selectors from the West Zone, including Salil Ankola, SS Das from the East, S Sharath from South and Subroto Banerjee from Central. Going by this list, the BCCI might want to rope someone from the North zone, with one of the two men from the West (mainly Ankola) to make way for the incoming selector. As per the BCCI website, all applicants have until 6 PM IST on January 25 to submit their candidature. The Indian Cricket Board will screen the candidates before zeroing in on the shortlisted ones for interview. The player should have played seven Tests (minimum) or 30 first-class matches or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class games to be eligible for applying. No final date for the interview has been announced yet. Selection Committee named squad for England Tests The current senior men’s selection committee named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests against England, starting with the first game in Hyderabad on January 25. After the second Test in Vizag, the BCCI selectors will name the squad for the remaining three Tests. ALSO WATCH - Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane jailed for eight years for rape × Right after the England series, the IPL 2024 will get underway in March, with the T20 World Cup scheduled in the Caribbean and the USA in June as the next major assignment.

BCCI invites applications for senior national men’s selector’s post

India's upcoming home Test series against England will see&nbsp;turning pitches being offered to play. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named four spinners in the squad announced for the first two Tests to exploit the conditions. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma, also has three wicketkeepers in KL Rahul, KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel. While Rahul kept wickets in India's recent Test series in South Africa, Bharat is expected to do the job against England.

As per a report in the news outlet Indian Express, the team won't be taking any chances on the turning pitches juxtaposed to South Africa tour where the ball bounced quite a lot.

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“The Indian team will once again be playing on a turner track, and the team management felt that specialist spinners should handle the job at home. The team has many quality spinners, and the team won’t take any chances, especially when the pitch being offered will be a turner,” said a BCCI source to the Indian Express.

Meanwhile, England's red-ball vice-captain Ollie Pope has conceded that there's going to be 'outside noise' about the pitches on their upcoming Test tour of India.

“There will be a lot of outside noise,” Pope said while talking to the Guardian.

“And pitches can be a massive talking point. But you have to remember the two teams are playing on the exact same wicket, so we just need to be as well equipped as we can,” he added further.

England will be playing five Tests on the tour which begins on January 25 in Hyderabad.

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood

India squad (first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, S Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan

India's upcoming home Test series against England will see turning pitches being offered to play. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named four spinners in the squad announced for the first two Tests to exploit the conditions.

India's upcoming home Test series against England will see turning pitches being offered to play. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named four spinners in the squad announced for the first two Tests to exploit the conditions. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma, also has three wicketkeepers in KL Rahul, KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel. While Rahul kept wickets in India's recent Test series in South Africa, Bharat is expected to do the job against England. As per a report in the news outlet Indian Express, the team won't be taking any chances on the turning pitches juxtaposed to South Africa tour where the ball bounced quite a lot. Also Read: Ishan Kishan shares ‘meditation, exercise’ video after exclusion from England Test series squad - WATCH “The Indian team will once again be playing on a turner track, and the team management felt that specialist spinners should handle the job at home. The team has many quality spinners, and the team won’t take any chances, especially when the pitch being offered will be a turner,” said a BCCI source to the Indian Express. Meanwhile, England's red-ball vice-captain Ollie Pope has conceded that there's going to be 'outside noise' about the pitches on their upcoming Test tour of India. “There will be a lot of outside noise,” Pope said while talking to the Guardian. “And pitches can be a massive talking point. But you have to remember the two teams are playing on the exact same wicket, so we just need to be as well equipped as we can,” he added further. England will be playing five Tests on the tour which begins on January 25 in Hyderabad. England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood India squad (first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, S Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan

India, England Tests to be played on 'turner' pitches, says report

Young keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel reacted to his maiden India call-up for the first two Tests against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad. The right-handed batter took to social media to express his happiness after the BCCI named a 16-man squad late on Friday night, including three keepers.

While Dhruv might not get a chance in the playing XI right away, with KL Rahul and KS Bharat ahead of him in the pecking order, the youngster is still excited to get his India call-up. On his Instagram handle, Dhruv reposted a story mentioning his name in the Test squad, saying that it brought ‘tears of joy and happiness’.

Since making his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Vidarbha during the 2022 Ranji Trophy season, Jurel has scored 790 runs at a healthy average of 46.47, striking at 56.63, including one hundred and five fifties. His best of 249 came against Nagaland in December 2022. Against Kerela in his last Ranji Trophy match, Jurel scored a fifty.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bhuvneshwar-makes-blockbuster-return-to-domestic-with-five-for-prasidh-krishna-injured-during-ranji-tie-679528">Bhuvneshwar makes blockbuster return to domestic with five-for, Prasidh Krishna injured during Ranji tie</a>

Last month in December, Jurel played for India-A against South Africa-A in the two-match unofficial series. After getting out on a duck in the first game, Jurel impressed everyone with his gritty 69 in the next.&nbsp;

Even during the 2023 Indian Premier League, playing as a lower-order batter/finisher for Rajasthan Royals, Jurel scored 152 runs from 13 games, striking at over 170, with a best of unbeaten 34.

<h2>India ready for England Tests</h2>

After sharing honours in the two-match Test series against South Africa on an away tour, India will host England for five Tests.&nbsp;

The squad selection for the first two games sees Rohit Sharma leading from the front, with Test regulars back in the side, excluding veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH -&nbsp;Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane jailed for eight years for rape

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Seamer Jasprit Bumrah is named the vice-captain, while the selectors picked four spinners – Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

Here’s India’s squad for the first two England Tests –

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain) and Avesh Khan

Young keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel reacted to his maiden India call-up for the first two Tests against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad. The right-handed batter took to social media to express his happiness after the BCCI named a 16-man squad late on Friday night, including three keepers.

Young keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel reacted to his maiden India call-up for the first two Tests against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad. The right-handed batter took to social media to express his happiness after the BCCI named a 16-man squad late on Friday night, including three keepers. While Dhruv might not get a chance in the playing XI right away, with KL Rahul and KS Bharat ahead of him in the pecking order, the youngster is still excited to get his India call-up. On his Instagram handle, Dhruv reposted a story mentioning his name in the Test squad, saying that it brought ‘tears of joy and happiness’. Since making his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Vidarbha during the 2022 Ranji Trophy season, Jurel has scored 790 runs at a healthy average of 46.47, striking at 56.63, including one hundred and five fifties. His best of 249 came against Nagaland in December 2022. Against Kerela in his last Ranji Trophy match, Jurel scored a fifty. ALSO READ: Bhuvneshwar makes blockbuster return to domestic with five-for, Prasidh Krishna injured during Ranji tie Last month in December, Jurel played for India-A against South Africa-A in the two-match unofficial series. After getting out on a duck in the first game, Jurel impressed everyone with his gritty 69 in the next. Even during the 2023 Indian Premier League, playing as a lower-order batter/finisher for Rajasthan Royals, Jurel scored 152 runs from 13 games, striking at over 170, with a best of unbeaten 34. India ready for England Tests After sharing honours in the two-match Test series against South Africa on an away tour, India will host England for five Tests. The squad selection for the first two games sees Rohit Sharma leading from the front, with Test regulars back in the side, excluding veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. ALSO WATCH - Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane jailed for eight years for rape × Seamer Jasprit Bumrah is named the vice-captain, while the selectors picked four spinners – Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Here’s India’s squad for the first two England Tests – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain) and Avesh Khan

‘Tears of joy and happiness’ - Dhruv Jurel reacts to maiden India call-up for England Tests

India pacer Mohammed Shami has said that he's eying upcoming five-Test home series against England to make a comeback after injury. Shami has been sidelined from competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 which had concluded on November 19. The pacer was the star performer for India in the quadrennial tournament, taking 24 wickets in 7 matches to help the hosts reach the final.

"I have started my training sessions and I believe I will be able to make a comeback in the England series," said Shami while speaking to the Times of India.

The 33-year-old also informed about the extent of his injury but said that the experts at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) are fine with his progress.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-see-david-warner-in-category-of-greats-of-the-game-reckons-former-aussie-coach-john-buchanan-678154">Don’t see David Warner in category of ‘greats of the game', reckons former Aussie coach John Buchanan</a>

"There is slight stiffness in my ankle but that's fine. My rehabilitation is well on track and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress," he added.

Shami was also initially included in the squad for the South Africa Test series which got over about a week ago. Since his inclusion was subject to fitness, he was subsequently withdrawn from the series which ended in a 1-1 draw. India won the second Test in Cape Town by seven wickets after losing the first one by an innings and 32 runs.

Speaking on him not being able to be a part of the series, Shami said: "Unfortunately I missed it because of injury but I want to get back to competitive cricket as soon as possible. Hopefully you can see me back in action against England."

Owing to the injury, Shami has also not been included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series Afghanistan which starts on January 11. The three T20Is against Afghanistan at home are India's last international assignment in the format before the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in June later this year.

India pacer Mohammed Shami has said that he's eying upcoming five-Test home series against England to make a comeback after injury. Shami has been sidelined from competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 which had concluded on November 19.

India pacer Mohammed Shami has said that he's eying upcoming five-Test home series against England to make a comeback after injury. Shami has been sidelined from competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 which had concluded on November 19. The pacer was the star performer for India in the quadrennial tournament, taking 24 wickets in 7 matches to help the hosts reach the final. "I have started my training sessions and I believe I will be able to make a comeback in the England series," said Shami while speaking to the Times of India. The 33-year-old also informed about the extent of his injury but said that the experts at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) are fine with his progress. Also Read: Don’t see David Warner in category of ‘greats of the game', reckons former Aussie coach John Buchanan "There is slight stiffness in my ankle but that's fine. My rehabilitation is well on track and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress," he added. Shami was also initially included in the squad for the South Africa Test series which got over about a week ago. Since his inclusion was subject to fitness, he was subsequently withdrawn from the series which ended in a 1-1 draw. India won the second Test in Cape Town by seven wickets after losing the first one by an innings and 32 runs. Speaking on him not being able to be a part of the series, Shami said: "Unfortunately I missed it because of injury but I want to get back to competitive cricket as soon as possible. Hopefully you can see me back in action against England." Owing to the injury, Shami has also not been included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series Afghanistan which starts on January 11. The three T20Is against Afghanistan at home are India's last international assignment in the format before the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in June later this year.

India pacer Mohammed Shami marks upcoming home Test series against England for comeback

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan might not be a part of the upcoming T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in June later this year. Ishan was also not named in the 16-man <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-returns-to-lead-in-afghanistan-t20is-kohli-included-in-16-man-squad-677515">squad for the Afghanistan T20I series</a> at home which begins on January 11. The youngster had recently asked for a break from the two-Test series against South Africa which ended last week.

According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is all but looking beyond Kishan now. The developments were reported by the news agency PTI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-pacer-mohammed-shami-doubtful-for-first-two-tests-in-upcoming-home-series-against-england-677657">India pacer Mohammed Shami doubtful for first two Tests in upcoming home series against England</a>

"Ishan wasn't happy that he was travelling without much game time. He is on a break right now and is vacationing. In any case, selectors are in all likelihood looking beyond Kishan. It will be interesting if he is picked for the England Test series where KS Bharat will be back behind the stumps," a source of the board told PTI.

The situation arose after Kishan decided to take a break from the South Africa Tests citing personal reasons, as per the BCCI. A report, however, emerged later in the media that Kishan took a break due to mental fatigue. He had been with the squad since January 2023 but wasn't getting enough game time. During his time with the squad, Kishan toured the West Indies for the Test, Sri Lanka for Asia Cup and South Africa for the white-ball leg as well. He was also part of the ODI World Cup squad but played just three games.

The three T20Is against Afghanistan are India's last international assignment in the shortest format before the T20 World Cup. Kishan will only have the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season to prove his case to be a part of India's T20 WC squad.

In case Kishan fails to impress the selectors, Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson could get a go-ahead in the shortest format for India, with Rishabh Pant also expected to be back during the IPL.

&nbsp;

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan might not be a part of the upcoming T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in June later this year. Ishan was also not named in the 16-man squad for the Afghanistan T20I series at home which begins on January 11.

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan might not be a part of the upcoming T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in June later this year. Ishan was also not named in the 16-man squad for the Afghanistan T20I series at home which begins on January 11. The youngster had recently asked for a break from the two-Test series against South Africa which ended last week. According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is all but looking beyond Kishan now. The developments were reported by the news agency PTI. Also Read: India pacer Mohammed Shami doubtful for first two Tests in upcoming home series against England "Ishan wasn't happy that he was travelling without much game time. He is on a break right now and is vacationing. In any case, selectors are in all likelihood looking beyond Kishan. It will be interesting if he is picked for the England Test series where KS Bharat will be back behind the stumps," a source of the board told PTI. The situation arose after Kishan decided to take a break from the South Africa Tests citing personal reasons, as per the BCCI. A report, however, emerged later in the media that Kishan took a break due to mental fatigue. He had been with the squad since January 2023 but wasn't getting enough game time. During his time with the squad, Kishan toured the West Indies for the Test, Sri Lanka for Asia Cup and South Africa for the white-ball leg as well. He was also part of the ODI World Cup squad but played just three games. The three T20Is against Afghanistan are India's last international assignment in the shortest format before the T20 World Cup. Kishan will only have the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season to prove his case to be a part of India's T20 WC squad. In case Kishan fails to impress the selectors, Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson could get a go-ahead in the shortest format for India, with Rishabh Pant also expected to be back during the IPL.

BCCI selectors 'looking beyond' wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan in T20Is, says report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The two had not been part of India's T20I scheme of things since then. Their return has now potentially sealed their spots for the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA in June. The squad does not comprise KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer whereas Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are out of action due to injury concerns.&nbsp;

Former Indian stumper Saba Karim opened up on India's squad. He feels the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selectors have opted for Rohit and Kohli as they want experience in the T20 WC squad. In addition, Hardik-- who led India majorly in the format in Rohit-Kohli's absence -- has been hit with injury concerns of late and, hence, Rohit's return as India captain makes sense.

<h2>'Selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but...'</h2>

During a discussion on&nbsp;Sports 18, Karim said,&nbsp;“There is no doubt now (on Rohit-Kohli receiving the backing of selectors to feature in India's squad at 2024&nbsp;T20 WC). Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors' thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That's why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback. There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya's injury. That's why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-signs-suggest-that-rohit-sharma-is-going-to-lead-india-in-t20-wc-feels-former-player-kris-srikkanth-677732">All signs suggest Rohit Sharma will lead India in T20 WC, says former player Kris Srikkanth</a>

Both Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming three T20Is versus Afghanistan, which gets underway on Jan 11 (Thursday) in Mohali.&nbsp;

<h2>India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –</h2>

Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The two had not been part of India's T20I scheme of things since then. Their return has now potentially sealed their spots for the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA in June. The squad does not comprise KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer whereas Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are out of action due to injury concerns. Former Indian stumper Saba Karim opened up on India's squad. He feels the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selectors have opted for Rohit and Kohli as they want experience in the T20 WC squad. In addition, Hardik-- who led India majorly in the format in Rohit-Kohli's absence -- has been hit with injury concerns of late and, hence, Rohit's return as India captain makes sense. 'Selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but...' During a discussion on Sports 18, Karim said, “There is no doubt now (on Rohit-Kohli receiving the backing of selectors to feature in India's squad at 2024 T20 WC). Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors' thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That's why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback. There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya's injury. That's why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter." Also read: All signs suggest Rohit Sharma will lead India in T20 WC, says former player Kris Srikkanth Both Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming three T20Is versus Afghanistan, which gets underway on Jan 11 (Thursday) in Mohali. India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series – Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

Ind vs Afg T20Is: Ex-Indian stumper on why BCCI selectors have backed Rohit Sharma as India captain

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around. Considering both captain candidates (Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav) are recovering from respective injuries, the selection committee is undecided between picking a new skipper (looking at the future) and recalling veteran Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series.

Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has several factors to consider while picking the squad for Afghanistan T20Is. They have a choice to make between looking at preparing (the final 15) for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in June in the West Indies and the USA) or naming a mix of experienced and younger players for this series and waiting for the IPL 2024 to end to finalise team for the marquee event.

Following the conclusion of the South Africa series, which ended with India winning their maiden Test at the Newlands in Cape Town, Cricbuzz reported that the board’s top brass approached veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their plans for the T20Is – to which both have agreed for a return to the side for the first time in more than a year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-australia-and-england-must-share-its-wealth-with-other-nations-to-save-tests-urges-mike-baird-676829">Cricket's 'Big 3' must share its wealth with other nations to help sustain and grow Tests - Mike Baird</a>

While the selection committee’s mood is leaning towards picking a team for the future – with Shubman Gill likely to lead in everyone’s absence, the selectors are aware of Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a captain, especially in the white-ball format.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as things stand, chief selector Agarkar is in South Africa with colleagues Shiv Sundar Das and Salil Ankola and will join Subrata Banerjee and S Sharath in India to take a final call on this. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, will have a crucial role to play in this.

<h2>Pandya to return during IPL 2024</h2>

The stand-in captain in the T20Is, Hardik Pandya, suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game in the 2023 World Cup and has been out since. Though he was expected to get fit in time for the Afghanistan series, Pandya will now return during IPL 2024, starting on March 22.&nbsp;

Following the conclusion of the home World Cup, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians roped in Pandya (during the trade) and named him the new captain for the upcoming season. 
Pandya’s teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, is also out with an injury and will take around a month to recover.&nbsp;

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around.

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around. Considering both captain candidates (Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav) are recovering from respective injuries, the selection committee is undecided between picking a new skipper (looking at the future) and recalling veteran Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series. Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has several factors to consider while picking the squad for Afghanistan T20Is. They have a choice to make between looking at preparing (the final 15) for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in June in the West Indies and the USA) or naming a mix of experienced and younger players for this series and waiting for the IPL 2024 to end to finalise team for the marquee event. Following the conclusion of the South Africa series, which ended with India winning their maiden Test at the Newlands in Cape Town, Cricbuzz reported that the board’s top brass approached veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their plans for the T20Is – to which both have agreed for a return to the side for the first time in more than a year. ALSO READ: Cricket's 'Big 3' must share its wealth with other nations to help sustain and grow Tests - Mike Baird While the selection committee’s mood is leaning towards picking a team for the future – with Shubman Gill likely to lead in everyone’s absence, the selectors are aware of Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a captain, especially in the white-ball format. Meanwhile, as things stand, chief selector Agarkar is in South Africa with colleagues Shiv Sundar Das and Salil Ankola and will join Subrata Banerjee and S Sharath in India to take a final call on this. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, will have a crucial role to play in this. Pandya to return during IPL 2024 The stand-in captain in the T20Is, Hardik Pandya, suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game in the 2023 World Cup and has been out since. Though he was expected to get fit in time for the Afghanistan series, Pandya will now return during IPL 2024, starting on March 22. Following the conclusion of the home World Cup, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians roped in Pandya (during the trade) and named him the new captain for the upcoming season. Pandya’s teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, is also out with an injury and will take around a month to recover.

IND vs AFG T20Is: BCCI face selection dilemma as captain candidates remain unavailable

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird has raised concerns&nbsp;to save Test cricket and ensure all nations, outside of Big 3 (India, Australia and England), are getting equal opportunity to sustain at the top level and host more Tests in this emergence of franchise-based T20 league era.

Baird’s comments have come after Cricket South Africa picked a B-squad for the away New Zealand Tests with seven debutants and an uncapped player named as a captain on the team sheet. With all top-tier players deciding to play the SA20 league instead, CSA faced severe backlash from fans and the other boards, mainly Australia, for prioritising money over history.

However, South Africa’s Test team batting coach, Shukri Conrad, backed this call from the board, arguing that for cricket to survive in this part of the world, regular funding is required, and for which their newer domestic franchise-based T20 tournament must prosper.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa20-is-lifeblood-without-it-we-would-not-have-test-cricket-in-country-conrad-responds-to-steve-waugh-676778">'SA20 is lifeblood, without it we would not have Test cricket in country' - Conrad responds to Steve Waugh</a>

Speaking on the same lines, while considering the chunk the Big-3 make&nbsp;and how they can help other boards, Baird said that India, Australia, and England must share their wealth with other boards to ensure top players continue playing the longer format, and thus, Test cricket survives.

“If we’re in a position that national teams aren’t being prioritised, then we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Baird told Sydney Morning Herald.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, that might mean costs and consequences for the leading countries. There is undoubtedly an economic element. But there’s also a commonsense element in terms of the way we schedule and the way we collectively as members prioritise. So there is strong resolve, but we need to move, I think, at a much quicker pace,” he added.

<h2>‘We need to support, retain and grow Tests</h2>

Following a daddy jump in BCCI’s share in the ICC revenue (from 38.5% for the 2024-2027 cycle), Indian Cricket will earn $230 million in this period. Meanwhile, CA and ECB will also pocket 6.89 ($41 million) and 6.25 ($37.53 million) per cent, respectively.&nbsp;

Baird argued that the cricket world is running out of time to step up and make attempts to save the oldest format, as everyone must act on it following detailed discussions.&nbsp;

“We need to support, retain and grow Test cricket, and we’re going to have to think through our priorities, and part of that is how we distribute funding.&nbsp;

“I don’t think we can wait, so we have to look at how that funding is allocated, is it going to the right things, and yes, one of the solutions which has been put forward is increasing Test match payments to make them more competitive. They’re all the things we need to bring forward,” Baird added.

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird has raised concerns to save Test cricket and ensure all nations, outside of Big 3 (India, Australia and England), are getting equal opportunity to sustain at the top level and host more Tests in this emergence of franchise-based T20 league era.

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird has raised concerns to save Test cricket and ensure all nations, outside of Big 3 (India, Australia and England), are getting equal opportunity to sustain at the top level and host more Tests in this emergence of franchise-based T20 league era. Baird’s comments have come after Cricket South Africa picked a B-squad for the away New Zealand Tests with seven debutants and an uncapped player named as a captain on the team sheet. With all top-tier players deciding to play the SA20 league instead, CSA faced severe backlash from fans and the other boards, mainly Australia, for prioritising money over history. However, South Africa’s Test team batting coach, Shukri Conrad, backed this call from the board, arguing that for cricket to survive in this part of the world, regular funding is required, and for which their newer domestic franchise-based T20 tournament must prosper. ALSO READ: 'SA20 is lifeblood, without it we would not have Test cricket in country' - Conrad responds to Steve Waugh Speaking on the same lines, while considering the chunk the Big-3 make and how they can help other boards, Baird said that India, Australia, and England must share their wealth with other boards to ensure top players continue playing the longer format, and thus, Test cricket survives. “If we’re in a position that national teams aren’t being prioritised, then we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Baird told Sydney Morning Herald. “Ultimately, that might mean costs and consequences for the leading countries. There is undoubtedly an economic element. But there’s also a commonsense element in terms of the way we schedule and the way we collectively as members prioritise. So there is strong resolve, but we need to move, I think, at a much quicker pace,” he added. ‘We need to support, retain and grow Tests Following a daddy jump in BCCI’s share in the ICC revenue (from 38.5% for the 2024-2027 cycle), Indian Cricket will earn $230 million in this period. Meanwhile, CA and ECB will also pocket 6.89 ($41 million) and 6.25 ($37.53 million) per cent, respectively. Baird argued that the cricket world is running out of time to step up and make attempts to save the oldest format, as everyone must act on it following detailed discussions. “We need to support, retain and grow Test cricket, and we’re going to have to think through our priorities, and part of that is how we distribute funding. “I don’t think we can wait, so we have to look at how that funding is allocated, is it going to the right things, and yes, one of the solutions which has been put forward is increasing Test match payments to make them more competitive. They’re all the things we need to bring forward,” Baird added.

Cricket's 'Big 3' must share wealth with other nations to help sustain and grow Tests - Mike Baird

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. However, despite the result going in India’s favour, the scheduling irked the former coach, Ravi Shastri, who bashed it while doing commentary on day two.

Chasing 79 in the second session on day two, India lost three wickets but chased the target inside 12 overs. While doing Hindi commentary for Star, Shastri came down hard on the out-of-place two-match Test series, saying, if&nbsp;moving forward, any board invites India for just two Tests, the BCCI must reject it straightaway as it leads anyone nowhere.

With South Africa winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs and India claiming a win in the next, the series ended in a draw. Instead, had it been a three-match series, both teams would have had a chance to go for the series win.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-wtc-202325-standings-india-claim-top-spot-after-historic-win-in-cape-town-vs-south-africa-676596">Updated WTC 2023/25 standings: India claim top spot after historic win in Cape Town vs South Africa</a>

“After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests,” Shastri said.

“If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. The focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played 3 T20Is and 3 Tests [on this tour],” he added.

<h2>No pre-tour practice hurt India this time</h2>

With India opting to send an A-Team for the shadow unofficial two-match series instead of playing a warm-up game, Shastri noted that all concerned parties should be on the same page on providing the best players and pitches for the practice matches so that the visiting team can get good practice.&nbsp;

“It should be a conversation between boards: ‘If we are coming for three Tests, we need a four-day game, but against a strong team',” Shastri said. “And this request can be made. When both boards are fixing the itinerary [for a series], they can discuss this.

“This should be reciprocal – ‘When you come touring, we’ll give you a strong team for a four-day game. Be it a Board President’s XI, or whatever, we’ll give you a talented, young team. Similarly, when we tour and ask for a game, we should get good players for that game.’

“This board-to-board [conversation] can happen. After all, every board wants India to tour. Because they know that is where their sustenance lies. When India tours, they earn cash. So, at least give us a proper first-class game. Then we’ll tour,” the former India coach added.

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. However, despite the result going in India’s favour, the scheduling irked the former coach, Ravi Shastri, who bashed it while doing commentary on day two. Chasing 79 in the second session on day two, India lost three wickets but chased the target inside 12 overs. While doing Hindi commentary for Star, Shastri came down hard on the out-of-place two-match Test series, saying, if moving forward, any board invites India for just two Tests, the BCCI must reject it straightaway as it leads anyone nowhere. With South Africa winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs and India claiming a win in the next, the series ended in a draw. Instead, had it been a three-match series, both teams would have had a chance to go for the series win. ALSO READ: Updated WTC 2023/25 standings: India claim top spot after historic win in Cape Town vs South Africa “After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests,” Shastri said. “If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. The focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played 3 T20Is and 3 Tests [on this tour],” he added. No pre-tour practice hurt India this time With India opting to send an A-Team for the shadow unofficial two-match series instead of playing a warm-up game, Shastri noted that all concerned parties should be on the same page on providing the best players and pitches for the practice matches so that the visiting team can get good practice. “It should be a conversation between boards: ‘If we are coming for three Tests, we need a four-day game, but against a strong team',” Shastri said. “And this request can be made. When both boards are fixing the itinerary [for a series], they can discuss this. “This should be reciprocal – ‘When you come touring, we’ll give you a strong team for a four-day game. Be it a Board President’s XI, or whatever, we’ll give you a talented, young team. Similarly, when we tour and ask for a game, we should get good players for that game.’ “This board-to-board [conversation] can happen. After all, every board wants India to tour. Because they know that is where their sustenance lies. When India tours, they earn cash. So, at least give us a proper first-class game. Then we’ll tour,” the former India coach added.

SA v IND: 'Two-Test series is waste of time' - Angry Ravi Shastri bashes scheduling

ICC slapped&nbsp;the Indian Cricket Team with a two-point deduction and 10% of the match fee for slow over-rate during the recently concluded Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team suffered an embarrassing inning and a 32-run defeat at the SuperSport Park, the game that ended inside three days.

Per the ICC statement, India captain Rohit pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the punishment.

"India captain Rohit Sharma pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing," stated ICC in their statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-needed-support-but-didnt-get-it-says-india-skipper-rohit-sharma-after-loss-in-first-test-vs-sa-674570">'Bumrah needed support but didn't get it,' says India skipper Rohit Sharma after loss in first Test vs SA</a>

Following these sanctions, India’s stance on the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle altered, with them slipping to the sixth position (just behind Australia) with a PCT of 38.39 (dropped from 44.44). They were earlier fifth on the WTC points table with 16 points. India is scheduled to play one more Test (New Year’s Test in Cape Town starting January 3).

<h2>Shami’s replacement named</h2>

After the end of the first Test, the BCCI, on Friday, announced seamer Avesh Khan as Mohammed Shami’s replacement for the second game.&nbsp;

The uncapped seamer was part of the India-A squad and is currently playing the second four-day warm-up game in Benoni, having picked a five-for on day three. Avesh was part of the three-match ODI series, which ended 1-1.

Before the warm-up match, Avesh had played 38 first-class games, picking 149 wickets at an impressive average of 22.65. The India bowler was Madhya Pradesh’s highest wicket-taker (38 scalps) in the Ranji Trophy season.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Shami missed the South Africa series with an ankle injury (he sustained during the 2023 World Cup). The seasoned campaigner was India’s best bet with the ball in hand, picking 24 wickets from just seven games, including his best ODI figures of seven for 57 – the most by any bowler in a World Cup semi-final.&nbsp;

ICC slapped the Indian Cricket Team with a two-point deduction and 10% of the match fee for slow over-rate during the recently concluded Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion.

ICC slapped the Indian Cricket Team with a two-point deduction and 10% of the match fee for slow over-rate during the recently concluded Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team suffered an embarrassing inning and a 32-run defeat at the SuperSport Park, the game that ended inside three days. Per the ICC statement, India captain Rohit pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the punishment. "India captain Rohit Sharma pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing," stated ICC in their statement. ALSO READ: 'Bumrah needed support but didn't get it,' says India skipper Rohit Sharma after loss in first Test vs SA Following these sanctions, India’s stance on the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle altered, with them slipping to the sixth position (just behind Australia) with a PCT of 38.39 (dropped from 44.44). They were earlier fifth on the WTC points table with 16 points. India is scheduled to play one more Test (New Year’s Test in Cape Town starting January 3). Shami’s replacement named After the end of the first Test, the BCCI, on Friday, announced seamer Avesh Khan as Mohammed Shami’s replacement for the second game. The uncapped seamer was part of the India-A squad and is currently playing the second four-day warm-up game in Benoni, having picked a five-for on day three. Avesh was part of the three-match ODI series, which ended 1-1. Before the warm-up match, Avesh had played 38 first-class games, picking 149 wickets at an impressive average of 22.65. The India bowler was Madhya Pradesh’s highest wicket-taker (38 scalps) in the Ranji Trophy season. Meanwhile, Shami missed the South Africa series with an ankle injury (he sustained during the 2023 World Cup). The seasoned campaigner was India’s best bet with the ball in hand, picking 24 wickets from just seven games, including his best ODI figures of seven for 57 – the most by any bowler in a World Cup semi-final.

ICC slaps India with point-deduction for slow over-rate in Centurion Test; Shami’s replacement named

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who decided to withdraw from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, is having mental fatigue. Kishan was not included in the two-Test squad and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited his personal reasons for the exclusion. A report in the media outlet Indian Express, however, says that Kishan decided to take a break due to mental fatigue.

“He informed the team management that he is having mental fatigue and wants a break from cricket for some time. Everyone agreed to it,” said the media outlet, citing a source.

The team management has named KS Bharat as his backup for the series in South Africa which starts on Boxing Day (Dec. 26). Most Recently, the India batter played in the first three ODIs of the five-match series against Australia which took place right after the conclusion of ODI World Cup in November.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bangladesh-bowl-out-kiwis-for-98-runs-in-third-odi-for-maiden-win-in-new-zealand-672743">Bangladesh bowl out Kiwis for 98 runs in third ODI for maiden win in New Zealand</a>

Ishan was, however, part of the three-T20I series against South Africa which followed after the Australia T20Is but newcomer Jitesh Sharma was given a chance ahead of him in all three games. He was not named in the squad for three ODIs which took place after the T20Is.

As for his exclusion from the Tests, BCCI had released a statement which read: “Ishan Kishan has requested the BCCI to be released from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons. The wicketkeeper has subsequently been withdrawn from the Test squad. The men’s selection committee has named KS Bharat as a replacement.”&nbsp;

Ishan has been with the team throughout this year but haven't gotten a consistent run. He was part of the Boarder-Gavaskar Test series in February-March but served a backup to Bharat. He then played one ODI in the subsequent three-match series against the Aussies before playing the IPL 2023.

Post the T20 tournament, he travelled to England for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final but didn't make it to the playing XI. On the next tour in West Indies, he played all the games which included two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. His next assignment was the Asia Cup before playing just two games in the ODI World Cup. 
&nbsp;

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who decided to withdraw from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, is having mental fatigue. Kishan was not included in the two-Test squad and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited his personal reasons for the exclusion.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who decided to withdraw from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, is having mental fatigue. Kishan was not included in the two-Test squad and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited his personal reasons for the exclusion. A report in the media outlet Indian Express, however, says that Kishan decided to take a break due to mental fatigue. “He informed the team management that he is having mental fatigue and wants a break from cricket for some time. Everyone agreed to it,” said the media outlet, citing a source. The team management has named KS Bharat as his backup for the series in South Africa which starts on Boxing Day (Dec. 26). Most Recently, the India batter played in the first three ODIs of the five-match series against Australia which took place right after the conclusion of ODI World Cup in November. Also Read: Bangladesh bowl out Kiwis for 98 runs in third ODI for maiden win in New Zealand Ishan was, however, part of the three-T20I series against South Africa which followed after the Australia T20Is but newcomer Jitesh Sharma was given a chance ahead of him in all three games. He was not named in the squad for three ODIs which took place after the T20Is. As for his exclusion from the Tests, BCCI had released a statement which read: “Ishan Kishan has requested the BCCI to be released from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons. The wicketkeeper has subsequently been withdrawn from the Test squad. The men’s selection committee has named KS Bharat as a replacement.” Ishan has been with the team throughout this year but haven't gotten a consistent run. He was part of the Boarder-Gavaskar Test series in February-March but served a backup to Bharat. He then played one ODI in the subsequent three-match series against the Aussies before playing the IPL 2023. Post the T20 tournament, he travelled to England for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final but didn't make it to the playing XI. On the next tour in West Indies, he played all the games which included two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. His next assignment was the Asia Cup before playing just two games in the ODI World Cup.

'Mental fatigue' prompts India wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to skip South Africa Tests - Report

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