<p>Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On the opening day,&nbsp;on Thursday (March 9), Australia opted to bat first and went to stumps at 255 for 4. The second day's play saw the visitors ride on Usman Khawaja's 180 and Cameron Green's 114&nbsp;to post a mammoth 480 before Rohit Sharma-led India went to stumps at 36 for no loss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the day's proceedings, Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. The opening session saw the home side remain wicketless as Khawaja-Green's partnership frustrated them. As a result, Rohit &amp; Co. took a horrendous review on the last ball of the 128th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. The Indian players made an lbw appeal versus Khawaja, who was batting on 160 along with Green on 112, but the replays showed the ball to be miles away from the stumps. Hence, umpire Richard&nbsp;Kettleborough's reaction went viral as he couldn't stop smiling on the poor DRS call from Team India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-turns-back-the-clock-with-magnanimous-sixes-in-csk-practice-session-watch-570632">IPL 2023: MS Dhoni turns back the clock with MAGNANIMOUS sixes in CSK practice session - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's the viral video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/eMxKD9khgT">pic.twitter.com/eMxKD9khgT</a></p>
— Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna24GhanteCh2/status/1634107222811721728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Eventually, India got rid of centurion Khawaja for 180, trapping him lbw off Axar Patel. Green, on the other hand, fell for 114 after scoring his maiden ton in whites. Some help from their tail-enders saw Australia post a mammoth 480 all-out before Indian openers Rohit (17 not out) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 18) negated any threat from the Aussie bowlers to take India to 36 for no loss at the end of day's play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Day 3 will be extremely crucial for Team India, who trail Australia by a whopping 444-run margin. The hosts lead the four-match series 2-1 but need a win in this tie to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia are already through to the WTC summit clash.</p>


Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On the opening day, on Thursday (March 9), Australia opted to bat first and went to stumps at 255 for 4. The second day's play saw the visitors ride on Usman Khawaja's 180 and Cameron Green's 114 to post a mammoth 480 before Rohit Sharma-led India went to stumps at 36 for no loss. During the day's proceedings, Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. The opening session saw the home side remain wicketless as Khawaja-Green's partnership frustrated them. As a result, Rohit & Co. took a horrendous review on the last ball of the 128th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. The Indian players made an lbw appeal versus Khawaja, who was batting on 160 along with Green on 112, but the replays showed the ball to be miles away from the stumps. Hence, umpire Richard Kettleborough's reaction went viral as he couldn't stop smiling on the poor DRS call from Team India. Also read: IPL 2023: MS Dhoni turns back the clock with MAGNANIMOUS sixes in CSK practice session - WATCH Here's the viral video: pic.twitter.com/eMxKD9khgT — Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) March 10, 2023 × Eventually, India got rid of centurion Khawaja for 180, trapping him lbw off Axar Patel. Green, on the other hand, fell for 114 after scoring his maiden ton in whites. Some help from their tail-enders saw Australia post a mammoth 480 all-out before Indian openers Rohit (17 not out) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 18) negated any threat from the Aussie bowlers to take India to 36 for no loss at the end of day's play. Day 3 will be extremely crucial for Team India, who trail Australia by a whopping 444-run margin. The hosts lead the four-match series 2-1 but need a win in this tie to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia are already through to the WTC summit clash.

Watch: India take HORRENDOUS review as umpire's reaction goes viral on Day 2 of 4th Test vs Australia

<p>India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From 170 for 4, Green and Khawaja added 208 runs for the fifth wicket with Day 2's opening session seeing India go wicketless. At lunch break, former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that since the Ahmedabad Test pitch is a batting-friendly one, this is a big learning curve for skipper Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p>"It's a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. Tests were getting over in quick time, the game was moving very fast. But this one, it's a good pitch. The wickets are not coming as quickly. That's when you got to get that thinking cap on, marshalling your resources. One thing captaining overseas, and one thing captaining in India on good tracks," Shastri said on-air for Star Sports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-md-shami-dismisses-peter-handscomb-with-a-peach-of-a-delivery-on-day-1-of-4th-test-570263">WATCH: Md Shami dismisses Peter Handscomb with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of 4th Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"He has got all the good skills, but this is the exposure he needs. It's when one partnership comes up, you will be tested," Shastri added. Post the lunch break, Indian bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals. R Ashwin removed Green (114), Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc before Axar removed Khawaja, who fell for a majestic 180.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ahmedabad pitch has been the best to bat for in the entire series. India have been made to work hard for every wicket. Their batters&nbsp;will hope to stay for long and reply strongly to Australia's first-innings score, which has already gone past the 400-run mark.</p>

<p>India lead the four-match series 2-1 and have to win to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a 3-1 scoreline, but also join Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.&nbsp;</p>


India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs.

India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs. From 170 for 4, Green and Khawaja added 208 runs for the fifth wicket with Day 2's opening session seeing India go wicketless. At lunch break, former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that since the Ahmedabad Test pitch is a batting-friendly one, this is a big learning curve for skipper Rohit Sharma. "It's a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. Tests were getting over in quick time, the game was moving very fast. But this one, it's a good pitch. The wickets are not coming as quickly. That's when you got to get that thinking cap on, marshalling your resources. One thing captaining overseas, and one thing captaining in India on good tracks," Shastri said on-air for Star Sports. Also read: WATCH: Md Shami dismisses Peter Handscomb with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of 4th Test "He has got all the good skills, but this is the exposure he needs. It's when one partnership comes up, you will be tested," Shastri added. Post the lunch break, Indian bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals. R Ashwin removed Green (114), Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc before Axar removed Khawaja, who fell for a majestic 180. The Ahmedabad pitch has been the best to bat for in the entire series. India have been made to work hard for every wicket. Their batters will hope to stay for long and reply strongly to Australia's first-innings score, which has already gone past the 400-run mark. India lead the four-match series 2-1 and have to win to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a 3-1 scoreline, but also join Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Ahmedabad Test pitch a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma, says ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri

<p>R Ashwin returned with 6 for 91 as India finally managed to dismiss Australia for 480 on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green kicked off proceedings on Day 2 (March 10) from the overnight score 255/4 and continued to pile runs. The pair added a whopping 208-run fifth-wicket stand, from 170-4 to 378 for 5, as the duo struck a century each on a flat track but Ashwin remained economical all throughout the innings and ended with 6 for 91 to attain a huge feat.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old wily off-spinner Ashwin is now tied with Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon with most wickets in India-Australia Tests. Lyon, who was the Player-of-the-Match in Australia's inspiring nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore (courtesy of his 11-fer), will aim to once again take the lead in India's first essay.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Most wickets in Ind - Aus Tests<br />
113 N Lyon<br />
113 R Ashwin *</strong><br />
111 A Kumble<br />
95 Harbhajan</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-usman-khawaja-becomes-second-aussie-test-opener-in-21st-century-to-hit-150-in-india-570574">IND vs AUS: Usman Khawaja becomes second Aussie Test opener in 21st century to hit 150 in India</a></strong></p>

<p>Ashwin also achieved his 32nd five-wicket haul in Tests. He is the second Indian with most five-fers in an innings, sixth overall.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Most five-wickets-in-an-innings&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Muttiah Muralitharan - 67<br />
Shane Warne - 37<br />
Sir Richard Hadlee - 36<br />
Anil Kumble - 35<br />
Rangana Herath - 34<br />
<strong>R Ashwin - 32</strong></p>

<p>After getting rid of Australia for 480, Rohit Sharma-led India have a herculean task to bat well and challenge Steve Smith &amp; Co.'s score. India lead the four-match series 2-1 and need a win in the series decider to enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, where Australia have already qualified.&nbsp;</p>


R Ashwin returned with 6 for 91 as India finally managed to dismiss Australia for 480 on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green kicked off proceedings on Day 2 (March 10) from the overnight score 255/4 and continued to pile runs.

R Ashwin returned with 6 for 91 as India finally managed to dismiss Australia for 480 on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green kicked off proceedings on Day 2 (March 10) from the overnight score 255/4 and continued to pile runs. The pair added a whopping 208-run fifth-wicket stand, from 170-4 to 378 for 5, as the duo struck a century each on a flat track but Ashwin remained economical all throughout the innings and ended with 6 for 91 to attain a huge feat. The 36-year-old wily off-spinner Ashwin is now tied with Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon with most wickets in India-Australia Tests. Lyon, who was the Player-of-the-Match in Australia's inspiring nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore (courtesy of his 11-fer), will aim to once again take the lead in India's first essay. Most wickets in Ind - Aus Tests 113 N Lyon 113 R Ashwin * 111 A Kumble 95 Harbhajan Also read: IND vs AUS: Usman Khawaja becomes second Aussie Test opener in 21st century to hit 150 in India Ashwin also achieved his 32nd five-wicket haul in Tests. He is the second Indian with most five-fers in an innings, sixth overall. Most five-wickets-in-an-innings Muttiah Muralitharan - 67 Shane Warne - 37 Sir Richard Hadlee - 36 Anil Kumble - 35 Rangana Herath - 34 R Ashwin - 32 After getting rid of Australia for 480, Rohit Sharma-led India have a herculean task to bat well and challenge Steve Smith & Co.'s score. India lead the four-match series 2-1 and need a win in the series decider to enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, where Australia have already qualified.

R Ashwin equals Nathan Lyon with most wickets in India-Australia Tests during Day 2 of Ahmedabad tie

<p>Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09). Before the start of the series decider, both PM Modi and Albanese met the Indian and Australian players, respectively, amid a huge roar from the crowd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video of PM Modi-Anthony Albanese's interaction with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith, respectively. Here's the video of the two dignitaries meeting players from both camps, shared by BCCI's official Twitter handle. The caption read, "A special welcome &amp; special handshakes!</p>

<p>The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia &amp; Australia respectively."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlboMP</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bijT2ENJ5">pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1633670614979612673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unmissable-rohit-sharma-leads-the-charge-as-team-india-celebrate-holi-in-ahmedabad-watch-569894">UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>At the coin toss, Smith-led Australia opted to bat first. The stand-in skipper said, "We are going to have a bat, playing with the same team. Looks like a nice surface, does look like a good wicket. The guys performed well last week. We'll wait and see (whether he will lead Australia in India again)."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit told the broadcasters, "We would have batted first. We know what needs to be done. Siraj is rested and Shami is back. It's always nice to have some time off. We need to regroup as a team, you can reflect on so many things. Not the surface what we saw in the first three Tests, looks a good pitch, I hope it stays the same for all five days."</p>

<p><strong>Playing XIs</strong></p>

<p><strong>India: </strong>Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav</p>

<p><strong>Australia: </strong>Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon</p>

<p>India lead the series 2-1 but need to win the final Test to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia have already qualified following their Indore Test victory.</p>


Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09).

Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09). Before the start of the series decider, both PM Modi and Albanese met the Indian and Australian players, respectively, amid a huge roar from the crowd. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video of PM Modi-Anthony Albanese's interaction with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith, respectively. Here's the video of the two dignitaries meeting players from both camps, shared by BCCI's official Twitter handle. The caption read, "A special welcome & special handshakes! The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively." The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | @AlboMP | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5 — BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023 × Also read: UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch At the coin toss, Smith-led Australia opted to bat first. The stand-in skipper said, "We are going to have a bat, playing with the same team. Looks like a nice surface, does look like a good wicket. The guys performed well last week. We'll wait and see (whether he will lead Australia in India again)." Meanwhile, Rohit told the broadcasters, "We would have batted first. We know what needs to be done. Siraj is rested and Shami is back. It's always nice to have some time off. We need to regroup as a team, you can reflect on so many things. Not the surface what we saw in the first three Tests, looks a good pitch, I hope it stays the same for all five days." Playing XIs India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav Australia: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon India lead the series 2-1 but need to win the final Test to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia have already qualified following their Indore Test victory.

WATCH: PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese meet Ind-Aus players before 4th Test

<p>Australia bounced back in style in the third and penultimate Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, versus India to win by nine wickets and keep the series alive. However, the venue for the third Test received a lot of flak. The Holkar Stadium, Indore hosted the game which concluded in less than three days with Aussies winning in the morning session on Day 3; making the series scoreline 2-1 in India's favour with one game to go.</p>

<p>The Indore pitch became the talk of the town post the conclusion of the match. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a 'poor' rating to the pitch and many former cricketers and experts of the game shared their take on the surface, which spun considerably from Day 1, and now former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir also joined the bandwagon.</p>

<p>While speaking to Sports Today, Gambhir said he doesn't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days.&nbsp;"I feel, yes, playing on turning tracks is fine, but I won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days. We want to see tight finishes, like the one we saw in the New Zealand vs England Test. (If a Test goes to) 4th or 5th day, it is fine. But 2.5 days is too short," Gambhir said in a chat on Sports Today.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-team-india-jasprit-bumrah-out-of-action-for-6-months-with-back-surgery-in-new-zealand-report-569836">Big blow to Team India! Jasprit Bumrah set to be out of action for six months post surgery in NZ: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that none of the three Tests in the BGT 2022/23 have stretched till the fourth day. All the matches have concluded on the third day, either by first or second session.</p>

<p>Questions were also raised on Rohit Sharma-led India's ability to play spin after they fell for 109 and 163 in the Indore Test. However, Gambhir has backed Rohit-led Indian batters. "I don't think so. People like (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Virat) Kohli, Rohit Sharma are good players of spin bowling. If they weren't, they won't have played in 100 Tests. You have to be very good player of spin and fast bowling to reach that mark. One thing that has changed is that the DRS has played a massive role," Gambhir added.</p>

<p>The fourth and penultimate Test begins tomorrow (on March 9) as India aim for WTC final qualification. Australia have already confirmed their spot with a famous win in Indore.</p>


Australia bounced back in style in the third and penultimate Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, versus India to win by nine wickets and keep the series alive. However, the venue for the third Test received a lot of flak.

Australia bounced back in style in the third and penultimate Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, versus India to win by nine wickets and keep the series alive. However, the venue for the third Test received a lot of flak. The Holkar Stadium, Indore hosted the game which concluded in less than three days with Aussies winning in the morning session on Day 3; making the series scoreline 2-1 in India's favour with one game to go. The Indore pitch became the talk of the town post the conclusion of the match. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a 'poor' rating to the pitch and many former cricketers and experts of the game shared their take on the surface, which spun considerably from Day 1, and now former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir also joined the bandwagon. While speaking to Sports Today, Gambhir said he doesn't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days. "I feel, yes, playing on turning tracks is fine, but I won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days. We want to see tight finishes, like the one we saw in the New Zealand vs England Test. (If a Test goes to) 4th or 5th day, it is fine. But 2.5 days is too short," Gambhir said in a chat on Sports Today. Also read: Big blow to Team India! Jasprit Bumrah set to be out of action for six months post surgery in NZ: Report It is to be noted that none of the three Tests in the BGT 2022/23 have stretched till the fourth day. All the matches have concluded on the third day, either by first or second session. Questions were also raised on Rohit Sharma-led India's ability to play spin after they fell for 109 and 163 in the Indore Test. However, Gambhir has backed Rohit-led Indian batters. "I don't think so. People like (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Virat) Kohli, Rohit Sharma are good players of spin bowling. If they weren't, they won't have played in 100 Tests. You have to be very good player of spin and fast bowling to reach that mark. One thing that has changed is that the DRS has played a massive role," Gambhir added. The fourth and penultimate Test begins tomorrow (on March 9) as India aim for WTC final qualification. Australia have already confirmed their spot with a famous win in Indore.

BGT 2022/23: Won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days, opines Gautam Gambhir

<p>India coach Rahul Dravid, ahead of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, said that the pitches are becoming challenging all over the world and not only in India. Dravid also defended the Indian batsmen, saying the benchmarks have to be realistic.</p>

<p>"If you look at the last three-four years, all over the world I think wickets have got a lot more challenging, not only here. So you have to be realistic about what the benchmarks are now, what the standards are," Dravid said.</p>

<p>"Just understanding that in these kinds of games, just one good performance can change the game. We saw that with Rohit's performance (Nagpur Century), we've seen that many times over here. It's just being realistic in our assessment of our batsmen, their averages and their numbers, and don't really look so much into it," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-record-fans-set-to-attend-india-vs-australia-test-in-ahmedabad-569714">IND vs AUS 4th Test: Record fans set to attend India vs Australia Test in Ahmedabad</a></p>

<p>The comments come on the back of the first three Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series ending inside three days. The pitch in the last Test in Indore, especially, received a 'poor' rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after it started offering turn within first hour of play, which India lost by nine-wickets after managing 107 and 163 in two innings.</p>

<p>There has been much talk about the pitches in the ongoing series even since the first match in Nagpur. Former and current players from Australia, however, have downplayed all the talks around the topic. Notably, Australia folded for 91 in their second innings in Nagpur and 113 in Delhi Test.</p>

<p>Much of it although had to do with the expensive shots played by the batsmen instead of turn on the pitch. The Indore pitch, meanwhile, has gotten the backlash from former players of both countries for not being Test friendly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, India lead the four-match series 2-1 and a win the Ahmedabad Test would book them a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final which is scheduled to be played in England in June.</p>

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India coach Rahul Dravid, ahead of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, said that the pitches are becoming challenging all over the world and not only in India.

India coach Rahul Dravid, ahead of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, said that the pitches are becoming challenging all over the world and not only in India. Dravid also defended the Indian batsmen, saying the benchmarks have to be realistic. "If you look at the last three-four years, all over the world I think wickets have got a lot more challenging, not only here. So you have to be realistic about what the benchmarks are now, what the standards are," Dravid said. "Just understanding that in these kinds of games, just one good performance can change the game. We saw that with Rohit's performance (Nagpur Century), we've seen that many times over here. It's just being realistic in our assessment of our batsmen, their averages and their numbers, and don't really look so much into it," he added. Also Read: IND vs AUS 4th Test: Record fans set to attend India vs Australia Test in Ahmedabad The comments come on the back of the first three Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series ending inside three days. The pitch in the last Test in Indore, especially, received a 'poor' rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after it started offering turn within first hour of play, which India lost by nine-wickets after managing 107 and 163 in two innings. There has been much talk about the pitches in the ongoing series even since the first match in Nagpur. Former and current players from Australia, however, have downplayed all the talks around the topic. Notably, Australia folded for 91 in their second innings in Nagpur and 113 in Delhi Test. Much of it although had to do with the expensive shots played by the batsmen instead of turn on the pitch. The Indore pitch, meanwhile, has gotten the backlash from former players of both countries for not being Test friendly. Currently, India lead the four-match series 2-1 and a win the Ahmedabad Test would book them a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final which is scheduled to be played in England in June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ind vs Aus: Rahul Dravid defends Indian batsmen, says pitches now challenging everywhere

<p>India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will aim for a 3-1 series scoreline and also confirm&nbsp;a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Rohit, on the other hand, is also eyeing to emulate one of Sunil Gavaskar's elite feats.</p>

<p>So far, Rohit has been India's top performer with the bat in the series, which has comprised batting on tough pitches. In the three Tests, the Hitman has scored&nbsp;207 runs and remains the only batter with a hundred (120). He is the leading run-getter of the four-match series. If he scores another ton in the series finale, he will&nbsp;join Sunil Gavaskar and&nbsp;become the only second Indian captain to have&nbsp;more than one hundred&nbsp;in India-Australia home Test matches.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unmissable-rohit-sharma-leads-the-charge-as-team-india-celebrate-holi-in-ahmedabad-watch-569894">UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>MOST HUNDREDS IN IND v AUS TESTS AT HOME (CAPTAINS)</strong></p>

<p>Sunil Gavaskar - 2 in 6 Tests - 425 runs<br />
MS Dhoni - 1 in 8 Tests - 643 runs<br />
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi - 1 in 8 Tests - 490 runs<br />
Mohammad Azharuddin - 1 in 3 Tests - 311 runs<br />
Kapil Dev - 1 in 3 Tests - 120 runs<br />
<strong>Rohit Sharma - 1 in 3 Tests - 207 runs*</strong></p>

<p>Gavaskar had a memorable run in the home series versus Australia in 1979. He returned with&nbsp;425 runs in the six-match series, including two tons and an equal number of fifties.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has most runs as India captain in India-Australia home Tests.&nbsp;He scored 643 runs, including a double hundred and as many as four&nbsp;half-centuries in eight&nbsp;matches.</p>

<p>Rohit will aim for a daddy hundred and lead India to a memorable series win over Steve Smith &amp; Co. With a win in the final Test, India will also qualify for the WTC final. Australia became the first finalist after their Indore Test victory.</p>


India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma & Co.

India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma & Co. will aim for a 3-1 series scoreline and also confirm a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Rohit, on the other hand, is also eyeing to emulate one of Sunil Gavaskar's elite feats. So far, Rohit has been India's top performer with the bat in the series, which has comprised batting on tough pitches. In the three Tests, the Hitman has scored 207 runs and remains the only batter with a hundred (120). He is the leading run-getter of the four-match series. If he scores another ton in the series finale, he will join Sunil Gavaskar and become the only second Indian captain to have more than one hundred in India-Australia home Test matches. Also read: UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch MOST HUNDREDS IN IND v AUS TESTS AT HOME (CAPTAINS) Sunil Gavaskar - 2 in 6 Tests - 425 runs MS Dhoni - 1 in 8 Tests - 643 runs Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi - 1 in 8 Tests - 490 runs Mohammad Azharuddin - 1 in 3 Tests - 311 runs Kapil Dev - 1 in 3 Tests - 120 runs Rohit Sharma - 1 in 3 Tests - 207 runs* Gavaskar had a memorable run in the home series versus Australia in 1979. He returned with 425 runs in the six-match series, including two tons and an equal number of fifties. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has most runs as India captain in India-Australia home Tests. He scored 643 runs, including a double hundred and as many as four half-centuries in eight matches. Rohit will aim for a daddy hundred and lead India to a memorable series win over Steve Smith & Co. With a win in the final Test, India will also qualify for the WTC final. Australia became the first finalist after their Indore Test victory.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar’s elite feat in Test series finale at Ahmedabad

<p>Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil. While he has only managed a solitary wicket in five innings, bowling 39 overs, he has led the charge with the bat -- coming with vital contributions down the order in the opening two games -- and is the second-highest run-getter of the 2022/23 BGT.</p>

<p>Axar is only behind skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored a majestic 120 in the series opener in Nagpur, with&nbsp;185 runs in four outings, at 92.50, including two fifties with a best of 84. He remained not-out in both innings in the Indore Test, where India's main batters fell flat versus the Aussie spinners. Nonetheless, there have been&nbsp;a few who have surprisingly called for his omission, to make way for Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Former Indian stumper and BCCI selector Saba Karim has backed Axar and feels his batting contributions have been one of the&nbsp;main reasons for India having an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-202223-wont-appreciate-test-matches-finishing-in-25-days-opines-gautam-gambhir-569845">BGT 2022/23: Won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days, opines Gautam Gambhir</a></strong></p>

<p>"India should continue playing Axar Patel," Karim said&nbsp;during a discussion on India News Sports. "India have a 2-1 lead in the series because Axar has batted really well. He hasn't had enough opportunities with the ball, as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the two prime spinners, have bowled most of the overs."</p>

<p>"He doesn't deserve to sit out. Since Ahmedabad is his home ground, he knows the dimensions of the ground and the conditions very well," added Karim.</p>

<p>Axar will be gearing up to play on his home ground as India host Australia in the series decider, on Thursday (March 09) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On debut, the left-arm spinner had taken a memorable 11-fer at the same venue in a day-night Test versus England, in 2021. He will be eager to replicate the same feat and lead India to a series win, and take them to the WTC final.</p>

<p>India need a win in the series finale to emerge on top by a 3-1 margin and also confirm their place in the WTC final. Australia already qualified with their nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore.</p>


Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil.

Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil. While he has only managed a solitary wicket in five innings, bowling 39 overs, he has led the charge with the bat -- coming with vital contributions down the order in the opening two games -- and is the second-highest run-getter of the 2022/23 BGT. Axar is only behind skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored a majestic 120 in the series opener in Nagpur, with 185 runs in four outings, at 92.50, including two fifties with a best of 84. He remained not-out in both innings in the Indore Test, where India's main batters fell flat versus the Aussie spinners. Nonetheless, there have been a few who have surprisingly called for his omission, to make way for Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad. Former Indian stumper and BCCI selector Saba Karim has backed Axar and feels his batting contributions have been one of the main reasons for India having an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Also read: BGT 2022/23: Won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days, opines Gautam Gambhir "India should continue playing Axar Patel," Karim said during a discussion on India News Sports. "India have a 2-1 lead in the series because Axar has batted really well. He hasn't had enough opportunities with the ball, as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the two prime spinners, have bowled most of the overs." "He doesn't deserve to sit out. Since Ahmedabad is his home ground, he knows the dimensions of the ground and the conditions very well," added Karim. Axar will be gearing up to play on his home ground as India host Australia in the series decider, on Thursday (March 09) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On debut, the left-arm spinner had taken a memorable 11-fer at the same venue in a day-night Test versus England, in 2021. He will be eager to replicate the same feat and lead India to a series win, and take them to the WTC final. India need a win in the series finale to emerge on top by a 3-1 margin and also confirm their place in the WTC final. Australia already qualified with their nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore.

India have a 2-1 lead because of him: Ex-India stumper backs star player ahead of 4th Test

<p>Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09. Resuming the day's play, Australia needed only 76 runs for a famous win and chased down the target with Travis Head leading the charge (49*). With this win, Australia have also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.</p>

<p>The day's play started with R Ashwin getting rid of in-form opener Usman Khawaja. The left-hander failed to open his account and was caught behind by KS Bharat as Ashwin drew the first blood in the opening over. However, from thereon, there was not much to cheer for India as Head-Labuschagne looked confident, bought some time in the middle, and guided the side to a memorable nine-wicket triumph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the Test match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. Nothing clicked for India on a pitch that turned fair and square. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Iyer, etc. all fell flat as&nbsp;Matthew Kuhnemann, playing his second Test, ended with a five-fer (5 for 16). India started with the ball by not being consistent in their line and length and Australia ended the opening day with a 47-run lead, with six wickets in hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-did-not-make-any-sense-sanjay-manjrekar-slams-rohit-sharmas-tactics-in-indore-test-568013">'It did not make any sense': Sanjay Manjrekar slams Rohit Sharma's tactics in Indore Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Day 2 saw a fightback from India with Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin dismissing Australia for 197. However, the Steve Smith-led side managed to take a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India once again fell flat and got dismissed for 163 with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul). By virtue of his match-winning spell, Lyon&nbsp;became the second&nbsp;in the list of most wickets against India (going past Muttiah Muralitharan) and&nbsp;also equalled Richie Benaud's tally of most 5-fers&nbsp;(five) against India on their home soil.</p>

<p>On Friday morning, Australia ended the formalities by chasing a 76-run target and have qualified for the WTC final, to be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Shortest home Tests that ended in a defeat for India<br />
1135 balls Aus vs Ind Indore 2022/23 *</strong><br />
1459 balls Eng vs Ind Kanpur 1951/52<br />
1474 balls WI vs Ind Kolkata 1983/84<br />
1476 balls Aus vs Ind Mumbai WS 2000/01</p>

<p>The Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains alive as both teams will now to go Ahmedabad for the series finale. India will aim for a revamp and end the series with a 3-1 scoreline and also enter the WTC final.</p>


Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09.

Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09. Resuming the day's play, Australia needed only 76 runs for a famous win and chased down the target with Travis Head leading the charge (49*). With this win, Australia have also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The day's play started with R Ashwin getting rid of in-form opener Usman Khawaja. The left-hander failed to open his account and was caught behind by KS Bharat as Ashwin drew the first blood in the opening over. However, from thereon, there was not much to cheer for India as Head-Labuschagne looked confident, bought some time in the middle, and guided the side to a memorable nine-wicket triumph. Talking about the Test match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. Nothing clicked for India on a pitch that turned fair and square. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Iyer, etc. all fell flat as Matthew Kuhnemann, playing his second Test, ended with a five-fer (5 for 16). India started with the ball by not being consistent in their line and length and Australia ended the opening day with a 47-run lead, with six wickets in hand. Also read: 'It did not make any sense': Sanjay Manjrekar slams Rohit Sharma's tactics in Indore Test Day 2 saw a fightback from India with Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin dismissing Australia for 197. However, the Steve Smith-led side managed to take a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India once again fell flat and got dismissed for 163 with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul). By virtue of his match-winning spell, Lyon became the second in the list of most wickets against India (going past Muttiah Muralitharan) and also equalled Richie Benaud's tally of most 5-fers (five) against India on their home soil. On Friday morning, Australia ended the formalities by chasing a 76-run target and have qualified for the WTC final, to be held in early June at The Oval, London. Shortest home Tests that ended in a defeat for India 1135 balls Aus vs Ind Indore 2022/23 * 1459 balls Eng vs Ind Kanpur 1951/52 1474 balls WI vs Ind Kolkata 1983/84 1476 balls Aus vs Ind Mumbai WS 2000/01 The Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains alive as both teams will now to go Ahmedabad for the series finale. India will aim for a revamp and end the series with a 3-1 scoreline and also enter the WTC final.

Indore Test: Nathan Lyon stars in visitors' famous win to keep series alive; Australia enter WTC final

WTC 2023 Points Table: On Friday (March 03), Australia thrashed India by nine wickets to win the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to keep the series alive at 2-1.

WTC 2023 Points Table: On Friday (March 03), Australia thrashed India by nine wickets to win the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to keep the series alive at 2-1. Moreover, Australia also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be held at The Oval, London in early June, with their famous triumph on a turning track at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Resuming Day 3, Australia started their run-chase, where they needed 76 for a win, and lost Usman Khawaja in the first over. Nonetheless, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led the Steve Smith-led Aussies to victory, and through to the final of the second cycle of the WTC. The damage was done for India after they only managed 109, opting to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday (March 01), before conceding a vital 88-run lead to the visitors -- who were all-out for 197 -- on a tough batting pitch tough. In their second essay, Rohit Sharma & Co. fell flat once again with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul in the match). Being all-out for 163, India gave a paltry 76-run target which the Aussies chased down in style during the first session of Day 3. With this win, Australia have become the first side to enter the WTC final. India have to wait for the final Test, in Ahmedabad and need a win to not depend on other results and meet the Aussies in the summit clash. Sri Lanka is the only other team who can play spoilsport for India and reach the final if they whitewash hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match series. Here's a look at the updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore Test: Also read: Indore Test: Nathan Lyon stars in visitors' famous win to keep series alive; Australia enter WTC final SN TEAM PCT (%) PTS W L D 1 AUSTRALIA 68.52 148 11 3 4 2 INDIA 60.29 123 10 5 2 3 SRI LANKA 53.33 64 5 4 1 4 SOUTH AFRICA 52.38 88 7 6 1 5 ENGLAND 46.97 124 10 8 4 6 PAKISTAN 38.1 64 4 6 4 7 WEST INDIES 37.5 54 4 6 2 8 NEW ZEALAND 27.27 36 2 6 3 9 BANGLADESH 11.11 16 1 10 1 At the post-match presentation, losing captain Rohit said, "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not. Things happen like that, but we can take a lot of credit about how we batted in the first 2 games." On the way forward, he opined, "Its all about everyone coming together and chipping in. We want few guys stand up and put their hand up to take the team through. You will falter in your plans and that's what happened in this game, we didn't adapt as well as we would have liked to." The fourth and final Test begins in Ahmedabad on March 09.

WTC points table 2023 ICC World Test Championship ranking after Australia beat India in Indore

<p>Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour. A lot has been said and written about the nature of the pitch on offer at the Holkar Stadium, Indore where the match ended in less than three complete days. After the game, captain Rohit Sharma reacted to all such noises around the Indore pitch.</p>

<p>The likes of Matthew Hayden, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Clarke, etc. opined on the pitch ever since the Test commenced on Wednesday (March 01). While 14 wickets fell on the opening day, as many as 16 fell on Day 2. At the post-match presser, Rohit reacted to all such criticism and revealed that&nbsp;it was Indian team's&nbsp;collective decision&nbsp;to play on such surfaces despite being aware of the challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit said, "Former cricketers did not play on pitches like this. So I don't know. Like I said, this is the kind of pitch we wanted to play in and this is our strength. When you play in home, you want to play to your strength and not worry about what people outside are speaking about. And had we not gotten results, we would have thought otherwise."</p>

<p>Hitman pointed out how it is important to laud Nathan Lyon (Player-of-the-Match for his 11-wicket haul including 8 for 64 in India's second innings) and not just talk about the pitch. "This pitch talk is getting too much. Every time we play in India, the focus is only on pitch. Why are people not asking me about Nathan Lyon and how well he bowled? Or, how well Pujara batted in the second innings? Or, how well Usman Khawaja played? Those are the things I can give you a details on, but not on pitch because it is absolutely not necessary,” Rohit added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-australia-beat-india-in-indore-568058">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore</a></strong></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Rohit also highlighted how India should tackle such tough batting surfaces. "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not," he said.</p>

<p>The fourth and final Test gets underway in Ahmedabad on March 09. Australia have already qualified for the WTC final whereas India still need a win to not depend on other results and march into the summit clash, to be held in early June in London.</p>


Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour.

Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour. A lot has been said and written about the nature of the pitch on offer at the Holkar Stadium, Indore where the match ended in less than three complete days. After the game, captain Rohit Sharma reacted to all such noises around the Indore pitch. The likes of Matthew Hayden, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Clarke, etc. opined on the pitch ever since the Test commenced on Wednesday (March 01). While 14 wickets fell on the opening day, as many as 16 fell on Day 2. At the post-match presser, Rohit reacted to all such criticism and revealed that it was Indian team's collective decision to play on such surfaces despite being aware of the challenges. Rohit said, "Former cricketers did not play on pitches like this. So I don't know. Like I said, this is the kind of pitch we wanted to play in and this is our strength. When you play in home, you want to play to your strength and not worry about what people outside are speaking about. And had we not gotten results, we would have thought otherwise." Hitman pointed out how it is important to laud Nathan Lyon (Player-of-the-Match for his 11-wicket haul including 8 for 64 in India's second innings) and not just talk about the pitch. "This pitch talk is getting too much. Every time we play in India, the focus is only on pitch. Why are people not asking me about Nathan Lyon and how well he bowled? Or, how well Pujara batted in the second innings? Or, how well Usman Khawaja played? Those are the things I can give you a details on, but not on pitch because it is absolutely not necessary,” Rohit added. Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore At the post-match presentation, Rohit also highlighted how India should tackle such tough batting surfaces. "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not," he said. The fourth and final Test gets underway in Ahmedabad on March 09. Australia have already qualified for the WTC final whereas India still need a win to not depend on other results and march into the summit clash, to be held in early June in London.

'Former cricketers did not...': Rohit Sharma on ex-players' rant on Indore Test pitch after India's defeat

<p>Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target&nbsp;on Thursday (March 02).</p>

<p>With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed&nbsp;for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster.</p>

<p>“See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smith-pulls-off-a-stunner-to-dismiss-cheteshwar-pujara-on-day-2-of-indore-test-567669">WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test</a></strong></p>

<p>“You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added.</p>

<p>Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit &amp; Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline.</p>

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Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109.

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target on Thursday (March 02). With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster. “See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match. Also Read: WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test “You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added. Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit & Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline. ×

'His approach was...': Harbhajan defends India's star batter despite poor outings in Indore Test vs Australia

<p>Day 2 of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, saw Australia get dismissed for 197 -- resuming the day from 156 for 4 -- after dismissing Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. for 109 on Day 1. In their second essay, India only managed 163 all-out , setting a paltry 76-run target for the visitors. The third day will commence, on Friday (March 03), with Australia needing only 76 to make the four-match series scoreline 2-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From India's perspective, only Cheteshwar Pujara looked comfortable in the middle during their second innings. While India had a chance to wipe out the deficit and set a challenging target but none of their star batters made a mark. Pujara was the lone warrior who fell for an impressive 142-ball 59. He was dismissed by Nathan Lyon -- who returned with a stunning 8 for 64 -- but stand-in captain Steve Smith won all the accolodes for Pujara's dismissal by pulling off a one-handed stunner at leg slip. Pujara flicked a delivery off Lyon and it went low to Smith's right hand. The 33-year-old was proactive enough to grab the ball in a flash and send Pujara packing. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Smith 🙏😮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pujara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pujara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cheteshwarpujara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cheteshwarpujara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUSTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUSTest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsAus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsAus</a> <a href="https://t.co/FwoFM2wmD7">pic.twitter.com/FwoFM2wmD7</a></p>
— ßivek¹⁸ (@Bvekgupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bvekgupta/status/1631253275587792897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-unplayable-umesh-yadav-sends-mitchell-starcs-stumps-flying-with-a-jaffa-watch-567629">IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: UNPLAYABLE! Umesh Yadav sends Mitchell Starc's stumps flying with a jaffa - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>After Pujara's dismissal, India were reduced to 155 for 8. From thereon, Axar Patel tried to go big and add to India's lead before he ran out of partners as the home side got dismissed for 163 in 60.3 overs. After stumps on Day 2, Pujara told the broadcasters, "It is a tough pitch to bat on. It is not easy and you need to trust your defence, you need to make sure to get to the pitch of the ball and try to judge the length early. I know it is not enough but still there is a chance (to win). You need to do that on such pitches, if you keep defending then there's one ball which will bounce and hit your glove, you need to find the right balance between attack and defence."</p>

<p>On his dismissal and Smith's brilliance, Pujara said, "It was a brilliant catch by Smith. Bit disappointed, the way things were coming along.. a partnership with Axar, we could have gotten a few more. I am learning few more shots and if there's a situation or demand then you get few quick runs, I have been working on that and I'm confident that whenever it is needed I can play the (big) shot."</p>


Day 2 of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, saw Australia get dismissed for 197 -- resuming the day from 156 for 4 -- after dismissing Rohit Sharma & Co.

Day 2 of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, saw Australia get dismissed for 197 -- resuming the day from 156 for 4 -- after dismissing Rohit Sharma & Co. for 109 on Day 1. In their second essay, India only managed 163 all-out , setting a paltry 76-run target for the visitors. The third day will commence, on Friday (March 03), with Australia needing only 76 to make the four-match series scoreline 2-1. From India's perspective, only Cheteshwar Pujara looked comfortable in the middle during their second innings. While India had a chance to wipe out the deficit and set a challenging target but none of their star batters made a mark. Pujara was the lone warrior who fell for an impressive 142-ball 59. He was dismissed by Nathan Lyon -- who returned with a stunning 8 for 64 -- but stand-in captain Steve Smith won all the accolodes for Pujara's dismissal by pulling off a one-handed stunner at leg slip. Pujara flicked a delivery off Lyon and it went low to Smith's right hand. The 33-year-old was proactive enough to grab the ball in a flash and send Pujara packing. Here's the video: Steve Smith 🙏😮#pujara #cheteshwarpujara #INDvAUS #INDvsAUSTest #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/FwoFM2wmD7 — ßivek¹⁸ (@Bvekgupta) March 2, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: UNPLAYABLE! Umesh Yadav sends Mitchell Starc's stumps flying with a jaffa - Watch After Pujara's dismissal, India were reduced to 155 for 8. From thereon, Axar Patel tried to go big and add to India's lead before he ran out of partners as the home side got dismissed for 163 in 60.3 overs. After stumps on Day 2, Pujara told the broadcasters, "It is a tough pitch to bat on. It is not easy and you need to trust your defence, you need to make sure to get to the pitch of the ball and try to judge the length early. I know it is not enough but still there is a chance (to win). You need to do that on such pitches, if you keep defending then there's one ball which will bounce and hit your glove, you need to find the right balance between attack and defence." On his dismissal and Smith's brilliance, Pujara said, "It was a brilliant catch by Smith. Bit disappointed, the way things were coming along.. a partnership with Axar, we could have gotten a few more. I am learning few more shots and if there's a situation or demand then you get few quick runs, I have been working on that and I'm confident that whenever it is needed I can play the (big) shot."

WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test

<p>India have been on the back foot since Day 1 of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. After being all-out for 109, India managed to dismiss Australia for 197; conceding an 88-run lead. Resuming the second day, on Thursday (March 02), Rohit Sharma-led India had a task to not give a sizeable lead to the Aussies, who started the day at 156 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Umesh Yadav starred with the ball to fold the Australian innings for 197 before the lunch break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Jadeja provided all the breakthroughs on Day 1, Ashwin-Umesh joined the party on Day 2. Umesh accounted for the wickets of Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green. While Green was trapped lbw, Murphy and Starc were cleaned up by the Indian speedster. Umesh produced a jaffa to get rid of Starc, leaving the Aussie shellshocked. <strong>Here's the video of the dismissal:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI - 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 in India for <a href="https://twitter.com/y_umesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@y_umesh</a> 💪<br />
<br />
What a ball that was from Umesh Yadav as he cleans up Mitchell Starc to grab his 100th Test wicket at home. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/AD0NIUbkGB">pic.twitter.com/AD0NIUbkGB</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1631169859802513408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-i-will-be-fighting-for-him-former-aussie-captain-comes-in-support-of-under-fire-kl-rahul-567614">IND vs AUS: 'I will be fighting for him' - Former Aussie captain comes in support of under-fire KL Rahul</a></strong></p>

<p>Umesh returned with 4 for 12 in five overs whereas Jadeja (4 for 78) and Ashwin (3 for 44) led the charge with the red cherry as the Australian innings ended in a flash during the morning session of the second day's play. In their second essay, India are on the mat having lost seven wickets for 140 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara has scored the 50-run mark but has a herculean task to add vital runs with the lower order to give something to defend for the Indian bowlers.&nbsp;</p>


India have been on the back foot since Day 1 of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. After being all-out for 109, India managed to dismiss Australia for 197; conceding an 88-run lead.

India have been on the back foot since Day 1 of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. After being all-out for 109, India managed to dismiss Australia for 197; conceding an 88-run lead. Resuming the second day, on Thursday (March 02), Rohit Sharma-led India had a task to not give a sizeable lead to the Aussies, who started the day at 156 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Umesh Yadav starred with the ball to fold the Australian innings for 197 before the lunch break. While Jadeja provided all the breakthroughs on Day 1, Ashwin-Umesh joined the party on Day 2. Umesh accounted for the wickets of Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green. While Green was trapped lbw, Murphy and Starc were cleaned up by the Indian speedster. Umesh produced a jaffa to get rid of Starc, leaving the Aussie shellshocked. Here's the video of the dismissal: ICYMI - 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 in India for @y_umesh 💪 What a ball that was from Umesh Yadav as he cleans up Mitchell Starc to grab his 100th Test wicket at home. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/AD0NIUbkGB — BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS: 'I will be fighting for him' - Former Aussie captain comes in support of under-fire KL Rahul Umesh returned with 4 for 12 in five overs whereas Jadeja (4 for 78) and Ashwin (3 for 44) led the charge with the red cherry as the Australian innings ended in a flash during the morning session of the second day's play. In their second essay, India are on the mat having lost seven wickets for 140 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara has scored the 50-run mark but has a herculean task to add vital runs with the lower order to give something to defend for the Indian bowlers.

IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: UNPLAYABLE! Umesh Yadav sends Mitchell Starc's stumps flying with a jaffa - Watch

<p>IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Having an unassailable 2-0 lead, India are very close to finalising a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India have been top-notch in the first two Tests versus Australia -- banking on Rohit Sharma's form, lower-order runs&nbsp;and spinners -- to win the back-to-back games and are just a step away from entering the WTC final, for the second time in a row. <strong>Here's what they need to do in the third and penultimate Test to book a slot in the summit clash, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>India are 2-0 ahead in the series and just need another win in the ongoing Test to cement a place in the WTC final. While India can go through even if they lose the next two encounters (but in such a case, they will have to depend on other results; hoping&nbsp;for Sri Lanka to not win their remaining two Tests), they will confirm a place with a 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 scoreline. Hence, India already have one&nbsp;foot in the WTC finale.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Pat Cummins-led Australia -- who are the No. 1 ranked side in the purest format -- have so far had a forgettable trip to India. After being 2-0 down, they have a herculean task to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline. A 0-3 or 0-4 scoreline looks likely at this stage. For them to qualify, they can even do so despite being whitewashed by India. In such a scenario, they will have to hope for Sri Lanka to not whitewash the hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match Test series. It is to be noted that Tim Southee &amp; Co. have not lost a home Test series since early 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahuls-removal-as-vice-captain-doesnt-indicate-anything-says-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-ind-aus-3rd-test-566848">KL Rahul's removal as vice-captain doesn't indicate anything, says Rohit Sharma ahead of Ind-Aus 3rd Test</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Indore Test, Day 1</strong></p>

<p>At the coin toss on Day 1&nbsp;of the Indore Test, Rohit called it right as India chose to bat first. India made two changes in their playing XI with former vice-captain and woefully out of form KL Rahul being sidelined whereas Md Shami was rested (with Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav being the replacements, respectively).&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the toss, Rohit said, "We will have a bat first. It is a pretty good dressing room and like you said the morale is high. The guys are confident about their skills which is a good thing moving forward. We have played a lot of cricket (here) but this one (surface) is slightly different. Looks little dry and you have to adapt your skills and be at it all the time. We aren't there yet (WTC final) and we have to come and win this game, we have to try and repeat the things we did in the first two Tests. It is important to stay present. We have made two changes - Gill comes in place of KL. We have rested Shami and Umesh comes in."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia are without regular skipper Cummins, who is in Australia to look after his ailing mother. In his absence, Steve Smith leads the side as they trail 0-2.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Playing XIs:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Australia: </strong>Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann</p>

<p><strong>India&nbsp;</strong>Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj</p>

<p>After opting to bat first, Rohit-led India are on the back foot currently, having lost half of their side for 45.</p>

<p><strong>How has Team India fared in the second cycle of WTC?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After losing the inaugural WTC final, to New Zealand, in 2021, India have had a decent run in the ongoing second cycle. They started the new cycle with a 2-1 lead over hosts England in the 2021 five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate a year later, before winning a home series versus the Kiwis 1-0. They lost 1-2 to South Africa during their tour of the African nation in early 2022; prompting&nbsp;Virat Kohli to step down as the red-ball captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit took over from there on and while he missed a few games, India went on to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home and also whitewash Bangladesh in their own backyard in December 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, India are favourites to whitewash the Aussie and storm into the WTC final. Currently, it looks like it will be a mouth-watering India versus Australia finale in the second cycle of the WTC (unless third-positioned Sri Lanka pulls off a surprise in NZ).&nbsp;Will India end their ICC-title drought by winning the second edition of the WTC? Only time will tell...</p>


IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Having an unassailable 2-0 lead, India are very close to finalising a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. India have been top-notch in the first two Tests versus Australia -- banking on Rohit Sharma's form, lower-order runs and spinners -- to win the back-to-back games and are just a step away from entering the WTC final, for the second time in a row. Here's what they need to do in the third and penultimate Test to book a slot in the summit clash, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11: India are 2-0 ahead in the series and just need another win in the ongoing Test to cement a place in the WTC final. While India can go through even if they lose the next two encounters (but in such a case, they will have to depend on other results; hoping for Sri Lanka to not win their remaining two Tests), they will confirm a place with a 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 scoreline. Hence, India already have one foot in the WTC finale. On the other hand, Pat Cummins-led Australia -- who are the No. 1 ranked side in the purest format -- have so far had a forgettable trip to India. After being 2-0 down, they have a herculean task to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline. A 0-3 or 0-4 scoreline looks likely at this stage. For them to qualify, they can even do so despite being whitewashed by India. In such a scenario, they will have to hope for Sri Lanka to not whitewash the hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match Test series. It is to be noted that Tim Southee & Co. have not lost a home Test series since early 2017. Also read: KL Rahul's removal as vice-captain doesn't indicate anything, says Rohit Sharma ahead of Ind-Aus 3rd Test Indore Test, Day 1 At the coin toss on Day 1 of the Indore Test, Rohit called it right as India chose to bat first. India made two changes in their playing XI with former vice-captain and woefully out of form KL Rahul being sidelined whereas Md Shami was rested (with Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav being the replacements, respectively). At the toss, Rohit said, "We will have a bat first. It is a pretty good dressing room and like you said the morale is high. The guys are confident about their skills which is a good thing moving forward. We have played a lot of cricket (here) but this one (surface) is slightly different. Looks little dry and you have to adapt your skills and be at it all the time. We aren't there yet (WTC final) and we have to come and win this game, we have to try and repeat the things we did in the first two Tests. It is important to stay present. We have made two changes - Gill comes in place of KL. We have rested Shami and Umesh comes in." Meanwhile, Australia are without regular skipper Cummins, who is in Australia to look after his ailing mother. In his absence, Steve Smith leads the side as they trail 0-2. Playing XIs: Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann India Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj After opting to bat first, Rohit-led India are on the back foot currently, having lost half of their side for 45. How has Team India fared in the second cycle of WTC? After losing the inaugural WTC final, to New Zealand, in 2021, India have had a decent run in the ongoing second cycle. They started the new cycle with a 2-1 lead over hosts England in the 2021 five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate a year later, before winning a home series versus the Kiwis 1-0. They lost 1-2 to South Africa during their tour of the African nation in early 2022; prompting Virat Kohli to step down as the red-ball captain. Rohit took over from there on and while he missed a few games, India went on to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home and also whitewash Bangladesh in their own backyard in December 2022. At present, India are favourites to whitewash the Aussie and storm into the WTC final. Currently, it looks like it will be a mouth-watering India versus Australia finale in the second cycle of the WTC (unless third-positioned Sri Lanka pulls off a surprise in NZ). Will India end their ICC-title drought by winning the second edition of the WTC? Only time will tell...

IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma & Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final

<p>In the second Test between India and Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara played his 100th game in the red-ball format. India's No. 3 has been one of the most dependable batters in the batting line-up since his international debut. He has amassed&nbsp;7,052 runs in his glorious career and has been one of the key players in India's stupendous rise in Tests, especially during the Virat Kohli captaincy era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At 35, Pujara is in the last phase of his international career. Whenever he will announce his retirement, he will leave a huge void in the batting line-up. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, which kicked off on Wednesday (March 01) in Indore, former Indian opener&nbsp;Wasim Jaffer shared his pick on who can succeed Pujara at No. 3 after he hangs up his boots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think Shreyas Iyer is the best option to succeed Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3. He has batted at No.3 for Mumbai and he is an attacking batter. If someone can come in at No.3 and score intently, putting the bowlers on the backfoot will do India a lot of good. Pujara has been brilliant at No.3," said Jaffer on his Youtube channel.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who can be Pujara's successor?<br />
Full video: <a href="https://t.co/OrGoCXiKOH">https://t.co/OrGoCXiKOH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BGT2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BGT2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsAJaffa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItsAJaffa</a> <a href="https://t.co/96StGjLOdK">pic.twitter.com/96StGjLOdK</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1630575129267965953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-indore-test-explained-how-rohit-sharma-co-can-confirm-a-slot-in-wtc-final-567025">IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final</a></strong></p>

<p>Iyer made his Test debut in late 2021, announcing his arrival with a ton and fifty in his maiden game. He ended as the second-highest run-getter for India in whites in 2022, amassing 422 runs in 5 Tests including four fifties. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has not been in good form after missing the series opener. So far, he has managed scores of 4,12 and 0. He will be eager to get a big score in India's second essay after Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. were bundled out for a paltry 109 (opting to bat first) on Day 1 of the Indore Test.&nbsp;</p>


In the second Test between India and Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara played his 100th game in the red-ball format. India's No. 3 has been one of the most dependable batters in the batting line-up since his international debut.

In the second Test between India and Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara played his 100th game in the red-ball format. India's No. 3 has been one of the most dependable batters in the batting line-up since his international debut. He has amassed 7,052 runs in his glorious career and has been one of the key players in India's stupendous rise in Tests, especially during the Virat Kohli captaincy era. At 35, Pujara is in the last phase of his international career. Whenever he will announce his retirement, he will leave a huge void in the batting line-up. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, which kicked off on Wednesday (March 01) in Indore, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer shared his pick on who can succeed Pujara at No. 3 after he hangs up his boots. "I think Shreyas Iyer is the best option to succeed Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3. He has batted at No.3 for Mumbai and he is an attacking batter. If someone can come in at No.3 and score intently, putting the bowlers on the backfoot will do India a lot of good. Pujara has been brilliant at No.3," said Jaffer on his Youtube channel. Who can be Pujara's successor? Full video: https://t.co/OrGoCXiKOH #INDvAUS #BGT2023 #ItsAJaffa pic.twitter.com/96StGjLOdK — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 28, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma & Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final Iyer made his Test debut in late 2021, announcing his arrival with a ton and fifty in his maiden game. He ended as the second-highest run-getter for India in whites in 2022, amassing 422 runs in 5 Tests including four fifties. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has not been in good form after missing the series opener. So far, he has managed scores of 4,12 and 0. He will be eager to get a big score in India's second essay after Rohit Sharma & Co. were bundled out for a paltry 109 (opting to bat first) on Day 1 of the Indore Test.

He is the best option to succeed Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3: Wasim Jaffer pins hopes on India's star batter

<p>KL Rahul's form remains a huge cause of concern for Team India ahead of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series and are likely to remain unchanged in their playing XI. However, many questions have been raised on Rahul being given a long run despite his repeated failures.</p>

<p>Recently, Sourav Ganguly -- former Indian captain and BCCI chief -- opined on Rahul.&nbsp;"When you don't score runs in India, obviously you will get flak. KL Rahul hasn't been the only one. There have been players in the past also," Ganguly told PTI in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals' IPL pre-season camp ahead of IPL 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/awfully-inconsistent-irrational-ex-australia-captain-rips-apart-pat-cummins-co-for-poor-show-in-india-566382">Awfully inconsistent, irrational: Ex-Australia captain rips apart Pat Cummins &amp; Co for poor show in India</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, Ganguly sounded optimistic of Rahul's return to form and said, "He has performed but obviously you expect a lot more from a top order batter playing for India because the standards set by others are so high. When you fail for a while, obviously there will be criticism. I am sure Rahul has ability and I am sure as and when he gets more opportunities, he will have to find ways to score," he explained.</p>

<p>Rahul hasn't crossed the 25-run mark in his last ten innings. He has scored only 198 runs in the last 12 outings and has so far managed a paltry 38 runs overall in three innings in the Australia Tests. Hence, he will be desperate to go past his poor run of form in the third and penultimate India-Australia Test, in Indore, which kicks off on March 01.</p>

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KL Rahul's form remains a huge cause of concern for Team India ahead of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series and are likely to remain unchanged in their playing XI.

KL Rahul's form remains a huge cause of concern for Team India ahead of the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series and are likely to remain unchanged in their playing XI. However, many questions have been raised on Rahul being given a long run despite his repeated failures. Recently, Sourav Ganguly -- former Indian captain and BCCI chief -- opined on Rahul. "When you don't score runs in India, obviously you will get flak. KL Rahul hasn't been the only one. There have been players in the past also," Ganguly told PTI in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals' IPL pre-season camp ahead of IPL 2023. Also Read: Awfully inconsistent, irrational: Ex-Australia captain rips apart Pat Cummins & Co for poor show in India Further, Ganguly sounded optimistic of Rahul's return to form and said, "He has performed but obviously you expect a lot more from a top order batter playing for India because the standards set by others are so high. When you fail for a while, obviously there will be criticism. I am sure Rahul has ability and I am sure as and when he gets more opportunities, he will have to find ways to score," he explained. Rahul hasn't crossed the 25-run mark in his last ten innings. He has scored only 198 runs in the last 12 outings and has so far managed a paltry 38 runs overall in three innings in the Australia Tests. Hence, he will be desperate to go past his poor run of form in the third and penultimate India-Australia Test, in Indore, which kicks off on March 01. ×

When you don't score runs in India, you will get flak: Sourav Ganguly opines on KL Rahul's form

<p>Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri, while speaking on ICC Review Podcast, said that Shubman Gill will be challenging KL Rahul for the opener's position in the upcoming Test against Australia in Indore. The Test, third in the Border-Gavaskar trophy, is scheduled to start from March 1.</p>

<p>Shastri's statement comes on the back of Rahul's struggling form and the team management's decision to remove him as the vice-captain. Notably, KL Rahul has scored only 38 runs in three innings across the first two Tests against Australia&nbsp;at a paltry average of 12.66.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-skipper-greg-chappell-slams-australia-for-not-playing-to-their-strength-565916">Former skipper Greg Chappell slams Australia for not playing to their strength</a></p>

<p>“If the vice-captain doesn’t perform, someone can take his place; at least the tag is not there. I’m being blunt and brutal, I never like vice-captain in home conditions. Overseas, it’s different. Here, you want prime form, you want someone like Shubman Gill, who’s red hot. He will challenge. He has to bang that door down and get into the side. Now, he’s not the vice-captain, it has to be team management’s decision,” Shastri said.</p>

<p>The call for Shubman Gil inclusion in the Test side over Rahul has been becoming louder with each passing day. The swashbuckling opener has been in great form having scored a double century in ODIs against touring New Zealand last month and scoring a T20I hundred against the same opposition later.</p>

<p><strong>Read More:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-hussey-urges-australia-to-take-a-leaf-out-of-rohit-sharmas-book-on-how-to-tackle-spin-565819">Michael Hussey urges Australia to take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's book on how to tackle spin</a></p>

<p>The 60-year-old former India coach, however, acknowledged that KL Rahul is a talented player but he need to convert that into results.</p>

<p>“They will have to see the form, his state of mind. He’s a tremendous player, but talent is only so much. You have to convert that into results and be consistent. There’s so much talent in India who is knocking on the door. It’s not just KL Rahul, there are many in the middle-order and bowling lineup as well,” said Shastri.</p>

<p>Shastri also put forth his view on appointing a new vice-captain and said that he doesn't believe in vice-captains for the home Tests.</p>

<p>“I, for one, always had the belief (to) never appoint a vice-captain for India. I would rather go with my best XI, and if the captain has to leave the field, you’d zero in on a player that can take over at the time, simply because you don’t need to create complications,” the former India coach said.</p>

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Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri, while speaking on ICC Review Podcast, said that Shubman Gill will be challenging KL Rahul for the opener's position in the upcoming Test against Australia in Indore.

Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri, while speaking on ICC Review Podcast, said that Shubman Gill will be challenging KL Rahul for the opener's position in the upcoming Test against Australia in Indore. The Test, third in the Border-Gavaskar trophy, is scheduled to start from March 1. Shastri's statement comes on the back of Rahul's struggling form and the team management's decision to remove him as the vice-captain. Notably, KL Rahul has scored only 38 runs in three innings across the first two Tests against Australia at a paltry average of 12.66. Also Read: Former skipper Greg Chappell slams Australia for not playing to their strength “If the vice-captain doesn’t perform, someone can take his place; at least the tag is not there. I’m being blunt and brutal, I never like vice-captain in home conditions. Overseas, it’s different. Here, you want prime form, you want someone like Shubman Gill, who’s red hot. He will challenge. He has to bang that door down and get into the side. Now, he’s not the vice-captain, it has to be team management’s decision,” Shastri said. The call for Shubman Gil inclusion in the Test side over Rahul has been becoming louder with each passing day. The swashbuckling opener has been in great form having scored a double century in ODIs against touring New Zealand last month and scoring a T20I hundred against the same opposition later. Read More: Michael Hussey urges Australia to take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's book on how to tackle spin The 60-year-old former India coach, however, acknowledged that KL Rahul is a talented player but he need to convert that into results. “They will have to see the form, his state of mind. He’s a tremendous player, but talent is only so much. You have to convert that into results and be consistent. There’s so much talent in India who is knocking on the door. It’s not just KL Rahul, there are many in the middle-order and bowling lineup as well,” said Shastri. Shastri also put forth his view on appointing a new vice-captain and said that he doesn't believe in vice-captains for the home Tests. “I, for one, always had the belief (to) never appoint a vice-captain for India. I would rather go with my best XI, and if the captain has to leave the field, you’d zero in on a player that can take over at the time, simply because you don’t need to create complications,” the former India coach said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India vs Australia: Ravi Shastri backs Shubman Gill to replace KL Rahul for Indore Test

<p>Former Australia skipper Greg Chappell has slammed the team for their performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy against India, saying that the team 'needed to play to their strength.' Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Aussie great also termed dropping pacer Scott Boland from the second Test in Delhi as a mistake.</p>

<p>"Australia needed to play to their strengths to have a chance of winning this series. Spin bowling is not our strength. Picking spinners for the sake of it is not the way to success in India. We had to pick our best bowlers and trust them to do the job and back that with sensible batting, based on sound principles,” Chappell wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-hussey-urges-australia-to-take-a-leaf-out-of-rohit-sharmas-book-on-how-to-tackle-spin-565819">Michael Hussey urges Australia to take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's book on how to tackle spin</a></p>

<p>The former India coach compared Australian team's performance after the first two Tests as punching themselves in the mouth. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was Mike Tyson who said in the lead-up to a fight with Evander Holyfield: Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. My concern after watching the first two Tests is that the Australian team punched themselves in the mouth long before the first ball was even bowled,” Chappell wrote.</p>

<p>Australia lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs, while got beaten by six wickets in the Delhi Test, both inside three days. In the second Test though, Australia gave themselves a fighting chance as it become a one-inning shootout after India conceded one-run lead in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>Read More:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-shocked-with-his-omission-in-1st-test-travis-head-ready-to-bat-anywhere-in-remaining-matches-565875">IND vs AUS: Shocked with his omission in 1st Test, Travis Head ready to bat anywhere in remaining matches</a></p>

<p>The visitors, however, collapsed dramatically as they lost eight wickets for a meagre 28 runs in the second innings and went from 85/2 to 113/10. There has been an inquest in the manner Australia folded out in the second innings in Delhi as most of the batters were out playing the sweep shot to Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next Test of the series will be played from March 1 in Indore with the fourth and final Test scheduled to be played from March 9 in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australia skipper Greg Chappell has slammed the team for their performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy against India, saying that the team 'needed to play to their strength.

Former Australia skipper Greg Chappell has slammed the team for their performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy against India, saying that the team 'needed to play to their strength.' Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Aussie great also termed dropping pacer Scott Boland from the second Test in Delhi as a mistake. "Australia needed to play to their strengths to have a chance of winning this series. Spin bowling is not our strength. Picking spinners for the sake of it is not the way to success in India. We had to pick our best bowlers and trust them to do the job and back that with sensible batting, based on sound principles,” Chappell wrote. Also Read: Michael Hussey urges Australia to take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's book on how to tackle spin The former India coach compared Australian team's performance after the first two Tests as punching themselves in the mouth. "It was Mike Tyson who said in the lead-up to a fight with Evander Holyfield: Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. My concern after watching the first two Tests is that the Australian team punched themselves in the mouth long before the first ball was even bowled,” Chappell wrote. Australia lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs, while got beaten by six wickets in the Delhi Test, both inside three days. In the second Test though, Australia gave themselves a fighting chance as it become a one-inning shootout after India conceded one-run lead in the first innings. Read More: IND vs AUS: Shocked with his omission in 1st Test, Travis Head ready to bat anywhere in remaining matches The visitors, however, collapsed dramatically as they lost eight wickets for a meagre 28 runs in the second innings and went from 85/2 to 113/10. There has been an inquest in the manner Australia folded out in the second innings in Delhi as most of the batters were out playing the sweep shot to Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin. The next Test of the series will be played from March 1 in Indore with the fourth and final Test scheduled to be played from March 9 in Ahmedabad.

Former skipper Greg Chappell slams Australia for not playing to their strength

<p>Australia are tottering in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus hosts India. After losing the first two Tests, they will be without regular captain Pat Cummins as the skipper will remain in Australia to look after his&nbsp;ailing mother whereas struggling opener David Warner too has returned home due to a hairline fracture on his elbow during the second Test in New Delhi.</p>

<p>After reaching Australia, Warner reacted to being out of the India Tests -- where he only managed 26&nbsp;runs in three outings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sad to leave the tour injured and Not the memories that I wanted. Thanks to all the fans that turned up to all our games that we have played so far. Delhi did not go our way but two more games to go for the team and hopefully we can rebound quickly," said Warner on Instagram.</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-cummins-to-stay-back-in-australia-with-ailing-mother-steve-smith-named-captain-for-indore-test-565366">IND vs AUS: Cummins to stay back in Australia with ailing mother, Steve Smith named captain for Indore Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Warner never looked comfortable in the series and returned with scores of 1, 10 and 15. He will be hopeful to make a comeback for the three-match ODI series, which kicks off on March 17. After returning to his country, he opined on his Test career while interacting with the&nbsp;reporters at the Sydney Airport and&nbsp;said, "I've always said I'm playing to 2024; if the selectors feel that I'm not worthy of my spot (in Tests), then so be it, and I can push on to the white-ball stuff. I've got the next 12 months, a lot of cricket's ahead for the team and if I can keep scoring runs and putting my best foot forward for the team and I can help my spot, it'd be great for the team."</p>

<p>"It's easy pickings (for critics) when you're 36 going on 37. I've seen it before with the ex-players as well. So for me if I'm taking pressure off the rest of the other guys, and no one's worrying about the rest of the team, I'm happy to do that," he added.</p>

<p>Talking about the 2022/23 BGT, Australia will take on Rohit Sharma-led India in the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, with Steve Smith leading the side. The visitors have a herculean task to prevent a 4-0 whitewash.</p>


Australia are tottering in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus hosts India. After losing the first two Tests, they will be without regular captain Pat Cummins as the skipper will remain in Australia to look after his ailing mother whereas struggling opener David Warner too has returned home due to a hairline fracture on his elbow during the second Test in New Delhi.

Australia are tottering in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus hosts India. After losing the first two Tests, they will be without regular captain Pat Cummins as the skipper will remain in Australia to look after his ailing mother whereas struggling opener David Warner too has returned home due to a hairline fracture on his elbow during the second Test in New Delhi. After reaching Australia, Warner reacted to being out of the India Tests -- where he only managed 26 runs in three outings. "Sad to leave the tour injured and Not the memories that I wanted. Thanks to all the fans that turned up to all our games that we have played so far. Delhi did not go our way but two more games to go for the team and hopefully we can rebound quickly," said Warner on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) × Also Read: IND vs AUS: Cummins to stay back in Australia with ailing mother, Steve Smith named captain for Indore Test Warner never looked comfortable in the series and returned with scores of 1, 10 and 15. He will be hopeful to make a comeback for the three-match ODI series, which kicks off on March 17. After returning to his country, he opined on his Test career while interacting with the reporters at the Sydney Airport and said, "I've always said I'm playing to 2024; if the selectors feel that I'm not worthy of my spot (in Tests), then so be it, and I can push on to the white-ball stuff. I've got the next 12 months, a lot of cricket's ahead for the team and if I can keep scoring runs and putting my best foot forward for the team and I can help my spot, it'd be great for the team." "It's easy pickings (for critics) when you're 36 going on 37. I've seen it before with the ex-players as well. So for me if I'm taking pressure off the rest of the other guys, and no one's worrying about the rest of the team, I'm happy to do that," he added. Talking about the 2022/23 BGT, Australia will take on Rohit Sharma-led India in the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, with Steve Smith leading the side. The visitors have a herculean task to prevent a 4-0 whitewash.

Ruled out of India Tests due to injury, David Warner says sad to leave, not the memories I wanted

<p>The most-awaited cricketing&nbsp;battle&nbsp;of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest. In his recent interaction with the media, Dravid said the players are looking in good touch in&nbsp;the net sessions while the focus will remain on close-in catches as spinners will play a huge role in deciding the fate of this series.</p>

<p>Talks of the Australian team using the services of an ‘Ashwin-like’ spinner during their pre-series camp scheduled in Bengaluru clearly shows the visiting team doesn’t want to leave a stone untuned in their efforts to reclaim the prize. Whereas, the Indian team is currently training at the VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur. Dravid, who is closely following team India’s preparation said to have all the players back is good, and that for some to switch from white-ball format to red was also the need of the hour.</p>

<p>"Everyone looks in really good shape. It's nice to get the Test team together again. We had a lot of white-ball cricket over the last month or so," coach Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI on Twitter. "Some of those boys, shifting from white-ball to red-ball, it's nice for them to just have that extended period in the nets. The surfaces have been really good as well," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Preps in full swing 👌 👌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> hit the ground running for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> Test series opener in Nagpur 👍 👍 <a href="https://t.co/LwJUGZ5hPp">pic.twitter.com/LwJUGZ5hPp</a></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-enjoy-my-cricketing-battles-with-australia-says-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-2023-border-gavaskar-series-558937">I enjoy my cricketing battles with Australia, says Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of 2023 Border-Gavaskar series</a></p>

<p>With a lot is at stake from both sides, the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up have some tricks up their sleeves, and for them to be successful they want the close-in fielders to remain attentive and active at the same time. Stressing on having quick hands right beside the batters during the series, head coach said,</p>

<p>"Fielding side of things as well, that has been really important as well. The close-in catching which we think is going to become a really important part of the series. There's a lot of emphasis and focus on close-in catching, slip fielding, things like that when you are on the road all the time and don't get time to build and work on those things," Rahul said.</p>

<p>As everyone from returning KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are having longer sessions in nets, Dravid opined that players are looking in good touch and are raring to go.</p>

<p>"It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can take it from there," Dravid added.</p>

<p>The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining three Tests.</p>


The most-awaited cricketing battle of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest.

The most-awaited cricketing battle of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest. In his recent interaction with the media, Dravid said the players are looking in good touch in the net sessions while the focus will remain on close-in catches as spinners will play a huge role in deciding the fate of this series. Talks of the Australian team using the services of an ‘Ashwin-like’ spinner during their pre-series camp scheduled in Bengaluru clearly shows the visiting team doesn’t want to leave a stone untuned in their efforts to reclaim the prize. Whereas, the Indian team is currently training at the VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur. Dravid, who is closely following team India’s preparation said to have all the players back is good, and that for some to switch from white-ball format to red was also the need of the hour. "Everyone looks in really good shape. It's nice to get the Test team together again. We had a lot of white-ball cricket over the last month or so," coach Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI on Twitter. "Some of those boys, shifting from white-ball to red-ball, it's nice for them to just have that extended period in the nets. The surfaces have been really good as well," he added. Preps in full swing 👌 👌 #TeamIndia hit the ground running for the #INDvAUS Test series opener in Nagpur 👍 👍 pic.twitter.com/LwJUGZ5hPp — BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2023 × ALSO READ: I enjoy my cricketing battles with Australia, says Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of 2023 Border-Gavaskar series With a lot is at stake from both sides, the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up have some tricks up their sleeves, and for them to be successful they want the close-in fielders to remain attentive and active at the same time. Stressing on having quick hands right beside the batters during the series, head coach said, "Fielding side of things as well, that has been really important as well. The close-in catching which we think is going to become a really important part of the series. There's a lot of emphasis and focus on close-in catching, slip fielding, things like that when you are on the road all the time and don't get time to build and work on those things," Rahul said. As everyone from returning KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are having longer sessions in nets, Dravid opined that players are looking in good touch and are raring to go. "It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can take it from there," Dravid added. The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining three Tests.

Boys are looking good to go, says Rahul Dravid ahead of the Nagpur Test against Australia

<p>India’s mainstay in Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara loves batting, especially against the Australians. Having found success against the Aussies on his previous two tours, the veteran of 98 Tests is all set to take on the new challenge ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series that starts on February 9th in Nagpur. In an exclusive chat with the Times of India (TOI), the right-handed Pujara opened about facing the Australian bowlers, how he is preparing for the upcoming series and much more.</p>

<p>The Aussies are known to be throwing verbal volleys in addition to playing very competitively when it comes to facing&nbsp;India. While the previous three meetings have resulted in India taking the upper hand, the Australians are expected to come all guns blazing this time.</p>

<p>Carrying enough experience on his back, Pujara is ready to take on the Aussie challenge at home after nearly six years. Calling them a competitive and a fighting unit, Pujara said he enjoys the cricketing battles with&nbsp;the Aussies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-josh-hazlewood-out-of-nagpur-test-due-to-injury-scott-boland-likely-to-replace-him-in-xi-558922">IND vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood out of Nagpur Test due to injury, Scott Boland likely to replace him in XI</a></p>

<p>“They’re a competitive side. They throw a challenge at you, and I’m someone who likes to have that (kind of a) battle. It’s not just the verbal battle that I’m talking about, but the cricketing battle. There’s been a lot of talk about the Aussies doing a lot of chat on the field, but the important part that I look up for as a cricketer is a cricketing challenge. They are always a fighting team,” Pujara told TOI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, during first of the two previous series Down Under in 2018/19, Pujara played some mammoth knocks that saw India winning the Test series in Australia for the first time. When asked about the tour in particular, where he scored 521 runs in four Tests at an average of above 70 – that included three hundreds too, Pujara said off all the series he’s played in, that one was on the top.</p>

<p>"I’ve enjoyed a few good series, but that was the best series of my cricketing career. The way I was batting, concentrating…there was a lot of physical and mental stress during that series. Every game was a challenge,” the right-handed batter added.</p>

<p>Now, as the 2023 Border-Gavaskar is just around the corner, Pujara revealed how he is preparing for the fresh challenge.</p>

<p>“I’ve played a couple of Ranji Trophy games as a part of the preparation for the series against Australia. Apart from that, I’ve been practicing back home at Rajkot. I can’t disclose particular things, but there are things which I’m working on a few points which will help me during this series,” Pujara said.</p>

<p>The four-match Border-Gavaskar series begins on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining matches.</p>


India’s mainstay in Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara loves batting, especially against the Australians. Having found success against the Aussies on his previous two tours, the veteran of 98 Tests is all set to take on the new challenge ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series that starts on February 9th in Nagpur.

India’s mainstay in Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara loves batting, especially against the Australians. Having found success against the Aussies on his previous two tours, the veteran of 98 Tests is all set to take on the new challenge ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series that starts on February 9th in Nagpur. In an exclusive chat with the Times of India (TOI), the right-handed Pujara opened about facing the Australian bowlers, how he is preparing for the upcoming series and much more. The Aussies are known to be throwing verbal volleys in addition to playing very competitively when it comes to facing India. While the previous three meetings have resulted in India taking the upper hand, the Australians are expected to come all guns blazing this time. Carrying enough experience on his back, Pujara is ready to take on the Aussie challenge at home after nearly six years. Calling them a competitive and a fighting unit, Pujara said he enjoys the cricketing battles with the Aussies. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood out of Nagpur Test due to injury, Scott Boland likely to replace him in XI “They’re a competitive side. They throw a challenge at you, and I’m someone who likes to have that (kind of a) battle. It’s not just the verbal battle that I’m talking about, but the cricketing battle. There’s been a lot of talk about the Aussies doing a lot of chat on the field, but the important part that I look up for as a cricketer is a cricketing challenge. They are always a fighting team,” Pujara told TOI. Meanwhile, during first of the two previous series Down Under in 2018/19, Pujara played some mammoth knocks that saw India winning the Test series in Australia for the first time. When asked about the tour in particular, where he scored 521 runs in four Tests at an average of above 70 – that included three hundreds too, Pujara said off all the series he’s played in, that one was on the top. "I’ve enjoyed a few good series, but that was the best series of my cricketing career. The way I was batting, concentrating…there was a lot of physical and mental stress during that series. Every game was a challenge,” the right-handed batter added. Now, as the 2023 Border-Gavaskar is just around the corner, Pujara revealed how he is preparing for the fresh challenge. “I’ve played a couple of Ranji Trophy games as a part of the preparation for the series against Australia. Apart from that, I’ve been practicing back home at Rajkot. I can’t disclose particular things, but there are things which I’m working on a few points which will help me during this series,” Pujara said. The four-match Border-Gavaskar series begins on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining matches.

I enjoy my cricketing battles with Australia, says Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of 2023 Border-Gavaskar series

<p>Just before the start of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series, Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the first Test in Nagpur due to an Achilles niggle in his left leg. The injury could also see him miss the following match in Delhi as well. In absence of Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green, both of who suffered finger injuries during the South Africa series at home, Josh’s unavailability comes as a huge blow for the visiting team. Scott Boland, who emerged on the Test scene during last home Ashes is likely to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI for the first Test, scheduled to begin on February 9th.</p>

<p>Hazlewood has been struggling with injuries lately having played just four matches in the past two years. While his side injury ruled him out of the Windies’ Tests last year, he missed the following first two Tests against South Africa due to the same reason too. Returned for the final Test of the series at the SCG, Hazlewood then picked up the niggle that has now kept him out of contention for the first two India Tests.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-speedster-reacts-to-anchors-shocking-remark-on-former-indian-opener-gautam-gambhir-558821">Pakistan speedster reacts to anchor's SHOCKING remark on former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir</a></p>

<p>As per the fast bowler&nbsp;he sustained this injury mainly due to the damp run-ups at the SCG during the final Proteas Test. The fast bowler added that he didn’t bowl much during Australia’s training camp near Bengaluru and would only resume bowling a couple of days before start of the Nagpur Test.</p>

<p>"It's [the injury] still lingering from the [Sydney] Test match," Hazlewood said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We obviously bowled after a lot of rain and the jump-offs were quite soft, where we were taking off from and they ended up replacing them as well.</p>

<p>"It sort of worked to a degree, but just that extra load jumping off a soft ground to bowl and again first Test match your body is not used to that sort of workload as well. I was bowling a fair bit leading into the [India] tour at home and sort of just pushing up against it. It probably wasn't recovering as well as I would have liked between each session.</p>

<p>"So thought we'd give it a few days here straight off the bat and try and get over the hump and have a bowl from Tuesday and hope it goes well," the fast bowler added.</p>

<p>Having the backups in Boland and lesser-known Lance Morris, Australia is likely to pair Scott with Pat Cummins for the first Test while Nathan Lyon and either of Ashton Agar or Mitchell Swepson will be picked as spinners.</p>


Just before the start of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series, Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the first Test in Nagpur due to an Achilles niggle in his left leg.

Just before the start of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series, Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the first Test in Nagpur due to an Achilles niggle in his left leg. The injury could also see him miss the following match in Delhi as well. In absence of Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green, both of who suffered finger injuries during the South Africa series at home, Josh’s unavailability comes as a huge blow for the visiting team. Scott Boland, who emerged on the Test scene during last home Ashes is likely to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI for the first Test, scheduled to begin on February 9th. Hazlewood has been struggling with injuries lately having played just four matches in the past two years. While his side injury ruled him out of the Windies’ Tests last year, he missed the following first two Tests against South Africa due to the same reason too. Returned for the final Test of the series at the SCG, Hazlewood then picked up the niggle that has now kept him out of contention for the first two India Tests. ALSO READ: Pakistan speedster reacts to anchor's SHOCKING remark on former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir As per the fast bowler he sustained this injury mainly due to the damp run-ups at the SCG during the final Proteas Test. The fast bowler added that he didn’t bowl much during Australia’s training camp near Bengaluru and would only resume bowling a couple of days before start of the Nagpur Test. "It's [the injury] still lingering from the [Sydney] Test match," Hazlewood said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We obviously bowled after a lot of rain and the jump-offs were quite soft, where we were taking off from and they ended up replacing them as well. "It sort of worked to a degree, but just that extra load jumping off a soft ground to bowl and again first Test match your body is not used to that sort of workload as well. I was bowling a fair bit leading into the [India] tour at home and sort of just pushing up against it. It probably wasn't recovering as well as I would have liked between each session. "So thought we'd give it a few days here straight off the bat and try and get over the hump and have a bowl from Tuesday and hope it goes well," the fast bowler added. Having the backups in Boland and lesser-known Lance Morris, Australia is likely to pair Scott with Pat Cummins for the first Test while Nathan Lyon and either of Ashton Agar or Mitchell Swepson will be picked as spinners.

IND vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood out of Nagpur Test due to injury, Scott Boland likely to replace him in XI

<p>In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur. Iyer, who missed the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand owing to the back injury was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab. As per the latest reports, Iyer has not recovered from the back pain despite taking injections, and has been advised to take rest for two weeks. As a result, he will not join the Indian team for the pre-series camp on February 2nd, and will instead return in reckoning for the second Test subject to his fitness.</p>

<p>“His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,” a BCCI source was quoted saying in the Indian Express.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thinking-about-last-editions-final-still-gives-me-goosebumps-says-harmanpreet-kaur-557587">Thinking about last edition's final still gives me goosebumps, says Harmanpreet Kaur</a></p>

<p>The absence of Iyer could mean a likely Test debut for Suryakumar Yadav, who alongside Ishan Kishan was picked for the first two Tests. However, with both Iyer and Rishabh Pant not being there now, India could field a relatively newer side than the one that played against Bangladesh in December.</p>

<p>What’s the silver lining here is that the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is now deemed fit and will join the Indian team after a gap of nearly five months. The 34-year-old Jadeja suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai in August-September last year that ruled him out for an extended period.&nbsp;Playing his first competitive match during the Ranji Trophy group game for Saurashtra last month, Jadeja fared well with the ball, picking up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu, including seven in the second innings.</p>

<p>On the other hand, newly-married KL Rahul has even resumed training and will also join the camp on Thursday.</p>

<p>The first Test begins in eight days in Nagpur while Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) will host the remaining Tests.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s India's 16-man squad for the first two Tests –</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.</p>


In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur.

In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur. Iyer, who missed the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand owing to the back injury was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab. As per the latest reports, Iyer has not recovered from the back pain despite taking injections, and has been advised to take rest for two weeks. As a result, he will not join the Indian team for the pre-series camp on February 2nd, and will instead return in reckoning for the second Test subject to his fitness. “His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,” a BCCI source was quoted saying in the Indian Express. ALSO READ: Thinking about last edition's final still gives me goosebumps, says Harmanpreet Kaur The absence of Iyer could mean a likely Test debut for Suryakumar Yadav, who alongside Ishan Kishan was picked for the first two Tests. However, with both Iyer and Rishabh Pant not being there now, India could field a relatively newer side than the one that played against Bangladesh in December. What’s the silver lining here is that the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is now deemed fit and will join the Indian team after a gap of nearly five months. The 34-year-old Jadeja suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai in August-September last year that ruled him out for an extended period. Playing his first competitive match during the Ranji Trophy group game for Saurashtra last month, Jadeja fared well with the ball, picking up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu, including seven in the second innings. On the other hand, newly-married KL Rahul has even resumed training and will also join the camp on Thursday. The first Test begins in eight days in Nagpur while Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) will host the remaining Tests. Here’s India's 16-man squad for the first two Tests – Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.

IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury

<p>Star Aussie opener Usman Khawaja missed his flight to India due to the delay in his&nbsp;visa arrival,&nbsp;and is now set to travel on Thursday, February 2nd. As two sets of Australian players and coaching staff reached India on Tuesday, Khawaja was left behind waiting for his visa. As reported by the Cricbuzz, the delay was caused mainly because of the physical copy of the same was unavailable by the time the second set of Australian contingent left for India. Cricket Australia expects the visa to arrive by late Wednesday and Usman will be on his flight to India for the Border-Gavaskar series the next day.</p>

<p>The left-handed batter also shared a meme on his Instagram&nbsp;handle that read, <em>“Me waiting for my Indian Visa like… #stranded #dontleaveme #standard #anytimenow."</em></p>

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<p>The Australian team will first attend a four-day camp in Bengaluru before flying to Nagpur for the first Test. Upon announcing earlier that Australia will not play a tour game in India ahead of the marquee Test series, the team management arranged a two-day pre-series camp in Sydney where they practiced on torn and used pitches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2023-shreyas-iyer-ruled-out-of-nagpur-test-due-to-back-injury-557794">IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja was recently awarded Australia’s Men’s Test Player of the Year for 2022 on Monday for his stellar show in the five-day format in the last year&nbsp;– where he scored 1020 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 78.46. The 36-year-old opener also made it to the ICC’s Test Team of the Year alongside teammates Marnus Labuschagne, captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.</p>

<p>Khawaja, who was part of Australia’s previous two tours to India in 2013 and 2017, is yet to play a Test there. A very good player of spin bowling, Islamabad-born Khawaja, during his last tour to Pakistan in March 2022, scored 496 runs in three Tests at an average of whopping 165.33. He scored two hundreds including his best of 160. This time against the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up, he is expected to provide stability at the top.</p>

<p>The four-match Test series begins on February 9th in Nagpur with Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) scheduled to host the remaining three Tests.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests –</strong></p>

<p>Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner</p>


Star Aussie opener Usman Khawaja missed his flight to India due to the delay in his visa arrival, and is now set to travel on Thursday, February 2nd. As two sets of Australian players and coaching staff reached India on Tuesday, Khawaja was left behind waiting for his visa.

Star Aussie opener Usman Khawaja missed his flight to India due to the delay in his visa arrival, and is now set to travel on Thursday, February 2nd. As two sets of Australian players and coaching staff reached India on Tuesday, Khawaja was left behind waiting for his visa. As reported by the Cricbuzz, the delay was caused mainly because of the physical copy of the same was unavailable by the time the second set of Australian contingent left for India. Cricket Australia expects the visa to arrive by late Wednesday and Usman will be on his flight to India for the Border-Gavaskar series the next day. The left-handed batter also shared a meme on his Instagram handle that read, “Me waiting for my Indian Visa like… #stranded #dontleaveme #standard #anytimenow." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usman Khawaja (@usman_khawajy) × The Australian team will first attend a four-day camp in Bengaluru before flying to Nagpur for the first Test. Upon announcing earlier that Australia will not play a tour game in India ahead of the marquee Test series, the team management arranged a two-day pre-series camp in Sydney where they practiced on torn and used pitches. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja was recently awarded Australia’s Men’s Test Player of the Year for 2022 on Monday for his stellar show in the five-day format in the last year – where he scored 1020 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 78.46. The 36-year-old opener also made it to the ICC’s Test Team of the Year alongside teammates Marnus Labuschagne, captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Khawaja, who was part of Australia’s previous two tours to India in 2013 and 2017, is yet to play a Test there. A very good player of spin bowling, Islamabad-born Khawaja, during his last tour to Pakistan in March 2022, scored 496 runs in three Tests at an average of whopping 165.33. He scored two hundreds including his best of 160. This time against the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up, he is expected to provide stability at the top. The four-match Test series begins on February 9th in Nagpur with Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) scheduled to host the remaining three Tests. Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests – Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

IND vs AUS 2023: Usman Khawaja misses India flight due to visa delay, set to travel on February 2nd

<p>In a shocking call from the team management, Australia had earlier decided to not play a tour game in India ahead of the marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur. Speaking ahead of their departure to India, former Australia captain Steve Smith said the reason why they are not playing a tour match this time is that when they played one in 2017, the BCCI had prepared a green top for the same that&nbsp;didn’t allow them to practice on turning&nbsp;tracks. As a result, the Oz struggled against the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up and lost the Test series 2-1.</p>

<p>Learning from their past experience, Smith said the management did the right thing by cancelling the ‘irrelevant’ scheduled tour game in India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jay-shah-sachin-tendulkar-to-felicitate-indian-womens-u-19-team-in-ahmedabad-following-world-cup-triumph-557540">Jay Shah, Sachin Tendulkar to felicitate Indian women's U-19 team in Ahmedabad following World Cup triumph</a></p>

<p>"We'll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we've made the right decision to not play a tour match. Like I said, last time they dished up a green top for us (in a tour game) and we barely faced any spin, so it's kind of irrelevant," Smith told news.com.au on Monday.</p>

<p>"Hopefully, we get really good training facilities where the ball is likely to do what it's likely to do out in the middle, and we can get our practice in," Smith added.</p>

<p>Having already lost the previous three Test series against India, including the last two at home in 2018 and 2020, Australia will be eyeing an improbable series win this time. Smith, who had been part of the touring Aussie team to India on two occasions in the past, said he would like to get back with a win this time – something that he hasn’t achieved as a player in his decorated career so far.</p>

<p>"It's (the Test series in India) certainly huge. I don't know if it's (winning in India) the final frontier. I've never won there, I've been there twice (for Tests), and it’s always difficult playing there. We've got some challenges in front of us, but the guys are ready for it," the right-handed batter said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ace seamer Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the first Test due to a finger injury while a decision on all-rounder Cameron Green will be taken ahead of the start of the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/star-australian-pacer-to-miss-first-test-in-nagpur-provides-latest-update-during-australia-cricket-awards-557515">IND vs AUS 2023: Mitchell Starc ruled out of 1st Test against India in Nagpur</a></p>

<p><strong>Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for the India Tests –</strong></p>

<p>Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner</p>


In a shocking call from the team management, Australia had earlier decided to not play a tour game in India ahead of the marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur.

In a shocking call from the team management, Australia had earlier decided to not play a tour game in India ahead of the marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur. Speaking ahead of their departure to India, former Australia captain Steve Smith said the reason why they are not playing a tour match this time is that when they played one in 2017, the BCCI had prepared a green top for the same that didn’t allow them to practice on turning tracks. As a result, the Oz struggled against the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up and lost the Test series 2-1. Learning from their past experience, Smith said the management did the right thing by cancelling the ‘irrelevant’ scheduled tour game in India. ALSO READ: Jay Shah, Sachin Tendulkar to felicitate Indian women's U-19 team in Ahmedabad following World Cup triumph "We'll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we've made the right decision to not play a tour match. Like I said, last time they dished up a green top for us (in a tour game) and we barely faced any spin, so it's kind of irrelevant," Smith told news.com.au on Monday. "Hopefully, we get really good training facilities where the ball is likely to do what it's likely to do out in the middle, and we can get our practice in," Smith added. Having already lost the previous three Test series against India, including the last two at home in 2018 and 2020, Australia will be eyeing an improbable series win this time. Smith, who had been part of the touring Aussie team to India on two occasions in the past, said he would like to get back with a win this time – something that he hasn’t achieved as a player in his decorated career so far. "It's (the Test series in India) certainly huge. I don't know if it's (winning in India) the final frontier. I've never won there, I've been there twice (for Tests), and it’s always difficult playing there. We've got some challenges in front of us, but the guys are ready for it," the right-handed batter said. Meanwhile, ace seamer Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the first Test due to a finger injury while a decision on all-rounder Cameron Green will be taken ahead of the start of the match. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 2023: Mitchell Starc ruled out of 1st Test against India in Nagpur Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for the India Tests – Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

'Last time they gave us a green top', Steve Smith explains why Australia is not playing a tour game this time

<p>Ace Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the first Test against India starting on February 9th in Nagpur. During the recently-concluded Australia Cricket Awards in Sydney, Starc provided an update on his finger injury he sustained during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the MCG. When asked if he will be available for the first Test, the left-armer said the healing hasn’t completed it and will take time, which clearly rules him out until the Delhi Test that begins on February 17th. Alongside Starc, all-rounder Cameron Green also suffered a finger injury during the same Test, and his chances of playing in the first match look bleak too.</p>

<p>"I am track..still a couple of weeks and then probably meet the guys in Delhi..after..hopefully, a first Test match win..get myself into training over there," Starc said during the Australia Cricket Awards on Monday.</p>

<p>Before flying to India for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, the Australian team attended a pre-series&nbsp;training camp in Sydney that was&nbsp;staged by the Australian team management. As some images of the pitches they are preparing on got surfaced on the internet lately, it looks the Oz know what they are heading into and what challenges await them..</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-head-coach-worried-about-camerons-green-bowling-load-during-border-gavaskar-series-557000">Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series</a></p>

<p>Speaking about what are his and team’s expectations from the upcoming India series, Starc said, "I guess you never really know what to expect from the conditions in India but we have a fair idea that it is obviously going to turn. You never quite know until you start the game or decide which wicket to play on. So, it is going to be a great challenge."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in their quest to end the losing streak against India (having lost previous three Test series, including two at home), Australia named a strong 18-man squad, and Starc feels the team is in a good position.</p>

<p>“The team is in as good a position that we can be heading into an Indian tour. It’s exciting with the women going for the World Cup and we have a long tour of India. So plenty of good cricket to watch over the next couple of months, so we’re just wishing for some good success for Australia," the fast bowler added.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests –</strong></p>

<p>Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.</p>


Ace Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the first Test against India starting on February 9th in Nagpur. During the recently-concluded Australia Cricket Awards in Sydney, Starc provided an update on his finger injury he sustained during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the MCG.

Ace Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc is ruled out of the first Test against India starting on February 9th in Nagpur. During the recently-concluded Australia Cricket Awards in Sydney, Starc provided an update on his finger injury he sustained during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the MCG. When asked if he will be available for the first Test, the left-armer said the healing hasn’t completed it and will take time, which clearly rules him out until the Delhi Test that begins on February 17th. Alongside Starc, all-rounder Cameron Green also suffered a finger injury during the same Test, and his chances of playing in the first match look bleak too. "I am track..still a couple of weeks and then probably meet the guys in Delhi..after..hopefully, a first Test match win..get myself into training over there," Starc said during the Australia Cricket Awards on Monday. Before flying to India for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, the Australian team attended a pre-series training camp in Sydney that was staged by the Australian team management. As some images of the pitches they are preparing on got surfaced on the internet lately, it looks the Oz know what they are heading into and what challenges await them.. ALSO READ: Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series Speaking about what are his and team’s expectations from the upcoming India series, Starc said, "I guess you never really know what to expect from the conditions in India but we have a fair idea that it is obviously going to turn. You never quite know until you start the game or decide which wicket to play on. So, it is going to be a great challenge." Meanwhile, in their quest to end the losing streak against India (having lost previous three Test series, including two at home), Australia named a strong 18-man squad, and Starc feels the team is in a good position. “The team is in as good a position that we can be heading into an Indian tour. It’s exciting with the women going for the World Cup and we have a long tour of India. So plenty of good cricket to watch over the next couple of months, so we’re just wishing for some good success for Australia," the fast bowler added. Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests – Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

IND vs AUS 2023: Mitchell Starc ruled out of 1st Test against India in Nagpur

<p>Having broken his tibula in his left leg in November last year during a friend’s birthday party that ruled him out for three months, star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said missing out on India Tests because of this freak injury will probably nag him for the rest of his life. While doing commentary during a match in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), Maxwell rued not being available for selection for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur.</p>

<p>"Probably will nag at me for the rest of my life," Maxwell said while doing commentary during a Big Bash League game on Fox Cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/days-of-single-captain-are-over-now-aakash-chopra-names-his-candidates-for-india-captaincy-in-future-556823">'Days of single captain are over now,' Aakash Chopra names his candidates for India captaincy in future</a></p>

<p>Australia, who have lost the previous three Test series against India including two at home in 2018 and 2020, would want to put an end to this streak and come out with an improbable series win to their name. For them to deliver and find success against the mighty Indian team that too in their home conditions, Australia named an 18-member squad that Maxwell believe is the best.</p>

<p>"It's nice getting the opportunity to watch your teammates play, especially over there. I think they've got the squad that's probably as good as I've seen to go over to India since I've been watching Tests over there, anyway,” the star all-rounder added.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, the former Aussie all-rounder and current Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey told SEN that Maxwell isn’t fit to play yet but the day isn’t far either when he will return to the field.&nbsp;Adding Maxwell is on the right path to get recovered&nbsp;in time for the India ODIs, which are scheduled to begin on March 17th in Mumbai.</p>

<p>"He's (Maxwell) not going to make it by the end of the BBL, unfortunately. But he's very diligent in his return to play with his rehab," Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey had told SEN earlier this month.</p>

<p>"I dare say towards the end of January, he may be available or hitting some cricket balls to try and get back to play some state cricket and Shield cricket to hopefully get on that plane for the One-Day tour of India for Australia," Hussey added.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests -</strong></p>

<p>Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.</p>


Having broken his tibula in his left leg in November last year during a friend’s birthday party that ruled him out for three months, star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said missing out on India Tests because of this freak injury will probably nag him for the rest of his life.

Having broken his tibula in his left leg in November last year during a friend’s birthday party that ruled him out for three months, star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said missing out on India Tests because of this freak injury will probably nag him for the rest of his life. While doing commentary during a match in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), Maxwell rued not being available for selection for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series that begins on February 9th in Nagpur. "Probably will nag at me for the rest of my life," Maxwell said while doing commentary during a Big Bash League game on Fox Cricket. ALSO READ: 'Days of single captain are over now,' Aakash Chopra names his candidates for India captaincy in future Australia, who have lost the previous three Test series against India including two at home in 2018 and 2020, would want to put an end to this streak and come out with an improbable series win to their name. For them to deliver and find success against the mighty Indian team that too in their home conditions, Australia named an 18-member squad that Maxwell believe is the best. "It's nice getting the opportunity to watch your teammates play, especially over there. I think they've got the squad that's probably as good as I've seen to go over to India since I've been watching Tests over there, anyway,” the star all-rounder added. Earlier this month, the former Aussie all-rounder and current Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey told SEN that Maxwell isn’t fit to play yet but the day isn’t far either when he will return to the field. Adding Maxwell is on the right path to get recovered in time for the India ODIs, which are scheduled to begin on March 17th in Mumbai. "He's (Maxwell) not going to make it by the end of the BBL, unfortunately. But he's very diligent in his return to play with his rehab," Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey had told SEN earlier this month. "I dare say towards the end of January, he may be available or hitting some cricket balls to try and get back to play some state cricket and Shield cricket to hopefully get on that plane for the One-Day tour of India for Australia," Hussey added. Here’s Australia’s 18-man squad for India Tests - Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

IND vs AUS: Missing out on India Tests will probably 'nag me for rest of my life,' says Glenn Maxwell

<p>Australia’s middle-order batter Travis Head said watching England batters score&nbsp;huge runs&nbsp;in the Test series against Pakistan inspired him to work on his feet movement against spin ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, slated to start on February 9th in Nagpur. Currently training in Sydney in a pre-series camp hosted by the team management, Head said on his previous three away tours to Asia he didn’t perform the way he would have liked;&nbsp;adding he wants to feel positive about using his feet against the spin – something he’d be doing more often against Ravi Ashwin-led India’s spin heavy attack.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald ahead of team’s departure for a long India tour, the left-handed batter said against pace his feet work very well but against spin he hasn’t used them in a way that would fetch him more success. Admitting&nbsp;that playing spin in Australia and in Asia are two different things, Head wants to emphasize on working on his feet movement and playing mindset.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-head-coach-worried-about-camerons-green-bowling-load-during-border-gavaskar-series-557000">Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series</a></p>

<p>"Watching the way England played in Pakistan, I've probably looked back and wasn't as positive as I'd like to be against spin in those series," Head told Sydney Morning Herald.</p>

<p>"I feel like the way I played throughout this series against spin - I know it's completely different being in Australia - but the more positive I am, the better I am with my feet and the better I am in defence.</p>

<p>"We've seen that with fast bowling this summer. When I hunt the ball, my front foot defence is probably the best it's been and I think I've got to go over there with a positive mindset, not a defensive one," the left-handed batter added.</p>

<p>Though against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on his previous away tours he got a bit defensive against the turning ball, Head&nbsp;feels against India on low and slow tracks he might not get a big score but if he could contribute with healthy 40s and 50s, that could prove to be match-winning as well.</p>

<p>"I think I may have been a bit on the defensive side in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which you've always got a ball on your name over there. But get over there, we've got a long time to get settled over there, and get the lay of the land and understand what my role might be. It could be low-scoring, it could be high-scoring, you might need to get big scores, or a 40, 50, 60 might win you a Test match," he concluded.</p>


Australia’s middle-order batter Travis Head said watching England batters score huge runs in the Test series against Pakistan inspired him to work on his feet movement against spin ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, slated to start on February 9th in Nagpur.

Australia’s middle-order batter Travis Head said watching England batters score huge runs in the Test series against Pakistan inspired him to work on his feet movement against spin ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, slated to start on February 9th in Nagpur. Currently training in Sydney in a pre-series camp hosted by the team management, Head said on his previous three away tours to Asia he didn’t perform the way he would have liked; adding he wants to feel positive about using his feet against the spin – something he’d be doing more often against Ravi Ashwin-led India’s spin heavy attack. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald ahead of team’s departure for a long India tour, the left-handed batter said against pace his feet work very well but against spin he hasn’t used them in a way that would fetch him more success. Admitting that playing spin in Australia and in Asia are two different things, Head wants to emphasize on working on his feet movement and playing mindset. ALSO READ: Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series "Watching the way England played in Pakistan, I've probably looked back and wasn't as positive as I'd like to be against spin in those series," Head told Sydney Morning Herald. "I feel like the way I played throughout this series against spin - I know it's completely different being in Australia - but the more positive I am, the better I am with my feet and the better I am in defence. "We've seen that with fast bowling this summer. When I hunt the ball, my front foot defence is probably the best it's been and I think I've got to go over there with a positive mindset, not a defensive one," the left-handed batter added. Though against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on his previous away tours he got a bit defensive against the turning ball, Head feels against India on low and slow tracks he might not get a big score but if he could contribute with healthy 40s and 50s, that could prove to be match-winning as well. "I think I may have been a bit on the defensive side in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which you've always got a ball on your name over there. But get over there, we've got a long time to get settled over there, and get the lay of the land and understand what my role might be. It could be low-scoring, it could be high-scoring, you might need to get big scores, or a 40, 50, 60 might win you a Test match," he concluded.

Travis Head keen on working on feet movement and deploying positive mindset ahead of India series

<p>Injury to Australian all-rounder Cameron Green came at a time when he was peaking in both batting and bowling, causing trouble to the team in trying to fill his shoes. Ahead of his first major away tour in the Border-Gavaskar series, Green is unsure about his participation in the first Test that is scheduled to start on February 9th in Nagpur. Speaking about his at-hand condition, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald said Green’s biggest challenge during the India series will be his bowling. It was during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa when Green fractured his finger and has been out since.</p>

<p>Already making steady progress in a short pre-series camp organised by the team management in Sydney, Green is slated to meet a bone surgeon on Monday after which only the picture about his participation in the Nagpur Test will be cleared. Revealing the motive behind staging this camp, McDonald, as quoted by Cricbuzz, said,</p>

<p>"Where he's positioned at the moment, his biggest challenge is bowling," McDonald said. "There is a lack of loading there, and one of the key reasons around us getting into this camp early is to make sure that we're ready to go for the rigours of what the bowling unit [is] going to encompass. Building confidence is the main thing, setting him up to succeed in that first Test match, having enough time, that will be the critical question."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ian-chappell-feels-rishabh-pants-absence-could-hurt-indias-chances-of-winning-test-series-against-australia-556978">Ian Chappell feels Rishabh Pant's absence could hurt India's chances of winning Test series against Australia</a></p>

<p>Commenting on what does Green brings to the table, the head coach said there is no doubt that the 23-year-old is a superb batter while his bowling is a plus for the team.&nbsp; McDonald further said just in case Green doesn’t get fit in time for the first Test, the management has Peter Handscomb waiting in the wings for his long-deserved chance. Admitting having more options under their sleeves is always a better plan, McDonald said,</p>

<p>"We value his batting first and foremost really, he's a batter in our top six and we value that, his bowling is a bonus. A very nice bonus. We see Handscomb as an important right-hand option. We've got a lot of left handers. If there were to be any late changes, or Cameron Green doesn't make that first Test, we feel we have some good options."</p>

<p>Speaking on Mitchell Starc’s progress as he also is recovering from an injury he sustained during the same Test as that of Green, Andrew said they are not willing to rush into Starc’s case, who is already ruled out of the first Test.</p>

<p>"The [finger] guard needs to stay on. It's really to protect against the knock that would then re-injure that ligament. That's why it's a clear-cut deadline to mitigate against any of that risk. We can't accelerate that to be honest. It's probably frustrating for Mitch that he feels that good. But the good thing is when he does get out of the splint all his workloads are going to be up to speed and it will be pretty much into that second Test, which is good news to us," McDonald added.</p>


Injury to Australian all-rounder Cameron Green came at a time when he was peaking in both batting and bowling, causing trouble to the team in trying to fill his shoes.

Injury to Australian all-rounder Cameron Green came at a time when he was peaking in both batting and bowling, causing trouble to the team in trying to fill his shoes. Ahead of his first major away tour in the Border-Gavaskar series, Green is unsure about his participation in the first Test that is scheduled to start on February 9th in Nagpur. Speaking about his at-hand condition, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald said Green’s biggest challenge during the India series will be his bowling. It was during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa when Green fractured his finger and has been out since. Already making steady progress in a short pre-series camp organised by the team management in Sydney, Green is slated to meet a bone surgeon on Monday after which only the picture about his participation in the Nagpur Test will be cleared. Revealing the motive behind staging this camp, McDonald, as quoted by Cricbuzz, said, "Where he's positioned at the moment, his biggest challenge is bowling," McDonald said. "There is a lack of loading there, and one of the key reasons around us getting into this camp early is to make sure that we're ready to go for the rigours of what the bowling unit [is] going to encompass. Building confidence is the main thing, setting him up to succeed in that first Test match, having enough time, that will be the critical question." ALSO READ: Ian Chappell feels Rishabh Pant's absence could hurt India's chances of winning Test series against Australia Commenting on what does Green brings to the table, the head coach said there is no doubt that the 23-year-old is a superb batter while his bowling is a plus for the team. McDonald further said just in case Green doesn’t get fit in time for the first Test, the management has Peter Handscomb waiting in the wings for his long-deserved chance. Admitting having more options under their sleeves is always a better plan, McDonald said, "We value his batting first and foremost really, he's a batter in our top six and we value that, his bowling is a bonus. A very nice bonus. We see Handscomb as an important right-hand option. We've got a lot of left handers. If there were to be any late changes, or Cameron Green doesn't make that first Test, we feel we have some good options." Speaking on Mitchell Starc’s progress as he also is recovering from an injury he sustained during the same Test as that of Green, Andrew said they are not willing to rush into Starc’s case, who is already ruled out of the first Test. "The [finger] guard needs to stay on. It's really to protect against the knock that would then re-injure that ligament. That's why it's a clear-cut deadline to mitigate against any of that risk. We can't accelerate that to be honest. It's probably frustrating for Mitch that he feels that good. But the good thing is when he does get out of the splint all his workloads are going to be up to speed and it will be pretty much into that second Test, which is good news to us," McDonald added.

Australia head coach worried about Cameron's Green bowling load during Border-Gavaskar series

<p>In this latest&nbsp;column for ESPNcricinfo, veteran Australian captain Ian Chappell wrote about Rishabh Pant saying his&nbsp;absence in the Test side could hurt India’s chances of claiming yet another Test series win over the Oz. Adding India’s main aim during the Test series would be to find an apt replacement for Pant, who was known for changing the course of the game in a session itself with his ultra-attacking approach. As for India to qualify for the finals of the ICC Test Championship they must beat Australia 4-0 at home;&nbsp;and while in Pant’s absence, Chappell feels India will have a uphill task at their disposal. The Indian team management&nbsp;roped in hard-hitting Ishan Kishan and specialist keeper-batter KS Bharat as keepers for first two Tests.</p>

<p>"India also have some points to prove, not the least to do with how Pant's replacement performs. The main thing India will lose from Pant's unavailability is an excellent run rate, which came from his belligerent aggression. No one can replace Pant's desire to dominate bowlers, so India have to rely on their top batters not only performing but also maintaining a good strike rate," Chappell wrote in his column.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-missing-out-on-india-tests-will-probably-nag-me-for-rest-of-my-life-says-glenn-maxwell-556947">IND vs AUS: Missing out on India Tests will probably 'nag me for rest of my life,' says Glenn Maxwell</a></p>

<p>Rishabh Pant met with a road accident on December 30th on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, suffering several injuries but gladly no life-threatening one. He is currently recovering following his surgery on the ligament in his knee, that took place in Mumbai recently. As per reports, Pant will remain out of action for at least good three to six months or even more depending on the nature&nbsp;of his recovery.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Chappell feels Australia will be relying heavily on Nathan Lyon to pick wickets on regular intervals like how he did in the Bengaluru Test six years ago – where he scalped&nbsp;eight wickets in the first innings on day one. But if India’s top three – Rohit, Pujara and Kohli are able to dominate Australia’s mainstay, then Oz would have to return to its pacers to get them wickets.</p>

<p>"One of the main tasks for Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will be to establish mental superiority over Lyon. If Australia can't rely on Lyon claiming regular wickets at an acceptable rate, their bowling will then depend greatly on the 'big three'," Chappell added.</p>

<p>The first Test will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamsala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13) are scheduled to host remaining three Tests</p>


In this latest column for ESPNcricinfo, veteran Australian captain Ian Chappell wrote about Rishabh Pant saying his absence in the Test side could hurt India’s chances of claiming yet another Test series win over the Oz.

In this latest column for ESPNcricinfo, veteran Australian captain Ian Chappell wrote about Rishabh Pant saying his absence in the Test side could hurt India’s chances of claiming yet another Test series win over the Oz. Adding India’s main aim during the Test series would be to find an apt replacement for Pant, who was known for changing the course of the game in a session itself with his ultra-attacking approach. As for India to qualify for the finals of the ICC Test Championship they must beat Australia 4-0 at home; and while in Pant’s absence, Chappell feels India will have a uphill task at their disposal. The Indian team management roped in hard-hitting Ishan Kishan and specialist keeper-batter KS Bharat as keepers for first two Tests. "India also have some points to prove, not the least to do with how Pant's replacement performs. The main thing India will lose from Pant's unavailability is an excellent run rate, which came from his belligerent aggression. No one can replace Pant's desire to dominate bowlers, so India have to rely on their top batters not only performing but also maintaining a good strike rate," Chappell wrote in his column. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Missing out on India Tests will probably 'nag me for rest of my life,' says Glenn Maxwell Rishabh Pant met with a road accident on December 30th on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, suffering several injuries but gladly no life-threatening one. He is currently recovering following his surgery on the ligament in his knee, that took place in Mumbai recently. As per reports, Pant will remain out of action for at least good three to six months or even more depending on the nature of his recovery. Meanwhile, Chappell feels Australia will be relying heavily on Nathan Lyon to pick wickets on regular intervals like how he did in the Bengaluru Test six years ago – where he scalped eight wickets in the first innings on day one. But if India’s top three – Rohit, Pujara and Kohli are able to dominate Australia’s mainstay, then Oz would have to return to its pacers to get them wickets. "One of the main tasks for Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will be to establish mental superiority over Lyon. If Australia can't rely on Lyon claiming regular wickets at an acceptable rate, their bowling will then depend greatly on the 'big three'," Chappell added. The first Test will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamsala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13) are scheduled to host remaining three Tests

Ian Chappell feels Rishabh Pant's absence could hurt India's chances of winning Test series against Australia