<p>Australia's Nathan Lyon is eyeing twin milestones in the fourth Test at Brisbane this week -- 400 wickets in his 100th appearance -- and promised Wednesday he was "far from done".</p>

<p>The veteran will become only the 13th Australian to become a Test centurion, joining the likes of Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, current Australia coach Justin Langer and fellow spin king Shane Warne.</p>

<p>"I look at the other 12 guys who have played more than 100 Test matches of cricket for Australia and they're pure legends," Lyon said.</p>

<p>"Not just for Australia but (other 100-Test players from) all around the world, I'm going to pinch myself each and every day to see my name up against those fellows."</p>

<p>"I'm pretty excited about this... just the thought of playing 100 Test matches for Australia is very humbling," he added.</p>

<p>A classical off-spinner, the 33-year-old has been virtually a constant fixture since making his debut almost a decade ago and is now on the cusp of 400 wickets.</p>

<p>He goes into the fourth Test against India from Friday needing four more to become just the 16th player worldwide to achieve the feat, and the third Australian after Warne and Glenn McGrath.</p>

<p>"I'm far from being done," Lyon said. "I'm still hungrier than ever. I want to go out there and play as much cricket for Australia as I can... win a lot of Test series for Australia."</p>

<p>Lyon's best haul was the 8-50 he took against India at Bengaluru in 2017.</p>

<p>Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan tops the all-time Test wicket-takers with 800, followed by Warne on 708 with the Australian legend recently predicting Lyon could overtake them both.</p>

<p>"If he keeps himself injury free, I think he could easily go on and play for another five years," Warne said in a column for the Sydney Daily Telegraph last week.</p>

<p>"That's approximately another 50 Tests, and if he continues to take four wickets per game, then that is another 200 -– or maybe 250 if he has a golden five years -– Test wickets.</p>

<p>"You put that on top of his 400 and he's in the 600-650 wicket club at 38 years of age. And if he's still going well then he might have a crack at me and Murali, which would be awesome to see."</p>


Australia's Nathan Lyon is eyeing twin milestones in the fourth Test at Brisbane this week -- 400 wickets in his 100th appearance -- and promised Wednesday he was "far from done".

Australia's Nathan Lyon is eyeing twin milestones in the fourth Test at Brisbane this week -- 400 wickets in his 100th appearance -- and promised Wednesday he was "far from done". The veteran will become only the 13th Australian to become a Test centurion, joining the likes of Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, current Australia coach Justin Langer and fellow spin king Shane Warne. "I look at the other 12 guys who have played more than 100 Test matches of cricket for Australia and they're pure legends," Lyon said. "Not just for Australia but (other 100-Test players from) all around the world, I'm going to pinch myself each and every day to see my name up against those fellows." "I'm pretty excited about this... just the thought of playing 100 Test matches for Australia is very humbling," he added. A classical off-spinner, the 33-year-old has been virtually a constant fixture since making his debut almost a decade ago and is now on the cusp of 400 wickets. He goes into the fourth Test against India from Friday needing four more to become just the 16th player worldwide to achieve the feat, and the third Australian after Warne and Glenn McGrath. "I'm far from being done," Lyon said. "I'm still hungrier than ever. I want to go out there and play as much cricket for Australia as I can... win a lot of Test series for Australia." Lyon's best haul was the 8-50 he took against India at Bengaluru in 2017. Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan tops the all-time Test wicket-takers with 800, followed by Warne on 708 with the Australian legend recently predicting Lyon could overtake them both. "If he keeps himself injury free, I think he could easily go on and play for another five years," Warne said in a column for the Sydney Daily Telegraph last week. "That's approximately another 50 Tests, and if he continues to take four wickets per game, then that is another 200 -– or maybe 250 if he has a golden five years -– Test wickets. "You put that on top of his 400 and he's in the 600-650 wicket club at 38 years of age. And if he's still going well then he might have a crack at me and Murali, which would be awesome to see."

Nathan Lyon eyes twin milestones in Brisbane - 400 wickets in 100th Test

<p>Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney.</p>

<p>Paine's captaincy has been questioned after he launched an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin and Smith was accused of foul play after appearing to scuff up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during a tense final day.</p>

<p>But an indignant Langer was having none of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Do I have faith in Tim Paine? You have no idea how much faith I have in Tim Paine," he said on a Zoom call.</p>

<p>"He didn't have his best day, no doubt about that, but after three years he has hardly put a hair out of place.</p>

<p>"He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does. He had a frustrating day and we have got to cut him some slack, surely."</p>

<p>Wicketkeeper Paine, guilty of dropping three catches on the final day, has apologised and admitted frustration got the better of him when he tried to unsettle Ashwin, who held out for more than three hours for an unbeaten 39 as the tourists salvaged a draw.</p>

<p>Stump microphones picked up Paine making a series of barbs, including calling Ashwin a "dickhead".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine had already been fined for dissent after an expletive-laden rant at umpire Paul Wilson on day two, with the incidents undermining Langer's drive to revamp the team's toxic culture after the "Sandpaper-gate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018.</p>

<p>While backing Paine to continue as captain "for some time yet", Langer also acknowledged criticism would come if anyone deviated from the high standards the team now set themselves.</p>

<p>"When you set a standard as high as he does, and we do, we understand we get criticised when you fall below that. It's not what we are about," he said.</p>

<p>"But Tim is an outstanding leader and will continue to be for some time to come yet. He has my 100 percent support."</p>

<h2>- 'A bit quirky' -</h2>

<p>Footage of Smith, who was Australia's captain during the sandpaper scandal and banned for year, suggested he deliberately interfered with Pant's batting guard -- a mark made at the crease to know where your feet are in relation to the wicket behind you.</p>

<p>The number four is renowned for his quirks, including shadow-batting while fielding, and strongly denied doing anything wrong.</p>

<p>"As for Steve Smith, I literally cannot believe some of the rubbish I've read -- absolute load of rubbish," said Langer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He took particular aim at England greats Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough, personally phoning them after they criticised Smith.</p>

<p>"I've actually spoken to Darren Gough about it and rang him last night," he told sports radio station SEN.</p>

<p>"I spoke to Michael Vaughan as well, I thought he was out of line actually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You get it from (some of the critics), but I don't expect it from (someone like Vaughan)."</p>

<p>He added that Smith was well known for his offbeat habits.</p>

<p>"Anyone who suggests for one millisecond he was trying to do something untoward, they're way out of line," he said.</p>

<p>"On that wicket, that was that flat, and it was like concrete, you'd need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on the crease and he went nowhere near the crease.</p>

<p>"So seriously, I thought that was absolutely ludicrous."</p>

<p>The fourth and final Test gets under way on Friday in Brisbane, with the series locked at 1-1.</p>


Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney.

Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney. Paine's captaincy has been questioned after he launched an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin and Smith was accused of foul play after appearing to scuff up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during a tense final day. But an indignant Langer was having none of it. "Do I have faith in Tim Paine? You have no idea how much faith I have in Tim Paine," he said on a Zoom call. "He didn't have his best day, no doubt about that, but after three years he has hardly put a hair out of place. "He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does. He had a frustrating day and we have got to cut him some slack, surely." Wicketkeeper Paine, guilty of dropping three catches on the final day, has apologised and admitted frustration got the better of him when he tried to unsettle Ashwin, who held out for more than three hours for an unbeaten 39 as the tourists salvaged a draw. Stump microphones picked up Paine making a series of barbs, including calling Ashwin a "dickhead". Paine had already been fined for dissent after an expletive-laden rant at umpire Paul Wilson on day two, with the incidents undermining Langer's drive to revamp the team's toxic culture after the "Sandpaper-gate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018. While backing Paine to continue as captain "for some time yet", Langer also acknowledged criticism would come if anyone deviated from the high standards the team now set themselves. "When you set a standard as high as he does, and we do, we understand we get criticised when you fall below that. It's not what we are about," he said. "But Tim is an outstanding leader and will continue to be for some time to come yet. He has my 100 percent support." - 'A bit quirky' - Footage of Smith, who was Australia's captain during the sandpaper scandal and banned for year, suggested he deliberately interfered with Pant's batting guard -- a mark made at the crease to know where your feet are in relation to the wicket behind you. The number four is renowned for his quirks, including shadow-batting while fielding, and strongly denied doing anything wrong. "As for Steve Smith, I literally cannot believe some of the rubbish I've read -- absolute load of rubbish," said Langer. He took particular aim at England greats Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough, personally phoning them after they criticised Smith. "I've actually spoken to Darren Gough about it and rang him last night," he told sports radio station SEN. "I spoke to Michael Vaughan as well, I thought he was out of line actually. "You get it from (some of the critics), but I don't expect it from (someone like Vaughan)." He added that Smith was well known for his offbeat habits. "Anyone who suggests for one millisecond he was trying to do something untoward, they're way out of line," he said. "On that wicket, that was that flat, and it was like concrete, you'd need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on the crease and he went nowhere near the crease. "So seriously, I thought that was absolutely ludicrous." The fourth and final Test gets under way on Friday in Brisbane, with the series locked at 1-1.

'Absolute rubbish' - Langer goes into bat for Paine, Smith

<p>Dark clouds and the threat of rain caused doubts for England captain Joe Root in choosing his side for the opening Test in Sri Lanka starting on Thursday.</p>

<p>The southern coastal city of Galle has seen several days of wet weather and more is predicted for the first of the two Tests, leaving the tourists wondering whether to use more pace on the usually spin friendly wicket.</p>

<p>"We have to consider conditions again, we've had quite a lot of rain over the last 24 hours, so we'll have another look at the wicket and make sure we're really clear on the XI we want to go into the game with," Root told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>England are resuming a Sri Lankan tour that was aborted in March as the coronavirus pandemic fallout spread.</p>

<p>Root, who led England to a 3-0 sweep in Sri Lanka in 2018, said his batsmen should be ready to adapt on spin-friendly South Asian tracks as they look to repeat their success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's one of the big challenges of coming and playing in Sri Lanka, and in the sub-continent, is that the rhythm of the game is so different to playing in English conditions," he said.</p>

<p>"There is a lot more spin, a lot more double spin and that's part and parcel of playing in this part of the world.</p>

<p>"Last time we felt like whoever adapted quickest and grabbed those big moments in the game won. And hopefully we can repeat that this time around."</p>

<h2>- 'Reverse swing, hostile spell' -</h2>

<p>However the star batsman said seamers could become a weapon in the wet conditions.</p>

<p>"Throughout the winter we will definitely try and exploit that as a tactic in these conditions, whether it is reverse swing or a slightly more hostile spell of bowling," said Root.</p>

<p>"I do think with the weather around that we have had – we have had quite a lot of rain and there is a lot of moisture around – so seam might play a bigger part."</p>

<p>James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Olly Stone and Mark Wood lead the visitors' pace choices for the first Test.</p>

<p>Chris Woakes is unlikely to play after being in isolation because of his close contact with Moeen Ali who tested positive for Covid-19 and is still under quarantine.</p>

<p>There are six spinners in the England party -- Dom Bess, Jack Leach and Moeen in the main squad, supplemented by reserves Mason Crane, Matt Parkinson and Amar Virdi.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised the opposition spinners but believes the hosts have learnt from their past mistakes.</p>

<p>"We never underestimate their bowlers," said Karunaratne.</p>

<p>"We know how the conditions are and have a few plans against them. We play our normal, fearless game. We have learnt a lot from the previous series and we will not do that mistake again."</p>

<p>Karunaratne also held back his team for the game but said Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will play.</p>


Dark clouds and the threat of rain caused doubts for England captain Joe Root in choosing his side for the opening Test in Sri Lanka starting on Thursday. The southern coastal city of Galle has seen several days of wet weather and more is predicted for the first of the two Tests, leaving the tourists wondering whether to use more pace on the usually spin friendly wicket.

Dark clouds and the threat of rain caused doubts for England captain Joe Root in choosing his side for the opening Test in Sri Lanka starting on Thursday. The southern coastal city of Galle has seen several days of wet weather and more is predicted for the first of the two Tests, leaving the tourists wondering whether to use more pace on the usually spin friendly wicket. "We have to consider conditions again, we've had quite a lot of rain over the last 24 hours, so we'll have another look at the wicket and make sure we're really clear on the XI we want to go into the game with," Root told reporters on Wednesday. England are resuming a Sri Lankan tour that was aborted in March as the coronavirus pandemic fallout spread. Root, who led England to a 3-0 sweep in Sri Lanka in 2018, said his batsmen should be ready to adapt on spin-friendly South Asian tracks as they look to repeat their success. "That's one of the big challenges of coming and playing in Sri Lanka, and in the sub-continent, is that the rhythm of the game is so different to playing in English conditions," he said. "There is a lot more spin, a lot more double spin and that's part and parcel of playing in this part of the world. "Last time we felt like whoever adapted quickest and grabbed those big moments in the game won. And hopefully we can repeat that this time around." - 'Reverse swing, hostile spell' - However the star batsman said seamers could become a weapon in the wet conditions. "Throughout the winter we will definitely try and exploit that as a tactic in these conditions, whether it is reverse swing or a slightly more hostile spell of bowling," said Root. "I do think with the weather around that we have had – we have had quite a lot of rain and there is a lot of moisture around – so seam might play a bigger part." James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Olly Stone and Mark Wood lead the visitors' pace choices for the first Test. Chris Woakes is unlikely to play after being in isolation because of his close contact with Moeen Ali who tested positive for Covid-19 and is still under quarantine. There are six spinners in the England party -- Dom Bess, Jack Leach and Moeen in the main squad, supplemented by reserves Mason Crane, Matt Parkinson and Amar Virdi. Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised the opposition spinners but believes the hosts have learnt from their past mistakes. "We never underestimate their bowlers," said Karunaratne. "We know how the conditions are and have a few plans against them. We play our normal, fearless game. We have learnt a lot from the previous series and we will not do that mistake again." Karunaratne also held back his team for the game but said Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will play.

Galle rain keeps England's Root guessing on Sri Lanka selection

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f26da509-0f2a-4770-be68-ea707b51db6a}{150}" paraid="178111646" >Former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian batsman Mark Waugh on Wednesday&nbsp;got involved in a war of words&nbsp;over the controversy surrounding Steve Smith. There was massive outrage on social media platforms after Smith was seen scuffing up Rishabh&nbsp;Pant’s&nbsp;batting guard during&nbsp;Day 4 of the Sydney Test. While it was not blatant cheating, Smith was heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by the fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f26da509-0f2a-4770-be68-ea707b51db6a}{159}" paraid="1134137582" >Vaughan posted a photograph which mentioned the rules of games&nbsp;when it comes to altering the condition of the pitch. However, Waugh was quick to reply to Vaughan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ccfc1d5-bcf1-4fe8-8d0f-a37c44aeed7c}{234}" paraid="433754307" >“The Steve Smith incident has caused great debate ... I saw it as a silly thing for him to be doing but&nbsp;i&nbsp;didn’t have it as cheating ...the laws are above ... #OnOn ... What do we all think ??,” Vaughan tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6e580cb3-2112-46bd-aaf3-e9ccd7788dde}{45}" paraid="1752735193" >To which Waugh replied:&nbsp;"You've lost your marbles&nbsp;Vaughney. I'd be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6e580cb3-2112-46bd-aaf3-e9ccd7788dde}{45}" paraid="1752735193" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-shuts-down-mp-babul-supriyo-as-ashwin-goes-roflmax-356451" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari shuts down MP Babul Supriyo as Ashwin goes 'ROFLMAX'</a></strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You’ve lost your marbles Vaughney. I’d be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game.🤷‍♂️</p>
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorwaugh349/status/1349177518704656385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, Vaughan was quick to hit back&nbsp;as he wrote that he would be keeping a close eye on whether Smith repeats the same in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec2180a6-44bb-4bf4-aa2d-2d66dfbe6d5a}{197}" paraid="1353037333" >Replying to Waugh, Vaughan said: "Are you struggling to read Junior ... as I have clearly stated it was silly &amp; not cheating but the laws are the laws ... btw let's see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ec2180a6-44bb-4bf4-aa2d-2d66dfbe6d5a}{197}" paraid="1353037333" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Are you struggling to read Junior ... as I have clearly stated it was silly &amp; not cheating but the laws are the laws ... btw let’s see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time :.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/JoYunJn8X2">https://t.co/JoYunJn8X2</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1349269844307415041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Smith said he was shocked and disappointed to see the outrage over the video of him scuffing up the batting crease as he said it was something he does during matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ae5f353b-db17-497d-b52e-cda96b56071a}{12}" paraid="1583290775" >"I have been quite shocked and disappointed by the reaction to this. It's something I do in games to&nbsp;visualise&nbsp;where we are bowling, how the batter is playing our bowlers and then out of habit I always mark&nbsp;centre," Smith told the Daily Telegraph, as reported by Fox Sports.&nbsp;</p>


Former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian batsman Mark Waugh on Wednesday got involved in a war of words over the controversy surrounding Steve Smith.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian batsman Mark Waugh on Wednesday got involved in a war of words over the controversy surrounding Steve Smith. There was massive outrage on social media platforms after Smith was seen scuffing up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during Day 4 of the Sydney Test. While it was not blatant cheating, Smith was heavily criticised by the fans. Vaughan posted a photograph which mentioned the rules of games when it comes to altering the condition of the pitch. However, Waugh was quick to reply to Vaughan. “The Steve Smith incident has caused great debate ... I saw it as a silly thing for him to be doing but i didn’t have it as cheating ...the laws are above ... #OnOn ... What do we all think ??,” Vaughan tweeted. To which Waugh replied: "You've lost your marbles Vaughney. I'd be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game.” ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari shuts down MP Babul Supriyo as Ashwin goes 'ROFLMAX' You’ve lost your marbles Vaughney. I’d be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game.🤷‍♂️ — Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) January 13, 2021 × However, Vaughan was quick to hit back as he wrote that he would be keeping a close eye on whether Smith repeats the same in Brisbane. Replying to Waugh, Vaughan said: "Are you struggling to read Junior ... as I have clearly stated it was silly & not cheating but the laws are the laws ... btw let's see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time." ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test Are you struggling to read Junior ... as I have clearly stated it was silly & not cheating but the laws are the laws ... btw let’s see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time :.. #OnOn https://t.co/JoYunJn8X2 — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 13, 2021 × Earlier, Smith said he was shocked and disappointed to see the outrage over the video of him scuffing up the batting crease as he said it was something he does during matches. "I have been quite shocked and disappointed by the reaction to this. It's something I do in games to visualise where we are bowling, how the batter is playing our bowlers and then out of habit I always mark centre," Smith told the Daily Telegraph, as reported by Fox Sports.

Michael Vaughan, Mark Waugh involved in war of words over Steve Smith controversy

<p>Josh Hazlewood has said that Australia’s impeccable record in Brisbane gives a slight edge to the hosts in the fourth and final Test against India, scheduled to start from January 15 at The Gabba. Hazlewood, ahead of the series decider, said that Aussies grow an extra leg when playing in Brisbane while adding that all Australians love playing there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, after making sensational comebacks in Melbourne and Sydney, will look to break Australia’s unbeaten run in Brisbane with the hosts yet to lose a match in the venue since 1988. Australia have played 31 matches in Brisbane since 1988 and have won 24 while drawing seven. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"All Australians love playing up there. We probably grow a leg given the record we've got. We know touring sides don't like to play there, so that puts us a bit ahead before a ball is bowled. I guess we thrive on that. It's an awesome place to play. Very much an Australian venue, I've always enjoyed playing there," Hazlewood told AAP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a></strong></p>

<p>While Australia have almost their full-strength side, India, on the contrary, are a depleted, injury-plagued squad. While the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari are out with injuries, there are doubts over Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal and Ravichandran Ashwin, which may force the visitors to field an inexperienced playing XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Bumrah doesn’t start then India will have a pace attack, which will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. On Australia’s fatigue and workload, Hazlewood was confident that the pace troika can pull through the final Test.</p>

<p>"It's probably the freshest we have felt while turning up to Sydney at this time of year, for a very long time," Hazlewood said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Back to back is fine ... even if we bowl 40-plus overs here, we'll be OK for Brisbane."&nbsp;</p>


Josh Hazlewood has said that Australia’s impeccable record in Brisbane gives a slight edge to the hosts in the fourth and final Test against India, scheduled to start from January 15 at The Gabba.

Josh Hazlewood has said that Australia’s impeccable record in Brisbane gives a slight edge to the hosts in the fourth and final Test against India, scheduled to start from January 15 at The Gabba. Hazlewood, ahead of the series decider, said that Aussies grow an extra leg when playing in Brisbane while adding that all Australians love playing there. India, after making sensational comebacks in Melbourne and Sydney, will look to break Australia’s unbeaten run in Brisbane with the hosts yet to lose a match in the venue since 1988. Australia have played 31 matches in Brisbane since 1988 and have won 24 while drawing seven. "All Australians love playing up there. We probably grow a leg given the record we've got. We know touring sides don't like to play there, so that puts us a bit ahead before a ball is bowled. I guess we thrive on that. It's an awesome place to play. Very much an Australian venue, I've always enjoyed playing there," Hazlewood told AAP. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more While Australia have almost their full-strength side, India, on the contrary, are a depleted, injury-plagued squad. While the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari are out with injuries, there are doubts over Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal and Ravichandran Ashwin, which may force the visitors to field an inexperienced playing XI. If Bumrah doesn’t start then India will have a pace attack, which will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. On Australia’s fatigue and workload, Hazlewood was confident that the pace troika can pull through the final Test. "It's probably the freshest we have felt while turning up to Sydney at this time of year, for a very long time," Hazlewood said. "Back to back is fine ... even if we bowl 40-plus overs here, we'll be OK for Brisbane."

Brisbane record gives Australia edge over India: Josh Hazlewood

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ebcb1c19-77f4-4a6f-95c9-a6eabdbd40fa}{34}" paraid="1022404536" >Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday shut&nbsp;down Member of Parliament Babul Supriyo after an absurd tweet by the playback singer. Supriyo, after India’s drawn Test in Sydney, had blamed Vihari for not sealing India’s win and forcing it for a draw after a slow knock.&nbsp;Importantly, Supriyo even&nbsp;misspelt&nbsp;Vihari’s name as ‘Hanuma Bihari’ which infuriated the fans further.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0b3edc4b-ab44-457c-a352-0827f3b9c376}{32}" paraid="480874897" >After the Sydney Test when the entire world was hailing the efforts of Vihari and Ashwin, Babul Supriyo’s tweet took the fans by shock.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{07d0da45-4ad1-4926-a59e-36159622efcc}{172}" paraid="144462798" >While Supriyo was central to major criticism by the fans, Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday took to Twitter to shut Supriyo with an impactful reply.&nbsp;Vihari’s reply went viral in a jiffy as fans lauded the Indian batsman and the hero of Sydney Test for shutting Supriyo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc45f170-8f5e-43d7-b2e3-042689e2753b}{218}" paraid="15474828" >“Playing 109 balls to score 7 !That is atrocious to say the&nbsp;least•Hanuma&nbsp;Bihari has not only killed any Chance for India to achieve a historic win but has also murdered&nbsp;Cricket..&nbsp;not keeping win an option, even if remotely, is criminal. PS: I know that I know nothing&nbsp;abt&nbsp;cricket,” Supriyo had tweeted after the drawn Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc45f170-8f5e-43d7-b2e3-042689e2753b}{218}" paraid="15474828" >To which the Indian batsman replied to simply correct the spelling of his name: "*Hanuma Vihari".</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc45f170-8f5e-43d7-b2e3-042689e2753b}{218}" paraid="15474828" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-intervention-helps-team-india-get-swimming-pool-gym-housekeeping-staff-access-in-brisbane-356423" hreflang="en">BCCI intervention helps Team India get swimming pool, gym, housekeeping staff access in Brisbane</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">*Hanuma Vihari</p>
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari/status/1349285961994182662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another hero of Sydney Test, Ravichandran Ashwin also posted a screenshot of the conversation and enjoyed the cracking reply by the Indian batsman.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">ROFLMAX!! 😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/gIHpngYg3E">pic.twitter.com/gIHpngYg3E</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1349305502312763392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Fans enjoyed Vihari's response as most of them said it was the greatest reply of the new year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tweet of 2021.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1349290553129668611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/yzebfJNSZq">pic.twitter.com/yzebfJNSZq</a></p>
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaleraosarang/status/1349310550316994565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/iX26WLJrSQ">pic.twitter.com/iX26WLJrSQ</a></p>
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) <a href="https://twitter.com/vlp1994/status/1349289201120866304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Killed him in 1 tweet.</p>
— Abhinandan Nahata (@cricketgyani_an) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketgyani_an/status/1349288875298934784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">KING!</p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1349288397123190784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/l607PsWMzX">pic.twitter.com/l607PsWMzX</a></p>
— Kaushik (@iamnowayfunny) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamnowayfunny/status/1349288887424745472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">King Hanuma 💙💙🔥 <a href="https://t.co/K6u0o7D6Hu">pic.twitter.com/K6u0o7D6Hu</a></p>
— Circuit 🏏 Expert (@Being_circuit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Being_circuit/status/1349289815775215618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian cricket team, in the third Test against Australia in Sydney, achieved what has been hailed as one of the greatest draws in the history of Test cricket. With an injury-ravaged squad, the Indian team&nbsp;batted for 131 overs to save the Sydney Test. While the likes of&nbsp;Cheteshwar&nbsp;Pujara and Rishabh Pant started the great escape, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the&nbsp;orchestrators for the visitors.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dfcce635-b923-4047-8ff7-bac80df45e0c}{209}" paraid="1031886034" >Vihari, who suffered a grade 2 tear in his hamstring, batted for around 3 hours and helped India save the Sydney Test from an almost impossible situation. To his plight,&nbsp;Vihari was even unable to walk properly when he was&nbsp;stitching&nbsp;the heroic partnership with Ashwin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{69274a5f-339c-4080-8455-3a9a8c73ff29}{101}" paraid="362019735" >Even Ashwin had a back spasm and was even unable to tie his shoelaces or even sit properly during Day 5 of the Sydney Test. But the duo, despite being hit several times on their body by the world-class Australian bowling attack, continued to bat for the sake of their country and team.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0b3edc4b-ab44-457c-a352-0827f3b9c376}{127}" paraid="1425923190" >Due to Ashwin and Vihari’s enormous effort, India drew the Sydney Test and kept the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0469b7f-91d3-4fe9-87df-2980fd557e48}{68}" paraid="1728017172" >India and Australia will now lock horns in the fourth and final Test, scheduled to start from January 15, at The Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday shut down Member of Parliament Babul Supriyo after an absurd tweet by the playback singer. Supriyo, after India’s drawn Test in Sydney, had blamed Vihari for not sealing India’s win and forcing it for a draw after a slow knock.

Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday shut down Member of Parliament Babul Supriyo after an absurd tweet by the playback singer. Supriyo, after India’s drawn Test in Sydney, had blamed Vihari for not sealing India’s win and forcing it for a draw after a slow knock. Importantly, Supriyo even misspelt Vihari’s name as ‘Hanuma Bihari’ which infuriated the fans further. After the Sydney Test when the entire world was hailing the efforts of Vihari and Ashwin, Babul Supriyo’s tweet took the fans by shock. While Supriyo was central to major criticism by the fans, Hanuma Vihari on Wednesday took to Twitter to shut Supriyo with an impactful reply. Vihari’s reply went viral in a jiffy as fans lauded the Indian batsman and the hero of Sydney Test for shutting Supriyo. “Playing 109 balls to score 7 !That is atrocious to say the least•Hanuma Bihari has not only killed any Chance for India to achieve a historic win but has also murdered Cricket.. not keeping win an option, even if remotely, is criminal. PS: I know that I know nothing abt cricket,” Supriyo had tweeted after the drawn Sydney Test. To which the Indian batsman replied to simply correct the spelling of his name: "*Hanuma Vihari". ALSO READ: BCCI intervention helps Team India get swimming pool, gym, housekeeping staff access in Brisbane *Hanuma Vihari — Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) January 13, 2021 × Another hero of Sydney Test, Ravichandran Ashwin also posted a screenshot of the conversation and enjoyed the cracking reply by the Indian batsman. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' ROFLMAX!! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/gIHpngYg3E — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 13, 2021 × Fans enjoyed Vihari's response as most of them said it was the greatest reply of the new year. Tweet of 2021. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 13, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/yzebfJNSZq — Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 13, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/iX26WLJrSQ — Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) January 13, 2021 × Killed him in 1 tweet. — Abhinandan Nahata (@cricketgyani_an) January 13, 2021 × KING! — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 13, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/l607PsWMzX — Kaushik (@iamnowayfunny) January 13, 2021 × King Hanuma 💙💙🔥 pic.twitter.com/K6u0o7D6Hu — Circuit 🏏 Expert (@Being_circuit) January 13, 2021 × The Indian cricket team, in the third Test against Australia in Sydney, achieved what has been hailed as one of the greatest draws in the history of Test cricket. With an injury-ravaged squad, the Indian team batted for 131 overs to save the Sydney Test. While the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant started the great escape, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the orchestrators for the visitors. Vihari, who suffered a grade 2 tear in his hamstring, batted for around 3 hours and helped India save the Sydney Test from an almost impossible situation. To his plight, Vihari was even unable to walk properly when he was stitching the heroic partnership with Ashwin. Even Ashwin had a back spasm and was even unable to tie his shoelaces or even sit properly during Day 5 of the Sydney Test. But the duo, despite being hit several times on their body by the world-class Australian bowling attack, continued to bat for the sake of their country and team. Due to Ashwin and Vihari’s enormous effort, India drew the Sydney Test and kept the series alive at 1-1. India and Australia will now lock horns in the fourth and final Test, scheduled to start from January 15, at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Hanuma Vihari shuts down MP Babul Supriyo as Ashwin goes 'ROFLMAX'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0a19a365-2138-4e87-be46-4f74b8325b38}{94}" paraid="1342130459" >It has been a&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;tour of Australia for the Indian cricket team and it got worse when the visitors faced difficult quarantine hurdles upon their arrival in Brisbane as they were not given access to the gym, swimming pool and the lift.&nbsp;The development forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)&nbsp;to intervene. Now, the situation has been resolved as the Indian team has been provided access to the gym, swimming pool and the lift whereas room service is also expected to be available before the end of the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d05d3c-1859-4838-af4d-a2ed012f11be}{146}" paraid="1057664561" >The Indian team was even not provided room service in the Brisbane hotel which forced them to clean their own toilets and make their own beds. After playing through pain in the Sydney Test, the Indian team needs to have proper rest and facilities available to recover as they are an already depleted squad due to&nbsp;injury and can’t afford any other.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d05d3c-1859-4838-af4d-a2ed012f11be}{146}" paraid="1057664561" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/varun-aaron-hospitalised-for-laryngitis-pulls-out-of-syed-mushtaq-ali-t20-356414" hreflang="en">Varun Aaron hospitalised for laryngitis, pulls out of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c658afe8-8547-439f-af0d-7a36920878c5}{96}" paraid="872329620" >According to India Today, the BCCI president and secretary Jay Shah got it touch with the Cricket Australia officials in a bid to make the basic facilities available for the visitors. According to the report,&nbsp;the BCCI had a word with captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Ravi Shastri to get first-hand information.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bcff86e8-5533-4f0c-9e4b-97376259f606}{38}" paraid="1983211246" >With just a couple of days to go for the fourth and final Test in Brisbane, the Indian cricket team is looking to make as much recovery as possible after battling it out for five days in Brisbane. The visitors may field a few inexperienced players with most of the senior players injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bcff86e8-5533-4f0c-9e4b-97376259f606}{38}" paraid="1983211246" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/absolute-rubbish-langer-goes-into-bat-for-paine-smith-356397" hreflang="en">'Absolute rubbish' - Langer goes into bat for Paine, Smith</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{136a671c-1f2c-4f33-adde-b8dbec52a9b8}{221}" paraid="985183668" >Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the series while Hanuma Vihari it out as well. Ravichandran Ashwin is a doubt as is the case with&nbsp;Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;and Mayank Agarwal. Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar and T Natarajan are in the fray to play in the Brisbane Test against Australia,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be10aa36-b994-4efb-8a1c-28d352d6aa42}{239}" paraid="738692707" >The fourth Test between India and Australia starts from January 15 at the Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>


It has been a gruelling tour of Australia for the Indian cricket team and it got worse when the visitors faced difficult quarantine hurdles upon their arrival in Brisbane as they were not given access to the gym, swimming pool and the lift.

It has been a gruelling tour of Australia for the Indian cricket team and it got worse when the visitors faced difficult quarantine hurdles upon their arrival in Brisbane as they were not given access to the gym, swimming pool and the lift. The development forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene. Now, the situation has been resolved as the Indian team has been provided access to the gym, swimming pool and the lift whereas room service is also expected to be available before the end of the day. The Indian team was even not provided room service in the Brisbane hotel which forced them to clean their own toilets and make their own beds. After playing through pain in the Sydney Test, the Indian team needs to have proper rest and facilities available to recover as they are an already depleted squad due to injury and can’t afford any other. ALSO READ: Varun Aaron hospitalised for laryngitis, pulls out of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 According to India Today, the BCCI president and secretary Jay Shah got it touch with the Cricket Australia officials in a bid to make the basic facilities available for the visitors. According to the report, the BCCI had a word with captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Ravi Shastri to get first-hand information. With just a couple of days to go for the fourth and final Test in Brisbane, the Indian cricket team is looking to make as much recovery as possible after battling it out for five days in Brisbane. The visitors may field a few inexperienced players with most of the senior players injured. ALSO READ: 'Absolute rubbish' - Langer goes into bat for Paine, Smith Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the series while Hanuma Vihari it out as well. Ravichandran Ashwin is a doubt as is the case with Jasprit Bumrah and Mayank Agarwal. Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar and T Natarajan are in the fray to play in the Brisbane Test against Australia, The fourth Test between India and Australia starts from January 15 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

BCCI intervention helps Team India get swimming pool, gym, housekeeping staff access in Brisbane

<p paraeid="{c20fe176-0d3c-4784-b05a-e064c4927762}{154}" paraid="738692707">Indian pacer Varun Aaron has been&nbsp;hospitalised&nbsp;as he is suffering from&nbsp;laryngitis&nbsp;-&nbsp;an inflammation of throat from overuse, irritation or infection. Aaron, who played the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Rajasthan Royals,&nbsp;was&nbsp;part of the Jharkhand squad in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 but has now pulled out of the tournament due to laryngitis.&nbsp;The Indian speedster is currently hospitalized but is stable and is on his way to recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{90b52b8b-87f0-429b-8c4d-4d967e79df1e}{246}" paraid="2142485674" >Aaron played in Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 opener against Dinesh Karthik-led Tamil Nadu and bowled three overs in the match. However,&nbsp;Aaron went on to miss Jharkhand’s second match against Bengal in the domestic T20 tournament due to the infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c89b34d9-577c-4079-b970-5c7f1b7e7c63}{97}" paraid="2059636891" >“Varun Aaron is currently&nbsp;hospitalised&nbsp;after suffering from laryngitis. He is being looked well by the doctors and is stable. Due to the development, Varun will not be able to play in the tournament and has pulled out,” a source&nbsp;privy to&nbsp;the development told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c89b34d9-577c-4079-b970-5c7f1b7e7c63}{97}" paraid="2059636891" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-doubtful-for-brisbane-test-as-injury-worries-grow-for-team-india-356228" hreflang="en">Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for Brisbane Test as injury worries grow for Team India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be0ce375-e06d-4c0d-8c3c-136be4b46c38}{203}" paraid="632061627" >Aaron was also part of Rajasthan Royals squad in IPL 2020 in the UAE and played three matches in the 13th&nbsp;edition of the tournament. While he failed to scalp a wicket, the pacer looked impressive in two of the matches – against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders – where he conceded 25 and 22 runs respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93d77716-e5e1-4821-9c1e-34950acfb57c}{226}" paraid="1612810631" >As preparations for IPL 2021 begin, the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 is being looked as the preparatory step for the cash-rich tournament. The infection will be a huge blow for Aaron, who was looking to impress franchises ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93d77716-e5e1-4821-9c1e-34950acfb57c}{226}" paraid="1612810631" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-captain-tim-paine-apologises-for-sledging-against-ashwin-in-sydney-test-356168" hreflang="en">Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be0ce375-e06d-4c0d-8c3c-136be4b46c38}{151}" paraid="1655208721" >Meanwhile, Jharkhand are currently sitting bottom of the Elite Group B after losing both their matches. And Aaron’s illness will only give more headaches&nbsp;to the camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{be0ce375-e06d-4c0d-8c3c-136be4b46c38}{151}" paraid="1655208721" >Varun Aaron has played nine Tests as many ODIs for Team India while representing IPL franchises like Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals.</p>


Indian pacer Varun Aaron has been hospitalised as he is suffering from laryngitis - an inflammation of throat from overuse, irritation or infection. Aaron, who played the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Rajasthan Royals, was part of the Jharkhand squad in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 but has now pulled out of the tournament due to laryngitis.

Indian pacer Varun Aaron has been hospitalised as he is suffering from laryngitis - an inflammation of throat from overuse, irritation or infection. Aaron, who played the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Rajasthan Royals, was part of the Jharkhand squad in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 but has now pulled out of the tournament due to laryngitis. The Indian speedster is currently hospitalized but is stable and is on his way to recovery. Aaron played in Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 opener against Dinesh Karthik-led Tamil Nadu and bowled three overs in the match. However, Aaron went on to miss Jharkhand’s second match against Bengal in the domestic T20 tournament due to the infection. “Varun Aaron is currently hospitalised after suffering from laryngitis. He is being looked well by the doctors and is stable. Due to the development, Varun will not be able to play in the tournament and has pulled out,” a source privy to the development told WION. ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for Brisbane Test as injury worries grow for Team India Aaron was also part of Rajasthan Royals squad in IPL 2020 in the UAE and played three matches in the 13th edition of the tournament. While he failed to scalp a wicket, the pacer looked impressive in two of the matches – against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders – where he conceded 25 and 22 runs respectively. As preparations for IPL 2021 begin, the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 is being looked as the preparatory step for the cash-rich tournament. The infection will be a huge blow for Aaron, who was looking to impress franchises ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction. ALSO READ: Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test Meanwhile, Jharkhand are currently sitting bottom of the Elite Group B after losing both their matches. And Aaron’s illness will only give more headaches to the camp. Varun Aaron has played nine Tests as many ODIs for Team India while representing IPL franchises like Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals.

Varun Aaron hospitalised for laryngitis, pulls out of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20

<p>New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings.</p>

<p>Williamson, named player of the series after leading his side to an innings and 176 runs win and a 2-0 victory in the two-Test series, has reached 919 rating points, bettering his own mark of 915 in December 2018. ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Richard Hadlee is the only other player from New Zealand to go past the 900-point mark, reaching a career-high 909 rating points in bowling in December 1985.</p>

<p>In the latest rankings update that includes the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Johannesburg and the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney, Steve Smith has leapfrogged Virat Kohli to second position after scores of 131 and 81 while Dean Elgar has moved to 13<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position with knocks of 127 and 31 not out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-captain-tim-paine-apologises-for-sledging-against-ashwin-in-sydney-test-356168" hreflang="en">Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>In other movement for New Zealand players, Henry Nicholls has gained three places to reach ninth among batsmen after his knock of 157 while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson’s match haul of 11-117 has lifted him seven places to a career-best 21<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;place. With 36 Test wickets so far, Jamieson is also fifth among all-rounders after only six Tests.</p>

<p>Azhar Ali’s knocks of 93 and 37 have helped him advance him seven places to 18<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position and his compatriot Mohammad Rizwan’s first-innings half-century has helped him gain 10 places to reach 37<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position.</p>

<p>The drawn Sydney Test saw Marun Labuschagne consolidate the fourth position with a career-best 866 rating points after scores of 91 and 73 while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has gained three places to reach fifth position with four wickets in the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Cheteshwar Pujara’s knocks of 50 and 77 have taken him from eighth to 10<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position and Rishabh Pant’s scores of 36 and 97 have helped him gain 19 places to reach 26<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;position. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin too have gained after their fighting knocks, as has Shubman Gill.</p>

<p>The Centurion Test saw Anrich Nortje (up 10 places to 38<sup>th</sup>), Wiaan Mulder (up 22 places to 45<sup>th</sup>), Lutho Sipamla (up 23 places to 47<sup>th</sup>) and Lungi Ngidi (up seven places to 49<sup>th</sup>) make huge gains among bowlers while for Sri Lanka, captain Dimuth Karunaratne (up two places to 15<sup>th</sup>) and Kusal Perera (up four places to 56<sup>th</sup>) have moved up in the list of batsmen.</p>


New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s epic 238 in the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch has helped him reach the best ever-rating points by a New Zealand player while consolidating his position at the top of the list of batsmen in the ICC Men's Test Players Rankings. Williamson, named player of the series after leading his side to an innings and 176 runs win and a 2-0 victory in the two-Test series, has reached 919 rating points, bettering his own mark of 915 in December 2018. ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Richard Hadlee is the only other player from New Zealand to go past the 900-point mark, reaching a career-high 909 rating points in bowling in December 1985. In the latest rankings update that includes the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Johannesburg and the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney, Steve Smith has leapfrogged Virat Kohli to second position after scores of 131 and 81 while Dean Elgar has moved to 13th position with knocks of 127 and 31 not out. ALSO READ: Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test In other movement for New Zealand players, Henry Nicholls has gained three places to reach ninth among batsmen after his knock of 157 while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson’s match haul of 11-117 has lifted him seven places to a career-best 21st place. With 36 Test wickets so far, Jamieson is also fifth among all-rounders after only six Tests. Azhar Ali’s knocks of 93 and 37 have helped him advance him seven places to 18th position and his compatriot Mohammad Rizwan’s first-innings half-century has helped him gain 10 places to reach 37th position. The drawn Sydney Test saw Marun Labuschagne consolidate the fourth position with a career-best 866 rating points after scores of 91 and 73 while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has gained three places to reach fifth position with four wickets in the match. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' For India, Cheteshwar Pujara’s knocks of 50 and 77 have taken him from eighth to 10th position and Rishabh Pant’s scores of 36 and 97 have helped him gain 19 places to reach 26th position. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin too have gained after their fighting knocks, as has Shubman Gill. The Centurion Test saw Anrich Nortje (up 10 places to 38th), Wiaan Mulder (up 22 places to 45th), Lutho Sipamla (up 23 places to 47th) and Lungi Ngidi (up seven places to 49th) make huge gains among bowlers while for Sri Lanka, captain Dimuth Karunaratne (up two places to 15th) and Kusal Perera (up four places to 56th) have moved up in the list of batsmen.

Kane Williamson sets new Test rankings high for a New Zealand player

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{af21c0f0-f60d-4b71-9cb6-af0cda6dab1c}{62}" paraid="1741777383" >In what comes as a huge blow to the injury-plagued Indian cricket team, ace speedster&nbsp;Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;is doubtful for the fourth Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 15, due to an&nbsp;abdominal&nbsp;strain.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a9fd656-4906-4b2f-94be-b320b445511c}{241}" paraid="72122778" >Even Mayank Agarwal, tipped to be Hanuma Vihari’s replacement in the playing XI for the Brisbane Test,&nbsp;was hit on the hands and there are chances that it could result in a hairline fracture. If confirmed, then Mayank will be ruled out of the Brisbane Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{90a78422-d928-403e-a013-4860f9a4450b}{90}" paraid="525169999" >Ravichandran Ashwin, who battled back spasm, has aggravated the strain after battling for three hours on Day 5 to save the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39642c60-b24a-4b92-9679-c95367d4406e}{53}" paraid="1613839507" >Bumrah&nbsp;sustained the abdominal strain during the third Test in Sydney but continued to bowl to keep India in the game. Reportedly,&nbsp;Bumrah’s&nbsp;scan reports have shown a strain and Indian team management doesn’t want him to aggravate the injury with home series against England&nbsp;lined up.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{39642c60-b24a-4b92-9679-c95367d4406e}{53}" paraid="1613839507" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1c5358a2-0b57-4c2d-bb0c-56c103b712ba}{220}" paraid="955374923" >The Indian team is relieved to know that&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;hasn’t suffered a tear but are in fear that the Indian pacer&nbsp;might break down in the middle of Brisbane Test if he is given the nod to play.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1c5358a2-0b57-4c2d-bb0c-56c103b712ba}{228}" paraid="37022704" >If&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;doesn’t start, then two-Test old Mohammed Siraj will lead the Indian bowling attack which is likely to feature Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan in Brisbane Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd3e7419-a422-4459-8107-836cced83a7a}{64}" paraid="1040216082" >With injured KL Rahul out and Hanuma Vihari suffering a grade 2 hamstring tear, there are no middle-order batsmen left in the reserves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd3e7419-a422-4459-8107-836cced83a7a}{64}" paraid="1040216082" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-captain-tim-paine-apologises-for-sledging-against-ashwin-in-sydney-test-356168" hreflang="en">Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65c29b04-ecf3-4a08-97d4-ab2c4ecdff47}{64}" paraid="1714935439" >The two available batsmen are Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. If Agarwal’s scans reveal that it is a bruise and not a fracture then&nbsp;it could well be Prithvi Shaw batting at number three followed by&nbsp;Cheteshwar&nbsp;Pujara,&nbsp;Ajhinkya&nbsp;Rahane and Agarwal himself at number six.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6426c490-1c8e-4ffd-a75a-72e38e5ef006}{28}" paraid="390236856" >With series locked at 1-1, India and&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will take the field at the Gabba in Brisbane for the decider on January 15.&nbsp;</p>


In what comes as a huge blow to the injury-plagued Indian cricket team, ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the fourth Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 15, due to an abdominal strain.

In what comes as a huge blow to the injury-plagued Indian cricket team, ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the fourth Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 15, due to an abdominal strain. Even Mayank Agarwal, tipped to be Hanuma Vihari’s replacement in the playing XI for the Brisbane Test, was hit on the hands and there are chances that it could result in a hairline fracture. If confirmed, then Mayank will be ruled out of the Brisbane Test. Ravichandran Ashwin, who battled back spasm, has aggravated the strain after battling for three hours on Day 5 to save the Sydney Test. Bumrah sustained the abdominal strain during the third Test in Sydney but continued to bowl to keep India in the game. Reportedly, Bumrah’s scan reports have shown a strain and Indian team management doesn’t want him to aggravate the injury with home series against England lined up. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' The Indian team is relieved to know that Bumrah hasn’t suffered a tear but are in fear that the Indian pacer might break down in the middle of Brisbane Test if he is given the nod to play. If Bumrah doesn’t start, then two-Test old Mohammed Siraj will lead the Indian bowling attack which is likely to feature Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan in Brisbane Test. With injured KL Rahul out and Hanuma Vihari suffering a grade 2 hamstring tear, there are no middle-order batsmen left in the reserves. ALSO READ: Australian captain Tim Paine apologises for sledging against Ashwin in Sydney Test The two available batsmen are Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal. If Agarwal’s scans reveal that it is a bruise and not a fracture then it could well be Prithvi Shaw batting at number three followed by Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajhinkya Rahane and Agarwal himself at number six. With series locked at 1-1, India and Australia will take the field at the Gabba in Brisbane for the decider on January 15.

Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for Brisbane Test as injury worries grow for Team India

<p>Officials at Fort Bliss, a US Army post in New Mexico and Texas, have moved to court-martial a private first class accused of the sexual assault of a fellow soldier who was found dead on New Year's Eve.</p>

<p>Pfc. Asia Graham was found unresponsive in her barracks on December 31, Fort Bliss said in a press release issued January 2.</p>

<p>Fort Bliss, which is located in El Paso, Texas, has not released the accused soldier's name.</p>

<p>Special agents for the US Army Criminal Investigation Command do not suspect foul play in her death, the release added.</p>

<p>According to a statement released by Lt. Col. Allie Payne, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Public Affairs Officer, Graham initially reported an alleged sexual assault by a fellow soldier at Fort Bliss on June 1.</p>

<p>Graham said the assault occurred in December 2019, according to the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pfc. Graham was a Human Resource Specialist who joined the US. Army in July 2019 from Cherryville, North Carolina. Fort Bliss was her first duty station, the release said.</p>

<p>Following her report last June, the base command began an investigation and put in place a military protective order, as well as making sure that Graham and the accused soldier were not living in the same building or working in the same areas.</p>


Officials at Fort Bliss, a US Army post in New Mexico and Texas, have moved to court-martial a private first class accused of the sexual assault of a fellow soldier who was found dead on New Year's Eve.

Officials at Fort Bliss, a US Army post in New Mexico and Texas, have moved to court-martial a private first class accused of the sexual assault of a fellow soldier who was found dead on New Year's Eve. Pfc. Asia Graham was found unresponsive in her barracks on December 31, Fort Bliss said in a press release issued January 2. Fort Bliss, which is located in El Paso, Texas, has not released the accused soldier's name. Special agents for the US Army Criminal Investigation Command do not suspect foul play in her death, the release added. According to a statement released by Lt. Col. Allie Payne, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Public Affairs Officer, Graham initially reported an alleged sexual assault by a fellow soldier at Fort Bliss on June 1. Graham said the assault occurred in December 2019, according to the statement. Pfc. Graham was a Human Resource Specialist who joined the US. Army in July 2019 from Cherryville, North Carolina. Fort Bliss was her first duty station, the release said. Following her report last June, the base command began an investigation and put in place a military protective order, as well as making sure that Graham and the accused soldier were not living in the same building or working in the same areas.

Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney

<p>Champions Juventus battled to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sassuolo to close the gap on the top three in Serie A on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Andrea Pirlo's side won their third straight league match for the first time this season to move fourth, seven points behind leaders AC Milan with a game in hand.</p>

<p>"It was important to give continuity and win tonight, because otherwise the match played on Wednesday at San Siro was useless," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo whose side ended Milan's 27-match unbeaten run midweek.</p>

<p>Sassuolo played the entire second half a man down after Pedro Obiang saw red for a dangerous challenge on Federico Chiesa.</p>

<p>Defender Danilo put Juventus ahead in the 50th minute when he fired home his first goal of the season.</p>

<p>But seven minutes later Sassuolo pulled level with Gregoire Defrel brilliantly finishing off a Hamed Junior Traore through ball.</p>

<p>Substitute Aaron Ramsey gave Juventus the advantage again eight minutes from time when he tapped in a Gianluca Frabotta cross to claim his first goal of the campaign.</p>

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo completed the scoring deep into injury time, rifling in his 15th league goal this term.</p>

<p>"It was a painful match, badly managed after our advantage, but the important thing was winning even if we were a little disorganised," added Pirlo.</p>

<p>It was a bruising clash for the reigning champions, who are chasing their 10th title in a row, as they lost forward Paulo Dybala and Weston McKennie to injury in the first half.</p>

<p>Midfielder McKennie pulled up after 18 minutes with a muscle problem and was replaced by Welsh international Ramsey.</p>

<p>Dybala was substituted three minutes before the break after receiving treatment for a knock to his left knee, with Swede Dejan Kulusevski coming on in his place.</p>

<p>Juve are already without Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Matthijs de Ligt who tested positive for coronavirus.</p>

<p>There was also a scare for forward Chiesa, who was left screaming in pain and clutching his left ankle following Obiang's tackle.</p>

<p>But Alvaro Morata returned from injury, coming on for the final minutes of the game for his first outing in 2021.</p>

<p>"McKennie had a slight muscular problem yesterday and he felt it again when he lifted his leg for a back-heel kick, but hopefully nothing serious," said Pirlo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dybala has a collateral ligament problem that we will evaluate better in the next few days."</p>

<p>Sassuolo drop to seventh after their third loss in five games.</p>

<p>Juventus play second-placed Inter Milan in the San Siro next weekend in what could be one of the defining clashes of the season.</p>


Champions Juventus battled to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sassuolo to close the gap on the top three in Serie A on Sunday. Andrea Pirlo's side won their third straight league match for the first time this season to move fourth, seven points behind leaders AC Milan with a game in hand.

Champions Juventus battled to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sassuolo to close the gap on the top three in Serie A on Sunday. Andrea Pirlo's side won their third straight league match for the first time this season to move fourth, seven points behind leaders AC Milan with a game in hand. "It was important to give continuity and win tonight, because otherwise the match played on Wednesday at San Siro was useless," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo whose side ended Milan's 27-match unbeaten run midweek. Sassuolo played the entire second half a man down after Pedro Obiang saw red for a dangerous challenge on Federico Chiesa. Defender Danilo put Juventus ahead in the 50th minute when he fired home his first goal of the season. But seven minutes later Sassuolo pulled level with Gregoire Defrel brilliantly finishing off a Hamed Junior Traore through ball. Substitute Aaron Ramsey gave Juventus the advantage again eight minutes from time when he tapped in a Gianluca Frabotta cross to claim his first goal of the campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo completed the scoring deep into injury time, rifling in his 15th league goal this term. "It was a painful match, badly managed after our advantage, but the important thing was winning even if we were a little disorganised," added Pirlo. It was a bruising clash for the reigning champions, who are chasing their 10th title in a row, as they lost forward Paulo Dybala and Weston McKennie to injury in the first half. Midfielder McKennie pulled up after 18 minutes with a muscle problem and was replaced by Welsh international Ramsey. Dybala was substituted three minutes before the break after receiving treatment for a knock to his left knee, with Swede Dejan Kulusevski coming on in his place. Juve are already without Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Matthijs de Ligt who tested positive for coronavirus. There was also a scare for forward Chiesa, who was left screaming in pain and clutching his left ankle following Obiang's tackle. But Alvaro Morata returned from injury, coming on for the final minutes of the game for his first outing in 2021. "McKennie had a slight muscular problem yesterday and he felt it again when he lifted his leg for a back-heel kick, but hopefully nothing serious," said Pirlo. "Dybala has a collateral ligament problem that we will evaluate better in the next few days." Sassuolo drop to seventh after their third loss in five games. Juventus play second-placed Inter Milan in the San Siro next weekend in what could be one of the defining clashes of the season.

'Painful' as Juve beat 10-man Sassuolo to move fourth in Serie A

<p>The fourth and final Test will go ahead "as planned" in Brisbane this week, Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said Monday, after agreement from India who had been insisting they avoid quarantine in the city.</p>

<p>The location was thrown into doubt with India reportedly unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation and a snap city-wide lockdown after a case of the infectious UK strain of Covid-19 was detected in Brisbane.</p>

<p>But with the stay-at-home orders lifted Monday, Hockley said it was all systems go.</p>

<p>"The fourth Test will be at the Gabba, as planned," he told commercial radio SEN, with play due to start on Friday.</p>

<p>"On the basis of yesterday's discussions we are full steam ahead to play the fourth Test at the Gabba and really looking forward to it."</p>

<p>Hockley said he had spoken to Queensland state health officials and India's cricketing governing body to receive the green light.</p>

<p>"I had a call last night from the BCCI secretary, very late last night, and he confirmed we are good to travel to Brisbane on Tuesday," Hockley said.</p>

<p>"We're extremely grateful for their support," he said of the India side.</p>

<p>Queensland health officials insisted Monday both teams would still be required to spend 14 days in quarantine.</p>

<p>Hockley said Cricket Australia had arranged a charter plane for the players, who will stay in a Brisbane hotel retained "exclusively" for their use.</p>

<p>Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also confirmed the Test would go ahead, but with restrictions on crowd numbers.</p>

<p>"The Gabba will be filled to&nbsp;half the capacity and masks are&nbsp;mandatory for entering and for&nbsp;leaving and moving around the&nbsp;stadium," she said.</p>

<p>The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the current Sydney Test due to an outbreak in the city.</p>

<p>The second Test in Melbourne was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant in the city.</p>

<p>It has also been marred by allegations Indian players were subjected to racist abuse by some spectators in Sydney.</p>

<p>The series was level at 1-1 going into the final day of the third Test, after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.</p>


The fourth and final Test will go ahead "as planned" in Brisbane this week, Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said Monday, after agreement from India who had been insisting they avoid quarantine in the city.

The fourth and final Test will go ahead "as planned" in Brisbane this week, Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said Monday, after agreement from India who had been insisting they avoid quarantine in the city. The location was thrown into doubt with India reportedly unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation and a snap city-wide lockdown after a case of the infectious UK strain of Covid-19 was detected in Brisbane. But with the stay-at-home orders lifted Monday, Hockley said it was all systems go. "The fourth Test will be at the Gabba, as planned," he told commercial radio SEN, with play due to start on Friday. "On the basis of yesterday's discussions we are full steam ahead to play the fourth Test at the Gabba and really looking forward to it." Hockley said he had spoken to Queensland state health officials and India's cricketing governing body to receive the green light. "I had a call last night from the BCCI secretary, very late last night, and he confirmed we are good to travel to Brisbane on Tuesday," Hockley said. "We're extremely grateful for their support," he said of the India side. Queensland health officials insisted Monday both teams would still be required to spend 14 days in quarantine. Hockley said Cricket Australia had arranged a charter plane for the players, who will stay in a Brisbane hotel retained "exclusively" for their use. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also confirmed the Test would go ahead, but with restrictions on crowd numbers. "The Gabba will be filled to half the capacity and masks are mandatory for entering and for leaving and moving around the stadium," she said. The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the current Sydney Test due to an outbreak in the city. The second Test in Melbourne was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant in the city. It has also been marred by allegations Indian players were subjected to racist abuse by some spectators in Sydney. The series was level at 1-1 going into the final day of the third Test, after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.

Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba

<p>Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine dropped three catches during the match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." &nbsp;</p>

<p>India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With PTI Inputs)</em></p>


Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. "I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' "Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. Paine dropped three catches during the match. "If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. "He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. "By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. "All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. "But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. "Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game. "There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15. (With PTI Inputs)

'His days as captain are numbered': Sunil Gavaskar rips into Tim Paine for unruly conduct

<p>Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket. Bruised, battered, wrote off, hardly a few gave India a chance to survive the entire Day 5 of the Sydney Test, against a world-class Australian bowling attack, after losing both the openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – a day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lost skipper Ajinkya Rahane in the second over of Day 5 and suddenly social media went abuzz, especially the Australian fans. Surely, it was a matter of time. India still had their modern-day wall, on Rahul Dravid’s birthday, to pull off a great escape. But what about others? Almost everyone was injured. But remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cheteshwar Pujara was criticised by a section of fans and pundits, over his strike-rate and ‘intent’ ahead of the second innings in Sydney. The same Pujara, whose strike-rate and ‘intent’ was richly praised when India registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in 2018/19. Pujara went into his bubble and did what he does the best. Defend. With a strike-rate of 37.56, Pujara batted with heart and grit as he faced 205 deliveries to score 77 runs. No one questioned his ‘intent’ this time as with every delivery which Pujara left or blocked, India were crawling towards their target. Do remember, what Gleason once said...</p>

<p><img alt="Pujara" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1e13c75-1f89-4eeb-8d34-f3a44dabeabc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YF2MB.jpg" /></p>

<p>After Rahane’s dismissal, walked in Rishabh Pant, who himself has struggled to score consistent runs of late. At a time when everyone expected Hanuma Vihari to come out, the youngster took the centre-stage. He defended and left well and then took on the Australian bowlers, which pushed the hosts on the back-foot, despite being in charge of the game. What followed was a scintillating show of pure stroke-playing. Yes, he was dropped by Tim Paine. But surely, the youngster deserved a bit of luck after what has been a tough last year for him. Oh yes, even Pant was not fully fit. He had coped a blow on his elbow and was unable to keep wickets in the second innings. He was even struggling to lift the water bottle during the drinks break. Even though Steve Smith may have scuff up Pant’s guard, he couldn’t scuff up Pant’s heart and resilience. He scored a blockbuster 97 off 118 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard work truly pays off 💪. Happy to contribute to the team. Well done boys. 👏 On to Brisbane. ⏭️ <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/RIhpNUsFoI">pic.twitter.com/RIhpNUsFoI</a></p>
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17/status/1348545798649204737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hanuma Vihari, whose spot in the playing XI was questioned by many, surely would have hung around for a bit. But then who can predict injuries? Vihari pulled a hamstring and was down in immense pain. The physio and medical staff kept on attending and giving him heavy dosage of painkillers. The 27-year-old, who was getting starts but was failing to register a big score, didn’t even flinch once in all the 161 deliveries he faced.&nbsp;Remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Vihari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab8abbb2-0e7a-41b4-b9e2-9bb5c729c434" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YH9H3%20%281%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja was out with a fractured thumb. Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was spotted peeling off a banana for Jadeja in the stands. How could have Jadeja faced the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood when he was not even able to peel off a banana? Well, that will remain a question forever. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A bit of teamwork, Saini peeling the banana for Jadeja 😅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0KYKZT1a9">pic.twitter.com/O0KYKZT1a9</a></p>
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1348491515467870209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been one of the standout performers of the series, tweaked his back and wasn’t even able to tie his shoelaces (according to his wife) ahead of the game on Day 5 of the Sydney Test. How did he face the likes of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, or even take a giant stride out to tackle Nathan Lyon? Well, he did, for 128 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ashwin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d4aefd8-6613-4f6c-883b-3f047df775c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YH9XR.jpg" /></p>

<p>Almost all the Indian players have been stuck in bio-secure bubbles since the preparation for the Indian Premier League 2020 began. And they have obliged with all the bio-secure bubble protocols that have been put in place by Cricket Australia and the Australian government so far. There have been controversies, harsh reportage after the ‘Adelaide Horror’ but this Indian team has shown what real toughness is. The Indian players had to face racist chants from the crowd but they held their fort with courage and determination. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Siraj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec3e810a-0f90-4882-8f36-2b20223d7991" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YG7MH.jpg" /></p>

<p>After suffering the worst Test defeat in Adelaide, they bounced back strong in Melbourne to level the series. Surely, many must have thought this is the only win they can get in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What can this Indian team do without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, ace speedsters Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav? Even KL Rahul was ruled out. Let's not even bring Ishant Sharma, who has been the go-to bowler for India in Test cricket, into the conversation. Yes, he was ruled out of the Test series with an injury before the players flew Down Under. But remember, what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>India may not have won the Test match but this draw is no less than a win for Indian fans and as captain, Rahane said after the Sydney Test: "This was as good as winning a Test match". Ask the physios, the masseurs, everyone accompanying the Indian team, even the fans sitting at home,&nbsp;they will say this draw is indeed a win.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Moments to cherish for a long time 👏👏<br />
<br />
Visuals from inside the dressing room as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> pull off a remarkable draw at the SCG 🏟️<br />
<br />
Exclusive interview coming up shortly on <a href="https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG">https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG</a>. Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/7dE0OcWqBb">pic.twitter.com/7dE0OcWqBb</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1348583441139257344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The final Test between India and Australia will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane – a ground where the Aussies last lost a Test match in the year 1988. And surely, everyone must be&nbsp;already ruling&nbsp;out this injury-plagued Indian team. But do you remember, what Gleason once said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket.

Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket. Bruised, battered, wrote off, hardly a few gave India a chance to survive the entire Day 5 of the Sydney Test, against a world-class Australian bowling attack, after losing both the openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – a day before. India lost skipper Ajinkya Rahane in the second over of Day 5 and suddenly social media went abuzz, especially the Australian fans. Surely, it was a matter of time. India still had their modern-day wall, on Rahul Dravid’s birthday, to pull off a great escape. But what about others? Almost everyone was injured. But remember what Gleason said? Cheteshwar Pujara was criticised by a section of fans and pundits, over his strike-rate and ‘intent’ ahead of the second innings in Sydney. The same Pujara, whose strike-rate and ‘intent’ was richly praised when India registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in 2018/19. Pujara went into his bubble and did what he does the best. Defend. With a strike-rate of 37.56, Pujara batted with heart and grit as he faced 205 deliveries to score 77 runs. No one questioned his ‘intent’ this time as with every delivery which Pujara left or blocked, India were crawling towards their target. Do remember, what Gleason once said... After Rahane’s dismissal, walked in Rishabh Pant, who himself has struggled to score consistent runs of late. At a time when everyone expected Hanuma Vihari to come out, the youngster took the centre-stage. He defended and left well and then took on the Australian bowlers, which pushed the hosts on the back-foot, despite being in charge of the game. What followed was a scintillating show of pure stroke-playing. Yes, he was dropped by Tim Paine. But surely, the youngster deserved a bit of luck after what has been a tough last year for him. Oh yes, even Pant was not fully fit. He had coped a blow on his elbow and was unable to keep wickets in the second innings. He was even struggling to lift the water bottle during the drinks break. Even though Steve Smith may have scuff up Pant’s guard, he couldn’t scuff up Pant’s heart and resilience. He scored a blockbuster 97 off 118 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? Hard work truly pays off 💪. Happy to contribute to the team. Well done boys. 👏 On to Brisbane. ⏭️ @BCCI pic.twitter.com/RIhpNUsFoI — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 11, 2021 × Hanuma Vihari, whose spot in the playing XI was questioned by many, surely would have hung around for a bit. But then who can predict injuries? Vihari pulled a hamstring and was down in immense pain. The physio and medical staff kept on attending and giving him heavy dosage of painkillers. The 27-year-old, who was getting starts but was failing to register a big score, didn’t even flinch once in all the 161 deliveries he faced. Remember what Gleason said? Ravindra Jadeja was out with a fractured thumb. Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was spotted peeling off a banana for Jadeja in the stands. How could have Jadeja faced the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood when he was not even able to peel off a banana? Well, that will remain a question forever. A bit of teamwork, Saini peeling the banana for Jadeja 😅 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/O0KYKZT1a9 — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 11, 2021 × Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been one of the standout performers of the series, tweaked his back and wasn’t even able to tie his shoelaces (according to his wife) ahead of the game on Day 5 of the Sydney Test. How did he face the likes of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, or even take a giant stride out to tackle Nathan Lyon? Well, he did, for 128 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? Almost all the Indian players have been stuck in bio-secure bubbles since the preparation for the Indian Premier League 2020 began. And they have obliged with all the bio-secure bubble protocols that have been put in place by Cricket Australia and the Australian government so far. There have been controversies, harsh reportage after the ‘Adelaide Horror’ but this Indian team has shown what real toughness is. The Indian players had to face racist chants from the crowd but they held their fort with courage and determination. After suffering the worst Test defeat in Adelaide, they bounced back strong in Melbourne to level the series. Surely, many must have thought this is the only win they can get in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What can this Indian team do without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, ace speedsters Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav? Even KL Rahul was ruled out. Let's not even bring Ishant Sharma, who has been the go-to bowler for India in Test cricket, into the conversation. Yes, he was ruled out of the Test series with an injury before the players flew Down Under. But remember, what Gleason said? India may not have won the Test match but this draw is no less than a win for Indian fans and as captain, Rahane said after the Sydney Test: "This was as good as winning a Test match". Ask the physios, the masseurs, everyone accompanying the Indian team, even the fans sitting at home, they will say this draw is indeed a win. Moments to cherish for a long time 👏👏 Visuals from inside the dressing room as #TeamIndia pull off a remarkable draw at the SCG 🏟️ Exclusive interview coming up shortly on https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/7dE0OcWqBb — BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2021 × The final Test between India and Australia will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane – a ground where the Aussies last lost a Test match in the year 1988. And surely, everyone must be already ruling out this injury-plagued Indian team. But do you remember, what Gleason once said?

Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'

<p>The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in PTI, Vihari was taken for scans after the end of the Sydney Test and reports are expected by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a BCCI source has said that Vihari is likely to be out of Brisbane Test with a hamstring tear. Vihari scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 to save the match for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The extent of Vihari’s tear can only be ascertained after the scan reports come through. But even if it’s a grade 1 tear, he is out for at least four weeks and then will need some rehabilitation time. So it’s not only Brisbane Test but also, he won’t be a part of England Tests at home,” a senior source told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian team will not be missing Vihari in the home series against England with India preferring an extra bowler in home conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vihari will again be needed on seaming tracks on England soil where India generally go with an extra batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vihari is expected to be replaced by either Wriddhiman Saha or Mayank Agarwal. With Saha, Rishabh Pant will play as a pure batsman while Mayank can take on the second new ball in the middle order. However, out-of-form Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention in all likelihood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-good-as-winning-a-test-match-ajinkya-rahane-lauds-team-india-for-sydney-heroics-356007" hreflang="en">'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain-killers in a bid to carry on with their batting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shardul Thakur is likely to be part of the playing XI as a replacement for injured Ravindra jadeja with Thangasaru Natarajan also in the fray. Shardul was in contention to be part of Sydney Test but Navdeep Saini clinched the spot on a flat deck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;</p>


The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time.

The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time. According to a report in PTI, Vihari was taken for scans after the end of the Sydney Test and reports are expected by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. However, a BCCI source has said that Vihari is likely to be out of Brisbane Test with a hamstring tear. Vihari scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 to save the match for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin. “The extent of Vihari’s tear can only be ascertained after the scan reports come through. But even if it’s a grade 1 tear, he is out for at least four weeks and then will need some rehabilitation time. So it’s not only Brisbane Test but also, he won’t be a part of England Tests at home,” a senior source told PTI. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' The Indian team will not be missing Vihari in the home series against England with India preferring an extra bowler in home conditions. Vihari will again be needed on seaming tracks on England soil where India generally go with an extra batsman. Vihari is expected to be replaced by either Wriddhiman Saha or Mayank Agarwal. With Saha, Rishabh Pant will play as a pure batsman while Mayank can take on the second new ball in the middle order. However, out-of-form Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention in all likelihood. ALSO READ: 'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain-killers in a bid to carry on with their batting. Shardul Thakur is likely to be part of the playing XI as a replacement for injured Ravindra jadeja with Thangasaru Natarajan also in the fray. Shardul was in contention to be part of Sydney Test but Navdeep Saini clinched the spot on a flat deck. (With PTI inputs)

Hanuma Vihari ruled out of Brisbane Test, Shardul Thakur favourite to replace Ravindra Jadeja

<p>Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>"We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. <a href="https://t.co/4VBZGCvbnp">pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1348548286123180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.

Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw. India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win. As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India. The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory." "Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. "So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good." Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney "We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added. "But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field." Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now." Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 11, 2021 × With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics

<p>Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana.<br />
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. <a href="https://t.co/IfttxRXHeM">pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348528230655950850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... <a href="https://t.co/ChxUGPubHk">pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk</a></p>
— STR (@AmourAnand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmourAnand/status/1348494382337384448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith.<br />
<br />
And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coward</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/uTi3klbU7N">pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N</a></p>
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMP86793444/status/1348558475379539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith <a href="https://t.co/01ZCQGjQkO">pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO</a></p>
— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanthtarak9/status/1348558367334100993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGCAQVL0Oz">pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz</a></p>
— Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) <a href="https://twitter.com/007deepak_/status/1348527274987978755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vihari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vihari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Payne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Payne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/0quJIEhL2A">pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A</a></p>
— Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nims_Ahuja/status/1348517665816469507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1348522159790907394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1348508668212334597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimPaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimPaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkH8SoYKzS">pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS</a></p>
— ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryanTripathi_2/status/1348535206421032961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin.<br />
<br />
Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test".<br />
<br />
Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". <a href="https://t.co/0yWs9jLUqW">pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1348521355596075008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1348517169194094598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhavsarJ2_0/status/1348500158640578561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" <a href="https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg">https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg</a></p>
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1348539004657020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1. Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × #SteveSmith once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk — STR (@AmourAnand) January 11, 2021 × "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. #Cheat #Coward pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N — Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 11, 2021 × If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO — Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz — Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) January 11, 2021 × Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦#AUSvsIND #AUSvINDtest #Australia #Vihari #Payne #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A — Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) January 11, 2021 × Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021 × Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? #AUSvIND — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2021 × Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game. I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine#INDvAUS #stevesmith #Wade #Ashwin #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS — ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) January 11, 2021 × Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2021 × Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021 × Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. #AUSvIND — Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 11, 2021 × It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 11, 2021 × India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match.

'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test

<p>Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<h2>Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li><em><strong>131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 *&nbsp;</strong></em></li>
	<li>89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15&nbsp;</li>
	<li>85.0 SL Cairns 2004&nbsp;</li>
	<li>75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>!<br />
<br />
Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a> for the roles they’ve played brilliantly.<br />
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Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneTeamOneCause?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneTeamOneCause</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/hG60Iy6Lva">pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1348532505796878336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) <a href="https://twitter.com/danbrettig/status/1348530153052258304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease.<br />
Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin.<br />
<br />
And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team,<br />
Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently &amp; d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara &amp; Ashwin was unbelievable <a href="https://t.co/aU3qN6O3JF">pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348532044456890371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it.<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0">https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1348530620742307842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁<br />
<br />
An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/5RLA5aqnQp">pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1348528958472536067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1348534192703893505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1348528291251159040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TestCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TestCricket</a> at its best! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/l8CtOppu6q">pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1348535032290267137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil.<br />
Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandvasu/status/1348522771639242755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUSTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUSTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/8vdhYktNm8">pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8</a></p>
— Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenzbenzy/status/1348535170492633089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-australia-india-test-gets-go-ahead-at-brisbanes-gabba-355934" hreflang="en">Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba</a></strong></p>

<p>India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.&nbsp;</p>


Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane.

Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia 131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 * 89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15 85.0 SL Cairns 2004 75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81 “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw: Really proud of #TeamIndia! Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @cheteshwar1, @ashwinravi99 and @Hanumavihari for the roles they’ve played brilliantly. Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀#OneTeamOneCause #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 11, 2021 × India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that #AusvInd — Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) January 11, 2021 × Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease. Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin. And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team, Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently & d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara & Ashwin was unbelievable pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it. #AUSvsIND https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0 — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2021 × A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁 An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp — ICC (@ICC) January 11, 2021 × Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. #AUSvIND — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) January 11, 2021 × 'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of #TeamIndia for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @Hanumavihari, @cheteshwar1 & @ashwinravi99. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 #AUSvsIND — Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 11, 2021 × Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳#TestCricket at its best! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 11, 2021 × Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil. Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. @ashwinravi99 #AUSvIND — Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) January 11, 2021 × History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful #AUSvIND#INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8 — Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw. Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.

'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney

<p>England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.</p>

<p>The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14.</p>

<p>Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder".</p>

<p>"I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota.</p>

<p>"The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been.</p>

<p>"Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well."</p>

<p>Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career.</p>

<p>Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format.</p>

<p>Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday.</p>

<p>"There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about.&nbsp;I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow.</p>

<p>"Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself.</p>

<p>"It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him."</p>

<p>The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.</p>


England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.

England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour. The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14. Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder". "I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota. "The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been. "Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well." Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career. Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format. Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday. "There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about. I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow. "Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself. "It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him." The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.

Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England

<p>A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.</p>

<p>On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62.</p>

<p>Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131.</p>

<p>They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1.</p>

<p>India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14.</p>

<p>Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him.</p>

<p>He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent.</p>

<p>He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41&nbsp;before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit.</p>

<p>Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership.</p>

<p>It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand.</p>

<p>But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja.</p>

<p>Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch.</p>

<p>At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in.</p>

<p>On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah.</p>

<p>Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back.</p>

<p>Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners.</p>

<p>He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.</p>


A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.

A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test. On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62. Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131. They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1. India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14. Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him. He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent. He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41 before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit. Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership. It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand. But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja. Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch. At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in. On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah. Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back. Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners. He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.

Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312

<p>Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne&nbsp;and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-next-big-thing-cricket-fraternity-left-awestruck-by-shubman-gill-after-maiden-half-century-355414" hreflang="en">'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahh Kayo, thank you for this <a href="https://t.co/Jy6PfTpvYK">pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK</a></p>
— Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29/status/1347443367651680257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lenphil29</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rpjward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rpjward</a> our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise.</p>
— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports/status/1347475408027930628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019.</p>

<p>Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.

Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India. The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test. "Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said. ALSO READ: 'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century "Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person. "Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh. Ahh Kayo, thank you for this pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK — Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) January 8, 2021 × Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. "Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance Hey @lenphil29 @rpjward our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise. — Kayo Sports (@kayosports) January 8, 2021 × Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits. Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter. Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019. Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.

Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds involved in expletive-laden mocking of Marnus Labuschagne on-air

<p>Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.</p>

<p>The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation.</p>

<p>Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15.</p>

<p>"We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP.</p>

<p>"The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)."</p>

<p>Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted"&nbsp;by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>"Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia&nbsp;will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said.</p>

<p>Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia.</p>

<p>"In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday.</p>

<p>"What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball."</p>

<p>The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team."</p>

<p>The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city.</p>

<p>The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant.</p>

<p>The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.</p>


Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.

Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city. The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation. Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15. "We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP. "The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)." Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted" by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions. "Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia. "In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday. "What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball." The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team." The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city. The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant. The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.

Brisbane virus lockdown raises concerns over cricket Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >Young Indian batsman&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut&nbsp;in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play.</p>

<p>"I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whos-your-favourite-player-marnus-labuschagne-involved-in-a-banter-with-shubman-gill-355398" hreflang="en">'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Baby 🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shubmangill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shubmangill</a> <a href="https://t.co/YjK9ZzkTcJ">pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ</a></p>
— ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kourageous__/status/1347439218520444928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;player.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{374bfddd-20e8-4387-bfbf-45d8daa1ce6d}{199}" paraid="1464803329" >Whereas&nbsp;Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters,&nbsp;wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHVyN3J0QY">pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1347437041772945409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former&nbsp;England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" >“You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You could argue <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1347486816987996160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{150}" paraid="374400573" >“For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid&nbsp;defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For someone playing only his 2nd test match <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1347418499069562882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{176}" paraid="1413519121" >“Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout.&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun&nbsp;moment,&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah <a href="https://t.co/7Ts7vhbZzW">pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1347470383746740224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bc137c6-1f04-4ebb-8597-4bf5cd47f390}{125}" paraid="2136604830" >“Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through&nbsp;Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill,” said Manjrekar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1347478295852421128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohithSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohithSharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhamGill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhamGill</a></p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1347454513150455808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1347483434826878983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> was all praise for <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/wTTGu3HwB3">pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1347486330373038081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Shubman Gill day everyone <a href="https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8">https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8</a></p>
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottbstyris/status/1347422757051461632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial/status/1347429468860723200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{45b19c7f-71cc-4ce1-abdb-d3a41b5f000e}{172}" paraid="1474538236" >At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.

Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test. Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play. "I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2. ALSO READ: 'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia Baby 🐐#Shubmangill pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ — ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) January 8, 2021 × Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his favourite player. Whereas Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters, wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”. A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY — DK (@DineshKarthik) January 8, 2021 × Former England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket” “You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 8, 2021 × While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought. “For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet. For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal. “Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment, courtesy Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag. Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”. “Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in Shubman Gill,” said Manjrekar. Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. #AUSvIND — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 8, 2021 × Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! #RohithSharma #ShubhamGill — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 8, 2021 × He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 8, 2021 × .@imjadeja was all praise for @RealShubmanGill after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 8, 2021 × Happy Shubman Gill day everyone https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8 — Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 8, 2021 × Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. #AUSvIND — zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) January 8, 2021 × Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50. At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.

'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century

<p>A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to&nbsp;February 6&nbsp;in the UAE.</p>

<p>Speaking from his home in Jamaica, Gayle said he is looking forward to taking part in this year’s edition of cricket’s new avatar. “At the moment, I’m actually getting some well-needed rest but keeping the Abu Dhabi T10 League in mind, I’m going to start some training soon and get ready to be back in business," he said.</p>

<p>Expressing his delight at returning to take part in the league after a gap of two seasons, Gayle stated, “First of all, I want to say that it’s good to be back. I’ve missed the past two seasons, so it’s good to be back within T10. There are lots of talented players who will be on show, with the likes of Kieron Pollard and the other international players. So I’m definitely looking forward to be back with Team Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s Chris Morris is also in my team, and I’ve played with him before, so it’s good to be back playing with him and the boys again.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-keep-a-few-people-quiet-steve-smith-shuts-down-critics-with-27th-test-century-355380" hreflang="en">'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the impact that T10 has had on cricket, and the potential it holds globally, Gayle added, “I would absolutely love to see T10 within the Olympics. It would be something huge for the sport from a general point of view. I also think T10 can be (held) within the United States also since it’s a big platform. I think most people don’t recognize the States for cricket, but T10 is very much suitable to be held within the USA, and I believe it can help generate bigger revenues as well.”</p>

<p>“The organizers of the Abu Dhabi T10 League have (built) something fantastic here, so we should now look to spread it and we can get more guys involved and more countries involved within T10 for sure,” added the West Indian.</p>

<p>Speaking about his experience of playing in the T10 League and looking forward to this season, Gayle said, “The first time I played T10 it was really exciting, fun and swashbuckling. I really liked it because it was just powerhouse hitting from ball one, and all the guys enjoyed it. We had a good time as well, so like I said, being back and playing in Abu Dhabi now, it is a better wicket to bat on now, so more runs can be scored. I think that happened last year as well in Abu Dhabi – the scoring percentage rate is certainly higher now, so it’s good luck to the bowlers.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-senior-official-says-tokyo-olympics-uncertain-due-to-coronavirus-surge-355388" hreflang="en">IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge</a></strong></p>

<p>Signing off, the legendary cricketer also had some piece of advice for the youngsters who look up to him. He said, “I believe you can always look at a particular player, but not necessarily try and be that person – you need to be who you are. You need to know your weaknesses and your strengths, and you can pick certain key moments or things from that player’s game, but put it within your game. Don’t try to say, ‘Hey, I want to be a Chris Gayle’. I always want someone to be in their own individual rights to actually say, ‘This is me, this is who I want to be’. I would just tell the youngsters to be confident about themselves, and just get the job done.”</p>


A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to February 6 in the UAE.

A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to February 6 in the UAE. Speaking from his home in Jamaica, Gayle said he is looking forward to taking part in this year’s edition of cricket’s new avatar. “At the moment, I’m actually getting some well-needed rest but keeping the Abu Dhabi T10 League in mind, I’m going to start some training soon and get ready to be back in business," he said. Expressing his delight at returning to take part in the league after a gap of two seasons, Gayle stated, “First of all, I want to say that it’s good to be back. I’ve missed the past two seasons, so it’s good to be back within T10. There are lots of talented players who will be on show, with the likes of Kieron Pollard and the other international players. So I’m definitely looking forward to be back with Team Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s Chris Morris is also in my team, and I’ve played with him before, so it’s good to be back playing with him and the boys again.” ALSO READ: 'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century Talking about the impact that T10 has had on cricket, and the potential it holds globally, Gayle added, “I would absolutely love to see T10 within the Olympics. It would be something huge for the sport from a general point of view. I also think T10 can be (held) within the United States also since it’s a big platform. I think most people don’t recognize the States for cricket, but T10 is very much suitable to be held within the USA, and I believe it can help generate bigger revenues as well.” “The organizers of the Abu Dhabi T10 League have (built) something fantastic here, so we should now look to spread it and we can get more guys involved and more countries involved within T10 for sure,” added the West Indian. Speaking about his experience of playing in the T10 League and looking forward to this season, Gayle said, “The first time I played T10 it was really exciting, fun and swashbuckling. I really liked it because it was just powerhouse hitting from ball one, and all the guys enjoyed it. We had a good time as well, so like I said, being back and playing in Abu Dhabi now, it is a better wicket to bat on now, so more runs can be scored. I think that happened last year as well in Abu Dhabi – the scoring percentage rate is certainly higher now, so it’s good luck to the bowlers.” ALSO READ: IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge Signing off, the legendary cricketer also had some piece of advice for the youngsters who look up to him. He said, “I believe you can always look at a particular player, but not necessarily try and be that person – you need to be who you are. You need to know your weaknesses and your strengths, and you can pick certain key moments or things from that player’s game, but put it within your game. Don’t try to say, ‘Hey, I want to be a Chris Gayle’. I always want someone to be in their own individual rights to actually say, ‘This is me, this is who I want to be’. I would just tell the youngsters to be confident about themselves, and just get the job done.”

'Would love to see T10 within the Olympics,' states Chris Gayle ahead of new season

<p>Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith nullified the threat posed by the Indian bowlers on a flat Sydney track as he played some delightful strokes to find his form back. After completing a fantastic knock of 131, Smith said that this knock should keep a few of his critics quiet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith, who had scores of 1, 1*, 8, 0 against India in the first two Tests, found his mojo back as he played with intent on Day 1 before continuing his strokes on the second day of the Sydney Test. Smith, who has been troubled by Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the series, took on the Indian bowlers as he quickly settled at the crease. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After his 27th Test ton, Smith revealed that he was reading about himself and his batting form over the last couple of weeks and was looking to shut his critics. Smith went through a lean patch after scoring consecutive centuries in the ODI series against India. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith now jointly holds the record of scoring most number of Test centuries against India along with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards and Sir Gary Sobers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm reading lots of things people say about out of form, but think there's a difference between out of form and out of runs so it was just nice to score a few and maybe keep a few people quiet," Smith told the broadcasters during the innings break.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith, with Marnus Labuschagne, stitched a 100-run partnership for the third wicket before batting with the middle-order and Australian tail. He was the last Australian batsmen to get out in the first innings, that too after a sensational piece of fielding by Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia posted 338 on board with India replying back with 96/2 at the end of Day 2’s play.&nbsp;</p>


Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith nullified the threat posed by the Indian bowlers on a flat Sydney track as he played some delightful strokes to find his form back. After completing a fantastic knock of 131, Smith said that this knock should keep a few of his critics quiet. Smith, who had scores of 1, 1*, 8, 0 against India in the first two Tests, found his mojo back as he played with intent on Day 1 before continuing his strokes on the second day of the Sydney Test. Smith, who has been troubled by Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the series, took on the Indian bowlers as he quickly settled at the crease. After his 27th Test ton, Smith revealed that he was reading about himself and his batting form over the last couple of weeks and was looking to shut his critics. Smith went through a lean patch after scoring consecutive centuries in the ODI series against India. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance Smith now jointly holds the record of scoring most number of Test centuries against India along with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards and Sir Gary Sobers. "I'm reading lots of things people say about out of form, but think there's a difference between out of form and out of runs so it was just nice to score a few and maybe keep a few people quiet," Smith told the broadcasters during the innings break. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia Smith, with Marnus Labuschagne, stitched a 100-run partnership for the third wicket before batting with the middle-order and Australian tail. He was the last Australian batsmen to get out in the first innings, that too after a sensational piece of fielding by Ravindra Jadeja. Australia posted 338 on board with India replying back with 96/2 at the end of Day 2’s play.

'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century

<p>The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bairstow-hails-kallis-as-fantastic-addition-for-england-355321" hreflang="en">Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground. &nbsp;</p>


The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance.

The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt. Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. ALSO READ: Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance

<p>The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors. The duo stitched a 70-run opening stand before Rohit was dismissed for 26 by Josh Hazlewood. However, before his dismissal, Rohit achieved a rare feat in international cricket as he became the first-ever batsman to score 100 international sixes against Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen, danced down the track to dispatch a Nathan Lyon delivery over the long-on boundary and became the first batsman in history to smash 100 international sixes against Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Most sixes against Australia in international cricket &nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>ROHIT SHARMA - 100* &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Eon Morgan - 63 &nbsp;</p>

<p>B McCullum - 61 &nbsp;</p>

<p>Sachin Tendulkar - 60&nbsp;</p>

<p>MS Dhoni - 60&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smith-smacks-27th-test-century-as-india-trail-australia-by-312-355313" hreflang="en">Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Rohit, despite getting a good start, couldn’t make it count and was dismissed by Hazlewood after playing a lose straight push. The Aussie pacer held on to a good catch in his follow-through to complete the dismissal. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit’s opening partner Gill soon followed the Hitman soon after completing his maiden half-century in Test cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India ended Day 2 at 98/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten for India. The visitors still trail by 242 runs and would be hoping to score big when they take the field on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs courtesy a fine century by Steve Smith – his 27th in Test cricket as the Aussie star starts the new year with a bang.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors.

The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors. The duo stitched a 70-run opening stand before Rohit was dismissed for 26 by Josh Hazlewood. However, before his dismissal, Rohit achieved a rare feat in international cricket as he became the first-ever batsman to score 100 international sixes against Australia. Rohit, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen, danced down the track to dispatch a Nathan Lyon delivery over the long-on boundary and became the first batsman in history to smash 100 international sixes against Australia. Most sixes against Australia in international cricket ROHIT SHARMA - 100* Eon Morgan - 63 B McCullum - 61 Sachin Tendulkar - 60 MS Dhoni - 60 ALSO READ: Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312 However, Rohit, despite getting a good start, couldn’t make it count and was dismissed by Hazlewood after playing a lose straight push. The Aussie pacer held on to a good catch in his follow-through to complete the dismissal. Rohit’s opening partner Gill soon followed the Hitman soon after completing his maiden half-century in Test cricket. Meanwhile, India ended Day 2 at 98/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten for India. The visitors still trail by 242 runs and would be hoping to score big when they take the field on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs courtesy a fine century by Steve Smith – his 27th in Test cricket as the Aussie star starts the new year with a bang.

Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a>’s governing council has kept the deadline for the retained players on January 21 while the trading window for the franchise is set to close on February 4. &nbsp;</p>

<p>IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed the development after the members of IPL GC and Patel had virtual meeting earlier this week as they planned about the IPL 2021 at length.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will have the players' retention till January 21 and the trading window for the franchises closes on February 4," Patel, the former India Test batsman told PTI while informing that the date of the auction is yet to be finalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-bcci-formally-writes-to-cricket-australia-about-brisbanes-hard-quarantine-355179" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: BCCI formally writes to Cricket Australia about Brisbane's hard quarantine</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the PTI report, it is expected that the mini auction for IPL 2021 will be held in the second or third week of February. Patel also confirmed that there will be “no increase of purse” for the 2021 auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report says that Chennai Super Kings, which has the lowest purse among all the eight teams (INR 15 lakh), is set to release big salaried players in Kedar Jadhav and Piyush Chawla in a bid to increase their purse value.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whereas Mumbai Indians are expected to retain most of its players to continue with a set team. They may release a few players to increase their purse value from INR 1.95 crore.Rajasthan Royals have the maximum purse 14.75 crore, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (10.1 crore), Delhi Capitals (9 crore), Kolkata Knight Riders (8.5 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (6.4 crore).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-player-approached-by-delhi-nurse-for-inside-information-during-ipl-2020-report-354615" hreflang="en">Indian player approached by Delhi nurse for 'inside information' during IPL 2020: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The report further say that the governing council will wait for a month before locking whether IPL 2021 will be held in India or outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BCCI will wait for a month to see how the COVID-19 situation is in India before finalising the schedule. Everyone wants it to be held in India but we still need to wait for some more time before taking a call," a BCCI source said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Premier League’s governing council has kept the deadline for the retained players on January 21 while the trading window for the franchise is set to close on February 4.

The Indian Premier League’s governing council has kept the deadline for the retained players on January 21 while the trading window for the franchise is set to close on February 4. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed the development after the members of IPL GC and Patel had virtual meeting earlier this week as they planned about the IPL 2021 at length. "We will have the players' retention till January 21 and the trading window for the franchises closes on February 4," Patel, the former India Test batsman told PTI while informing that the date of the auction is yet to be finalised. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: BCCI formally writes to Cricket Australia about Brisbane's hard quarantine According to the PTI report, it is expected that the mini auction for IPL 2021 will be held in the second or third week of February. Patel also confirmed that there will be “no increase of purse” for the 2021 auction. The report says that Chennai Super Kings, which has the lowest purse among all the eight teams (INR 15 lakh), is set to release big salaried players in Kedar Jadhav and Piyush Chawla in a bid to increase their purse value. Whereas Mumbai Indians are expected to retain most of its players to continue with a set team. They may release a few players to increase their purse value from INR 1.95 crore.Rajasthan Royals have the maximum purse 14.75 crore, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (10.1 crore), Delhi Capitals (9 crore), Kolkata Knight Riders (8.5 crore), Royal Challengers Bangalore (6.4 crore). ALSO READ: Indian player approached by Delhi nurse for 'inside information' during IPL 2020: Report The report further say that the governing council will wait for a month before locking whether IPL 2021 will be held in India or outside. "The BCCI will wait for a month to see how the COVID-19 situation is in India before finalising the schedule. Everyone wants it to be held in India but we still need to wait for some more time before taking a call," a BCCI source said.

IPL 2021: Deadline for player retention and trading window revealed!

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday wrote to Cricket Australia (CA) as the Indian cricket board look for relaxation in hard quarantine protocols of Brisbane for the fourth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>BCCI reminded the Australian board that they are done with strict isolation. According to a PTI report, a top BCCI executive has written to CA head Earl Eddings as the board reminded him of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two board on the modalities of the tour which never had a specification of two hard quarantine in separate cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Brisbane Test is scheduled to start on January 15 and the strict quarantine rules, as of now, will restrict the players to just their hotel rooms after the end of day’s play.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-missing-my-dad-mohammed-siraj-on-getting-emotional-during-indian-national-anthem-355142" hreflang="en">'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem</a></strong></p>

<p>"The discussions are still on but today BCCI has formally sent a letter seeking relaxation of hard quarantine for its players if they are to have the match in Brisbane," a senior BCCI official told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The MoU that was signed never mentioned about two hard quarantines. India have done one hard quarantine in Sydney (practice and back to hotel room)," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI has made a simple demand that players want to be with each other inside the hotel bio-bubble as they did in the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BCCI's demand is simple. The players want to mingle with each other inside the hotel bio-bubble like they did in the IPL. They want to have their meals together inside the hotel and also have team meetings together. That's not a big demand," he informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-absolutely-fine-sourav-ganguly-discharged-from-hospital-after-treatment-for-cardiac-arrest-355097" hreflang="en">'I am absolutely fine': Sourav Ganguly discharged from hospital after treatment for cardiac arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>Cricket Australia’s communication has stated that players can be with each other but only those residing on the same floor. Hence, players from two different floors cannot come in contact with each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BCCI has told CA that the relaxation of the quarantine rules should be given in writing. During India's hard quarantine in Sydney after reaching from UAE, there used to be police personnel in each floor ensuring that there is no breach of bio-safety protocols.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hopefully, nothing of that sort will happen if the team travels to Brisbane. All we want is IPL style bio-bubble."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, if the Queensland authorities don’t ease down the quarantine rules, the fourth Test could be played in Sydney.&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday wrote to Cricket Australia (CA) as the Indian cricket board look for relaxation in hard quarantine protocols of Brisbane for the fourth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday wrote to Cricket Australia (CA) as the Indian cricket board look for relaxation in hard quarantine protocols of Brisbane for the fourth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. BCCI reminded the Australian board that they are done with strict isolation. According to a PTI report, a top BCCI executive has written to CA head Earl Eddings as the board reminded him of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two board on the modalities of the tour which never had a specification of two hard quarantine in separate cities. The Brisbane Test is scheduled to start on January 15 and the strict quarantine rules, as of now, will restrict the players to just their hotel rooms after the end of day’s play. ALSO READ: 'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem "The discussions are still on but today BCCI has formally sent a letter seeking relaxation of hard quarantine for its players if they are to have the match in Brisbane," a senior BCCI official told PTI. "The MoU that was signed never mentioned about two hard quarantines. India have done one hard quarantine in Sydney (practice and back to hotel room)," he added. The BCCI has made a simple demand that players want to be with each other inside the hotel bio-bubble as they did in the IPL. "The BCCI's demand is simple. The players want to mingle with each other inside the hotel bio-bubble like they did in the IPL. They want to have their meals together inside the hotel and also have team meetings together. That's not a big demand," he informed. ALSO READ: 'I am absolutely fine': Sourav Ganguly discharged from hospital after treatment for cardiac arrest Cricket Australia’s communication has stated that players can be with each other but only those residing on the same floor. Hence, players from two different floors cannot come in contact with each other. "The BCCI has told CA that the relaxation of the quarantine rules should be given in writing. During India's hard quarantine in Sydney after reaching from UAE, there used to be police personnel in each floor ensuring that there is no breach of bio-safety protocols. "Hopefully, nothing of that sort will happen if the team travels to Brisbane. All we want is IPL style bio-bubble." Meanwhile, if the Queensland authorities don’t ease down the quarantine rules, the fourth Test could be played in Sydney.

AUS vs IND: BCCI formally writes to Cricket Australia about Brisbane's hard quarantine

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed that&nbsp;England Women will tour Pakistan in October, taking part in two T20Is and three ODIs.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Heather Knight's team will be making their first-ever trip to Pakistan, and will be alongside the England Men's white-ball team, with the two IT20s played as double-headers in Karachi on 14 and 15 October.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">England Women will then stay in Karachi to compete in three ODIs&nbsp;on 18, 20 and 22 October.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-missing-my-dad-mohammed-siraj-on-getting-emotional-during-indian-national-anthem-355142" hreflang="en">'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem</a></strong></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said</strong>:&nbsp;“We are absolutely delighted to be making this historic announcement today. The England Women’s cricket team has never toured Pakistan before so this is another important step in our history and journey.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">"Not only will this be a cricket tour that provides valuable competitive opportunity to both teams, it should also serve as another powerful and positive message as we drive forward our equality ambitions for more women and girls to derive empowerment through the sport.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">"I was in Pakistan last year and I know the impact that a women’s tour such as this can have and how memorable an experience it will be for our players and staff.”</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-was-loose-shot-mark-waugh-unimpressed-in-the-way-warner-got-out-in-third-test-355140" hreflang="en">'That was loose shot': Mark Waugh unimpressed in the way Warner got out in third Test</a></strong></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">PCB Chief Executive, Wasim Khan, said</strong>: “World champions England accompanying their men’s side for their first-ever tour to Karachi is an extremely powerful and strong announcement for Pakistan, our women’s cricketers as well as for the global sport.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“This announcement reflects the confidence, trust and relationship the PCB enjoys with the England and Wales Cricket Board, and is an acknowledgement for the successful delivery of international and domestic cricket in the challenging and difficult 2020.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“Women’s T20Is taking place before the men’s matches at the iconic National Stadium will mean more eyeballs will follow these matches than ever before. While this presents a great opportunity for the PCB to showcase the image and profile of women’s cricket, it is a chance for the women cricketers to demonstrate their talent and skills, and play their part in attracting, inspiring and motivating the next generation of women cricketers so that they can also fall in love with this great sport.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“The three ODIs against the world champions will assist the Pakistan women’s side to access, gauge and fine-tune their ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 preparations as they aim to produce improved performances than in the past.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“Like the England men’s side, I am confident the women’s tour will open up opportunities for their future tours that will further contribute in promoting women’s cricket in Pakistan and helping our national side to narrow the gap with the leading nations.”</p>

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)"><u>England Women vs Pakistan Women - Series schedule</u></strong></h2>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">14 October</strong>: 1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;T20I, National Stadium, Karachi</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">15 October</strong>: 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;T20I, National Stadium, Karachi</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">18 October</strong>: 1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;ODI, National Stadium, Karachi</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">20 October</strong>: 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;ODI, National Stadium, Karachi</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">22 October</strong>: 3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;ODI, National Stadium, Karachi</p>


The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed that England Women will tour Pakistan in October, taking part in two T20Is and three ODIs.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed that England Women will tour Pakistan in October, taking part in two T20Is and three ODIs. Heather Knight's team will be making their first-ever trip to Pakistan, and will be alongside the England Men's white-ball team, with the two IT20s played as double-headers in Karachi on 14 and 15 October. England Women will then stay in Karachi to compete in three ODIs on 18, 20 and 22 October. ALSO READ: 'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be making this historic announcement today. The England Women’s cricket team has never toured Pakistan before so this is another important step in our history and journey. "Not only will this be a cricket tour that provides valuable competitive opportunity to both teams, it should also serve as another powerful and positive message as we drive forward our equality ambitions for more women and girls to derive empowerment through the sport. "I was in Pakistan last year and I know the impact that a women’s tour such as this can have and how memorable an experience it will be for our players and staff.” ALSO READ: 'That was loose shot': Mark Waugh unimpressed in the way Warner got out in third Test PCB Chief Executive, Wasim Khan, said: “World champions England accompanying their men’s side for their first-ever tour to Karachi is an extremely powerful and strong announcement for Pakistan, our women’s cricketers as well as for the global sport. “This announcement reflects the confidence, trust and relationship the PCB enjoys with the England and Wales Cricket Board, and is an acknowledgement for the successful delivery of international and domestic cricket in the challenging and difficult 2020. “Women’s T20Is taking place before the men’s matches at the iconic National Stadium will mean more eyeballs will follow these matches than ever before. While this presents a great opportunity for the PCB to showcase the image and profile of women’s cricket, it is a chance for the women cricketers to demonstrate their talent and skills, and play their part in attracting, inspiring and motivating the next generation of women cricketers so that they can also fall in love with this great sport. “The three ODIs against the world champions will assist the Pakistan women’s side to access, gauge and fine-tune their ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 preparations as they aim to produce improved performances than in the past. “Like the England men’s side, I am confident the women’s tour will open up opportunities for their future tours that will further contribute in promoting women’s cricket in Pakistan and helping our national side to narrow the gap with the leading nations.” England Women vs Pakistan Women - Series schedule 14 October: 1st T20I, National Stadium, Karachi 15 October: 2nd T20I, National Stadium, Karachi 18 October: 1st ODI, National Stadium, Karachi 20 October: 2nd ODI, National Stadium, Karachi 22 October: 3rd ODI, National Stadium, Karachi

England Women to tour Pakistan for first time in October

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