With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has opined on his options of Indian openers in the New Year’s Test at the SCG.&nbsp;

Rohit’s availability and Umesh Yadav’s injury have complicated the selection for Team India in the third Test. Gavaskar, when asked about his preferred choice of openers for the third Test, said that he would keep Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI and pair him up with Rohit Sharma. The Little Master added that Shubman Gill, who impressed everyone in his Test debut, should be moved to number five to accommodate Rohit at the top and replace Hanuma Vihari.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umesh-yadav-ruled-out-of-australia-tour-due-to-calf-injury-353571" hreflang="en">Umesh Yadav ruled out of Australia tour due to calf injury</a>

“I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar told Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Sports Network.

Gavaskar further said, "Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position. The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, Vihari goes out automatically.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-kane-williamson-overtakes-smith-kohli-as-top-test-batsman-ajinkya-rahane-enters-top-10-353560" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10</a>

Moreover, the third Test will be hosted by Sydney Cricket Ground despite a fresh COVID-19 cluster in the city. Cricket Australia are hopeful of having crowds at 50 per cent capacity.&nbsp;

The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India bounced back strongly to level the series 1-1 in Melbourne. 
&nbsp;

With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has opined on his options of Indian openers in the New Year’s Test at the SCG. Rohit’s availability and Umesh Yadav’s injury have complicated the selection for Team India in the third Test. Gavaskar, when asked about his preferred choice of openers for the third Test, said that he would keep Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI and pair him up with Rohit Sharma. The Little Master added that Shubman Gill, who impressed everyone in his Test debut, should be moved to number five to accommodate Rohit at the top and replace Hanuma Vihari. ALSO READ: Umesh Yadav ruled out of Australia tour due to calf injury “I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar told Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Sports Network. Gavaskar further said, "Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position. The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, Vihari goes out automatically.” ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10 Moreover, the third Test will be hosted by Sydney Cricket Ground despite a fresh COVID-19 cluster in the city. Cricket Australia are hopeful of having crowds at 50 per cent capacity. The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India bounced back strongly to level the series 1-1 in Melbourne.

Rohit, Shubman or Mayank? Sunil Gavaskar picks his Indian openers for 3rd Test vs Australia

The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January.

“We had initially hoped to play India this summer, however the impact of the global pandemic made it necessary to postpone until next season,” Hockley said in a media release.

Australia are currently hosting the India men’s team in a four-test series.

Australia defeated India in the women’s T20 World Cup final in March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the last time the teams met.

The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January.

The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January. “We had initially hoped to play India this summer, however the impact of the global pandemic made it necessary to postpone until next season,” Hockley said in a media release. Australia are currently hosting the India men’s team in a four-test series. Australia defeated India in the women’s T20 World Cup final in March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the last time the teams met.

Australia vs India women's ODI series postponed due to COVID

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli&nbsp;to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.

Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring.

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How it started v how it's going 😅 <a href="https://t.co/XKyEJUgUAS">pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a>

Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave.

"They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday.

"Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling."&nbsp;

All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade.&nbsp;

ALOS READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-uks-new-year-honours-list-353538" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list</a>

Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1.&nbsp;

In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list.

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🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five 
🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7 
🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah becomes No.9 
 
Latest update in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Test Rankings 👉 <a href="https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH">https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH</a> <a href="https://t.co/RLU1nMpfoV">pic.twitter.com/RLU1nMpfoV</a>
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&nbsp;

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings. Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring. How it started v how it's going 😅 pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 × ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave. "They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday. "Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling." All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade. ALOS READ: Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1. In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list. 🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five 🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7 🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah becomes No.9 Latest update in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings 👉 https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH pic.twitter.com/RLU1nMpfoV — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 ×

ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10

Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19.

The New South Wales (NSW) government restricted movement and tightened curbs on gatherings in Sydney on Wednesday, as the state recorded 18 new cases.

Despite public gatherings being capped at 30, authorities have given the green light to a half-capacity crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, though fans will be asked to keep a lid on their cheering.

“We will be handing out masks on public transport going into the SCG, and advising people to wear masks when they are not physically at their seat,” New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant told a media briefing on Wednesday.

“We also are asking people to ensure that they recognise (rules) around screaming and chanting, particularly when they are not in their fixed location.”

After weeks without a new case of COVID-19, NSW has recorded more than 100 infections linked to a recent outbreak in the city’s northern beaches.

Governing body Cricket Australia considered moving the third test to Melbourne but on Tuesday confirmed it would plough ahead with Sydney as scheduled from Jan. 7.

The players and staff are in Melbourne following the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, which India won on Tuesday by eight wickets, levelling the four-match series at 1-1.

Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19.

Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19. The New South Wales (NSW) government restricted movement and tightened curbs on gatherings in Sydney on Wednesday, as the state recorded 18 new cases. Despite public gatherings being capped at 30, authorities have given the green light to a half-capacity crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, though fans will be asked to keep a lid on their cheering. “We will be handing out masks on public transport going into the SCG, and advising people to wear masks when they are not physically at their seat,” New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant told a media briefing on Wednesday. “We also are asking people to ensure that they recognise (rules) around screaming and chanting, particularly when they are not in their fixed location.” After weeks without a new case of COVID-19, NSW has recorded more than 100 infections linked to a recent outbreak in the city’s northern beaches. Governing body Cricket Australia considered moving the third test to Melbourne but on Tuesday confirmed it would plough ahead with Sydney as scheduled from Jan. 7. The players and staff are in Melbourne following the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, which India won on Tuesday by eight wickets, levelling the four-match series at 1-1.

Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw.

Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah blocked for seven overs in fading light before Naseem was caught and bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Pakistan's resistance.

The end for Pakistan had begun when Kyle Jamieson, celebrating his 26th birthday, broke the 165-run fifth-wicket stand by Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The victory was crucial for New Zealand, who need to sweep the two-Test series to have a chance of making the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.

Once Jamieson claimed the crucial wicket of Rizwan, lbw for 60, Neil Wagner -- bowling despite breaking two toes while batting -- removed Alam for 102 and New Zealand were into the tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for four to be all out for 271.

Jamieson produced a particularly miserly spell after the tea break when he sent down nine overs and took two for four.

Apart from when Pakistan whipped out the New Zealand openers cheaply on day one, the match had been in New Zealand's control until Rizwan, the stand-in skipper, joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 for four on the final morning.

New Zealand required six more wickets, Pakistan needed 298 runs and more than 78 overs remained.

By tea, Alam and Rizwan were still together, Pakistan had narrowed the target to 158 in 36 overs and New Zealand still needed six wickets.&nbsp;

But Jamieson removed Rizwan 11 overs into the final session.

Jamieson had gone close several times previously, and even his lbw shout against Rizwan was turned down before the umpire's decision was overturned on review.

Alam, who had occupied the crease with Rizwan for more than 63 overs, lasted three more overs until he gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling down the leg side.

Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall this year his highest score was 21 against England in August.&nbsp;

There were a few loose shots early in his innings and a nerve-wracking moment when a ball ricocheted off his arm and bounced dangerously close to the stumps.

Otherwise, he staunchly held his own through 269 deliveries before bringing up his century with a four off Wagner, but scored only two more runs off his next 33 balls before his dismissal.

New Zealand's frontline pace bowlers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Santner each took two wickets.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw. Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah blocked for seven overs in fading light before Naseem was caught and bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Pakistan's resistance. The end for Pakistan had begun when Kyle Jamieson, celebrating his 26th birthday, broke the 165-run fifth-wicket stand by Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. The victory was crucial for New Zealand, who need to sweep the two-Test series to have a chance of making the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. Once Jamieson claimed the crucial wicket of Rizwan, lbw for 60, Neil Wagner -- bowling despite breaking two toes while batting -- removed Alam for 102 and New Zealand were into the tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for four to be all out for 271. Jamieson produced a particularly miserly spell after the tea break when he sent down nine overs and took two for four. Apart from when Pakistan whipped out the New Zealand openers cheaply on day one, the match had been in New Zealand's control until Rizwan, the stand-in skipper, joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 for four on the final morning. New Zealand required six more wickets, Pakistan needed 298 runs and more than 78 overs remained. By tea, Alam and Rizwan were still together, Pakistan had narrowed the target to 158 in 36 overs and New Zealand still needed six wickets. But Jamieson removed Rizwan 11 overs into the final session. Jamieson had gone close several times previously, and even his lbw shout against Rizwan was turned down before the umpire's decision was overturned on review. Alam, who had occupied the crease with Rizwan for more than 63 overs, lasted three more overs until he gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling down the leg side. Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall this year his highest score was 21 against England in August. There were a few loose shots early in his innings and a nerve-wracking moment when a ball ricocheted off his arm and bounced dangerously close to the stumps. Otherwise, he staunchly held his own through 269 deliveries before bringing up his century with a four off Wagner, but scored only two more runs off his next 33 balls before his dismissal. New Zealand's frontline pace bowlers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Santner each took two wickets.

New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win

India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

Rahane, who is leading the Indian side in the absence of Virat Kohli, expressed his gratitude for all the love and support coming towards the Indian cricket team. Rahane further wrote that the biggest reward for the Indian cricket team has been the ability to put a smile on the faces of cricket lovers.&nbsp; 
The centurion in the MCG Test concluded by saying that the Indian cricket team continues to seek support and good wishes from everyone for the final two Test matches against Australia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-joins-ms-dhoni-in-a-rare-list-as-india-win-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-353117" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a>

“I would like to express my gratitude for all the love and support we've received. The biggest reward for us as a team has been the ability to bring a smile on the faces of all those Indians that follow the sport,” Rahane posted on Twitter.

“We continue to seek your support and good wishes as we work hard for the next two matches,” the stand-in Indian skipper concluded.&nbsp;

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Thank you 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/tJdduct5Pl">pic.twitter.com/tJdduct5Pl</a>
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India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/couldnt-be-happier-for-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahane-co-for-historic-win-in-boxing-day-test-353106" hreflang="en">'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test</a>

Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1.&nbsp;

India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. 
&nbsp;

India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test.

India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test. Rahane, who is leading the Indian side in the absence of Virat Kohli, expressed his gratitude for all the love and support coming towards the Indian cricket team. Rahane further wrote that the biggest reward for the Indian cricket team has been the ability to put a smile on the faces of cricket lovers. The centurion in the MCG Test concluded by saying that the Indian cricket team continues to seek support and good wishes from everyone for the final two Test matches against Australia. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia “I would like to express my gratitude for all the love and support we've received. The biggest reward for us as a team has been the ability to bring a smile on the faces of all those Indians that follow the sport,” Rahane posted on Twitter. “We continue to seek your support and good wishes as we work hard for the next two matches,” the stand-in Indian skipper concluded. Thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tJdduct5Pl — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 30, 2020 × India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings. ALSO READ: 'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1. India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph

New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday. While Australia continue to lead the WTC points table, New Zealand now hold the second position with India slipping down to the third spot in the standings.&nbsp;

The rules of ICC World Test Championship were revised after it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new structure, the ICC WTC standings are now determined using percentage of points garnered by the teams. Hence, India, despite having more points than Australia and New Zealand are sitting below the two sides in the ICC World Test Championship points table.&nbsp;

According to the latest ICC World Test Championship points table, Australia have the best points percentage with 0.77 and New Zealand have 0.75 to their name. Whereas India have a points percentage of 0.72 followed by England at 0.61.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-will-pucovski-return-to-australian-squad-vs-india-joe-burns-dropped-353343" hreflang="en">David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped</a>

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New Zealand keep themselves in contention of making it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship 🙌 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> standings table after the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> Test 👇 <a href="https://t.co/IZnHHIPT0S">pic.twitter.com/IZnHHIPT0S</a>
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The latest structure was adopted after many bilateral series, under the ICC World Test Championship, were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the format of ICC WTC, a total of 120 points are up for grabs in a particular series. The points of the match are calculated on the basis of a number of matches in a series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a>

With the final of ICC World Test Championship is scheduled to take place in July 2021 at the iconic Lord’s in England. However, there are still a few series to be played before the final as the participating teams gear up for a final push to play in the summit clash.&nbsp;

New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday.

New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday. While Australia continue to lead the WTC points table, New Zealand now hold the second position with India slipping down to the third spot in the standings. The rules of ICC World Test Championship were revised after it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new structure, the ICC WTC standings are now determined using percentage of points garnered by the teams. Hence, India, despite having more points than Australia and New Zealand are sitting below the two sides in the ICC World Test Championship points table. According to the latest ICC World Test Championship points table, Australia have the best points percentage with 0.77 and New Zealand have 0.75 to their name. Whereas India have a points percentage of 0.72 followed by England at 0.61. ALSO READ: David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped New Zealand keep themselves in contention of making it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship 🙌 The #WTC21 standings table after the first #NZvPAK Test 👇 pic.twitter.com/IZnHHIPT0S — ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2020 × The latest structure was adopted after many bilateral series, under the ICC World Test Championship, were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the format of ICC WTC, a total of 120 points are up for grabs in a particular series. The points of the match are calculated on the basis of a number of matches in a series. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners With the final of ICC World Test Championship is scheduled to take place in July 2021 at the iconic Lord’s in England. However, there are still a few series to be played before the final as the participating teams gear up for a final push to play in the summit clash.

New Zealand pip India for second spot in ICC World Test Championship points table

Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series.&nbsp;

Warner and Will Pucovsi have been added in Australia’s Test squad with out-of-form opener Joe Burns dropped from the squad. Pacer Sean Abbott has also been declared fit for the remainder of the series and is one of the names in the 18-member squad.

Warner continues to recover from the groin injury and will replace Burns in the playing XI. Whereas Pucovski is in line to make his Test debut after suffering concussion while playing for Australia A against India earlier this month.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old will still be required to pass further tests before he is cleared to make a possible debut in Sydney.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t-natarajan-could-make-test-debut-in-third-test-vs-australia-as-umesh-yadav-suffers-calf-injury-353331" hreflang="en">T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury</a>

Should Pucovski make his Test debut in Sydney, Matthew Wade could be shifted to the middle order to replace out-of-form Travis Head in the playing XI.&nbsp; 
"Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom-free for some time," Australia’s selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement

"He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment.

"Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shhhh-fans-urged-to-cheer-quietly-at-scg-amid-covid-outbreak-353325" hreflang="en">Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak</a>

"Unfortunately, Joe's returns haven't been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of.

"David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match.

"Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection."

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner

India Test squad: Virat Kohli (c) (first Test only), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj 
&nbsp;

Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series.

Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series. Warner and Will Pucovsi have been added in Australia’s Test squad with out-of-form opener Joe Burns dropped from the squad. Pacer Sean Abbott has also been declared fit for the remainder of the series and is one of the names in the 18-member squad. Warner continues to recover from the groin injury and will replace Burns in the playing XI. Whereas Pucovski is in line to make his Test debut after suffering concussion while playing for Australia A against India earlier this month. The 22-year-old will still be required to pass further tests before he is cleared to make a possible debut in Sydney. ALSO READ: T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury Should Pucovski make his Test debut in Sydney, Matthew Wade could be shifted to the middle order to replace out-of-form Travis Head in the playing XI. "Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom-free for some time," Australia’s selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement "He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment. "Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat. ALSO READ: Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak "Unfortunately, Joe's returns haven't been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of. "David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match. "Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection." Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner India Test squad: Virat Kohli (c) (first Test only), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj

David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test.&nbsp;

Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets.&nbsp;

Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shhhh-fans-urged-to-cheer-quietly-at-scg-amid-covid-outbreak-353325" hreflang="en">Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak</a>

With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini.&nbsp;

"The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like&nbsp;Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-end-pakistan-defiance-for-thrilling-test-win-353315" hreflang="en">New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win</a>

India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination.

India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7. 
&nbsp;

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test. Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets. Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91. ALSO READ: Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini. "The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday. ALSO READ: New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination. India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7.

T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury

India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Virat Kohli, who is in India on paternity leave, congratulated the Indian cricket team for their historic win at the MCG while especially lauding stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for leading the entire team to the win.

India, without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, dominated the proceedings from the word go and showed immense character to bounce back from a scathing defeat in Adelaide.&nbsp;

“What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here,” tweeted Kohli on Tuesday right after India’s eight-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/border-gavaskar-trophy-india-wins-the-second-test-levels-series-at-1-1-353075" hreflang="en">Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India win&nbsp;the second Test, level series at 1-1</a>

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What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here 💪🇮🇳
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1343769773683830784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian bowlers didn’t let the Aussies settle in and wrapped up their innings on 195 runs before posting 326 runs courtesy a fine century from Rahane. Australia, in the second innings, failed to bounce back into the game and were bundled out for 200 runs. With a target of 70 runs, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal started the chase on a positive note but the latter was dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Cheteshwar Pujara, too, was sent packing soon by Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-spirit-of-the-decade-award-when-ms-dhoni-recalled-ian-bell-during-nottingham-test-in-2011-watch-352933" hreflang="en">ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch</a>

However, Gill and Rahane made sure that India cross the winning line comfortably and bury the ghosts of Adelaide with ease.&nbsp;India have now levelled the four-match Test series 1-1 and will be looking to carry the momentum in the third Test.

“Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the match.

 
&nbsp;

India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Virat Kohli, who is in India on paternity leave, congratulated the Indian cricket team for their historic win at the MCG while especially lauding stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for leading the entire team to the win. India, without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, dominated the proceedings from the word go and showed immense character to bounce back from a scathing defeat in Adelaide. “What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here,” tweeted Kohli on Tuesday right after India’s eight-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India win the second Test, level series at 1-1 What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here 💪🇮🇳 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 29, 2020 × Indian bowlers didn’t let the Aussies settle in and wrapped up their innings on 195 runs before posting 326 runs courtesy a fine century from Rahane. Australia, in the second innings, failed to bounce back into the game and were bundled out for 200 runs. With a target of 70 runs, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal started the chase on a positive note but the latter was dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Cheteshwar Pujara, too, was sent packing soon by Pat Cummins. ALSO READ: ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch However, Gill and Rahane made sure that India cross the winning line comfortably and bury the ghosts of Adelaide with ease. India have now levelled the four-match Test series 1-1 and will be looking to carry the momentum in the third Test. “Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the match.

'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test

New Zealand quick Tim Southee became latest member of the elite 300-wicket club when he dismissed Haris Sohail late on day four of the first Test against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.&nbsp;

He is only the third New Zealander to reach the milestone, behind Richard Hadlee who took 431 scalps from 86 Tests and Daniel Vettori with 361 wickets in 112 matches.&nbsp;

Globally, the 32-year-old right-armer is only the 34th bowler to reach 300 wickets in the history of Test cricket.&nbsp;

Southee, now in his 76th Test, first played for New Zealand as a 19-year-old when he took five for 55 against England and has since established himself as one of the world's foremost swing bowlers.&nbsp;

He has taken four wickets so far in the first Test against Pakistan who are 37 for three in their second innings chasing a target of 373.

Southee said before the Test that reaching the 300 milestone was not a target but "when you play for long enough those things happen."

His best performance was seven for 64 in Bangalore eight years ago, the most successful return for a New Zealand bowler in India.

New Zealand quick Tim Southee became latest member of the elite 300-wicket club when he dismissed Haris Sohail late on day four of the first Test against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.

New Zealand quick Tim Southee became latest member of the elite 300-wicket club when he dismissed Haris Sohail late on day four of the first Test against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui on Tuesday. He is only the third New Zealander to reach the milestone, behind Richard Hadlee who took 431 scalps from 86 Tests and Daniel Vettori with 361 wickets in 112 matches. Globally, the 32-year-old right-armer is only the 34th bowler to reach 300 wickets in the history of Test cricket. Southee, now in his 76th Test, first played for New Zealand as a 19-year-old when he took five for 55 against England and has since established himself as one of the world's foremost swing bowlers. He has taken four wickets so far in the first Test against Pakistan who are 37 for three in their second innings chasing a target of 373. Southee said before the Test that reaching the 300 milestone was not a target but "when you play for long enough those things happen." His best performance was seven for 64 in Bangalore eight years ago, the most successful return for a New Zealand bowler in India.

New Zealand's Tim Southee joins elite 300 club

South Africa wrapped up victory by an innings and 45 runs shortly after lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka, needing 225 runs to avoid an innings defeat, were bowled out for 180.

Kusal Perera hit a spirited 64 off 87 balls for the tourists and debutant Wanindu Hasaranga slammed 59 off 53 balls, taking advantage as South Africa seemingly tried to lift their over-rate by rushing through six overs of slow bowling after lunch.

Sri Lanka resumed at 65 for two on Tuesday but never recovered after all-rounder Wiaan Mulder dismissed overnight batsman Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella in quick succession.

Batsman Dhananjaya de Silva, who retired hurt after making 79 in the first innings, did not bat for Sri Lanka. He was ruled out of the rest of the tour with a torn thigh muscle.

Sri Lanka suffered a spate of injuries during the match but bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara hobbled to the crease to delay the inevitable. Both suffered groin injuries while bowling.

Sri Lanka started the match well, making 396 after winning the toss but an injury-depleted bowling attack conceded 621 runs when South Africa batted, with former captain Faf du Plessis hitting 199. Du Plessis was named man of the match.

It was South Africa’s second win in eight matches in the world Test championship. They have suffered six defeats. Sri Lanka have won one, lost three and drawn one of their five matches.

Chandimal, who appeared to suffer a groin injury towards the end of Monday’s play, resumed his innings on Tuesday and survived for 40 minutes before being bowled for 25 by a ball from the medium-paced Mulder which cut back off the pitch.

Mulder, 22, followed up by having Niroshan Dickwella caught behind. He provided the control that was missing from much of South Africa’s bowling in the first innings during a spell of two for 29 in nine overs.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje had the left-handed Perera caught behind off a faint edge, with South Africa successfully reviewing what was originally a not-out decision. Perera hit 10 fours.

Debutant Lutho Sipamla and Nortje both finished with two wickets, while Vishwa Fernando was run out without scoring.

The second and final Test starts in nearby Johannesburg on Sunday.

South Africa wrapped up victory by an innings and 45 runs shortly after lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday.

South Africa wrapped up victory by an innings and 45 runs shortly after lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday. Sri Lanka, needing 225 runs to avoid an innings defeat, were bowled out for 180. Kusal Perera hit a spirited 64 off 87 balls for the tourists and debutant Wanindu Hasaranga slammed 59 off 53 balls, taking advantage as South Africa seemingly tried to lift their over-rate by rushing through six overs of slow bowling after lunch. Sri Lanka resumed at 65 for two on Tuesday but never recovered after all-rounder Wiaan Mulder dismissed overnight batsman Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella in quick succession. Batsman Dhananjaya de Silva, who retired hurt after making 79 in the first innings, did not bat for Sri Lanka. He was ruled out of the rest of the tour with a torn thigh muscle. Sri Lanka suffered a spate of injuries during the match but bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara hobbled to the crease to delay the inevitable. Both suffered groin injuries while bowling. Sri Lanka started the match well, making 396 after winning the toss but an injury-depleted bowling attack conceded 621 runs when South Africa batted, with former captain Faf du Plessis hitting 199. Du Plessis was named man of the match. It was South Africa’s second win in eight matches in the world Test championship. They have suffered six defeats. Sri Lanka have won one, lost three and drawn one of their five matches. Chandimal, who appeared to suffer a groin injury towards the end of Monday’s play, resumed his innings on Tuesday and survived for 40 minutes before being bowled for 25 by a ball from the medium-paced Mulder which cut back off the pitch. Mulder, 22, followed up by having Niroshan Dickwella caught behind. He provided the control that was missing from much of South Africa’s bowling in the first innings during a spell of two for 29 in nine overs. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje had the left-handed Perera caught behind off a faint edge, with South Africa successfully reviewing what was originally a not-out decision. Perera hit 10 fours. Debutant Lutho Sipamla and Nortje both finished with two wickets, while Vishwa Fernando was run out without scoring. The second and final Test starts in nearby Johannesburg on Sunday.

South Africa hammer injury-hit Sri Lanka

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> on Tuesday confirmed that a total of 18 tests for COVID-19, out of 1479 players and club staff, returned positive between December 21 and 27. All the players or club staff, who have tested positive for coronavirus, will undergo a self-isolation period for 10 days.

The Premier League provided the information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.&nbsp;

The announcement by Premier League comes after the league match between Manchester City and Everton was postponed after reportedly five players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The list included first team players such as Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-fail-to-lift-pressure-on-lampard-covid-spike-causes-man-city-postponement-353096" hreflang="en">Chelsea fail to lift pressure on Lampard, Covid spike causes Man City postponement</a>

The 18 new positive reports for COVID-19 in Premier League is the highest since November 9-15 when as many as 16 tested positive for the virus. Premier League has been conducting tests for coronavirus regularly in a bid to safely conduct the English top-flight league.&nbsp;

It would be interesting to see what the Premier League decides in relation to the fate of the tournament considering the new strain has started to wreak havoc in parts of the United Kingdom.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-named-coach-of-the-century-beats-stiff-competition-from-zidane-alex-ferguson-352943" hreflang="en">Pep Guardiola named Coach of the Century, beats stiff competition from Zidane, Alex Ferguson</a>

<h2>Previous test results in Premier League:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Round 1: 31 Aug-6 Sep - 1,605 tested, with three testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 2: 7-13 Sep - 2,131 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 3: 14-20 Sep - 1,574 tested, with three testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 4: 21-27 Sep - 1,595 tested, with 10 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 5: 28 Sep-4 Oct - 1,587 tested, with nine testing positive.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Round 6: 5-11 Oct - 1,128 tested, with five testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 7: 12-18 Oct - 1,575 tested, with eight testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 8: 19-25 Oct - 1,609 tested, with two testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 9: 26 Oct-1 Nov - 1,446 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 10: 2-8 Nov - 1,646 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 11: 9-15 Nov - 1,207 tested, with 16 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 12: 16-22 Nov - 1,530 tested, with eight testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 13: 23-29 Nov - 1,381 tested, with 10 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 14: 30 Nov-6 Dec - 1,483 tested, with 14 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 15: 7-13 Dec - 1,549 tested, with 6 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 16: 14-20 Dec - 1,569 tested, with 7 testing positive. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The Premier League on Tuesday confirmed that a total of 18 tests for COVID-19, out of 1479 players and club staff, returned positive between December 21 and 27. All the players or club staff, who have tested positive for coronavirus, will undergo a self-isolation period for 10 days.

The Premier League on Tuesday confirmed that a total of 18 tests for COVID-19, out of 1479 players and club staff, returned positive between December 21 and 27. All the players or club staff, who have tested positive for coronavirus, will undergo a self-isolation period for 10 days. The Premier League provided the information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. The announcement by Premier League comes after the league match between Manchester City and Everton was postponed after reportedly five players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The list included first team players such as Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. ALSO READ: Chelsea fail to lift pressure on Lampard, Covid spike causes Man City postponement The 18 new positive reports for COVID-19 in Premier League is the highest since November 9-15 when as many as 16 tested positive for the virus. Premier League has been conducting tests for coronavirus regularly in a bid to safely conduct the English top-flight league. It would be interesting to see what the Premier League decides in relation to the fate of the tournament considering the new strain has started to wreak havoc in parts of the United Kingdom. ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola named Coach of the Century, beats stiff competition from Zidane, Alex Ferguson Previous test results in Premier League: Round 1: 31 Aug-6 Sep - 1,605 tested, with three testing positive. Round 2: 7-13 Sep - 2,131 tested, with four testing positive. Round 3: 14-20 Sep - 1,574 tested, with three testing positive. Round 4: 21-27 Sep - 1,595 tested, with 10 testing positive. Round 5: 28 Sep-4 Oct - 1,587 tested, with nine testing positive. Round 6: 5-11 Oct - 1,128 tested, with five testing positive. Round 7: 12-18 Oct - 1,575 tested, with eight testing positive. Round 8: 19-25 Oct - 1,609 tested, with two testing positive. Round 9: 26 Oct-1 Nov - 1,446 tested, with four testing positive. Round 10: 2-8 Nov - 1,646 tested, with four testing positive. Round 11: 9-15 Nov - 1,207 tested, with 16 testing positive. Round 12: 16-22 Nov - 1,530 tested, with eight testing positive. Round 13: 23-29 Nov - 1,381 tested, with 10 testing positive. Round 14: 30 Nov-6 Dec - 1,483 tested, with 14 testing positive. Round 15: 7-13 Dec - 1,549 tested, with 6 testing positive. Round 16: 14-20 Dec - 1,569 tested, with 7 testing positive.

Premier League: 18 new positive COVID-19 cases from latest round of testing

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney. However, Cricket Australia has ratified the decision to go ahead with the original schedule with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday.

December’s COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney forced NSW authorities, Queensland government and Cricket Australia to get into lengthy discussions across the past two weeks.

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JUST IN: The SCG has been confirmed as the venue for the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> Test
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1343877229114101760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, players are likely to be forced into quarantine and will be only allowed to train, according to reports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-fined-for-slow-over-rate-in-boxing-day-test-vs-india-353127" hreflang="en">Australia fined for slow-over rate in Boxing Day Test vs India</a>

The interim CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, remained committed to an SCG Test even as key stakeholders desired to play the New Year’s Test in Melbourne, which hosted the Boxing Day Test. However, Hockley believed that he could deliver the much-awaited match to the NSW government, the fans and the SCG, as scheduled.&nbsp;

There is a feeling of optimism within Cricket Australia that it can deliver the last two Test of the four-match series without a hitch.

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said that health advice from the NSW Government and collaboration with both the NSW and Queensland Governments helped make the decision.

"Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men's international series as scheduled," Hockley said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-joins-ms-dhoni-in-a-rare-list-as-india-win-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-353117" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a>

"We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country. To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and the amazing work of so many great people behind the scenes.

"To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year's Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play.

"We are confident that both this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a safe and successful manner and thus round out what has been a magnificent men's international program this summer.

"We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their willingness to work with us to deliver the series as planned in a manner that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, officials, staff and the wider community as its top priority.

"In response to the public health situation in NSW and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures and we thank all players, staff and broadcasters for their cooperation to play the matches safely."

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney.

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the third Test between India and Australia, scheduled to start from January 7. There were dark clouds looming over the venue of the New Year’s Test between Australia and India with a fresh COVID-19 cluster emerging in Sydney. However, Cricket Australia has ratified the decision to go ahead with the original schedule with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday. December’s COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney forced NSW authorities, Queensland government and Cricket Australia to get into lengthy discussions across the past two weeks. JUST IN: The SCG has been confirmed as the venue for the third #AUSvIND Test — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2020 × However, players are likely to be forced into quarantine and will be only allowed to train, according to reports. ALSO READ: Australia fined for slow-over rate in Boxing Day Test vs India The interim CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, remained committed to an SCG Test even as key stakeholders desired to play the New Year’s Test in Melbourne, which hosted the Boxing Day Test. However, Hockley believed that he could deliver the much-awaited match to the NSW government, the fans and the SCG, as scheduled. There is a feeling of optimism within Cricket Australia that it can deliver the last two Test of the four-match series without a hitch. Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, said that health advice from the NSW Government and collaboration with both the NSW and Queensland Governments helped make the decision. "Despite the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted to say Cricket Australia remains on track to deliver the men's international series as scheduled," Hockley said. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia "We have met regularly over the past week to assess the unfolding public health situation in Sydney and gauge its impact on border restrictions around the country. To date, we have been able to deliver a safe and successful summer thanks to our detailed biosecurity protocols and the amazing work of so many great people behind the scenes. "To that end, we have made the decision to keep the New Year's Test at the SCG, which has a wonderful recent history of hosting the Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day on the third day of play. "We are confident that both this match, and the fourth Test in Brisbane, will play out in a safe and successful manner and thus round out what has been a magnificent men's international program this summer. "We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for their willingness to work with us to deliver the series as planned in a manner that places the safety and wellbeing of the players, officials, staff and the wider community as its top priority. "In response to the public health situation in NSW and the requirements of the Queensland Government, CA will put in place appropriate biosecurity measures and we thank all players, staff and broadcasters for their cooperation to play the matches safely."

Sydney Cricket Ground to host third Test vs India, confirms Cricket Australia

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday.

David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Tim Paine’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised two points for each over short. Consequently, four World Test Championship points have been deducted from Australia’s points total.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-joins-ms-dhoni-in-a-rare-list-as-india-win-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-353117" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a>

Paine pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Paul Wilson and fourth umpire Gerard Abood leveled the charge. 
Australia lost the Boxing Day Test vs India by eight wickets as Ajinkya Rahane’s men bounced back after Adelaide Horror to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. Rahane was awarded Man of the Match for his incredible century in the first innings, which laid the platform for India to take charge in the Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-is-very-passionate-ajinkya-is-calm-ravi-shastri-on-captaincy-comparison-after-boxing-day-test-353109" hreflang="en">Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya is calm: Ravi Shastri on captaincy comparison after Boxing Day Test</a>

“Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the completion of Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

India will now take on Australia in the third Test, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7. 
&nbsp;

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday. David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Tim Paine’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised two points for each over short. Consequently, four World Test Championship points have been deducted from Australia’s points total. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia Paine pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Paul Wilson and fourth umpire Gerard Abood leveled the charge. Australia lost the Boxing Day Test vs India by eight wickets as Ajinkya Rahane’s men bounced back after Adelaide Horror to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. Rahane was awarded Man of the Match for his incredible century in the first innings, which laid the platform for India to take charge in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya is calm: Ravi Shastri on captaincy comparison after Boxing Day Test “Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the completion of Boxing Day Test. India will now take on Australia in the third Test, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7.

Australia fined for slow-over rate in Boxing Day Test vs India

Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday joined former Indian captain MS Dhoni in a rare list of captains to have won their first three Tests. Rahane led India to a memorable eight-wicket win against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

Rahane became the second Indian captain to win each of this first three Tests a captain after MS Dhoni. Rahane first led India in a Test match against Australia in Dharamsala which the hosts won by eight wickets in 2016/17.

Rahane’s second Test win as a captain came against Afghanistan in what was a one-off Test in Bengaluru in 2018 where the hosts defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs. And his third win as a Test captain came on Tuesday as India defeated Australia by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/couldnt-be-happier-for-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahane-co-for-historic-win-in-boxing-day-test-353106" hreflang="en">'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test</a>

<h2>Ajinkya Rahane as skipper:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Beat Australia by eight wickets, Dharamsala 2016/17</li>
	<li>Beat Afghanistan by innings and 262 runs, Bengaluru 2018</li>
	<li>Beat Australia by eight wickets, MCG 2020/21 *</li>
</ul>

Furthermore, Melbourne became India’s best away ground as the visitors registered their fourth win in the iconic stadium (in 14 Tests). India’s second-most wins at an overseas venue are at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain (3 in 13 Tests) with Sabina Park in Kingston, and SSC in Colombo all locked at three wins for India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a>

<h2>Most wins for India at an overseas venue:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>4 MCG, Melbourne (14 Tests)</li>
	<li>3 Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain (13 Tests)</li>
	<li>3 Sabina Park, Kingston (13 Tests)</li>
	<li>3 SSC, Colombo (9 Tests)</li>
</ul>

Now, India would be looking to carry the winning run when they take the field for the third Test from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday joined former Indian captain MS Dhoni in a rare list of captains to have won their first three Tests. Rahane led India to a memorable eight-wicket win against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday joined former Indian captain MS Dhoni in a rare list of captains to have won their first three Tests. Rahane led India to a memorable eight-wicket win against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane became the second Indian captain to win each of this first three Tests a captain after MS Dhoni. Rahane first led India in a Test match against Australia in Dharamsala which the hosts won by eight wickets in 2016/17. Rahane’s second Test win as a captain came against Afghanistan in what was a one-off Test in Bengaluru in 2018 where the hosts defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs. And his third win as a Test captain came on Tuesday as India defeated Australia by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: 'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test Ajinkya Rahane as skipper: Beat Australia by eight wickets, Dharamsala 2016/17 Beat Afghanistan by innings and 262 runs, Bengaluru 2018 Beat Australia by eight wickets, MCG 2020/21 * Furthermore, Melbourne became India’s best away ground as the visitors registered their fourth win in the iconic stadium (in 14 Tests). India’s second-most wins at an overseas venue are at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain (3 in 13 Tests) with Sabina Park in Kingston, and SSC in Colombo all locked at three wins for India. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners Most wins for India at an overseas venue: 4 MCG, Melbourne (14 Tests) 3 Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain (13 Tests) 3 Sabina Park, Kingston (13 Tests) 3 SSC, Colombo (9 Tests) Now, India would be looking to carry the winning run when they take the field for the third Test from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia

India on Tuesday completed a major turnaround to script one of the greatest wins in Test cricket as Ajinkya Rahane and Co., without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/border-gavaskar-trophy-india-win-the-second-test-level-series-at-1-1-353075">defeated Australia by eight wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in what was the Boxing Day Test</a>. After the memorable win, Indian head coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Ajinkya Rahane and his free-flowing century in the first innings while calling the stand-in skipper’s century as the turning point of the match. Shastri further said that while Kohli is a very passionate captain, Rahane is more calm and composed.

Rahane scored 112 runs before getting run out while taking a tight run with Ravindra Jadeja. However, Rahane’s knock was critical in helping India gain a 131-run lead in the first innings – which made life easier for the visitors.&nbsp;

Asked about the turning point of the match, Shastri said, "I think, it was the innings of Ajinkya Rahane."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/couldnt-be-happier-for-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahane-co-for-historic-win-in-boxing-day-test-353106" hreflang="en">'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test</a>

"The discipline, you know on such a big stage...When he (Rahane) went out to bat, we were 2 down for 60, and then to bat six hours, on probably the toughest day to bat, because it was overcast all day and he batted for six hours, unbelievable concentration," the former batsman recalled.

"I thought that was the turning point. His innings was the turning point," he added at the post-match virtual press conference.

Rahane’s century (112 runs) came in 223 deliveries as he batted out for the majority of Indian innings, holding fort at one end and stitching crucial partnerships.&nbsp;

Shastri was also asked about the difference in captaincy style of Rahane and regular skipper Virat Kohli, who is currently on paternity leave.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a>

"See, both are good readers of the game, Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya, on the other hand, is very calm and composed, and it's their characters.

"Virat is more in your face while Ajinkya is quite prepared to sit back in a very calm and composed manner, but deep inside he knows what he wants," he opined.

India on Tuesday completed a major turnaround to script one of the greatest wins in Test cricket as Ajinkya Rahane and Co., without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, defeated Australia by eight wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in what was the Boxing Day Test.

India on Tuesday completed a major turnaround to script one of the greatest wins in Test cricket as Ajinkya Rahane and Co., without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, defeated Australia by eight wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in what was the Boxing Day Test. After the memorable win, Indian head coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Ajinkya Rahane and his free-flowing century in the first innings while calling the stand-in skipper’s century as the turning point of the match. Shastri further said that while Kohli is a very passionate captain, Rahane is more calm and composed. Rahane scored 112 runs before getting run out while taking a tight run with Ravindra Jadeja. However, Rahane’s knock was critical in helping India gain a 131-run lead in the first innings – which made life easier for the visitors. Asked about the turning point of the match, Shastri said, "I think, it was the innings of Ajinkya Rahane." ALSO READ: 'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test "The discipline, you know on such a big stage...When he (Rahane) went out to bat, we were 2 down for 60, and then to bat six hours, on probably the toughest day to bat, because it was overcast all day and he batted for six hours, unbelievable concentration," the former batsman recalled. "I thought that was the turning point. His innings was the turning point," he added at the post-match virtual press conference. Rahane’s century (112 runs) came in 223 deliveries as he batted out for the majority of Indian innings, holding fort at one end and stitching crucial partnerships. Shastri was also asked about the difference in captaincy style of Rahane and regular skipper Virat Kohli, who is currently on paternity leave. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners "See, both are good readers of the game, Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya, on the other hand, is very calm and composed, and it's their characters. "Virat is more in your face while Ajinkya is quite prepared to sit back in a very calm and composed manner, but deep inside he knows what he wants," he opined.

Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya is calm: Ravi Shastri on captaincy comparison after Boxing Day Test

The banter and rivalry between cricket fans of different nations on social media have a long history but a New Zealand fan took everyone on the stadium and people watching around the world by surprise by holding a whiteboard that had noted down the ‘mistakes’ of the Pakistan cricket team.

The mistakes made by Pakistan comprises dropped catches, misfields, poor throws, poor use of the DRS.

The photo of the cricket fan went viral immediately with praising comments on his quirky observation of the game as New Zealand batsmen piled misery on the visitors.&nbsp; 
Batting first, at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, posted a mammoth target of 431, courtesy a splendid century by Kane Williamson.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankas-dhananjaya-de-silva-ruled-out-of-south-africa-series-352765" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva ruled out of South Africa series</a>

The like of Ross Taylor (70), Henry Nicholls (56), BJ Watling (73) and Kyle Jamieson (32) made the life of the Pakistan cricketers tougher in what was a tiring day for the Mohammad Rizwan-led outfit.&nbsp;

During New Zealand’s innings, Pakistani fielders made a few fielding errors and were sloppy with their decision on taking the DRS and the fielders continued to drop catches to give lifelines to the Kiwi batters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/top-knock-from-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahanes-unbeaten-century-at-mcg-352760" hreflang="en">'Top knock from Jinks': Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten century at MCG</a>

After scoring 421, Pakistan could only manage 239 runs on the board as New Zealand pacers wreaked havoc with the ball. While Jamieson picked up three wickets, Soutee, Boult and Wagner ended up with a brace each.&nbsp;

At the end of Day 3, Pakistan 'were bundled out on 239 and trailed by 192 runs, as a heavy defeat loom large for the visitors in first Test of the two-match series. 
&nbsp;

The banter and rivalry between cricket fans of different nations on social media have a long history but a New Zealand fan took everyone on the stadium and people watching around the world by surprise by holding a whiteboard that had noted down the ‘mistakes’ of the Pakistan cricket team.

The banter and rivalry between cricket fans of different nations on social media have a long history but a New Zealand fan took everyone on the stadium and people watching around the world by surprise by holding a whiteboard that had noted down the ‘mistakes’ of the Pakistan cricket team. The mistakes made by Pakistan comprises dropped catches, misfields, poor throws, poor use of the DRS. The photo of the cricket fan went viral immediately with praising comments on his quirky observation of the game as New Zealand batsmen piled misery on the visitors. Batting first, at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, posted a mammoth target of 431, courtesy a splendid century by Kane Williamson. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya de Silva ruled out of South Africa series The like of Ross Taylor (70), Henry Nicholls (56), BJ Watling (73) and Kyle Jamieson (32) made the life of the Pakistan cricketers tougher in what was a tiring day for the Mohammad Rizwan-led outfit. During New Zealand’s innings, Pakistani fielders made a few fielding errors and were sloppy with their decision on taking the DRS and the fielders continued to drop catches to give lifelines to the Kiwi batters. ALSO READ: 'Top knock from Jinks': Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten century at MCG After scoring 421, Pakistan could only manage 239 runs on the board as New Zealand pacers wreaked havoc with the ball. While Jamieson picked up three wickets, Soutee, Boult and Wagner ended up with a brace each. At the end of Day 3, Pakistan 'were bundled out on 239 and trailed by 192 runs, as a heavy defeat loom large for the visitors in first Test of the two-match series.

New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test

ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners

The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards. Irked by the ICC Team of the Decade, which features none of the Pakistan players, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at ICC for ignoring Pakistani players from its list while saying they announced “IPL Team of the Decade”.&nbsp;

Akhtar, in his YouTube channel, said that he thinks ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a cricket-playing member while arguing that Babar Azam should have been in ICC’s T20I Team of the Decade.&nbsp;

“I think ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a member of ICC and they also play T20I cricket. They did not pick Babar Azam, who is currently the number one batsman in the ICC T20I rankings.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-spirit-of-the-decade-award-when-ms-dhoni-recalled-ian-bell-during-nottingham-test-in-2011-watch-352933" hreflang="en">ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch</a>

“There is no big player than Babar Azam in T20I. He is a top-scorer for Pakistan and his averages show what he has done for the country, even in comparison with Virat Kohli. It is so embarrassing and I’m sure after this video they will think that they have to announce the World Team of the Decade, not the IPL team,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

<h2>WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar slams ICC for not including Pakistan cricketers in Team of the Decade</h2>

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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-named-icc-male-cricketer-of-the-decade-odi-player-of-the-decade-check-full-list-352886" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list</a>

Akhtar further accused ICC of announcing an IPL team instead of World XI team.

“They did not pick a single player from Pakistan in the team. We don’t need your (ICC) T20I Team of the Decade because you announced the IPL team, not a world cricket team,” Akhtar said.

The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ went on to slam ICC for commercialising cricket while accusing them of thinking only about money, sponsorship and TV rights.&nbsp; 
“ICC only thinks about money, sponsorships and TV rights. They introduced two new balls and three powerplays (in the ODI cricket). Where is Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, big five of West Indies, Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis)?

“Where are the world’s fastest bowlers and leg-spinners? They went away because ICC commercialised and materialised cricket so much and allowed ten leagues to earn more revenue,” Akhtar said.

The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards.

The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards. Irked by the ICC Team of the Decade, which features none of the Pakistan players, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at ICC for ignoring Pakistani players from its list while saying they announced “IPL Team of the Decade”. Akhtar, in his YouTube channel, said that he thinks ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a cricket-playing member while arguing that Babar Azam should have been in ICC’s T20I Team of the Decade. “I think ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a member of ICC and they also play T20I cricket. They did not pick Babar Azam, who is currently the number one batsman in the ICC T20I rankings. TRENDING | ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch “There is no big player than Babar Azam in T20I. He is a top-scorer for Pakistan and his averages show what he has done for the country, even in comparison with Virat Kohli. It is so embarrassing and I’m sure after this video they will think that they have to announce the World Team of the Decade, not the IPL team,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar slams ICC for not including Pakistan cricketers in Team of the Decade × ALSO READ: Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list Akhtar further accused ICC of announcing an IPL team instead of World XI team. “They did not pick a single player from Pakistan in the team. We don’t need your (ICC) T20I Team of the Decade because you announced the IPL team, not a world cricket team,” Akhtar said. The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ went on to slam ICC for commercialising cricket while accusing them of thinking only about money, sponsorship and TV rights. “ICC only thinks about money, sponsorships and TV rights. They introduced two new balls and three powerplays (in the ODI cricket). Where is Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, big five of West Indies, Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis)? “Where are the world’s fastest bowlers and leg-spinners? They went away because ICC commercialised and materialised cricket so much and allowed ten leagues to earn more revenue,” Akhtar said.

'Named an IPL team" - Shoaib Akhtar cries foul as ICC doesn't include Pakistan players in Team of the Decade - Watch

Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni on Friday became the winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade with Dhoni’s move of recalling England batsman Ian Bell in the Nottingham Test in 2011 between India and England winning the coveted award by a unanimous vote.&nbsp;

Dhoni was voted unanimously for his tremendous gesture of calling back Bell after the England batsman was adjudged run-out after some confusion. 
In the match between England and India in Nottingham in 2011, Bell was batting on 137 when he slashed a delivery towards the backward point fielder.

Praveen Kumar chased the ball but couldn’t stop it from hitting the boundary rope after a diving effort. Kumar didn’t know about the situation and threw the ball towards the wicket-keeper’s end where the fielder ran Bell out.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-named-icc-male-cricketer-of-the-decade-odi-player-of-the-decade-check-full-list-352886" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list</a>

The third umpire, too, gave Bell out. With Bell walking back to the pavilion, disappointedly, he was asked to stop by the umpires. The Indian team walked towards Bell and MS Dhoni took the appeal back and called back Bell to continue his innings.

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ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the decade , MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI 👑❤ chosen for calling Ian Bell back by withdrawing India's appeal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/rCQz7XDHQ8">pic.twitter.com/rCQz7XDHQ8</a>
— Bhavya (@BhavyaDhoni) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavyaDhoni/status/1343494279432269824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Back in the time, Dhoni’s gesture was largely lauded by the fans and pundits and after a gap of nine years, Dhoni’s tremendous gesture and sportsman spirit have been awarded with the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announces-team-of-the-decade-virat-kohli-features-in-all-formats-352731" hreflang="en">ICC announces 'Team of the Decade', Virat Kohli features in all formats</a>

Meanwhile, current Indian captain Virat Kohli was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade and Men’s ODI Player of the Decade. Australian batsman Steve Smith was awarded the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Decade while Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan was named ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Decade.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni on Friday became the winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade with Dhoni’s move of recalling England batsman Ian Bell in the Nottingham Test in 2011 between India and England winning the coveted award by a unanimous vote.

Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni on Friday became the winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade with Dhoni’s move of recalling England batsman Ian Bell in the Nottingham Test in 2011 between India and England winning the coveted award by a unanimous vote. Dhoni was voted unanimously for his tremendous gesture of calling back Bell after the England batsman was adjudged run-out after some confusion. In the match between England and India in Nottingham in 2011, Bell was batting on 137 when he slashed a delivery towards the backward point fielder. Praveen Kumar chased the ball but couldn’t stop it from hitting the boundary rope after a diving effort. Kumar didn’t know about the situation and threw the ball towards the wicket-keeper’s end where the fielder ran Bell out. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list The third umpire, too, gave Bell out. With Bell walking back to the pavilion, disappointedly, he was asked to stop by the umpires. The Indian team walked towards Bell and MS Dhoni took the appeal back and called back Bell to continue his innings. ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the decade , MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI 👑❤ chosen for calling Ian Bell back by withdrawing India's appeal. #MSDhoni | #Dhoni | #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/rCQz7XDHQ8 — Bhavya (@BhavyaDhoni) December 28, 2020 × × Back in the time, Dhoni’s gesture was largely lauded by the fans and pundits and after a gap of nine years, Dhoni’s tremendous gesture and sportsman spirit have been awarded with the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade. ALSO READ: ICC announces 'Team of the Decade', Virat Kohli features in all formats Meanwhile, current Indian captain Virat Kohli was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade and Men’s ODI Player of the Decade. Australian batsman Steve Smith was awarded the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Decade while Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan was named ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Decade.

ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch

Virat Kohli, India’s captain in all formats of the game, has been named as International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s ODI Player of the Decade as well as the Sir Garfield Sober's Male Cricketer of the Decade as the governing body announced the result of the ICC Decade Awards on Monday.&nbsp;Australian batsman Steve Smith was named ICC Men's Test Player of the Decade whereas Afghanistan's Rashid Khan has been named ICC Men's T20 Player of the Decade.<o:p></o:p>

Kohli’s stature in world cricket continues to grow with the swashbuckling right handed-batsman now being named as the ICC Male Player of the Decade.&nbsp;Kohli accumulated most runs in the last decade with a staggering 20, 396 runs under his belt. The Indian skipper also posted more centuries - 66 - in the last decade and also most half-centuries 94. Kohli also had the highest average (70+ innings) - 56.97 and also lifted the ICC World Cup 2011 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

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"My only intention was to make winning contributions for the team and I just strive to do that in every game. Stats just become the byproduct of what you want to do on the field." 
 
📽️ Virat Kohli reacts to winning the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade award 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/MF7LDRhg3v">pic.twitter.com/MF7LDRhg3v</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343476314699948033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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🇮🇳 VIRAT KOHLI is the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 
 
🔝 Only player with 10,000-plus ODI runs in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> period 
💯 39 centuries, 48 fifties 
🅰️ 61.83 average 
✊ 112 catches 
 
A run machine 💥🙌 <a href="https://t.co/0l0cDy4TYz">pic.twitter.com/0l0cDy4TYz</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343475630357282817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Australian batsman Steve Smith was named ICC Men's Test Player of the Decade whereas Afghanistan's Rashid Khan has been named ICC Men's T20 Player of the Decade.&nbsp;Steve Smith, who was named Men's Test Player of the Decade, amassed 7040 runs in the last decade with a breathtaking average of 65.79. He scored 26 centuries and 28 fifties in this period, in what has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the Aussie maestro.

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🇦🇺 STEVE SMITH is the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 
 
🏏 7040 Test runs in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> period 
🅰️ 65.79 average ➜ Highest in top 50 
💯 26 hundreds, 28 fifties 
 
Unique, relentless and unbelievably consistent 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/UlXvHaFbDz">pic.twitter.com/UlXvHaFbDz</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343477245701214208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan, meanwhile, got awarded for his meteoric rise, as he bagged 89 wickets in this period and averaged just 12.62. The Afghan maestro scalped three four-wicket hauls and two five-fers in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

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🇦🇫 RASHID KHAN is the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 
 
☝️ Highest wicket-taker in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> period ➜ 89 
🅰️ 12.62 average 🤯 
💥 Three four-wicket hauls, two five-fors 
 
What a story ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Y59Y6nCs98">pic.twitter.com/Y59Y6nCs98</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343477139681771521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<o:p>MS Dhoni won&nbsp;the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade. The former India captain was chosen by fans unanimously for his gesture of calling back England batsman Ian Bell after a bizarre run out in the Nottingham Test in 2011.&nbsp;</o:p>

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🇮🇳 MS DHONI wins the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade 👏👏 
 
The former India captain was chosen by fans unanimously for his gesture of calling back England batsman Ian Bell after a bizarre run out in the Nottingham Test in 2011.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritOfCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpiritOfCricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/3eCpyyBXwu">pic.twitter.com/3eCpyyBXwu</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343479003668217856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Whereas Australian women cricketer Ellyse Perry won the Women's T20I and ODI Cricketer of the Year along with winning Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade. Perry, in T20Is, scored 1155 runs at an average of 30.39 and picked up 89 wickets while winning the T20 World Cup in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020.

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The phenomenal Ellyse Perry wins the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade 🙌 
 
🏏 4349 international runs during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> period 
☝️ 213 wickets 
🤯 Four-time <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a> champion 
🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketWorldCup</a> 2013 champion 
 
A clean sweep for Perry ⭐ <a href="https://t.co/yc9GjGBlFS">pic.twitter.com/yc9GjGBlFS</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1343480620643717122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In ODIs, Perry scored 2621 runs at an average of 68.97. She picked up 98 wickets and also lifted the ICC World Cup 2013.&nbsp;

<h2>The complete list of winners and nominees for the ICC Awards of the Decade:</h2>

Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period –

<ul>
	<li>R Ashwin (India)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India) – Winner</li>
	<li>Joe Root (England)</li>
	<li>Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Steve Smith (Australia)</li>
	<li>AB de Villiers (South Africa)</li>
	<li>Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
</ul>

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;–&nbsp;The best overall performer in women’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period.

<ul>
	<li>Suzie Bates (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner</li>
	<li>Mithali Raj (India)</li>
	<li>Sarah Taylor (England)</li>
	<li>Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)</li>
</ul>

ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s Test cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>James Anderson (England)</li>
	<li>Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Joe Root (England)</li>
	<li>Yasir Shah (Pakistan)</li>
	<li>Steve Smith (Australia) – Winner</li>
	<li>Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
</ul>

ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s ODI cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>MS Dhoni (India)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India) – Winner</li>
	<li>Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Rohit Sharma (India)</li>
	<li>Mitchell Starc (Australia)</li>
	<li>AB de Villiers (South Africa)</li>
</ul>

ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s ODI cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>Suzie Bates (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Jhulan Goswami (India)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner</li>
	<li>Mithali Raj (India)</li>
	<li>Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)</li>
</ul>

ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s T20I cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>Aaron Finch (Australia)</li>
	<li>Chris Gayle (West Indies)</li>
	<li>Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – Winner</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Rohit Sharma (India)</li>
	<li>Imran Tahir (South Africa)</li>
</ul>

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s T20I cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>Sophie Devine (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Deandra Dottin (West Indies)</li>
	<li>Alyssa Healy (Australia)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner</li>
	<li>Anya Shrubsole (England)</li>
</ul>

ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s Associate cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>Richie Berrington (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Peter Borren (Netherlands)</li>
	<li>Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) – Winner</li>
	<li>Paras Khadka (Nepal)</li>
	<li>Calum MacLeod (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Assad Vala (PNG)</li>
</ul>

ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s Associate cricket during the performance period

<ul>
	<li>Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) – Winner</li>
	<li>Sarah Bryce (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Natthakan Chantham (Thailand)</li>
	<li>Sterre Kalis (Netherlands)</li>
	<li>Chanida Sutthiruang (Thailand)</li>
	<li>Sornnorin Tippoch (Thailand)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade&nbsp;– An action, moment, gesture, or decision on the field of play in international cricket during the performance period which best reflects the Spirit of Cricket.

<ul>
	<li>2011 Winner – MS Dhoni (India) – Winner</li>
	<li>2012 Winner – Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2013 Winner – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>2014 Winner – Katherine Brunt (England)</li>
	<li>2015 Winner – Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2016 Winner – Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)</li>
	<li>2017 Winner – Anya Shrubsole (England)</li>
	<li>2018 Winner – Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2019 Winner – Virat Kohli (India)</li>
</ul>

<o:p></o:p>

Virat Kohli, India’s captain in all formats of the game, has been named as International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s ODI Player of the Decade as well as the Sir Garfield Sober's Male Cricketer of the Decade as the governing body announced the result of the ICC Decade Awards on Monday.

Virat Kohli, India’s captain in all formats of the game, has been named as International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s ODI Player of the Decade as well as the Sir Garfield Sober's Male Cricketer of the Decade as the governing body announced the result of the ICC Decade Awards on Monday. Australian batsman Steve Smith was named ICC Men's Test Player of the Decade whereas Afghanistan's Rashid Khan has been named ICC Men's T20 Player of the Decade. Kohli’s stature in world cricket continues to grow with the swashbuckling right handed-batsman now being named as the ICC Male Player of the Decade. Kohli accumulated most runs in the last decade with a staggering 20, 396 runs under his belt. The Indian skipper also posted more centuries - 66 - in the last decade and also most half-centuries 94. Kohli also had the highest average (70+ innings) - 56.97 and also lifted the ICC World Cup 2011 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. "My only intention was to make winning contributions for the team and I just strive to do that in every game. Stats just become the byproduct of what you want to do on the field." 📽️ Virat Kohli reacts to winning the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade award 🙌#ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/MF7LDRhg3v — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × 🇮🇳 VIRAT KOHLI is the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 🔝 Only player with 10,000-plus ODI runs in the #ICCAwards period 💯 39 centuries, 48 fifties 🅰️ 61.83 average ✊ 112 catches A run machine 💥🙌 pic.twitter.com/0l0cDy4TYz — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × Australian batsman Steve Smith was named ICC Men's Test Player of the Decade whereas Afghanistan's Rashid Khan has been named ICC Men's T20 Player of the Decade. Steve Smith, who was named Men's Test Player of the Decade, amassed 7040 runs in the last decade with a breathtaking average of 65.79. He scored 26 centuries and 28 fifties in this period, in what has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the Aussie maestro. 🇦🇺 STEVE SMITH is the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 🏏 7040 Test runs in the #ICCAwards period 🅰️ 65.79 average ➜ Highest in top 50 💯 26 hundreds, 28 fifties Unique, relentless and unbelievably consistent 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UlXvHaFbDz — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × Rashid Khan, meanwhile, got awarded for his meteoric rise, as he bagged 89 wickets in this period and averaged just 12.62. The Afghan maestro scalped three four-wicket hauls and two five-fers in the shortest format of the game. 🇦🇫 RASHID KHAN is the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade 👏👏 ☝️ Highest wicket-taker in the #ICCAwards period ➜ 89 🅰️ 12.62 average 🤯 💥 Three four-wicket hauls, two five-fors What a story ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y59Y6nCs98 — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × MS Dhoni won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade. The former India captain was chosen by fans unanimously for his gesture of calling back England batsman Ian Bell after a bizarre run out in the Nottingham Test in 2011. 🇮🇳 MS DHONI wins the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade 👏👏 The former India captain was chosen by fans unanimously for his gesture of calling back England batsman Ian Bell after a bizarre run out in the Nottingham Test in 2011.#ICCAwards | #SpiritOfCricket pic.twitter.com/3eCpyyBXwu — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × Whereas Australian women cricketer Ellyse Perry won the Women's T20I and ODI Cricketer of the Year along with winning Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade. Perry, in T20Is, scored 1155 runs at an average of 30.39 and picked up 89 wickets while winning the T20 World Cup in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020. The phenomenal Ellyse Perry wins the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade 🙌 🏏 4349 international runs during the #ICCAwards period ☝️ 213 wickets 🤯 Four-time @T20WorldCup champion 🏆 @CricketWorldCup 2013 champion A clean sweep for Perry ⭐ pic.twitter.com/yc9GjGBlFS — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2020 × In ODIs, Perry scored 2621 runs at an average of 68.97. She picked up 98 wickets and also lifted the ICC World Cup 2013. The complete list of winners and nominees for the ICC Awards of the Decade: Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period – R Ashwin (India) Virat Kohli (India) – Winner Joe Root (England) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Steve Smith (Australia) AB de Villiers (South Africa) Kane Williamson (New Zealand) Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period. Suzie Bates (New Zealand) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner Mithali Raj (India) Sarah Taylor (England) Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s Test cricket during the performance period James Anderson (England) Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) Virat Kohli (India) Joe Root (England) Yasir Shah (Pakistan) Steve Smith (Australia) – Winner Kane Williamson (New Zealand) ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s ODI cricket during the performance period MS Dhoni (India) Virat Kohli (India) – Winner Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Rohit Sharma (India) Mitchell Starc (Australia) AB de Villiers (South Africa) ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s ODI cricket during the performance period Suzie Bates (New Zealand) Jhulan Goswami (India) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner Mithali Raj (India) Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s T20I cricket during the performance period Aaron Finch (Australia) Chris Gayle (West Indies) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – Winner Virat Kohli (India) Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) Rohit Sharma (India) Imran Tahir (South Africa) ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s T20I cricket during the performance period Sophie Devine (New Zealand) Deandra Dottin (West Indies) Alyssa Healy (Australia) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) – Winner Anya Shrubsole (England) ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s Associate cricket during the performance period Richie Berrington (Scotland) Peter Borren (Netherlands) Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) – Winner Paras Khadka (Nepal) Calum MacLeod (Scotland) Assad Vala (PNG) ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s Associate cricket during the performance period Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) – Winner Sarah Bryce (Scotland) Natthakan Chantham (Thailand) Sterre Kalis (Netherlands) Chanida Sutthiruang (Thailand) Sornnorin Tippoch (Thailand) ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade – An action, moment, gesture, or decision on the field of play in international cricket during the performance period which best reflects the Spirit of Cricket. 2011 Winner – MS Dhoni (India) – Winner 2012 Winner – Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) 2013 Winner – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 2014 Winner – Katherine Brunt (England) 2015 Winner – Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) 2016 Winner – Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) 2017 Winner – Anya Shrubsole (England) 2018 Winner – Kane Williamson (New Zealand) 2019 Winner – Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list

Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Paine was given out by the third umpire despite the Hot-Spot showing no edges as a Ravindra Jadeja delivery spun past Paine’s bat into the gloves of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant.

Jadeja, along with Indian fielders desperately appealed to the umpire but Paine was given not-out. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane immediately took the DRS as everyone thought the ball had clipped the edge of Paine’s willow.&nbsp;

The third umpire first checked the Hot-Spot which showed no edge on Paine’s bat but the Snick-o-Meter showed a slight spike as the ball went past Paine’s bat. Despite the confusion, the third umpire decided to give Paine out.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-named-icc-male-cricketer-of-the-decade-odi-player-of-the-decade-check-full-list-352886" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list</a>

Paine walked back to the pavilion in disbelief as the third umpire found a 'dull' spike on the snickometer was enough to overturn the on-field call and give the Australia captain out while commentators pondered if it was made by the batter's front foot-dragging on the pitch.

<h2>WATCH: Tim Pain caught out by fresh DRS controversy</h2>

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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-fans-brutally-troll-pakistan-with-a-viral-placard-during-boxing-day-test-352867" hreflang="en">New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test</a>

Australia ended Day 3 on 133/6, with a lead of 2 runs, as Cameron Green (17) and Pat Cummins (15) remained unbeaten for the hosts after Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings.&nbsp;

The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked a wicket each while Ravindra Jadeja ended up with two scalps.&nbsp;

India would be looking to wrap up the Australian innings quickly when they take the field on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test and equalise the series after going down 1-0 in the Adelaide Test.

 
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Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Paine was given out by the third umpire despite the Hot-Spot showing no edges as a Ravindra Jadeja delivery spun past Paine’s bat into the gloves of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Jadeja, along with Indian fielders desperately appealed to the umpire but Paine was given not-out. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane immediately took the DRS as everyone thought the ball had clipped the edge of Paine’s willow. The third umpire first checked the Hot-Spot which showed no edge on Paine’s bat but the Snick-o-Meter showed a slight spike as the ball went past Paine’s bat. Despite the confusion, the third umpire decided to give Paine out. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list Paine walked back to the pavilion in disbelief as the third umpire found a 'dull' spike on the snickometer was enough to overturn the on-field call and give the Australia captain out while commentators pondered if it was made by the batter's front foot-dragging on the pitch. WATCH: Tim Pain caught out by fresh DRS controversy × ALSO READ: New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test Australia ended Day 3 on 133/6, with a lead of 2 runs, as Cameron Green (17) and Pat Cummins (15) remained unbeaten for the hosts after Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked a wicket each while Ravindra Jadeja ended up with two scalps. India would be looking to wrap up the Australian innings quickly when they take the field on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test and equalise the series after going down 1-0 in the Adelaide Test.

WATCH: Out or not-out? Tim Paine caught out by fresh DRS controversy

Australia on Monday were put on backfoot by the resilience of Indian cricket team as the hosts, at the end of Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, could manage just 133/6 with a lead of just two runs. The Indian bowlers were all over the Australian batting unit and didn’t allow any of the Aussie batters to settle on the pitch as the Ajinkya Rahane’s men inch closer to equalise the series.&nbsp;

Australia were hunted down collectively by the Indian bowling unit as the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a wicket each with Ravindra Jadeja scalping two to dismantle the Aussies.&nbsp;

While Matthew Wade showed grit to score 40 off 137, he was trapped plumb by Jadeja. Apart from Wade, none of the Aussie batters could score big with the hosts staring at a massive defeat in the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-fans-brutally-troll-pakistan-with-a-viral-placard-during-boxing-day-test-352867" hreflang="en">New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test</a>

However, India’s brilliant day on the field was marred by an injury to Umesh Yadav with the pacer taken to a nearby hospital after picking up a calf injury.

"Umesh Yadav complained of pain in his calf while bowling his 4th over and was assessed by the BCCI medical team. He is being taken for scans now," BCCI media team released a statement.

Earlier in the first innings, India posted 326 runs on the board after a terrific century by Rahane and half-century by Ravindra Jadeja after Australia were bundled out for 195 runs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/top-knock-from-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahanes-unbeaten-century-at-mcg-352760" hreflang="en">'Top knock from Jinks': Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten century at MCG</a>

Rahane, whose captaincy has been praised heavily by the pundits and former cricketers, said that leading a side is all about backing your instincts and going with gut feeling.

“Captaincy is all about backing your instinct. You’ve got to back your gut feeling. Credit to the bowlers, they bowled in the right areas. (On his knock) It was really special. Getting a century always is. Still feel that my hundred against England at Lord’s is my best. This game is not over yet, still have to get four more wickets. (On the run out) I initially thought I was in. I told him (Jadeja) not to worry about my run out and to do keep doing well,” said Rahane after the end of Day 3 in Melbourne. 
&nbsp;

Australia on Monday were put on backfoot by the resilience of Indian cricket team as the hosts, at the end of Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, could manage just 133/6 with a lead of just two runs.

Australia on Monday were put on backfoot by the resilience of Indian cricket team as the hosts, at the end of Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, could manage just 133/6 with a lead of just two runs. The Indian bowlers were all over the Australian batting unit and didn’t allow any of the Aussie batters to settle on the pitch as the Ajinkya Rahane’s men inch closer to equalise the series. Australia were hunted down collectively by the Indian bowling unit as the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a wicket each with Ravindra Jadeja scalping two to dismantle the Aussies. While Matthew Wade showed grit to score 40 off 137, he was trapped plumb by Jadeja. Apart from Wade, none of the Aussie batters could score big with the hosts staring at a massive defeat in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test However, India’s brilliant day on the field was marred by an injury to Umesh Yadav with the pacer taken to a nearby hospital after picking up a calf injury. "Umesh Yadav complained of pain in his calf while bowling his 4th over and was assessed by the BCCI medical team. He is being taken for scans now," BCCI media team released a statement. Earlier in the first innings, India posted 326 runs on the board after a terrific century by Rahane and half-century by Ravindra Jadeja after Australia were bundled out for 195 runs. ALSO READ: 'Top knock from Jinks': Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten century at MCG Rahane, whose captaincy has been praised heavily by the pundits and former cricketers, said that leading a side is all about backing your instincts and going with gut feeling. “Captaincy is all about backing your instinct. You’ve got to back your gut feeling. Credit to the bowlers, they bowled in the right areas. (On his knock) It was really special. Getting a century always is. Still feel that my hundred against England at Lord’s is my best. This game is not over yet, still have to get four more wickets. (On the run out) I initially thought I was in. I told him (Jadeja) not to worry about my run out and to do keep doing well,” said Rahane after the end of Day 3 in Melbourne.

Boxing Day Test: Indian bowlers dominate Australia on Day 3, eye series-levelling win

Not even a broken toe could stop New Zealand's pace attack dominating day three of the first Test against Pakistan Monday, but their efforts quickly to wrap up the innings were stalled by a late century stand from Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf at Mount Maunganui on Monday.&nbsp;

On a day disrupted by intermittent showers and an unseasonal hail storm, the Black Caps pace foursome took five for 50 in the first two sessions before Pakistan rallied to be all out for 239 at stumps, 192 in arrears.

Rizwan and Ashraf provided a face-saving partnership for Pakistan with 107 for the seventh wicket before the former was run out for 71 by a smart underarm throw from Mitchell Santner at square leg.

Ashraf soldiered on to a career-best 91 before he was the last wicket to fall.

When Pakistan resumed the day at 30 for one, Abid Ali and nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas were more intent on batting long rather than run gathering -- especially with a question mark over the workload for the injured Neil Wagner.&nbsp;

The pair put on just nine runs in 74 balls while Wagner, who suffered a fractured toe while batting on Sunday and was told by a doctor he could bowl only if he could "tolerate the pain", was kept out of the attack.&nbsp;

The partnership was broken by Kyle Jamieson who hurt Abid Ali with the last ball of his first over which smacked into the batsman's fingers.&nbsp;

Two balls into Jamieson's next over Abid kept his hands out of the way from a ball wide of off stump, only to see it jag back and he was bowled for 25.&nbsp;

In the following over Trent Boult, who had troubled Abbas with a succession of short balls, found an edge with a full delivery and Ross Taylor held the catch at first slip.&nbsp;

Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail stayed together for 50 deliveries but contributed only nine runs before both went in one Tim Southee over.&nbsp;

Azhar was caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling and although the umpire missed the nick and turned down the appeal, New Zealand successfully reviewed the decision.&nbsp;

Sohail's exit was more straight forward with an attempted cut going straight to Henry Nicholls at gully.&nbsp;

Wagner tested his foot with three overs before lunch and continued with a seven-over spell after the break during which he took the only wicket to fall in the middle session with a trade-mark bouncer to Fawad Alam that was edged to wicketkeeper BJ Watling.&nbsp;

The nine-run knock continued a run of low scores for Alam who has adopted an unusual side-on stance that suggests he is expecting the ball to come from square leg -- even more exaggerated than that of West Indies' great Shivnarine Chanderpaul.&nbsp;

Jamieson had the remarkable figures of two for nine off 17 overs at tea but as the Rizwan-Ashraf partnership took its toll he ended the day with three for 35 off 23.1 overs.

Southee, Boult and Wagner took two wickets each.

Not even a broken toe could stop New Zealand's pace attack dominating day three of the first Test against Pakistan Monday, but their efforts quickly to wrap up the innings were stalled by a late century stand from Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf at Mount Maunganui on Monday.

Not even a broken toe could stop New Zealand's pace attack dominating day three of the first Test against Pakistan Monday, but their efforts quickly to wrap up the innings were stalled by a late century stand from Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf at Mount Maunganui on Monday. On a day disrupted by intermittent showers and an unseasonal hail storm, the Black Caps pace foursome took five for 50 in the first two sessions before Pakistan rallied to be all out for 239 at stumps, 192 in arrears. Rizwan and Ashraf provided a face-saving partnership for Pakistan with 107 for the seventh wicket before the former was run out for 71 by a smart underarm throw from Mitchell Santner at square leg. Ashraf soldiered on to a career-best 91 before he was the last wicket to fall. When Pakistan resumed the day at 30 for one, Abid Ali and nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas were more intent on batting long rather than run gathering -- especially with a question mark over the workload for the injured Neil Wagner. The pair put on just nine runs in 74 balls while Wagner, who suffered a fractured toe while batting on Sunday and was told by a doctor he could bowl only if he could "tolerate the pain", was kept out of the attack. The partnership was broken by Kyle Jamieson who hurt Abid Ali with the last ball of his first over which smacked into the batsman's fingers. Two balls into Jamieson's next over Abid kept his hands out of the way from a ball wide of off stump, only to see it jag back and he was bowled for 25. In the following over Trent Boult, who had troubled Abbas with a succession of short balls, found an edge with a full delivery and Ross Taylor held the catch at first slip. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail stayed together for 50 deliveries but contributed only nine runs before both went in one Tim Southee over. Azhar was caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling and although the umpire missed the nick and turned down the appeal, New Zealand successfully reviewed the decision. Sohail's exit was more straight forward with an attempted cut going straight to Henry Nicholls at gully. Wagner tested his foot with three overs before lunch and continued with a seven-over spell after the break during which he took the only wicket to fall in the middle session with a trade-mark bouncer to Fawad Alam that was edged to wicketkeeper BJ Watling. The nine-run knock continued a run of low scores for Alam who has adopted an unusual side-on stance that suggests he is expecting the ball to come from square leg -- even more exaggerated than that of West Indies' great Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Jamieson had the remarkable figures of two for nine off 17 overs at tea but as the Rizwan-Ashraf partnership took its toll he ended the day with three for 35 off 23.1 overs. Southee, Boult and Wagner took two wickets each.

Pakistan out for 239 after Ashraf frustrates New Zealand attack

New Zealand’s late push for a place in next year’s International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship final will come to a head against an injury-hit Pakistan when their two-test series begins on Saturday in Mount Maunganui.

Kane Williamson’s side are third behind Australia and India and need to win both the first game at Bay Oval and then the second from Jan. 3-7 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to give themselves any chance of making the final at Lord’s.

Williamson, however, was well aware they would also need other results go their way, which may account for him attempting to downplay the underlying significance of the series.

“I think the context of that (the test championship) is great for the game in general,” he told reporters this week. “But our focus ... is to basically start again.

“It’s about coming back to the basics and playing what is in front of us rather than getting too carried away with potential things.”

New Zealand’s chances of sweeping the series have been boosted by the return of top batsman Williamson, who missed the innings and 12-run victory over West Indies in Wellington as he awaited the birth of his first child.

Tim Southee also has added motivation for the first match, with the pace bowling spearhead just four wickets away from joining Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori as the third New Zealand bowler to achieve 300 test wickets.

Pakistan, however, will be without injured captain Babar Azam, opener Imam-Ul-Haq and all-rounder Shadab Khan and stand-in captain Mohammad Rizwan said while they would miss the trio he expected others to take their opportunities.

“We trust them,” he said. “And hope they will play well.”

Rizwan was also not concerned with the heavily grassed wicket block, which could prove advantageous for the home side’s strong pace bowling quartet.

“It doesn’t matter for the pitch if there is a bit of grass,” he said.

“If it’s difficult for us, it’s difficult for New Zealand.”

New Zealand’s late push for a place in next year’s International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship final will come to a head against an injury-hit Pakistan when their two-test series begins on Saturday in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand’s late push for a place in next year’s International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship final will come to a head against an injury-hit Pakistan when their two-test series begins on Saturday in Mount Maunganui. Kane Williamson’s side are third behind Australia and India and need to win both the first game at Bay Oval and then the second from Jan. 3-7 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to give themselves any chance of making the final at Lord’s. Williamson, however, was well aware they would also need other results go their way, which may account for him attempting to downplay the underlying significance of the series. “I think the context of that (the test championship) is great for the game in general,” he told reporters this week. “But our focus ... is to basically start again. “It’s about coming back to the basics and playing what is in front of us rather than getting too carried away with potential things.” New Zealand’s chances of sweeping the series have been boosted by the return of top batsman Williamson, who missed the innings and 12-run victory over West Indies in Wellington as he awaited the birth of his first child. Tim Southee also has added motivation for the first match, with the pace bowling spearhead just four wickets away from joining Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori as the third New Zealand bowler to achieve 300 test wickets. Pakistan, however, will be without injured captain Babar Azam, opener Imam-Ul-Haq and all-rounder Shadab Khan and stand-in captain Mohammad Rizwan said while they would miss the trio he expected others to take their opportunities. “We trust them,” he said. “And hope they will play well.” Rizwan was also not concerned with the heavily grassed wicket block, which could prove advantageous for the home side’s strong pace bowling quartet. “It doesn’t matter for the pitch if there is a bit of grass,” he said. “If it’s difficult for us, it’s difficult for New Zealand.”

New Zealand's last chance to push for test final in Pakistan series

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse.

Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week, skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings.

But Paine said it would be a mistake to underestimate India despite the tourists missing superstar captain Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child.

They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team.

"We can't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about," Paine said of India, who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation.

"I mean, India is a proud cricket country, they are an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players."

India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out, but are widely tipped to make more. In contrast, Australia are expected to name the same XI.

Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field.

"We know that some of the players they're talking about coming in to their side ... are dangerous players who like to take the game on and will play positively," he said.

"If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile, so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle."

<h2>- In the moment -</h2>

Ajinkya Rahane, who has assumed the captaincy, said he didn't plan to disturb Kohli as he prepares for his wife to give birth, but said they spoke at length before he left.

"Virat spoke to all of us before leaving Adelaide, about being positive, just playing to our strengths and just to play as a team, as a unit, which is what we have been doing for so many years," he said.

"The last Test match, we had, comparatively, two good days and just one bad one where we lost it completely.

"This week was all about backing ourselves as individuals and as a team, playing to our strengths," he added.&nbsp;

"What is important for all of us is to start well tomorrow ... staying in the moment will really help."

Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning.

This was another incentive for his team to again put India to the sword at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity.

"We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult, that's why it's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test," he said.

"We know they're not going to roll over, we're going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide.

"If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them."

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse.

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse. Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week, skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings. But Paine said it would be a mistake to underestimate India despite the tourists missing superstar captain Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child. They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team. "We can't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about," Paine said of India, who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation. "I mean, India is a proud cricket country, they are an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players." India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out, but are widely tipped to make more. In contrast, Australia are expected to name the same XI. Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field. "We know that some of the players they're talking about coming in to their side ... are dangerous players who like to take the game on and will play positively," he said. "If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile, so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle." - In the moment - Ajinkya Rahane, who has assumed the captaincy, said he didn't plan to disturb Kohli as he prepares for his wife to give birth, but said they spoke at length before he left. "Virat spoke to all of us before leaving Adelaide, about being positive, just playing to our strengths and just to play as a team, as a unit, which is what we have been doing for so many years," he said. "The last Test match, we had, comparatively, two good days and just one bad one where we lost it completely. "This week was all about backing ourselves as individuals and as a team, playing to our strengths," he added. "What is important for all of us is to start well tomorrow ... staying in the moment will really help." Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning. This was another incentive for his team to again put India to the sword at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity. "We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult, that's why it's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test," he said. "We know they're not going to roll over, we're going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide. "If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them."

Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne

Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir reckons that Ajinkya Rahane shouldn’t change his personality as the veteran Indian batsman gears up to lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Virat Kohli in the remaining three Tests matches against Australia, starting from Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Rahane is a contrasting character to Virat Kohli and doesn’t show his emotions on the field. However, Gambhir has suggested that with attacking field placements and bowling changes, Rahane can express his intentions during the Test matches.&nbsp;

India will be heading to the Boxing Day Test with as many as four changes in the playing XI with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj coming in for Kohli, Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-a-proud-cricketing-nation-will-not-roll-over-at-mcg-tim-paine-352385" hreflang="en">'India, a proud cricketing nation, will not roll over at MCG': Tim Paine</a>

Moreover, India will have a task to wipe off the mental blockage of being all-out for 36 in the Adelaide Test and start afresh in the series, which Australia lead 1-0.

"You don't change your personality overnight and you don't need to change it either. They (Rahane and Virat Kohli) are different captains, different personalities. Ajinkya can't be Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli can't be MS Dhoni and MS Dhoni could never be Sourav Ganguly. All these guys have been successful captains.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fearless-former-england-batsman-edrich-dies-at-83-352376" hreflang="en">'Fearless' former England batsman Edrich dies at 83</a>

"So be the way you are and one change I would definitely want to see is Ajinkya Rahane batting at No. 4 because that will send a message that 'Yes I'm leading from the front'. It's not about showing your emotions on the field all the time or reacting to every wicket or every run you score. You've got many other ways to be aggressive.

"Your body language can be aggressive, your field placements could be aggressive. You can probably ask your bowler to bowl attacking lengths, your batting could be different. People say this guy wears his heart on his sleeve, all that stuff is crap.

"Ajinkya Rahane does not need to change anything, all he needs to do is tell his team that we are looking to win this game, they've got an opportunity and they've got the team to win the Test match in Australia because the hosts are very vulnerable especially in the batting department," Gambhir said on Sports Today.

India, under the leadership of Rahane, would be hoping to bounce back against all the odds and get back to winning ways as a defeat would give an unassailable 2-0 lead to the hosts.

Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir reckons that Ajinkya Rahane shouldn’t change his personality as the veteran Indian batsman gears up to lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Virat Kohli in the remaining three Tests matches against Australia, starting from Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir reckons that Ajinkya Rahane shouldn’t change his personality as the veteran Indian batsman gears up to lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Virat Kohli in the remaining three Tests matches against Australia, starting from Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Rahane is a contrasting character to Virat Kohli and doesn’t show his emotions on the field. However, Gambhir has suggested that with attacking field placements and bowling changes, Rahane can express his intentions during the Test matches. India will be heading to the Boxing Day Test with as many as four changes in the playing XI with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj coming in for Kohli, Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Mohammed Shami. ALSO READ: 'India, a proud cricketing nation, will not roll over at MCG': Tim Paine Moreover, India will have a task to wipe off the mental blockage of being all-out for 36 in the Adelaide Test and start afresh in the series, which Australia lead 1-0. "You don't change your personality overnight and you don't need to change it either. They (Rahane and Virat Kohli) are different captains, different personalities. Ajinkya can't be Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli can't be MS Dhoni and MS Dhoni could never be Sourav Ganguly. All these guys have been successful captains. ALSO READ: 'Fearless' former England batsman Edrich dies at 83 "So be the way you are and one change I would definitely want to see is Ajinkya Rahane batting at No. 4 because that will send a message that 'Yes I'm leading from the front'. It's not about showing your emotions on the field all the time or reacting to every wicket or every run you score. You've got many other ways to be aggressive. "Your body language can be aggressive, your field placements could be aggressive. You can probably ask your bowler to bowl attacking lengths, your batting could be different. People say this guy wears his heart on his sleeve, all that stuff is crap. "Ajinkya Rahane does not need to change anything, all he needs to do is tell his team that we are looking to win this game, they've got an opportunity and they've got the team to win the Test match in Australia because the hosts are very vulnerable especially in the batting department," Gambhir said on Sports Today. India, under the leadership of Rahane, would be hoping to bounce back against all the odds and get back to winning ways as a defeat would give an unassailable 2-0 lead to the hosts.

Don't change your personality: Gautam Gambhir's suggestion for Ajinkya Rahane in Virat Kohli's absence

New Zealand are set to host Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting from December 26 with the Boxing Day Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back strong after the drubbing suffered in the three-match T20I series, which New Zealand won 2-1.

Pakistan would be hoping for drastically improved performance in the opening Test but it wouldn’t be as easy against a dominating New Zealand bowling attack. Pakistan will even miss skipper Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan taking over as stand-in captain. Pakistan’s bowling will be crucial for the visitors if they want to take anything away from the tour.

Whereas New Zealand are looking in great shape ahead of the Test series and would be looking to continue their winning run when they take the field on Saturday. &nbsp;A 2-0 Test series win would also bolster their chances of reaching the final of ICC World Test Championship.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealands-last-chance-to-push-for-test-final-in-pakistan-series-352243" hreflang="en">New Zealand's last chance to push for test final in Pakistan series</a>

<h2>When and what time will Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test start?</h2>

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st&nbsp;Test will start at 3:30 AM IST on Saturday (December 26th). The toss will take place at 3:00 AM IST.

<h2>Where will Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test take place?</h2>

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be held at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

<h2>Which channel will telecast Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test on TV in India?</h2>

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st &nbsp;Test match won't be telecast on any TV Channel

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test?</h2>

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be streamed live on FanCode App

<h2>What are the teams for Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test?&nbsp;</h2>

Pakistan: Mohd Rizwan (C), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Imran Butt, Haris Sohail, Shan Masood, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohd Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand are set to host Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting from December 26 with the Boxing Day Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back strong after the drubbing suffered in the three-match T20I series, which New Zealand won 2-1.

New Zealand are set to host Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting from December 26 with the Boxing Day Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back strong after the drubbing suffered in the three-match T20I series, which New Zealand won 2-1. Pakistan would be hoping for drastically improved performance in the opening Test but it wouldn’t be as easy against a dominating New Zealand bowling attack. Pakistan will even miss skipper Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan taking over as stand-in captain. Pakistan’s bowling will be crucial for the visitors if they want to take anything away from the tour. Whereas New Zealand are looking in great shape ahead of the Test series and would be looking to continue their winning run when they take the field on Saturday. A 2-0 Test series win would also bolster their chances of reaching the final of ICC World Test Championship. ALSO READ: New Zealand's last chance to push for test final in Pakistan series When and what time will Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test start? Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test will start at 3:30 AM IST on Saturday (December 26th). The toss will take place at 3:00 AM IST. Where will Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test take place? Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be held at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Which channel will telecast Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test on TV in India? Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test match won't be telecast on any TV Channel How to watch the live streaming of Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test? Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be streamed live on FanCode App What are the teams for Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test? Pakistan: Mohd Rizwan (C), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Imran Butt, Haris Sohail, Shan Masood, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohd Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah New Zealand: Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.

NZ vs PAK 1st Test Live Streaming: How and where to watch New Zealand vs Pakistan match?

England's former "fearless" opening batsman John Edrich has died at the age of 83, &nbsp;the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday.

Diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 the left-hander who played for county side Surrey scored 103 first-class centuries.

He played 77 Tests, scoring 5,138 runs at an average of 43.54.

Former England great Ian Botham wrote on Twitter: "Very sad news today to wake up on Christmas Day and to be told that John Edrich has passed away !!

"A wonderful man who I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with...RIP"

ECB CEO Tom Harrison said: "With John's passing, we've lost a prolific and fearless batsman - one of the select few who have scored more than 5,000 runs for England.

"His duels with some of the world's best fast bowlers were legendary, and it's a testament to his ability that his 310 not out against New Zealand in 1965 remains the fifth highest Test score by an English batsman."

England's former "fearless" opening batsman John Edrich has died at the age of 83, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday. Diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 the left-hander who played for county side Surrey scored 103 first-class centuries.

England's former "fearless" opening batsman John Edrich has died at the age of 83, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday. Diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 the left-hander who played for county side Surrey scored 103 first-class centuries. He played 77 Tests, scoring 5,138 runs at an average of 43.54. Former England great Ian Botham wrote on Twitter: "Very sad news today to wake up on Christmas Day and to be told that John Edrich has passed away !! "A wonderful man who I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with...RIP" ECB CEO Tom Harrison said: "With John's passing, we've lost a prolific and fearless batsman - one of the select few who have scored more than 5,000 runs for England. "His duels with some of the world's best fast bowlers were legendary, and it's a testament to his ability that his 310 not out against New Zealand in 1965 remains the fifth highest Test score by an English batsman."

'Fearless' former England batsman Edrich dies at 83

Stand-in captain of the Indian team Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that he had apologized to Virat Kohli after the terrible mix-up which led to the Indian skipper getting run-out in the Adelaide Test against Australia.

Virat Kohli was all set to get his 28th century – fourth in Adelaide – but walked back to the pavilion after a mix-up with Rahane. Kohli’s deputy in Test cricket, Rahane called for a run but backed out after realizing the fielder was quick to get to the ball but with Kohli already there in mid-pitch, it was too late by then.&nbsp;

"After the end of day's play I went and said sorry to him (Kohli) but he was all okay, he was okay about it," Rahane said on the eve of the second Test in Melbourne.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stat-alert-team-indias-88-year-old-history-on-line-in-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-352268" hreflang="en">Stat alert! Team India's 88-year-old history on line in Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a>

"We both understood that the situation we were in, we were going well at that point, but such things happen in cricket, you got to respect that and you got to move forward."

Rahane also admitted that the run-out changed the momentum in favour of Australia. India were 188/3 in the first innings before the incident but were bundled out for 244.&nbsp;

"It was a really tough one, obviously we were going really well that moment, our partnership was good, and I could actually see that momentum going towards Australia after that run out," Rahane said.

However, India failed to cope up with the hammer blow and succumbed in front of the devastating Australian bowling attack. The visitors were bundled out for 36 in the second innings and went on to lost the match by eight wickets.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-playing-xi-for-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-shubman-gill-to-debut-352247" hreflang="en">India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut</a>

"We have got to back our basics, back our plans. We just had one bad hour so it is all about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships. As a batting unit, that matters a lot: communication and batting in partnerships. We are focussing on that,” he added.

Stand-in captain of the Indian team Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that he had apologized to Virat Kohli after the terrible mix-up which led to the Indian skipper getting run-out in the Adelaide Test against Australia.

Stand-in captain of the Indian team Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that he had apologized to Virat Kohli after the terrible mix-up which led to the Indian skipper getting run-out in the Adelaide Test against Australia. Virat Kohli was all set to get his 28th century – fourth in Adelaide – but walked back to the pavilion after a mix-up with Rahane. Kohli’s deputy in Test cricket, Rahane called for a run but backed out after realizing the fielder was quick to get to the ball but with Kohli already there in mid-pitch, it was too late by then. "After the end of day's play I went and said sorry to him (Kohli) but he was all okay, he was okay about it," Rahane said on the eve of the second Test in Melbourne. ALSO READ: Stat alert! Team India's 88-year-old history on line in Boxing Day Test vs Australia "We both understood that the situation we were in, we were going well at that point, but such things happen in cricket, you got to respect that and you got to move forward." Rahane also admitted that the run-out changed the momentum in favour of Australia. India were 188/3 in the first innings before the incident but were bundled out for 244. "It was a really tough one, obviously we were going really well that moment, our partnership was good, and I could actually see that momentum going towards Australia after that run out," Rahane said. However, India failed to cope up with the hammer blow and succumbed in front of the devastating Australian bowling attack. The visitors were bundled out for 36 in the second innings and went on to lost the match by eight wickets. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut "We have got to back our basics, back our plans. We just had one bad hour so it is all about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships. As a batting unit, that matters a lot: communication and batting in partnerships. We are focussing on that,” he added.

'Apologised to Virat Kohli,' says Ajinkya Rahane on Adelaide run-out incident

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