Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun advocated for the use of pink ball while interacting with media after India's quest to clinch a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-bad-light-rain-force-early-stumps-on-day-four-australia-60-188512">first-ever Test series victo</a>ry in Australia was delayed when play was abandoned on day four of the fourth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, due to bad light and rain.

"I think pink ball would eventually come in. I think sometime in future we would definitely be playing pink ball cricket. The fact we didn't play now was because we had hardly played with the pink ball. But eventually, yes. That could be the future of (Test) cricket."

Bad light and light drizzle forced an early end to an already heavily rain-disrupted day just before the rescheduled tea break. Australia will resume on six without loss on Monday, India requiring 10 wickets for victory

Australia&nbsp;were made to follow-on in a home match for the first time in 31 years have been all out for 300 in their first innings after an initial three-hour rain delay.&nbsp;

Only 25.2 overs were possible on Sunday, leaving Australia 316 runs behind with 10 wickets remaining.&nbsp;

With minutes left before the interval, the umpires pulled out the light meter and play was abruptly ended for a second successive day. &nbsp;

Bharat Arun also praised the SCG's pitch, he said, "This is probably one of the best wickets we have played on from the batsman's point of view. So, we were aware that to win this game we need that many overs to bowl it.&nbsp;

"So, and also the fact that, you know, the weather was much, it was a lot kinder than what it was in the first two-three days so and also the fact that it's a great opportunity for us to make it 3-1 scoreline. So that was a huge motivation for us to go and give all that we have to make it 3-1," he concluded.

Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun advocated for the use of pink ball while interacting with media after India's quest to clinch a first-ever Test series victory in Australia was delayed when play was abandoned on day four of the fourth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, due to bad light and rain.

Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun advocated for the use of pink ball while interacting with media after India's quest to clinch a first-ever Test series victory in Australia was delayed when play was abandoned on day four of the fourth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, due to bad light and rain. "I think pink ball would eventually come in. I think sometime in future we would definitely be playing pink ball cricket. The fact we didn't play now was because we had hardly played with the pink ball. But eventually, yes. That could be the future of (Test) cricket." Bad light and light drizzle forced an early end to an already heavily rain-disrupted day just before the rescheduled tea break. Australia will resume on six without loss on Monday, India requiring 10 wickets for victory Australia were made to follow-on in a home match for the first time in 31 years have been all out for 300 in their first innings after an initial three-hour rain delay. Only 25.2 overs were possible on Sunday, leaving Australia 316 runs behind with 10 wickets remaining. With minutes left before the interval, the umpires pulled out the light meter and play was abruptly ended for a second successive day. Bharat Arun also praised the SCG's pitch, he said, "This is probably one of the best wickets we have played on from the batsman's point of view. So, we were aware that to win this game we need that many overs to bowl it. "So, and also the fact that, you know, the weather was much, it was a lot kinder than what it was in the first two-three days so and also the fact that it's a great opportunity for us to make it 3-1 scoreline. So that was a huge motivation for us to go and give all that we have to make it 3-1," he concluded.

Pink ball cricket will be the future says, India bowling coach Bharat Arun

Australia's batting woes returned on the third day of the fourth Test on Saturday and they had slumped to 236 for six when bad light and rain brought an early end to their response to India's mammoth first-innings tally of 622-7 declared.

The tourists only need a draw to claim a first series win in Australia and the home side's hopes of preventing even that faded as they blew a solid start to lose five wickets after lunch.

Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh and Travis Head were all dismissed after lunch and captain Tim Paine followed soon after the tea break.

Peter Handscomb, unbeaten on 28, and fast bowler Pat Cummins, who had made 25, were at the crease when the rainclouds gathered over a Sydney Cricket Ground swathed in pink for the McGrath Foundation breast cancer support charity day.

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Play on Day 3 has been abandoned due to rain! 🌧️ 
 
Australia finish the day on 236/6, trailing by 386 runs, and we will have an early start tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> SCORECARD ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/c2fCH8UcMc">https://t.co/c2fCH8UcMc</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUSH2Woxo6">pic.twitter.com/eUSH2Woxo6</a>
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India spinners picked up five wickets out of the six that fell on a rain-affected Day 3 of the final Test at the SCG. 
 
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Most of the Australian batsmen made starts but only opener Harris was able to get past the half-century mark -- his 79 the highest score by the home side in a series during which India have pillaged five centuries.

The left-hander showed plenty of intent but just when it seemed he could be heading for a maiden Test ton he calamitously played the ball onto his own stumps off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja.

India's disciplined pace attack played a leading role in the victories in Adelaide and Melbourne that gave the tourists a 2-1 series lead coming to Sydney but it was the spinners who did most of the damage on Saturday.

Jadeja (2-62) also accounted for Marsh, who must surely have exhausted his supply of Test recalls after departing for eight having left his bat hanging to gift Ajinkya Rahane the simplest of catches at first slip.

Rahane had to work considerably harder for the catch at short midwicket that dismissed Labuschagne (38), diving low to his left to grab the ball with both hands off the bowling of quick Mohammed Shami.

Kuldeep Yadav (3-71) made Travis Head his second victim of the day shortly before tea, the batsman charging down the track to take on the left-arm wrist spinner only to send the ball straight back to him for the catch.

Paine gave the 24-year-old his third wicket, a peach of a delivery that clean bowled the Australia captain through his gaping gate for five.

The surface that India's batsmen had plundered almost at will for two days was still offering little movement for the bowlers and the Australians will be cursing themselves for some soft dismissals after the solid start to the day.

The openers had put on 72 when Usman Khawaja, moved up from number three to replace the dropped Aaron Finch, miscued a slog off Kuldeep to depart for 27 in the opening session.

Australia's batting woes returned on the third day of the fourth Test on Saturday and they had slumped to 236 for six when bad light and rain brought an early end to their response to India's mammoth first-innings tally of 622-7 declared.

Australia's batting woes returned on the third day of the fourth Test on Saturday and they had slumped to 236 for six when bad light and rain brought an early end to their response to India's mammoth first-innings tally of 622-7 declared. The tourists only need a draw to claim a first series win in Australia and the home side's hopes of preventing even that faded as they blew a solid start to lose five wickets after lunch. Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh and Travis Head were all dismissed after lunch and captain Tim Paine followed soon after the tea break. Peter Handscomb, unbeaten on 28, and fast bowler Pat Cummins, who had made 25, were at the crease when the rainclouds gathered over a Sydney Cricket Ground swathed in pink for the McGrath Foundation breast cancer support charity day. Play on Day 3 has been abandoned due to rain! 🌧️ Australia finish the day on 236/6, trailing by 386 runs, and we will have an early start tomorrow.#AUSvIND SCORECARD ⬇️https://t.co/c2fCH8UcMc pic.twitter.com/eUSH2Woxo6 — ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2019 × India spinners picked up five wickets out of the six that fell on a rain-affected Day 3 of the final Test at the SCG. Marcus Harris top-scored with 79 for Australia.#AUSvIND REPORT 🔽https://t.co/zq4nC9UXGw pic.twitter.com/YQBtzyMCsr — ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2019 × Most of the Australian batsmen made starts but only opener Harris was able to get past the half-century mark -- his 79 the highest score by the home side in a series during which India have pillaged five centuries. The left-hander showed plenty of intent but just when it seemed he could be heading for a maiden Test ton he calamitously played the ball onto his own stumps off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja. India's disciplined pace attack played a leading role in the victories in Adelaide and Melbourne that gave the tourists a 2-1 series lead coming to Sydney but it was the spinners who did most of the damage on Saturday. Jadeja (2-62) also accounted for Marsh, who must surely have exhausted his supply of Test recalls after departing for eight having left his bat hanging to gift Ajinkya Rahane the simplest of catches at first slip. Rahane had to work considerably harder for the catch at short midwicket that dismissed Labuschagne (38), diving low to his left to grab the ball with both hands off the bowling of quick Mohammed Shami. Kuldeep Yadav (3-71) made Travis Head his second victim of the day shortly before tea, the batsman charging down the track to take on the left-arm wrist spinner only to send the ball straight back to him for the catch. Paine gave the 24-year-old his third wicket, a peach of a delivery that clean bowled the Australia captain through his gaping gate for five. The surface that India's batsmen had plundered almost at will for two days was still offering little movement for the bowlers and the Australians will be cursing themselves for some soft dismissals after the solid start to the day. The openers had put on 72 when Usman Khawaja, moved up from number three to replace the dropped Aaron Finch, miscued a slog off Kuldeep to depart for 27 in the opening session.

India vs Australia, 4th Test, Day 3: Australia stumble in reply to India's mammoth total

Rishabh Pant and Tim Paine's good-humoured on-field banter has been lapped up by the television viewers and the Indian described it as a way of maintaining intensity during long on-field hours.&nbsp;

The official broadcasters of ongoing India versus Australia series Fox Cricket has kept the stump microphone on and some of the interesting exchanges between Paine and Pant have been recorded.&nbsp;

Pant, whose picture of holding Tim Paine's son along with the Australian skipper's wife Bonnie went viral after the "babysitter" banter, didn't mind that stump mic is on.&nbsp;

"That (banter) is also one of the methods to keep yourself positive and to keep yourself busy. When you are fielding for a long time, everyone's body does get tired but you need to find a way to keep yourself positive and stay concentrated. My method is this, and it works for me, and that's why I am doing it," Pant told the media on Friday.&nbsp;

"As a player, I don't think about any of these things (stump microphone being turned up). Whatever I feel like at that moment, I say it. That's the only way," he added.&nbsp;

It all started during the Melbourne Test when Pant was batting.&nbsp;

"Big MS (Dhoni) is back in the one-day squad too, we might get him (Pant) down to the (Hobart) Hurricanes we need a batter. Fancy that, Pantsy? Extend your little Aussie holiday. Beautiful town Hobart too, I'll get you a nice apartment on the waterfront. (I'll) have him over for dinner. Can you babysit? I'll take the wife to the movies one night and you'll look after the kids," Paine was heard saying on the stump mic.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant and Tim Paine's good-humoured on-field banter has been lapped up by the television viewers and the Indian described it as a way of maintaining intensity during long on-field hours.

Rishabh Pant and Tim Paine's good-humoured on-field banter has been lapped up by the television viewers and the Indian described it as a way of maintaining intensity during long on-field hours. The official broadcasters of ongoing India versus Australia series Fox Cricket has kept the stump microphone on and some of the interesting exchanges between Paine and Pant have been recorded. Pant, whose picture of holding Tim Paine's son along with the Australian skipper's wife Bonnie went viral after the "babysitter" banter, didn't mind that stump mic is on. "That (banter) is also one of the methods to keep yourself positive and to keep yourself busy. When you are fielding for a long time, everyone's body does get tired but you need to find a way to keep yourself positive and stay concentrated. My method is this, and it works for me, and that's why I am doing it," Pant told the media on Friday. "As a player, I don't think about any of these things (stump microphone being turned up). Whatever I feel like at that moment, I say it. That's the only way," he added. It all started during the Melbourne Test when Pant was batting. "Big MS (Dhoni) is back in the one-day squad too, we might get him (Pant) down to the (Hobart) Hurricanes we need a batter. Fancy that, Pantsy? Extend your little Aussie holiday. Beautiful town Hobart too, I'll get you a nice apartment on the waterfront. (I'll) have him over for dinner. Can you babysit? I'll take the wife to the movies one night and you'll look after the kids," Paine was heard saying on the stump mic.

Rishabh Pant explains importance of good-humoured on-field banter

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting praised young wicketkeeper-batsman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=rishabh+pant">Rishabh Pant</a>, so much so that he called him "another" Adam Gilchrist after the Indian's blistering 159 in the fourth Test.&nbsp;

"He is a real talent and an incredibly good ball striker. He has got a really good game sense as well. I have been lucky enough to coach him at Delhi (Capitals)," said Ponting, who had worked with the Indian during his stint with Delhi franchise at the Indian Premier League.

"He has got to do a bit of work on his keeping and he will also become a better batsman.

"We talk about him in the commentary box and he is sort of like another Adam Gilchrist," Ponting told cricket.Com.Au.

Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicket-keeper batsman, has played 96 Tests, scoring 5570 runs at an average of 47.6. He also represented his country in 287 ODIs, amassing 9619 runs at 35.89.

Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-hilarious-song-composed-for-rishabh-pant-by-fans-188365">Hilarious song composed for Rishabh Pant by fans</a>

On Friday, Pant became the only Indian wicketkeeper to score a century on Australia soil when he smashed an unbeaten 159 and shared a 204-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, as the visitors declared at 622 runs for seven.

The 21-year-old also surpassed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 13-year-old record of highest individual Test score by an Indian wicketkeeper. The former India skipper had scored 148 runs against Pakistan in 2006.

Ponting believes Pant will score more Test centuries than his predecessor Dhoni.

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"We talk about MS Dhoni all the time and his impact on Indian cricket. He played a lot of Tests for India but made only six Test hundreds. This kid (Rishabh Pant) will make a lot more Test hundreds than that," Ponting said.&nbsp;

"He has already scored his second Test ton and a couple of 90s to go with it. Look he is someone who could play a lot of Test cricket for India across formats. Pant is only 21 and is already into his ninth Test."

Gilchrist also praised Pant for pacing his innings well.

"He played a beautiful innings today (Friday)," Gilchrist told foxsports.Com.Au.

"We probably all expected him to bat aggressively from ball one but he showed he can build an inning and then by the end of it allowed himself to play with all the freedom that we know he's got.

"It was entertaining. He's a cricketer that I would happily pay to watch."

Gilchrist believes Pant has the talent to become a successful Test cricketer.

"He's a cricketer that is at the start of his journey so he'll learn these particular parts of the game and he'll learn that there's always more time than what you think, but he's got a great foundation to be a successful Test cricketer," he said.

Though he shone with the bat, Pant's keeping wasn't always up to the mark as he dropped Usman Khawaja off Mohammed Shami late on the second day.

However, Gilchrist said Pant will become a reliable keeper as he learns from his mistakes.

"Although he's missed a few opportunities with the gloves, he's certainly held onto more than he's spilt. If he's prepared to work on his game, I'm sure he'll develop and become a really reliable keeper," Gilchrist said.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting praised young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, so much so that he called him "another" Adam Gilchrist after the Indian's blistering 159 in the fourth Test.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting praised young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, so much so that he called him "another" Adam Gilchrist after the Indian's blistering 159 in the fourth Test. "He is a real talent and an incredibly good ball striker. He has got a really good game sense as well. I have been lucky enough to coach him at Delhi (Capitals)," said Ponting, who had worked with the Indian during his stint with Delhi franchise at the Indian Premier League. "He has got to do a bit of work on his keeping and he will also become a better batsman. "We talk about him in the commentary box and he is sort of like another Adam Gilchrist," Ponting told cricket.Com.Au. Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicket-keeper batsman, has played 96 Tests, scoring 5570 runs at an average of 47.6. He also represented his country in 287 ODIs, amassing 9619 runs at 35.89. Watch: Hilarious song composed for Rishabh Pant by fans On Friday, Pant became the only Indian wicketkeeper to score a century on Australia soil when he smashed an unbeaten 159 and shared a 204-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, as the visitors declared at 622 runs for seven. The 21-year-old also surpassed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 13-year-old record of highest individual Test score by an Indian wicketkeeper. The former India skipper had scored 148 runs against Pakistan in 2006. Ponting believes Pant will score more Test centuries than his predecessor Dhoni. "He is sort of like another Adam Gilchrist" – Ricky Ponting on Rishabh Pant after the India wicket-keeper batsman hit an entertaining 💯 at the SCG. READ 👇https://t.co/fofFrxgqLi pic.twitter.com/7CsO9ITloR — ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2019 × "We talk about MS Dhoni all the time and his impact on Indian cricket. He played a lot of Tests for India but made only six Test hundreds. This kid (Rishabh Pant) will make a lot more Test hundreds than that," Ponting said. "He has already scored his second Test ton and a couple of 90s to go with it. Look he is someone who could play a lot of Test cricket for India across formats. Pant is only 21 and is already into his ninth Test." Gilchrist also praised Pant for pacing his innings well. "He played a beautiful innings today (Friday)," Gilchrist told foxsports.Com.Au. "We probably all expected him to bat aggressively from ball one but he showed he can build an inning and then by the end of it allowed himself to play with all the freedom that we know he's got. "It was entertaining. He's a cricketer that I would happily pay to watch." Gilchrist believes Pant has the talent to become a successful Test cricketer. "He's a cricketer that is at the start of his journey so he'll learn these particular parts of the game and he'll learn that there's always more time than what you think, but he's got a great foundation to be a successful Test cricketer," he said. Though he shone with the bat, Pant's keeping wasn't always up to the mark as he dropped Usman Khawaja off Mohammed Shami late on the second day. However, Gilchrist said Pant will become a reliable keeper as he learns from his mistakes. "Although he's missed a few opportunities with the gloves, he's certainly held onto more than he's spilt. If he's prepared to work on his game, I'm sure he'll develop and become a really reliable keeper," Gilchrist said.

Rishabh Pant is another Adam Gilchrist, says Ricky Ponting

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years.

Senior batsman Usman Khawaja was also called up after a layoff of nearly two years as Australia look to find the formula to turn around a poor run of form in time for their World Cup defence in England later this year.

Siddle, 34, played his last ODI against Sri Lanka in January 2010 and his inclusion will allow Australia to rest the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after a long test series against India.

"It's wonderful to have Peter back in the squad for the first time since 2010," said head selector Trevor Hohns.

"His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and his selection is great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership qualities.

"With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we've recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad."

Aaron Finch retains his captaincy despite being dropped with Mitchell Marsh for the fourth test against India currently ongoing at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith and David Warner, banned for a year for their roles in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, will not be available for selection until April.

"Travis Head, Darcy Short and Chris Lynn have been unlucky to&nbsp;miss out," Hohns added.

"All three have had opportunities to cement their spots, but unfortunately, they have not been as productive as we would have liked in recent times when playing ODI cricket for Australia."

The series against India begins at the SCG on January 12 with matches in Adelaide and Melbourne to follow.

Squad: Aaron&nbsp;Finch (captain),&nbsp;Usman Khawaja,&nbsp;Shaun Marsh,&nbsp;Peter Handscomb,&nbsp;Glenn Maxwell,&nbsp;Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh,&nbsp;Alex Carey,&nbsp;Jhye Richardson,&nbsp;Billy Stanlake,&nbsp;Jason Behrendorff,&nbsp;Peter Siddle,&nbsp;Nathan Lyon,&nbsp;Adam Zampa.

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years.

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years. Senior batsman Usman Khawaja was also called up after a layoff of nearly two years as Australia look to find the formula to turn around a poor run of form in time for their World Cup defence in England later this year. Siddle, 34, played his last ODI against Sri Lanka in January 2010 and his inclusion will allow Australia to rest the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after a long test series against India. "It's wonderful to have Peter back in the squad for the first time since 2010," said head selector Trevor Hohns. "His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and his selection is great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership qualities. "With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we've recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad." Aaron Finch retains his captaincy despite being dropped with Mitchell Marsh for the fourth test against India currently ongoing at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Steve Smith and David Warner, banned for a year for their roles in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, will not be available for selection until April. "Travis Head, Darcy Short and Chris Lynn have been unlucky to miss out," Hohns added. "All three have had opportunities to cement their spots, but unfortunately, they have not been as productive as we would have liked in recent times when playing ODI cricket for Australia." The series against India begins at the SCG on January 12 with matches in Adelaide and Melbourne to follow. Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.

Peter Siddle, Usman Khawaja return to Australia one day squad for India series

India vs Australia: List of records made on Day 2 of Sydney Test

India's star bowler <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=jasprit+bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>, in his first year in Test cricket, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-in-charge-but-devastating-pat-cummins-gives-australia-hope-186970">took a career-best 6-33</a> as India took control on the third day of the third Test against Australia.&nbsp;

Bumrah earned praises for a brilliant slower ball that dismissed Australian batsman Shaun Marsh on the third day of the third Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.&nbsp;

He later explained what he thinks on that particular ball and his career-best bowling haul.

While speaking to the media, Bumrah said that when he was bowling on day three, wicket had become really slow and the ball became really soft.&nbsp;

He said on the last ball before the lunch, Rohit Sharma asked him to try a slower one, what he usually does in the one-day formats.&nbsp;

Bumrah said he was trying to bowl a fuller slower ball and the plan really worked.

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India built a 346 run lead as Australia were bowled out for 151 in their first innings, in reply to the tourists 443-7 declared.

Pat Cummins gave the 33,447 fans at the MCG something to cheer with four wickets in nine balls as India slumped from 28-0 to end the day on 54-5, a lead of 346.

Bumrah broke the 39-year-old record held by spinner Dileep Doshi as he registered the most number of wickets taken by an India bowler in a debut year.

"We lost a few more wickets than we wanted to but we'll assess tomorrow morning and we'll try to add as much as we can and then hopefully get them out," Bumrah told reporters.

The four-Test series is level at one-all and earlier, India have never won a Test series in Australia.

India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, in his first year in Test cricket, took a career-best 6-33 as India took control on the third day of the third Test against Australia.

India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, in his first year in Test cricket, took a career-best 6-33 as India took control on the third day of the third Test against Australia. Bumrah earned praises for a brilliant slower ball that dismissed Australian batsman Shaun Marsh on the third day of the third Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. He later explained what he thinks on that particular ball and his career-best bowling haul. While speaking to the media, Bumrah said that when he was bowling on day three, wicket had become really slow and the ball became really soft. He said on the last ball before the lunch, Rohit Sharma asked him to try a slower one, what he usually does in the one-day formats. Bumrah said he was trying to bowl a fuller slower ball and the plan really worked. Oh what a feeling! BOOOOM!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LncsUe0jGq — BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2018 × India built a 346 run lead as Australia were bowled out for 151 in their first innings, in reply to the tourists 443-7 declared. Pat Cummins gave the 33,447 fans at the MCG something to cheer with four wickets in nine balls as India slumped from 28-0 to end the day on 54-5, a lead of 346. Bumrah broke the 39-year-old record held by spinner Dileep Doshi as he registered the most number of wickets taken by an India bowler in a debut year. "We lost a few more wickets than we wanted to but we'll assess tomorrow morning and we'll try to add as much as we can and then hopefully get them out," Bumrah told reporters. The four-Test series is level at one-all and earlier, India have never won a Test series in Australia.

Bumrah reacts on career-best show and explains how he trapped Shaun Marsh

A clinical India had Australia on the ropes Friday and staring at defeat in the third Test after skittling them for 151 before a devastating spell by Pat Cummins sparked the game back into life.

At stumps, the visitors had a formidable 346 cushion with five wickets left and two days to play as they inch closer to a first ever series win Down Under. The series is currently tied at 1-1 with just the Sydney Test next week to go.

Once again the home team's batting frailties were exposed as they struggled not only with a deteriorating Melbourne pitch but outstanding bowling from young pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

He ended with a career-best 6-33, collecting his third five-wicket Test haul having also achieved the feat against South Africa and England.

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Stumps on Day 3 of the 3rd Test. 
 
A total of 15 wickets have fallen today. After bowling Australia out for 151, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> are 54/5 in the second innings, lead by 346 runs. 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/xZXZnUvzvk">https://t.co/xZXZnUvzvk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/p74NK3LUKb">pic.twitter.com/p74NK3LUKb</a>
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With a 292-run first innings advantage, Indian skipper Virat Kohli could have enforced the follow-on but instead opted to turn the screws and add to the imposing total.

But his batsmen also found it tough going and they slumped to 54 for five, with first innings century-maker Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli himself sensationally out for ducks.

Cummins was Australia's best bowler in India's first innings 443-7 declared and was chief destroyer on Friday, claiming an amazing 4-3 off his first four overs.&nbsp;

His scalps also included opener Hanuma Vihari (13) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (1).

Josh Hazlewood chipped in with the wicket of Rohit Sharma (5) with debutant Mayank Agarwal watching the carnage from the other end. He was not out 28 with Rishabh Pant on six.

None of Australia's batsmen could muster more than 22, again demonstrating how much they miss the banned Steve Smith and David Warner.

Talk surrounding the pair's reintegration into the team reached a crescendo this week after Smith and Cameron Bancroft gave tell-all interviews about the South Africa ball-tampering scandal, effectively blaming Warner.

Their bans run out in late March.

In overcast conditions, Australia began the day with eight runs on the scoreboard after surviving six nervy overs on Thursday.&nbsp;

But with the pitch showing wear and tear, it wasn't long before the bowlers took advantage.

Aaron Finch smashed a four off Bumrah in a positive start but once again Australia's limited overs captain failed as a Test opener.

He was on eight when he feebly chipped an Ishant Sharma delivery to Agarwal at short midwicket, who took a difficult diving catch.

That brought Usman Khawaja to the crease, just hours after his brother was re-arrested for allegedly breaching bail and charged with trying to influence a witness.

Arsalan Khawaja had been detained earlier this month, then bailed, after being accused of framing a love rival as the author of a terrorist hit list.

Khawaja was only at the wicket for a short time before Australia's other opener Marcus Harris also fell, plunging the home team into strife at 36 for two.

Khawaja didn't last much longer, despondently trudging off for 21 after Agarwal took another catch close in off spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who was finding the rough and causing problems.

Shaun Marsh was then deceived on the last ball of the morning by some late swing from Bumrah to be plum lbw.

The afternoon didn't get any better with Travis Head's stumps knocked over by a quick Bumrah delivery and then Mitchell Marsh tickled a Jadeja ball to Rahane at slip, with the last four wickets falling for just 13 runs.

A clinical India had Australia on the ropes Friday and staring at defeat in the third Test after skittling them for 151 before a devastating spell by Pat Cummins sparked the game back into life.

A clinical India had Australia on the ropes Friday and staring at defeat in the third Test after skittling them for 151 before a devastating spell by Pat Cummins sparked the game back into life. At stumps, the visitors had a formidable 346 cushion with five wickets left and two days to play as they inch closer to a first ever series win Down Under. The series is currently tied at 1-1 with just the Sydney Test next week to go. Once again the home team's batting frailties were exposed as they struggled not only with a deteriorating Melbourne pitch but outstanding bowling from young pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He ended with a career-best 6-33, collecting his third five-wicket Test haul having also achieved the feat against South Africa and England. Stumps on Day 3 of the 3rd Test. A total of 15 wickets have fallen today. After bowling Australia out for 151, #TeamIndia are 54/5 in the second innings, lead by 346 runs. Updates - https://t.co/xZXZnUvzvk #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/p74NK3LUKb — BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2018 × With a 292-run first innings advantage, Indian skipper Virat Kohli could have enforced the follow-on but instead opted to turn the screws and add to the imposing total. But his batsmen also found it tough going and they slumped to 54 for five, with first innings century-maker Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli himself sensationally out for ducks. Cummins was Australia's best bowler in India's first innings 443-7 declared and was chief destroyer on Friday, claiming an amazing 4-3 off his first four overs. His scalps also included opener Hanuma Vihari (13) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (1). Josh Hazlewood chipped in with the wicket of Rohit Sharma (5) with debutant Mayank Agarwal watching the carnage from the other end. He was not out 28 with Rishabh Pant on six. None of Australia's batsmen could muster more than 22, again demonstrating how much they miss the banned Steve Smith and David Warner. Talk surrounding the pair's reintegration into the team reached a crescendo this week after Smith and Cameron Bancroft gave tell-all interviews about the South Africa ball-tampering scandal, effectively blaming Warner. Their bans run out in late March. In overcast conditions, Australia began the day with eight runs on the scoreboard after surviving six nervy overs on Thursday. But with the pitch showing wear and tear, it wasn't long before the bowlers took advantage. Aaron Finch smashed a four off Bumrah in a positive start but once again Australia's limited overs captain failed as a Test opener. He was on eight when he feebly chipped an Ishant Sharma delivery to Agarwal at short midwicket, who took a difficult diving catch. That brought Usman Khawaja to the crease, just hours after his brother was re-arrested for allegedly breaching bail and charged with trying to influence a witness. Arsalan Khawaja had been detained earlier this month, then bailed, after being accused of framing a love rival as the author of a terrorist hit list. Khawaja was only at the wicket for a short time before Australia's other opener Marcus Harris also fell, plunging the home team into strife at 36 for two. Khawaja didn't last much longer, despondently trudging off for 21 after Agarwal took another catch close in off spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who was finding the rough and causing problems. Shaun Marsh was then deceived on the last ball of the morning by some late swing from Bumrah to be plum lbw. The afternoon didn't get any better with Travis Head's stumps knocked over by a quick Bumrah delivery and then Mitchell Marsh tickled a Jadeja ball to Rahane at slip, with the last four wickets falling for just 13 runs.

INDvsAUS, 3rd Test, Day 3: India in charge but devastating Pat Cummins gives Australia hope

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series.

Despite <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-slams-25th-test-century-in-perth-test-184408">Virat Kohli's century</a> in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.

India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day.

In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win."

Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test.

Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.

India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough."

He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest."

Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision.

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Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> REPORT 👇<a href="https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU">https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU</a> <a href="https://t.co/55myWBgBIt">pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074889251848765441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well."

"With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added.

On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality."

The 30-year-old reacted on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-out-or-not-out-debate-over-virat-kohlis-wicket-is-on-184445">controversial wicket</a> saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it."

Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted.

"I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note."

"Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match. India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day. In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win." Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test. Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough." He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest." Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision. Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. #AUSvIND REPORT 👇https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well." "With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added. On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality." The 30-year-old reacted on his controversial wicket saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it." Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted. "I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note." "Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.

India vs Australia: 'We thought four quicks would be enough,' says Virat Kohli after losing Perth Test

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1.

The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings.

Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc finished with 3-46, while spinner Nathan Lyon took 3-39 on a feisty pitch. For India, Ajinkya Rahane made 30 with the bat and Rishabh Pant also 30.

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🙌 AUSTRALIA WIN 🙌 
 
The hosts register a convincing 146-run win by bowling India out for 140 early in the morning session on Day 5.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> SCORECARD ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/viG01B7TWC">https://t.co/viG01B7TWC</a> <a href="https://t.co/siotOPs9LR">pic.twitter.com/siotOPs9LR</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074870379561111552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the post-match&nbsp;presentation, Virat Kohli said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win."

Cricket pundits questioned&nbsp;Virat's decision&nbsp;to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test.

India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough."

He justified saying, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest."

Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who won player of the match, for his brilliant performance. Kohli said, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well."

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With match-winning figures of 8/106 in the Perth Test, Nathan Lyon is named the Player of the Match. 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/agHLjqKga5">pic.twitter.com/agHLjqKga5</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074878396847382528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was a first win in eight Test matches for Australia. India, who won the opener at Adelaide Oval by 31 runs, have never won a Test series in Australia.

The series continues with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26 before concluding with the fourth Test in Sydney in the New Year.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1. The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1. The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings. Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc finished with 3-46, while spinner Nathan Lyon took 3-39 on a feisty pitch. For India, Ajinkya Rahane made 30 with the bat and Rishabh Pant also 30. 🙌 AUSTRALIA WIN 🙌 The hosts register a convincing 146-run win by bowling India out for 140 early in the morning session on Day 5.#AUSvIND SCORECARD ⬇️ https://t.co/viG01B7TWC pic.twitter.com/siotOPs9LR — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win." Cricket pundits questioned Virat's decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test. India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough." He justified saying, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest." Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who won player of the match, for his brilliant performance. Kohli said, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well." With match-winning figures of 8/106 in the Perth Test, Nathan Lyon is named the Player of the Match. 👏#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/agHLjqKga5 — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × It was a first win in eight Test matches for Australia. India, who won the opener at Adelaide Oval by 31 runs, have never won a Test series in Australia. The series continues with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26 before concluding with the fourth Test in Sydney in the New Year.

Australia thrash India to win Perth Test by 146 runs, level series 1-1

Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral.&nbsp;

A decade on from the ugly incident in the 2008 Sydney Test, where Harbhajan was accused of calling Symonds a "monkey".

However, the Australian said they emotionally called a truce three years later and&nbsp;buried the hatchet while turning up for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-india-the-classic-rivalry-here-are-5-memorable-test-clashes-181903">Australia-India, the classic rivalry: Here are 5 memorable Test clashes</a>

"...He actually broke down crying, and I could just see that was a huge weight off his shoulders, he had to get rid of it. We shook hands and I gave him a hug and said: 'Mate, it's all good. It's dealt with'," Symonds told 'Fox Sports'.&nbsp;

Harbhajan, who at the time denied any wrongdoing, was suspended for three matches. But the ban was overturned after the visiting team, feeling hard-done-by, lodged a protest in what was an all-time low in India-Australia cricket relations.&nbsp;

After Symonds' recent revelation,&nbsp;Harbhajan called him "a good fiction writer".

He tweeted, "I thought he was a very good cricketer but Symonds has turned out to be a good fiction writer - he sold a story then (2008) and he is ‘selling a story’ now (2018)."

He also wrote, "Mate, the world has come of age in these 10 years and it’s time you also grew up."

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I thought he was a very good cricketer but Symonds has turned out to be a good fiction writer - he sold a story then (2008) and he is ‘selling a story’ now (2018). Mate, the world has come of age in these 10 years and it’s time you also grew up
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1074275607561809920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sydney Test 2018 is remembered as one of the most controversial and spiteful Test matches played between the two nations,

It was dubbed the "Monkeygate" affair, marred by wrong umpiring decisions and accusations of poor sportsmanship.

The infamous incident surfaced again when Symonds revealed recently while talking to a sports channel.

He said, "We go to a very wealthy man's place for a barbecue, drinks and dinner one night and the whole team's there and he had guests there, and Harbhajan said 'mate, can I speak to you for a minute out in the garden out the front'.&nbsp;

"He goes, 'look, I've got to say sorry to you for what I did to you in Sydney. I apologise, I hope I didn't cause you, your family, your friends too much harm and I really apologise for what I said, I shouldn't have said it'."&nbsp;

Symonds, who was born in England with one of his parents of West Indian background, has previously recounted how his life went downhill after the incident.&nbsp;

The burly all-rounder, who felt let down by the system, started drinking heavily and in June 2009 his Cricket Australia contract was withdrawn after he was sent home from the World T20 following the latest in a series of alcohol-related indiscretions.&nbsp;

"I suppose this would be the moment where my whole persona to cricket changed," Symonds, who is commentating on India's current tour of Australia, said of 'monkeygate'.&nbsp;

"I didn't realise how powerful one player, one incident, how much money was at stake and the ramifications."

Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral.

Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral. A decade on from the ugly incident in the 2008 Sydney Test, where Harbhajan was accused of calling Symonds a "monkey". However, the Australian said they emotionally called a truce three years later and buried the hatchet while turning up for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Also read: Australia-India, the classic rivalry: Here are 5 memorable Test clashes "...He actually broke down crying, and I could just see that was a huge weight off his shoulders, he had to get rid of it. We shook hands and I gave him a hug and said: 'Mate, it's all good. It's dealt with'," Symonds told 'Fox Sports'. Harbhajan, who at the time denied any wrongdoing, was suspended for three matches. But the ban was overturned after the visiting team, feeling hard-done-by, lodged a protest in what was an all-time low in India-Australia cricket relations. After Symonds' recent revelation, Harbhajan called him "a good fiction writer". He tweeted, "I thought he was a very good cricketer but Symonds has turned out to be a good fiction writer - he sold a story then (2008) and he is ‘selling a story’ now (2018)." He also wrote, "Mate, the world has come of age in these 10 years and it’s time you also grew up." I thought he was a very good cricketer but Symonds has turned out to be a good fiction writer - he sold a story then (2008) and he is ‘selling a story’ now (2018). Mate, the world has come of age in these 10 years and it’s time you also grew up — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 16, 2018 × The Sydney Test 2018 is remembered as one of the most controversial and spiteful Test matches played between the two nations, It was dubbed the "Monkeygate" affair, marred by wrong umpiring decisions and accusations of poor sportsmanship. The infamous incident surfaced again when Symonds revealed recently while talking to a sports channel. He said, "We go to a very wealthy man's place for a barbecue, drinks and dinner one night and the whole team's there and he had guests there, and Harbhajan said 'mate, can I speak to you for a minute out in the garden out the front'. "He goes, 'look, I've got to say sorry to you for what I did to you in Sydney. I apologise, I hope I didn't cause you, your family, your friends too much harm and I really apologise for what I said, I shouldn't have said it'." Symonds, who was born in England with one of his parents of West Indian background, has previously recounted how his life went downhill after the incident. The burly all-rounder, who felt let down by the system, started drinking heavily and in June 2009 his Cricket Australia contract was withdrawn after he was sent home from the World T20 following the latest in a series of alcohol-related indiscretions. "I suppose this would be the moment where my whole persona to cricket changed," Symonds, who is commentating on India's current tour of Australia, said of 'monkeygate'. "I didn't realise how powerful one player, one incident, how much money was at stake and the ramifications."

Harbhajan 'broke down' while 'apologising' for monkeygate: Symonds

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-2nd-test-day-4-india-vs-australia-184637">pivotal day four</a> on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three.

Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger.

Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day.

Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test. There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three. Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger. Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day. Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

India vs Australia: Aaron Finch cleared to bat on crucial fourth day

The stump&nbsp;mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday.

The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-slams-25th-test-century-in-perth-test-184408">25th Test</a> hundred got India to 283 runs but&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-out-or-not-out-debate-over-virat-kohlis-wicket-is-on-184445">caught at second slip</a>&nbsp;after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb.

Virat looked unhappy with the decision and tensions flared-up when Australia started batting in their second innings.

Both the captains,&nbsp;Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, kept exchanging words, which carried on until stumps.

The hosts finished 175 runs ahead on day three.

Virat was heard yelling at Paine,&nbsp;"If he messes it up, it's 2-0."

The chats were picked up by the microphone after he and his teammates made a loud caught-behind appeal for Paine in the final over of the day.&nbsp;

The Australian captain did not hold himself back and replied: "You've got to bat first, **** head".&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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KOHLI : If u mess it up it's 2-0 
 
PAINE : You Got to Bat First D***Head 
 
Verbals from Skippers😂😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bjtx6VTT2B">pic.twitter.com/Bjtx6VTT2B</a>
— karthick shivaraman (@ISkarthi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISkarthi/status/1074292853742829569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts star-spinner Nathan Lyon, however, played down the incident.

"I think Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner that's all. I've played enough cricket against Virat to know what he's like, and I'm not worried about what he's doing or what India's doing," said Lyon.&nbsp;

"Virat is a great player, he plays on emotion, we all know that, and to be honest I'm not too concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself. I'm just worried about what we can control in the Australian dressing room and I thought as bowlers we came out today and performed pretty well," he said.&nbsp;

Lyon said: "The wicket seems like it's starting to play a few more little tricks. We were expecting the cracks to play a little bit more, but with that rain yesterday it probably softened our ball up quite a fair bit. I know as bowlers the ball in cricket terms felt like it had no air left in it, so it lost a little bit of zip off the wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But we were pretty happy with the way we bowled and we know that come the second dig we can bowl much better than that. So we can take a few lessons off that first innings," he added.&nbsp;

The stump mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday. The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his 25th Test hundred got India to 283 runs but caught at second slip after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb.

The stump mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday. The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his 25th Test hundred got India to 283 runs but caught at second slip after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb. Virat looked unhappy with the decision and tensions flared-up when Australia started batting in their second innings. Both the captains, Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, kept exchanging words, which carried on until stumps. The hosts finished 175 runs ahead on day three. Virat was heard yelling at Paine, "If he messes it up, it's 2-0." The chats were picked up by the microphone after he and his teammates made a loud caught-behind appeal for Paine in the final over of the day. The Australian captain did not hold himself back and replied: "You've got to bat first, **** head". Watch the video: KOHLI : If u mess it up it's 2-0 PAINE : You Got to Bat First D***Head Verbals from Skippers😂😂#AUSvIND #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/Bjtx6VTT2B — karthick shivaraman (@ISkarthi) December 16, 2018 × The hosts star-spinner Nathan Lyon, however, played down the incident. "I think Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner that's all. I've played enough cricket against Virat to know what he's like, and I'm not worried about what he's doing or what India's doing," said Lyon. "Virat is a great player, he plays on emotion, we all know that, and to be honest I'm not too concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself. I'm just worried about what we can control in the Australian dressing room and I thought as bowlers we came out today and performed pretty well," he said. Lyon said: "The wicket seems like it's starting to play a few more little tricks. We were expecting the cracks to play a little bit more, but with that rain yesterday it probably softened our ball up quite a fair bit. I know as bowlers the ball in cricket terms felt like it had no air left in it, so it lost a little bit of zip off the wicket. "But we were pretty happy with the way we bowled and we know that come the second dig we can bowl much better than that. So we can take a few lessons off that first innings," he added.

Watch: Stump mic reveals ugly on-pitch chats between Kohli and Paine in Perth Test

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as&nbsp;Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test.&nbsp;

Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja top-scored for Australia with 72, while Aaron Finch (25) was dismissed on the first ball by Shami on the resumption of his innings after retiring hurt on day three.

At lunch on the fourth day, the home side were 190 for four in their second innings, an overall advantage of 233 runs.

But lost quick wickets just after returning from lunch break.

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Six-wicket haul and career-best figures for Mohammed Shami! 👏 
 
He adds the scalp of Lyon to his list to trigger Australia's collapse after lunch. He has 6/41 for now – his best figures. 
 
Australia 207/9, a lead of 250. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> LIVE 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc">https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc</a> <a href="https://t.co/iyo0AyIT2c">pic.twitter.com/iyo0AyIT2c</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074544206499250177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Adelaide.

The scoreboard at the end of Australia's second innings:

Australia 1st innings 326 (M. Harris 70, T. Head 58; Sharma 4-41)

India 1st innings 283 (V Kohli 123, A Rahane 51; Lyon 5-67)

Australia 2nd innings (overnight 132-4)

M. Harris b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20

A. Finch c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25

U. Khawaja c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;72

S. Marsh c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

P. Handscomb lbw Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13

T. Head c Sharma b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19

T. Paine&nbsp;c Kohli b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37

P. Cummins b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

M. Starc b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

J. Hazlewood not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

Extras (b8, lb3, w4) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15

Total (all out, 93.2 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;243

Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Harris), 2-64 (Marsh), 3-85 (Handscomb), 4-120 (Head), 5-192 (Paine), 6-192 (Finch), 7-198 (Khawaja), 8-198 (Cummins), 9-207 (Lyon), 10-243 (Starc)

Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10-39-3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 (2w), Vihari 14-4-31-0

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test. Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally.

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test. Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally. Usman Khawaja top-scored for Australia with 72, while Aaron Finch (25) was dismissed on the first ball by Shami on the resumption of his innings after retiring hurt on day three. At lunch on the fourth day, the home side were 190 for four in their second innings, an overall advantage of 233 runs. But lost quick wickets just after returning from lunch break. Six-wicket haul and career-best figures for Mohammed Shami! 👏 He adds the scalp of Lyon to his list to trigger Australia's collapse after lunch. He has 6/41 for now – his best figures. Australia 207/9, a lead of 250. #AUSvIND LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc pic.twitter.com/iyo0AyIT2c — ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2018 × India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Adelaide. The scoreboard at the end of Australia's second innings: Australia 1st innings 326 (M. Harris 70, T. Head 58; Sharma 4-41) India 1st innings 283 (V Kohli 123, A Rahane 51; Lyon 5-67) Australia 2nd innings (overnight 132-4) M. Harris b Bumrah 20 A. Finch c Pant b Shami 25 U. Khawaja c Pant b Shami 72 S. Marsh c Pant b Shami 5 P. Handscomb lbw Sharma 13 T. Head c Sharma b Shami 19 T. Paine c Kohli b Shami 37 P. Cummins b Bumrah 1 M. Starc b Bumrah 14 N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami 5 J. Hazlewood not out 17 Extras (b8, lb3, w4) 15 Total (all out, 93.2 overs) 243 Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Harris), 2-64 (Marsh), 3-85 (Handscomb), 4-120 (Head), 5-192 (Paine), 6-192 (Finch), 7-198 (Khawaja), 8-198 (Cummins), 9-207 (Lyon), 10-243 (Starc) Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10-39-3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 (2w), Vihari 14-4-31-0

INDvsAUS: Australia all out for 243, India need 287 to win Perth Test

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=babar+azam">Babar Azam</a>, who recently broke <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78.

In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings.

Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4.&nbsp;

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Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Rankings! 
 
Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. 
 
Details ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU">https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU</a> <a href="https://t.co/w7hBdc4BmW">pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1061916495184310275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25.&nbsp;

If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points.

Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.&nbsp;

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday. Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series. For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78. In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings. Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Rankings! Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. Details ⬇️https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW — ICC (@ICC) November 12, 2018 × Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points. Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25. If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points. Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.

ICC T20 Rankings: Bowler Kuldeep Yadav reaches career-best, batsman Babar Azam holds on to No.1 spot

India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength.

For the cricket loving fans in Chennai, they will certainly miss their 'favourite son' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is not a part of the T20 squad.&nbsp;

Having sealed the series with a comprehensive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-t20i-rohits-unbeaten-111-powers-india-to-195-175901">win in the second T20I at Lucknow</a> riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's brilliant ton, the home team would look to give reserve bench players like Shreyas Iyer, MS Washington Sundar and the uncapped Shahbaz Nadeem an opportunity before it embarks on the tour of Australia.

The selectors decided to rest pacemen Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for Sunday's game, allow them to be in the best physical condition ahead of the tour to Australia.&nbsp;

Medium-pacer Siddarth Kaul has been added to the squad.

The pitch at Chepauk has been on the slower side in recent games but the square prepared for Sunday's game is expected to favour the batsmen.&nbsp;

Skipper Rohit was at his best during the Lucknow T20I following up his exploits in the preceding ODI series but the other batsmen haven't made sizeable contributions despite facing an inconsistent West Indies attack.&nbsp;

The captain's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant among others would like to have a few more runs under the belt before the Australia tour.&nbsp;

Local star Dinesh Karthik, whose heroics in the Nidahas Trophy finale in Sri Lanka are still fresh in memory, shone as India chased down a modest target in the first match after a mid-innings wobble and will be eager to shine in front of the home crowd.

With Bumrah and Kuldeep, who have posed a challenge to the visiting batsmen being rested, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the young Khaleel Ahmed will be expected to form the pace attack and provide early wickets.

The spin department may see the return of Yuzvendra Chahal in the absence of Kuldeep while Krunal Pandya will expect to build on an impressive start to his international career.

It remains to be seen if the team management chooses to give Chennai man Washington Sundar a go alongside Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;

The visitors, on the other hand have been at sixes and sevens in the T20s after posing an unexpected challenge to the Indians in the ODIs, especially against the skills of Bumrah and Kuldeep.&nbsp;

The absence of regular openers (Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis) and the decision to tinker with the combination at the top hasn't helped their cause either. Skipper Carlos Brathwaite admitted they had to make do with the resources available and the team will aim to end the series with a consolation win.&nbsp;

Established names like Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin haven't fired and the impressive Shimron Hetmyer pushed up the order hasn't found the going easy to add to the Windies' woes.&nbsp;

Among the bowlers, Oshane Thomas has impressed the most with his pace and ability to take wickets but has lacked support from the others.&nbsp;

Brathwaite, who rose to fame after smashing Ben Stokes for four sixes in the final over of the 2016 ICC World T20 final in Kolkata, will be eager to showcase his abilities and thereby inspire his men, low on morale, to raise their game against a dominant Indian side in the concluding match of the tour to secure a consolation win.

India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength.

India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength. For the cricket loving fans in Chennai, they will certainly miss their 'favourite son' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is not a part of the T20 squad. Having sealed the series with a comprehensive win in the second T20I at Lucknow riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's brilliant ton, the home team would look to give reserve bench players like Shreyas Iyer, MS Washington Sundar and the uncapped Shahbaz Nadeem an opportunity before it embarks on the tour of Australia. The selectors decided to rest pacemen Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for Sunday's game, allow them to be in the best physical condition ahead of the tour to Australia. Medium-pacer Siddarth Kaul has been added to the squad. The pitch at Chepauk has been on the slower side in recent games but the square prepared for Sunday's game is expected to favour the batsmen. Skipper Rohit was at his best during the Lucknow T20I following up his exploits in the preceding ODI series but the other batsmen haven't made sizeable contributions despite facing an inconsistent West Indies attack. The captain's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant among others would like to have a few more runs under the belt before the Australia tour. Local star Dinesh Karthik, whose heroics in the Nidahas Trophy finale in Sri Lanka are still fresh in memory, shone as India chased down a modest target in the first match after a mid-innings wobble and will be eager to shine in front of the home crowd. With Bumrah and Kuldeep, who have posed a challenge to the visiting batsmen being rested, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the young Khaleel Ahmed will be expected to form the pace attack and provide early wickets. The spin department may see the return of Yuzvendra Chahal in the absence of Kuldeep while Krunal Pandya will expect to build on an impressive start to his international career. It remains to be seen if the team management chooses to give Chennai man Washington Sundar a go alongside Shreyas Iyer. The visitors, on the other hand have been at sixes and sevens in the T20s after posing an unexpected challenge to the Indians in the ODIs, especially against the skills of Bumrah and Kuldeep. The absence of regular openers (Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis) and the decision to tinker with the combination at the top hasn't helped their cause either. Skipper Carlos Brathwaite admitted they had to make do with the resources available and the team will aim to end the series with a consolation win. Established names like Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin haven't fired and the impressive Shimron Hetmyer pushed up the order hasn't found the going easy to add to the Windies' woes. Among the bowlers, Oshane Thomas has impressed the most with his pace and ability to take wickets but has lacked support from the others. Brathwaite, who rose to fame after smashing Ben Stokes for four sixes in the final over of the 2016 ICC World T20 final in Kolkata, will be eager to showcase his abilities and thereby inspire his men, low on morale, to raise their game against a dominant Indian side in the concluding match of the tour to secure a consolation win.

IND vs WI, 3rd T20I: India aim clean sweep against West Indies

Fast bowling great Jeff Thomson Friday said India are favourites to "steamroll" Australia in the Test series Down Under due to the absence of the experienced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner.&nbsp;

Thomson, arguably the fastest bowler in Test cricket history, said the Australian batting looks ordinary in the absence of Smith and Warner, who both were handed 12-month bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.&nbsp;

"You (India) have a solid team, a very good fast bowling unit and you should win if you play hard in the upcoming series. There is no reason why you should not steamroll Australia which will be without Smith and Warner. Without these two, the Australian batting line-up is very average," said the 68-year-old Thomson.&nbsp;

He was speaking during a discussion at the Ekamra Sports Literary Festival here on the topic 'The Death of Test Fast Bowler', which the organisers claimed as Asia's first such initiative.&nbsp;

"You see the footwork of the Australians during the series against Pakistan (in the UAE which they lost 0-1). They lack technique, they just want to smack the ball out of the park, which is due to playing too many T20 and ODI matches," said the Australian, who took 200 wickets in 51 Tests between 1973-1985.&nbsp;

India will tour Australia for a four-Test series beginning December 6 at Adelaide.&nbsp;

Thomson said the ball-tampering controversy had embarrassed the Australian sports fraternity but felt the 12-month ban imposed on Smith and Warner was not justified.&nbsp;

"Banning them for such a long period of 12 months is ridiculous. I heard that the ban was to be for six months but one person (the Australian Prime Minister) who has no business in the issue called up and it was changed to 12 months," he said.&nbsp;

Thomson did not give a definitive answer when asked if Virat Kohli is the new Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;

"I feel Virat Kohli is emerging as a great player but he might have played differently in an earlier time. These days, a batsman will not score for two overs and then score a boundary with a stupid shot. At times, not getting out is the mindset of a batsman," he said.&nbsp;

"I think other team members (than Kohli) should play tough cricket like he plays. When he is out, other members should show the fighting spirit. If you score 300-350 you should win (in Australia)," he added.&nbsp;

He said he must have clocked 110 miles/hr in his playing days if the measurement was done similar to the current practice.&nbsp;

"During my time, the speed was measured at the impact of the ball with the bat and now it is done when the ball leaves the hand. I think I must have clocked 175 km/hr in the current measurement system," he said.&nbsp;

"Many a times when I bowled at the WACA, the ball used to bounce past the batsman to hit the side screen."&nbsp;

Asked if he remembers an incident when Sri Lankan Duleep Mendis was offered to lodge police complaint after being hit by his delivery, Thomson said: "I don't know about that but I am happy that I retired without inflicting any serious injury to anybody.&nbsp;

"At that time, there were no helmets, pitches were different and no limitation of bouncers but still no major injury occurred from my bowling."&nbsp;

On the playing conditions nowadays, he said, "It is heavily tilted towards batsmen. The balls are a problem, pitches have changed and have become flat, boundaries are smaller, bats are heavier and miss hits can go to boundaries."&nbsp;

Asked to name the five best batsmen in the world he has bowled to during his career, he mentioned Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Greg Chappell and Barry Richards.&nbsp;

Lara though started playing after his retirement.&nbsp;

"I have not played against Don Bradman and Gary Sobers and so they are not in my choices," he said.

Fast bowling great Jeff Thomson Friday said India are favourites to "steamroll" Australia in the Test series Down Under due to the absence of the experienced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner.

Fast bowling great Jeff Thomson Friday said India are favourites to "steamroll" Australia in the Test series Down Under due to the absence of the experienced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner. Thomson, arguably the fastest bowler in Test cricket history, said the Australian batting looks ordinary in the absence of Smith and Warner, who both were handed 12-month bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. "You (India) have a solid team, a very good fast bowling unit and you should win if you play hard in the upcoming series. There is no reason why you should not steamroll Australia which will be without Smith and Warner. Without these two, the Australian batting line-up is very average," said the 68-year-old Thomson. He was speaking during a discussion at the Ekamra Sports Literary Festival here on the topic 'The Death of Test Fast Bowler', which the organisers claimed as Asia's first such initiative. "You see the footwork of the Australians during the series against Pakistan (in the UAE which they lost 0-1). They lack technique, they just want to smack the ball out of the park, which is due to playing too many T20 and ODI matches," said the Australian, who took 200 wickets in 51 Tests between 1973-1985. India will tour Australia for a four-Test series beginning December 6 at Adelaide. Thomson said the ball-tampering controversy had embarrassed the Australian sports fraternity but felt the 12-month ban imposed on Smith and Warner was not justified. "Banning them for such a long period of 12 months is ridiculous. I heard that the ban was to be for six months but one person (the Australian Prime Minister) who has no business in the issue called up and it was changed to 12 months," he said. Thomson did not give a definitive answer when asked if Virat Kohli is the new Sachin Tendulkar. "I feel Virat Kohli is emerging as a great player but he might have played differently in an earlier time. These days, a batsman will not score for two overs and then score a boundary with a stupid shot. At times, not getting out is the mindset of a batsman," he said. "I think other team members (than Kohli) should play tough cricket like he plays. When he is out, other members should show the fighting spirit. If you score 300-350 you should win (in Australia)," he added. He said he must have clocked 110 miles/hr in his playing days if the measurement was done similar to the current practice. "During my time, the speed was measured at the impact of the ball with the bat and now it is done when the ball leaves the hand. I think I must have clocked 175 km/hr in the current measurement system," he said. "Many a times when I bowled at the WACA, the ball used to bounce past the batsman to hit the side screen." Asked if he remembers an incident when Sri Lankan Duleep Mendis was offered to lodge police complaint after being hit by his delivery, Thomson said: "I don't know about that but I am happy that I retired without inflicting any serious injury to anybody. "At that time, there were no helmets, pitches were different and no limitation of bouncers but still no major injury occurred from my bowling." On the playing conditions nowadays, he said, "It is heavily tilted towards batsmen. The balls are a problem, pitches have changed and have become flat, boundaries are smaller, bats are heavier and miss hits can go to boundaries." Asked to name the five best batsmen in the world he has bowled to during his career, he mentioned Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Greg Chappell and Barry Richards. Lara though started playing after his retirement. "I have not played against Don Bradman and Gary Sobers and so they are not in my choices," he said.

India are favourites against Australian in absence of Steve Smith, David Warner: Jeff Thomson

India will look to find the 'perfect' balance in their playing eleven when they take on a resurgent West Indies in the fourth One-day International here on Monday.&nbsp;

Going with five specialist bowlers in Pune on Saturday did not work for India, who ended up as the losing side for the first time in the home series against the West Indies.

With the series surprisingly tied at 1-1 and two matches to go, Virat Kohli's team finds itself in a must-win situation at the Cricket Club of India (CCI).&nbsp;

Credit must be given to the West Indies, who have not only moved on from a dismal Test series but have given the formidable hosts a run for their money in the one-day format.&nbsp;

As Kohli pointed out after the 43-run loss in the third ODI, the return of Kedar Jadhav from injury will give the team a much-needed depth in both the batting and bowling department.&nbsp;

"You will always drift to one side when you don't have the balance. We have to think about the perfect balance we need," said the skipper after the defeat.

An unstable middle-order and lack of runs from MS Dhoni's bat are another issues facing India, not just for Monday's fixture but also in the long run with 15 games remaining before the World Cup in England next year.&nbsp;

Having lost his place in the T20 team, Dhoni is in desperate need of runs in the limited opportunities that are left ahead of the 50-over showpiece event.

Ambati Rayudu (22) did get a start in Pune but if the right-hander wants to hold on to the number four spot, he will have to keep scoring consistently.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant, who batted at five ahead of Dhoni in the previous game, has been his usual aggressive self but a significant score in his debut ODI series is still awaited.&nbsp;

Amid all the uncertainty, Jadhav's return in the middle-order is more than welcome. His fitness has been a concern in the recent past but he looked good in his first competitive game, played during the Deodhar Trophy, after recovering from a hamstring injury.&nbsp;

Besides his powerful hitting, his off-spin could also come handy. 
Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who have had twin failures, are due for a big partnership.&nbsp;

The biggest positive for the hosts has been the form of skipper Kohli, who struck his third hundred in a row during the third ODI, becoming the first Indian to do so.

While most will back Kohli to get another hundred at the CCI, the skipper would be expecting a much-improved performance from his team.&nbsp;

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah made a stunning comeback, clinching four wickets last night. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, however, conceded runs in the death overs but trust him to bounce back.

The role of both the spinners -- Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav -- will be crucial in restricting the opposition batsmen.

For the West Indies, their biggest asset has been wicket-keeper Shai Hope, who has played two key innings, a 123 in Visakhapatnam followed by a crucial 95 in Pune.

He would be hoping for another big knock tomorrow and so will Shimron Hetmyer, who failed to convert his start in the third game.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old southpaw, who had scores of 106 and 94 before the Pune game, would be the one watch out for again.

Apart from these two star players, Windies would be hoping that the likes of Kieron Powell, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Rovman Powell fire in the crucial contest.

The experienced Marlon Samuels shone with the ball last night with three wickets but his bat has not done the talking so far. Skipper Jason Holder would also be itching to make a match-winning contribution.

The bowlers would have taken confidence from bundling out India in Pune. Pacer Obed McCoy and off-spinner Ashley Nurse will be high on confidence as the West Indies aim to take the series lead.

With the encounter on Monday, international cricket returns to the CCI, which last hosted a Test in 2009 and an ODI back in 2006. 
&nbsp;

India will look to find the 'perfect' balance in their playing eleven when they take on a resurgent West Indies in the fourth One-day International here on Monday.

India will look to find the 'perfect' balance in their playing eleven when they take on a resurgent West Indies in the fourth One-day International here on Monday. Going with five specialist bowlers in Pune on Saturday did not work for India, who ended up as the losing side for the first time in the home series against the West Indies. With the series surprisingly tied at 1-1 and two matches to go, Virat Kohli's team finds itself in a must-win situation at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Credit must be given to the West Indies, who have not only moved on from a dismal Test series but have given the formidable hosts a run for their money in the one-day format. As Kohli pointed out after the 43-run loss in the third ODI, the return of Kedar Jadhav from injury will give the team a much-needed depth in both the batting and bowling department. "You will always drift to one side when you don't have the balance. We have to think about the perfect balance we need," said the skipper after the defeat. An unstable middle-order and lack of runs from MS Dhoni's bat are another issues facing India, not just for Monday's fixture but also in the long run with 15 games remaining before the World Cup in England next year. Having lost his place in the T20 team, Dhoni is in desperate need of runs in the limited opportunities that are left ahead of the 50-over showpiece event. Ambati Rayudu (22) did get a start in Pune but if the right-hander wants to hold on to the number four spot, he will have to keep scoring consistently. Rishabh Pant, who batted at five ahead of Dhoni in the previous game, has been his usual aggressive self but a significant score in his debut ODI series is still awaited. Amid all the uncertainty, Jadhav's return in the middle-order is more than welcome. His fitness has been a concern in the recent past but he looked good in his first competitive game, played during the Deodhar Trophy, after recovering from a hamstring injury. Besides his powerful hitting, his off-spin could also come handy. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who have had twin failures, are due for a big partnership. The biggest positive for the hosts has been the form of skipper Kohli, who struck his third hundred in a row during the third ODI, becoming the first Indian to do so. While most will back Kohli to get another hundred at the CCI, the skipper would be expecting a much-improved performance from his team. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah made a stunning comeback, clinching four wickets last night. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, however, conceded runs in the death overs but trust him to bounce back. The role of both the spinners -- Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav -- will be crucial in restricting the opposition batsmen. For the West Indies, their biggest asset has been wicket-keeper Shai Hope, who has played two key innings, a 123 in Visakhapatnam followed by a crucial 95 in Pune. He would be hoping for another big knock tomorrow and so will Shimron Hetmyer, who failed to convert his start in the third game. The 21-year-old southpaw, who had scores of 106 and 94 before the Pune game, would be the one watch out for again. Apart from these two star players, Windies would be hoping that the likes of Kieron Powell, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Rovman Powell fire in the crucial contest. The experienced Marlon Samuels shone with the ball last night with three wickets but his bat has not done the talking so far. Skipper Jason Holder would also be itching to make a match-winning contribution. The bowlers would have taken confidence from bundling out India in Pune. Pacer Obed McCoy and off-spinner Ashley Nurse will be high on confidence as the West Indies aim to take the series lead. With the encounter on Monday, international cricket returns to the CCI, which last hosted a Test in 2009 and an ODI back in 2006.

IND vs WI, 4th ODI: India seek 'perfect' balance against determined West Indies

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies in the fourth one-day clash at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on Monday.

West Indies registered a stunning 43-run win in the third ODI to level the series 1-1.

After winning the toss, Kohli said, "They (Windies) play fearless cricket, we are not taking anything lightly."

He also added, "Considering all the factors, giving our bowlers the best time to bowl was also the decision behind to bat first. We have known from game one."

Windies captain Jason Holder said, "We are just looking forward to the game today. This is an important game."

For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been included at the place of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kedar Jadhav is back replacing Rishabh Pant.

For Windies, Keemo Paul has been added to the squad and at the place of Obed McCoy.

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Toss won. We will bat first 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/GQQAxDV5WX">pic.twitter.com/GQQAxDV5WX</a>
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Playing XI

West Indies: Kieran Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Keemo Paul

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies in the fourth one-day clash at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on Monday. West Indies registered a stunning 43-run win in the third ODI to level the series 1-1.

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies in the fourth one-day clash at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on Monday. West Indies registered a stunning 43-run win in the third ODI to level the series 1-1. After winning the toss, Kohli said, "They (Windies) play fearless cricket, we are not taking anything lightly." He also added, "Considering all the factors, giving our bowlers the best time to bowl was also the decision behind to bat first. We have known from game one." Windies captain Jason Holder said, "We are just looking forward to the game today. This is an important game." For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been included at the place of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kedar Jadhav is back replacing Rishabh Pant. For Windies, Keemo Paul has been added to the squad and at the place of Obed McCoy. Toss won. We will bat first 💪#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/GQQAxDV5WX — BCCI (@BCCI) October 29, 2018 × Playing XI West Indies: Kieran Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Keemo Paul India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah

IND vs WI, 4th ODI: Virat Kohli wins toss, chooses to bat against West Indies

West Indies restricted India at 240 to win the third one-day match of a five-match&nbsp;series by 43 runs on Saturday at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

While chasing the 283-run target, India kept losing wickets and the lower batting order failed again to perform.

India's skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-first-indian-batsman-to-score-3-consecutive-centuries-173880">Virat Kohli</a>, who top-scored with 107, slammed the 38th&nbsp;century of his ODI career but apart from him none other batsman&nbsp;proved any significance.

Part-time spinner Marlon Samuels claimed three wickets while skipper Jason Holder, fellow paceman Obed McCoy and spinner Ashley Nurse took two each.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan opened India's innings but Rohit lost his wicket in the second over itself.

Ashley Nurse got another breakthrough when he took Shikhar Dhawan's wicket at 35.

Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant lost their wickets after scoring 22 and 24 runs respectively.

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What a win for <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@windiescricket</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/MarlonSamuels7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarlonSamuels7</a> finishes off the job, taking a third wicket to bowl India out for 240. 
 
Windies win by 43 runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> 3rd ODI REACTION ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/zMzPdFrPWN">https://t.co/zMzPdFrPWN</a> <a href="https://t.co/XnKx1lGRk4">pic.twitter.com/XnKx1lGRk4</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1056213501440638981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, batsman Shai Hope, who top-scored with 95, and bowler Ashley Nurse made crucial contributions as West Indies reached 283 for nine.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhonis-superman-like-catch-to-dismiss-chandrapaul-hemraj-in-3rd-odi-against-west-indies-173815">Watch: MS Dhoni's superman-like catch to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj in 3rd ODI against West Indies</a>

Hope hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 113-ball knock to give West Indies a fighting total.&nbsp;

Number-nine batsman Ashley Nurse also smashed a crucial 40 off 22 balls.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed four wickets to return impressive figures of 4-35.

The fourth ODI is scheduled on Monday at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.

West Indies restricted India at 240 to win the third one-day match of a five-match series by 43 runs on Saturday at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

West Indies restricted India at 240 to win the third one-day match of a five-match series by 43 runs on Saturday at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. While chasing the 283-run target, India kept losing wickets and the lower batting order failed again to perform. India's skipper Virat Kohli, who top-scored with 107, slammed the 38th century of his ODI career but apart from him none other batsman proved any significance. Part-time spinner Marlon Samuels claimed three wickets while skipper Jason Holder, fellow paceman Obed McCoy and spinner Ashley Nurse took two each. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan opened India's innings but Rohit lost his wicket in the second over itself. Ashley Nurse got another breakthrough when he took Shikhar Dhawan's wicket at 35. Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant lost their wickets after scoring 22 and 24 runs respectively. What a win for @windiescricket!@MarlonSamuels7 finishes off the job, taking a third wicket to bowl India out for 240. Windies win by 43 runs! #INDvWI 3rd ODI REACTION ⬇️https://t.co/zMzPdFrPWN pic.twitter.com/XnKx1lGRk4 — ICC (@ICC) October 27, 2018 × Earlier, batsman Shai Hope, who top-scored with 95, and bowler Ashley Nurse made crucial contributions as West Indies reached 283 for nine. Watch: MS Dhoni's superman-like catch to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj in 3rd ODI against West Indies Hope hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 113-ball knock to give West Indies a fighting total. Number-nine batsman Ashley Nurse also smashed a crucial 40 off 22 balls. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed four wickets to return impressive figures of 4-35. The fourth ODI is scheduled on Monday at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.

IND vs WI, 3rd ODI: Despite Virat Kohli's century, West Indies beat India by 43 runs

West Indies set 283-run target for team India&nbsp;in the third one-day of a five-match series&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

Batsman Shai Hope top-scored with 95 as West Indies reached 283 for nine in the third one-day international against India in Pune on Saturday.

Hope hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 113-ball knock to give West Indies a fighting total. Number-nine batsman Ashley Nurse also smashed a crucial 40 off 22 balls.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed four wickets to return impressive figures of 4-35.

After Jason Holder departure as the sixth wicket, West Indies were in a vulnerable position.&nbsp;

Shai Hope, however, tried to push the run rate to put a decent target for team India but lost his wicket after scoring 95 runs. His innings included six fours and three sixes.

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An explosive end to the innings propels <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@windiescricket</a> to 283/9 from their 50 overs. 
 
Shai Hope top-scored with 95 while Ashley Nurse smashed 40 off 22 balls. <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> took four wickets on his return to the team.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> 3rd ODI live ⬇️ 
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India have included pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar while Mohammed Shami has been dropped.

After winning the toss, skipper Kohli said, "We want the guys who will be part of the World Cup to play as much as possible."

"We will try to restrict Windies to a decent total and chase it down."

Windies's skipper Jason Holder said, "India are an excellent side and we have to perform well in all three departments to compete against them."

Devendra Bishoo has been dropped and Fabian Allen will make his debut.

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Fabian Allen makes his WINDIES ODI debut today. 
Devendra Bishoo is out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WindiesCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WindiesCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsOurGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItsOurGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/yYkPFn2dst">pic.twitter.com/yYkPFn2dst</a>
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India bring in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah as they opt to field first in the third ODI. Fabian Allen makes his debut for the Windies.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> LIVE BLOG 👇<a href="https://t.co/zMzPdFJqOl">https://t.co/zMzPdFJqOl</a> <a href="https://t.co/4abi0oDIxZ">pic.twitter.com/4abi0oDIxZ</a>
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Playing XI:

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Rishabh Pant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal.

West Indies: Kieran Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Obed McCoy. 
&nbsp;

West Indies set 283-run target for team India in the third one-day of a five-match series on Saturday. Batsman Shai Hope top-scored with 95 as West Indies reached 283 for nine in the third one-day international against India in Pune on Saturday.

West Indies set 283-run target for team India in the third one-day of a five-match series on Saturday. Batsman Shai Hope top-scored with 95 as West Indies reached 283 for nine in the third one-day international against India in Pune on Saturday. Hope hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 113-ball knock to give West Indies a fighting total. Number-nine batsman Ashley Nurse also smashed a crucial 40 off 22 balls. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed four wickets to return impressive figures of 4-35. After Jason Holder departure as the sixth wicket, West Indies were in a vulnerable position. Shai Hope, however, tried to push the run rate to put a decent target for team India but lost his wicket after scoring 95 runs. His innings included six fours and three sixes. An explosive end to the innings propels @windiescricket to 283/9 from their 50 overs. Shai Hope top-scored with 95 while Ashley Nurse smashed 40 off 22 balls. @Jaspritbumrah93 took four wickets on his return to the team.#INDvWI 3rd ODI live ⬇️ https://t.co/zMzPdFrPWN pic.twitter.com/7ro9HNYrw4 — ICC (@ICC) October 27, 2018 × India have included pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar while Mohammed Shami has been dropped. After winning the toss, skipper Kohli said, "We want the guys who will be part of the World Cup to play as much as possible." "We will try to restrict Windies to a decent total and chase it down." Windies's skipper Jason Holder said, "India are an excellent side and we have to perform well in all three departments to compete against them." Devendra Bishoo has been dropped and Fabian Allen will make his debut. Fabian Allen makes his WINDIES ODI debut today. Devendra Bishoo is out. #WindiesCricket #ItsOurGame pic.twitter.com/yYkPFn2dst — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) October 27, 2018 × India bring in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah as they opt to field first in the third ODI. Fabian Allen makes his debut for the Windies.#INDvWI LIVE BLOG 👇https://t.co/zMzPdFJqOl pic.twitter.com/4abi0oDIxZ — ICC (@ICC) October 27, 2018 × Playing XI: India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Rishabh Pant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal. West Indies: Kieran Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Obed McCoy.

IND vs WI, 3rd ODI: West Indies are 283-9 after 50 overs

India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-3rd-odi-virat-kohli-opts-to-bowl-against-west-indies-173797">third one-day</a> of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday.

The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding&nbsp;to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21.

Hemraj edged Jasprit Bumrah's fair delivery that went up high in the air and was about to land in front of&nbsp;fine leg where no fielder was present.

MS Dhoni ran towards it, made a full stretched dive and landed horizontally on the ground to take the stunning catch.

Though on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire to check whether the catch was clean or not.

But a&nbsp;red light on the big screen signalled&nbsp;that&nbsp;it is difficult to doubt Dhoni's fitness and fielding skills.

The crowd at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium applauded the superman-like catch&nbsp;with 'Dhoni, Dhoni' chants.

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Did you see superman Mahi take the catch?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> haters can go eat crow! 
😍💙🏏🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/IOt7UZ7w0E">pic.twitter.com/IOt7UZ7w0E</a>
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Dhoni what a catch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/3EX1QOhUOM">pic.twitter.com/3EX1QOhUOM</a>
— Santoz (@s_a_n_t_o_z) <a href="https://twitter.com/s_a_n_t_o_z/status/1056102042584805376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for the home series against the West Indies and the crucial away assignment against Australia, signaling a possible end to his run in the shortest format.

The committee said that Dhoni, the 2007 World T20-winning skipper, has been "rested" and India is now looking to fill in the second wicketkeeper's slot.&nbsp;

But when asked if Dhoni's career in T20s is over, Prasad said, "Not yet".

"We want to try out other keepers for the second keeper's slot," said Prasad.

India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch in the third one-day of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday. The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21.

India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch in the third one-day of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday. The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21. Hemraj edged Jasprit Bumrah's fair delivery that went up high in the air and was about to land in front of fine leg where no fielder was present. MS Dhoni ran towards it, made a full stretched dive and landed horizontally on the ground to take the stunning catch. Though on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire to check whether the catch was clean or not. But a red light on the big screen signalled that it is difficult to doubt Dhoni's fitness and fielding skills. The crowd at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium applauded the superman-like catch with 'Dhoni, Dhoni' chants. Did you see superman Mahi take the catch?#Dhoni haters can go eat crow! 😍💙🏏🇮🇳#INDvsWI #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/IOt7UZ7w0E — Arnaz Bisney (@ArnazBisney) October 27, 2018 × Dhoni what a catch #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/3EX1QOhUOM — Santoz (@s_a_n_t_o_z) October 27, 2018 × Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for the home series against the West Indies and the crucial away assignment against Australia, signaling a possible end to his run in the shortest format. The committee said that Dhoni, the 2007 World T20-winning skipper, has been "rested" and India is now looking to fill in the second wicketkeeper's slot. But when asked if Dhoni's career in T20s is over, Prasad said, "Not yet". "We want to try out other keepers for the second keeper's slot," said Prasad.

Watch: MS Dhoni's superman-like catch to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj in 3rd ODI against West Indies

Equipped with a top-order that is riding an unprecedented run of rich form, India are favoured to extend their dominance while West Indies face insurmountable odds to draw parity, in the second One-day International here Wednesday.

It has been a mismatch of gigantic proportions so far and it looks highly unlikely that West Indies would have much of a chance against the well-oiled machine that India seem to be at home.

If captain Virat Kohli adds another 81 runs to his awe-inspiring tally, he will become the fastest man to 10,000 runs in this format, surpassing the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;

The possibility of this record being broken has added to the excitement of the port city's frenzied fans.&nbsp;

Tendulkar took 259 innings to get there and Kohli has so far batted 204 times.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the Indian bowlers' profligate display, albeit on a belter, the home team made easy work of what looked like a stiff 323-run target in the series opener, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match rubber.

In Guwahati, India unleashed their batting might as Kohli and opener Rohit Sharma, arguably the two best batsmen in the 50-over game at the moment, smashed big hundreds in quick time.

Finishing the game with eight overs to spare was a statement of sorts and another blow to the West Indies' morale.

However, despite the convincing margin of victory, India will be better off with a bit of frugality from their bowlers at the Dr. YS&nbsp;Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Besides, India are unlikely to get enough opportunities to test their middle-order against this West Indies attack, what with the home team's top three batsmen in the mood to plunder runs.

But the lack of enough game-time for their middle-order may not hold India in good stead in the run-up to the World Cup.

As far as the upcoming match is concerned, Kohli knows his team is thin in the bowling department, and West Indies made full use of the weakness, though the visiting team's attack too, was taken to the task under lights.

In the absence of 'death overs specialist' Jasprit Bumrah and the reliable Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian seamers were not up to the mark at the Barsapara Stadium.

Also, Ravindra Jadeja did not look threatening in the middle overs and this allowed West Indies batsmen to keep going for their strokes.

After making a fine comeback in ODIs against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, Jadeja has not been able to be as penetrative in the remaining matches.

He leaked runs in the first game of the ongoing series, but considering his all-round abilities, he is expected to get a longer run.

Mohammad Shami was wayward and was taken for plenty of runs -- 81 to be precise -- in his quota of 10 overs. Given the lack of options at his disposal at the moment though, Kohli could continue with the seamer.

Fresh from a 10-wicket outing in the second Test, Umesh Yadav could not replicate his red ball form, conceding too many runs.

More than his bowling figures, what was disturbing was the fact that the speedster lacked direction, something that has troubled him in the past as well.

With less than a year left for the World Cup and the team management eager to form a pool of fast bowlers for the showpiece in England, Umesh is also likely to get an extended run.

India could still ring in a change or two, though.

Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who was not played in the opening game and which had a bearing on the middle overs, is likely to replace Khaleel Ahmed, who looked out of sorts against the marauding Shimron Hetmyer, who struck a blazing 78-ball 106.

Hetmyer's knock was one of the few positives for the beleaguered visitors, apart from the brisk start provided by Kieran Powell. While the two showed up, West Indies would hope others too, would make substantial contributions in the remainder of the series.

The seasoned Marlon Samuels is part of the squad but he perished quickly in the first match. He would look to make up for his failure, just like India's Shikhar Dhawan.

Dhawan was in prolific form in India's triumphant Asia Cup campaign and he is expected to fire anytime soon. The last time he batted here, against Sri Lanka in December 2017, Dhawan compiled a match-winning century.

Rishabh Pant, who has already made his presence felt in his brief international career, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, only add to the West Indians' worry.&nbsp;

For West Indies, pace spearhead Kemar Roach is back after missing the Test series due to bereavement in the family, but he could not inspire the team first up.

Roach will get another opportunity on Wednesday, and so will the likes of Devendra Bishoo, and skipper Jason Holder himself.

Equipped with a top-order that is riding an unprecedented run of rich form, India are favoured to extend their dominance while West Indies face insurmountable odds to draw parity, in the second One-day International here Wednesday.

Equipped with a top-order that is riding an unprecedented run of rich form, India are favoured to extend their dominance while West Indies face insurmountable odds to draw parity, in the second One-day International here Wednesday. It has been a mismatch of gigantic proportions so far and it looks highly unlikely that West Indies would have much of a chance against the well-oiled machine that India seem to be at home. If captain Virat Kohli adds another 81 runs to his awe-inspiring tally, he will become the fastest man to 10,000 runs in this format, surpassing the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. The possibility of this record being broken has added to the excitement of the port city's frenzied fans. Tendulkar took 259 innings to get there and Kohli has so far batted 204 times. Notwithstanding the Indian bowlers' profligate display, albeit on a belter, the home team made easy work of what looked like a stiff 323-run target in the series opener, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match rubber. In Guwahati, India unleashed their batting might as Kohli and opener Rohit Sharma, arguably the two best batsmen in the 50-over game at the moment, smashed big hundreds in quick time. Finishing the game with eight overs to spare was a statement of sorts and another blow to the West Indies' morale. However, despite the convincing margin of victory, India will be better off with a bit of frugality from their bowlers at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Besides, India are unlikely to get enough opportunities to test their middle-order against this West Indies attack, what with the home team's top three batsmen in the mood to plunder runs. But the lack of enough game-time for their middle-order may not hold India in good stead in the run-up to the World Cup. As far as the upcoming match is concerned, Kohli knows his team is thin in the bowling department, and West Indies made full use of the weakness, though the visiting team's attack too, was taken to the task under lights. In the absence of 'death overs specialist' Jasprit Bumrah and the reliable Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian seamers were not up to the mark at the Barsapara Stadium. Also, Ravindra Jadeja did not look threatening in the middle overs and this allowed West Indies batsmen to keep going for their strokes. After making a fine comeback in ODIs against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, Jadeja has not been able to be as penetrative in the remaining matches. He leaked runs in the first game of the ongoing series, but considering his all-round abilities, he is expected to get a longer run. Mohammad Shami was wayward and was taken for plenty of runs -- 81 to be precise -- in his quota of 10 overs. Given the lack of options at his disposal at the moment though, Kohli could continue with the seamer. Fresh from a 10-wicket outing in the second Test, Umesh Yadav could not replicate his red ball form, conceding too many runs. More than his bowling figures, what was disturbing was the fact that the speedster lacked direction, something that has troubled him in the past as well. With less than a year left for the World Cup and the team management eager to form a pool of fast bowlers for the showpiece in England, Umesh is also likely to get an extended run. India could still ring in a change or two, though. Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who was not played in the opening game and which had a bearing on the middle overs, is likely to replace Khaleel Ahmed, who looked out of sorts against the marauding Shimron Hetmyer, who struck a blazing 78-ball 106. Hetmyer's knock was one of the few positives for the beleaguered visitors, apart from the brisk start provided by Kieran Powell. While the two showed up, West Indies would hope others too, would make substantial contributions in the remainder of the series. The seasoned Marlon Samuels is part of the squad but he perished quickly in the first match. He would look to make up for his failure, just like India's Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan was in prolific form in India's triumphant Asia Cup campaign and he is expected to fire anytime soon. The last time he batted here, against Sri Lanka in December 2017, Dhawan compiled a match-winning century. Rishabh Pant, who has already made his presence felt in his brief international career, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, only add to the West Indians' worry. For West Indies, pace spearhead Kemar Roach is back after missing the Test series due to bereavement in the family, but he could not inspire the team first up. Roach will get another opportunity on Wednesday, and so will the likes of Devendra Bishoo, and skipper Jason Holder himself.

Ind vs Windies: Favourites India look to consolidate lead against Jason Holder's side

Virat Kohli will look to solve the middle order problem ahead of ICC World Cup 2019 that team India has been facing from quite sometime.

Kohli said if batsman Ambati Rayudu cements his place at the crucial number four then the middle order problem will be solved.

"The only position we were trying to figure out was number four for a long time. We tried many players who unfortunately could not capitalise or cement their places in a way we wanted," Kohli said ahead of the first one-dayer against the West Indies.

"With Rayudu coming in and playing well in the Asia Cup, it's about giving him enough game time till the World Cup so that the particular slot will be sorted for us," he added.&nbsp;

"The team felt there -&nbsp;and I also watched him - that he (Rayudu) is designed to play that middle order batsman's role. We feel that our middle-order is more or less balanced now," Kohli said.

Rayudu impressed the selectors during Indian Premier League 2018 where he scored a total of 602 runs at an average of 43.00 and a strike-rate of 149.75.

After his spectacular performance during the IPL, he had earned a national call-up for the ODI series for the England tour but was dropped after failing the 'Yo-Yo' test.

But in the absence of captain Kohli in the recently concluded Asia Cup, Rayudu amassed 175 runs, averaging 43.75 from six innings.

"We believe he is the right person to capitalise on that spot. He is experienced and has won many games for his state and also in the IPL. He has a great ODI record already for India. I think the batting order is sorted."&nbsp;

India will play around 18-odd ODIs before the World Cup, including the five-match series against the West Indies.

"Now these 18 games would be to find the perfect combination that we want to take into the World Cup," Kohli said.

&nbsp;"Barring injuries or niggles, we want one combination to play through and through. Apart from bowlers resting here and there in the ODIs, we only changed the No. 4 slot because we wanted someone to cement the place," Kohli reasoned.&nbsp;

Kohli talked about the importance of a depth in the batting order. He said, "Batting order is always ready, especially after four. The guys below four are always flexible in terms of the situation. You want the best thing for the team. Being flexible is very important."&nbsp;

"There's no rocket science to it. In T20 cricket, you do that all the time. You are flexible in what you want to do as a batting order.

Virat Kohli will look to solve the middle order problem ahead of ICC World Cup 2019 that team India has been facing from quite sometime. Kohli said if batsman Ambati Rayudu cements his place at the crucial number four then the middle order problem will be solved.

Virat Kohli will look to solve the middle order problem ahead of ICC World Cup 2019 that team India has been facing from quite sometime. Kohli said if batsman Ambati Rayudu cements his place at the crucial number four then the middle order problem will be solved. "The only position we were trying to figure out was number four for a long time. We tried many players who unfortunately could not capitalise or cement their places in a way we wanted," Kohli said ahead of the first one-dayer against the West Indies. "With Rayudu coming in and playing well in the Asia Cup, it's about giving him enough game time till the World Cup so that the particular slot will be sorted for us," he added. "The team felt there - and I also watched him - that he (Rayudu) is designed to play that middle order batsman's role. We feel that our middle-order is more or less balanced now," Kohli said. Rayudu impressed the selectors during Indian Premier League 2018 where he scored a total of 602 runs at an average of 43.00 and a strike-rate of 149.75. After his spectacular performance during the IPL, he had earned a national call-up for the ODI series for the England tour but was dropped after failing the 'Yo-Yo' test. But in the absence of captain Kohli in the recently concluded Asia Cup, Rayudu amassed 175 runs, averaging 43.75 from six innings. "We believe he is the right person to capitalise on that spot. He is experienced and has won many games for his state and also in the IPL. He has a great ODI record already for India. I think the batting order is sorted." India will play around 18-odd ODIs before the World Cup, including the five-match series against the West Indies. "Now these 18 games would be to find the perfect combination that we want to take into the World Cup," Kohli said. "Barring injuries or niggles, we want one combination to play through and through. Apart from bowlers resting here and there in the ODIs, we only changed the No. 4 slot because we wanted someone to cement the place," Kohli reasoned. Kohli talked about the importance of a depth in the batting order. He said, "Batting order is always ready, especially after four. The guys below four are always flexible in terms of the situation. You want the best thing for the team. Being flexible is very important." "There's no rocket science to it. In T20 cricket, you do that all the time. You are flexible in what you want to do as a batting order.

Virat Kohli looking to solve India's middle order puzzle with Ambati Rayudu

Rishabh Pant is all set to make his One-Day International debut as he has been named&nbsp;in the 12-man squad for the series opener announced by the BCCI today.

The 21-year-old will make his debut against West Indies in the first ODI of five-match series in Guwahati on October 21.

The ODIs will be played in Guwahati (October 21), Indore (October 24), Pune (October 27), Mumbai (October 29) and Thiruvananthapuram (November 1).&nbsp;

He has added as a&nbsp;batsman to fill number five spot with MS Dhoni playing as the wicket-keeper.

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Announcement: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> announce the 12 for the 1st ODI in Guwahati against West Indies <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/j32SXgSFTT">pic.twitter.com/j32SXgSFTT</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1053540002888593408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pant took to Twitter to reveal his excitement, he wrote, "Always ready to give my 100 per cent on a cricket field. Cannot wait to take on the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday!."

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Always ready to give my 100 per cent on a cricket field. Cannot wait to take on the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsWestIndies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsWestIndies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/comingup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#comingup</a> <a href="https://t.co/cTyXnLEGuj">pic.twitter.com/cTyXnLEGuj</a>
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabPant777/status/1053287097375821824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the previous two months, Pant has played some impressive innings which why he has been given this chance.

KL Rahul is not included in the squad.

In bowling unit, three spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, are there.

Also, three pacers, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Khaleel Ahmed, have been selected for the upcoming ODI series against Werst Inmdies.

India's 12-man shortlist: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed

Rishabh Pant is all set to make his One-Day International debut as he has been named in the 12-man squad for the series opener announced by the BCCI today. The 21-year-old will make his debut against West Indies in the first ODI of five-match series in Guwahati on October 21.

Rishabh Pant is all set to make his One-Day International debut as he has been named in the 12-man squad for the series opener announced by the BCCI today. The 21-year-old will make his debut against West Indies in the first ODI of five-match series in Guwahati on October 21. The ODIs will be played in Guwahati (October 21), Indore (October 24), Pune (October 27), Mumbai (October 29) and Thiruvananthapuram (November 1). He has added as a batsman to fill number five spot with MS Dhoni playing as the wicket-keeper. Announcement: #TeamIndia announce the 12 for the 1st ODI in Guwahati against West Indies #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/j32SXgSFTT — BCCI (@BCCI) October 20, 2018 × Pant took to Twitter to reveal his excitement, he wrote, "Always ready to give my 100 per cent on a cricket field. Cannot wait to take on the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday!." Always ready to give my 100 per cent on a cricket field. Cannot wait to take on the West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday! #IndiaVsWestIndies #comingup pic.twitter.com/cTyXnLEGuj — Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) October 19, 2018 × In the previous two months, Pant has played some impressive innings which why he has been given this chance. KL Rahul is not included in the squad. In bowling unit, three spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, are there. Also, three pacers, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Khaleel Ahmed, have been selected for the upcoming ODI series against Werst Inmdies. India's 12-man shortlist: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed

Rishabh Pant set for ODI debut against West Indies in Guwahati

Mumbai registered an easy nine-wicket win over Bihar in a lopsided affair in the quarter-finals to make it to the semis at the Just Cricket Academy Ground in Bengaluru in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 quarter-final.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the match became more interesting when a male fan invaded the pitch and hugged Rohit Sharma.

The fan attempted to touch Rohit's feet and also kissed him through the helmet.

The incident happened before the beginning of the 11th over when Mumbai needed 19 runs to win the match.

An overenthusiastic male fan ran onto the pitch and touched Rohit's feet. He then hugged and even kissed him.

Watch the video:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/Ateet_Sharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ateet_Sharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/manoj_dimri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manoj_dimri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vikrantgupta73?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vikrantgupta73</a> Rohit Sharma Fan In Vijay Hazare trophy <a href="https://t.co/GGv6ehPvWb">pic.twitter.com/GGv6ehPvWb</a>
— Abhinav Rai (@Abhinav9560) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav9560/status/1051753894056001536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rohit's wife Ritika Sajdeh took the incident sportingly and shared the newspaper clipping as her Instagram story and tagged spinner Yuzvendra Chahal saying, "You and I both have competitions."

 
<img alt="Ritika Sajdeh shared the newspaper clipping as her Instagram story and tagged Chahal saying, &quot;You and I both have competitions.&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfb513be-33ad-4f4f-ac03-a9cfb8a0d23a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rohit.jpg" />

Recently, India's skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">Virat Kohli encountered a similar incident</a> when a male fan breached security to meet him at the Hyderabad cricket ground during the recently concluded second Test between India and West Indies.

The fan managed to get the selfie. He did not get the kiss — security managed to stop him (and Virat pulled back) before he could plant a kiss on Virat's cheek.

Formidable Mumbai got a major boost for the crucial semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament with the availability of three top players, two of whom missed the whole or part of the league phase.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma, teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw and seasoned batsman Ajinkya Rahane are the three batsmen who will turn out for Mumbai in the semis.

Mumbai's chief selector and former India pacer Ajit Agarkar confirmed that all the three players were available to play in the semis.

The semi-finals of the national One-Day International (ODI) tournament will be played on October 17 and 18.

Mumbai registered an easy nine-wicket win over Bihar in a lopsided affair in the quarter-finals to make it to the semis at the Just Cricket Academy Ground in Bengaluru in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 quarter-final.

Mumbai registered an easy nine-wicket win over Bihar in a lopsided affair in the quarter-finals to make it to the semis at the Just Cricket Academy Ground in Bengaluru in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 quarter-final. While the match became more interesting when a male fan invaded the pitch and hugged Rohit Sharma. The fan attempted to touch Rohit's feet and also kissed him through the helmet. The incident happened before the beginning of the 11th over when Mumbai needed 19 runs to win the match. An overenthusiastic male fan ran onto the pitch and touched Rohit's feet. He then hugged and even kissed him. Watch the video: @Ateet_Sharma @manoj_dimri @vikrantgupta73 Rohit Sharma Fan In Vijay Hazare trophy pic.twitter.com/GGv6ehPvWb — Abhinav Rai (@Abhinav9560) October 15, 2018 × Rohit's wife Ritika Sajdeh took the incident sportingly and shared the newspaper clipping as her Instagram story and tagged spinner Yuzvendra Chahal saying, "You and I both have competitions." Recently, India's skipper Virat Kohli encountered a similar incident when a male fan breached security to meet him at the Hyderabad cricket ground during the recently concluded second Test between India and West Indies. The fan managed to get the selfie. He did not get the kiss — security managed to stop him (and Virat pulled back) before he could plant a kiss on Virat's cheek. Formidable Mumbai got a major boost for the crucial semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament with the availability of three top players, two of whom missed the whole or part of the league phase. Rohit Sharma, teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw and seasoned batsman Ajinkya Rahane are the three batsmen who will turn out for Mumbai in the semis. Mumbai's chief selector and former India pacer Ajit Agarkar confirmed that all the three players were available to play in the semis. The semi-finals of the national One-Day International (ODI) tournament will be played on October 17 and 18.

Watch: Fan invades pitch & kisses Rohit Sharma, wife's reaction is epic

A lot of things were not going in the favour of West Indies team in the two-match Test series against India, having lost the first Test by an innings, the team has finally got a reason to celebrate on the second day of final Test on Saturday.

All-rounder Roston Lamar Chase, who completed his fourth international century, has given a hope of setting a challenging total as they battle to level their Test series against India.

Chase scored 106 off 189 and his knock included eight fours and one six.

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ROSTON CHASE 💯 
 
The batsman leads the Windies attack from the front, bringing up his fourth Test hundred! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> LIVE ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv">https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv</a> <a href="https://t.co/xWGYBl4qQB">pic.twitter.com/xWGYBl4qQB</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1050961452402540544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 26-year-old is a Barbadian cricketer who also plays for&nbsp;Barbadian national side in domestic.

The way Chase kept his cool while playing, he resembled of Windies legendary cricketers like Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, etc

West Indies at times looked in trouble but Chase built crucial partnerships, including a 104-run seventh-wicket stand with skipper Jason Holder, who made 52.&nbsp;

Right-arm off spin bowler&nbsp;Chase kept his calm to counter-attack with wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich in a 69-run sixth-wicket stand, as skipper Virat Kohli mixed and matched the Indian bowlers.

A lot of things were not going in the favour of West Indies team in the two-match Test series against India, having lost the first Test by an innings, the team has finally got a reason to celebrate on the second day of final Test on Saturday.

A lot of things were not going in the favour of West Indies team in the two-match Test series against India, having lost the first Test by an innings, the team has finally got a reason to celebrate on the second day of final Test on Saturday. All-rounder Roston Lamar Chase, who completed his fourth international century, has given a hope of setting a challenging total as they battle to level their Test series against India. Chase scored 106 off 189 and his knock included eight fours and one six. ROSTON CHASE 💯 The batsman leads the Windies attack from the front, bringing up his fourth Test hundred! 👏#INDvWI LIVE ⬇️https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv pic.twitter.com/xWGYBl4qQB — ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2018 × The 26-year-old is a Barbadian cricketer who also plays for Barbadian national side in domestic. The way Chase kept his cool while playing, he resembled of Windies legendary cricketers like Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, etc West Indies at times looked in trouble but Chase built crucial partnerships, including a 104-run seventh-wicket stand with skipper Jason Holder, who made 52. Right-arm off spin bowler Chase kept his calm to counter-attack with wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich in a 69-run sixth-wicket stand, as skipper Virat Kohli mixed and matched the Indian bowlers.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: With vintage Windies essence, Roston Chase slams ton

Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant hit unbeaten half-centuries to hand India the advantage against West Indies on day two of the second Test in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The hosts were 308 for four at stumps, trailing the West Indies by three runs. Rahane, on 75, and Pant, on 85, have put on an unbeaten 146-run fifth-wicket stand in Hyderabad.

Paceman Umesh Yadav also played a part in India's domination with his career-best figures of 6-88 that helped bowl out the West Indies for 311 early in the morning session.

In reply India were in trouble at 162-4 with West Indies skipper Jason Holder taking two wickets including his counterpart Virat Kohli's prized scalp in the afternoon session.

The right-left batting combination of Rahane and Pant ensured a wicketless final session with their contrasting batting.

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STUMPS! 
 
146-run partnership between the duo and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> end Day 2 on 308/4, trail Windies 311 by 3 runs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/la4sqNDgQ5">pic.twitter.com/la4sqNDgQ5</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1051073062714703872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahane played a cautious knock to register his 15th Test fifty while Pant was his swashbuckling self as he hit 10 fours and 2 big sixes in his 120-ball stay so far.

It was Pant's second successive 50 plus score after his 92 in the team's opening win in Rajkot.&nbsp;

Teenage opener Prithvi Shaw also smashed 70 off 53 balls as India mounted a strong reply only to lose to their way after lunch.

Shaw fell to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican after hitting 11 fours and a six and Pujara went for 10 in the very next over off paceman Shannon Gabriel.

Kohli tried to steady the innings with some fluent strokeplay as he built a 60-run partnership with Rahane but was denied what could have been his 20th Test fifty.

Holder, who scored 52 in West Indies' first innings, trapped Kohli lbw for 45.

The West Indies were hit by injury to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich early in the Indian innings, and replaced him with substitute Jahmar Hamilton behind the stumps.

Hamilton was far from convincing behind the stumps and apart from a few misses down the leg side he dropped Pant on 24 off Gabriel.

Earlier Yadav, who lost his pace partner in debutant Shardul Thakur due to a groin strain on day one,&nbsp;picked all the three West Indian wickets to fall in the morning after the tourists started the day on 295-7.

Roston Chase top-scored with 106 after West Indies elected to bat first. Chase, who started the day on 98, was eventually bowled by Yadav.

Yadav soon got Gabriel on the very next ball to become the first Indian quick to get six wickets on home soil after Javagal Srinath's 6-45 against New Zealand at Mohali in 1999.

Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant hit unbeaten half-centuries to hand India the advantage against West Indies on day two of the second Test in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant hit unbeaten half-centuries to hand India the advantage against West Indies on day two of the second Test in Hyderabad on Saturday. The hosts were 308 for four at stumps, trailing the West Indies by three runs. Rahane, on 75, and Pant, on 85, have put on an unbeaten 146-run fifth-wicket stand in Hyderabad. Paceman Umesh Yadav also played a part in India's domination with his career-best figures of 6-88 that helped bowl out the West Indies for 311 early in the morning session. In reply India were in trouble at 162-4 with West Indies skipper Jason Holder taking two wickets including his counterpart Virat Kohli's prized scalp in the afternoon session. The right-left batting combination of Rahane and Pant ensured a wicketless final session with their contrasting batting. STUMPS! 146-run partnership between the duo and #TeamIndia end Day 2 on 308/4, trail Windies 311 by 3 runs.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/la4sqNDgQ5 — BCCI (@BCCI) October 13, 2018 × Rahane played a cautious knock to register his 15th Test fifty while Pant was his swashbuckling self as he hit 10 fours and 2 big sixes in his 120-ball stay so far. It was Pant's second successive 50 plus score after his 92 in the team's opening win in Rajkot. Teenage opener Prithvi Shaw also smashed 70 off 53 balls as India mounted a strong reply only to lose to their way after lunch. Shaw fell to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican after hitting 11 fours and a six and Pujara went for 10 in the very next over off paceman Shannon Gabriel. Kohli tried to steady the innings with some fluent strokeplay as he built a 60-run partnership with Rahane but was denied what could have been his 20th Test fifty. Holder, who scored 52 in West Indies' first innings, trapped Kohli lbw for 45. The West Indies were hit by injury to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich early in the Indian innings, and replaced him with substitute Jahmar Hamilton behind the stumps. Hamilton was far from convincing behind the stumps and apart from a few misses down the leg side he dropped Pant on 24 off Gabriel. Earlier Yadav, who lost his pace partner in debutant Shardul Thakur due to a groin strain on day one, picked all the three West Indian wickets to fall in the morning after the tourists started the day on 295-7. Roston Chase top-scored with 106 after West Indies elected to bat first. Chase, who started the day on 98, was eventually bowled by Yadav. Yadav soon got Gabriel on the very next ball to become the first Indian quick to get six wickets on home soil after Javagal Srinath's 6-45 against New Zealand at Mohali in 1999.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 2: Pant, Rahane give India control as India 308-4 at stumps

India were 173 for four at tea on day two of the second and final cricket Test against West Indies in Hyderabad on Saturday.

West Indies by 138 runs in the first innings with Ajinkya Rahane, on 19, and Rishabh Pant, on 9, at the crease.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder got his counterpart Virat Kohli trapped lbw for 45 to claim his second scalp.&nbsp;

The tourists were bowled out for 311 early in the morning session.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> lose three wickets in the 2nd session on Day 2. 
 
At Tea, India 173/4 (Shaw 70, Virat 45), trail Windies 311 by 138 runs. 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa">https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJgAwIFeDG">pic.twitter.com/MJgAwIFeDG</a>
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&nbsp;

India were 173 for four at tea on day two of the second and final cricket Test against West Indies in Hyderabad on Saturday. West Indies by 138 runs in the first innings with Ajinkya Rahane, on 19, and Rishabh Pant, on 9, at the crease.

India were 173 for four at tea on day two of the second and final cricket Test against West Indies in Hyderabad on Saturday. West Indies by 138 runs in the first innings with Ajinkya Rahane, on 19, and Rishabh Pant, on 9, at the crease. West Indies skipper Jason Holder got his counterpart Virat Kohli trapped lbw for 45 to claim his second scalp. The tourists were bowled out for 311 early in the morning session. #TeamIndia lose three wickets in the 2nd session on Day 2. At Tea, India 173/4 (Shaw 70, Virat 45), trail Windies 311 by 138 runs. Updates - https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/MJgAwIFeDG — BCCI (@BCCI) October 13, 2018 ×

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 2: India are 173-4 at tea

West Indies were 86 for the loss of three wickets at lunch on the first day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday.&nbsp;

Shimron Hetmyer was batting at the break on 10 after Shai Hope fell lbw to paceman Umesh Yadav for 36 at the stroke of lunch.&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed&nbsp;Kieran Powell as&nbsp;India's first&nbsp;wicket in the 12th over.&nbsp;

Powell lost his wicket after scoring 22 runs.

India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav saw off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 23rd over. Windies opener Brathwaite contributed 14 runs for the team.

Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-to-bat-first-against-india-in-second-test-170995">won the toss</a> and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test.

Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, comes in for fast bowler Keemo Paul. Paceman Sherman Lewis has been replaced by spinner Jomel Warrican.&nbsp;

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It was an even first session in the second Test until Umesh Yadav struck with the last ball before lunch to end Shai Hope's stay. 
 
India will be the happier team at the break, having the Windies at 86/3. 
 
FOLLOW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> LIVE ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv">https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv</a> <a href="https://t.co/P7qinoWEM0">pic.twitter.com/P7qinoWEM0</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1050629323399389185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India have made just one change from their record win in Rajkot last week with debutant paceman Shardul Thakur coming in for Mohammed Shami, who has been rested.

Skipper Virat Kohli admitted that he would have also batted first as the world's top Test side eyes a series sweep.

"Not bothered of the toss but I would have batted first as well. We have to focus on this series, just focusing on repeating the things we did in the first game," said Kohli.

"Shami has been rested, he has played six Tests and has bowled a lot of overs."

India are runaway favourites to sweep the series after they hammered the West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in the first Test.

West Indies were 86 for the loss of three wickets at lunch on the first day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Shimron Hetmyer was batting at the break on 10 after Shai Hope fell lbw to paceman Umesh Yadav for 36 at the stroke of lunch.

West Indies were 86 for the loss of three wickets at lunch on the first day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Shimron Hetmyer was batting at the break on 10 after Shai Hope fell lbw to paceman Umesh Yadav for 36 at the stroke of lunch. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell as India's first wicket in the 12th over. Powell lost his wicket after scoring 22 runs. India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav saw off Kraigg Brathwaite in the 23rd over. Windies opener Brathwaite contributed 14 runs for the team. Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test. Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, comes in for fast bowler Keemo Paul. Paceman Sherman Lewis has been replaced by spinner Jomel Warrican. It was an even first session in the second Test until Umesh Yadav struck with the last ball before lunch to end Shai Hope's stay. India will be the happier team at the break, having the Windies at 86/3. FOLLOW #INDvWI LIVE ⬇️ https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv pic.twitter.com/P7qinoWEM0 — ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2018 × India have made just one change from their record win in Rajkot last week with debutant paceman Shardul Thakur coming in for Mohammed Shami, who has been rested. Skipper Virat Kohli admitted that he would have also batted first as the world's top Test side eyes a series sweep. "Not bothered of the toss but I would have batted first as well. We have to focus on this series, just focusing on repeating the things we did in the first game," said Kohli. "Shami has been rested, he has played six Tests and has bowled a lot of overs." India are runaway favourites to sweep the series after they hammered the West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in the first Test.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 1: West Indies are 86-3 at lunch

India are placed fifth while three-time champions Australia lead the 46-team table as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched global Women's T20I Team Rankings.&nbsp;

The ICC's move to launch the women's T20I rankings follows its decision earlier this year to award international status to all T20 matches between member countries.&nbsp;

Whilst Scotland are the top-ranked associate member in 11th and Thailand take 12th place in the first table, following some good performances of late including a win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup earlier this year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-consolidates-top-position-in-test-rankings-171094">Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up</a>

All women's T20 matches between members have international status since the Asia Cup in June and the new rankings system will help teams gauge where they stand in the shortest format of the game, said an ICC release.&nbsp;

The teams will have to play six T20I matches in the previous three to four years to remain on the rankings table.&nbsp;

The system moves away from the combined rankings in place earlier and there is now a separate ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings table with 10 teams, in line with the men's rankings, which are separate for each format.&nbsp;

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↗️ There's a new No.1 on both the T20I batting and all-rounders charts! 
 
See who's challenging for the top spots after the latest update on the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Women's T20I Rankings! 
 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/SR1Sqy6FUl">https://t.co/SR1Sqy6FUl</a> <a href="https://t.co/YtnQkApLD9">pic.twitter.com/YtnQkApLD9</a>
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"We are committed to growing the game and T20 is the vehicle through which we'll do this. Global rankings and international status for all T20 games between members is a huge step forward and will contribute to our efforts to accelerate the growth of the women's game," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The new rankings will provide incentive for teams to play regularly and mark their progress globally. I wish teams all the best."&nbsp;

Australia, who were top-ranked in the combined rankings system, are now ranked number one in both forms of the game and lead Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand by three points in the T20I rankings table.&nbsp;

Australia are on 280 points, New Zealand on 277 while England are just a further one point behind with 276 points.&nbsp;

Australia, will however, have to win their upcoming three-match T20I series from October 25 to 29 against Pakistan in Malaysia by a 3-0 margin to retain their top spot.&nbsp;

Pakistan will be unable to overtake sixth-ranked South Africa even if they were to pull off a shock 3-0 win.&nbsp;

The West Indies, who will defend their ICC Women's World T20 title at home from November 9 to 24, are ranked fourth with 259 points and India are a further 10 points behind in fifth place.&nbsp;

The next five teams on the table -- South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Ireland -- complete the lineup for the West Indies event.

The list includes nine sides from Europe, 14 from Asia, 13 from Africa, four each from East Asia Pacific and the Americas, apart from Australia and the West Indies.&nbsp;

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur welcomed the move.&nbsp;

"I'm sure these rankings will encourage more countries to play the game regularly and teams will get a good idea of where they stand in the global context. Players always take interest in the ICC rankings as they are a true reflection of where teams and players stand," she said.

India are placed fifth while three-time champions Australia lead the 46-team table as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched global Women's T20I Team Rankings.

India are placed fifth while three-time champions Australia lead the 46-team table as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched global Women's T20I Team Rankings. The ICC's move to launch the women's T20I rankings follows its decision earlier this year to award international status to all T20 matches between member countries. Whilst Scotland are the top-ranked associate member in 11th and Thailand take 12th place in the first table, following some good performances of late including a win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup earlier this year. Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up All women's T20 matches between members have international status since the Asia Cup in June and the new rankings system will help teams gauge where they stand in the shortest format of the game, said an ICC release. The teams will have to play six T20I matches in the previous three to four years to remain on the rankings table. The system moves away from the combined rankings in place earlier and there is now a separate ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings table with 10 teams, in line with the men's rankings, which are separate for each format. ↗️ There's a new No.1 on both the T20I batting and all-rounders charts! See who's challenging for the top spots after the latest update on the @MRFWorldwide ICC Women's T20I Rankings! ➡️ https://t.co/SR1Sqy6FUl pic.twitter.com/YtnQkApLD9 — ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2018 × "We are committed to growing the game and T20 is the vehicle through which we'll do this. Global rankings and international status for all T20 games between members is a huge step forward and will contribute to our efforts to accelerate the growth of the women's game," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in a statement. "The new rankings will provide incentive for teams to play regularly and mark their progress globally. I wish teams all the best." Australia, who were top-ranked in the combined rankings system, are now ranked number one in both forms of the game and lead Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand by three points in the T20I rankings table. Australia are on 280 points, New Zealand on 277 while England are just a further one point behind with 276 points. Australia, will however, have to win their upcoming three-match T20I series from October 25 to 29 against Pakistan in Malaysia by a 3-0 margin to retain their top spot. Pakistan will be unable to overtake sixth-ranked South Africa even if they were to pull off a shock 3-0 win. The West Indies, who will defend their ICC Women's World T20 title at home from November 9 to 24, are ranked fourth with 259 points and India are a further 10 points behind in fifth place. The next five teams on the table -- South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Ireland -- complete the lineup for the West Indies event. The list includes nine sides from Europe, 14 from Asia, 13 from Africa, four each from East Asia Pacific and the Americas, apart from Australia and the West Indies. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur welcomed the move. "I'm sure these rankings will encourage more countries to play the game regularly and teams will get a good idea of where they stand in the global context. Players always take interest in the ICC rankings as they are a true reflection of where teams and players stand," she said.

India ranked 5th as ICC launches global women's T20I team rankings

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