Debutant Mayank Agarwal displayed some brilliant cricketing skills to reach his half-century and give India a steady start on the first day of the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday.

The opener came down the track and drilled it back past the non-striker for a four to reach his maiden fifty.&nbsp;After the loss of one wicket, India's score stands at 113 after 50 overs.

India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the crease after contributing just eight runs.&nbsp;Vihari, who played 66 balls, lost his wicket to Pat Cummins when India's score reached 40.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Earlier, Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

Debutant Mayank Agarwal displayed some brilliant cricketing skills to reach his half-century and give India a steady start on the first day of the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday.

Debutant Mayank Agarwal displayed some brilliant cricketing skills to reach his half-century and give India a steady start on the first day of the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday. The opener came down the track and drilled it back past the non-striker for a four to reach his maiden fifty. After the loss of one wicket, India's score stands at 113 after 50 overs. India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the crease after contributing just eight runs. Vihari, who played 66 balls, lost his wicket to Pat Cummins when India's score reached 40. Earlier, Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: Mayank Agarwal scores 50 on debut, India are 113/1 after 50 overs

India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the pavilion after contributing just eight runs. Meanwhile, his opening partner Mayanak, who made his debut today, is in a settled form.&nbsp;

After the loss of one wicket, India's score stands at 57 at lunch. Vihari, who played 66 balls, lost his wicket to Pat Cummins when India's score reached 40. While Mayanak is playing at 34 after playing 68 balls, Pujara has made 10 runs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Earlier, Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the pavilion after contributing just eight runs. Meanwhile, his opening partner Mayanak, who made his debut today, is in a settled form.

India lost its first wicket with opener Hanuma Vihari returning to the pavilion after contributing just eight runs. Meanwhile, his opening partner Mayanak, who made his debut today, is in a settled form. After the loss of one wicket, India's score stands at 57 at lunch. Vihari, who played 66 balls, lost his wicket to Pat Cummins when India's score reached 40. While Mayanak is playing at 34 after playing 68 balls, Pujara has made 10 runs. Earlier, Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

IND vs AUS, 3rd Test: Debutant Mayank Agarwal creeps up on half-century

Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for.

After 13 overs at the crease, the two have managed to put up 31 runs with Mayank scoring 23 and Hanuma making three runs so far.

Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for.

Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for. After 13 overs at the crease, the two have managed to put up 31 runs with Mayank scoring 23 and Hanuma making three runs so far. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure." Teams: Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

3rd Test: India 31 for no loss after 13 overs

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface.

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure." Teams: Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

3rd Test: India opt to bat against Australia

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday.

Pujara raised his 21st test half-century to be 68 not out at stumps, with Kohli on 47 as Australia's bowlers endured a day of toil on a placid Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket after the India captain won the toss and elected to bat.

Opener Mayank Agarwal enjoyed a stellar entry to test cricket, scoring 76 to record the highest ever innings by an India debutant on Australian soil before being dismissed on the last ball before tea.

The Karnataka batsman eclipsed the 51 scored by Dattu Phadkar against Don Bradman's team in Sydney in 1947, raising his hand for a permanent role in the top order after replacing the out-of-form Murali Vijay.

"I wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on," the 27-year-old told reporters.

"It did a little bit early on but then it was slow ... I am happy but obviously I would have liked more (runs)."

The Boxing Day crowd of 73,516 was a record attendance for a match featuring India in Australia and travelling fans from the subcontinent roared their applause as Kohli and Pujara combined for a 92-run stand and strode off unbeaten at stumps.

A day after Christmas festivities, home supporters were left flat, however, and the Australian bowlers frustrated by the drop-in pitch that offered very little movement in an echo of the wicket that produced a dull draw against England last year.

With the four-match series poised at 1-1, India's slow but disciplined accumulation left them well-placed to build a big total and tire Australia's bowlers in baking heat forecast for day two.

"We’ve been able to restrict them quite well with runs, we didn’t get the wickets we probably would have liked," said Australia batsman Travis Head.

"We’ve got to make sure we bowl the same way we did and things can change, I don’t think we’re far away."

Only Pat Cummins was rewarded for Australia, the paceman claiming the wicket of new opener Hanuma Vihari and ending Agarwal's 161-ball knock by having him glove a catch down the leg side.

Vihari, promoted to replace the out-of-sorts Lokesh Rahul, had a less successful debut as an opener, and was snared for eight off 66 balls by a rising delivery that pinged off his gloves before being caught by slips fielder Aaron Finch.

That was the sole highlight until the brink of tea for Tim Paine's side, with Agarwal and Pujara holding firm in an 83-run stand.

With the pitch doing little for the seamers, spinner Nathan Lyon was introduced in the eighth over of the morning but was also unable to conjure a breakthrough throughout.

Agarwal smashed two fours past the bowler after lunch, the second a glorious straight drive to raise his fifty off 95 balls.

He slog-swept Lyon for six after the drinks break before eventually falling to Cummins at 123 for two.

Kohli joined Pujara in the middle and feasted on the ageing ball, punching the ball to the fence with a trio of exquisite, wristy on-drives among his six fours.

Desperate for a wicket, Australia threw away a review for lbw when Lyon rapped Kohli's pads when the captain was on 32.

After the second new ball was taken, a more realistic chance went begging when Kohli, on 47, nicked a Mitchell Starc delivery only for wicketkeeper Paine to grass a low, one-handed chance.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday. Pujara raised his 21st test half-century to be 68 not out at stumps, with Kohli on 47 as Australia's bowlers endured a day of toil on a placid Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket after the India captain won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Mayank Agarwal enjoyed a stellar entry to test cricket, scoring 76 to record the highest ever innings by an India debutant on Australian soil before being dismissed on the last ball before tea. The Karnataka batsman eclipsed the 51 scored by Dattu Phadkar against Don Bradman's team in Sydney in 1947, raising his hand for a permanent role in the top order after replacing the out-of-form Murali Vijay. "I wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on," the 27-year-old told reporters. "It did a little bit early on but then it was slow ... I am happy but obviously I would have liked more (runs)." The Boxing Day crowd of 73,516 was a record attendance for a match featuring India in Australia and travelling fans from the subcontinent roared their applause as Kohli and Pujara combined for a 92-run stand and strode off unbeaten at stumps. A day after Christmas festivities, home supporters were left flat, however, and the Australian bowlers frustrated by the drop-in pitch that offered very little movement in an echo of the wicket that produced a dull draw against England last year. With the four-match series poised at 1-1, India's slow but disciplined accumulation left them well-placed to build a big total and tire Australia's bowlers in baking heat forecast for day two. "We’ve been able to restrict them quite well with runs, we didn’t get the wickets we probably would have liked," said Australia batsman Travis Head. "We’ve got to make sure we bowl the same way we did and things can change, I don’t think we’re far away." Only Pat Cummins was rewarded for Australia, the paceman claiming the wicket of new opener Hanuma Vihari and ending Agarwal's 161-ball knock by having him glove a catch down the leg side. Vihari, promoted to replace the out-of-sorts Lokesh Rahul, had a less successful debut as an opener, and was snared for eight off 66 balls by a rising delivery that pinged off his gloves before being caught by slips fielder Aaron Finch. That was the sole highlight until the brink of tea for Tim Paine's side, with Agarwal and Pujara holding firm in an 83-run stand. With the pitch doing little for the seamers, spinner Nathan Lyon was introduced in the eighth over of the morning but was also unable to conjure a breakthrough throughout. Agarwal smashed two fours past the bowler after lunch, the second a glorious straight drive to raise his fifty off 95 balls. He slog-swept Lyon for six after the drinks break before eventually falling to Cummins at 123 for two. Kohli joined Pujara in the middle and feasted on the ageing ball, punching the ball to the fence with a trio of exquisite, wristy on-drives among his six fours. Desperate for a wicket, Australia threw away a review for lbw when Lyon rapped Kohli's pads when the captain was on 32. After the second new ball was taken, a more realistic chance went begging when Kohli, on 47, nicked a Mitchell Starc delivery only for wicketkeeper Paine to grass a low, one-handed chance.

'Wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on', says Mayank Agarwal after his maiden Test half-century

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Murali Vijay and KL Rahul scored just 95 runs between them in eight innings across the opening two Tests in Adelaide and Perth.&nbsp;India's ODI specialist Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned from injury.&nbsp;

With the four-Test series tied 1-1, much is riding on the Boxing Day showdown and India can't afford another top-order flop.&nbsp;

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India name Playing XI for 3rd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/DImj8BVTj5">pic.twitter.com/DImj8BVTj5</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1077346819682709504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has failed to recover from an abdominal strain. Australia have made one change to their playing XI - replacing Peter Handscomb with Mitchell Marsh.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters. Murali Vijay and KL Rahul scored just 95 runs between them in eight innings across the opening two Tests in Adelaide and Perth. India's ODI specialist Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned from injury. With the four-Test series tied 1-1, much is riding on the Boxing Day showdown and India can't afford another top-order flop. India name Playing XI for 3rd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/DImj8BVTj5 — BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2018 × Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has failed to recover from an abdominal strain. Australia have made one change to their playing XI - replacing Peter Handscomb with Mitchell Marsh.

IND vs AUS: BCCI announces playing XI for Boxing Day Test

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday.

While Kohli gave a batting masterclass on a challenging track in Perth, Cheteshwar Pujara had played a decisive role in team's win Adelaide but other batsmen have not contributed much unlike bowlers, who have picked 40 wickets in four innings.&nbsp;

"It is very important for batsmen to stand up, because as everyone can see, our bowling has been performing really well. Otherwise, the bowlers won't be able to do anything with the totals that we have been compiling," skipper Kohli said on the eve of the third Test.

"If we are batting second, we will try to take the lead or get as close to the opposition total as possible. If you equal a big score, then it becomes a second-innings' match and if you take a good first-innings lead, then you can capitalize on that.&nbsp;

"The batsmen must step up collectively. I won't say individually whether someone needs to do that or not, but as a batting unit, we have to definitely put up a better performance," Kohli sent out a loud and clear message for his batting unit.

The Indian captain made it clear that neither his team's Adelaide victory nor the Perth defeat will have any bearing when Melbourne Test starts.

"As a team, I don't think whether you are 2-0 up or 2-0 down or 1-1, what's happened in the past has no significance at all to what's going to happen in the next two Tests or what's going to happen in the next Test which is quite immediate.&nbsp;

"The key is to stay in the moment, stay in the present, understand and remember why you won the first Test, which was because of us being in the present moment," the skipper reiterated what he has often stressed.

Nathan Lyon with 16 wickets in two Tests have been India's chief tormentor so far and Kohli praised the off-spinner for his effort. &nbsp;

"Lyon is a very good bowler. He consistently bowls in good areas. So we have to have our plans against such a bowler so that we can also explore scoring options because if he is allowed to bowl at one spot for a long time, he becomes even more dangerous.&nbsp;

"These things you need to figure out constantly - who is bowling well in a particular series and what your plans should be against him. He has definitely bowled very well from the opposition."

What makes Lyon special is the fact that he plays most of his Test matches in Australia.

"For a spinner to bowl so well in Australia is a huge thing. We are taking it as a challenge, and we definitely want to improve our play against him. We have put in the effort in practice, it now matters who we execute those on the field.&nbsp;

"As I said, if there is a challenge coming your way, you try and counter it. That's our effort - if we have been dismissed in a particular way, not repeat that mode of dismissal. As cricketers, that is all you can do," he added.

Last time when India played at the MCG, the Test ended in a draw even though Kohli and Rahane had scored hundreds.

"Last time the pitch played a big part in not being able to have a result either ways, for both sides. But seeing the pitch now, it has much more grass than it had last time and I hope that it is a lively pitch.&nbsp;

"I hope it does as much as it did in the first two games because as a side, you always know that you are in for a result that way. The surface, what I saw yesterday, looked pretty dry underneath. There is a good coverage of grass, which should keep the surface intact," Kohli seemed hopeful.

For Kohli, a pitch should have enough in it to keep the bowlers interested on all five days of a Test match.

"I think it should have enough for the bowlers to stay interested on all days of the Test match and hopefully, it's a much more lively wicket than the last time we played here," he opined.

Kohli will be playing his second Boxing Day Test Down Under and seemed pretty excited about it.

"It's amazing (as an occasion). Obviously, day one is the most anticipated day and we are expecting a lot of people to come in, maybe 80,000-plus. So I have experienced that twice before.&nbsp;

"It's definitely a magical day to step on the field, the national anthems for both teams, and you can sense the energy in the stadium. For me, that is my most favourite personal moment of the Boxing Day, when the anthems are sung, you are standing on the field and there are so many people around you. Definitely, it is one of the most iconic Test matches and we are very happy to be a part of that," he added.&nbsp;

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday.

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday. While Kohli gave a batting masterclass on a challenging track in Perth, Cheteshwar Pujara had played a decisive role in team's win Adelaide but other batsmen have not contributed much unlike bowlers, who have picked 40 wickets in four innings. "It is very important for batsmen to stand up, because as everyone can see, our bowling has been performing really well. Otherwise, the bowlers won't be able to do anything with the totals that we have been compiling," skipper Kohli said on the eve of the third Test. "If we are batting second, we will try to take the lead or get as close to the opposition total as possible. If you equal a big score, then it becomes a second-innings' match and if you take a good first-innings lead, then you can capitalize on that. "The batsmen must step up collectively. I won't say individually whether someone needs to do that or not, but as a batting unit, we have to definitely put up a better performance," Kohli sent out a loud and clear message for his batting unit. The Indian captain made it clear that neither his team's Adelaide victory nor the Perth defeat will have any bearing when Melbourne Test starts. "As a team, I don't think whether you are 2-0 up or 2-0 down or 1-1, what's happened in the past has no significance at all to what's going to happen in the next two Tests or what's going to happen in the next Test which is quite immediate. "The key is to stay in the moment, stay in the present, understand and remember why you won the first Test, which was because of us being in the present moment," the skipper reiterated what he has often stressed. Nathan Lyon with 16 wickets in two Tests have been India's chief tormentor so far and Kohli praised the off-spinner for his effort. "Lyon is a very good bowler. He consistently bowls in good areas. So we have to have our plans against such a bowler so that we can also explore scoring options because if he is allowed to bowl at one spot for a long time, he becomes even more dangerous. "These things you need to figure out constantly - who is bowling well in a particular series and what your plans should be against him. He has definitely bowled very well from the opposition." What makes Lyon special is the fact that he plays most of his Test matches in Australia. "For a spinner to bowl so well in Australia is a huge thing. We are taking it as a challenge, and we definitely want to improve our play against him. We have put in the effort in practice, it now matters who we execute those on the field. "As I said, if there is a challenge coming your way, you try and counter it. That's our effort - if we have been dismissed in a particular way, not repeat that mode of dismissal. As cricketers, that is all you can do," he added. Last time when India played at the MCG, the Test ended in a draw even though Kohli and Rahane had scored hundreds. "Last time the pitch played a big part in not being able to have a result either ways, for both sides. But seeing the pitch now, it has much more grass than it had last time and I hope that it is a lively pitch. "I hope it does as much as it did in the first two games because as a side, you always know that you are in for a result that way. The surface, what I saw yesterday, looked pretty dry underneath. There is a good coverage of grass, which should keep the surface intact," Kohli seemed hopeful. For Kohli, a pitch should have enough in it to keep the bowlers interested on all five days of a Test match. "I think it should have enough for the bowlers to stay interested on all days of the Test match and hopefully, it's a much more lively wicket than the last time we played here," he opined. Kohli will be playing his second Boxing Day Test Down Under and seemed pretty excited about it. "It's amazing (as an occasion). Obviously, day one is the most anticipated day and we are expecting a lot of people to come in, maybe 80,000-plus. So I have experienced that twice before. "It's definitely a magical day to step on the field, the national anthems for both teams, and you can sense the energy in the stadium. For me, that is my most favourite personal moment of the Boxing Day, when the anthems are sung, you are standing on the field and there are so many people around you. Definitely, it is one of the most iconic Test matches and we are very happy to be a part of that," he added.

Kohli's message to batsmen: Bowlers won't be able to do anything with totals we've been putting up

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.

Jadeja missed the second test in Perth after symptoms of an injury sustained during this year's one-day international series against the West Indies and returned during India's tour match in Sydney last month and he was given an injection for the pain.

"In the lead-up to the Perth test, the management and Jadeja were of the opinion that the intensity of his bowling in the nets could have been higher. For this reason, he was not considered for selection," the BCCI said.

"Jadeja's left shoulder has continued to improve and he is now available for the third test of the series in Melbourne," BCCI said in a statement.

However, doubts remain over fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test.

The off-spinner would be evaluated over the next 48 hours, India coach Ravi Shastri said on Sunday.

The visitors opted for a four-prong pace attack in Perth and suffered a 146-run loss that levelled the four-match series 1-1.

Virat Kohli-led India had won the opening test in Adelaide by 31 runs.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday. Jadeja missed the second test in Perth after symptoms of an injury sustained during this year's one-day international series against the West Indies and returned during India's tour match in Sydney last month and he was given an injection for the pain. "In the lead-up to the Perth test, the management and Jadeja were of the opinion that the intensity of his bowling in the nets could have been higher. For this reason, he was not considered for selection," the BCCI said. "Jadeja's left shoulder has continued to improve and he is now available for the third test of the series in Melbourne," BCCI said in a statement. However, doubts remain over fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test. The off-spinner would be evaluated over the next 48 hours, India coach Ravi Shastri said on Sunday. The visitors opted for a four-prong pace attack in Perth and suffered a 146-run loss that levelled the four-match series 1-1. Virat Kohli-led India had won the opening test in Adelaide by 31 runs.

IND vs AUS: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja declared fit for Boxing Day test

MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.

Dhoni's return comes as a surprise since he was dropped from the T20s against Australia only last month. The reason cited by the selectors at that time was that they were looking for a second wicketkeeper in the format.

However, justifying the 37-year-old's selection, a BCCI official, on conditions of anonymity, told PTI, "Since there are only eight ODIs (three against Australia and five against New Zealand), selectors want to give MS as much game time as possible (before the World Cup). Three T20Is means 11 international matches through the next one month."

In the ODI squad, the 21-year-old Pant's axing is the only change that the selectors have made to the side that competed against the West Indies in a home series in October-November.

India are currently engaged in a Test series against Australia and will play three ODIs against them starting January 12 in Sydney.&nbsp;

This will be followed by a limited-overs engagement with New Zealand, starting with five ODIs from January 23. The three T20 Internationals against Kiwis are lined up from February 6.&nbsp;

The squads:

India's squad for ODI series against Australia and NZ: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami.

 
India's squad for T20I series against NZ: Virat Kohli(Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed.

MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.

MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad. Dhoni's return comes as a surprise since he was dropped from the T20s against Australia only last month. The reason cited by the selectors at that time was that they were looking for a second wicketkeeper in the format. However, justifying the 37-year-old's selection, a BCCI official, on conditions of anonymity, told PTI, "Since there are only eight ODIs (three against Australia and five against New Zealand), selectors want to give MS as much game time as possible (before the World Cup). Three T20Is means 11 international matches through the next one month." In the ODI squad, the 21-year-old Pant's axing is the only change that the selectors have made to the side that competed against the West Indies in a home series in October-November. India are currently engaged in a Test series against Australia and will play three ODIs against them starting January 12 in Sydney. This will be followed by a limited-overs engagement with New Zealand, starting with five ODIs from January 23. The three T20 Internationals against Kiwis are lined up from February 6. The squads: India's squad for ODI series against Australia and NZ: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami. India's squad for T20I series against NZ: Virat Kohli(Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed.

MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped

India spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are both under an injury cloud ahead of the Boxing Day test against Australia, leaving the tourists with a potential selection conundrum.

India coach Ravi Shastri said off-spinner Ashwin was still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test in Perth, while left-arm spinner Jadeja had been nursing a shoulder problem.

Shastri revealed that Jadeja's injury had also ruled him out at Perth Stadium, where India went with a four-prong pace attack and duly slumped to a 146-run loss that levelled the four-test series 1-1.

"The problem with Jaddu (Jadeja) is that he had taken an injection four days into coming to Australia, because of some stiffness in the shoulder and it took a while for that injection to settle down," Shastri told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

"So when you look at Perth, we felt that he was maybe 60-70 per cent fit and that we didn't want to risk that in Perth. If he was 80 per cent fit here (MCG), he will play."

Ashwin, meanwhile, needed to be evaluated over the next 48 hours, the coach said.

The injuries could open the door for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played the last of his five tests against West Indies at Hyderabad.

The MCG pitch offered little for bowlers of any stripe in the drawn Ashes test last year, being rated "poor" by the International Cricket Council in an embarrassment for the organisers.

But most teams are loath to go in with an all-out pace attack at the venue. The last time the hosts did so, they were thrashed by an innings and 157 runs against England and gave up the Ashes.

There was better news for batsman Rohit Sharma, who played the opener in Adelaide but missed Perth due to a lower back injury sustained during fielding practice.

Shastri said the batsman had made "a very good improvement" but would still need to be assessed on Monday, two days before the test starts.

Rohit was replaced by spin bowling all-rounder Hanuma Vihari at number six in the batting order in Perth.

His reinstatement may depend on whether there is change at the top of India's batting order where openers Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay are under pressure to keep their spots.

Rahul managed only 48 runs from four innings while Vijay has not fared any better with a total of 49 from as many innings.

The more-experienced Vijay, with 61 tests under his belt, was dropped during India's series in England for poor form and subsequently kept out against West Indies at home.

India may also be keen to welcome back seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has joined the squad after recovering from a back injury sustained during the Asia Cup.

India spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are both under an injury cloud ahead of the Boxing Day test against Australia, leaving the tourists with a potential selection conundrum.

India spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are both under an injury cloud ahead of the Boxing Day test against Australia, leaving the tourists with a potential selection conundrum. India coach Ravi Shastri said off-spinner Ashwin was still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test in Perth, while left-arm spinner Jadeja had been nursing a shoulder problem. Shastri revealed that Jadeja's injury had also ruled him out at Perth Stadium, where India went with a four-prong pace attack and duly slumped to a 146-run loss that levelled the four-test series 1-1. "The problem with Jaddu (Jadeja) is that he had taken an injection four days into coming to Australia, because of some stiffness in the shoulder and it took a while for that injection to settle down," Shastri told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. "So when you look at Perth, we felt that he was maybe 60-70 per cent fit and that we didn't want to risk that in Perth. If he was 80 per cent fit here (MCG), he will play." Ashwin, meanwhile, needed to be evaluated over the next 48 hours, the coach said. The injuries could open the door for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played the last of his five tests against West Indies at Hyderabad. The MCG pitch offered little for bowlers of any stripe in the drawn Ashes test last year, being rated "poor" by the International Cricket Council in an embarrassment for the organisers. But most teams are loath to go in with an all-out pace attack at the venue. The last time the hosts did so, they were thrashed by an innings and 157 runs against England and gave up the Ashes. There was better news for batsman Rohit Sharma, who played the opener in Adelaide but missed Perth due to a lower back injury sustained during fielding practice. Shastri said the batsman had made "a very good improvement" but would still need to be assessed on Monday, two days before the test starts. Rohit was replaced by spin bowling all-rounder Hanuma Vihari at number six in the batting order in Perth. His reinstatement may depend on whether there is change at the top of India's batting order where openers Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay are under pressure to keep their spots. Rahul managed only 48 runs from four innings while Vijay has not fared any better with a total of 49 from as many innings. The more-experienced Vijay, with 61 tests under his belt, was dropped during India's series in England for poor form and subsequently kept out against West Indies at home. India may also be keen to welcome back seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has joined the squad after recovering from a back injury sustained during the Asia Cup.

IND vs AUS: Ashwin, Jadeja in race to be fit for Boxing Day test

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old&nbsp;Archie Schille, who is expected&nbsp;to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

As per reports, Schiller, who suffers from a rare heart condition, will be co-captain alongside Tim Paine starting Wednesday. The leg-spinner, who turned seven on Saturday, from Adelaide is set to partner his idol Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Schiller was named in Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test last month. He trained with the Australian players in Adelaide ahead of the first Test and was also given the team jersey.

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Meet the newest member of the Australian Test team: <a href="https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE">https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MakeAWishAust?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MakeAWishAust</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/0EMBSu4yEm">pic.twitter.com/0EMBSu4yEm</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1076661900170022913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts go into the third Test of the four-match series on a high after their series-levelling victory at the Optus stadium in Perth. 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old Archie Schille, who is expected to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old Archie Schille, who is expected to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As per reports, Schiller, who suffers from a rare heart condition, will be co-captain alongside Tim Paine starting Wednesday. The leg-spinner, who turned seven on Saturday, from Adelaide is set to partner his idol Nathan Lyon. Schiller was named in Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test last month. He trained with the Australian players in Adelaide ahead of the first Test and was also given the team jersey. Meet the newest member of the Australian Test team: https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE @MakeAWishAust | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0EMBSu4yEm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 23, 2018 × The hosts go into the third Test of the four-match series on a high after their series-levelling victory at the Optus stadium in Perth.

IND vs AUS: Hosts add 7-year old leg-spinner to their squad for 3rd Test against India

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings.

He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1.

As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. 
But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals.

"With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday.

"It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days.

"I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK.

"If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed."

After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris.

The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings.

Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm.

Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year.

But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. 
Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans. Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings. He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1. As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals. "With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday. "It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days. "I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK. "If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed." After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris. The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings. Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm. Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings. Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year. But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Finch says finger would need to be cut off to miss Boxing Day

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field.

"There's not many characters in our game at the moment. The professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree," Border said on Fox Cricket's podcast -- The Follow-on.

Kohli has received severe criticism from the likes of Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Sanjay Manjrekar for his aggressive celebrations in the ongoing Test series in Australia.

The Indian skipper was also involved in a series of heated exchanges with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine, which prompted umpire Chris Gafaney to intervene during the second Test here.

"I haven't seen anyone sort of carry on so much as a captain when his side takes a wicket. It's really over the top but it's good in a way. You can see some passion about what he's trying to do," Border said.

Border added that perhaps Kohli's aggression stems from the desire to cement his legacy with an away series victory.

"He's so keen to win away from home and really deserve that number one ranking that's your KPIs (key performance indicators) as a captain I suppose," he said.

Under Kohli, India suffered two back-to-back away series defeats against South Africa and England this year.

"To drive the team to be number one, which he has achieved, but to win away from home is one of those important things you notice as a captain."

Border also opined that as the leader, Kohli feels the need to manifest the passion and drive.&nbsp;

"I think he's feeling that pinch. If you look at this Indian side he's probably the only one that has the character to get really animated," he said.

"The rest of the Indian boys are very good cricketers but seem to me a quiet bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper he needs to lead from the front and really show some passion and drive. I think it just comes naturally to him," he added.&nbsp;

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field. "There's not many characters in our game at the moment.

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field. "There's not many characters in our game at the moment. The professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree," Border said on Fox Cricket's podcast -- The Follow-on. Kohli has received severe criticism from the likes of Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Sanjay Manjrekar for his aggressive celebrations in the ongoing Test series in Australia. The Indian skipper was also involved in a series of heated exchanges with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine, which prompted umpire Chris Gafaney to intervene during the second Test here. "I haven't seen anyone sort of carry on so much as a captain when his side takes a wicket. It's really over the top but it's good in a way. You can see some passion about what he's trying to do," Border said. Border added that perhaps Kohli's aggression stems from the desire to cement his legacy with an away series victory. "He's so keen to win away from home and really deserve that number one ranking that's your KPIs (key performance indicators) as a captain I suppose," he said. Under Kohli, India suffered two back-to-back away series defeats against South Africa and England this year. "To drive the team to be number one, which he has achieved, but to win away from home is one of those important things you notice as a captain." Border also opined that as the leader, Kohli feels the need to manifest the passion and drive. "I think he's feeling that pinch. If you look at this Indian side he's probably the only one that has the character to get really animated," he said. "The rest of the Indian boys are very good cricketers but seem to me a quiet bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper he needs to lead from the front and really show some passion and drive. I think it just comes naturally to him," he added.

Former Australia captain Border defends Kohli's aggression, says cricket needs such characters

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes.

Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay have managed only one double-digit stand midway through the four-test series in Australia, hardly the starts that would help bring India a first test series win Down Under.

Their struggles have intensified pressure on the middle order of a team with a lengthy tail, and number three Cheteshwar Pujara has had to walk out to bat inside four overs on three of the four occasions.

Opening stands made telling difference in Perth, where Australia prevailed by 146 runs to square the four-test series.

The 112-run first innings stand between Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch laid the platform for Australia's 300-plus total in a low-scoring contest and they raised 59 in the second to help set India a target which the tourists could not achieve.

Rahul, who has managed 48 in four innings, has looked like a sitting duck, with batting great Sunil Gavaskar demanding the 26-year-old be sent home to work on his game.

"I think he should come back and play Ranji Trophy for Karnataka," the former India captain told Aaj Tak channel.

"It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that."

Rahul has not managed a fifty in his last seven test outings and equally worrying has been the manner of his dismissals, with the right hander either bowled or trapped LBW in 11 of his last 14 innings.

India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lamented last month that the opener was "finding new ways to get out" and many believe Rahul needs to work out the flaws with his technique.

Opening partner Vijay has not covered himself in glory either on his return to the squad after he and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan were dropped following modest returns in England.

Vijay has managed 49 runs from four innings but may still continue as opener purely because India have lost the exciting Prithvi Shaw to an ankle injury for the entire series.

"I'm sure those guys have figured out what's gone wrong in this game especially and they're very keen to correct it themselves," Kohli said in Perth of his misfiring openers.

The tourists have flown in Mayank Agarwal as replacement, rewarding the uncapped opener for his consistency in domestic cricket.

The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne followed by the finale in Sydney.

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes.

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes. Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay have managed only one double-digit stand midway through the four-test series in Australia, hardly the starts that would help bring India a first test series win Down Under. Their struggles have intensified pressure on the middle order of a team with a lengthy tail, and number three Cheteshwar Pujara has had to walk out to bat inside four overs on three of the four occasions. Opening stands made telling difference in Perth, where Australia prevailed by 146 runs to square the four-test series. The 112-run first innings stand between Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch laid the platform for Australia's 300-plus total in a low-scoring contest and they raised 59 in the second to help set India a target which the tourists could not achieve. Rahul, who has managed 48 in four innings, has looked like a sitting duck, with batting great Sunil Gavaskar demanding the 26-year-old be sent home to work on his game. "I think he should come back and play Ranji Trophy for Karnataka," the former India captain told Aaj Tak channel. "It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that." Rahul has not managed a fifty in his last seven test outings and equally worrying has been the manner of his dismissals, with the right hander either bowled or trapped LBW in 11 of his last 14 innings. India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lamented last month that the opener was "finding new ways to get out" and many believe Rahul needs to work out the flaws with his technique. Opening partner Vijay has not covered himself in glory either on his return to the squad after he and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan were dropped following modest returns in England. Vijay has managed 49 runs from four innings but may still continue as opener purely because India have lost the exciting Prithvi Shaw to an ankle injury for the entire series. "I'm sure those guys have figured out what's gone wrong in this game especially and they're very keen to correct it themselves," Kohli said in Perth of his misfiring openers. The tourists have flown in Mayank Agarwal as replacement, rewarding the uncapped opener for his consistency in domestic cricket. The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne followed by the finale in Sydney.

IND vs AUS: Opening woes continue to blight India Down Under

Former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi praised Ajinkya Rahane for his attacking unbeaten half-century Saturday in the second Test against Australia at Perth.

"Ajinkya Rahane played a superb knock (51 not out) today. Absolutely brilliant...The captain (Virat Kohli) and the vice-captain (Rahane) were complementing each other. It was a lovely sight and today was very absorbing cricket," Bedi said.

"This sort of cricket cannot be replaced by any other gimmick -- whether it is T20 or I don't know -- 100 balls (cricket)," said the 72-year-old Bedi at the Bombay Gymkhana here.

Kohli played a pivotal role with a responsible knock of 82 not out, lifting India from a double blow at the beginning of their innings to 172 for three in the company of Rahane.

Bedi refrained from commenting on whether it was the best chance for India to win a Test series in Australia.

"We can only find out after the end of the series. I don't want to be a predictor," the great left-arm slow bowler and member of the famous Indian spin quartet said.

At the event, Bedi was in conversation with former Mumbai skipper Shishir Hattangadi to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the first Test match played in India from December 15 to 18, 1933 at the Gymkhana.

During the conversation, Bedi praised the work done by Justice R M Lodha, whose panel suggested a slew of reforms in cricket administration, most of which were incorporated by the Supreme Court.

"....The work done by Justice Lodha -- to my mind he is deserving (of the) highest honour of the country," he said.&nbsp;

Former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi praised Ajinkya Rahane for his attacking unbeaten half-century Saturday in the second Test against Australia at Perth. "Ajinkya Rahane played a superb knock (51 not out) today.

Former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi praised Ajinkya Rahane for his attacking unbeaten half-century Saturday in the second Test against Australia at Perth. "Ajinkya Rahane played a superb knock (51 not out) today. Absolutely brilliant...The captain (Virat Kohli) and the vice-captain (Rahane) were complementing each other. It was a lovely sight and today was very absorbing cricket," Bedi said. "This sort of cricket cannot be replaced by any other gimmick -- whether it is T20 or I don't know -- 100 balls (cricket)," said the 72-year-old Bedi at the Bombay Gymkhana here. Kohli played a pivotal role with a responsible knock of 82 not out, lifting India from a double blow at the beginning of their innings to 172 for three in the company of Rahane. Bedi refrained from commenting on whether it was the best chance for India to win a Test series in Australia. "We can only find out after the end of the series. I don't want to be a predictor," the great left-arm slow bowler and member of the famous Indian spin quartet said. At the event, Bedi was in conversation with former Mumbai skipper Shishir Hattangadi to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the first Test match played in India from December 15 to 18, 1933 at the Gymkhana. During the conversation, Bedi praised the work done by Justice R M Lodha, whose panel suggested a slew of reforms in cricket administration, most of which were incorporated by the Supreme Court. "....The work done by Justice Lodha -- to my mind he is deserving (of the) highest honour of the country," he said.

Bedi praises Rahane's Perth knock, says T20 can't replace this

Australia remain confident of grabbing a valuable first-innings lead over India in the second test despite being stonewalled by visiting captain Virat Kohli on a grassy Perth Stadium wicket that failed to match the hype on day two.

After Australia made a competitive 326 in their first innings, spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood started spectacularly with the ball by dismissing India openers Murali Vijay and Lokesh Rahul inside the opening six overs.

But Kohli rescued India through half-century partnership&nbsp;with the in-form Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

India reached stumps on a more comfortable 172 for three with Kohli 82 not out and his deputy Rahane unbeaten on 51 to leave the match evenly poised. 
Australia bowled accurately but the pitch, marked with widening cracks, settled down late in the day.

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja believed there was enough spice in the wicket for the bowlers to exploit in the crucial third morning session.

“It had (some) patches today, which were still doing a bit,” Khawaja told reporters. “I think we bowled well but we probably could have been more disciplined. Hopefully tomorrow we can be just a little bit better.”

Beyond Kohli and Rahane, who have shared an unbeaten 90-run partnership, India’s batting order contains inexperienced pair Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant, and a fragile lower-order.

“I think one or two wickets in the first session tomorrow will be pretty big for us,” Khawaja said. “It isn’t an easy wicket to bat on. We have to start well and then we can have a chance at that tail.”

Khawaja praised Kohli's determined 181-ball knock, but reckoned Australia would have opportunities to knock over the India talisman.

“He was on early today and we gave him a couple of full balls and he hit us,” Khawaja said. “He got away but he will have to start again tomorrow and we will have another chance.”

India lead the four-match series after a nail-biting 31-run victory in Adelaide.

Australia remain confident of grabbing a valuable first-innings lead over India in the second test despite being stonewalled by visiting captain Virat Kohli on a grassy Perth Stadium wicket that failed to match the hype on day two.

Australia remain confident of grabbing a valuable first-innings lead over India in the second test despite being stonewalled by visiting captain Virat Kohli on a grassy Perth Stadium wicket that failed to match the hype on day two. After Australia made a competitive 326 in their first innings, spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood started spectacularly with the ball by dismissing India openers Murali Vijay and Lokesh Rahul inside the opening six overs. But Kohli rescued India through half-century partnership with the in-form Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. India reached stumps on a more comfortable 172 for three with Kohli 82 not out and his deputy Rahane unbeaten on 51 to leave the match evenly poised. Australia bowled accurately but the pitch, marked with widening cracks, settled down late in the day. Australia batsman Usman Khawaja believed there was enough spice in the wicket for the bowlers to exploit in the crucial third morning session. “It had (some) patches today, which were still doing a bit,” Khawaja told reporters. “I think we bowled well but we probably could have been more disciplined. Hopefully tomorrow we can be just a little bit better.” Beyond Kohli and Rahane, who have shared an unbeaten 90-run partnership, India’s batting order contains inexperienced pair Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant, and a fragile lower-order. “I think one or two wickets in the first session tomorrow will be pretty big for us,” Khawaja said. “It isn’t an easy wicket to bat on. We have to start well and then we can have a chance at that tail.” Khawaja praised Kohli's determined 181-ball knock, but reckoned Australia would have opportunities to knock over the India talisman. “He was on early today and we gave him a couple of full balls and he hit us,” Khawaja said. “He got away but he will have to start again tomorrow and we will have another chance.” India lead the four-match series after a nail-biting 31-run victory in Adelaide.

IND vs AUS: Australia confident despite India's ominous Kohli