<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{76226592-40e7-45a3-82e0-2cd4b9bd5d50}{224}" paraid="912885700" >Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and debutant Washington Sundar on Friday were subject to abuse by a section of fans at the Gabba in&nbsp;Brisbane&nbsp;during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth and final Test between India and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1dfbf54c-7046-4673-a3e9-a0afba478cab}{9}" paraid="901927471" >Cricket Australia officials kept a close eye on the action in the middle of the Gabba and&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;of the fans after the Sydney Test was hit by two incidents where Indian players were allegedly&nbsp;subjected to racial abuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1bd96f49-0518-47cd-93a1-efb837df7661}{132}" paraid="1190390824" >At the SCG, Siraj had called out six supporters on Day 4 with play stopping for almost 10 minutes. The police escorted the group out of the stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12e9b52c-90be-401f-b916-127ae49bd855}{203}" paraid="269077513" >According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Siraj didn't spend much time in front of 215 and 216 section at the Gabba but a&nbsp;spectator&nbsp;told the publication that the Indian bowler was repeatedly called a "grub" by a section of vocal supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2a654afb-8e3c-49ed-85b8-3b0d57369caf}{186}" paraid="1142528057" >Debutant Washington Sundar, who replaced Ravichandran Ashwin, in the line-up was subjected to the same chant of "grub" from the unruly section.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2a654afb-8e3c-49ed-85b8-3b0d57369caf}{186}" paraid="1142528057" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-day-1-labuschagne-steals-show-with-century-as-australia-post-2745-356899" hreflang="en">Brisbane Test, Day 1: Labuschagne steals show with century as Australia post 274/5</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f255bed-3890-4a8d-aa55-755e23001b7e}{85}" paraid="1140811145" >"The guys behind me have been calling - shouting - both Washington and Siraj grubs," a spectator named Kate&nbsp;was quoted as saying in the report by the Sydney Morning Herald.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{173}" paraid="264804217" >"It started targeted at Siraj and it was a chant similar to the SCG one (in which fans sang to the tune of Que Sera, Sera but substituted the lyrics with Que Shiraz, Shiraz).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{191}" paraid="1146281291" >"But this time it was Siraj. I suspect it's not a coincidence that it's Siraj being targeted post the SCG stuff."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{209}" paraid="950416360" >During Day 1 of the Brisbane Test, a man was heard yelling, "Siraj, give us a wave, give us a wave, give us a wave. Siraj, you bloody grub."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{218}" paraid="1971061391" >Kate was watching the match from a section where several men dressed as lifeguards had a beer snake dismantled by the stewards and another man was escorted off the ground from starting an&nbsp;"Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chant.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{218}" paraid="1971061391" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sexual-harassment-case-against-pakistan-captain-babar-azam-withdrawn-356882" hreflang="en">Sexual harassment case against Pakistan captain Babar Azam withdrawn</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ad29fac-e092-4842-a4b8-20262a302a39}{236}" paraid="1207614214" >However, none of the Indian players gave any reaction to the chants by the crowd. While Siraj and Washington were called "grubs" by a section of fans, the rest remained close to their best&nbsp;behaviour, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c80b234a-7059-4ae1-987d-6aac26dab106}{239}" paraid="1064319969" >Cricket Australia has encouraged fans to step forward in a bid to raise voice against poor&nbsp;behaviour.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cc93d43a-f130-46a9-bb7d-0a62e3bbd45f}{173}" paraid="2061707678" >Australia ended Day 1 on 274/5 with Tim Paine and Cameron Green unbeaten at the crease. Marnus Labuschagne was the star of the day as he registered his fifth Test century.&nbsp;</p>


Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and debutant Washington Sundar on Friday were subject to abuse by a section of fans at the Gabba in Brisbane during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth and final Test between India and Australia.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and debutant Washington Sundar on Friday were subject to abuse by a section of fans at the Gabba in Brisbane during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth and final Test between India and Australia. Cricket Australia officials kept a close eye on the action in the middle of the Gabba and behaviour of the fans after the Sydney Test was hit by two incidents where Indian players were allegedly subjected to racial abuse. At the SCG, Siraj had called out six supporters on Day 4 with play stopping for almost 10 minutes. The police escorted the group out of the stadium. According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Siraj didn't spend much time in front of 215 and 216 section at the Gabba but a spectator told the publication that the Indian bowler was repeatedly called a "grub" by a section of vocal supporters. Debutant Washington Sundar, who replaced Ravichandran Ashwin, in the line-up was subjected to the same chant of "grub" from the unruly section. ALSO READ: Brisbane Test, Day 1: Labuschagne steals show with century as Australia post 274/5 "The guys behind me have been calling - shouting - both Washington and Siraj grubs," a spectator named Kate was quoted as saying in the report by the Sydney Morning Herald. "It started targeted at Siraj and it was a chant similar to the SCG one (in which fans sang to the tune of Que Sera, Sera but substituted the lyrics with Que Shiraz, Shiraz). "But this time it was Siraj. I suspect it's not a coincidence that it's Siraj being targeted post the SCG stuff." During Day 1 of the Brisbane Test, a man was heard yelling, "Siraj, give us a wave, give us a wave, give us a wave. Siraj, you bloody grub." Kate was watching the match from a section where several men dressed as lifeguards had a beer snake dismantled by the stewards and another man was escorted off the ground from starting an "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chant. ALSO READ: Sexual harassment case against Pakistan captain Babar Azam withdrawn However, none of the Indian players gave any reaction to the chants by the crowd. While Siraj and Washington were called "grubs" by a section of fans, the rest remained close to their best behaviour, as per reports. Cricket Australia has encouraged fans to step forward in a bid to raise voice against poor behaviour. Australia ended Day 1 on 274/5 with Tim Paine and Cameron Green unbeaten at the crease. Marnus Labuschagne was the star of the day as he registered his fifth Test century.

Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar abused, labelled 'grub' by fans at Gabba

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7934361f-7e1f-4c25-92ba-caaefe7406ae}{36}" paraid="1772312062" >Australia on Friday ended Day 1 of the fourth and final Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane on 274/5 after a fine century from Marnus Labuschagne. Despite fielding an inexperienced bowling attack, Indian&nbsp;bowlers fared well with debutant&nbsp;Thangarasu&nbsp;Natarajan&nbsp;being the pick of the bowlers with two scalps to his name.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{978ca9c4-099b-48b1-869d-d74cdf28403a}{144}" paraid="1418761784" >Australia took advantage of the inexperienced Indian bowling unit with Labuschagne registering his fifth Test century. While India&nbsp;were&nbsp;off to a brilliant start after dismissing both the openers – David Warner and Marcus Harris – for cheap, Steve Smith was also dismissed by debutant Washington Sundar before Australia could cross 100-run mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{de69af24-6402-449f-ad6a-afa2b7208443}{62}" paraid="353774883" >However, Labuschagne and Wade stitched a century-stand to steady the ship for Australia. While Labuschagne scored 18, Wade was&nbsp;dismissed&nbsp;for&nbsp;45 as the duo departed in quick succession.&nbsp;Notably, Labuschagne was dropped by skipper Ajinkya Rahane at gully early in his innings.&nbsp;Cameron Green and skipper Tim Paine remained unbeaten at the end of Day 1 with Australia finishing with 274/5 on the board.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{de69af24-6402-449f-ad6a-afa2b7208443}{62}" paraid="353774883" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sexual-harassment-case-against-pakistan-captain-babar-azam-withdrawn-356882" hreflang="en">Sexual harassment case against Pakistan captain Babar Azam withdrawn</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12e48000-e98a-41b5-9911-9602aa4584a9}{230}" paraid="1480529921" >"You know you don't need to be playing at anything around 4th stump line or even 3 and half stumps. I tell myself to be cool, when you get to a hundred just carry on. It's about how that moment is, I don't plan my hundred celebrations. A little bit disappointed that I got out. For Tim and Green to play like that against the new ball was good. Maybe we have a slight edge but they hung in there throughout," said Labuschagne after the end of day's play.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ae25cc1-6eb2-4b48-9024-2bd9cf2959a5}{81}" paraid="1106692291" >Shardul Thakur, who was coming back to&nbsp;the&nbsp; Test&nbsp;side after a couple of years, dismissed Marcus Harris in his first delivery of the match whereas Mohammed Siraj got the better of David Warner as Australia found themselves reeling at 17/2 early in the innings. Smith and Labuschagne restored the Aussie innings before the former departed.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ae25cc1-6eb2-4b48-9024-2bd9cf2959a5}{81}" paraid="1106692291" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-bcci-provides-update-on-navdeep-saini-as-pacer-suffers-groin-injury-356870" hreflang="en">Brisbane Test: BCCI provides update on Navdeep Saini as pacer suffers groin injury</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12e48000-e98a-41b5-9911-9602aa4584a9}{186}" paraid="250286138" >India would be looking to use the new ball to their advantage when they take the field for Day 2 of the Brisbane Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{12e48000-e98a-41b5-9911-9602aa4584a9}{175}" paraid="807612192" ><strong>Brief Scores: </strong>Australia 274/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 108, Matthew Wade 45; T Natarajan 2-63)&nbsp;</p>


Australia on Friday ended Day 1 of the fourth and final Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane on 274/5 after a fine century from Marnus Labuschagne. Despite fielding an inexperienced bowling attack, Indian bowlers fared well with debutant Thangarasu Natarajan being the pick of the bowlers with two scalps to his name.

Australia on Friday ended Day 1 of the fourth and final Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane on 274/5 after a fine century from Marnus Labuschagne. Despite fielding an inexperienced bowling attack, Indian bowlers fared well with debutant Thangarasu Natarajan being the pick of the bowlers with two scalps to his name. Australia took advantage of the inexperienced Indian bowling unit with Labuschagne registering his fifth Test century. While India were off to a brilliant start after dismissing both the openers – David Warner and Marcus Harris – for cheap, Steve Smith was also dismissed by debutant Washington Sundar before Australia could cross 100-run mark. However, Labuschagne and Wade stitched a century-stand to steady the ship for Australia. While Labuschagne scored 18, Wade was dismissed for 45 as the duo departed in quick succession. Notably, Labuschagne was dropped by skipper Ajinkya Rahane at gully early in his innings. Cameron Green and skipper Tim Paine remained unbeaten at the end of Day 1 with Australia finishing with 274/5 on the board. ALSO READ: Sexual harassment case against Pakistan captain Babar Azam withdrawn "You know you don't need to be playing at anything around 4th stump line or even 3 and half stumps. I tell myself to be cool, when you get to a hundred just carry on. It's about how that moment is, I don't plan my hundred celebrations. A little bit disappointed that I got out. For Tim and Green to play like that against the new ball was good. Maybe we have a slight edge but they hung in there throughout," said Labuschagne after the end of day's play. Shardul Thakur, who was coming back to the Test side after a couple of years, dismissed Marcus Harris in his first delivery of the match whereas Mohammed Siraj got the better of David Warner as Australia found themselves reeling at 17/2 early in the innings. Smith and Labuschagne restored the Aussie innings before the former departed. ALSO READ: Brisbane Test: BCCI provides update on Navdeep Saini as pacer suffers groin injury India would be looking to use the new ball to their advantage when they take the field for Day 2 of the Brisbane Test. Brief Scores: Australia 274/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 108, Matthew Wade 45; T Natarajan 2-63)

Brisbane Test, Day 1: Labuschagne steals show with century as Australia post 274/5

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2b999390-89dc-46ca-82c0-10084f1642fe}{61}" paraid="1717280926" >Injury worries for the Indian cricket team continued to grow on Friday as pacer Navdeep Saini was taken for scans after complaining of groin pain on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;Saini walked off the field after bowling 7.5 overs due to pain in his groin with Rohit Sharma bowling the remaining delivery of the over.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f719c0c4-4aa6-4e69-81e9-232aca1bb49a}{41}" paraid="1191275271" >The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) then provided an update on Navdeep Saini's fitness as the Indian board said the youngster had gone for scans.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2b999390-89dc-46ca-82c0-10084f1642fe}{69}" paraid="773840478" >"UPDATE - Navdeep Saini has now gone for scans," BCCI tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ec60a68-32dd-492d-a93d-38bdcba223e3}{64}" paraid="1561887988" >"Navdeep Saini has complained of pain in his groin. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team," BCCI tweeted earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ec60a68-32dd-492d-a93d-38bdcba223e3}{64}" paraid="1561887988" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/labuschagne-rescues-australia-with-fifth-test-century-356852" hreflang="en">Labuschagne rescues Australia with fifth Test century</a></strong></p>

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<p>After debutant Washington Sundar sent Steve Smith packing in the 35th&nbsp;over of the first innings, the visitors got a big chance to put Australia under pressure. While Marnus Labuschagne, in the 36th&nbsp;over, edged the ball to Ajinkya Rahane, the&nbsp;Indian skipper dropped a sitter. However, Saini was seen in pain after the dropped catch as physio Nitin Patel rushed in to give him some treatment. The pacer eventually walked off the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-anyone-reach-to-800-test-wickets-sri-lankan-legend-muttiah-muralitharan-opines-356699" hreflang="en">Will anyone reach to 800 Test wickets? Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan opines</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4c27be3-2cf8-43c7-8200-114071464cc0}{59}" paraid="1544881934" >Labuschagne went on to hit a fantastic century to bring Australia back into the game before his partner Matthew Wade departed after a lousy shot. Labuschagne, too, fell soon after to debutant&nbsp;Thangarasu&nbsp;Natarajan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{66fddd2b-17bf-4675-8167-6e600e2d0a20}{33}" paraid="738692707" >Despite fielding an inexperienced bowling line-up, and with the injury of Navdeep Saini, the Indian bowlers have bowled well and kept their&nbsp;lenghts&nbsp;in check. After 86 overs, Australia&nbsp;were&nbsp;271/5 with Cameron Green and Tim Paine at the crease.&nbsp;</p>


Injury worries for the Indian cricket team continued to grow on Friday as pacer Navdeep Saini was taken for scans after complaining of groin pain on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Injury worries for the Indian cricket team continued to grow on Friday as pacer Navdeep Saini was taken for scans after complaining of groin pain on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Saini walked off the field after bowling 7.5 overs due to pain in his groin with Rohit Sharma bowling the remaining delivery of the over. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) then provided an update on Navdeep Saini's fitness as the Indian board said the youngster had gone for scans. "UPDATE - Navdeep Saini has now gone for scans," BCCI tweeted. "Navdeep Saini has complained of pain in his groin. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team," BCCI tweeted earlier. ALSO READ: Labuschagne rescues Australia with fifth Test century UPDATE - Navdeep Saini has now gone for scans.#AUSvIND https://t.co/pN01PVnFfx — BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2021 × After debutant Washington Sundar sent Steve Smith packing in the 35th over of the first innings, the visitors got a big chance to put Australia under pressure. While Marnus Labuschagne, in the 36th over, edged the ball to Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian skipper dropped a sitter. However, Saini was seen in pain after the dropped catch as physio Nitin Patel rushed in to give him some treatment. The pacer eventually walked off the field. ALSO READ: Will anyone reach to 800 Test wickets? Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan opines Labuschagne went on to hit a fantastic century to bring Australia back into the game before his partner Matthew Wade departed after a lousy shot. Labuschagne, too, fell soon after to debutant Thangarasu Natarajan. Despite fielding an inexperienced bowling line-up, and with the injury of Navdeep Saini, the Indian bowlers have bowled well and kept their lenghts in check. After 86 overs, Australia were 271/5 with Cameron Green and Tim Paine at the crease.

Brisbane Test: BCCI provides update on Navdeep Saini as pacer suffers groin injury

<p>Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian cricket team has been gripped by injuries even before the gruelling tour of Australia started. The injury list has since grown with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin being the latest names after the completion of Sydney Test. While Jadeja and Vihari are out, there are still chances that Bumrah and Ashwin may feature in the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smith-feeds-off-criticism-warns-paine-ahead-of-gabba-showdown-356615" hreflang="en">Smith 'feeds off' criticism warns Paine ahead of Gabba showdown</a></strong></p>

<p>There have been reports that Bumrah may play at The Gabba even if he is 50 per cent fit. Lauding the toughness of the players, who defied all the odds to draw the Sydney Test despite being plagued by injuries, Rathour said that the team has shown a lot of character while adding the Indian team has all the ability to do well against Australia in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Basically, I think the toughness comes from the preparation, we believe in our players, every member of our team believes in their ability. One innings cannot let the doubts creep in, the team has shown a lot of character and the reason for that is the hard work they have been putting in for a long time," Rathour said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-record-gives-australia-edge-over-india-josh-hazlewood-356494" hreflang="en">Brisbane record gives Australia edge over India: Josh Hazlewood</a></strong></p>

<p>"As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian team has lost the likes of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav as well and if Bumrah is unable to play then the pace attack will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Australia haven't lost a single Test at The Gabba since 1988 and would be looking to continue their incredible record at the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With series firmly locked at 1-1, India and Australia will lock horns in the fourth and final Test of the series on January 15.&nbsp;</p>


Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning.

Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning. The Indian cricket team has been gripped by injuries even before the gruelling tour of Australia started. The injury list has since grown with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin being the latest names after the completion of Sydney Test. While Jadeja and Vihari are out, there are still chances that Bumrah and Ashwin may feature in the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. "The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't. "The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test. ALSO READ: Smith 'feeds off' criticism warns Paine ahead of Gabba showdown There have been reports that Bumrah may play at The Gabba even if he is 50 per cent fit. Lauding the toughness of the players, who defied all the odds to draw the Sydney Test despite being plagued by injuries, Rathour said that the team has shown a lot of character while adding the Indian team has all the ability to do well against Australia in Brisbane. "Basically, I think the toughness comes from the preparation, we believe in our players, every member of our team believes in their ability. One innings cannot let the doubts creep in, the team has shown a lot of character and the reason for that is the hard work they have been putting in for a long time," Rathour said. ALSO READ: Brisbane record gives Australia edge over India: Josh Hazlewood "As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added. The Indian team has lost the likes of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav as well and if Bumrah is unable to play then the pace attack will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. Notably, Australia haven't lost a single Test at The Gabba since 1988 and would be looking to continue their incredible record at the venue. With series firmly locked at 1-1, India and Australia will lock horns in the fourth and final Test of the series on January 15.

Call on Jasprit Bumrah's availability to be taken on Friday, says Vikram Rathour ahead of Brisbane Test

<p>Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski.</p>

<p>Smith has faced accusations he had been trying to cheat by scuffing up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during the tense drawn third Test at Sydney, which left the series locked at 1-1.</p>

<p>He strongly denied it and said he was shocked by the reaction, claiming he was simply shadow batting.</p>

<p>Paine, himself slammed for an ugly sledging incident during the match, said his teammate was mentally strong and determined to build on his man-of-the-match performance in Sydney, where he made 131 and 81.</p>

<p>"Steve is in a good frame of mind," Paine said ahead of the clash at the Gabba starting Friday, a ground where Australia are unbeaten since 1988.</p>

<p>"I think we've seen through what he's been through in the last three years... he's mentally very strong, very tough. He knows sometimes he's going to be criticised and he's handled that supremely well.</p>

<p>"If anything, I think he feeds off it. His statistics speak for themselves and we'll see the best of Steve Smith again this week."</p>

<p>Australia will go into the series-deciding clash without Pucovski, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding in Sydney, where he made an impressive first innings' 62 on debut.</p>

<p>It was another cruel setback for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who missed the first two Tests with concussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marcus Harris, who has played nine Tests, but not since Australia retained the Ashes in England last year, will open instead alongside David Warner.</p>

<p>"He'll come in and open the batting and looking forward to seeing what he can do," said Paine. "He's a no fuss, very good player."</p>

<p>Barring late mishaps, it will likely be the only change to the team that played the third Test.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, wicketkeeper Paine apologised for his own behaviour in Sydney, where he launched a verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, was fined for dissent and dropped three catches on the final day as Australia failed to bowl India out.</p>

<p>"I let it get under the skin, no doubt about that, I've admitted that, so for me it's about rising above it and concentrating on what I'm doing and concentrating on leading my team," he said.</p>

<p>"We've spoken a lot this game about controlling what we can control and focusing more inwardly on ourselves. If we do that, then we'll be in a good position."</p>

<p>Australia (probable): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood</p>


Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski.

Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski. Smith has faced accusations he had been trying to cheat by scuffing up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during the tense drawn third Test at Sydney, which left the series locked at 1-1. He strongly denied it and said he was shocked by the reaction, claiming he was simply shadow batting. Paine, himself slammed for an ugly sledging incident during the match, said his teammate was mentally strong and determined to build on his man-of-the-match performance in Sydney, where he made 131 and 81. "Steve is in a good frame of mind," Paine said ahead of the clash at the Gabba starting Friday, a ground where Australia are unbeaten since 1988. "I think we've seen through what he's been through in the last three years... he's mentally very strong, very tough. He knows sometimes he's going to be criticised and he's handled that supremely well. "If anything, I think he feeds off it. His statistics speak for themselves and we'll see the best of Steve Smith again this week." Australia will go into the series-deciding clash without Pucovski, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding in Sydney, where he made an impressive first innings' 62 on debut. It was another cruel setback for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who missed the first two Tests with concussion. Marcus Harris, who has played nine Tests, but not since Australia retained the Ashes in England last year, will open instead alongside David Warner. "He'll come in and open the batting and looking forward to seeing what he can do," said Paine. "He's a no fuss, very good player." Barring late mishaps, it will likely be the only change to the team that played the third Test. Earlier this week, wicketkeeper Paine apologised for his own behaviour in Sydney, where he launched a verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, was fined for dissent and dropped three catches on the final day as Australia failed to bowl India out. "I let it get under the skin, no doubt about that, I've admitted that, so for me it's about rising above it and concentrating on what I'm doing and concentrating on leading my team," he said. "We've spoken a lot this game about controlling what we can control and focusing more inwardly on ourselves. If we do that, then we'll be in a good position." Australia (probable): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Smith 'feeds off' criticism warns Paine ahead of Gabba showdown

<p>The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with Australia in the fourth and final Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 15. The visitors have shown immense grit and determination to keep the series level at 1-1 despite having an injury-plagued squad at their helm.</p>

<p>While the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were ruled out earlier in the series, India will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari. Even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin are doubtful due to abdominal strain and back strain respectively. Even Mayank Agarwal was hit during a net session ahead of the series decider. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia, on the other hand, are yet to lose a Test at The Gabba in Brisbane since 1988. The hosts made one change to their playing XI with Marcus Harris replacing the injured Will Pucovski. But India will confirm their playing XI before the match due to their injury concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are major chances that the fourth Test between India and Australia in Brisbane could be halted by rain gods. Brisbane is expected to witness intermittent rainfall on the first three days of the fourth Test – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – with 50 per cent chance of rain disrupting the match on the last two days of the fourth Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, if the Brisbane Test ends up in a draw then India will retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.</p>

<h2>When and what time will India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test begin?</h2>

<p>India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test will start at 5:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 4:30 AM IST.</p>

<h2>Where will India vs Australia 4th Test take place?</h2>

<p>India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test&nbsp;match will be held at&nbsp;The Gabba, Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Which channel will telecast India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test&nbsp;in India?</h2>

<p>India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test&nbsp;will be live on Sony Ten 1 (and HD) and Sony Ten 3 (and HD) in India.</p>

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test?</h2>

<p>India vs Australia 4th&nbsp;Test&nbsp;will be live-streamed on Airtel TV and Jio TV apps besides Sony Sports Network platforms.</p>


The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with Australia in the fourth and final Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 15. The visitors have shown immense grit and determination to keep the series level at 1-1 despite having an injury-plagued squad at their helm.

The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with Australia in the fourth and final Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 15. The visitors have shown immense grit and determination to keep the series level at 1-1 despite having an injury-plagued squad at their helm. While the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were ruled out earlier in the series, India will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari. Even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin are doubtful due to abdominal strain and back strain respectively. Even Mayank Agarwal was hit during a net session ahead of the series decider. Australia, on the other hand, are yet to lose a Test at The Gabba in Brisbane since 1988. The hosts made one change to their playing XI with Marcus Harris replacing the injured Will Pucovski. But India will confirm their playing XI before the match due to their injury concerns. There are major chances that the fourth Test between India and Australia in Brisbane could be halted by rain gods. Brisbane is expected to witness intermittent rainfall on the first three days of the fourth Test – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – with 50 per cent chance of rain disrupting the match on the last two days of the fourth Test. Notably, if the Brisbane Test ends up in a draw then India will retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy. When and what time will India vs Australia 4th Test begin? India vs Australia 4th Test will start at 5:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 4:30 AM IST. Where will India vs Australia 4th Test take place? India vs Australia 4th Test match will be held at The Gabba, Brisbane. Which channel will telecast India vs Australia 4th Test in India? India vs Australia 4th Test will be live on Sony Ten 1 (and HD) and Sony Ten 3 (and HD) in India. How to watch the live streaming of India vs Australia 4th Test? India vs Australia 4th Test will be live-streamed on Airtel TV and Jio TV apps besides Sony Sports Network platforms.

IND vs AUS 2nd Test Live Streaming: How and where to watch India vs Australia match?

<p>India and Australia are set to lock horns at The Gabba in Brisbane in what will be the series decider of the four-Test series. With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the match promises to be a thrilling contest. However, the weather forecast in Brisbane isn't the best for cricket and could result in delay. But will rain force the match to be washed out completely?&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are major chances that the fourth Test between India and Australia in Brisbane could be halted by rain gods. Brisbane is expected to witness intermittent rainfall on the first three days of the fourth Test – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – with 50 per cent chance of rain disrupting the match on the last two days of the fourth Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, if the Brisbane Test ends up in a draw then India will retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Brisbane Weather" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2d9630b-8fca-47c9-b9ab-77322e1282a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Accu.JPG" /></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bumrah-out-sundar-in-team-indias-likely-playing-xi-for-brisbane-test-vs-australia-356700" hreflang="en">Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia are yet to lose a Test at The Gabba in Brisbane since 1988. The hosts made one change to their playing XI with Marcus Harris replacing the injured Will Pucovski. But India will confirm their playing XI before the match due to their injury concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari are out of Brisbane Test due to injuries, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah are also a doubt which may force the visitors to field an inexperience bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/should-jasprit-bumrah-play-brisbane-test-gautam-gambhir-gives-his-take-356737" hreflang="en">Should Jasprit Bumrah play Brisbane Test? Gautam Gambhir gives his take</a></strong></p>

<p>"The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," India's batting coach Vikram Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The four-match Test series is tied at 1-1 with Australia winning the first Test in Adelaide while India winning the second in Melbourne. The Sydney Test ended in a draw.&nbsp;</p>


India and Australia are set to lock horns at The Gabba in Brisbane in what will be the series decider of the four-Test series. With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the match promises to be a thrilling contest.

India and Australia are set to lock horns at The Gabba in Brisbane in what will be the series decider of the four-Test series. With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the match promises to be a thrilling contest. However, the weather forecast in Brisbane isn't the best for cricket and could result in delay. But will rain force the match to be washed out completely? There are major chances that the fourth Test between India and Australia in Brisbane could be halted by rain gods. Brisbane is expected to witness intermittent rainfall on the first three days of the fourth Test – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – with 50 per cent chance of rain disrupting the match on the last two days of the fourth Test. Notably, if the Brisbane Test ends up in a draw then India will retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy. ALSO READ: Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia Australia are yet to lose a Test at The Gabba in Brisbane since 1988. The hosts made one change to their playing XI with Marcus Harris replacing the injured Will Pucovski. But India will confirm their playing XI before the match due to their injury concerns. While the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari are out of Brisbane Test due to injuries, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah are also a doubt which may force the visitors to field an inexperience bowling attack. "The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't. ALSO READ: Should Jasprit Bumrah play Brisbane Test? Gautam Gambhir gives his take "The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," India's batting coach Vikram Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test. The four-match Test series is tied at 1-1 with Australia winning the first Test in Adelaide while India winning the second in Melbourne. The Sydney Test ended in a draw.

Brisbane weather forecast, IND vs AUS 4th Test: Rain gods to play spoil sport in series showdown?

<p>Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bumrah has suffered an abdominal strain and is a major doubt for the series decider against Australia in Brisbane. However, the Indian team management has still kept the doors open for Bumrah to feature in the Brisbane Test given he is fit enough to bowl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"See again, he hasn’t played a Test match in India till now, Has he? He hasn’t. So, I’m sure the Indian team management has looked after Jasprit Bumrah reasonably well. They have actually used him in places like England, South Africa, and Australia, where he has got to be even more threatening," Gautam Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bumrah is yet to feature in a Test match on home soil and Gambhir reckons that the pacer will be more lethal in Indian pitches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bumrah-out-sundar-in-team-indias-likely-playing-xi-for-brisbane-test-vs-australia-356700" hreflang="en">Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>"I’m not saying he is not going to be threatening in India. He is going to be even more threatening in India, where wickets can get low and slow and he can reverse the ball really well. His quality. It’s just his quality and the lengths he bowls, and the amount of pressure he puts the batsman under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whether he is bowling with an old ball or a new ball. From the time he started, the ball which goes away from the right hand and he is able to bring the ball back in, has made it even more dangerous,” said Gambhir. &nbsp;</p>

<p>With a jam-packed calendar awaiting the Indian team in the year 2021, Gambhir said that the management needs to save Bumrah for other series as well.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-cricket-fan-waits-10-months-for-sri-lanka-test-and-gets-kicked-out-356640" hreflang="en">England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out</a></strong></p>

<p>“But then again, you got to look after him as well, because he is going to be the leader of the attack for a very long time, so him being fit is very important, so when India plays England for the 4th Test match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know, yes, Mohd Shami is unfit, Ishant Sharma is unfit, Umesh Yadav is unfit but you can’t afford to play Jasprit Bumrah all the 4 Test matches, it will be very unfair on him,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Bumrah has bowled the most number overs – 117.4 - in the ongoing Test series against Australia from both the teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out. Bumrah has suffered an abdominal strain and is a major doubt for the series decider against Australia in Brisbane. However, the Indian team management has still kept the doors open for Bumrah to feature in the Brisbane Test given he is fit enough to bowl. "See again, he hasn’t played a Test match in India till now, Has he? He hasn’t. So, I’m sure the Indian team management has looked after Jasprit Bumrah reasonably well. They have actually used him in places like England, South Africa, and Australia, where he has got to be even more threatening," Gautam Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports. Bumrah is yet to feature in a Test match on home soil and Gambhir reckons that the pacer will be more lethal in Indian pitches. ALSO READ: Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia "I’m not saying he is not going to be threatening in India. He is going to be even more threatening in India, where wickets can get low and slow and he can reverse the ball really well. His quality. It’s just his quality and the lengths he bowls, and the amount of pressure he puts the batsman under. "Whether he is bowling with an old ball or a new ball. From the time he started, the ball which goes away from the right hand and he is able to bring the ball back in, has made it even more dangerous,” said Gambhir. With a jam-packed calendar awaiting the Indian team in the year 2021, Gambhir said that the management needs to save Bumrah for other series as well. ALSO READ: England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out “But then again, you got to look after him as well, because he is going to be the leader of the attack for a very long time, so him being fit is very important, so when India plays England for the 4th Test match. "I know, yes, Mohd Shami is unfit, Ishant Sharma is unfit, Umesh Yadav is unfit but you can’t afford to play Jasprit Bumrah all the 4 Test matches, it will be very unfair on him,” he said. Notably, Bumrah has bowled the most number overs – 117.4 - in the ongoing Test series against Australia from both the teams.

Should Jasprit Bumrah play Brisbane Test? Gautam Gambhir gives his take

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{db7ddd3f-00bc-4b8f-b44d-e9f6ccd2f1db}{39}" paraid="314862706" >The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with Australia in the fourth and final Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 15. The visitors have shown immense grit and determination to keep the series level at 1-1 despite having an injury-plagued squad at their helm. With so many injuries in the Indian team,&nbsp;fans have been guessing the playing XI of the visitors led by Ajinkya Rahane. Ahead of the Brisbane Test, let us take a look at the probable playing XI of the Indian team against Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fdd10de9-d996-40bc-a5af-befb4b9c32c6}{202}" paraid="958349559" >While the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were ruled out earlier in the series, India will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja and&nbsp;Hanuma Vihari. Even the likes of&nbsp;Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;and Ravichandran Ashwin are doubtful due to abdominal strain and back strain respectively. Even Mayank Agarwal was hit during a net session&nbsp;ahead of the series decider.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0c9b6373-059b-4fee-a96d-31d2005428be}{125}" paraid="1388405043" >While Team India's batting coach Vikram&nbsp;Rathour&nbsp;said that the visitors will take a call on&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;on Friday morning, it is highly unlikely that the ace Indian pacer will feature in the match, which will force the Indian team to field an inexperienced bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0c9b6373-059b-4fee-a96d-31d2005428be}{125}" paraid="1388405043" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/call-on-jasprit-bumrahs-availability-to-be-taken-on-friday-says-vikram-rathour-ahead-of-brisbane-test-356626" hreflang="en">Call on Jasprit Bumrah's availability to be taken on Friday, says Vikram Rathour ahead of Brisbane Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{010c2f92-1130-4b36-9c67-51a5ecb23ba5}{190}" paraid="1398368533" >"The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," India's batting coach Vikram&nbsp;Rathour&nbsp;said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d03bfd4d-d0c5-41ca-84e0-9e5be7c6671d}{246}" paraid="1519172505" >"As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d03bfd4d-d0c5-41ca-84e0-9e5be7c6671d}{246}" paraid="1519172505" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-cricket-fan-waits-10-months-for-sri-lanka-test-and-gets-kicked-out-356640" hreflang="en">England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d03bfd4d-d0c5-41ca-84e0-9e5be7c6671d}{191}" paraid="165930402" >Indian cricket team likely playing XI against Australia in the fourth Test in Brisbane:</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d03bfd4d-d0c5-41ca-84e0-9e5be7c6671d}{191}" paraid="165930402" >Rohit Sharma,&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill,&nbsp;Cheteshwar&nbsp;Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant (WK),&nbsp;Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


The Indian cricket team is set to lock horns with Australia in the fourth and final Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 15. The visitors have shown immense grit and determination to keep the series level at 1-1 despite having an injury-plagued squad at their helm. With so many injuries in the Indian team, fans have been guessing the playing XI of the visitors led by Ajinkya Rahane. Ahead of the Brisbane Test, let us take a look at the probable playing XI of the Indian team against Australia. While the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were ruled out earlier in the series, India will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari. Even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin are doubtful due to abdominal strain and back strain respectively. Even Mayank Agarwal was hit during a net session ahead of the series decider. While Team India's batting coach Vikram Rathour said that the visitors will take a call on Bumrah on Friday morning, it is highly unlikely that the ace Indian pacer will feature in the match, which will force the Indian team to field an inexperienced bowling attack. ALSO READ: Call on Jasprit Bumrah's availability to be taken on Friday, says Vikram Rathour ahead of Brisbane Test "The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," India's batting coach Vikram Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test. "As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added. ALSO READ: England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out Indian cricket team likely playing XI against Australia in the fourth Test in Brisbane: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur

Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Brisbane record gives Australia edge over India: Josh Hazlewood

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant hit a superb 97 to bring India in fighting distance of Australia's target of 407&nbsp;on the final day of the Sydney Test but the Australians hit back taking the crucial wicket of&nbsp;Pujara.</p>

<p>Pant's 118-ball innings contained 12 boundaries and 2 sixes but he fell 3 runs short of his ton to Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's middle-order spearhead Cheteshwar Pujara who has been out of form in this series fell on 77 to Hazelwood after&nbsp;batting fluently having played over 205&nbsp;balls with 12 boundaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lost their third wicket early on the fifth morning as captain Rahane fell to Lyon with India in deep trouble at 102/3 when Rishab Pant walked in and together as India's wicketkeeper-batsman led from the front.</p>

<p>Pujara and Pant put on a solid 148-run partnership to bring India back in the game even though Australia's 407-run target still looks distant with India having lost 4 wickets with not much batting to come in lower order with Jadeja nursing an injury.</p>

<p>Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers having grabbed the crucial wicket of Pant and Rahane even as Hazelwood and Starc looked lacklustre.</p>

<p>Australia has taken the second new ball hoping to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup. India and Australia are locked 1-1 in the 4 matches Test series with the final set to be played in Brisbane.</p>


Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant hit a superb 97 to bring India in fighting distance of Australia's target of 407 on the final day of the Sydney Test but the Australians hit back taking the crucial wicket of Pujara.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant hit a superb 97 to bring India in fighting distance of Australia's target of 407 on the final day of the Sydney Test but the Australians hit back taking the crucial wicket of Pujara. Pant's 118-ball innings contained 12 boundaries and 2 sixes but he fell 3 runs short of his ton to Nathan Lyon. India's middle-order spearhead Cheteshwar Pujara who has been out of form in this series fell on 77 to Hazelwood after batting fluently having played over 205 balls with 12 boundaries. India lost their third wicket early on the fifth morning as captain Rahane fell to Lyon with India in deep trouble at 102/3 when Rishab Pant walked in and together as India's wicketkeeper-batsman led from the front. Pujara and Pant put on a solid 148-run partnership to bring India back in the game even though Australia's 407-run target still looks distant with India having lost 4 wickets with not much batting to come in lower order with Jadeja nursing an injury. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers having grabbed the crucial wicket of Pant and Rahane even as Hazelwood and Starc looked lacklustre. Australia has taken the second new ball hoping to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup. India and Australia are locked 1-1 in the 4 matches Test series with the final set to be played in Brisbane.

Sydney Test: Pant, Pujara fall as Australia claw their way back on final day

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>After their poor show on the field during the second Test in Melbourne, where they dropped catches of opener Shubman Gill and centurion Ajinkya Rahane while leaking runs too, Australia ramped up their fielding in the third Test to leave India gasping.<br />
<br />
The Aussie fielders were on the money with even fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, the least athletic of the Aussies, producing a brilliant piece of fielding. Hazlewood dived at mid-off and threw the ball straight at stumps while falling to run out Hanuma Vihari.<br />
<br />
Australia effected three run outs in all, with Marnus Labuschagne getting rid of Jasprit Bumrah with a direct hit, while Pat Cummins`s throw reached wicketkeeper Tim Paine at the right time to catch R Ashwin short of his crease. Cummins later said that the team had worked on its fielding after the second Test.<br />
<br />
"Doesn`t happen that often (two direct hits)... both Josh`s and Marnus`s direct hits, especially Josh getting a top-order batsman like Vihari out seemingly out of nowehere," said Pat Cummins while speaking to the media after the match.<br />
<br />
"The MCG effort gets spoken about quite a lot. In between Tests we did quite a bit of work on it. Not only the run out, I think the attitude was fantastic, you had everyone diving around the field. Wadey (Matthew Wade) and Marnus taking the balls on the body (at close-in). Really good effort today," added Cummins.</p>


After their poor show on the field during the second Test in Melbourne, where they dropped catches of opener Shubman Gill and centurion Ajinkya Rahane while leaking runs too, Australia ramped up their fielding in the third Test to leave India gasping.

After their poor show on the field during the second Test in Melbourne, where they dropped catches of opener Shubman Gill and centurion Ajinkya Rahane while leaking runs too, Australia ramped up their fielding in the third Test to leave India gasping. The Aussie fielders were on the money with even fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, the least athletic of the Aussies, producing a brilliant piece of fielding. Hazlewood dived at mid-off and threw the ball straight at stumps while falling to run out Hanuma Vihari. Australia effected three run outs in all, with Marnus Labuschagne getting rid of Jasprit Bumrah with a direct hit, while Pat Cummins`s throw reached wicketkeeper Tim Paine at the right time to catch R Ashwin short of his crease. Cummins later said that the team had worked on its fielding after the second Test. "Doesn`t happen that often (two direct hits)... both Josh`s and Marnus`s direct hits, especially Josh getting a top-order batsman like Vihari out seemingly out of nowehere," said Pat Cummins while speaking to the media after the match. "The MCG effort gets spoken about quite a lot. In between Tests we did quite a bit of work on it. Not only the run out, I think the attitude was fantastic, you had everyone diving around the field. Wadey (Matthew Wade) and Marnus taking the balls on the body (at close-in). Really good effort today," added Cummins.

Aussies ramp up fielding in Sydney after poor show in Melbourne

<p>Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-and-mohammed-siraj-racially-abused-at-the-scg-on-day-3-reports-355594" hreflang="en">Bumrah and Siraj racially abused at the SCG on Day 3: Reports</a></p>

<p>The Aussie batsman did not hold back from expressing his frustrations over the media for the constant discussion over his form as he failed to score big runs after smashing back-to-back hundreds in the ODIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at the virtual media interaction, he said: "I read a lot of things and plenty of people said I was out of form so it was nice to come back into form, if that's what you want to call it."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-labuschagne-smith-power-australia-to-197-run-lead-over-india-on-day-3-355575">Labuschagne-Smith power Australia to 197-run lead over India on Day 3</a></p>

<p>"I mean, it was only about three or four weeks ago that I scored two hundreds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. So yeah, it kind of just makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of thing," he added.</p>

<p>"I missed out in the first two Tests obviously and came back today and scored some runs and helped I guess put us in a decent position," he further said.</p>

<p>Indian spin wizard was seen toying with the Aussie in the series, however, Smith revealed on how he overcame the spin threat. "I decided to be a bit more positive. I think early on I hit him (Ashwin) over his head, sort of just put a bit of pressure on him," he said.</p>

<p>Smith smashed his 27th hundred in the longest format on Day 2 in the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He smashed 131 runs to power Australia to 338 in the first innings.&nbsp;</p>


Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG.

Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG. ALSO READ: Bumrah and Siraj racially abused at the SCG on Day 3: Reports The Aussie batsman did not hold back from expressing his frustrations over the media for the constant discussion over his form as he failed to score big runs after smashing back-to-back hundreds in the ODIs. Speaking to reporters at the virtual media interaction, he said: "I read a lot of things and plenty of people said I was out of form so it was nice to come back into form, if that's what you want to call it." ALSO READ: Labuschagne-Smith power Australia to 197-run lead over India on Day 3 "I mean, it was only about three or four weeks ago that I scored two hundreds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. So yeah, it kind of just makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of thing," he added. "I missed out in the first two Tests obviously and came back today and scored some runs and helped I guess put us in a decent position," he further said. Indian spin wizard was seen toying with the Aussie in the series, however, Smith revealed on how he overcame the spin threat. "I decided to be a bit more positive. I think early on I hit him (Ashwin) over his head, sort of just put a bit of pressure on him," he said. Smith smashed his 27th hundred in the longest format on Day 2 in the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He smashed 131 runs to power Australia to 338 in the first innings.

'I decided to be bit more positive': Steve Smith on reports of him being out of form

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Brisbane virus lockdown raises concerns over cricket Test

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


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

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

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