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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a great game for the Indians who have completed a huge turnaround without their skipper Virat Kohli with an emphatic win in Melbourne.&nbsp;

This was a comprehensive performance from the Indian cricket team to bring this series level at 1-1 with two matches remaining. A heck of a comeback following calamity in Adelaide.

Newcomer Shubman Gill showed plenty of class to finish with 35 from 36 balls in the second innings and looks a player with a huge future and Ajinkya Rahane was at the crease after setting up the win with his gutsy first innings hundred as Kohli's captaincy replacement.&nbsp;

Earlier, India wrapped up Australia's second innings for 200 in the extended opening session of the Day 4 of the second Test to set themselves an easy 70-run target, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) today.

For India, debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj (3/37) took three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah (2/54) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/71) took two wickets apiece in the second innings. 
 
India had taken a 131-run lead on the third day with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (112) and Ravindra Jadeja (57) taking the visitors to 326 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 195.

Number six Cameron Green was top-scorer for the hosts with his 45-run knock while make-shift opener Matthew Wade made 40.

Green and Pat Cummins (22) added 57 runs for the seventh wicket with the pitch offering nothing to the bowlers. The partnership was broken only after the new ball was taken.

For India, debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj (3/37) took three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah (2/54) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/71) took two wickets apiece.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 195 and 200 in 103.1 overs (C Green 45, M Wade 40, M Labuschagne 28; M Siraj 3/37, R Jadeja 2/28, J Bumrah 2/54)

India: 326 and 70 for 2 in 15.5 overs. (S Gill 35 not out, A Rahane 27 not out; M Starc 1/20, P Cummins 1/22).

(With inputs from agencies)

It was a great game for the Indians who have completed a huge turnaround without their skipper Virat Kohli with an emphatic win in Melbourne. This was a comprehensive performance from the Indian cricket team to bring this series level at 1-1 with two matches remaining.

It was a great game for the Indians who have completed a huge turnaround without their skipper Virat Kohli with an emphatic win in Melbourne. This was a comprehensive performance from the Indian cricket team to bring this series level at 1-1 with two matches remaining. A heck of a comeback following calamity in Adelaide. Newcomer Shubman Gill showed plenty of class to finish with 35 from 36 balls in the second innings and looks a player with a huge future and Ajinkya Rahane was at the crease after setting up the win with his gutsy first innings hundred as Kohli's captaincy replacement. Earlier, India wrapped up Australia's second innings for 200 in the extended opening session of the Day 4 of the second Test to set themselves an easy 70-run target, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) today. For India, debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj (3/37) took three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah (2/54) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/71) took two wickets apiece in the second innings. India had taken a 131-run lead on the third day with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (112) and Ravindra Jadeja (57) taking the visitors to 326 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 195. Number six Cameron Green was top-scorer for the hosts with his 45-run knock while make-shift opener Matthew Wade made 40. Green and Pat Cummins (22) added 57 runs for the seventh wicket with the pitch offering nothing to the bowlers. The partnership was broken only after the new ball was taken. For India, debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj (3/37) took three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah (2/54) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/28) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/71) took two wickets apiece. Brief Scores: Australia: 195 and 200 in 103.1 overs (C Green 45, M Wade 40, M Labuschagne 28; M Siraj 3/37, R Jadeja 2/28, J Bumrah 2/54) India: 326 and 70 for 2 in 15.5 overs. (S Gill 35 not out, A Rahane 27 not out; M Starc 1/20, P Cummins 1/22). (With inputs from agencies)

Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India win the second Test, level series at 1-1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

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

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

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

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

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

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

India struck all the right chords on Day 1 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. They bundled out the hosts on 195 before stumps. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that Australia's batting is ‘fragile’.

“With the kind of batting line-up that Australia have, they are very vulnerable at the top of the order. They are very fragile, apart from Labuschagne and Smith. Travis Head is very vulnerable. Cameron Green will probably be playing his second Test match,” Gambhir said on Sports Today on YouTube.

“Tim Paine, yes, he has done well in the previous game, but he has his own shortcomings as well, and then you are into the bowlers. So apart from two batters, No.3 and No.4, there is a lot of fragilities. So, India can actually look to exploit that.”

India's bowling unit had a great outing. Bumrah's four dismissals and Ashwin's three wickets wrapped the hosts to a modest total.&nbsp;

“When you have got people like Jasprit Bumrah who are world-class when you have Ravichandran Ashwin, you have Umesh Yadav who has played over 35-40 Test matches. So you expect Indian bowling line-up to actually come good,” Gambhir said.

“It is for the batters to put runs on the board and don’t think about putting 400 on the board, look to get 275 and give something to your bowlers. Because you have these world-class bowlers and 275 is good enough. You have got someone like Jasprit Bumrah who can probably win a game as well in his five-spell. Other bowlers need to complement him, they should not leak runs.”

India struck all the right chords on Day 1 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. They bundled out the hosts on 195 before stumps. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that Australia's batting is ‘fragile’.

India struck all the right chords on Day 1 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. They bundled out the hosts on 195 before stumps. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that Australia's batting is ‘fragile’. “With the kind of batting line-up that Australia have, they are very vulnerable at the top of the order. They are very fragile, apart from Labuschagne and Smith. Travis Head is very vulnerable. Cameron Green will probably be playing his second Test match,” Gambhir said on Sports Today on YouTube. “Tim Paine, yes, he has done well in the previous game, but he has his own shortcomings as well, and then you are into the bowlers. So apart from two batters, No.3 and No.4, there is a lot of fragilities. So, India can actually look to exploit that.” India's bowling unit had a great outing. Bumrah's four dismissals and Ashwin's three wickets wrapped the hosts to a modest total. “When you have got people like Jasprit Bumrah who are world-class when you have Ravichandran Ashwin, you have Umesh Yadav who has played over 35-40 Test matches. So you expect Indian bowling line-up to actually come good,” Gambhir said. “It is for the batters to put runs on the board and don’t think about putting 400 on the board, look to get 275 and give something to your bowlers. Because you have these world-class bowlers and 275 is good enough. You have got someone like Jasprit Bumrah who can probably win a game as well in his five-spell. Other bowlers need to complement him, they should not leak runs.”

'Look to get 275 and give something to your bowlers': Gautam Gambhir on India's performance on Day 1

Team India ended Day 1 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a high as they bundled out Australia for 195 before stumps on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-suffered-for-his-forthrightness-and-speaking-his-mind-at-meetings-sunil-gavaskar-352371" hreflang="en">'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar</a>

India's pacer spearhead Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets including Burns and Head. Ashwin, on the other hand, took three vital wickets of Smith, Wade, Paine for Team India. Debutant Siraj removed two batsmen which include the man in form Labuschagne.&nbsp;

Australia lost their top order quickly and failed to capitalise despite winning the toss. Labuschagne scored of the runs for Australia before being dismissed by debutant Siraj on 48. Smith and Paine failed to perform on Day 1. India's clinical bowling performance and good fielding clean swept the Australians for 195.&nbsp;

In reply, India lost their opener, Mayank Agarwal, for a duck, whereas Shubman Gill's confident unbeaten 28 runs helped India finish the day with 36 runs and nine wickets in hand. He currently is in a steady partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, who is currently on the crease with 7 runs off 23 balls. After the end of Day 1, India trail by 159 runs.&nbsp;

Australia Squad

Playing: Matthew Wade, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (c &amp; wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Bench: Marcus Harris, Moises Henriques, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Mitchell Swepson, Will Pucovski

India Squad

Playing: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Bench: Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha, Navdeep Saini, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav&nbsp;

Team India ended Day 1 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a high as they bundled out Australia for 195 before stumps on Saturday. Also read: 'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar India's pacer spearhead Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets including Burns and Head.

Team India ended Day 1 of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a high as they bundled out Australia for 195 before stumps on Saturday. Also read: 'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar India's pacer spearhead Jasprit Bumrah scalped four wickets including Burns and Head. Ashwin, on the other hand, took three vital wickets of Smith, Wade, Paine for Team India. Debutant Siraj removed two batsmen which include the man in form Labuschagne. Australia lost their top order quickly and failed to capitalise despite winning the toss. Labuschagne scored of the runs for Australia before being dismissed by debutant Siraj on 48. Smith and Paine failed to perform on Day 1. India's clinical bowling performance and good fielding clean swept the Australians for 195. In reply, India lost their opener, Mayank Agarwal, for a duck, whereas Shubman Gill's confident unbeaten 28 runs helped India finish the day with 36 runs and nine wickets in hand. He currently is in a steady partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, who is currently on the crease with 7 runs off 23 balls. After the end of Day 1, India trail by 159 runs. Australia Squad Playing: Matthew Wade, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (c & wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Bench: Marcus Harris, Moises Henriques, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Mitchell Swepson, Will Pucovski India Squad Playing: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj Bench: Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha, Navdeep Saini, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav

IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Team India end Day 1 on a high note as Australia bowled out for 195

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

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

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

Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Indian cricket team will look to bounce back in the four-match Test series against Australia when they take the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test on December 26. After suffering humiliation in Adelaide – where the visitors were bundled out for 36 – India will be looking to save an 88-year-old record.&nbsp;

In the last 88 years, no Indian cricket team has lost all of its Test matches or even failed to draw even one in a calendar year (minimum criteria: 3 Tests). In 2020, the Indian cricket team were handed whitewash by New Zealand earlier this year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-playing-xi-for-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-shubman-gill-to-debut-352247" hreflang="en">India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut</a>

The Indian cricket team arrives in Melbourne for the second Test of the 4-match series after not winning or drawing a single Test match in 2020. The Indian cricket team started off the year with a 2-match Test series against New Zealand, losing both of them.&nbsp;

After the New Zealand tour, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc which resulted in sporting activities being shut for months. After the resumption of cricket, the Indian team went ahead of their tour of Australia after the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

India, against Australia, lost the ODI series 2-1 but won the T20I series 2-1. However, they were handed a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the Adelaide Test – a match which will be remembered for India getting all-out for 36.

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After losing all three Tests played in 2020, the Indian team would be desperate to at least draw the Boxing Day Test in a bid to avoid a horrendous record – going the entire calendar year without a single draw or Test win.

The likes of Bangladesh (5 times); Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa (3 times); and England, New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka (at least once) have all held records where they have failed to draw or win a Test match in a calendar year.&nbsp;

The Boxing Day Test will also be the 100th Test face-off between India and Australia. 
&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team will look to bounce back in the four-match Test series against Australia when they take the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test on December 26.

The Indian cricket team will look to bounce back in the four-match Test series against Australia when they take the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test on December 26. After suffering humiliation in Adelaide – where the visitors were bundled out for 36 – India will be looking to save an 88-year-old record. In the last 88 years, no Indian cricket team has lost all of its Test matches or even failed to draw even one in a calendar year (minimum criteria: 3 Tests). In 2020, the Indian cricket team were handed whitewash by New Zealand earlier this year. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut The Indian cricket team arrives in Melbourne for the second Test of the 4-match series after not winning or drawing a single Test match in 2020. The Indian cricket team started off the year with a 2-match Test series against New Zealand, losing both of them. After the New Zealand tour, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc which resulted in sporting activities being shut for months. After the resumption of cricket, the Indian team went ahead of their tour of Australia after the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. India, against Australia, lost the ODI series 2-1 but won the T20I series 2-1. However, they were handed a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the Adelaide Test – a match which will be remembered for India getting all-out for 36. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history After losing all three Tests played in 2020, the Indian team would be desperate to at least draw the Boxing Day Test in a bid to avoid a horrendous record – going the entire calendar year without a single draw or Test win. The likes of Bangladesh (5 times); Zimbabwe, Australia, and South Africa (3 times); and England, New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka (at least once) have all held records where they have failed to draw or win a Test match in a calendar year. The Boxing Day Test will also be the 100th Test face-off between India and Australia.

Stat alert! Team India's 88-year-old history on line in Boxing Day Test vs Australia

The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. &nbsp;

India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paine-wary-of-depleted-india-in-melbourne-352235" hreflang="en">Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne</a>

“Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday.

“We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.”

Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour.&nbsp;

“The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning.

“We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-will-come-out-and-fight-kris-srikkanth-on-boxing-day-test-352155" hreflang="en">'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test</a>

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000.

&nbsp;“It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said.

“I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”

The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.

The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj. Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne “Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday. “We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.” Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour. “The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning. “We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.” ALSO READ: 'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000. “It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said. “I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”

India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut

Australia plan to stick with the same XI for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, coach Justin Langer said Thursday as he warned Virat Kohli's absence will put India at a big disadvantage.

With star batsman David Warner again ruled out injured, under-pressure opener Joe Burns, who scored a handy 51 not out in their second innings during the first Test at Adelaide, is set to keep his place at the top of the order.

Makeshift opener Matthew Wade is expected again to accompany him, with young allrounder Cameron Green retaining his spot in the middle order.

"I'd be a pretty courageous man to change the XI for this Test match after the last one," said Langer.

"So at this stage, unless something happens over the next few days, and it can happen in the world we live in, we'll go in with the same XI, I'd say."

Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets inside three days after India humiliatingly collapsed to be all out for just 36 in their second innings -- their lowest Test score.

Compounding their problems, captain Kohli will miss the next three Tests to be at the birth of his first child, while star paceman Mohammed Shami is also expected to be absent after reportedly fracturing his wrist.

Langer said Kohli's no-show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans a day will be allowed, around one-third of capacity, was great news for Australia.

"Virat Kohli is one of the all-time great players and Shami I think is a real glue for the Indian bowling attack, because he's so miserly, he's very, very skilful," he said.

"So of course it gives us an advantage. But we just know we have to keep working hard in the all the processes we've been talking about for some time.

"We know we have to start strongly on day one, we know we need to keep the pressure on (Ajinkya) Rahane if he is the new captain.

"So our processes don't change, but when you take the best players out of any cricket team, then of course it weakens them, that is just reality, and it gives us an advantage."

Australia (probable): Joe Burns, Matthew Wade, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Australia plan to stick with the same XI for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, coach Justin Langer said Thursday as he warned Virat Kohli's absence will put India at a big disadvantage.

Australia plan to stick with the same XI for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, coach Justin Langer said Thursday as he warned Virat Kohli's absence will put India at a big disadvantage. With star batsman David Warner again ruled out injured, under-pressure opener Joe Burns, who scored a handy 51 not out in their second innings during the first Test at Adelaide, is set to keep his place at the top of the order. Makeshift opener Matthew Wade is expected again to accompany him, with young allrounder Cameron Green retaining his spot in the middle order. "I'd be a pretty courageous man to change the XI for this Test match after the last one," said Langer. "So at this stage, unless something happens over the next few days, and it can happen in the world we live in, we'll go in with the same XI, I'd say." Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets inside three days after India humiliatingly collapsed to be all out for just 36 in their second innings -- their lowest Test score. Compounding their problems, captain Kohli will miss the next three Tests to be at the birth of his first child, while star paceman Mohammed Shami is also expected to be absent after reportedly fracturing his wrist. Langer said Kohli's no-show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans a day will be allowed, around one-third of capacity, was great news for Australia. "Virat Kohli is one of the all-time great players and Shami I think is a real glue for the Indian bowling attack, because he's so miserly, he's very, very skilful," he said. "So of course it gives us an advantage. But we just know we have to keep working hard in the all the processes we've been talking about for some time. "We know we have to start strongly on day one, we know we need to keep the pressure on (Ajinkya) Rahane if he is the new captain. "So our processes don't change, but when you take the best players out of any cricket team, then of course it weakens them, that is just reality, and it gives us an advantage." Australia (probable): Joe Burns, Matthew Wade, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Australia set to be unchanged for Boxing Day India Test: Langer

India witnessed a mammoth collapse in the first Test against Australia's world-class pace attack in Adelaide. Many cricketing pundits like Mark Waugh and Michael Vaughan predicted a 0-4 whitewash against the visitors, however, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth feels otherwise.&nbsp;

According to Srikkanth, the hosts will ‘come out and fight.’

“The mindset I think was too defensive. They have to regroup. They have to have a bit more positive intent. The best way is just to go for it. But when you miss King Kohli, it’s going to make it difficult, let’s be honest. And Shami [as well],” Srikkanth told The Age and the Herald.

“But I’m sure they’ll come out and fight. Everybody [in India] is disappointed, but then everyone has taken the view [to look at it] as a bad dream,” he added.

'Chika' also pointed out Warner's injury. He said it will play a major role in the Boxing Day Test match.&nbsp;

“Let’s not forget, the Aussies’ batting is not great. My belief is the Aussies’ batting is 30 per cent Warner, 30 percent Smith, all others put together is 30 per cent. But their bowling is very good. The Australian batting is not very strong,” said Srikkanth.

India witnessed a mammoth collapse in the first Test against Australia's world-class pace attack in Adelaide. Many cricketing pundits like Mark Waugh and Michael Vaughan predicted a 0-4 whitewash against the visitors, however, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth feels otherwise.

India witnessed a mammoth collapse in the first Test against Australia's world-class pace attack in Adelaide. Many cricketing pundits like Mark Waugh and Michael Vaughan predicted a 0-4 whitewash against the visitors, however, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth feels otherwise. According to Srikkanth, the hosts will ‘come out and fight.’ “The mindset I think was too defensive. They have to regroup. They have to have a bit more positive intent. The best way is just to go for it. But when you miss King Kohli, it’s going to make it difficult, let’s be honest. And Shami [as well],” Srikkanth told The Age and the Herald. “But I’m sure they’ll come out and fight. Everybody [in India] is disappointed, but then everyone has taken the view [to look at it] as a bad dream,” he added. 'Chika' also pointed out Warner's injury. He said it will play a major role in the Boxing Day Test match. “Let’s not forget, the Aussies’ batting is not great. My belief is the Aussies’ batting is 30 per cent Warner, 30 percent Smith, all others put together is 30 per cent. But their bowling is very good. The Australian batting is not very strong,” said Srikkanth.

'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test

Team India has failed to establish their&nbsp;dominance in the series against Australia. Their mammoth collapse in the first Test raised several questions on the team's management, including Kohli's captaincy.&nbsp;Virat Kohli's departure at a time like this has not gone down with many former players, one of them being former left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi. According to Dilip, it is the captain's task to take charge of the ‘sinking ship’.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-are-going-to-blow-india-away-in-boxing-day-test-shane-warne-352036" hreflang="en">Australia are going to blow India away in Boxing Day Test: Shane Warne</a>

“To me, captaining India would be the prime-most thing on my mind. It’s a sinking ship. This is the time when they need their captain the most. If you leave at this time, you are leaving the side to your deputy with a lot of questions unanswered. I only hope and pray that the team shows enough character to come out of this,” Doshi told Sportskeeda in a video interview.

“I know this is a modern phenomenon that people believe that they ought to be by the side of their family and spouses when they deliver a child. I understand all that. But when you are on a national duty… If I put myself in his shoes, I wouldn’t have gone. For me, national duty comes before everything else.

Despite agreeing to the legality of the situation, he said that he 'personally' would chosen to stay and play for India.&nbsp;

“This is a highly individual and institutional approach. Legally, you cannot stop somebody doing that. The cricket board cannot have a rule saying the players cannot go and be on the side of their spouses for such an occasion. Personally, I wouldn’t have gone,” added Doshi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/melbourne-on-standby-for-third-test-sydney-still-preferred-option-nick-hockley-352020" hreflang="en">Melbourne on standby for third Test, Sydney still preferred option: Nick Hockley</a>

Doshi went on to term Kohli as an 'outstanding player' but also said that the team will definitely miss Kohli the batsman that the skipper.&nbsp;

“He’s an outstanding player. The team will miss him as a player more than as a captain. Him being at the crease gives a lot of confidence to other people,” said the 73-year-old.

After a poor start to the series, India will take on Australia in the Boxing Day Test match where Ajinkya Rahane will lead the hosts.&nbsp;

Team India has failed to establish their dominance in the series against Australia. Their mammoth collapse in the first Test raised several questions on the team's management, including Kohli's captaincy.

Team India has failed to establish their dominance in the series against Australia. Their mammoth collapse in the first Test raised several questions on the team's management, including Kohli's captaincy. Virat Kohli's departure at a time like this has not gone down with many former players, one of them being former left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi. According to Dilip, it is the captain's task to take charge of the ‘sinking ship’. Also read: Australia are going to blow India away in Boxing Day Test: Shane Warne “To me, captaining India would be the prime-most thing on my mind. It’s a sinking ship. This is the time when they need their captain the most. If you leave at this time, you are leaving the side to your deputy with a lot of questions unanswered. I only hope and pray that the team shows enough character to come out of this,” Doshi told Sportskeeda in a video interview. “I know this is a modern phenomenon that people believe that they ought to be by the side of their family and spouses when they deliver a child. I understand all that. But when you are on a national duty… If I put myself in his shoes, I wouldn’t have gone. For me, national duty comes before everything else. Despite agreeing to the legality of the situation, he said that he 'personally' would chosen to stay and play for India. “This is a highly individual and institutional approach. Legally, you cannot stop somebody doing that. The cricket board cannot have a rule saying the players cannot go and be on the side of their spouses for such an occasion. Personally, I wouldn’t have gone,” added Doshi. Also read: Melbourne on standby for third Test, Sydney still preferred option: Nick Hockley Doshi went on to term Kohli as an 'outstanding player' but also said that the team will definitely miss Kohli the batsman that the skipper. “He’s an outstanding player. The team will miss him as a player more than as a captain. Him being at the crease gives a lot of confidence to other people,” said the 73-year-old. After a poor start to the series, India will take on Australia in the Boxing Day Test match where Ajinkya Rahane will lead the hosts.

'It's a sinking ship, I wouldn’t have gone': Dilip Doshi on Virat Kohli's paternity leave

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has weighed his opinion on the impending Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the former leg-spinner said that Aussies are going to blow India away.&nbsp;

India are badly hurt after their crushing eight-wicket defeat in Adelaide and would be hoping to bounce back in the four-Test series without having the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami in the team.

"I think Australia is probably going to blow them away," Shane Warne told 'Fox Cricket'.

"Having said that, they have some class players to come in like KL Rahul. Young Gill will come in. (Ajinkya) Rahane is a class act. We know what (Cheteshwar) Pujara can do," he said.

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"(Mohammed) Shami is a huge loss as well. He's such a quality bowler. And if you look at bowlers for the Melbourne conditions drop-in pitches. Shami hits the seam and stands it up and bowls a good length and straight."

Warner added that the Australian bowling unit deserves more credit for the Adelaide Test than criticism faced by the Indian batters.&nbsp;

"Yeah, you can have a go at the Indians but I think you would rather give credit to the Australians and how well they bowled," the 51-year-old former leg-spinner said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-of-my-business-glad-if-india-are-stressed-justin-langer-on-being-in-ravi-shastris-shoes-352006" hreflang="en">None of my business, glad if India are stressed: Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri's shoes</a>

"They were outstanding, that bowling attack. The four bowlers plus Green, have been good bowlers for a long time. They are turning themselves into great bowlers now. To watch them go to work in Adelaide was fantastic."

The former Australian cricketer further opined that the quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are going to end up as Australia’s greatest bowling unit.&nbsp;

"They are definitely in the conversation (to compare them to my era). They are outstanding those four bowlers and they have been for a while," Warne said.

The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set to commence from December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has weighed his opinion on the impending Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the former leg-spinner said that Aussies are going to blow India away.

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has weighed his opinion on the impending Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the former leg-spinner said that Aussies are going to blow India away. India are badly hurt after their crushing eight-wicket defeat in Adelaide and would be hoping to bounce back in the four-Test series without having the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami in the team. "I think Australia is probably going to blow them away," Shane Warne told 'Fox Cricket'. "Having said that, they have some class players to come in like KL Rahul. Young Gill will come in. (Ajinkya) Rahane is a class act. We know what (Cheteshwar) Pujara can do," he said. ALSO READ: Melbourne on standby for third Test, Sydney still preferred option: Nick Hockley "(Mohammed) Shami is a huge loss as well. He's such a quality bowler. And if you look at bowlers for the Melbourne conditions drop-in pitches. Shami hits the seam and stands it up and bowls a good length and straight." Warner added that the Australian bowling unit deserves more credit for the Adelaide Test than criticism faced by the Indian batters. "Yeah, you can have a go at the Indians but I think you would rather give credit to the Australians and how well they bowled," the 51-year-old former leg-spinner said. ALSO READ: None of my business, glad if India are stressed: Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri's shoes "They were outstanding, that bowling attack. The four bowlers plus Green, have been good bowlers for a long time. They are turning themselves into great bowlers now. To watch them go to work in Adelaide was fantastic." The former Australian cricketer further opined that the quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are going to end up as Australia’s greatest bowling unit. "They are definitely in the conversation (to compare them to my era). They are outstanding those four bowlers and they have been for a while," Warne said. The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set to commence from December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia are going to blow India away in Boxing Day Test: Shane Warne

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been put on standby for the third Test if Australia are unable to host India in Sydney following a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday.

The New Year’s Test venue has been subject of debate after a new community outbreak emerged in Sydney’s northern beach suburbs last week.

However, CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley said they intend to play the third Test in Sydney, from January 7-11, but would shift bases to Melbourne if the need arises. A final call could be taken during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

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If the third Test is moved to Melbourne, the fourth Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, from January 15, would go ahead as per the schedule.&nbsp;

“We’ve got a range of contingencies for every eventuality,” Hockley told reporters in a Zoom conference.

“If situation worsens in Sydney, one of those options is to stay in Melbourne, play the New Year’s test in Melbourne and then go straight to Brisbane.”

“We’ve been really buoyed by the way that the New South Wales and Sydney communities seem to be getting on top of this.”

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“So we are currently planning all systems go for the New Year’s test to take place in Sydney as scheduled.”

Australia’s most populous city has been isolated from the rest of the country with state borders shut or mandatory 14-day quarantine for Sydney arrivals.

The India team, who lost the Adelaide Test by eight-wickets, would prefer the original schedule, said Hockley who also ruled out playing consecutive Tests in Sydney.&nbsp;

“There’s a relatively short gap between the third and fourth tests, so from a pitch perspective it’s highly, highly problematic,” he said.

The CA is working with the Queensland state government in a bid to get exemptions to allow players, match officials, broadcasters, media and staff to move from Sydney to Brisbane following the third Test if the border was still shut. 
&nbsp;

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been put on standby for the third Test if Australia are unable to host India in Sydney following a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday.

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been put on standby for the third Test if Australia are unable to host India in Sydney following a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday. The New Year’s Test venue has been subject of debate after a new community outbreak emerged in Sydney’s northern beach suburbs last week. However, CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley said they intend to play the third Test in Sydney, from January 7-11, but would shift bases to Melbourne if the need arises. A final call could be taken during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. ALSO READ: None of my business, glad if India are stressed: Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri's shoes If the third Test is moved to Melbourne, the fourth Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, from January 15, would go ahead as per the schedule. “We’ve got a range of contingencies for every eventuality,” Hockley told reporters in a Zoom conference. “If situation worsens in Sydney, one of those options is to stay in Melbourne, play the New Year’s test in Melbourne and then go straight to Brisbane.” “We’ve been really buoyed by the way that the New South Wales and Sydney communities seem to be getting on top of this.” ALSO READ: Australia set to be unchanged for Boxing Day India Test: Langer “So we are currently planning all systems go for the New Year’s test to take place in Sydney as scheduled.” Australia’s most populous city has been isolated from the rest of the country with state borders shut or mandatory 14-day quarantine for Sydney arrivals. The India team, who lost the Adelaide Test by eight-wickets, would prefer the original schedule, said Hockley who also ruled out playing consecutive Tests in Sydney. “There’s a relatively short gap between the third and fourth tests, so from a pitch perspective it’s highly, highly problematic,” he said. The CA is working with the Queensland state government in a bid to get exemptions to allow players, match officials, broadcasters, media and staff to move from Sydney to Brisbane following the third Test if the border was still shut.

Melbourne on standby for third Test, Sydney still preferred option: Nick Hockley

Australian head coach Justin Langer dodged a bullet during a press conference on Thursday, when asked about criticism over Ravi Shastri’s tenure as India’s head coach, as the Aussie said that it was none of his business while saying he is glad if India are feeling any stress.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
A lot of criticism has come on Shastri’s way following India’s eight-wicket defeat to Australia wherein India were bundled out for 36 in the second innings.

"None of my business. I have had enough with stress. I empathize with the opposition and I know what it feels like. If India are feeling any stress, I am glad they are and not us over the Christmas weekend," Justin Langer said in a virtual media press conference.

Langer further said that he has enormous faith in Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine and in his leadership qualities.

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"You think about Adam Gilchrist, I guess, who transformed the game in a sense, and that is why Adam Gilchrist is an all-time great player because he transformed the game. I have got enormous faith in Tim Paine," Langer said.

"...whether it's his wicket-keeping, his captaincy, his batting, I have said publicly and privately for almost the last year, he is our most important player, because he is a lead wicket-keeper, his leadership on and off the field is incredible," he said.

"....we saw he can play, how well he batted in first innings under pressure in Adelaide, probably changed the game actually with the run-out of Virat Kohli, so he is a great player, a great leader and I literally love having him in our team," he said.

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Australia would be looking to carry the winning momentum and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-Test series despite suffering a massive blow in which key opener David Warner was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test versus India, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australian head coach Justin Langer dodged a bullet during a press conference on Thursday, when asked about criticism over Ravi Shastri’s tenure as India’s head coach, as the Aussie said that it was none of his business while saying he is glad if India are feeling any stress.

Australian head coach Justin Langer dodged a bullet during a press conference on Thursday, when asked about criticism over Ravi Shastri’s tenure as India’s head coach, as the Aussie said that it was none of his business while saying he is glad if India are feeling any stress. A lot of criticism has come on Shastri’s way following India’s eight-wicket defeat to Australia wherein India were bundled out for 36 in the second innings. "None of my business. I have had enough with stress. I empathize with the opposition and I know what it feels like. If India are feeling any stress, I am glad they are and not us over the Christmas weekend," Justin Langer said in a virtual media press conference. Langer further said that he has enormous faith in Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine and in his leadership qualities. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? "You think about Adam Gilchrist, I guess, who transformed the game in a sense, and that is why Adam Gilchrist is an all-time great player because he transformed the game. I have got enormous faith in Tim Paine," Langer said. "...whether it's his wicket-keeping, his captaincy, his batting, I have said publicly and privately for almost the last year, he is our most important player, because he is a lead wicket-keeper, his leadership on and off the field is incredible," he said. "....we saw he can play, how well he batted in first innings under pressure in Adelaide, probably changed the game actually with the run-out of Virat Kohli, so he is a great player, a great leader and I literally love having him in our team," he said. ALSO READ: 'Different rules for different people': Gavaskar questions team management on why Natarajan was not given paternity leave Australia would be looking to carry the winning momentum and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-Test series despite suffering a massive blow in which key opener David Warner was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test versus India, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

None of my business, glad if India are stressed: Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri's shoes

Ajinkya Rahane is a “bowler’s captain” whose calm leadership will come in handy in India’s bid to bounce back in the four-test series against Australia, seamer Ishant Sharma said.

Regular skipper Virat Kohli left Australia to attend the birth of his first child after India’s eight-wicket humiliation in the series-opener in Adelaide inside three days.

Unlike an often-animated Kohli, Rahane maintains a low profile on the field and the bowlers are likely to be consulted more in the last three tests under him, said Ishant.

“He’s very confident and I must say he’s a bowler’s captain,” the right-arm bowler, who missed the tour with a side strain injury, told the ESPNcricinfo website.

“We’ve played so many times together. Whenever Virat was not there, he’d ask me ‘What kind of field you want? When you want to bowl? Do you want to go on (bowling)?’

“He’s a bowler’s captain. He’s not someone who’d say ‘do this or do that’.”

The 32-year-old quick said Rahane, who led India to test victories against Australia and Afghanistan in the past, often acts as a conduit between the bowlers and Kohli.

While it was nearly impossible to match Kohli’s energy on the field, Rahane’s composed presence could help India during pressure situations, Ishant said.

“If there’s a partnership growing and it’s a flat phase when fielders are just going through their motions, one player’s energy level can change the scenario,” he said.

Ajinkya Rahane is a “bowler’s captain” whose calm leadership will come in handy in India’s bid to bounce back in the four-test series against Australia, seamer Ishant Sharma said.

Ajinkya Rahane is a “bowler’s captain” whose calm leadership will come in handy in India’s bid to bounce back in the four-test series against Australia, seamer Ishant Sharma said. Regular skipper Virat Kohli left Australia to attend the birth of his first child after India’s eight-wicket humiliation in the series-opener in Adelaide inside three days. Unlike an often-animated Kohli, Rahane maintains a low profile on the field and the bowlers are likely to be consulted more in the last three tests under him, said Ishant. “He’s very confident and I must say he’s a bowler’s captain,” the right-arm bowler, who missed the tour with a side strain injury, told the ESPNcricinfo website. “We’ve played so many times together. Whenever Virat was not there, he’d ask me ‘What kind of field you want? When you want to bowl? Do you want to go on (bowling)?’ “He’s a bowler’s captain. He’s not someone who’d say ‘do this or do that’.” The 32-year-old quick said Rahane, who led India to test victories against Australia and Afghanistan in the past, often acts as a conduit between the bowlers and Kohli. While it was nearly impossible to match Kohli’s energy on the field, Rahane’s composed presence could help India during pressure situations, Ishant said. “If there’s a partnership growing and it’s a flat phase when fielders are just going through their motions, one player’s energy level can change the scenario,” he said.

Ishant expects 'bowler's captain' Rahane to fill Kohli void

Star Australian batsman David Warner will miss the Boxing Day Test against India after failing to shake off the groin injury that kept him out of the opening fixture, Cricket Australia said Wednesday.

The governing body said Warner and paceman Sean Abbott had also been excluded from the Australian team's bio-secure bubble in Melbourne as a precaution due to a Covid-19 outbreak in their hometown Sydney.

"While neither player has been in a specific hotspot as outlined by NSW Health, Cricket Australia's bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test," it said.

The second Test against India starts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26 and the teams have been training in bio-secure bubbles.

Warner and Abbott flew to Melbourne on Saturday hoping to avoid quarantine issues arising from the Sydney Covid-19 outbreak.

But the team's Covid-19 protocols prevented them from joining the squad in time for the Test, and Cricket Australia said Warner would not have recovered from in time anyway.

Warner limped out of Australia's second one-day international against the tourists last month in agony after suffering the injury.

Authorities in New South Wales state have been scrambling to contain a virus cluster that emerged in Sydney's northern beaches after a long period of no community transmission in Australia's largest city.

The cluster currently stands at just under 100, and the state government announced a second day of single-digit growth in cases Wednesday and eased lockdown restrictions for Christmas.

It remains unclear whether the outbreak will affect the third Test against India, which is due to begin in Sydney on January 7.

"I know Cricket Australia's doing everything in their power to have the Test match in Sydney but we'll know more in a couple of days," off-spinner Nathan Lyon told reporters Wednesday.

"Fingers crossed it's in Sydney, but more importantly hopefully everyone stays safe and can have a decent Christmas."

Star Australian batsman David Warner will miss the Boxing Day Test against India after failing to shake off the groin injury that kept him out of the opening fixture, Cricket Australia said Wednesday.

Star Australian batsman David Warner will miss the Boxing Day Test against India after failing to shake off the groin injury that kept him out of the opening fixture, Cricket Australia said Wednesday. The governing body said Warner and paceman Sean Abbott had also been excluded from the Australian team's bio-secure bubble in Melbourne as a precaution due to a Covid-19 outbreak in their hometown Sydney. "While neither player has been in a specific hotspot as outlined by NSW Health, Cricket Australia's bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test," it said. The second Test against India starts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26 and the teams have been training in bio-secure bubbles. Warner and Abbott flew to Melbourne on Saturday hoping to avoid quarantine issues arising from the Sydney Covid-19 outbreak. But the team's Covid-19 protocols prevented them from joining the squad in time for the Test, and Cricket Australia said Warner would not have recovered from in time anyway. Warner limped out of Australia's second one-day international against the tourists last month in agony after suffering the injury. Authorities in New South Wales state have been scrambling to contain a virus cluster that emerged in Sydney's northern beaches after a long period of no community transmission in Australia's largest city. The cluster currently stands at just under 100, and the state government announced a second day of single-digit growth in cases Wednesday and eased lockdown restrictions for Christmas. It remains unclear whether the outbreak will affect the third Test against India, which is due to begin in Sydney on January 7. "I know Cricket Australia's doing everything in their power to have the Test match in Sydney but we'll know more in a couple of days," off-spinner Nathan Lyon told reporters Wednesday. "Fingers crossed it's in Sydney, but more importantly hopefully everyone stays safe and can have a decent Christmas."

Australia's Warner, Abbott ruled out of Boxing Day India Test

The biggest talking point in the world of cricket still remains to be India’s 36-run all-out in the second innings which resulted in an eight-wicket win for Australia in Adelaide. Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has weighed his opinion on India’s decimation at the Adelaide Oval in front of the Australian bowling attack.

Tendulkar shared his thoughts on what went so wrong for the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team in Adelaide. The Master Blaster said opined that the Indian batsmen lacked the basic feet movement while adding that good stride forward against pacers on foreign soil helps batsmen tackle the threat of seaming deliveries.

"I thought in the first innings we batted well and showed a lot of resilience. In the second innings, there was not much playing and missing by our batsmen. The ball wasn't moving around too much; just a little bit. Normally, when batters score runs we don't look at other elements, like the number of times he was beaten etc.," Tendulkar told IANS.

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"But we talk about a number of aspects when the batter has edged the ball. Off similar deliveries, when you are beaten and when you are scoring runs, nobody talks about those. One change that one can talk about was getting a nice, big stride forward, which I felt was missing. In foreign conditions, I feel with a good stride forward against fast bowlers becomes important," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar went on to praise the Australian bowlers for hitting tighter line and lengths outside the off-stump in the second innings which troubled the Indian batters massively.

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"A half-and-half defence (short stride) can always trouble you and if there's a little more movement off the seam then your hands tend to compensate for the lack of footwork. What I also simultaneously noticed was that the Australians bowled very much on off stump -- much, much tighter -- and not outside the off stump whereas they bowled outside the off stump in the first innings," he said.

India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, would like to put the Adelaide Horror in the past and focus on bouncing back into the four-match Test series.

The biggest talking point in the world of cricket still remains to be India’s 36-run all-out in the second innings which resulted in an eight-wicket win for Australia in Adelaide.

The biggest talking point in the world of cricket still remains to be India’s 36-run all-out in the second innings which resulted in an eight-wicket win for Australia in Adelaide. Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has weighed his opinion on India’s decimation at the Adelaide Oval in front of the Australian bowling attack. Tendulkar shared his thoughts on what went so wrong for the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team in Adelaide. The Master Blaster said opined that the Indian batsmen lacked the basic feet movement while adding that good stride forward against pacers on foreign soil helps batsmen tackle the threat of seaming deliveries. "I thought in the first innings we batted well and showed a lot of resilience. In the second innings, there was not much playing and missing by our batsmen. The ball wasn't moving around too much; just a little bit. Normally, when batters score runs we don't look at other elements, like the number of times he was beaten etc.," Tendulkar told IANS. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar to feature in the 'Never Surrender' Christmas campaign by Sevilla FC "But we talk about a number of aspects when the batter has edged the ball. Off similar deliveries, when you are beaten and when you are scoring runs, nobody talks about those. One change that one can talk about was getting a nice, big stride forward, which I felt was missing. In foreign conditions, I feel with a good stride forward against fast bowlers becomes important," Tendulkar said. Tendulkar went on to praise the Australian bowlers for hitting tighter line and lengths outside the off-stump in the second innings which troubled the Indian batters massively. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar to feature in the 'Never Surrender' Christmas campaign by Sevilla FC "A half-and-half defence (short stride) can always trouble you and if there's a little more movement off the seam then your hands tend to compensate for the lack of footwork. What I also simultaneously noticed was that the Australians bowled very much on off stump -- much, much tighter -- and not outside the off stump whereas they bowled outside the off stump in the first innings," he said. India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, would like to put the Adelaide Horror in the past and focus on bouncing back into the four-match Test series.

'I felt was missing...': Sachin Tendulkar opines on India’s Adelaide defeat vs Australia

Ahead of the four-match Test series between India and Australia, all eyes were on the Cheteshwar Pujara, whose batting prowess left Aussie bowlers on their knees last time India toured Down Under in 2018-19. Pujara was the highest run-scorer in the series with 521 runs but the Indian Test specialist didn’t look at his best in Adelaide Test where he managed to score just 43 and a duck.&nbsp;

Australian spin great Nathan Lyon has said that the hosts have more surprise in line for Pujara in the remaining three Tests.&nbsp;

"I can't reveal secrets, to be honest with you. But, obviously, Pujara is a world-class batter and he is going to be a big challenge for us for the rest of the series," 33-year-old Lyon said at a virtual press-conference on Wednesday.

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"We spoke about him (Pujara) in depth before the series started, it was good to see a couple of plans come off in Adelaide, but we have got a couple more things.

Lyon further said that it is always fun to take on the best batsmen in the world with Pujara being one of them.

"So, hopefully, if he does get in, we can put into ploy...it is always fun challenging yourself against the best players in the world and Pujara is definitely one of those guys," added the senior spinner – who is nine wickets shorts of completing 400 wickets in the five-day format.

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After a gritty 43 in the first innings, Pujara was send packing for a duck in the second innings with Indian getting bundled out for 36 – their lowest-ever Test innings score.

Without Virat Kohli, the responsibility will be on Pujara and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane to take the majority of load of scoring runs against Australia. India will be without the likes of Kohli and Mohammed Shami (injured) for the remainder of the Test series vs Australia as massive task awaits for the visitors.

Ahead of the four-match Test series between India and Australia, all eyes were on the Cheteshwar Pujara, whose batting prowess left Aussie bowlers on their knees last time India toured Down Under in 2018-19.

Ahead of the four-match Test series between India and Australia, all eyes were on the Cheteshwar Pujara, whose batting prowess left Aussie bowlers on their knees last time India toured Down Under in 2018-19. Pujara was the highest run-scorer in the series with 521 runs but the Indian Test specialist didn’t look at his best in Adelaide Test where he managed to score just 43 and a duck. Australian spin great Nathan Lyon has said that the hosts have more surprise in line for Pujara in the remaining three Tests. "I can't reveal secrets, to be honest with you. But, obviously, Pujara is a world-class batter and he is going to be a big challenge for us for the rest of the series," 33-year-old Lyon said at a virtual press-conference on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir gives his take on Team India's combination for Boxing Day Test vs Australia "We spoke about him (Pujara) in depth before the series started, it was good to see a couple of plans come off in Adelaide, but we have got a couple more things. Lyon further said that it is always fun to take on the best batsmen in the world with Pujara being one of them. "So, hopefully, if he does get in, we can put into ploy...it is always fun challenging yourself against the best players in the world and Pujara is definitely one of those guys," added the senior spinner – who is nine wickets shorts of completing 400 wickets in the five-day format. ALSO READ: Ishant expects 'bowler's captain' Rahane to fill Kohli void After a gritty 43 in the first innings, Pujara was send packing for a duck in the second innings with Indian getting bundled out for 36 – their lowest-ever Test innings score. Without Virat Kohli, the responsibility will be on Pujara and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane to take the majority of load of scoring runs against Australia. India will be without the likes of Kohli and Mohammed Shami (injured) for the remainder of the Test series vs Australia as massive task awaits for the visitors.

Nathan Lyon fires warning for Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of Boxing Day Test

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test.

Gambhir is also in support of India bringing in KL Rahul at number five, which means Pujara at three and Rahane at four for India in the batting order at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The World Cup-winning cricketer also opined that Prithvi Shaw is “low on confidence” and Shubman Gill should take his place in the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

It is being heavily reported that India are looking to make as many as four changes in the squad with Gill replacing Shaw, Rishabh Pant taking Wriddhiman Saha’s place. Mohammed Siraj is set to replace Mohammed Shami with KL Rahul coming in for Virat Kohli. There are chances that Ravindra Jadeja may start ahead of Hanuma Vihari.&nbsp;

"I think he is low on confidence (Prithvi Shaw), that's why I want to see Shubman Gill at the top with Mayank Agarwal. I want to see Cheteshwar Pujara on No: 3, and Ajinkya Rahane on No.4 and not at the 5th spot," Gambhir told Star Sports Cricket Connected.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-opened-up-some-scars-australias-joe-burns-wants-hosts-to-continue-onslaught-vs-india-351337" hreflang="en">We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India</a>

"If Rahane is the captain, he has to lead from the front - so, in place of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane should take the 4th spot. KL Rahul should bat at No. 5, Rishabh Pant at 6, Ravindra Jadeja at 7, Ashwin at 8 and then 3 seamers - I want the team to get in with 5 bowlers."

India have already started practising for the Boxing Day Test with the visitors hitting the nets on Wednesday at the MCG. 
&nbsp;

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test. Gambhir is also in support of India bringing in KL Rahul at number five, which means Pujara at three and Rahane at four for India in the batting order at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The World Cup-winning cricketer also opined that Prithvi Shaw is “low on confidence” and Shubman Gill should take his place in the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? It is being heavily reported that India are looking to make as many as four changes in the squad with Gill replacing Shaw, Rishabh Pant taking Wriddhiman Saha’s place. Mohammed Siraj is set to replace Mohammed Shami with KL Rahul coming in for Virat Kohli. There are chances that Ravindra Jadeja may start ahead of Hanuma Vihari. "I think he is low on confidence (Prithvi Shaw), that's why I want to see Shubman Gill at the top with Mayank Agarwal. I want to see Cheteshwar Pujara on No: 3, and Ajinkya Rahane on No.4 and not at the 5th spot," Gambhir told Star Sports Cricket Connected. ALSO READ: We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India "If Rahane is the captain, he has to lead from the front - so, in place of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane should take the 4th spot. KL Rahul should bat at No. 5, Rishabh Pant at 6, Ravindra Jadeja at 7, Ashwin at 8 and then 3 seamers - I want the team to get in with 5 bowlers." India have already started practising for the Boxing Day Test with the visitors hitting the nets on Wednesday at the MCG.

Gautam Gambhir gives his take on Team India's combination for Boxing Day Test vs Australia

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday.

Shami will have to undergo a brief period of quarantine in India. The 30-year-old was hit by a bouncer from Aussie pacer Pat Cummins and couldn’t pick the bat in pain. However, in the latest development, Shami will not be available for the remainder of the series due to fractured hand and has been advised six weeks of rest.&nbsp;

"Shami has been advised six weeks of rest and he will be leaving for India on Wednesday," a source told IANS.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Shami is likely to be fit by the end of January after undergoing six-week rest period and is expected to be available for India’s full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 4.

Shami’s injury comes at a wrong time for India with the visitors already missing skipper Virat Kohli from second Test onwards. Shami was one of the heroes for India when they visited Down Under in 2018-19 and ended up clinching the historic series 2-1.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to replace Shami in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hope-mark-waugh-predicts-australia-to-whitewash-india-in-border-gavaskar-trophy-351627" hreflang="en">'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

A couple of more changes are expected in the line-up with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul likely to be slotted in for Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant set to replace Wriddhiman Saha. Ravindra Jadeja is also in contention to replace Hanuma Vihar in the playing XI, as per reports.

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday.

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday. Shami will have to undergo a brief period of quarantine in India. The 30-year-old was hit by a bouncer from Aussie pacer Pat Cummins and couldn’t pick the bat in pain. However, in the latest development, Shami will not be available for the remainder of the series due to fractured hand and has been advised six weeks of rest. "Shami has been advised six weeks of rest and he will be leaving for India on Wednesday," a source told IANS. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Shami is likely to be fit by the end of January after undergoing six-week rest period and is expected to be available for India’s full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 4. Shami’s injury comes at a wrong time for India with the visitors already missing skipper Virat Kohli from second Test onwards. Shami was one of the heroes for India when they visited Down Under in 2018-19 and ended up clinching the historic series 2-1. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to replace Shami in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: 'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy A couple of more changes are expected in the line-up with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul likely to be slotted in for Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant set to replace Wriddhiman Saha. Ravindra Jadeja is also in contention to replace Hanuma Vihar in the playing XI, as per reports.

Mohammed Shami advised 6 weeks' rest, to fly back to India on Wednesday

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batsman&nbsp;Mark Waugh has said that there is no way India would be able to avoid a whitewash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India were dismantled for just 36 runs in the second innings as Australia won the Adelaide Test comfortably by eight wickets. With many predicting India might bounce back in the series, Waugh has said there is ‘no hope’ for the Indian team.

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“I thought Adelaide was the Test that they could win on paper and with Virat Kohli here for just the one Test. I thought the conditions would suit them.

“I just can’t see how they can bounce back (after) Australia whitewashed them on the third day.

“So ‘no’ is the answer four-nil to Australia," Mark Waugh told on Fox Cricket.

Former Aussie wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also backed Waugh’s statement as he said he is not sure whether India would be able to get back the energy on and off the field after the departure of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

“If they are going to get back into the game, what I want to know is where they’re going to get their energy from,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket. “Virat Kohli is gone now and a lot of the energy comes off the back of what he does. He’s a world-class player, he’s their leader.

“I would have a look at bringing someone in like Rohit Sharma. If he comes out of quarantine and he’s in good knick and he’s fit enough to play, I’d put him straight in because I think they need a senior player like that to take the anxiety out of everything and just get everyone thinking about cricket again.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to play in the third Test, scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 7, upon completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine phase. 
&nbsp;

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India.

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batsman Mark Waugh has said that there is no way India would be able to avoid a whitewash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India were dismantled for just 36 runs in the second innings as Australia won the Adelaide Test comfortably by eight wickets. With many predicting India might bounce back in the series, Waugh has said there is ‘no hope’ for the Indian team. ALSO READ: No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official “I thought Adelaide was the Test that they could win on paper and with Virat Kohli here for just the one Test. I thought the conditions would suit them. “I just can’t see how they can bounce back (after) Australia whitewashed them on the third day. “So ‘no’ is the answer four-nil to Australia," Mark Waugh told on Fox Cricket. Former Aussie wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also backed Waugh’s statement as he said he is not sure whether India would be able to get back the energy on and off the field after the departure of Virat Kohli. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? “If they are going to get back into the game, what I want to know is where they’re going to get their energy from,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket. “Virat Kohli is gone now and a lot of the energy comes off the back of what he does. He’s a world-class player, he’s their leader. “I would have a look at bringing someone in like Rohit Sharma. If he comes out of quarantine and he’s in good knick and he’s fit enough to play, I’d put him straight in because I think they need a senior player like that to take the anxiety out of everything and just get everyone thinking about cricket again.” Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to play in the third Test, scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 7, upon completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine phase.

'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney.

However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is&nbsp;in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’.&nbsp;

"He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI.

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When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said:

"He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running."

Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

"The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement.

"Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State &amp; Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney. However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’. "He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said: "He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running." Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? "The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement. "Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State & Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official