<p>India had a few bright spots during their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">1-3 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> (BGT) against Australia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yashasvi-jaiswal" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Yashasvi Jasiwal</a> was one of those spots. The young opener, touring Down Under first time, was India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/cricket/bgt-2025-stats-batters-to-score-most-runs-in-series-head-jaiswal-smith-reddy-rahul-pant-labuschagne-8594071">highest run scorer in the series</a>. The southpaw scored 391 runs in 10 innings across five Tests.</p>
<p>Taking to social media platform Instagram Jaiswal, however, vowed to 'come back stronger.'</p>
<p>"Learnt a lot in Australia&hellip; Unfortunately the result wasn&rsquo;t what we had hoped for but we&rsquo;ll be back stronger. Your support means everything," wrote the young batter in his post.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/world-test-championship-scenario-how-sl-can-still-enter-wtc-final-over-australia-after-india-wtc-chances-over-8596595">WTC 2025 Scenario: Sri Lanka can still pip Australia to enter final</a></p>
<h2><strong>How Jaiswal fared in BGT 2024-25</strong></h2>
<p>Jaiswal started the series with a duck in the first innings of first Test in Perth but corrected the course quickly. He scored 161 in the second innings - the highest individual score in series across sides - as India won the the Test to take a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p>In the second Test in Adelaide, Jaiswal scored a duck again as he failed to get going in the first innings once more but this time under the lights with a pink ball. He followed it up with a 24 in the second innings as India lost the match.</p>
<p>Come Brisbane, he failed in the first innings again and managed just four runs. As the match was curtailed by rain, he could bat only six balls in the second innings and managed four runs while remaining not out.</p>
<p>In the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Jaiswal scored 82 and 84 in two innings respectively, but failed to help India win the match.</p>
<p>The batter could not do much in the last Test in Sydney and managed the scores of 10 and 22 in the two innings as India lost the match and the series.</p>
<p>Jaiswal, however, was one of the three batters across sides and only one from India to score 300+ runs in the series. His 391 runs were also the second highest in the series behind Travis Head's 448.</p>

Cricket Sports Touring Down Under first time, Yashasvi Jaiswal was India's highest run scorer in the series. The southpaw scored 391 runs in 10 innings across five Tests.

India had a few bright spots during their 1-3 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia and Yashasvi Jasiwal was one of those spots. The young opener, touring Down Under first time, was India's highest run scorer in the series. The southpaw scored 391 runs in 10 innings across five Tests. Taking to social media platform Instagram Jaiswal, however, vowed to 'come back stronger.' "Learnt a lot in Australia… Unfortunately the result wasn’t what we had hoped for but we’ll be back stronger. Your support means everything," wrote the young batter in his post. Also Read: WTC 2025 Scenario: Sri Lanka can still pip Australia to enter final How Jaiswal fared in BGT 2024-25 Jaiswal started the series with a duck in the first innings of first Test in Perth but corrected the course quickly. He scored 161 in the second innings - the highest individual score in series across sides - as India won the the Test to take a 1-0 lead. In the second Test in Adelaide, Jaiswal scored a duck again as he failed to get going in the first innings once more but this time under the lights with a pink ball. He followed it up with a 24 in the second innings as India lost the match. Come Brisbane, he failed in the first innings again and managed just four runs. As the match was curtailed by rain, he could bat only six balls in the second innings and managed four runs while remaining not out. In the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Jaiswal scored 82 and 84 in two innings respectively, but failed to help India win the match. The batter could not do much in the last Test in Sydney and managed the scores of 10 and 22 in the two innings as India lost the match and the series. Jaiswal, however, was one of the three batters across sides and only one from India to score 300+ runs in the series. His 391 runs were also the second highest in the series behind Travis Head's 448.

BGT 2024-25:  Yashasvi Jaiswal reflects on his maiden Australia tour

<p>Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has questioned India's performance and the results in the last six months. The comments come after India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series</a> 1-3 Down Under - their first in a decade. Harbhajan also seems to have thrown shades at head coach Gautam Gambhir's tenure so far.</p>
<p>"Everything was fine till Rahul Dravid was there. India won the World Cup, and everything was fine. But what happened suddenly?" Harbhajan said while talking on his YouTube channel.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-news-back-spasm-injury-latest-update-india-vs-australia-5th-test-sydney-bgt-8595911">'Real worry,' says Ricky Ponting on Jasprit Bumrah's back spasm</a></p>
<p>"In the past six months, we lost to Sri Lanka, a series whitewash against New Zealand, and now a 3-1 defeat in Australia. Everything seems to have fallen apart," said the former spinner.</p>
<h2><strong>Non-performing seniors face heat</strong></h2>
<p>After the loss in BGT, questions have been raised about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-retirement-news-sanjay-manjrekar-says-playing-for-india-not-rohit-decision-8593625">place of seniors</a> who failed to perform in the series. Skipper Rohit Sharma is on the top of the list after scoring just 31 runs in six innings. Rohit eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-2024-25-rohit-sharma-opts-out-of-sydney-test-amid-poor-form-shubman-gill-set-to-return-report-8585557">decided to sit out</a> of the last BGT Test in Sydney.</p>
<p>The other player in question was Virat Kohli who has been out of form for nearly a couple of years. Kohli scored 190 runs in BGT with 100 runs coming in one innings.</p>
<p>Harbhajan pointed out that no player should be picked on reputation in the next Test series which is in England in June later this year.</p>
<p>"Abhimanyu Easwaran was taken on tour (Australia), but he didn't play. He can become a player for India if he is given the opportunity. Sarfaraz is the same case. The player who performs should go [to England]. You should not pick players on reputation," Harbhajan added.</p>
<p>The former spinner said that 'the ball is in the selectors' court' about Rohit and Kohli's place in the Test side.</p>

Cricket Sports Harbhajan Singh criticizes Indian cricket team selection after 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) - the second consecutive series loss under coach Gambhir.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has questioned India's performance and the results in the last six months. The comments come after India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 1-3 Down Under - their first in a decade. Harbhajan also seems to have thrown shades at head coach Gautam Gambhir's tenure so far. "Everything was fine till Rahul Dravid was there. India won the World Cup, and everything was fine. But what happened suddenly?" Harbhajan said while talking on his YouTube channel. Also Read: 'Real worry,' says Ricky Ponting on Jasprit Bumrah's back spasm "In the past six months, we lost to Sri Lanka, a series whitewash against New Zealand, and now a 3-1 defeat in Australia. Everything seems to have fallen apart," said the former spinner. Non-performing seniors face heat After the loss in BGT, questions have been raised about the place of seniors who failed to perform in the series. Skipper Rohit Sharma is on the top of the list after scoring just 31 runs in six innings. Rohit eventually decided to sit out of the last BGT Test in Sydney. The other player in question was Virat Kohli who has been out of form for nearly a couple of years. Kohli scored 190 runs in BGT with 100 runs coming in one innings. Harbhajan pointed out that no player should be picked on reputation in the next Test series which is in England in June later this year. "Abhimanyu Easwaran was taken on tour (Australia), but he didn't play. He can become a player for India if he is given the opportunity. Sarfaraz is the same case. The player who performs should go [to England]. You should not pick players on reputation," Harbhajan added. The former spinner said that 'the ball is in the selectors' court' about Rohit and Kohli's place in the Test side.

'Fallen apart,' Harbhajan on India's last six months under Gambhir

<p>Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy post his success in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition, in Australia. On Sunday (Jan 5), India lost the fifth and final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney, on Day 3, to concede the series 3-1. While Jasprit Bumrah had a terrific run with the ball, taking 32 wickets, the most in this edition, Nitish Reddy was one of the very few Indian batters who made a mark Down Under.</p>
<p>Reddy ended with three 40-plus scores, one 38 and a brilliant 114, in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne, to leave a mark in his maiden Test series. Thus, Pathan lavished huge praise on the batting all-rounder.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>'India have got a terrific player'</strong></h2>
<p>"You have got an excellent prospect. It's not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly," Irfan told Star Sports.</p>
<div id="checktheseout2" class="checktheseout2">
<div class="story__recommended__chunk">
<div class="recommended__story"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-its-crazy-when-sanjay-manjrekar-criticises-indias-team-selection-after-series-loss-vs-australia-8595812" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'It's crazy when...', Manjrekar criticises India's team selection after series loss vs Australia</a></strong></div>
<div class="recommended__story">
<p>"However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent," he added.</p>
<p>Reddy, the medium-pacer, also accounted for five wickets in as many Tests in the 2024-25 BGT edition.&nbsp;</p>
<p>India are out of the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, following a 1-3 series loss to Australia. Australia and South Africa will meet in the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June.</p>
<div id="teads-ad"></div>
<div id="div-gpt-ad-1663140560142-0" data-google-query-id="CPW-roH74IoDFa-lZgId6w8j3A"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Cricket, Sports | Nitish Reddy could be a consistent No 6 for India: Irfan Pathan lauds youngster after success in 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy post his success in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition, in Australia. On Sunday (Jan 5), India lost the fifth and final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney, on Day 3, to concede the series 3-1. While Jasprit Bumrah had a terrific run with the ball, taking 32 wickets, the most in this edition, Nitish Reddy was one of the very few Indian batters who made a mark Down Under. Reddy ended with three 40-plus scores, one 38 and a brilliant 114, in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne, to leave a mark in his maiden Test series. Thus, Pathan lavished huge praise on the batting all-rounder. 'India have got a terrific player' "You have got an excellent prospect. It's not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly," Irfan told Star Sports. Also read: BGT: 'It's crazy when...', Manjrekar criticises India's team selection after series loss vs Australia "However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent," he added. Reddy, the medium-pacer, also accounted for five wickets in as many Tests in the 2024-25 BGT edition. India are out of the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, following a 1-3 series loss to Australia. Australia and South Africa will meet in the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June.

Nitish Reddy could be a consistent No 6 for India: Pathan lauds youngster after BGT success

<p>Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar slammed India's team selection after their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney on Sunday (Jan 5). India lost the five-match Test series and conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Manjrekar, thus, criticised the team combination for India during the marquee series, especially pointing out Washington Sundar's inclusion in the XI for the series finale in Sydney.</p>
<h2><strong>'India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill'</strong></h2>
<p>"It's crazy when you think of an important place in that Indian Test XI in a marquee series. Barring that fifty, Washington Sundar hasn't contributed with the bat much. I think he's a highly talented bowler. But, he has a place when the pitch is turning overseas. And with Jadeja already there, Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, plus Washington Sundar as well. I thought his selection was a blunder on a pitch like this," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-truth-is-we-are-just-white-ball-bullies-former-player-slams-india-after-test-series-loss-vs-australia-8595455" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia</a></strong></p>
<p>"The last two tours to Australia, India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill. They always focused on his main skill and that was good enough to get him into the side. The other skill was a bonus. Here, I thought India went the England way, when England was not winning," he further added.</p>
<p>Talking about Sundar, the left-arm spinner&mdash;who had a great run in India's forgettable Test series versus New Zealand at home&mdash;he ended with three wickets, bowling only 37 overs in the series (playing three Tests). He returned with 114 runs with the bat, including a handy fifty in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.</p>
<p>India will now shift their focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. Their next Test assignment is in July in England, comprising five Tests.</p>
<div id="teads-ad"></div>
<div id="div-gpt-ad-1663140560142-0" data-google-query-id="CKa8zODm4IoDFSGpZgId0LYVDA"></div>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Sanjay Manjrekar lashed out at India's team selection after their 1-3 series loss versus Australia on Sunday (Jan 5). 

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar slammed India's team selection after their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney on Sunday (Jan 5). India lost the five-match Test series and conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Manjrekar, thus, criticised the team combination for India during the marquee series, especially pointing out Washington Sundar's inclusion in the XI for the series finale in Sydney. 'India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill' "It's crazy when you think of an important place in that Indian Test XI in a marquee series. Barring that fifty, Washington Sundar hasn't contributed with the bat much. I think he's a highly talented bowler. But, he has a place when the pitch is turning overseas. And with Jadeja already there, Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, plus Washington Sundar as well. I thought his selection was a blunder on a pitch like this," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. Also read: BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia "The last two tours to Australia, India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill. They always focused on his main skill and that was good enough to get him into the side. The other skill was a bonus. Here, I thought India went the England way, when England was not winning," he further added. Talking about Sundar, the left-arm spinner—who had a great run in India's forgettable Test series versus New Zealand at home—he ended with three wickets, bowling only 37 overs in the series (playing three Tests). He returned with 114 runs with the bat, including a handy fifty in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne. India will now shift their focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. Their next Test assignment is in July in England, comprising five Tests.

BGT: 'It's crazy when...', Manjrekar criticises India's team selection after series loss vs Australia

<p>Former Indian player Mohammed Kaif slammed the national side following their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney, on Sunday (Jan 5). Setting a 162-run target for the hosts, India suffered a six-wicket loss to concede a 3-1 lead to Pat Cummins &amp; Co. and lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Kaif regarded the team as 'white-ball bullies' and lashed out at them for missing domestic cricket.</p>
<h2><strong>'If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket'</strong></h2>
<p>Kaif said in a video posted on his social media page, "On 23rd February India will earn a lot of praise by beating Pakistan (in Champions Trophy) and everyone will say we are a champion team in white-ball cricket. But if India want to team the World Test Championship then we will have to make a Test match team, will have to learn to play on seaming tracks. The truth is that we are just white-ball bullies. We are lagging too far behind. If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket on turning tracks, will have to practice on seaming tracks, otherwise we will not be able to win."</p>
<div id="checktheseout2" class="checktheseout2">
<div class="story__recommended__chunk">
<div class="recommended__story"><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-to-be-rohit-sharmas-deputy-in-champions-trophy-2025-report-8595262" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jasprit Bumrah to be Rohit&rsquo;s deputy in Champions Trophy 2025 &ndash; Report</a></strong></div>
<div class="recommended__story">
<p>Kaif added, "India lost 1-3, and I think this is a wake-up call, because now we have to pay our attention towards Test cricket. It's not just Gautam Gambhir who is at fault. All players get the chance to play Ranji Trophy, but it gets tiresome for the players and they prefer rest over playing Ranji Trophy. They don't play Ranji Trophy, they don't play practice matches then how will they become better players? It's tough to play on turning tracks in India and tougher to play on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. So if you don't practice well, WTC will keep eluding you. What has happened, it has happened for the good and now Team India needs to work hard in Test cricket."</p>
<p class="edpara">In the last 10 Tests, India have lost six and won only three (with two against Bangladesh at home). Rohit Sharma-led side were whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match series at home before conceding the BGT to Australia.</p>
<p class="edpara">At present, their focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. India's next Test assignment is a five-match Test series versus England in England. It will be interesting to see what all changes India makes in the red-ball side by then.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia 

Former Indian player Mohammed Kaif slammed the national side following their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney, on Sunday (Jan 5). Setting a 162-run target for the hosts, India suffered a six-wicket loss to concede a 3-1 lead to Pat Cummins & Co. and lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Kaif regarded the team as 'white-ball bullies' and lashed out at them for missing domestic cricket. 'If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket' Kaif said in a video posted on his social media page, "On 23rd February India will earn a lot of praise by beating Pakistan (in Champions Trophy) and everyone will say we are a champion team in white-ball cricket. But if India want to team the World Test Championship then we will have to make a Test match team, will have to learn to play on seaming tracks. The truth is that we are just white-ball bullies. We are lagging too far behind. If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket on turning tracks, will have to practice on seaming tracks, otherwise we will not be able to win." Also read: Jasprit Bumrah to be Rohit’s deputy in Champions Trophy 2025 – Report Kaif added, "India lost 1-3, and I think this is a wake-up call, because now we have to pay our attention towards Test cricket. It's not just Gautam Gambhir who is at fault. All players get the chance to play Ranji Trophy, but it gets tiresome for the players and they prefer rest over playing Ranji Trophy. They don't play Ranji Trophy, they don't play practice matches then how will they become better players? It's tough to play on turning tracks in India and tougher to play on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. So if you don't practice well, WTC will keep eluding you. What has happened, it has happened for the good and now Team India needs to work hard in Test cricket." In the last 10 Tests, India have lost six and won only three (with two against Bangladesh at home). Rohit Sharma-led side were whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match series at home before conceding the BGT to Australia. At present, their focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. India's next Test assignment is a five-match Test series versus England in England. It will be interesting to see what all changes India makes in the red-ball side by then.

BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia

<p>Australia batter Usman Khawaja says that he's never met anyone 'as arrogant as Jasprit Bumrah.' Khawaja made the comments after Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Bumrah, however, was absent from Australia's second innings owing to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-2024-25-injured-jasprit-bumrah-unlikely-to-bowl-in-last-innings-report-8590838">back injury he sustained</a> during the first innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He's a very lovable character. He's got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face," said Khawaja on ABC Sport after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">Australia took BGT 3-1</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-australia-5th-test-sydney-cricket-australia-reacts-to-not-inviting-sunil-gavaskar-for-trophy-ceremony-8593715">BGT: Cricket Australia reacts to Sunil Gavaskar's award ceremony snub</a></p>
<p>Khawaja also expressed sigh of relief on Bumrah not bowling in Australia's second innings. Khawaja got 41 runs as Australia chased 163-run target with ease. This was the southpaw's only second 40-plus score in the series of five Test.</p>
<p>"I was just getting Bumrah'd. It's a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn't see him out there, we thought 'alright, we've got a chance here'. He's the toughest bowler I've ever faced," the batter said.</p>
<h2><strong>Jasprit Bumrah rewrites records in BGT</strong></h2>
<p>Bumrah was the only Indian bowler to show up in the series - taking 32 wickets in 9 innings he bowled that too at an average of just 13.06. Bumrah's strike rate was 28 throughout the series, with three five-for and two four-for.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-frustrated-jasprit-bumrah-takes-positives-from-series-defeat-against-australia-8592640">pacer, however, was disappointed</a> for missing out bowling 'on the liveliest series of the series.'</p>
<p>"A little frustrating, but sometimes you have to respect your body. You can't fight your body," said Bumrah. "A little disappointing that I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series, but that's the way it is. I felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings," he added.</p>

Sports Cricket Jasprit Bumrah news Aussie Usman Khawaja says he was happy that India pacer didn't bowl in second innings of India vs Australia 5th Test.

Australia batter Usman Khawaja says that he's never met anyone 'as arrogant as Jasprit Bumrah.' Khawaja made the comments after Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Bumrah, however, was absent from Australia's second innings owing to the back injury he sustained during the first innings. "I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He's a very lovable character. He's got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face," said Khawaja on ABC Sport after Australia took BGT 3-1. Also Read: BGT: Cricket Australia reacts to Sunil Gavaskar's award ceremony snub Khawaja also expressed sigh of relief on Bumrah not bowling in Australia's second innings. Khawaja got 41 runs as Australia chased 163-run target with ease. This was the southpaw's only second 40-plus score in the series of five Test. "I was just getting Bumrah'd. It's a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn't see him out there, we thought 'alright, we've got a chance here'. He's the toughest bowler I've ever faced," the batter said. Jasprit Bumrah rewrites records in BGT Bumrah was the only Indian bowler to show up in the series - taking 32 wickets in 9 innings he bowled that too at an average of just 13.06. Bumrah's strike rate was 28 throughout the series, with three five-for and two four-for. The pacer, however, was disappointed for missing out bowling 'on the liveliest series of the series.' "A little frustrating, but sometimes you have to respect your body. You can't fight your body," said Bumrah. "A little disappointing that I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series, but that's the way it is. I felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings," he added.

'Never met anyone so arrogant,' Aussie Usman Khawaja on Jasprit Bumrah

<p>Cricket Australia has acknowledged the controversy around not inviting Sunil Gavaskar for the trophy ceremony of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday (Jan 5). Australia skipper Pat Cummins was given the trophy by Allan Border - one half of the BGT.</p>
<p>"We acknowledge it would have been preferable if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been asked to go on stage," a CA spokesperson said in a statement regarding Gavaskar's snub.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-we-dont-know-cricket-we-just-speak-sunil-gavaskar-livid-with-indias-performance-down-under-8592966">&lsquo;We don&rsquo;t know cricket...,&rsquo; Gavaskar livid with India&rsquo;s poor BGT show</a></p>
<h2><strong>Sunil Gavaskar calls out BGT Award Ceremony snub</strong></h2>
<p>The former India skipper was a key presenter throughout the series, but being left out from the award ceremony didn't sit well with him.</p>
<p>"I certainly would have loved to have been there for the presentation. After all, it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and it is about Australia and India," Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Code Sports after Australia win in Sydney.</p>
<p>"I mean, I am here on the ground. To me it should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket, so they won. That's fine."</p>
<p>"Just because I am an Indian. I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border," he added.</p>
<p>The five-Test series ended with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">India losing 1-3</a> as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.</p>
<p>Among the many reasons for India's loss was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-retirement-news-sanjay-manjrekar-says-playing-for-india-not-rohit-decision-8593625">poor run of form for Rohit Sharma</a>. Besides, Virat Kohli was the biggest dark spot for India.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-news-pat-cummins-reacts-on-virat-kohli-not-able-to-tour-australia-again-bgt-india-vs-australia-8593395">Virat Kohli</a> scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20.&nbsp;</p>

Sports Cricket Cricket Australia acknowledged the controversy around not inviting Sunil Gavaskar for BGT trophy ceremony after India vs Australia 5th Test.

Cricket Australia has acknowledged the controversy around not inviting Sunil Gavaskar for the trophy ceremony of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday (Jan 5). Australia skipper Pat Cummins was given the trophy by Allan Border - one half of the BGT. "We acknowledge it would have been preferable if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been asked to go on stage," a CA spokesperson said in a statement regarding Gavaskar's snub. Also Read: ‘We don’t know cricket...,’ Gavaskar livid with India’s poor BGT show Sunil Gavaskar calls out BGT Award Ceremony snub The former India skipper was a key presenter throughout the series, but being left out from the award ceremony didn't sit well with him. "I certainly would have loved to have been there for the presentation. After all, it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and it is about Australia and India," Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Code Sports after Australia win in Sydney. "I mean, I am here on the ground. To me it should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket, so they won. That's fine." "Just because I am an Indian. I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border," he added. The five-Test series ended with India losing 1-3 as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Among the many reasons for India's loss was the poor run of form for Rohit Sharma. Besides, Virat Kohli was the biggest dark spot for India. Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20.

BGT: Cricket Australia reacts to Sunil Gavaskar's award ceremony snub

<p>Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar says that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/sports/7-best-innings-of-rohit-sharma-in-odis-ft-264-vs-sri-lanka-8589453">Rohit Sharma</a> might find it difficult to get a place in the Test side if his form doesn't improve soon. Manjrekar also opined that being in the test side is not Rohit's decision; instead, it lies with the selectors. The comments come after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-this-is-not-a-retirement-decision-rohit-sharma-breaks-silence-on-scg-test-omission-8590113">Rohit opted to sit out of the Sydney Test</a> in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) due to a poor run of form.</p>
<p>"One thing that a lot of players say is that &lsquo;I will decide my future'. I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain," said Manjrekar during the post-match show on official broadcaster Star after India's defeat in the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5).</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-news-pat-cummins-reacts-on-virat-kohli-not-able-to-tour-australia-again-bgt-india-vs-australia-8593395">Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again</a></p>
<p>"That's the chairman of selectors. You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not," he added.</p>
<h2><strong>Rohit Sharma retirement talk heats up</strong></h2>
<p>Rohit Sharma failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. The skipper missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child before missing the Sydney Test due to poor form.</p>
<p>On day 2 of the Test, however, Rohit did address the situation around his future and quashed reports of his retirement.</p>
<p>"This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game. I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day," said the skipper.</p>
<p>The five-Test series ended with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">India losing 1-3 as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.</p>

Cricket Sports Rohit Sharma Retirement news Sanjay Manjrekar says Rohit getting a place in Indian Test side is not his decision but it lies with the selectors.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar says that Rohit Sharma might find it difficult to get a place in the Test side if his form doesn't improve soon. Manjrekar also opined that being in the test side is not Rohit's decision; instead, it lies with the selectors. The comments come after Rohit opted to sit out of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) due to a poor run of form. "One thing that a lot of players say is that ‘I will decide my future'. I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain," said Manjrekar during the post-match show on official broadcaster Star after India's defeat in the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Also Read: Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again "That's the chairman of selectors. You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not," he added. Rohit Sharma retirement talk heats up Rohit Sharma failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. The skipper missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child before missing the Sydney Test due to poor form. On day 2 of the Test, however, Rohit did address the situation around his future and quashed reports of his retirement. "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game. I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day," said the skipper. The five-Test series ended with India losing 1-3 as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.

Ex-India batter says 'playing for India' not Rohit Sharma's decision

<p>Australia skipper Pat Cummins said on Sunday that it'll be 'sad' if Virat Kohli doesn't come to Australia again. The comments come after questions on Virat Kohli's future amid his poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">India lost 1-3</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"It's always been a wonderful contest. More than just the runs that he scored, he brings a bit of theatre to the game which is sometimes good and sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, which I'm sure is part of his plans," Cummins said while talking to reporters after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5).</p>
<p><strong>Also Watch:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-teases-australian-crowd-with-sandpaper-gesture-during-scg-test-watch-8593275">BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with &lsquo;sandpaper&rsquo; gesture during SCG Test</a></p>
<p>"Really enjoyed playing with him. You know, he's been one of the the star batters for the last decade or so. You know, if you get his wicket it goes a long way to winning a game so yeah, it will be sad if it's his last series." he added.</p>
<h2><strong>Shadow over Virat Kohli's Test Future&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p>Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Test at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth.</p>
<p>The major concern was how Kohli got out rather the runs he scored. The batter was dismissed poking outside the off-stump seven times in the series - showcasing that the cover drive, once his strength, has now turned into his weakness.</p>
<p>Apart from Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Rohit missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-this-is-not-a-retirement-decision-rohit-sharma-breaks-silence-on-scg-test-omission-8590113">sat out of Sydney Test</a> owing to poor form.</p>
<p>India head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, has left the ball in the players' court <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-i-would-like-everyone-to-play-domestic-cricket-coach-gautam-gambhir-reflects-on-indias-second-test-series-loss-on-trot-8592547">when asked about the retirement</a> plans of Kohli and Rohit.</p>

Sports, Cricket Virat Kohli News Australia skipper Pat Cummins lauds India's Kohli for bringing theatric to game after India lost BGT 1-3 following the Sydney Test loss.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said on Sunday that it'll be 'sad' if Virat Kohli doesn't come to Australia again. The comments come after questions on Virat Kohli's future amid his poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) which India lost 1-3. "It's always been a wonderful contest. More than just the runs that he scored, he brings a bit of theatre to the game which is sometimes good and sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, which I'm sure is part of his plans," Cummins said while talking to reporters after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Also Watch: BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with ‘sandpaper’ gesture during SCG Test "Really enjoyed playing with him. You know, he's been one of the the star batters for the last decade or so. You know, if you get his wicket it goes a long way to winning a game so yeah, it will be sad if it's his last series." he added. Shadow over Virat Kohli's Test Future Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Test at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. The major concern was how Kohli got out rather the runs he scored. The batter was dismissed poking outside the off-stump seven times in the series - showcasing that the cover drive, once his strength, has now turned into his weakness. Apart from Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Rohit missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child and sat out of Sydney Test owing to poor form. India head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, has left the ball in the players' court when asked about the retirement plans of Kohli and Rohit.

Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again

<p>Rohit Sharma surprised one and all by 'opting to rest' for the fifth and final Test between India and Australia, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the SCG, Sydney on Friday (Jan 3). On Day 1 of the series finale, Jasprit Bumrah walked out for the toss as he revealed that out-of-form Rohit has opted out of the contest. After the day's play, Rishabh Pant opined on Rohit's call.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>'It was an emotional decision....'</strong></h2>
<p>"I think definitely it was an emotional decision because he has been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team. But, there are some decisions in which you are not involved with. And it's a management call. I was not part of that conversation. So can't explain anything more than that," Pant told the reporters after the stumps on Day 1 of the SCG Test.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/scg-test-rishabh-pant-suffers-series-of-blows-on-day-1-of-bgt-2024-25-series-finale-watch-video-8587828" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers series of blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch</a></strong></p>
<p>At the toss, Bumrah, who replaced Rohit as captain, stated, "Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that."</p>
<p>India made two changes to their playing XI, from the MCG Test, with Rohit and Akash making space for Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna, respectively.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Rohit's absence from the pre-match presser, on Thursday (Jan 2), raised speculations of his participation in the SCG Test match. Hitman has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024, averaging 24.50, and has scores of <span>3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. His decision to rest has led to many former cricketers claiming that Rohit has played his last Test and will retire from the format very soon.</span></p>
<p><span>For Bumrah-led India, they opted to bat first in the Sydney Test and were bundled out for 185 with Pant top-scoring with 40. At stumps, Australia lost Usman Khawaja as they are 9/1, trailing by 176 runs.</span></p>
<p><span>Australia lead the five-match Test series 2-1 and will look for a win to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014/15.</span></p>
<div class="ads__container inline-story-add inline_ad1" id="1"></div>

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Dropping himself was emotional call, can't...,' Rishabh Pant on Rohit Sharma opting out of SCG Test in Sydney 

Rohit Sharma surprised one and all by 'opting to rest' for the fifth and final Test between India and Australia, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the SCG, Sydney on Friday (Jan 3). On Day 1 of the series finale, Jasprit Bumrah walked out for the toss as he revealed that out-of-form Rohit has opted out of the contest. After the day's play, Rishabh Pant opined on Rohit's call. 'It was an emotional decision....' "I think definitely it was an emotional decision because he has been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team. But, there are some decisions in which you are not involved with. And it's a management call. I was not part of that conversation. So can't explain anything more than that," Pant told the reporters after the stumps on Day 1 of the SCG Test. Also read: SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers series of blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch At the toss, Bumrah, who replaced Rohit as captain, stated, "Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that." India made two changes to their playing XI, from the MCG Test, with Rohit and Akash making space for Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna, respectively. Rohit's absence from the pre-match presser, on Thursday (Jan 2), raised speculations of his participation in the SCG Test match. Hitman has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024, averaging 24.50, and has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. His decision to rest has led to many former cricketers claiming that Rohit has played his last Test and will retire from the format very soon. For Bumrah-led India, they opted to bat first in the Sydney Test and were bundled out for 185 with Pant top-scoring with 40. At stumps, Australia lost Usman Khawaja as they are 9/1, trailing by 176 runs. Australia lead the five-match Test series 2-1 and will look for a win to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014/15.

BGT: 'Dropping himself was emotional call...,' Pant on Rohit opting out of SCG Test

<p>India had a tough day on&nbsp; of the SCG Test, in Sydney, versus Australia on Friday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series finale, Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors got bundled out for 185 with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 40. During his stay in the middle, Pant suffered a series of body blows as he made a hard-fought 40 (98).&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here is the video of Pant taking body blows on Day 1 of the Sydney Test:</strong></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5gj6wl9-a4eezbtc-szfq93b0">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyJ1qhm9C">pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875019635822559412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-stares-down-sam-konstas-as-duo-involved-in-heated-moment-on-day-1-of-scg-test-watch-8587643" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bumrah stares down Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch</a></strong></p>
<p>The left-hander came out to bat at No. 5, after Shubman Gill fell for 20 with India reeling at 57-3. Pant stitched a 15-run stand with Virat Kohli, who once again edged one outside off-stump to depart for 17. The keeper-batter then stitched a vital 48-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (26) before falling for 40. He smashed a six and three fours during his stay, showing resistance in the middle but failed to capitalise on his start.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After Scott Boland's 4-fer dismissed India for 185, the visitors reduced Australia to 9 for 1 at stumps. Earlier in the day, Bumrah walked out for the toss as Rohit Sharma 'opted to rest' amid his poor run of form.</p>
<p>Pat Cummins-led Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 after a win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.</p>

Cricket, Sports | SCG Test: Indian batter Rishabh Pant suffered several blows on Day 1 of series finale in Sydney - Watch viral video 

India had a tough day on of the SCG Test, in Sydney, versus Australia on Friday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series finale, Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors got bundled out for 185 with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 40. During his stay in the middle, Pant suffered a series of body blows as he made a hard-fought 40 (98). Here is the video of Pant taking body blows on Day 1 of the Sydney Test: Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Also read: Bumrah stares down Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch The left-hander came out to bat at No. 5, after Shubman Gill fell for 20 with India reeling at 57-3. Pant stitched a 15-run stand with Virat Kohli, who once again edged one outside off-stump to depart for 17. The keeper-batter then stitched a vital 48-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (26) before falling for 40. He smashed a six and three fours during his stay, showing resistance in the middle but failed to capitalise on his start. After Scott Boland's 4-fer dismissed India for 185, the visitors reduced Australia to 9 for 1 at stumps. Earlier in the day, Bumrah walked out for the toss as Rohit Sharma 'opted to rest' amid his poor run of form. Pat Cummins-led Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 after a win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers several blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch

<p>Ahead of the India-Australia SCG Test, in Sydney, reports of rift in the Indian camp started doing the rounds. It was said that coach Gautam Gambhir slammed the players after India conceded an unassailable 2-1 lead to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and lashed out at them for playing their natural game and not adapting to match situations. In addition, it claimed that captain Rohit Sharma and Gambhir are not on the same page on team selection.</p>
<p>Prior to the SCG Test, head coach Gambhir attended the pre-match presser and slammed all such reports, saying they are just rumours and 'not the truth'.</p>
<h2>'I don't think I need to answer any reports'</h2>
<p>Gambhir stated, "Those are just reports. That's not the truth. I don't think I need to answer any reports. There were some honest words, that is what I can say. Honesty is very important. Honesty is extremely important if you want to go and achieve great things."</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-will-rohit-sharma-play-the-scg-test-in-sydney-gautam-gambhir-reacts-8584208" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts</a></strong></p>
<p>The former Indian opener also reaffirmed the need for unity within the squad, saying, "Team first. It's a team game, and everyone understands this. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room."</p>
<p>There have been reports of Rohit likely to sit out of the India XI for the Sydney Test, due to his poor run with the bat in the ongoing series in Australia. However, Gambhir remained non-committal to the team combination for the series finale Down Under, with India needing a win for a 2-2 scoreline.</p>
<p>India won the series opener, in Perth, but lost the day-night Test, in Adelaide, and the Boxing Day encounter, at the MCG in Melbourne, whereas the third Test, in Brisbane, ended in a draw.</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks ahead of SCG Test, says THIS

Ahead of the India-Australia SCG Test, in Sydney, reports of rift in the Indian camp started doing the rounds. It was said that coach Gautam Gambhir slammed the players after India conceded an unassailable 2-1 lead to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and lashed out at them for playing their natural game and not adapting to match situations. In addition, it claimed that captain Rohit Sharma and Gambhir are not on the same page on team selection. Prior to the SCG Test, head coach Gambhir attended the pre-match presser and slammed all such reports, saying they are just rumours and 'not the truth'. 'I don't think I need to answer any reports' Gambhir stated, "Those are just reports. That's not the truth. I don't think I need to answer any reports. There were some honest words, that is what I can say. Honesty is very important. Honesty is extremely important if you want to go and achieve great things." Also read: SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts The former Indian opener also reaffirmed the need for unity within the squad, saying, "Team first. It's a team game, and everyone understands this. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room." There have been reports of Rohit likely to sit out of the India XI for the Sydney Test, due to his poor run with the bat in the ongoing series in Australia. However, Gambhir remained non-committal to the team combination for the series finale Down Under, with India needing a win for a 2-2 scoreline. India won the series opener, in Perth, but lost the day-night Test, in Adelaide, and the Boxing Day encounter, at the MCG in Melbourne, whereas the third Test, in Brisbane, ended in a draw.

BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS

<p>India head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped about captain Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney on Thursday (Jan 2). The fifth and final Test commences on Friday (Jan 3). With the series on the line for the visitors, Rohit skipped the pre-match presser. When a journalist repeatedly asked about Rohit, Gambhir remained non-committal regarding Hitman's inclusion and the team combination.</p>
<p>Rohit was seen&nbsp;<span>during the warm-ups, shadow-practising his drives and kicking a football around with the teammates. However, his absence from the presser raised some eyebrows. With his form being very poor in the ongoing BGT, his absence led to many speculations. In this regard, Gambhir said, "Everything is fine with Rohit. I don't think it's a tradition (of captain attending the pre-match presser). The head coach is here. That should be fine, that should be good enough. I am going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow."</span></p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-mitchell-starc-declared-fit-debutant-replaces-mitchell-marsh-as-australia-name-playing-xi-for-scg-test-versus-india-8584136" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test</a></strong></p>
<p>When asked if Rohit would feature in India's plans, Gambhir reiterated: "As I just said, we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow." On being asked further, the former Indian opener added firmly, "<span>The answer is the same."</span></p>
<p><span>Gambhir, however, confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the Sydney Test due to back issue.</span></p>
<p><span>For Rohit the scores have so far been 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia.</span></p>
<p><span>He ended 2024 with 619 runs at an average of 24.76 in the longest format of the game, with many calling for his Test retirement post the Australia tour.</span></p>
<div id="teads-ad"></div>
<div id="div-gpt-ad-1663140560142-0" data-google-query-id="COf8zpGR1ooDFZ0GgwMdanUKxA">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0__container__"></div>
</div>
<p><span>Meanwhile, Australia named their playing XI for the SCG Test. With them leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts have dropped Mitchell Marsh whereas Mitchell Starc has been declared fit.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India</strong></h2>
<div class="post-content">
<p>Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.</p>
</div>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar 2024-25: Will Rohit Sharma play the  Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test in Sydney? India head coach Gautam Gambhir reacts 

India head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped about captain Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney on Thursday (Jan 2). The fifth and final Test commences on Friday (Jan 3). With the series on the line for the visitors, Rohit skipped the pre-match presser. When a journalist repeatedly asked about Rohit, Gambhir remained non-committal regarding Hitman's inclusion and the team combination. Rohit was seen during the warm-ups, shadow-practising his drives and kicking a football around with the teammates. However, his absence from the presser raised some eyebrows. With his form being very poor in the ongoing BGT, his absence led to many speculations. In this regard, Gambhir said, "Everything is fine with Rohit. I don't think it's a tradition (of captain attending the pre-match presser). The head coach is here. That should be fine, that should be good enough. I am going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow." Also read: BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test When asked if Rohit would feature in India's plans, Gambhir reiterated: "As I just said, we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow." On being asked further, the former Indian opener added firmly, "The answer is the same." Gambhir, however, confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the Sydney Test due to back issue. For Rohit the scores have so far been 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. He ended 2024 with 619 runs at an average of 24.76 in the longest format of the game, with many calling for his Test retirement post the Australia tour. Meanwhile, Australia named their playing XI for the SCG Test. With them leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts have dropped Mitchell Marsh whereas Mitchell Starc has been declared fit. Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts

<p>Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on.</p>
<p>"It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharmas-retirement-rumours-catch-fire-after-langers-body-language-remark-8578916" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer&rsquo;s &lsquo;body language&rsquo; remark</a></strong></p>
<p>Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369.</p>
<p>With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat.</p>
<p>Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).&nbsp;</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'Nobody can read a crystal ball,' Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued. Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on. "It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today. Also read: BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer’s ‘body language’ remark Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369. With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat. Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).

BGT: 'Nobody can....', Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit and Kohli's Test future

<p>India lost the MCG Test to Australia by 184 runs on Day 5 in Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). With this, Pat Cummins-led hosts took an unassailable 2-1 lead and have a chance to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) with a win, or draw, in the series finale in Sydney. Chasing 340, India were never in the hunt but Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal led to their eventual downfall. Jaiswal was controversially out for 84, when side on replays showed he hit a delivery, off Cummins, with the gloves but Real Time Snickometer (RTS) showed no spike.</p>
<p>Eventually, the visual evidence helped the third umpire overturn the initial call and adjudge Jaiswal out. In the post-match presser, Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his take on his opening partner's dismissal.</p>
<h2><strong>'He did touch the ball...'</strong></h2>
<p id="7" class="story_para_7">Rohit said, "In all fairness, I think he did touch the ball. The technology is not always 100 per cent. More often than not, we are the ones falling on the wrong side of it (decision-making by DRS). I believe it was a little unfortunate."</p>
<p id="8" class="story_para_8">&ldquo;He showed great character and a lot of fight, batting there in the middle. I just hope he goes from strength to strength. There is a lot more to look forward to from him," he added.</p>
<p class="story_para_8"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-australia-beat-india-by-184-runs-in-melbourne-test-to-take-unassailable-2-1-lead-in-series-8576888" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Australia beat India by 184 runs in MCG Test to take unassailable 2-1 lead</a></strong></p>
<p id="3" class="story_para_3">India had a lot of chances in the fourth and penultimate Test, i.e. the Boxing Day match, but eventually lost by a big margin. Opting to bowl first, India conceded 474 with Steve Smith (140) and other Aussie batters chipping in with valuable knocks. In reply, India's famed batters fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 took visitors to 369, conceding a 105-run lead.</p>
<p class="story_para_3">In the third innings, India reduced Australia to 91-6 but Marnus Labuschagne's 70 and 41 apiece from Cummins and Nathan Lyon took the hosts to 234 all-out on Day 5, setting a 340-run target.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="story_para_3">India's flop batting show and fielding errors, dropping three catches on Day 4, cost them dearly at the MCG, Melbourne.</p>
<p class="story_para_3">Hitman added, "We had our chances but didn&rsquo;t take them. I know things can get difficult, but that is what we are here for."</p>
<p class="story_para_3">India will now look for a 2-2 scoreline with a win in the SCG Test whereas Australia will be desperate to regain the BGT with a 3-1 margin and also keep their hopes alive of playing the WTC final, where South Africa have booked a slot. The finale is scheduled for mid-June, 2025.</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'I think he did...', Rohit Sharma on Yashasvi Jaiswal's controversial dismissal after India's MCG Test loss vs Australia

India lost the MCG Test to Australia by 184 runs on Day 5 in Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). With this, Pat Cummins-led hosts took an unassailable 2-1 lead and have a chance to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) with a win, or draw, in the series finale in Sydney. Chasing 340, India were never in the hunt but Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal led to their eventual downfall. Jaiswal was controversially out for 84, when side on replays showed he hit a delivery, off Cummins, with the gloves but Real Time Snickometer (RTS) showed no spike. Eventually, the visual evidence helped the third umpire overturn the initial call and adjudge Jaiswal out. In the post-match presser, Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his take on his opening partner's dismissal. 'He did touch the ball...' Rohit said, "In all fairness, I think he did touch the ball. The technology is not always 100 per cent. More often than not, we are the ones falling on the wrong side of it (decision-making by DRS). I believe it was a little unfortunate." “He showed great character and a lot of fight, batting there in the middle. I just hope he goes from strength to strength. There is a lot more to look forward to from him," he added. Also read: BGT: Australia beat India by 184 runs in MCG Test to take unassailable 2-1 lead India had a lot of chances in the fourth and penultimate Test, i.e. the Boxing Day match, but eventually lost by a big margin. Opting to bowl first, India conceded 474 with Steve Smith (140) and other Aussie batters chipping in with valuable knocks. In reply, India's famed batters fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 took visitors to 369, conceding a 105-run lead. In the third innings, India reduced Australia to 91-6 but Marnus Labuschagne's 70 and 41 apiece from Cummins and Nathan Lyon took the hosts to 234 all-out on Day 5, setting a 340-run target. India's flop batting show and fielding errors, dropping three catches on Day 4, cost them dearly at the MCG, Melbourne. Hitman added, "We had our chances but didn’t take them. I know things can get difficult, but that is what we are here for." India will now look for a 2-2 scoreline with a win in the SCG Test whereas Australia will be desperate to regain the BGT with a 3-1 margin and also keep their hopes alive of playing the WTC final, where South Africa have booked a slot. The finale is scheduled for mid-June, 2025.

'I think he did...', Rohit on Jaiswal's controversial dismissal after India's MCG Test loss vs Australia

<p>Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale.</p>
<p>Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001).</p>
<p>Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia.</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-kohli-can-play-3-to-4-more-years-for-rohit-shastri-on-indian-duos-test-future-after-flop-show-in-mcg-test-8576550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India</strong></h2>
<p>Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369.</p>
<p>Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors.</p>
<p>India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually,<span> visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478.</span></p>
<p><span>The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game.</span></p>
<p>The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15.</p>
<p>The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.</p>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Melbourne Test to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series

Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale. Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001). Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia. Also read: BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369. Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors. India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually, visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478. The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game. The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15. The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.

BGT: Australia beat India by 184 runs in MCG Test to take unassailable 2-1 lead

<p class="header"><span class="city">Melbourne</span>,<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="country">Australia:&nbsp; </span>The blockbuster clash against India on Monday became the best attended<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="highlight">Test</span>&nbsp;in Australia's history as fans flocked to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the final day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Early on day five of the fourth<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="highlight">Test</span>, a bumper crowd of 51,371 had swelled the total number of spectators since the start of the match on Boxing Day to 350,700, with still more expected through the gates.</p>
<p>That beat the previous record of 350,534 at the same ground during the 1936-37 Ashes series against England, when Donald Bradman ruled the sport and Tests were played over six days.</p>
<p>"Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="highlight">MCG</span>&nbsp;record and history made," Cricket Australia tweeted.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5aixu9g-0281t786-x1xahjez">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you, Melbourne.<br><br>An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVvfwKWd6J">pic.twitter.com/VVvfwKWd6J</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1873539536367869992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-kohli-can-play-3-to-4-more-years-for-rohit-shastri-on-indian-duos-test-future-after-flop-show-in-mcg-test-8576550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test</a></strong></p>
<p>In terms of Boxing Day Tests, the previous record was 271,865 during the 2013-14 Ashes.</p>
<p>"I think what's been particularly special about this series is the number of India fans, from not just India but all around the world," Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley told reporters during the<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="highlight">Test</span>.</p>
<p>"I have met fans from the UK, from Canada, from the US.</p>
<p>"Obviously it is a fantastic time of year but it talks to the<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="highlight">MCG</span>&nbsp;has almost got this spiritual place in cricketing folklore."</p>
<div class="post-content">
<div class="post-content">
<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><span>&nbsp;</span>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>
</div>
</div>

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: UNBELIEVABLE! Bumper crowd flock to witness Australia-India MCG Test in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia: The blockbuster clash against India on Monday became the best attended Test in Australia's history as fans flocked to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the final day. Early on day five of the fourth Test, a bumper crowd of 51,371 had swelled the total number of spectators since the start of the match on Boxing Day to 350,700, with still more expected through the gates. That beat the previous record of 350,534 at the same ground during the 1936-37 Ashes series against England, when Donald Bradman ruled the sport and Tests were played over six days. "Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made," Cricket Australia tweeted. Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made ❤️ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/VVvfwKWd6J — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 30, 2024 Also read: BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test In terms of Boxing Day Tests, the previous record was 271,865 during the 2013-14 Ashes. "I think what's been particularly special about this series is the number of India fans, from not just India but all around the world," Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley told reporters during the Test. "I have met fans from the UK, from Canada, from the US. "Obviously it is a fantastic time of year but it talks to the MCG has almost got this spiritual place in cricketing folklore." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT: UNBELIEVABLE! Bumper crowd flock to witness Australia-India MCG Test

<p>India all-rounder and first-inning centurion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nitish-kumar-reddy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nitish Kumar</a> says that India need to go 'instinctively' on the fifth day of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bgt" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)</a> Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Boxing Day Test has one day left, and Australia lead by 330+ plus runs with their last wicket still standing.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If you ask me, everyone is capable of playing on this pitch," said Nitish to reporters after the end of play on the fourth day (Sunday, Dec 29). He was India's last wicket to fall earlier in the morning after scoring 114 runs.</p>
<p><strong>Also Watch:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-vs-konstas-bumrah-celebration-on-konstas-wicket-video-mcg-boxing-day-test-day-4-bgt-india-vs-australia-8575527">BGT 2024-25: Bumrah mimes like Konstas after bowling him out</a></p>
<p>&ldquo;We'll come back strong, we'll rectify the mistakes we made in the first innings. We have to first take the last wicket and then bat accordingly,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I feel like you need to get one or two good partnerships. From the first day, we knew the movement was there, the pitch is doing something.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Later on, on the fourth day, it was doing a bit more. We don't need to put more pressure (on ourselves). We need to go instinctively, according to the situation,&rdquo; further said India's first-inning centurion.</p>
<h2><strong>Bumrah brings India back in contest</strong></h2>
<p>India were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-jasprit-bumrah-strikes-double-blow-on-day-4-to-complete-200-test-wickets-watch-8574484" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">brought back into the game by Jasprit Bumrah</a> after the visitors were bowled out for 369 in the first innings - conceding a 104-run lead. Australia were sitting pretty at 80/2 in the second innings when Mohammed Siraj got Steve Smith to play a rash shot and get the game open.</p>
<p>Bumrah then delivered a breathtaking spell, taking three wickets in 18 balls as Australia went from 80/3 to 91/6 in no time. A 57-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) took Australia's lead past 250. Siraj then trapped Labuschagne LBW to break the partnership.</p>
<p>A run-out and a good catch by Rohit Sharma in the slips brought Australia to nine wickets down before Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added unbeaten 55 runs for the 10th wicket. Australia finished the day at 228/9 and a lead of 333 runs, with the final day promising to be a cracker.&nbsp;</p>

Sports Cricket: India's Nitish Kumar says 'instinctive' is the way to go on fifth day of Boxing Day Test in BGT after Australia took their lead past 300 on the penultimate day.

India all-rounder and first-inning centurion Nitish Kumar says that India need to go 'instinctively' on the fifth day of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Boxing Day Test has one day left, and Australia lead by 330+ plus runs with their last wicket still standing. “If you ask me, everyone is capable of playing on this pitch," said Nitish to reporters after the end of play on the fourth day (Sunday, Dec 29). He was India's last wicket to fall earlier in the morning after scoring 114 runs. Also Watch: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah mimes like Konstas after bowling him out “We'll come back strong, we'll rectify the mistakes we made in the first innings. We have to first take the last wicket and then bat accordingly,” he added. “I feel like you need to get one or two good partnerships. From the first day, we knew the movement was there, the pitch is doing something. “Later on, on the fourth day, it was doing a bit more. We don't need to put more pressure (on ourselves). We need to go instinctively, according to the situation,” further said India's first-inning centurion. Bumrah brings India back in contest India were brought back into the game by Jasprit Bumrah after the visitors were bowled out for 369 in the first innings - conceding a 104-run lead. Australia were sitting pretty at 80/2 in the second innings when Mohammed Siraj got Steve Smith to play a rash shot and get the game open. Bumrah then delivered a breathtaking spell, taking three wickets in 18 balls as Australia went from 80/3 to 91/6 in no time. A 57-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) took Australia's lead past 250. Siraj then trapped Labuschagne LBW to break the partnership. A run-out and a good catch by Rohit Sharma in the slips brought Australia to nine wickets down before Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added unbeaten 55 runs for the 10th wicket. Australia finished the day at 228/9 and a lead of 333 runs, with the final day promising to be a cracker.

BGT: Nitish Reddy says best way is 'to go instinctively' on MCG Day 5

<p>India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 qualification chances took a severe hit after South Africa beat Pakistan on Sunday (Dec 29) to become the first finalist. India, looking for their third consecutive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wtc-final-2025" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Final</a>, will now have to win the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 3-1 to stay independent of other results.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wtc-final-scenarios-2025-south-africa-enter-final-after-win-over-pakistan-india-australia-in-contention-8575588">WTC 2025: South Africa enter final with thrilling win over Pakistan</a></p>
<h2><strong>India's Chances for WTC Final Scenarios</strong></h2>
<p>India were firmly in control of their own fate, but a 0-3 loss at home vs New Zealand before BGT left them with too many fires to douse. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pink-ball-test-australia-level-series-in-adelaide-after-cummins-starc-heroics-782394" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">loss in the second BGT Test in Adelaide</a> also added fuel to those fires, and India now stare at a huge task ahead of them to make it to the WTC Final. Here's how India can make it to the WTC Final 2025:</p>
<h3><strong>India Beat Australia 3-1 in BGT</strong></h3>
<p>The fourth Test of the series at MCG has one day left, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-aussie-tail-frustrates-india-after-jasprit-bumrahs-heroic-spell-on-day-4-8574972" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Australia lead by 330+ plus runs</a>. India would have to produce a chase for the history to win the game before the series, tied at 1-1, goes to Sydney.</p>
<p>If India somehow manages to win both Melbourne and Sydney ties, they'll face South Africa in the WTC Final 2025.</p>
<h3><strong>India Beat Australia 2-1 in BGT</strong></h3>
<p>If India draw the ongoing Melbourne game and win the fifth Test in Sydney to take the series 2-1, then Australia would need to win their upcoming away two-Test series against Sri Lanka 2-0. If Australia fail to win their series in Sri Lanka, India take the second spot in the final.</p>
<h3><strong>India Draw BGT 2-2 vs Australia</strong></h3>
<p>In case Australia win the Melbourne Test and then lose the Sydney one or vice-versa, Australia will then have to lose their series against Sri Lanka at least 0-1. Any other result will see Australia taking the second WTC Final 2025 spot alongside South Africa.</p>
<h3><strong>India Draw BGT 1-1 vs Australia</strong></h3>
<p>If India and Australia play the ongoing Test and next one in Sydney as draw then Australia would have to lose the series 0-1 or draw for India to qualify.</p>
<p>In case Sri Lanka win the series 2-0 vs Australia after BGT ends in 1-1 draw, then both India and Australia would be knocked out, and Sri Lanka will play the WTC 2025 Final.</p>

Sports Cricket: India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 qualification chances took a severe hit after South Africa beat Pakistan to become the first finalist.

India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 qualification chances took a severe hit after South Africa beat Pakistan on Sunday (Dec 29) to become the first finalist. India, looking for their third consecutive WTC Final, will now have to win the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 3-1 to stay independent of other results. Also Read: WTC 2025: South Africa enter final with thrilling win over Pakistan India's Chances for WTC Final Scenarios India were firmly in control of their own fate, but a 0-3 loss at home vs New Zealand before BGT left them with too many fires to douse. The loss in the second BGT Test in Adelaide also added fuel to those fires, and India now stare at a huge task ahead of them to make it to the WTC Final. Here's how India can make it to the WTC Final 2025: India Beat Australia 3-1 in BGT The fourth Test of the series at MCG has one day left, and Australia lead by 330+ plus runs. India would have to produce a chase for the history to win the game before the series, tied at 1-1, goes to Sydney. If India somehow manages to win both Melbourne and Sydney ties, they'll face South Africa in the WTC Final 2025. India Beat Australia 2-1 in BGT If India draw the ongoing Melbourne game and win the fifth Test in Sydney to take the series 2-1, then Australia would need to win their upcoming away two-Test series against Sri Lanka 2-0. If Australia fail to win their series in Sri Lanka, India take the second spot in the final. India Draw BGT 2-2 vs Australia In case Australia win the Melbourne Test and then lose the Sydney one or vice-versa, Australia will then have to lose their series against Sri Lanka at least 0-1. Any other result will see Australia taking the second WTC Final 2025 spot alongside South Africa. India Draw BGT 1-1 vs Australia If India and Australia play the ongoing Test and next one in Sydney as draw then Australia would have to lose the series 0-1 or draw for India to qualify. In case Sri Lanka win the series 2-0 vs Australia after BGT ends in 1-1 draw, then both India and Australia would be knocked out, and Sri Lanka will play the WTC 2025 Final.

WTC Final 2025: India's qualification chances and scenarios | Read

<p>South Africa has become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the first Test on Sunday (Dec 29). The Proteas just needed to win one of the two games of their home Test series against Pakistan to enter their maiden WTC Final.</p>
<p>The Internatioal Cricket Council (ICC) also confirmed the same with a post on social medial platform X. Here's the post below:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m59jga4l-qno0uto1-r1qxvcgh">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿 🇿🇦 <br><br>South Africa are headed to Lord's for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> Final 🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> ➡ <a href="https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm">https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZ5QBnDAYD">pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1873329612169552313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>South Africa's chances were bightened up after India's 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home but them making it to the final speaks volume about their abilities too.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wtc-standings-gabba-draw-puts-india-in-must-win-territory-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-784931" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Standings: Gabba draw puts India in 'must-win' territory ahead of Boxing Day Test</a></p>
<p>Chasing a modest 148 to win the first Test against Pakistan, SA were cruising alsong at 62/3 before the visiting bowlers wrested back the control. SA went into the lunch on day 4 at 99/8, still needing 48 runs to win with two wickets left.</p>
<p>Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26 balls) and Marco Jansen (16 off 24) then added 51 runs for the ninth wicket to take SA to a thrilling win.</p>
<h2><strong>WTC Final 2025 Scenarios</strong></h2>
<p>With SA being confirmed as one of the finalists, only one of Australia and India can grab the second spot. Australia, which are second on the points tally, can still make it to the final despite drawing their ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2-2 vs India. Australia, however, would need to win their next series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka after BGT ends in draw.</p>
<p>For India, they have to win the ongoing BGT 3-1 to ensure their qualification in the WTC Final and if they fail to do so, their qualification will rest on the other teams' results, especially Australia vs Sri Lanka.</p>

Sports Cricket - WTC Final Scenarios: As SA enter their maiden WTC Final 2025, only one of India and Australia will be taking the second spot.

South Africa has become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the first Test on Sunday (Dec 29). The Proteas just needed to win one of the two games of their home Test series against Pakistan to enter their maiden WTC Final. The Internatioal Cricket Council (ICC) also confirmed the same with a post on social medial platform X. Here's the post below: 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿 🇿🇦 South Africa are headed to Lord's for the #WTC25 Final 🤩 #SAvPAK ➡ https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD — ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2024 South Africa's chances were bightened up after India's 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home but them making it to the final speaks volume about their abilities too. Also Read: WTC Standings: Gabba draw puts India in 'must-win' territory ahead of Boxing Day Test Chasing a modest 148 to win the first Test against Pakistan, SA were cruising alsong at 62/3 before the visiting bowlers wrested back the control. SA went into the lunch on day 4 at 99/8, still needing 48 runs to win with two wickets left. Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26 balls) and Marco Jansen (16 off 24) then added 51 runs for the ninth wicket to take SA to a thrilling win. WTC Final 2025 Scenarios With SA being confirmed as one of the finalists, only one of Australia and India can grab the second spot. Australia, which are second on the points tally, can still make it to the final despite drawing their ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2-2 vs India. Australia, however, would need to win their next series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka after BGT ends in draw. For India, they have to win the ongoing BGT 3-1 to ensure their qualification in the WTC Final and if they fail to do so, their qualification will rest on the other teams' results, especially Australia vs Sri Lanka.

WTC 2025: South Africa enter final with thrilling win over Pakistan

<p>India pacer Jasprit Bumrah seemingly mimicked Aussie debutant Sam Konstas after bowling him out through the gates on day 4 (Sunday, Dec 29) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The two players have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-could-have-dismissed-him-6-7-times-jasprit-bumrah-on-sam-konstas-attacking-him-on-day-1-at-mcg-8573029" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">exchanging barbs back and forth</a> after Konstas hit Bumrah for 18 runs in an over in first innings.</p>
<p>During the second innings, Bumrah got better of the Aussie teenager and bowled him with a ripper. Afterwards, Bumrah gestured crowd with his hands to get involved, something Konstas did while fielding and scoring runs off Bumrah in the first innings. Have a look at the video below:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MIDDLE STUMP! Jasprit Bumrah gets Sam Konstas with a pearler. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBN_Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/A1BzrcHJB8">pic.twitter.com/A1BzrcHJB8</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1873158270518468857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Konstas has been in the news for other reasons than his brilliant 60 in the first innings as well. The batter was 'shoulder pushed' by Virat Kohli and then the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/news-kohli-vs-konstas-video-konsats-mimics-virat-kohli-day-3-boxing-day-test-bgt-india-vs-australia-8573268" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aussie mimicked Kohli</a> during the fielding.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-social-media-in-awe-of-best-ever-jasprit-bumrahs-test-milestone-at-mcg-8574641">BGT - Social media in awe of Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s Test milestone at MCG</a></p>
<h2><strong>Bumrah brings India back in contest</strong></h2>
<p>Bumrah, however, was at his best again as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-mcg-test-jasprit-bumrah-strikes-double-blow-on-day-4-to-complete-200-test-wickets-watch-8574484" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">brought India back into the game</a> after the visitors were bowled out for 369 in the first innings - conceding a 104-run lead. Australia were sitting pretty at 80/2 in the second innings when Mohammed Siraj got Steve Smith to play a rash shot and get the game open.</p>
<p>Bumrah then delivered a breathtaking spell, taking three wickets in 18 balls as Australia went from 80/3 to 91/6 in no time. A 57-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) took Australia's lead past 250. Siraj then trapped Labuschagne LBW to break the partnership.</p>
<p>A run-out and a good catch by Rohit Sharma in the slips brought Australia to nine wickets down before Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added unbeaten 55 runs for the 10th wicket.</p>
<p>Australia finished the day at 228/9 and a lead of 333 runs with just one more day left in the Test.&nbsp;</p>

Sports-Cricket Bumrah vs Konstas: The two players have been exchanging barbs back and forth after Sam Konstas hit Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in an over in first innings.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah seemingly mimicked Aussie debutant Sam Konstas after bowling him out through the gates on day 4 (Sunday, Dec 29) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The two players have been exchanging barbs back and forth after Konstas hit Bumrah for 18 runs in an over in first innings. During the second innings, Bumrah got better of the Aussie teenager and bowled him with a ripper. Afterwards, Bumrah gestured crowd with his hands to get involved, something Konstas did while fielding and scoring runs off Bumrah in the first innings. Have a look at the video below: MIDDLE STUMP! Jasprit Bumrah gets Sam Konstas with a pearler. #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/A1BzrcHJB8 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024 Konstas has been in the news for other reasons than his brilliant 60 in the first innings as well. The batter was 'shoulder pushed' by Virat Kohli and then the Aussie mimicked Kohli during the fielding. Also Read: BGT - Social media in awe of Jasprit Bumrah’s Test milestone at MCG Bumrah brings India back in contest Bumrah, however, was at his best again as he brought India back into the game after the visitors were bowled out for 369 in the first innings - conceding a 104-run lead. Australia were sitting pretty at 80/2 in the second innings when Mohammed Siraj got Steve Smith to play a rash shot and get the game open. Bumrah then delivered a breathtaking spell, taking three wickets in 18 balls as Australia went from 80/3 to 91/6 in no time. A 57-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne (70) and Pat Cummins (41) took Australia's lead past 250. Siraj then trapped Labuschagne LBW to break the partnership. A run-out and a good catch by Rohit Sharma in the slips brought Australia to nine wickets down before Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added unbeaten 55 runs for the 10th wicket. Australia finished the day at 228/9 and a lead of 333 runs with just one more day left in the Test.

BGT 2024-25: WATCH | Bumrah mimes like Konstas after bowling him out

<p>Australia debutant Sam Konstas is certainly enjoying his first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) both with the bat and on the field. After scoring a quick-fire 60 in his maiden Test innings Konstas, while fielding, mimicked Virat Kohli's shoulder push on the field.</p>
<p>The batter had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting. Have a look at the video below:</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media publive-iframes-block publive-Instagram-block" contenteditable="false" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEE4zejSB7q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m581w85x-yba2ttdv-lv3t5q8q">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEE4zejSB7q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEE4zejSB7q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The 28 Year Old Male (@the28yearoldmale)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>After the altercation on day 1, the match referee also fined Kohli 20 percent of his match fees.</p>
<h2><strong>Nitish Reddy saves India on day 3</strong></h2>
<p>As for the match, the visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG. India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 and Siraj on the other end.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-nitish-kumar-reddy-news-hundred-record-third-youngest-in-australia-india-vs-australia-boxing-day-test-8573009">BGT 2024-25: Nitish Reddy achieves historic feat with maiden Test ton</a></p>
<p>After starting the day from the overnight score of 164/5, India were in a pickle at 221/7 before Nitish Kumar Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets.</p>
<p>The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>
<p>The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.</p>

Cricket Sports News Kohli vs Konstas: The Aussie had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting.

Australia debutant Sam Konstas is certainly enjoying his first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) both with the bat and on the field. After scoring a quick-fire 60 in his maiden Test innings Konstas, while fielding, mimicked Virat Kohli's shoulder push on the field. The batter had his face towards the fans and moved his right shoulder, recreating the same one he got from Kohli on day 1 while batting. Have a look at the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The 28 Year Old Male (@the28yearoldmale) After the altercation on day 1, the match referee also fined Kohli 20 percent of his match fees. Nitish Reddy saves India on day 3 As for the match, the visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG. India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 and Siraj on the other end. Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Nitish Reddy achieves historic feat with maiden Test ton After starting the day from the overnight score of 164/5, India were in a pickle at 221/7 before Nitish Kumar Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets. The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings. Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

BGT 2024-25: WATCH | Sam Konstas mimics Virat Kohli in Boxing Day Test

<p>Nitish Kumar Reddy entered the record books with his unbeaten century on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Melbourne. Reddy is now the third youngest batter to score his maiden Test ton in Australia behind legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.</p>
<p>Sachin had scored his first Test hundred in Australia at the age of 18 years and 256 days in 1992 while Pant had done so aged 21 years and 92 days in Sydney in 2019. Reddy, who is still unbeaten, is 21 years and 216 days old.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-bgt-sunil-gavaskar-statement-rishabh-pant-shot-on-day-3-mcg-india-vs-australia-bgt-2024-boxing-day-test-8572816">BGT 2024-25: Gavaskar livid with 'terrible selection' of Rishabh Pant</a></p>
<h2><strong>Nitish Kumar Reddy recues India along with Wasington Sundar</strong></h2>
<p>India were staring at a huge first innings deficit at 221/7 when Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets.</p>
<p>The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>
<p>India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 with Siraj on the other end. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG.</p>
<p>The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.</p>

Sports Cricket Nitish Kumar Reddy is now the third youngest batter to score his maiden Test ton in Australia behind legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant.

Nitish Kumar Reddy entered the record books with his unbeaten century on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Melbourne. Reddy is now the third youngest batter to score his maiden Test ton in Australia behind legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. Sachin had scored his first Test hundred in Australia at the age of 18 years and 256 days in 1992 while Pant had done so aged 21 years and 92 days in Sydney in 2019. Reddy, who is still unbeaten, is 21 years and 216 days old. Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Gavaskar livid with 'terrible selection' of Rishabh Pant Nitish Kumar Reddy recues India along with Wasington Sundar India were staring at a huge first innings deficit at 221/7 when Reddy took the charge with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar. The duo added 127 runs for the eighth wicket - the second highest ever for India in Australia and third joint-highest overall between two countries for the last three wickets. The partnership was broken when Nathan Lyon got Sundar caught at slips after the all-rounder reached his 50. Reddy, who was batting at 97 at the time, had a scare of not reaching his ton as Jasprit Bumrah was also taken out with only one wicket remaining in the innings. Mohammed Siraj, however, stood his ground which gave Reddy opportunity to reach his maiden Test ton. The youngster has 275 runs in the series as of now - highest for India and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day with Reddy unbeaten on 105 with Siraj on the other end. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG. The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

BGT 2024-25: Nitish Reddy achieves historic feat with maiden Test ton

<p><strong>Melbourne, Australia: </strong>Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was absolutely livid with the shot Rishabh Pant played and got out on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out.</p>
<h2><strong>Sunil Gavaskar questions Rishabh Pant's shot selection</strong></h2>
<p>"Stupid, stupid, stupid," was Gavaskar's immediate reaction on commentary. Have a look at the shot below:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/yxc8oQ4Iu2">pic.twitter.com/yxc8oQ4Iu2</a></p>
&mdash; Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) <a href="https://twitter.com/gavaskar_theman/status/1872805545100591257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>"You've got two fielders there, and you still go for that, you've missed the previous shot. And look where you've been caught. You've been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was. You have to understand the situation as well, you cannot say that that's your natural game. I'm sorry, that is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!"</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-nitish-reddy-keeps-india-afloat-in-boxing-day-test-with-maiden-hundred-8572499">BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred</a></p>
<p>The former skipper, however, acknowledged that there was a bit of bad luck but still criticised the shot as irresponsible.</p>
<p>"I think earlier on, when there had been no fielders around, that's when he's attempted these shots, that is understandable because you're taking a very good chance," Gavaskar said on official broadcaster Star Sports during the lunch break. "That [the shot] was supposed to go to the leg side, that went to the off side, it actually tells you maybe [there was] a little bit of bad luck involved, but terrible selection of a shot to play at that particular point with two fielders down at deep square-leg and deep point."</p>
<p>India, however, were rescued by 127 runs partnership for the eighth wicket between Washington Sundar (50) and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (105 not out).</p>
<p>India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG.</p>

Sports Cricket News BGT: Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out at MCG on Day 3.

Melbourne, Australia: Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was absolutely livid with the shot Rishabh Pant played and got out on day 3 (Saturday, Dec 28) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pant tried to play a ramp shot from outside off to leg side which took a leading edge and ballooned towards off side and he was caught out. Sunil Gavaskar questions Rishabh Pant's shot selection "Stupid, stupid, stupid," was Gavaskar's immediate reaction on commentary. Have a look at the shot below: pic.twitter.com/yxc8oQ4Iu2 — Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 28, 2024 "You've got two fielders there, and you still go for that, you've missed the previous shot. And look where you've been caught. You've been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was. You have to understand the situation as well, you cannot say that that's your natural game. I'm sorry, that is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!" Also Read: BGT: Nitish Reddy keeps India afloat in Boxing Day Test with maiden hundred The former skipper, however, acknowledged that there was a bit of bad luck but still criticised the shot as irresponsible. "I think earlier on, when there had been no fielders around, that's when he's attempted these shots, that is understandable because you're taking a very good chance," Gavaskar said on official broadcaster Star Sports during the lunch break. "That [the shot] was supposed to go to the leg side, that went to the off side, it actually tells you maybe [there was] a little bit of bad luck involved, but terrible selection of a shot to play at that particular point with two fielders down at deep square-leg and deep point." India, however, were rescued by 127 runs partnership for the eighth wicket between Washington Sundar (50) and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (105 not out). India were 358/9 before rain forced an early end of the day. The visitors still trail by 116 runs in the first innings but with rain predicted for next two days - India may have done enough to escape with a draw at the MCG.

BGT 2024-25: Gavaskar livid with 'terrible selection' of Rishabh Pant

<p>Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad slammed Rohit Sharma for his ordinary batting and poor captaincy in the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia, on Friday (Dec 27), Rohit's torrid run continued with the bat as he opened and departed for 3. Moreover, he looked clueless in his bowling changes as Australia posted 474 after being asked to bat first on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Hence, MSK lashed out at Rohit.</p>
<p>Rohit missed the series opener of the ongoing BGT, in Perth. In his absence, India won by 295 runs but everything has gone downhill for the visitors since Rohit's arrival. He has struggled with the bat and several questions have been raised on Hitman's captaincy, for his team selection and on-field calls.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In this regard, MSK said, on commentary, during Day 2 of the MCG Test, "You really raised the topic of Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Heading into this series, you know, we had our 3-match series against New Zealand. It was pathetic. It never happened in the history of Indian cricket that we lost back-to-back 3 games. Rohit got absolutely no runs in that series, so he comes into this series. He didn't play the first game. Bumrah led the side very well, so Rohit comes after the backdrop of continuous failures."</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mcg-test-day-2-report-india-hurt-by-late-setbacks-in-response-to-australias-474-border-gavaskar-trophy-boxing-day-test-8569799" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474</a></strong></p>
<p class="edpara">The former Indian keeper-batter added, "I personally feel that has got a direct impact, you know, if you see that, you know, captain, you know, if he comes with some sort of form that has a direct impact on the side and he comes after a series of failures and that has clearly shown the way he led the side also he's not proactive on many occasions. If you see in this Test match itself, you know, he had 11 overs bowled by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah on a trot, especially when Sam Konstas was going tongs and tongs and that's has been the case with his captaincy. He's been struggling a bit both with his bat and also in captaincy."</p>
<p class="edpara">Talking about the second day's play of the MCG Test, India ended at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474. After Steve Smith's 140 propelled the hosts to a big score, India fell from 153-2 to 164-5. Rohit opened the innings, after his failures at No. 6, but fell for 3 whereas Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) fell in quick succession before stumps.</p>
<div id="teads-ad"></div>
<div id="div-gpt-ad-1663140560142-0" data-google-query-id="CNO62N7Kx4oDFVS_SwUd2eA3GQ">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0__container__">
<div id="v-indiatoday-in-v3-0"></div>
</div>
</div>

BGT: 'He's been struggling', - MSK Prasad SLAMS Rohit Sharma's captaincy as India struggle in MCG Test

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad slammed Rohit Sharma for his ordinary batting and poor captaincy in the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia, on Friday (Dec 27), Rohit's torrid run continued with the bat as he opened and departed for 3. Moreover, he looked clueless in his bowling changes as Australia posted 474 after being asked to bat first on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Hence, MSK lashed out at Rohit. Rohit missed the series opener of the ongoing BGT, in Perth. In his absence, India won by 295 runs but everything has gone downhill for the visitors since Rohit's arrival. He has struggled with the bat and several questions have been raised on Hitman's captaincy, for his team selection and on-field calls. In this regard, MSK said, on commentary, during Day 2 of the MCG Test, "You really raised the topic of Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Heading into this series, you know, we had our 3-match series against New Zealand. It was pathetic. It never happened in the history of Indian cricket that we lost back-to-back 3 games. Rohit got absolutely no runs in that series, so he comes into this series. He didn't play the first game. Bumrah led the side very well, so Rohit comes after the backdrop of continuous failures." Also read: MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474 The former Indian keeper-batter added, "I personally feel that has got a direct impact, you know, if you see that, you know, captain, you know, if he comes with some sort of form that has a direct impact on the side and he comes after a series of failures and that has clearly shown the way he led the side also he's not proactive on many occasions. If you see in this Test match itself, you know, he had 11 overs bowled by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah on a trot, especially when Sam Konstas was going tongs and tongs and that's has been the case with his captaincy. He's been struggling a bit both with his bat and also in captaincy." Talking about the second day's play of the MCG Test, India ended at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474. After Steve Smith's 140 propelled the hosts to a big score, India fell from 153-2 to 164-5. Rohit opened the innings, after his failures at No. 6, but fell for 3 whereas Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) fell in quick succession before stumps.

<p>India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.</p>
<p>The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pat-cummins-removes-kl-rahul-with-an-absolute-jaffa-on-day-2-of-mcg-test-watch-8569713" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch</a></strong></p>
<p>The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour.</p>
<p>Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.</p>

MCG Test, Day 2 report: India hurt by late setbacks in response to Australia's 474

India are reeling at 164-5 in response to Australia's 474 after the end of Day 2 of the MCG Test, in Melbourne, on Friday (Dec 27). The day resumed with Australia at 311-6 as the hosts aimed to get past the 400-run mark. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 68, slammed his 34th Test ton -- second-most by an Australian -- and was well supported by skipper Pat Cummins (49) to take Australia to 474. In reply, India lost two quick wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli stitched a vital 102-run stand before the visitors lost three quick wickets to fall behind in the fourth and penultimate Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The day commenced with Smith and Cummins stitching a match-changing 112-run seventh-wicket stand. Indian bowlers lacked penetration and the hosts made the most of it. While Cummins fell for 49, trying to hit Jadeja, Smith registered his 34th ton, also smashing his 11th century in the history of BGT (most by any batter). Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also got starts to push the team total near 500. In reply, India opened with captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal coming out in the middle. Rohit departed soon as his torrid tour continued. Jaiswal and Rahul looked good and aimed to take India to the tea break without any further hiccups before Cummins cleaned up Rahul with a peach of a delivery. Also read: BGT: Pat Cummins removes KL Rahul with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of MCG Test - Watch The third and final session began on a promising note for India. Jaiswal and Kohli looked comfortable in the middle and kept the scoreboard ticking. Kohli was more watchful towards the balls outside off-stump whereas Jaiswal looked solid in defence and cut and drove with aplomb. Against the run of play, the swashbuckling left-hander was run-out for 82; trying the tides in Australia's favour. Jaiswal's run-out affected Kohli as well. The former Indian captain edged one outside off-stump, off Scott Boland, as India lost two key wickets close to stumps. Pacer Akash Deep, promoted as a nightwatchman, was the last wicket to fall as Jadeja-Rishabh Pant took India to 164-5 at stumps, with hosts trailing by 310 runs.

<p>India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant.</p>
<p>After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point.</p>
<section class="cb-nws-dtl-itms" itemprop="articleBody">
<p class="cb-nws-para">Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire."</p>
</section>
<div class="cb-nws-dtl-itms">
<div ad-loaded="true" class="cb-ad-unit cb-nws-para ng-isolate-scope" id="native_mid_article"></div>
</div>
<section class="cb-nws-dtl-itms" itemprop="articleBody">
<p class="cb-nws-para">"When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made."</p>
<p class="cb-nws-para"><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-fined-20-per-cent-of-match-fee-handed-1-demerit-point-for-sam-konstas-altercation-on-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-in-melbourne-8567061" rel="dofollow">BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation</a></strong></p>
<p class="cb-nws-para">Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "<span>Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."</span></p>
</section>

BGT 2024-25 | Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, stated debutant Sam Konstas after a huge drama unfolded on Day 1 of the MCG Test in Melbourne.

India and Australia played out a memorable Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Melbourne, on Thursday (Dec 26). Asked to bat first, Australia rode on fifties from the top four, including debutant Sam Konstas' 65-ball 60, to end the day at 311-6. During Konstas' blazing knock, he attracted a lot of eyeballs for taking on Jasprit Bumrah and striking at close to a 100. In the first session, he even had an altercation with Virat Kohli, who came in his way between overs and shouldered the debutant. After his fiery knock, Konstas reacted to his altercation with Kohli. "I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension," the dashing opener told the press. Talking about the altercation, words were exchanged between the two players after Kohli shouldered the debutant. As a result, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed one demerit point. Article 2.02 of the ICC's Code of Conduct states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire." "When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made." Also read: BGT: Virat Kohli fined 20 per cent of match fee, handed 1 demerit point for Sam Konstas altercation Kohli and Konstas' altercation made maximum noise during Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test between India and Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Kohli for his actions and was quoted on Channel 7 as saying , "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, and wouldn't even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer."

Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me: Sam Konstas after drama on Day 1 of MCG Test

<p>India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd.</p>
<p><strong>Here is the video of Head's dismissal:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m54yffvn-7dvpbvrk-cv0xjdp4">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravisHead?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravisHead</a> "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDOnStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDOnStar</a> 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToughestRivalry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToughestRivalry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/p6a0gzc3BB">pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1872157300842226055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-sam-konstas-hits-jasprit-bumrah-for-a-reverse-sweep-six-on-test-debut-at-mcg-watch-8566648" rel="dofollow">BGT&ndash; Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut &ndash; WATCH</a></strong></p>
<p>Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets.</p>
<p>The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.</p>

MCG Test: India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismissed in-form Travis Head for duck during the opening day of the Boxing Day tie. Here is the video - 

India's in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued to be among wickets on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus Australia, on Thursday (Dec 26). After Rohit Sharma-led visitors opted to bowl first, Australia's debutant Sam Konstas took his side to a positive start with an impressive 65-ball 60. While Marnus Labuschagne and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties took the side ahead, they were 237-2 before being reduced to 246-5 courtesy of Bumrah's quick breakthroughs. Bumrah got rid of in-form Head for a seven-ball duck to light up the MCG crowd. Here is the video of Head's dismissal: “Game-changer player is only one guy JASPRIT BUMRAH!" 💪😎#TravisHead "leaves" without troubling the scorers! 🫢#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/p6a0gzc3BB — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024 Also read: BGT– Konstas hits Bumrah for a six off reverse-sweep on debut – WATCH Head has been in roaring form in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia. He has scored two centuries and a fifty under his belt. He has been India's Achilles' heel, however, Bumrah removed him with a peach off a delivery to stage India's comeback. Post his dismissal, Australia have been going strongly in the middle. Steve Smith has stormed past the 50-run mark whereas wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was looking good before departing for 31. At the time of publishing this report, the hosts are 299-6 and will look to end the opening day of the Boxing Day Test match without losing any further wickets. The five-match series, i.e. the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently tied at 1-1. India won the series opener, in Perth, before Australia thrashed them in the day-night Test in Adelaide whereas the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.

India's golden arm Jasprit Bumah dismisses Travis Head for duck in MCG Test - Watch

<p>Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus India, at the MCG, Melbourne, at 311-6 on Thursday (Dec 26). There was plenty of drama and action during the opening day's play which saw Australia's top four impress with a fifty each with debutant Sam Konstas making a 65-ball 60. For India, in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained among wickets as he managed to account for three big scalps, also removing Travis Head for a duck, to stage his side's recovery after the Aussies were 237-2 at one stage.</p>
<p>The day's play commenced with Rohit Sharma-led visitors asking Australia to bat first at the iconic venue. The new opening pair of Konstas and Usman Khawaja started positively. The debutant impressed one and all by taking on Bumrah, with a reverse-sweep six, and wasn't afraid to charge down the ground as well. He scored a blazing 65-ball 60 as Australian openers put on 89 in 19 overs. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him before the lunch break as Australia ended the first session at 112-1.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-australia-end-day-1-of-boxing-day-test-at-311-6-debutant-sam-konstas-impresses-with-fiery-60-8566856" rel="dofollow">Also read | BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60</a></p>
<p>The second session saw Australia progress steadily as India got one breakthrough with Bumrah removing Khawaja (57). The third session saw Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continue to add runs on the board as the duo complemented each other very well. Labuschagne got out for 72 against the run of play, taking on Washington Sundar. This opened the doors for India's comeback as Bumrah struck twice in quick succession. From 237-2, Australia was reduced to 246-5.</p>
<p>Alex Carey and Smith stitched an important 53-run sixth-wicket stand with both taking on the attack. Before the end of the play, Carey was dismissed by Akash Deep. The home side ended with 311-6. They scored at a healthy pace in the first and last session, however, India would be content with their comeback and aim to dismiss the hosts before the 350-run mark on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27).&nbsp;</p>

BGT: Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at 311-6 with fifties from the top four. Debutant Sam Konstas impressed with a fiery 60.

Australia ended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test versus India, at the MCG, Melbourne, at 311-6 on Thursday (Dec 26). There was plenty of drama and action during the opening day's play which saw Australia's top four impress with a fifty each with debutant Sam Konstas making a 65-ball 60. For India, in-form pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained among wickets as he managed to account for three big scalps, also removing Travis Head for a duck, to stage his side's recovery after the Aussies were 237-2 at one stage. The day's play commenced with Rohit Sharma-led visitors asking Australia to bat first at the iconic venue. The new opening pair of Konstas and Usman Khawaja started positively. The debutant impressed one and all by taking on Bumrah, with a reverse-sweep six, and wasn't afraid to charge down the ground as well. He scored a blazing 65-ball 60 as Australian openers put on 89 in 19 overs. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him before the lunch break as Australia ended the first session at 112-1. Also read | BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60 The second session saw Australia progress steadily as India got one breakthrough with Bumrah removing Khawaja (57). The third session saw Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continue to add runs on the board as the duo complemented each other very well. Labuschagne got out for 72 against the run of play, taking on Washington Sundar. This opened the doors for India's comeback as Bumrah struck twice in quick succession. From 237-2, Australia was reduced to 246-5. Alex Carey and Smith stitched an important 53-run sixth-wicket stand with both taking on the attack. Before the end of the play, Carey was dismissed by Akash Deep. The home side ended with 311-6. They scored at a healthy pace in the first and last session, however, India would be content with their comeback and aim to dismiss the hosts before the 350-run mark on Day 2, on Friday (Dec 27).

BGT: Australia end Day 1 of Boxing Day Test at 311-6, debutant Sam Konstas impresses with fiery 60

<p><span class="region">Melbourne, Australia</span>
<p>The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG.</p></p>
<p><img alt="WTC Standings" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6852fdef-954e-4d64-8af0-53b34a8ca49e" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC Standings (1).png"/></p>
<h2><strong>What are the current WTC standings?</strong></h2>
<p>Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand.</p>
<h2><strong>What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match?</strong></h2>
<p>If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-travis-head-declared-fit-for-boxing-day-test-as-australia-announce-playing-xi-konstas-to-debut-786605">BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw?</strong></h2>
<p>In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way.</p>
<h2><strong>What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test?</strong></h2>
<p>In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.</p>


With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG.



Melbourne, Australia The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG. What are the current WTC standings? Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand. What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match? If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw? In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way. What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test? In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.

BGT 2024-25: Here's how WTC standings will look if India win, lose or draw MCG Test

<p>The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG.</p>
<img alt="WTC Standings" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6852fdef-954e-4d64-8af0-53b34a8ca49e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20Standings%20%281%29.png" />
<h2><strong>What are the current WTC standings?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match?</strong></h2>

<p>If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-travis-head-declared-fit-for-boxing-day-test-as-australia-announce-playing-xi-konstas-to-debut-786605">BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw?</strong></h2>

<p>In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test?</strong></h2>

<p>In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.</p>


The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26).

The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating as India and Australia square off for a crunch clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday (Dec 26). With Travis Head fit and India set to put up their first choice Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, the outcome of the match is set to have a huge impact on the WTC standings. So ahead of the big contest, here is all you need to know on how the WTC standings will look after the big clash at MCG. What are the current WTC standings? Currently, India sit third in the WTC standings with a win percentage (PCT) of 55.88 while Australia occupy the second spot with 58.89 PCT. On the other hand, South Africa are top of the standings with 63.33 and are likely to seal a top-two berth to reach the final at Lord’s in June 2025. Despite sitting below New Zealand in the standings, Sri Lanka are still in with a chance to reach the WTC final as they have two matches in hand. What happens if India win the Boxing Day Test match? If India win the MCG Test match, Rohit Sharma’s men will go second in the WTC standings with a PCT of 58.33 while Australia will drop down to the third spot with a PCT of 55.21. India have a good recent record at the MCG, having won the last two Boxing Day Tests at the venue and are unbeaten there since 2011 when they last lost to Michael Clarke’s Australia. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Travis Head declared fit for Boxing Day Test as Australia announce Playing XI; Konstas to debut What happens if Boxing Day Test ends in draw? In case the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw, both India and Australia will drop points in the WTC standings meaning the former’s chances of making the final will hang in balance. India will have a PCT of 54.63 and will sit third while Australia will remain second with a PCT of 57.29. In this case, India’s fate of reaching the WTC final will be out of their hands with them needing to win the Sydney Test and other results going their way. What happens if Inda lose Boxing Day Test? In case India lose the Boxing Day Test at MCG, their journey for a place in the WTC final will come to an end unless Australia and Sri Lanka end with poor PCT and drop points for poor over rate. Considering the latter equation is unlikely, a defeat for India will end their quest for a place in the WTC final as they will have a PCT of 52.78 while Australia will have one foot in the final with a PCT of 61.46.