<p>MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned. Not many know that the 40-year-old drove Team India's bus during Australia's 2008 tour of India.</p>

<p>Yes, Dhoni drove the team bus without any qualms and the entire incident was narrated by former Indian Test specialist VVS Laxman. In his autobiography, Laxman revealed the whole episode and was stunned to see the national team's full-time captain drive the team bus during the Nagpur Test between India and Australia in 2008.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-want-to-say-something-to-the-boys-shastri-recalls-dhonis-test-retirement-and-how-it-shocked-team-india-440356"><strong>I want to say something to the boys: Shastri recalls Dhoni's Test retirement and how it shocked Team India</strong></a></p>

<p>“One of my abiding memories is of MS (Dhoni) driving the team bus to the hotel in Nagpur, during my 100th Test. I couldn’t believe my eyes — the captain of the team driving us back from the ground! It was his first Test in charge after Anil’s (Kumble) retirement, and he didn’t seem to have a care in the world. But he was like that, playful and grounded. MS never lost the joy, the playfulness. I have never met anyone quite like him,” Laxman wrote in his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond.’</p>

<p>For the unversed, Dhoni-led India won the Nagpur Test, in 2008, by 172 runs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home (their first series win over Aussies in eight years) by 2-0. It was the 100th Test for Laxman and the last for Sourav Ganguly. Anil Kumble had retired after the third and penultimate Test, making Dhoni Team India captain in all forms of the game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srt-had-more-shots-as-compared-to-kohli-aakash-chopra-weighs-in-on-indian-test-captains-dismissals-442182"><strong>SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals</strong></a></p>

<p>Laxman further also revealed that Dhoni was never someone who would lose his cool even when the national side was under-performing in the purest format, in away series, post the 2011 ODI World Cup win. "MS Dhoni’s calmness and equanimity are legendary. He had seen nothing but success until the tour of England in 2011. We had lost 4–0 in England and had already lost the first three Tests in Australia by the end of that year, and were heading for another whitewash. I was a mess, as were most of the guys, but MS was unbelievably composed. Not once did he lash out, and at no stage did he give the impression that he was frustrated or helpless,” Laxman further wrote.</p>

<p>Under Dhoni, India had been whitewashed in four-match Test series in England as well as in Australia in 2011.&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned.

MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned. Not many know that the 40-year-old drove Team India's bus during Australia's 2008 tour of India. Yes, Dhoni drove the team bus without any qualms and the entire incident was narrated by former Indian Test specialist VVS Laxman. In his autobiography, Laxman revealed the whole episode and was stunned to see the national team's full-time captain drive the team bus during the Nagpur Test between India and Australia in 2008. ALSO READ | I want to say something to the boys: Shastri recalls Dhoni's Test retirement and how it shocked Team India “One of my abiding memories is of MS (Dhoni) driving the team bus to the hotel in Nagpur, during my 100th Test. I couldn’t believe my eyes — the captain of the team driving us back from the ground! It was his first Test in charge after Anil’s (Kumble) retirement, and he didn’t seem to have a care in the world. But he was like that, playful and grounded. MS never lost the joy, the playfulness. I have never met anyone quite like him,” Laxman wrote in his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond.’ For the unversed, Dhoni-led India won the Nagpur Test, in 2008, by 172 runs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home (their first series win over Aussies in eight years) by 2-0. It was the 100th Test for Laxman and the last for Sourav Ganguly. Anil Kumble had retired after the third and penultimate Test, making Dhoni Team India captain in all forms of the game. ALSO READ | SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals Laxman further also revealed that Dhoni was never someone who would lose his cool even when the national side was under-performing in the purest format, in away series, post the 2011 ODI World Cup win. "MS Dhoni’s calmness and equanimity are legendary. He had seen nothing but success until the tour of England in 2011. We had lost 4–0 in England and had already lost the first three Tests in Australia by the end of that year, and were heading for another whitewash. I was a mess, as were most of the guys, but MS was unbelievably composed. Not once did he lash out, and at no stage did he give the impression that he was frustrated or helpless,” Laxman further wrote. Under Dhoni, India had been whitewashed in four-match Test series in England as well as in Australia in 2011.

THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain

<p>Joe Root-led England conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Test of the Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. England, thus, once again fell flat in Tests in Australia as plenty of questions have been raised on their ordinary team selections, strategies, team management's functioning, etc.</p>

<p>For the unversed, England's winless streak in Ashes Down Under has continued since the 2010-11 edition, where they won 3-1. While their bowlers have done well in patches, England's batters have fell flat whereas their fielding and decision-making has been far from impressive. Thus, the Test captain Root and head coach Chris Silverwood are under the radar whereas many have raised fingers on England's priority towards Tests, calling for more focus on County championships.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, former English spinner Monty Panesar decoded Root &amp; Co.'s shambolic performances and lavished huge praise on Virat Kohli's Team India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monty said, "Yeah....It kind of has surprised few people how England lost these games. It started of when Joe Root won the toss at Brisbane and should've bowled in overcast conditions. Stuart Broad should've played at The Gabba and Jimmy Anderson is a better bowler away from the Gabba. There were some surprising decisions and also the lack of a frontline spinner. Jack Leach is a good bowler on turning pitches and, hence, was successful in India. However, in Australia, you have to control that one end...Even the overall attitude towards spin isn't encouragiing. In the second Test when spin was playing a huge part, Nathan Lyon bowled 25 overs out of 80 while England had only 20 overs from 150 overs allocated to spin. In general, the attitude towards spin is like that...they get found out in away Tests."</p>

<p>England's head coach Silverwood has been on the firing line following his side's listless performance in Ashes 2021. While he will miss the fourth Test, in Sydney, after his family member tested positive for Covid-19, Panesar sympathised with the former cricketer and shifted the blame entirely on the batters. The ex-spinner, who accounted for 167 Test scalps, feels more focus has to be on County cricket to revamp England's fortunes in Tests.</p>

<p>Panesar stated, "He (Silverwood) will be disappointed. Not to be there....Again, it will take him away from limelight as well. Possibly after the Ashes, maybe we see more detailed interview of Silverwood.....He is a decent and honourable man...extremely hard-working. He is a head coach who specialises in fast bowling...If you look at the Ashes, the bowlers have done well but the batting has been an issue. But if you look at the India-SA series, you ask yourself 'why is it that Indian batters have good technique and can adapt' but the English batters cannot...It maybe because the County period is from early April to end of September. But June, July and August is consumed by playing white-ball cricket....At the moment, the schedule is accomodating the medium-pacers and batters are too scared to get out lbw or bowled..... "</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-we-fight-hard-on-field-but-have-relaxing-conversations-off-it-says-santner-on-india-nz-rivalry-441215">EXCLUSIVE | We fight hard on field but have relaxing conversations off it, says Santner on India-NZ rivalry</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "Also Eoin Morgan (limited-overs skipper) gets his best white-ball players but I don't think Joe Root gets the same privilege&nbsp;or freedom like Morgan has...In 2022, they got to prioritise Test cricket in England. They need to prioritise County Championship games first and then build the schedule around that. England should always be looking to play their best XI, regardless of the schedule and team they are playing against."</p>

<p>"This England team is good in swinging conditions. But away from England, they aren't...It will be interesting to see how they perform in West Indies in their own conditions (upcoming tour in 2022). In recent times, they are not a good team away from home but at home, they compete well due to the conditions. We need to produce harder, flatter and firmer pitches where spinners can play a role in 3rd or 4th Day and the medium-pacers are there, but they don't play a bigger role like they do right now. Hit the deck a bit more...And young batters need to learn how to build an innings at the Test level," said Panesar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-kohli-or-bumrah-rohit-sharma-rishabh-pant-among-4-indians-in-cricket-australias-test-xi-of-2021-441447">No Kohli or Bumrah! Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among 4 Indians in Cricket Australia's Test XI of 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>On Australa's change of fortunes, who started the year by losing a Test series versus India at home, Panesar pointed out that Pat Cummins &amp; Co.'s litmus test will be against Virat Kohli's India. He lavished huge praise on Kohli &amp; Co. and said, "Well, their litmus Test is going to be against India. India is the team at the moment who is the strongest team across formats. Virat Kohli could be the most successful Test captain ever with Steve Waugh....I think for him that will be a big accolade. We will always know how good Australia are when they play India. Actually, the bigger series is India-Australia in Australia. (2020/21 BG Trophy) It was probably the most entertainig Test cricket we saw in Australia in a long time and the Indian team took them on...they said 'we will not get bullied by you and will beat you in your own backyard' and that's what they did."</p>

<p>The fourth and penultimate Ashes Test will commence on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Will England avoid a whitewash at the hands of the Aussies? Well, it surely looks like a tough task for the Three Lions.</p>


Joe Root-led England conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Test of the Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. England, thus, once again fell flat in Tests in Australia as plenty of questions have been raised on their ordinary team selections, strategies, team management's functioning, etc.

Joe Root-led England conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Test of the Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. England, thus, once again fell flat in Tests in Australia as plenty of questions have been raised on their ordinary team selections, strategies, team management's functioning, etc. For the unversed, England's winless streak in Ashes Down Under has continued since the 2010-11 edition, where they won 3-1. While their bowlers have done well in patches, England's batters have fell flat whereas their fielding and decision-making has been far from impressive. Thus, the Test captain Root and head coach Chris Silverwood are under the radar whereas many have raised fingers on England's priority towards Tests, calling for more focus on County championships. In an exclusive interaction with www.wionnews.com's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, former English spinner Monty Panesar decoded Root & Co.'s shambolic performances and lavished huge praise on Virat Kohli's Team India. Monty said, "Yeah....It kind of has surprised few people how England lost these games. It started of when Joe Root won the toss at Brisbane and should've bowled in overcast conditions. Stuart Broad should've played at The Gabba and Jimmy Anderson is a better bowler away from the Gabba. There were some surprising decisions and also the lack of a frontline spinner. Jack Leach is a good bowler on turning pitches and, hence, was successful in India. However, in Australia, you have to control that one end...Even the overall attitude towards spin isn't encouragiing. In the second Test when spin was playing a huge part, Nathan Lyon bowled 25 overs out of 80 while England had only 20 overs from 150 overs allocated to spin. In general, the attitude towards spin is like that...they get found out in away Tests." England's head coach Silverwood has been on the firing line following his side's listless performance in Ashes 2021. While he will miss the fourth Test, in Sydney, after his family member tested positive for Covid-19, Panesar sympathised with the former cricketer and shifted the blame entirely on the batters. The ex-spinner, who accounted for 167 Test scalps, feels more focus has to be on County cricket to revamp England's fortunes in Tests. Panesar stated, "He (Silverwood) will be disappointed. Not to be there....Again, it will take him away from limelight as well. Possibly after the Ashes, maybe we see more detailed interview of Silverwood.....He is a decent and honourable man...extremely hard-working. He is a head coach who specialises in fast bowling...If you look at the Ashes, the bowlers have done well but the batting has been an issue. But if you look at the India-SA series, you ask yourself 'why is it that Indian batters have good technique and can adapt' but the English batters cannot...It maybe because the County period is from early April to end of September. But June, July and August is consumed by playing white-ball cricket....At the moment, the schedule is accomodating the medium-pacers and batters are too scared to get out lbw or bowled..... " ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | We fight hard on field but have relaxing conversations off it, says Santner on India-NZ rivalry He added, "Also Eoin Morgan (limited-overs skipper) gets his best white-ball players but I don't think Joe Root gets the same privilege or freedom like Morgan has...In 2022, they got to prioritise Test cricket in England. They need to prioritise County Championship games first and then build the schedule around that. England should always be looking to play their best XI, regardless of the schedule and team they are playing against." "This England team is good in swinging conditions. But away from England, they aren't...It will be interesting to see how they perform in West Indies in their own conditions (upcoming tour in 2022). In recent times, they are not a good team away from home but at home, they compete well due to the conditions. We need to produce harder, flatter and firmer pitches where spinners can play a role in 3rd or 4th Day and the medium-pacers are there, but they don't play a bigger role like they do right now. Hit the deck a bit more...And young batters need to learn how to build an innings at the Test level," said Panesar. ALSO READ | No Kohli or Bumrah! Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among 4 Indians in Cricket Australia's Test XI of 2021 On Australa's change of fortunes, who started the year by losing a Test series versus India at home, Panesar pointed out that Pat Cummins & Co.'s litmus test will be against Virat Kohli's India. He lavished huge praise on Kohli & Co. and said, "Well, their litmus Test is going to be against India. India is the team at the moment who is the strongest team across formats. Virat Kohli could be the most successful Test captain ever with Steve Waugh....I think for him that will be a big accolade. We will always know how good Australia are when they play India. Actually, the bigger series is India-Australia in Australia. (2020/21 BG Trophy) It was probably the most entertainig Test cricket we saw in Australia in a long time and the Indian team took them on...they said 'we will not get bullied by you and will beat you in your own backyard' and that's what they did." The fourth and penultimate Ashes Test will commence on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Will England avoid a whitewash at the hands of the Aussies? Well, it surely looks like a tough task for the Three Lions.

EXCLUSIVE | Monty Panesar decodes England's Ashes 2021 debacle; all praise for Kohli's Team India

<p>After reclaiming the Ashes, Australia's opening batter David Warner stated on Wednesday that it would be wonderful if his team could beat India in India, as they are yet to do so.</p>

<p>Warner also hinted at another attempt at winning the Ashes in England. In 2019, the left-handed batsman struggled in England, as he was repeatedly dismissed by Stuart Broad.</p>

<p>"We still haven't beaten India in India. That would be nice to do. And obviously, England away, we had a drawn series in 2019, but hopefully, if I managed to get that chance and opportunity, I might think about going back," ESPNcricinfo quoted Warner as saying.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-root-please-stop-saying-australia-are-not-much-better-boycott-calls-for-england-captains-sacking-440875">'Will Root please stop saying Australia are not much better': Boycott calls for England captain's sacking</a></strong></p>

<p>Warner also stated that age is not a barrier, and he praised England bowler James Anderson for establishing a very high standard in Test cricket.</p>

<p>"I think James Anderson sets the benchmark for older guys these days. We look up to him as we're getting on in our days. But for me, it's about performing to the best of my ability and putting runs on the board. In the first two Tests, I actually look like a proper batsman, it's almost like I've played my career the other way and had to knuckle down and respect the bowling and the line and lengths that they were bowling and obviously, the hundred eluded me," added Warner.</p>

<p>"I feel in good touch. As I said, I was out of runs not out of form, so hopefully, I can put some more numbers on the board leading into this new year," he further said.</p>

<p>Warner has been in fantastic form in the present Ashes 2021-22 series, hitting 240 runs at an average of 60 in three matches. He'd like to finish the series as the top run-scorer in the five-match battle, which is currently being led by Joe Root.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-planning-thoughts-and-structures-have-been-wrong-ponting-slams-england-for-horror-show-in-ashes-2021-440709">All planning, thoughts and structures have been wrong: Ponting slams England for horror show in Ashes</a></strong></p>

<p>Warner also helped Australia win T20 World Cup in which he was adjudged as the 'Man of the Tournament' earlier this year.</p>

<p>Pacer Scott Boland claimed six wickets in the second innings as Australia thrashed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Ashes Test at&nbsp;the Melbourne Cricket Ground&nbsp;on Tuesday. With this victory, Australia reclaimed the Ashes, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.</p>


After reclaiming the Ashes, Australia's opening batter David Warner stated on Wednesday that it would be wonderful if his team could beat India in India, as they are yet to do so.

After reclaiming the Ashes, Australia's opening batter David Warner stated on Wednesday that it would be wonderful if his team could beat India in India, as they are yet to do so. Warner also hinted at another attempt at winning the Ashes in England. In 2019, the left-handed batsman struggled in England, as he was repeatedly dismissed by Stuart Broad. "We still haven't beaten India in India. That would be nice to do. And obviously, England away, we had a drawn series in 2019, but hopefully, if I managed to get that chance and opportunity, I might think about going back," ESPNcricinfo quoted Warner as saying. ALSO READ: 'Will Root please stop saying Australia are not much better': Boycott calls for England captain's sacking Warner also stated that age is not a barrier, and he praised England bowler James Anderson for establishing a very high standard in Test cricket. "I think James Anderson sets the benchmark for older guys these days. We look up to him as we're getting on in our days. But for me, it's about performing to the best of my ability and putting runs on the board. In the first two Tests, I actually look like a proper batsman, it's almost like I've played my career the other way and had to knuckle down and respect the bowling and the line and lengths that they were bowling and obviously, the hundred eluded me," added Warner. "I feel in good touch. As I said, I was out of runs not out of form, so hopefully, I can put some more numbers on the board leading into this new year," he further said. Warner has been in fantastic form in the present Ashes 2021-22 series, hitting 240 runs at an average of 60 in three matches. He'd like to finish the series as the top run-scorer in the five-match battle, which is currently being led by Joe Root. ALSO READ: All planning, thoughts and structures have been wrong: Ponting slams England for horror show in Ashes Warner also helped Australia win T20 World Cup in which he was adjudged as the 'Man of the Tournament' earlier this year. Pacer Scott Boland claimed six wickets in the second innings as Australia thrashed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. With this victory, Australia reclaimed the Ashes, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

'We still haven't beaten India in India': David Warner sets ambitious goal before retirement

<p>Indian spinner R Ashwin has had a memorable 2021 as he looks set to finish the year as the highest wicket-taker in Tests. While he was among the wicket, Ashwin also made his comeback in India's T20I side after a gap of over three years as he found a spot in the squad for T20 World Cup 2021. The senior spinner was also part of several memorable wins for the Indian team throughout the year.</p>

<p>He played an instrumental role in some of India's top wins this year but one of his best performances came during the Sydney Test against Australia which had ended in a draw. Ashwin battled immense pain as he was struggling with a severe back spasm, to deliver a performance for the ages and set an example for others.</p>

<p>Ashwin had combined with Hanuma Vihari to script a stunning draw for India in the Test match. The duo stitched an unbeaten stand of 62 runs for the seventh wicket and played a staggering 289 deliveries between them to deny Australia a victory in the game.</p>

<p>Not many know, Ashwin was dealing with a severe back injury and was in terrible pain while batting during India's second innings to save the Test match. The spinner revealed he was&nbsp;wincing in lower-back pain after an injury during practice but bowled 14 overs at a stretch on Day 4 before producing a gritty batting display on Day 5.</p>

<p>"It [back spasm] was very freakish. I was wincing in lower-back pain after I had hurt myself during practice. Nitin [the physio] gave my heavy painkillers on Day 4 and I kept bowling," Ashwin said on the show - <em>Backstage with Boria</em>.</p>

<p>"I bowled two overs at Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, which took me to cross the pain barrier – I got used to the pain. I told Ajinkya Rahane [India’s stand-in captain] and Rohit Sharma that if you stop me, I won’t be able to bowl again. So, I went on [to bowl at a stretch] for 14 overs," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gaikwad-iyer-in-fray-r-ashwin-likely-to-return-in-indias-odi-squad-for-south-africa-series-report-440037">Gaikwad, Iyer in fray; R Ashwin likely to return in India's ODI squad for South Africa series - Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>It was the worst night of my life: R Ashwin</strong></h2>

<p>On the night after bowling despite dealing with severe back pain, Ashwin said he endured the worst night of his life. The spinner revealed he couldn't put his back down when he tried to lie down after dinner and was not able to get up the next morning.</p>

<p>The spinner said his daughter held his shorts and pulled up his shorts for him while he was tearing up in pain to get ready to bat on Day 5 of the Test match. Nonetheless, he went on to bat and scored an unbeaten 39 off 128 balls to save the Test match for India.</p>

<p>“Australia declared later and I went back, but little did I know that I would have the worst night of my life. When I went after dinner to lie down, my back did not go down.</p>

<p>"I put a towel underneath my back, held my hip up and went to sleep. The next morning when I woke up, my mind was telling me to get up but I couldn’t. I was shouting and yelling; the children helped me get up, but I couldn’t," Ashwin recalled.</p>

<p>"I crawled outside the door and kept yelling for the physio. I went into a hot shower, so that’s when my back started warming up. I don’t know how I went to the game. My daughter held my shorts – she just pushed the shorts up, and as she pushed up my shorts, I was tearing up. My wife asked, ‘You are going to play a game?’. I said: ‘I have to’," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rishabh-pant-former-head-coach-ravi-shastri-names-2-players-who-can-captain-team-india-in-future-439901">Former head coach Ravi Shastri names 2 players who can captain Team India in future</a></p>

<p>India went on to pull off a draw in the Sydney Test to head into the decider at the Gabba with series at 1-1. India ended Australia's dominance at their fortress Gabba with a 3-wicket win. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side became the first team to beat Australia at The Gabba in 32 years as India clinched the series 2-1.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian spinner R Ashwin has had a memorable 2021 as he looks set to finish the year as the highest wicket-taker in Tests. While he was among the wicket, Ashwin also made his comeback in India's T20I side after a gap of over three years as he found a spot in the squad for T20 World Cup 2021.

Indian spinner R Ashwin has had a memorable 2021 as he looks set to finish the year as the highest wicket-taker in Tests. While he was among the wicket, Ashwin also made his comeback in India's T20I side after a gap of over three years as he found a spot in the squad for T20 World Cup 2021. The senior spinner was also part of several memorable wins for the Indian team throughout the year. He played an instrumental role in some of India's top wins this year but one of his best performances came during the Sydney Test against Australia which had ended in a draw. Ashwin battled immense pain as he was struggling with a severe back spasm, to deliver a performance for the ages and set an example for others. Ashwin had combined with Hanuma Vihari to script a stunning draw for India in the Test match. The duo stitched an unbeaten stand of 62 runs for the seventh wicket and played a staggering 289 deliveries between them to deny Australia a victory in the game. Not many know, Ashwin was dealing with a severe back injury and was in terrible pain while batting during India's second innings to save the Test match. The spinner revealed he was wincing in lower-back pain after an injury during practice but bowled 14 overs at a stretch on Day 4 before producing a gritty batting display on Day 5. "It [back spasm] was very freakish. I was wincing in lower-back pain after I had hurt myself during practice. Nitin [the physio] gave my heavy painkillers on Day 4 and I kept bowling," Ashwin said on the show - Backstage with Boria. "I bowled two overs at Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, which took me to cross the pain barrier – I got used to the pain. I told Ajinkya Rahane [India’s stand-in captain] and Rohit Sharma that if you stop me, I won’t be able to bowl again. So, I went on [to bowl at a stretch] for 14 overs," he added. Also Read: Gaikwad, Iyer in fray; R Ashwin likely to return in India's ODI squad for South Africa series - Report It was the worst night of my life: R Ashwin On the night after bowling despite dealing with severe back pain, Ashwin said he endured the worst night of his life. The spinner revealed he couldn't put his back down when he tried to lie down after dinner and was not able to get up the next morning. The spinner said his daughter held his shorts and pulled up his shorts for him while he was tearing up in pain to get ready to bat on Day 5 of the Test match. Nonetheless, he went on to bat and scored an unbeaten 39 off 128 balls to save the Test match for India. “Australia declared later and I went back, but little did I know that I would have the worst night of my life. When I went after dinner to lie down, my back did not go down. "I put a towel underneath my back, held my hip up and went to sleep. The next morning when I woke up, my mind was telling me to get up but I couldn’t. I was shouting and yelling; the children helped me get up, but I couldn’t," Ashwin recalled. "I crawled outside the door and kept yelling for the physio. I went into a hot shower, so that’s when my back started warming up. I don’t know how I went to the game. My daughter held my shorts – she just pushed the shorts up, and as she pushed up my shorts, I was tearing up. My wife asked, ‘You are going to play a game?’. I said: ‘I have to’," he added. Also Read: Former head coach Ravi Shastri names 2 players who can captain Team India in future India went on to pull off a draw in the Sydney Test to head into the decider at the Gabba with series at 1-1. India ended Australia's dominance at their fortress Gabba with a 3-wicket win. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side became the first team to beat Australia at The Gabba in 32 years as India clinched the series 2-1.

R Ashwin recalls battle with pain in Sydney Test: I was tearing up, my daughter had to pull up my shorts

<p>India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under.</p>

<p>During the series, India managed to keep Steve Smith at bay -- despite him scoring a century in the third Test -- as the wily off-spinner R Ashwin got the better of the former Aussie captain on three occasions. Recently, the 35-year-old spinner Ashwin opened up on his duel with Smith and how he managed to keep him quiet with the bat for most part of the epic series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/difficult-to-maintain-former-indian-cricketers-reacts-to-r-ashwins-remark-on-ravi-shastri-438965"><strong>'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers reacts to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking to&nbsp;<em>ESPN Cricinfo</em>, Ashwin said, "I made him (Steve Smith) my obsession for about six months, not just two weeks or three weeks. Just footage, just watching different matches. The most recent series they played (before India toured Australia in 2020-21) was New Zealand. I went through every single day's play. I would go on to my app and check - how many runs was (Marnus) Labuschagne batting on when Will Somerville came on to bowl? Which ball did he hit over the cow corner?"</p>

<p>"As a spinner, you need to be very precise in Australia. Every run you give must be on your own terms. So whenever Marnus Labuschagne steps out, he hits the ball over cow corner for an offspinner, or he hits it over mid-off. It's very rare through long-on. And he doesn't have a flat sweep, he has a lap sweep, like a paddle. All these shots have a trigger. And it's very fine. If you don't know or if you've not seen enough footage, you cannot pick these things up. And with Steve Smith, his batting is very momentum-driven. Most of his batting comes from his hands, so my whole idea was to disturb his hands through the series. He's got certain hand-movement patterns. You have to pick them and be able to bowl in a way that disturbs his hand pattern. So I bowled with different load-ups, different speeds, different run-ups and all that. I realised I kind of got to him," Ashwin further elaborated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-contemplated-giving-up-the-sport-r-ashwin-admits-to-have-thought-of-retirement-between-2018-20-438664"><strong>I contemplated giving up the sport: R Ashwin admits to have thought of retirement between 2018-20</strong></a></p>

<p>With no Kohli for the last three Tests, many experts and former cricketers hadn't given Team India any chance going forward after the Adelaide Test drubbing. Nonetheless, the likes of Rahane (MCG Test ton), Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stood tall in various crucial junctures to bail India out and come from behind to win the series 2-1. Ashwin, in particular, was one of the key players for India, ending as the side's second-highest wicket-taker (11) after Siraj (13).</p>

<p>At present, Ashwin is gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa in the African nation. The first Test commences on December 26 in Centurion.&nbsp;</p>


India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under.

India achieved their second Test series win over Australia in their own backyard during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite not having the services of Virat Kohli (due to paternity leave) after the first Test, which India lost by 8 wickets, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team pulled off an upset over Tim Paine-led Aussies to win the series 2-1 Down Under. During the series, India managed to keep Steve Smith at bay -- despite him scoring a century in the third Test -- as the wily off-spinner R Ashwin got the better of the former Aussie captain on three occasions. Recently, the 35-year-old spinner Ashwin opened up on his duel with Smith and how he managed to keep him quiet with the bat for most part of the epic series. ALSO READ | 'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers reacts to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Ashwin said, "I made him (Steve Smith) my obsession for about six months, not just two weeks or three weeks. Just footage, just watching different matches. The most recent series they played (before India toured Australia in 2020-21) was New Zealand. I went through every single day's play. I would go on to my app and check - how many runs was (Marnus) Labuschagne batting on when Will Somerville came on to bowl? Which ball did he hit over the cow corner?" "As a spinner, you need to be very precise in Australia. Every run you give must be on your own terms. So whenever Marnus Labuschagne steps out, he hits the ball over cow corner for an offspinner, or he hits it over mid-off. It's very rare through long-on. And he doesn't have a flat sweep, he has a lap sweep, like a paddle. All these shots have a trigger. And it's very fine. If you don't know or if you've not seen enough footage, you cannot pick these things up. And with Steve Smith, his batting is very momentum-driven. Most of his batting comes from his hands, so my whole idea was to disturb his hands through the series. He's got certain hand-movement patterns. You have to pick them and be able to bowl in a way that disturbs his hand pattern. So I bowled with different load-ups, different speeds, different run-ups and all that. I realised I kind of got to him," Ashwin further elaborated. ALSO READ | I contemplated giving up the sport: R Ashwin admits to have thought of retirement between 2018-20 With no Kohli for the last three Tests, many experts and former cricketers hadn't given Team India any chance going forward after the Adelaide Test drubbing. Nonetheless, the likes of Rahane (MCG Test ton), Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stood tall in various crucial junctures to bail India out and come from behind to win the series 2-1. Ashwin, in particular, was one of the key players for India, ending as the side's second-highest wicket-taker (11) after Siraj (13). At present, Ashwin is gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa in the African nation. The first Test commences on December 26 in Centurion.

Made him my obsession: Ashwin reveals how he got the better of Steve Smith in 2020/21 IND-AUS series

<p>Former India fielding coach R Sridhar has heaped praise on ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri. Sridhar, who worked under Shastri during his tenure with the Indian team, said a bad day for the team used to be a great coaching opportunity for him. India had a few terrible outings on the field under Shastri but managed to bounce back stronger each time.</p>

<p>India's worst defeat under Shastri came in the Adelaide Test against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 when the visitors were bundled out for a record lowest total of 36 runs in their second innings. In August this year, India were skittled out for 78 in the Leeds Test against England. However, on both occasions, they managed to bounce back and win their next game.</p>

<p>“It was a wonderful opportunity to learn. To me, as a coach, a bad day is a great coaching opportunity. Good days are not great coaching opportunities but bad days are. When I say coaching opportunity, it's about understanding the person, striking a nice relationship with the players, an opportunity to coach them technically and mentally if required," Sridhar was quoted as saying by PTI.</p>

<p>The former India fielding coach recalled an instance when Shastri got a call from Australian great Greg Chapell, who asked him 'how the hell' did his team manage to bounce back even after facing several losses. Sridhar said to stage a comeback from such situations was the real character shown by the Indian team under Shastri and that every bad day was harnessed like a gold mine.</p>

<p>“Recently, Greg Chappell called up and asked Ravi Bhai, ‘How the hell do you bounce back after so many losses?’ That's a benchmark for this team. Every bad day was harnessed like a gold mine," Sridhar said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-new-era-3-reasons-why-rohit-sharmas-appointment-as-odi-captain-can-be-a-good-move-for-team-india-435882">3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's appointment as ODI captain can be a good move for Team India</a></strong></p>

<p>While India failed to win a single ICC trophy under Shastri as the head coach of the team, the Virat Kohli-led side became a force to reckon with in Test cricket and registered some memorable series wins both at home and away from home, including back-to-back Test series wins in Australia.</p>

<p>Shastri's tenure as the head coach came to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in October this year following which he was replaced by current head coach Rahul Dravid. Sridhar, meanwhile, has been replaced by TK Diliep as the fielding coach of the team.&nbsp;</p>


Former India fielding coach R Sridhar has heaped praise on ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri. Sridhar, who worked under Shastri during his tenure with the Indian team, said a bad day for the team used to be a great coaching opportunity for him.

Former India fielding coach R Sridhar has heaped praise on ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri. Sridhar, who worked under Shastri during his tenure with the Indian team, said a bad day for the team used to be a great coaching opportunity for him. India had a few terrible outings on the field under Shastri but managed to bounce back stronger each time. India's worst defeat under Shastri came in the Adelaide Test against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 when the visitors were bundled out for a record lowest total of 36 runs in their second innings. In August this year, India were skittled out for 78 in the Leeds Test against England. However, on both occasions, they managed to bounce back and win their next game. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn. To me, as a coach, a bad day is a great coaching opportunity. Good days are not great coaching opportunities but bad days are. When I say coaching opportunity, it's about understanding the person, striking a nice relationship with the players, an opportunity to coach them technically and mentally if required," Sridhar was quoted as saying by PTI. The former India fielding coach recalled an instance when Shastri got a call from Australian great Greg Chapell, who asked him 'how the hell' did his team manage to bounce back even after facing several losses. Sridhar said to stage a comeback from such situations was the real character shown by the Indian team under Shastri and that every bad day was harnessed like a gold mine. “Recently, Greg Chappell called up and asked Ravi Bhai, ‘How the hell do you bounce back after so many losses?’ That's a benchmark for this team. Every bad day was harnessed like a gold mine," Sridhar said. Also Read: 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's appointment as ODI captain can be a good move for Team India While India failed to win a single ICC trophy under Shastri as the head coach of the team, the Virat Kohli-led side became a force to reckon with in Test cricket and registered some memorable series wins both at home and away from home, including back-to-back Test series wins in Australia. Shastri's tenure as the head coach came to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in October this year following which he was replaced by current head coach Rahul Dravid. Sridhar, meanwhile, has been replaced by TK Diliep as the fielding coach of the team.

'How the hell do you bounce back': When Greg Chappell called Ravi Shastri to laud Team India

<p>Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said the Indian team was in 'shock for days' after getting all out for 36 runs in the second innings of the first Test against Australia in Adelaide last year. Shastri revealed it was the lowest point of his stint as the head coach of the Indian team and the players couldn't believe what had happened.</p>

<p>India were bundled out for a record low total of 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test and suffered a humiliating defeat by 8 wickets to get off to a losing start in the four-match series against the Aussies. The defeat had crushed India's morale but the visitors bounced back strongly to clinch the series 2-1 and create history by winning back-to-back Test series in Australia.</p>

<p>"See, the coach is in the firing line; there is no choice. That is the quirk of the job. You have to be ready from day one. I knew there would be no escape routes. The 36 all out was the lowest point," Shastri told The Week.</p>

<p>"We had nine wickets in hand (overnight) and then we were bundled out for 36. All that had to be done was score to 80-odd more runs (to be in the game). We were all numb. We were in a state of shock for days. How could that have happened?," he added.</p>

<p>Batting first in the Adelaide Test, India put on 244 runs on the board in their first innings before restricting Australia on 194 to gain a lead of 50 runs. The visitors ended Day 2 on 9/1 in their second innings but what unfolded on Day 3 was nothing less than extraordinary as India's batting line-up crumbled under pressure.</p>

<p>Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ran through the Indian batting line-up, picking up nine wickets between them to bowl out the visitors for a mere 36. Australia chased down the target comfortably and won the game by 8 wickets. Despite captain Virat Kohli returning home on paternity leave post the first Test, India bounced back to win the series.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-worships-test-cricket-indian-team-has-been-an-ambassador-for-the-longest-format-ravi-shastri-434681">Virat Kohli worships Test cricket, Indian team has been an ambassador for the longest format: Ravi Shastri</a></p>

<p>Shastri said it was an unbelievable effort from the Indian players to win stage a remarkable comeback in the series and clinch the four-match rubber 2-1 after the humiliating loss in Adelaide.</p>

<p>"It was not just me. I would be the first to put my hand up and say I was the one responsible, take the brickbats; there is no place to hide. I told the boys to focus on what they could do. The boys were unbelievable. One month after that 36 all out, on January 19, we had won the series. I am still thinking, how did that happen? I promise, as long as I live, people will talk about that series win," said Shastri.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said the Indian team was in 'shock for days' after getting all out for 36 runs in the second innings of the first Test against Australia in Adelaide last year.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said the Indian team was in 'shock for days' after getting all out for 36 runs in the second innings of the first Test against Australia in Adelaide last year. Shastri revealed it was the lowest point of his stint as the head coach of the Indian team and the players couldn't believe what had happened. India were bundled out for a record low total of 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test and suffered a humiliating defeat by 8 wickets to get off to a losing start in the four-match series against the Aussies. The defeat had crushed India's morale but the visitors bounced back strongly to clinch the series 2-1 and create history by winning back-to-back Test series in Australia. "See, the coach is in the firing line; there is no choice. That is the quirk of the job. You have to be ready from day one. I knew there would be no escape routes. The 36 all out was the lowest point," Shastri told The Week. "We had nine wickets in hand (overnight) and then we were bundled out for 36. All that had to be done was score to 80-odd more runs (to be in the game). We were all numb. We were in a state of shock for days. How could that have happened?," he added. Batting first in the Adelaide Test, India put on 244 runs on the board in their first innings before restricting Australia on 194 to gain a lead of 50 runs. The visitors ended Day 2 on 9/1 in their second innings but what unfolded on Day 3 was nothing less than extraordinary as India's batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ran through the Indian batting line-up, picking up nine wickets between them to bowl out the visitors for a mere 36. Australia chased down the target comfortably and won the game by 8 wickets. Despite captain Virat Kohli returning home on paternity leave post the first Test, India bounced back to win the series. Also Read: Virat Kohli worships Test cricket, Indian team has been an ambassador for the longest format: Ravi Shastri Shastri said it was an unbelievable effort from the Indian players to win stage a remarkable comeback in the series and clinch the four-match rubber 2-1 after the humiliating loss in Adelaide. "It was not just me. I would be the first to put my hand up and say I was the one responsible, take the brickbats; there is no place to hide. I told the boys to focus on what they could do. The boys were unbelievable. One month after that 36 all out, on January 19, we had won the series. I am still thinking, how did that happen? I promise, as long as I live, people will talk about that series win," said Shastri.

'We were in a state of shock for days': Ravi Shastri reveals lowest point for him as India head coach

<p>The first match of the women's cricket T20 competition in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see India taking on Australia. The matches will be held at the Edgbaston Stadium from July 29, with the bronze and gold medal games taking place on August 7.</p>

<p>According to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the first match on the schedule will see Australia take on India in the early session, with Pakistan playing Barbados -- recently confirmed as the team from the West Indies that will take part in the Commonwealth Games.</p>

<p>The host nation team for the Games, Team England, will be in action for the first time on July 30 when they take on the winner of a qualifying tournament which is due to take place at the start of 2022.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-shares-video-of-young-kid-in-tears-after-pakistans-t20-wc-exit-watch-428726"><strong>Shoaib Akhtar shares video of young kid in tears after Pakistan's T20 WC exit - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>They will then play South Africa in the early session on August 2, followed by a third match against New Zealand in the evening session on August 4.</p>

<p>Other highlights on the schedule include India against Pakistan on July 31 and Australia will also take on Pakistan on August 3.7 out of 8 qualifiers for the cricket T20 competition were announced back in April with the final team set to be finalised at the end of January 2022.</p>

<p>ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: "We have seen tremendous growth of the women's game over the past few years and the Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly be another major moment on that journey."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasim-akram-asks-pak-fans-to-go-easy-on-poor-hasan-ali-after-t20-wc-semi-final-loss-vs-australia-428693"><strong>Wasim Akram asks Pak fans to go easy on 'poor Hasan Ali' after T20 WC semi-final loss vs Australia</strong></a></p>

<p>Today's announcement of the match schedule gives fans lots to look forward to, not least with the opening game between ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 finalists Australia and India and we know that Edgbaston will provide a great stage for the competition.</p>

<p>"On behalf of the ICC and our Members, I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for all the support and look forward to some exciting cricket in Birmingham 2022."</p>

<p>Birmingham 2022 will be the first time that T20 cricket has been included in the Games and it is also the first time that women's cricket has been on the sports programme at any Commonwealth Games, with men's 50 overs cricket included in the 1998 edition which was held in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</p>


The first match of the women's cricket T20 competition in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see India taking on Australia. The matches will be held at the Edgbaston Stadium from July 29, with the bronze and gold medal games taking place on August 7.

The first match of the women's cricket T20 competition in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see India taking on Australia. The matches will be held at the Edgbaston Stadium from July 29, with the bronze and gold medal games taking place on August 7. According to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the first match on the schedule will see Australia take on India in the early session, with Pakistan playing Barbados -- recently confirmed as the team from the West Indies that will take part in the Commonwealth Games. The host nation team for the Games, Team England, will be in action for the first time on July 30 when they take on the winner of a qualifying tournament which is due to take place at the start of 2022. ALSO READ | Shoaib Akhtar shares video of young kid in tears after Pakistan's T20 WC exit - Watch They will then play South Africa in the early session on August 2, followed by a third match against New Zealand in the evening session on August 4. Other highlights on the schedule include India against Pakistan on July 31 and Australia will also take on Pakistan on August 3.7 out of 8 qualifiers for the cricket T20 competition were announced back in April with the final team set to be finalised at the end of January 2022. ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: "We have seen tremendous growth of the women's game over the past few years and the Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly be another major moment on that journey." ALSO READ | Wasim Akram asks Pak fans to go easy on 'poor Hasan Ali' after T20 WC semi-final loss vs Australia Today's announcement of the match schedule gives fans lots to look forward to, not least with the opening game between ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 finalists Australia and India and we know that Edgbaston will provide a great stage for the competition. "On behalf of the ICC and our Members, I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for all the support and look forward to some exciting cricket in Birmingham 2022." Birmingham 2022 will be the first time that T20 cricket has been included in the Games and it is also the first time that women's cricket has been on the sports programme at any Commonwealth Games, with men's 50 overs cricket included in the 1998 edition which was held in Kuala Lumpur.

India to face Australia in women's cricket T20 competition in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

<p>India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays. During MS Dhoni-led India's 2011/12 tour of Australia, Kohli was one of the few Indian players who was targetted consistently by the hostile Australian crowd.</p>

<p>During the second Test, in Sydney, the then youngster Kohli made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was being jeered by the Aussie crowd continuously and the Delhi-born cricketer finally decided to give them back as he showed his middle finger to the crowd, while fielding at the boundary line. While he settled scores with the crowd, it wasn't over for the right-hander as he was called upon by the match referee the following day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-to-lead-india-in-new-zealand-t20i-series-jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-shami-likely-to-be-rested-427998"><strong>Rohit Sharma to lead India in New Zealand T20I series; Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami likely to be rested</strong></a></p>

<p>In an exclusive interview in the Wisden Cricket Monthly, in 2018, Kohli revealed how he pleaded with the match referee to not ban him following the infamous incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The one thing I remember most is when I’d had enough of the Australian crowd at Sydney [in 2012] and I just decided to flick a [middle] finger at them. ‘I’m so cool’," he told Wisden Cricket Monthly. "The match referee [Ranjan Madugalle] called me to his room the next day and I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’. He said, ‘What happened at the boundary yesterday?’. I said, ‘Nothing, it was a bit of banter’. Then he threw the newspaper in front of me and there was this big image of me flicking on the front page and I said, ‘I’m so sorry, please don’t ban me!’. I got away with that one. He was a nice guy, he understood I was young and these things happen."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901"><strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Kohli moved past the infamous incident during the India-Australia Test series and made heads turn for the right reasons by the end of the four Tests Down Under. While his place was under threat due to low returns in the first two Tests and the altercation with the Aussie crowd, he turned it around emphatically with a fighting 72 in the third and penultimate Test, in Perth, before slamming his maiden Test ton in the final Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To date, Kohli has&nbsp;7,765 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 51.08 along with 27 hundreds. He is expected to lead Team India in the longest format once again during their forthcoming two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home, later this month.</p>


India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays.

India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays. During MS Dhoni-led India's 2011/12 tour of Australia, Kohli was one of the few Indian players who was targetted consistently by the hostile Australian crowd. During the second Test, in Sydney, the then youngster Kohli made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was being jeered by the Aussie crowd continuously and the Delhi-born cricketer finally decided to give them back as he showed his middle finger to the crowd, while fielding at the boundary line. While he settled scores with the crowd, it wasn't over for the right-hander as he was called upon by the match referee the following day. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma to lead India in New Zealand T20I series; Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami likely to be rested In an exclusive interview in the Wisden Cricket Monthly, in 2018, Kohli revealed how he pleaded with the match referee to not ban him following the infamous incident. "The one thing I remember most is when I’d had enough of the Australian crowd at Sydney [in 2012] and I just decided to flick a [middle] finger at them. ‘I’m so cool’," he told Wisden Cricket Monthly. "The match referee [Ranjan Madugalle] called me to his room the next day and I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’. He said, ‘What happened at the boundary yesterday?’. I said, ‘Nothing, it was a bit of banter’. Then he threw the newspaper in front of me and there was this big image of me flicking on the front page and I said, ‘I’m so sorry, please don’t ban me!’. I got away with that one. He was a nice guy, he understood I was young and these things happen." ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Kohli moved past the infamous incident during the India-Australia Test series and made heads turn for the right reasons by the end of the four Tests Down Under. While his place was under threat due to low returns in the first two Tests and the altercation with the Aussie crowd, he turned it around emphatically with a fighting 72 in the third and penultimate Test, in Perth, before slamming his maiden Test ton in the final Test in Adelaide. To date, Kohli has 7,765 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 51.08 along with 27 hundreds. He is expected to lead Team India in the longest format once again during their forthcoming two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home, later this month.

THROWBACK: 'Please don’t ban me' - When Kohli recalled how match referee refrained from banning him

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<p>With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in&nbsp;the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-rohit-sharmas-half-century-helps-india-chase-australias-153-in-second-warm-up-game-422396">T20 World Cup</a>&nbsp;at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20). For India, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were the star performers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from some top-notch performances, an incident, in particular, has grabbed attention when Virat Kohli was spotted instructing the bowler before Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell's fall of the wicket. Kohli was rested and he only took the field to bowl, in his absence, Rohit Sharma was leading the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-dale-steyn-shares-his-india-xi-for-pakistan-clash-names-gamechanger-for-virat-kohli-co-422420">T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli &amp; Co.</a></strong></p>

<p>During the 12th over, the in-form Maxwell welcomed spinner Rahul Chahar with a stunning boundary. After that, Kohli was seen having a chat with Chahar, who then bowled three consecutive dot balls and finally sent the Australian all-rounder back to the pavilion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a crucial wicket from India's perspective as Maxwell, who scored 37 runs and made a 61-run partnership with Steve Smith, was looking dangerous at that moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch how Virat instructed Rahul:</strong></p>

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<p>During the match, chasing 153, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-fan-asks-shaheen-afridi-for-indo-pak-match-tickets-pacer-responds-in-hilarious-manner-watch-422308"><strong>T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>Opting to bat first, Australia got off to the worst start possible as David Warner (1), Aaron Finch (8) and Mitchell Marsh (0) lost their wickets cheaply. Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Warner and Marsh while Ravindra Jadeja sent Finch back to the pavilion, reducing Australia to 11/3 in the fourth over.</p>

<p>India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game and the Men in Blue will begin their campaign in a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24.&nbsp;</p>


With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20).

With a standout performance, the Indian team registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in warm-up match in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the ICC Academy Ground on Wednesday (October 20). For India, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were the star performers. Apart from some top-notch performances, an incident, in particular, has grabbed attention when Virat Kohli was spotted instructing the bowler before Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell's fall of the wicket. Kohli was rested and he only took the field to bowl, in his absence, Rohit Sharma was leading the team. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli & Co. During the 12th over, the in-form Maxwell welcomed spinner Rahul Chahar with a stunning boundary. After that, Kohli was seen having a chat with Chahar, who then bowled three consecutive dot balls and finally sent the Australian all-rounder back to the pavilion. It was a crucial wicket from India's perspective as Maxwell, who scored 37 runs and made a 61-run partnership with Steve Smith, was looking dangerous at that moment. Watch how Virat instructed Rahul: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × During the match, chasing 153, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner. Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch Opting to bat first, Australia got off to the worst start possible as David Warner (1), Aaron Finch (8) and Mitchell Marsh (0) lost their wickets cheaply. Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Warner and Marsh while Ravindra Jadeja sent Finch back to the pavilion, reducing Australia to 11/3 in the fourth over. India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game and the Men in Blue will begin their campaign in a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24.

Watch: Virat Kohli instructs bowler to remove RCB teammate during India vs Australia warm-up clash in T20 WC

<p>Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites&nbsp;to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They're a terrific side, they've got all bases covered and some serious match-winners. They've all been playing in these conditions the last couple of months with the IPL (Indian Premier League). So they'll be used to that," Smith was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the match, Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post a competitive 152 for five, while chasing the target, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-know-what-insecurity-we-salman-butt-slams-babar-azam-co-ahead-of-t20-wc-opener-vs-india-422635">'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam &amp; Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith (57) was glad to get runs after being barely used by Delhi Capitals on the IPL's resumption in the UAE leg. "I feel like I've been hitting the ball really well. I haven't played too many games in the IPL but I've spent a lot of time in the nets, working on things and getting used to conditions," said the former skipper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-take-squid-game-challenge-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-opener-only-two-succeed-watch-422580">Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.&nbsp;</p>


Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20).

Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20). "They're a terrific side, they've got all bases covered and some serious match-winners. They've all been playing in these conditions the last couple of months with the IPL (Indian Premier League). So they'll be used to that," Smith was quoted as saying by Reuters. During the match, Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post a competitive 152 for five, while chasing the target, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. ALSO READ | 'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam & Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India Smith (57) was glad to get runs after being barely used by Delhi Capitals on the IPL's resumption in the UAE leg. "I feel like I've been hitting the ball really well. I haven't played too many games in the IPL but I've spent a lot of time in the nets, working on things and getting used to conditions," said the former skipper. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner. ALSO READ | Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.

Steve Smith names 'serious match-winners' who got 'all bases covered' to win T20 World Cup

<p>After Team India thrashed England by 7 wickets, with an over to spare, in their first warm-up encounter, the Men in Blue will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their last practice game ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE.</p>

<p>India ticked several boxes in their first warm-up game with R Ashwin being economical (4-0-23-0) whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were among wickets. However, their biggest concern is the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who conceded 54 runs in his quota of overs. Meanwhile, Rahul Chahar and Shami were expensive as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if India gives a chance to Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy and Shardul Thakur versus the Men in Yellow. In the batting department, the one-time winners are spoilt for choices with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant going bonkers against Jos Buttler-led England. Nonetheless, they will want Captain Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya to face more deliveries to attain more game time before the main draw kicks off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma is likely to return to the playing XI after being rested versus England. For Australia, they had a narrow win versus New Zealand, by 3 wickets, and will like their batters to convert their starts after their bowlers restricted Kiwis to 158-7. David Warner's form remains a concern whereas Glenn Maxwell is expected to get a look-in.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-fulfill-your-desire-rishabh-pants-hilarious-remark-to-r-ashwin-caught-on-stump-mic-422106">WATCH - 'Fulfill your desire....': Rishabh Pant's hilarious remark to R Ashwin caught on stump-mic</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia will take place at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai.</p>

<p><strong>What time does the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia begin?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia begins at 3:30 PM IST on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-salman-butt-suggests-ishan-kishans-batting-slot-after-his-blitzkrieg-vs-england-ahead-of-pakistan-tie-422090"><strong>T20 WC: Salman Butt suggests Ishan Kishan's batting slot after his blitzkrieg vs England ahead of Pakistan tie</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia ?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD and DD Sports. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between IND vs ENG will be available on Hotstar.</p>


After Team India thrashed England by 7 wickets, with an over to spare, in their first warm-up encounter, the Men in Blue will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their last practice game ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE.

After Team India thrashed England by 7 wickets, with an over to spare, in their first warm-up encounter, the Men in Blue will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their last practice game ahead of the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021, in the UAE. India ticked several boxes in their first warm-up game with R Ashwin being economical (4-0-23-0) whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were among wickets. However, their biggest concern is the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who conceded 54 runs in his quota of overs. Meanwhile, Rahul Chahar and Shami were expensive as well. It will be interesting to see if India gives a chance to Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy and Shardul Thakur versus the Men in Yellow. In the batting department, the one-time winners are spoilt for choices with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant going bonkers against Jos Buttler-led England. Nonetheless, they will want Captain Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya to face more deliveries to attain more game time before the main draw kicks off. Rohit Sharma is likely to return to the playing XI after being rested versus England. For Australia, they had a narrow win versus New Zealand, by 3 wickets, and will like their batters to convert their starts after their bowlers restricted Kiwis to 158-7. David Warner's form remains a concern whereas Glenn Maxwell is expected to get a look-in. ALSO READ | WATCH - 'Fulfill your desire....': Rishabh Pant's hilarious remark to R Ashwin caught on stump-mic Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia taking place? The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia will take place at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. What time does the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia begin? The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia begins at 3:30 PM IST on Wednesday. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Salman Butt suggests Ishan Kishan's batting slot after his blitzkrieg vs England ahead of Pakistan tie Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia ? The T20 World Cup warm-up match between India vs Australia will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD and DD Sports. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between IND vs ENG will be available on Hotstar.

T20 World Cup, IND vs AUS live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Australia warm-up match?

<p>India fine-tuned their T20 World Cup preparations with a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in their final warm-up game here on Wednesday but the sixth bowler's slot remained a worry as even Virat Kohli rolled his arm over going into the tournament proper.</p>

<p>Captaining the side with Kohli only taking the field to bowl, Rohit Sharma (60 retired off 41) showed sublime touch alongside opening partner K L Rahul (39 off 31) as India chased down Australia's 152 for five in 17.5 overs.</p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav (38 not out off 27) came at number three in Kohli's absence and got valuable time in the middle which should boost his confidence going ahead.</p>

<p>Hardik Pandya (14 not out off 8) came at four to finish the game and he did it with a clean hit over the bowler's head.</p>

<p>Another plus for India was seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar finding rhythm after a poor outing against England. India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-know-how-india-get-favourites-tag-says-michael-vaughan-ahead-of-virat-kohli-cos-pakistan-tie-422332"><strong>Don’t know how India get favourites tag, says Michael Vaughan ahead of Virat Kohli &amp; Co.'s Pakistan tie</strong></a></p>

<p>The batting department looks more or less settled and the five specialist bowlers also inspire confidence but the same can't be said about the extra bowling option with Hardik not bringing his all-round skills to the table at the moment.</p>

<p>"Hardik is coming along pretty well, but it'll be a while before he will start to bowl. He hasn't started bowling, but he should be ready by the start of the tournament," said Rohit at the toss for the warm-up match against Australia.</p>

<p>The team management is hoping he will be ready to bowl during India's World Cup campaign which begins with the marquee clash against Pakistan on Sunday.</p>

<p>Skipper Kohli kept things tight with two overs of medium pace but to expect him to do the job in high-pressure scenarios would be asking for too much from him.</p>

<p>India conceded 58 runs off the last five overs and that is something they would like to improve on.</p>

<p>After losing the toss, India put up a decent bowling effort.</p>

<p>Rohit mentioned at the toss that Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were rested from the game but the skipper took the field to bowl a couple of overs in which he conceded 12 runs.</p>

<p>India had Australia on the mat at 11 for three after Aaron Finch opted to bat first. David Warner's barren run continued after a failed attempt at a reverse sweep had him trapped in front off Ravichandran Ashwin.</p>

<p>With his very next ball, Ashwin got rid of birthday boy Mitchell Marsh who played for the turn which wasn't there only to edge it to the first slip.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-fan-asks-shaheen-afridi-for-indo-pak-match-tickets-pacer-responds-in-hilarious-manner-watch-422308"><strong>T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja had Finch trapped LBW with a slider off his very first ball, leaving Australia with a lot of work to do.</p>

<p>Steve Smith (57 off 48) and in-form Glenn Maxwell (37 off 28) tried to break the shackles with a 61-run partnership.</p>

<p>While Maxwell used his reverse sweep to good effect, Smith kept himself busy by rotating the strike.</p>

<p>After Maxwell fell to a conventional sweep, Smith and Marcus Stoinis (41 not out off 25 balls) got together and provided a much needed final flourish to the innings.</p>

<p>Smith smashed Shardul Thakur for three successive fours in the 17th over before Stoinis hit a straight six and a boundary off mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who conceded 23 runs off his two overs.</p>

<p>After a bad day in office against England, Bhuvneshwar found his rhythm and was effective both at the start and in the death.<br />
India, however, would be a tad disappointed to give away so many runs in the death overs and help Australia's recovery.</p>


India fine-tuned their T20 World Cup preparations with a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in their final warm-up game here on Wednesday but the sixth bowler's slot remained a worry as even Virat Kohli rolled his arm over going into the tournament proper.

India fine-tuned their T20 World Cup preparations with a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in their final warm-up game here on Wednesday but the sixth bowler's slot remained a worry as even Virat Kohli rolled his arm over going into the tournament proper. Captaining the side with Kohli only taking the field to bowl, Rohit Sharma (60 retired off 41) showed sublime touch alongside opening partner K L Rahul (39 off 31) as India chased down Australia's 152 for five in 17.5 overs. Suryakumar Yadav (38 not out off 27) came at number three in Kohli's absence and got valuable time in the middle which should boost his confidence going ahead. Hardik Pandya (14 not out off 8) came at four to finish the game and he did it with a clean hit over the bowler's head. Another plus for India was seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar finding rhythm after a poor outing against England. India had also beaten England in their earlier practice game. ALSO READ | Don’t know how India get favourites tag, says Michael Vaughan ahead of Virat Kohli & Co.'s Pakistan tie The batting department looks more or less settled and the five specialist bowlers also inspire confidence but the same can't be said about the extra bowling option with Hardik not bringing his all-round skills to the table at the moment. "Hardik is coming along pretty well, but it'll be a while before he will start to bowl. He hasn't started bowling, but he should be ready by the start of the tournament," said Rohit at the toss for the warm-up match against Australia. The team management is hoping he will be ready to bowl during India's World Cup campaign which begins with the marquee clash against Pakistan on Sunday. Skipper Kohli kept things tight with two overs of medium pace but to expect him to do the job in high-pressure scenarios would be asking for too much from him. India conceded 58 runs off the last five overs and that is something they would like to improve on. After losing the toss, India put up a decent bowling effort. Rohit mentioned at the toss that Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were rested from the game but the skipper took the field to bowl a couple of overs in which he conceded 12 runs. India had Australia on the mat at 11 for three after Aaron Finch opted to bat first. David Warner's barren run continued after a failed attempt at a reverse sweep had him trapped in front off Ravichandran Ashwin. With his very next ball, Ashwin got rid of birthday boy Mitchell Marsh who played for the turn which wasn't there only to edge it to the first slip. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Fan asks Shaheen Afridi for Indo-Pak match tickets, pacer responds in hilarious manner - Watch Ravindra Jadeja had Finch trapped LBW with a slider off his very first ball, leaving Australia with a lot of work to do. Steve Smith (57 off 48) and in-form Glenn Maxwell (37 off 28) tried to break the shackles with a 61-run partnership. While Maxwell used his reverse sweep to good effect, Smith kept himself busy by rotating the strike. After Maxwell fell to a conventional sweep, Smith and Marcus Stoinis (41 not out off 25 balls) got together and provided a much needed final flourish to the innings. Smith smashed Shardul Thakur for three successive fours in the 17th over before Stoinis hit a straight six and a boundary off mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who conceded 23 runs off his two overs. After a bad day in office against England, Bhuvneshwar found his rhythm and was effective both at the start and in the death. India, however, would be a tad disappointed to give away so many runs in the death overs and help Australia's recovery.

T20 WC: Rohit Sharma's half-century helps India chase Australia's 153 in second warm-up game

<p>India will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their second and final warm-up encounter before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 kicks off, in the UAE. This will also be the last chance for Finch &amp; Co. to eradicate their flaws and finalise their team combination prior to the mega event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the Men in Blue, the Virat Kohli-led side thrashed England by 7 wickets in their first warm-up encounter, at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai on Monday evening (October 18). Opting to bowl first, India managed to keep England below the 200-run mark on a batting surface as the 2016 runners-up and one-time champions posted 188-5. In reply, India completed the run-chase with an over to spare, courtesy KL Rahul's 24-ball 51, Ishan Kishan's 46-ball 70* (retired hurt) and Rishabh Pant's 14-ball 29*.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were plenty of positives for India as Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin were impressive with the ball whereas Mohammed Shami conceded 40 runs but also picked up three scalps. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rahul Chahar went for plenty, which is a cause of concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-ind-vs-aus-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-australia-warm-up-match-422246"><strong>T20 World Cup, IND vs AUS live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Australia warm-up match?</strong></a></p>

<p>In the batting department, Rahul-Ishan made heads turn with their free-flowing approach whereas India will like Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya to get some more time in the middle. Rohit Sharma is also expected to play versus Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Australia, their batters such as Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, etc. got starts -- in their narrow win over New Zealand by 3 wickets -- but David Warner's woeful form remains a huge concern. In the bowling department, the likes of Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson did a reasonable job and Mitchell Starc was economical. The onus will be on Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell in their last warm-up game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-shahid-afridi-issues-stern-warning-says-pakistan-can-surprise-anyone-rule-them-out-at-own-peril-422118"><strong>T20 WC: Shahid Afridi issues stern warning, says 'Pakistan can surprise anyone, rule them out at own peril'</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for IND vs AUS warm-up game:</strong> As a lot will depend on how both sides use their players in the XI, it is tough to predict a winner. However, India are ahead of Australia in terms of their power-hitting and, hence, will start as favourites. Expect a 170-plus game with the chasing side to emerge on top.</p>


India will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their second and final warm-up encounter before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 kicks off, in the UAE. This will also be the last chance for Finch & Co.

India will take on Aaron Finch-led Australia in their second and final warm-up encounter before the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 kicks off, in the UAE. This will also be the last chance for Finch & Co. to eradicate their flaws and finalise their team combination prior to the mega event. Talking about the Men in Blue, the Virat Kohli-led side thrashed England by 7 wickets in their first warm-up encounter, at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai on Monday evening (October 18). Opting to bowl first, India managed to keep England below the 200-run mark on a batting surface as the 2016 runners-up and one-time champions posted 188-5. In reply, India completed the run-chase with an over to spare, courtesy KL Rahul's 24-ball 51, Ishan Kishan's 46-ball 70* (retired hurt) and Rishabh Pant's 14-ball 29*. There were plenty of positives for India as Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin were impressive with the ball whereas Mohammed Shami conceded 40 runs but also picked up three scalps. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rahul Chahar went for plenty, which is a cause of concern. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup, IND vs AUS live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Australia warm-up match? In the batting department, Rahul-Ishan made heads turn with their free-flowing approach whereas India will like Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya to get some more time in the middle. Rohit Sharma is also expected to play versus Australia. For Australia, their batters such as Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, etc. got starts -- in their narrow win over New Zealand by 3 wickets -- but David Warner's woeful form remains a huge concern. In the bowling department, the likes of Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson did a reasonable job and Mitchell Starc was economical. The onus will be on Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell in their last warm-up game. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Shahid Afridi issues stern warning, says 'Pakistan can surprise anyone, rule them out at own peril' Match prediction for IND vs AUS warm-up game: As a lot will depend on how both sides use their players in the XI, it is tough to predict a winner. However, India are ahead of Australia in terms of their power-hitting and, hence, will start as favourites. Expect a 170-plus game with the chasing side to emerge on top.

IND vs AUS, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's warm-up match between India and Australia?

<p>The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. A total of 16 warm-up fixtures will be played from October 12 to October 20. Papua New Guinea will take on Ireland in the first warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on October 12.</p>

<p>Each team will play two warm-up matches each. The first round of warm-up games will be played on October 12 and 14, between the sides featuring in the initial qualifier round of the tournament. The top eight teams who have already qualified for the Super 12 stage will be in action in the second round of warm-up fixtures on October 18 and October 20.</p>

<p>T20 World Cup 2021 will officially get underway from October 17 with group stage qualifiers, while the Super 12 stage will get underway in Abu Dhabi on October 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Team India will play their first warm-up game against England in Dubai on October 18 before locking horns with Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20. The two matches will help Virat Kohli &amp; Co. get into the grove ahead of the start of the showpiece event.</p>

<p><strong>Check out the complete list of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up fixtures with date and timings:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Round 1 qualifier warm-up matches -&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>October&nbsp;12 </strong></p>

<p>Ireland vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Scotland vs Netherlands, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Oman vs Namibia, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/venkatesh-iyer-likely-to-stay-as-cover-avesh-khan-to-join-team-india-as-net-bowler-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-420214">Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup</a></p>

<p><strong>October&nbsp;14 </strong></p>

<p>Namibia vs Scotland, Dubai (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Sri Lanka vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Bangladesh vs Ireland, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am)</p>

<p>Netherlands vs Oman, Dubai (11:30 am)</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-not-charging-any-honorarium-for-his-services-as-indias-mentor-for-t20-world-cup-jay-shah-420185">MS Dhoni not charging any honorarium for his services as India's mentor for T20 World Cup: Jay Shah</a></p>

<p><strong>Super 12 warm-up matches -&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>October 18 </strong></p>

<p>Pakistan vs West Indies, Dubai (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Afghanistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>New Zealand vs Australia, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>&nbsp;India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p><strong>October 20 </strong></p>

<p>England vs New Zealand, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm)</p>

<p>Pakistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>Afghanistan vs West Indies, Dubai (7:30 pm)</p>

<p>India will open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.</p>


The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.

The International Cricket Council on Tuesday (October 12) announced the complete list of warm-up fixtures for all teams taking part in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021. A total of 16 warm-up fixtures will be played from October 12 to October 20. Papua New Guinea will take on Ireland in the first warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on October 12. Each team will play two warm-up matches each. The first round of warm-up games will be played on October 12 and 14, between the sides featuring in the initial qualifier round of the tournament. The top eight teams who have already qualified for the Super 12 stage will be in action in the second round of warm-up fixtures on October 18 and October 20. T20 World Cup 2021 will officially get underway from October 17 with group stage qualifiers, while the Super 12 stage will get underway in Abu Dhabi on October 23. Team India will play their first warm-up game against England in Dubai on October 18 before locking horns with Australia in their second warm-up match on October 20. The two matches will help Virat Kohli & Co. get into the grove ahead of the start of the showpiece event. Check out the complete list of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up fixtures with date and timings: Round 1 qualifier warm-up matches - October 12 Ireland vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) Scotland vs Netherlands, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Oman vs Namibia, Dubai (7:30 pm) Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Also Read: Venkatesh Iyer likely to stay as cover, Avesh Khan to join team India as net bowler ahead of T20 World Cup October 14 Namibia vs Scotland, Dubai (11:30 am) Sri Lanka vs Papua New Guinea, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am) Bangladesh vs Ireland, Abu Dhabi (11:30 am) Netherlands vs Oman, Dubai (11:30 am) Also Read: MS Dhoni not charging any honorarium for his services as India's mentor for T20 World Cup: Jay Shah Super 12 warm-up matches - October 18 Pakistan vs West Indies, Dubai (3:30 pm) Afghanistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) New Zealand vs Australia, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) India vs England, Dubai (7:30 pm) October 20 England vs New Zealand, Abu Dhabi (3:30 pm) India vs Australia, Dubai (3:30 pm) Pakistan vs South Africa, Abu Dhabi (7:30 pm) Afghanistan vs West Indies, Dubai (7:30 pm) India will open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 24.

India to play England, Australia: Complete schedule of T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up matches

<p>The Indian women's team committed batting harakiri despite a fine half century from opener Smriti Mandhana to lose the third and final T20 International to Australia by 14 runs and the series 0-2 here on Sunday.</p>

<p>Chasing a challenging 150-run target, Mandhana smashed 52 off 49 balls and shared 57 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues (23 off 26) for the second wicket to set the platform for India before the visitors lost four wickets in a span of 10 runs to lose the plot.</p>

<p>For Australia, right-arm pacer Nicola Carey (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers, while Ashleigh Gardner (1/22), Annabel Sutherland (1/13) and Georgia Wareham (1/15) scalped a wicket each.</p>

<p>India thus ended their Australia tour heartbroken, having already lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 before drawing the rain-marred lone historic day/night Test.</p>

<p>India's run chase started on a disappointing fashion as they lost hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma (1) early, caught by Vlaeminck at short fine-leg off Gardner in the second over.</p>

<p>But Mandhana looked in ominous touch as she displayed her wide range of shots -- pulling, clipping off the pads and hitting through covers region -- to pick up three boundaries in the fifth over.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tahila-mcgrath-holds-nerve-as-australia-clinch-t20-series-with-4-wicket-win-against-harmanpreet-kaur-co-419449">Tahila McGrath holds nerve as Australia clinch T20 series with 4-wicket win against Harmanpreet Kaur &amp; Co.</a></strong></p>

<p>Mandhana and Rodrigues played with caution with the former finding the boundaries in between as India reached 54 runs in the 10th over.</p>

<p>Rodrigues then hit Wareham straight over mid-on in the next over but she departed two balls later in search of too many boundaries, caught at long-off by Vlaeminck.</p>

<p>Mandhana soon reached her fifty off just 46 balls with a boundary off Carey but she perished four balls later, caught by Australia skipper Meg Lanning as India reached 93 for three by the end of the 15th over.</p>

<p>Needing 57 off 30 balls, India's chase derailed thereafter as they lost two more quick wickets, including that off skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (13).</p>

<p>It was yet another failure from Kaur as she drove one straight to Lanning off Sutherland while trying to clear the inner circle.</p>

<p>Pooja Vastrakar (5) was then cleaned up by Carey in the next over as India slumped to 99 for four in the 17th over.</p>

<p>From there on, it was no looking back for Australia as they restricted India to 135 for six.</p>

<p>Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 23 off 11 balls while Deepti Sharma was not out on 9.</p>

<p>Earlier, opener Beth Monney scored a half-century while Tahlia McGrath provided late flourish with an unbeaten 44 to help Australia put on board a decent 149 for five.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-india-would-want-team-to-take-more-responsibility-says-harmanpreet-kaur-419476">Australia vs India: Would want team to take more responsibility, says Harmanpreet Kaur</a></strong></p>

<p>Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Indian bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals but the hosts scored 40 runs in the last 19 balls to seize the momentum.</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/37), Renuka Singh (1/23), Pooja Vastrakar (1/24) and off-spinner Deepti Sharma (1/24) were the wicket-takers for India as Australian batters struggled to score freely in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Mooney top-scored for Australia with a 43-ball 61 with 10 boundaries.</p>

<p>Towards the end, McGrath scored 44 not out off 31 balls and together with Gerorgia Wareham (13 not out) added 32 valuable runs for the sixth wicket to get Australia close to the 150-run mark.</p>

<p>McGrath hit six boundaries and one six.</p>

<p>India made one change, bringing in Harleen Deol in place of Yastika Bhatia. Australia too made a change with Annabel Sutherland coming in for Hannah Darlington.</p>

<p>India had lost the second T20I by four wickets, while the opening game was washed out.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian women's team committed batting harakiri despite a fine half century from opener Smriti Mandhana to lose the third and final T20 International to Australia by 14 runs and the series 0-2 here on Sunday.

The Indian women's team committed batting harakiri despite a fine half century from opener Smriti Mandhana to lose the third and final T20 International to Australia by 14 runs and the series 0-2 here on Sunday. Chasing a challenging 150-run target, Mandhana smashed 52 off 49 balls and shared 57 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues (23 off 26) for the second wicket to set the platform for India before the visitors lost four wickets in a span of 10 runs to lose the plot. For Australia, right-arm pacer Nicola Carey (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers, while Ashleigh Gardner (1/22), Annabel Sutherland (1/13) and Georgia Wareham (1/15) scalped a wicket each. India thus ended their Australia tour heartbroken, having already lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 before drawing the rain-marred lone historic day/night Test. India's run chase started on a disappointing fashion as they lost hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma (1) early, caught by Vlaeminck at short fine-leg off Gardner in the second over. But Mandhana looked in ominous touch as she displayed her wide range of shots -- pulling, clipping off the pads and hitting through covers region -- to pick up three boundaries in the fifth over. ALSO READ: Tahila McGrath holds nerve as Australia clinch T20 series with 4-wicket win against Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. Mandhana and Rodrigues played with caution with the former finding the boundaries in between as India reached 54 runs in the 10th over. Rodrigues then hit Wareham straight over mid-on in the next over but she departed two balls later in search of too many boundaries, caught at long-off by Vlaeminck. Mandhana soon reached her fifty off just 46 balls with a boundary off Carey but she perished four balls later, caught by Australia skipper Meg Lanning as India reached 93 for three by the end of the 15th over. Needing 57 off 30 balls, India's chase derailed thereafter as they lost two more quick wickets, including that off skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (13). It was yet another failure from Kaur as she drove one straight to Lanning off Sutherland while trying to clear the inner circle. Pooja Vastrakar (5) was then cleaned up by Carey in the next over as India slumped to 99 for four in the 17th over. From there on, it was no looking back for Australia as they restricted India to 135 for six. Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 23 off 11 balls while Deepti Sharma was not out on 9. Earlier, opener Beth Monney scored a half-century while Tahlia McGrath provided late flourish with an unbeaten 44 to help Australia put on board a decent 149 for five. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Would want team to take more responsibility, says Harmanpreet Kaur Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Indian bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals but the hosts scored 40 runs in the last 19 balls to seize the momentum. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/37), Renuka Singh (1/23), Pooja Vastrakar (1/24) and off-spinner Deepti Sharma (1/24) were the wicket-takers for India as Australian batters struggled to score freely in the middle overs. Mooney top-scored for Australia with a 43-ball 61 with 10 boundaries. Towards the end, McGrath scored 44 not out off 31 balls and together with Gerorgia Wareham (13 not out) added 32 valuable runs for the sixth wicket to get Australia close to the 150-run mark. McGrath hit six boundaries and one six. India made one change, bringing in Harleen Deol in place of Yastika Bhatia. Australia too made a change with Annabel Sutherland coming in for Hannah Darlington. India had lost the second T20I by four wickets, while the opening game was washed out.

Smriti Mandhana's fifty in vain as India suffer 14-run defeat in 3rd T20I against Australia, lose series 0-2

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidVCVbgg11TVwi" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has hailed Shikha Pandey of the Indian women's cricket team for an outstanding delivery, that dismissed Australia batter, Alyssa Healy, in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tahila-mcgrath-holds-nerve-as-australia-clinch-t20-series-with-4-wicket-win-against-harmanpreet-kaur-co-419449">second T20I</a> on Saturday (October 9).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaffer took to his official Twitter handle and called the stunning delivery, "ball of the century" in women's cricket. During the match, Shikha clean bowled the Australian opener during&nbsp;the&nbsp;first over of the innings in the&nbsp;2nd T20I of the three-match series at the Carrara Oval.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The delivery by Shikha Pandey moved in a mile off the seam as she&nbsp;beat Healy all ends up with both swing and seam movement and the ball clipped the top of the middle.&nbsp;Jaffer wrote, "Ball of the century, women's cricket edition! Take a bow Shikha Pandey #AUSvIND."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-wasnt-asked-to-do-it-david-warner-responds-to-fan-after-going-missing-from-srhs-farewell-video-419479">'I wasn't asked to do it': David Warner responds to fan after going missing from SRH's farewell video</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ball of the century, women's cricket edition! Take a bow Shikha Pandey🙌🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WjaixlkjIp">pic.twitter.com/WjaixlkjIp</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1446781908474478593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The match, however, didn't end in India's favour as Australia's Tahlia McGrath won the battle of nerves at the death, guiding the team to a four-wicket victory in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tahila-mcgrath-holds-nerve-as-australia-clinch-t20-series-with-4-wicket-win-against-harmanpreet-kaur-co-419449"> second women's T20 International</a> and also clinch the multi-format series 9-5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier put in to bat first, a cameo from Pooja Vastrakar masked a fairly disappointing show from India. After Tayla Vlaeminck removed both openers inside the first three overs, the Aussies ran riot.\</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fan-requests-rohit-sharma-to-arrange-tickets-for-india-pakistan-t20-wc-clash-during-ipl-2021-pic-goes-viral-419451">Fan requests Rohit Sharma to arrange tickets for India-Pakistan T20 WC clash during IPL 2021, pic goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>It was an Indian innings characterised by poor shot selection and calamitous running between the wickets. But the Vastrakar cameo (top-scoring with 37* off 26) certainly kept them in the contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were 20 runs short, but the wicket wasn't an easy one to bat on. We had a good game. We didn't give them easy runs. We fought till the end. Would want the team to take more responsibility," Harmanpreet Kaur said while speaking at the post-match presentation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has hailed Shikha Pandey of the Indian women's cricket team for an outstanding delivery, that dismissed Australia batter, Alyssa Healy, in the second T20I on Saturday (October 9).

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has hailed Shikha Pandey of the Indian women's cricket team for an outstanding delivery, that dismissed Australia batter, Alyssa Healy, in the second T20I on Saturday (October 9). Jaffer took to his official Twitter handle and called the stunning delivery, "ball of the century" in women's cricket. During the match, Shikha clean bowled the Australian opener during the first over of the innings in the 2nd T20I of the three-match series at the Carrara Oval. The delivery by Shikha Pandey moved in a mile off the seam as she beat Healy all ends up with both swing and seam movement and the ball clipped the top of the middle. Jaffer wrote, "Ball of the century, women's cricket edition! Take a bow Shikha Pandey #AUSvIND." ALSO READ | 'I wasn't asked to do it': David Warner responds to fan after going missing from SRH's farewell video Watch the video here: Ball of the century, women's cricket edition! Take a bow Shikha Pandey🙌🏻 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WjaixlkjIp — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 9, 2021 × The match, however, didn't end in India's favour as Australia's Tahlia McGrath won the battle of nerves at the death, guiding the team to a four-wicket victory in the second women's T20 International and also clinch the multi-format series 9-5. Earlier put in to bat first, a cameo from Pooja Vastrakar masked a fairly disappointing show from India. After Tayla Vlaeminck removed both openers inside the first three overs, the Aussies ran riot.\ ALSO READ | Fan requests Rohit Sharma to arrange tickets for India-Pakistan T20 WC clash during IPL 2021, pic goes viral It was an Indian innings characterised by poor shot selection and calamitous running between the wickets. But the Vastrakar cameo (top-scoring with 37* off 26) certainly kept them in the contest. "We were 20 runs short, but the wicket wasn't an easy one to bat on. We had a good game. We didn't give them easy runs. We fought till the end. Would want the team to take more responsibility," Harmanpreet Kaur said while speaking at the post-match presentation. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Wasim Jaffer hails Shikha Pandey's stunning delivery, calls it 'ball of the century' in women's cricket

<p>Indian cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana has rated her stunning 127-run knock against Australia in the one-off Pink Ball Test as one of the top three after the match ended in a draw at the Carrara Oval on Sunday (October 3), giving both teams two points each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Day 2 of the Test, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test. She was adjudged player of the match for her inspiring knock. After the match ended, Mandhana said, "It's definitely in the top three (the century). First time playing a day-night Test, really happy that I gave good pace to the team."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Most nervous night I have ever had - after the first day. Lucky with that no-ball on 80. That sort of cleared my mind after that. To wear whites and go into the field is the top-most thing," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-junior-world-championship-manu-bhaker-shines-as-four-golds-take-india-to-top-of-medal-standings-417884">ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings</a></strong></p>

<p>On the final day of the match, Australia's Ellyse Perry (68 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (51) helped Australia save the follow-on, with captain Meg Lanning declaring on 241-9 and handing India a 136-run lead in the hope of forcing a result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to Australia, Mandhana (31) and Shafali Verma (52) impressed again as they propelled the touring side to 135-3, setting Australia 271 to chase with 32 overs left in the match.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smriti Mandhana - first Indian women cricketer to score a Pink Ball Test ton. What a knock, what a class. <a href="https://t.co/9K5Y4bXExB">pic.twitter.com/9K5Y4bXExB</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1443796143565983747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, Australia could reach only 36-2 in 15 overs before both captains shook hands for a draw. "Different situation today to bat than the first day and that happens only in Tests. To bat with slips, gully is a different feel," Mandhana said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sides meet in the first of three Twenty20s at the same venue on Thursday (October 7). "We just have three days before the T20s. Rest for a day and get back to business with the T20s coming up," Indian batter further added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana has rated her stunning 127-run knock against Australia in the one-off Pink Ball Test as one of the top three after the match ended in a draw at the Carrara Oval on Sunday (October 3), giving both teams two points each.

Indian cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana has rated her stunning 127-run knock against Australia in the one-off Pink Ball Test as one of the top three after the match ended in a draw at the Carrara Oval on Sunday (October 3), giving both teams two points each. On Day 2 of the Test, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test. She was adjudged player of the match for her inspiring knock. After the match ended, Mandhana said, "It's definitely in the top three (the century). First time playing a day-night Test, really happy that I gave good pace to the team." "Most nervous night I have ever had - after the first day. Lucky with that no-ball on 80. That sort of cleared my mind after that. To wear whites and go into the field is the top-most thing," she said. ALSO READ | ISSF Junior World Championship: Manu Bhaker shines as four golds take India to top of medal standings On the final day of the match, Australia's Ellyse Perry (68 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (51) helped Australia save the follow-on, with captain Meg Lanning declaring on 241-9 and handing India a 136-run lead in the hope of forcing a result. In response to Australia, Mandhana (31) and Shafali Verma (52) impressed again as they propelled the touring side to 135-3, setting Australia 271 to chase with 32 overs left in the match. Smriti Mandhana - first Indian women cricketer to score a Pink Ball Test ton. What a knock, what a class. pic.twitter.com/9K5Y4bXExB — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 1, 2021 × However, Australia could reach only 36-2 in 15 overs before both captains shook hands for a draw. "Different situation today to bat than the first day and that happens only in Tests. To bat with slips, gully is a different feel," Mandhana said. The sides meet in the first of three Twenty20s at the same venue on Thursday (October 7). "We just have three days before the T20s. Rest for a day and get back to business with the T20s coming up," Indian batter further added.

Pink ball Test: India's Smriti Mandhana rates her stunning 127-run knock in as 'top three' against Australia

<p>All-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first Australian woman to take 300 international wickets during a pink-ball Test match against India on the Gold Coast on Saturday (October 02). Perry dismissed India's Pooja Vastrakar (13) off the third delivery of the 143rd over just before the umpires called for dinner break on day three of the four-day Test to reach the milestone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perry is currently third on the list of women with the most wickets, behind India's Jhulan Goswami (337) and England's Katherine Brunt (301).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-can-beat-india-waqar-younis-makes-bold-prediction-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-clash-417661">Pakistan can beat India: Waqar Younis makes bold prediction ahead of T20 World Cup clash</a></strong></p>

<p>In ODIs, Perry has scored 3,135 runs along with 152 wickets. While in the shortest format, the all-rounder has 1,243 runs along with 115 wickets.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old is also the first woman with the double of 5000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THERE IT IS 💫<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Ellyse Perry for taking 300 international wickets! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/pxUiXmUjbe">pic.twitter.com/pxUiXmUjbe</a></p>
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusWomenCricket/status/1444188395387822083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>During the match, Australia's score read 143/4 after 60 overs in their first innings —&nbsp;trailing the visitors by 234 runs with six wickets in the bag at stumps.</p>

<p>Perry and Ashleigh Gardner were unbeaten on 27 and 13 respectively. The Aussies are still 85 runs behind the follow-on target.</p>

<p>For India, Jhulan scalped the wickets of both Aussie openers — Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That's stumps on day 3!<br />
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Ellyse Perry (27*) and Ash Gardner (13*) looked steady and we trail India by 234 runs.<br />
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Scorecard: <a href="https://t.co/L292GHhVNS">https://t.co/L292GHhVNS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Usgn6XBQ6h">pic.twitter.com/Usgn6XBQ6h</a></p>
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusWomenCricket/status/1444273167661297664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, resuming the second session on 359/7, Stella Campbell trapped Deepti Sharma in front as the Indian walked back after scoring 66 off 167 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a very entertaining 15 balls in the second session, Mithali Raj declared India's first innings at&nbsp;377.&nbsp;</p>


All-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first Australian woman to take 300 international wickets during a pink-ball Test match against India on the Gold Coast on Saturday (October 02).

All-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first Australian woman to take 300 international wickets during a pink-ball Test match against India on the Gold Coast on Saturday (October 02). Perry dismissed India's Pooja Vastrakar (13) off the third delivery of the 143rd over just before the umpires called for dinner break on day three of the four-day Test to reach the milestone. Perry is currently third on the list of women with the most wickets, behind India's Jhulan Goswami (337) and England's Katherine Brunt (301). ALSO READ | Pakistan can beat India: Waqar Younis makes bold prediction ahead of T20 World Cup clash In ODIs, Perry has scored 3,135 runs along with 152 wickets. While in the shortest format, the all-rounder has 1,243 runs along with 115 wickets. The 30-year-old is also the first woman with the double of 5000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket. THERE IT IS 💫 Congratulations to Ellyse Perry for taking 300 international wickets! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/pxUiXmUjbe — Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 2, 2021 × During the match, Australia's score read 143/4 after 60 overs in their first innings — trailing the visitors by 234 runs with six wickets in the bag at stumps. Perry and Ashleigh Gardner were unbeaten on 27 and 13 respectively. The Aussies are still 85 runs behind the follow-on target. For India, Jhulan scalped the wickets of both Aussie openers — Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy. That's stumps on day 3! Ellyse Perry (27*) and Ash Gardner (13*) looked steady and we trail India by 234 runs. Scorecard: https://t.co/L292GHhVNS #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Usgn6XBQ6h — Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 2, 2021 × Earlier, resuming the second session on 359/7, Stella Campbell trapped Deepti Sharma in front as the Indian walked back after scoring 66 off 167 balls. After a very entertaining 15 balls in the second session, Mithali Raj declared India's first innings at 377.

All-rounder Ellyse Perry becomes first Australian woman to pick up 300 wickets

<p>India's Punam Raut walked off the pitch despite being given not-out in the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Australia on Friday. The incident happened during Day 2 off the historic one-off Test match when Australia appealed for a caught behind after Raut edged one to the wicket-keeper.</p>

<p>However, the umpire Phillip Gillespie remained unaffected and did not raise his finger. But Raut decided to walk towards the dressing room immediately after Australia's appeal. Her act once again triggered the 'spirit of cricket' debate on social media.</p>

<p>The Aussie players were left surprised with Raut's decision to walk away despite the decision being in her favour. The incident took place in the 81st over of India's innings when Raut edged one from Sophie Molineux and was caught by Alyssa Healy behind the stumps. BCCI women's handle shared the video of the incident on Twitter as fans applauded Raut for her decision.</p>

<p><strong>Watch video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI: A caught-behind appeal was declared Not Out by the umpire, but Punam Raut opted to walk. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a><a href="https://t.co/6xrofu5AVs">pic.twitter.com/6xrofu5AVs</a></p>
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen/status/1443840394324676612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raut's act brought an end to her 23-run stand with captain Mithali Raj. The right-hander scored 36 runs off 165 balls and added a crucial stand of 102 runs for the second wicket with opener Smriti Mandhana, who notched up her maiden Test century at the &nbsp;Carrara Oval in Queensland.</p>

<p>Mandhana scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test match and helped India post 276/5 on the board at stumps on Day 2. Deepti Sharma (12) and Taniya Bhatia (0) will resume India's innings on Day 3 of the Test match and will look to help the team cross the 300-run mark in the first session.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India's Punam Raut walked off the pitch despite being given not-out in the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Australia on Friday. The incident happened during Day 2 off the historic one-off Test match when Australia appealed for a caught behind after Raut edged one to the wicket-keeper.

India's Punam Raut walked off the pitch despite being given not-out in the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Australia on Friday. The incident happened during Day 2 off the historic one-off Test match when Australia appealed for a caught behind after Raut edged one to the wicket-keeper. However, the umpire Phillip Gillespie remained unaffected and did not raise his finger. But Raut decided to walk towards the dressing room immediately after Australia's appeal. Her act once again triggered the 'spirit of cricket' debate on social media. The Aussie players were left surprised with Raut's decision to walk away despite the decision being in her favour. The incident took place in the 81st over of India's innings when Raut edged one from Sophie Molineux and was caught by Alyssa Healy behind the stumps. BCCI women's handle shared the video of the incident on Twitter as fans applauded Raut for her decision. Watch video: ICYMI: A caught-behind appeal was declared Not Out by the umpire, but Punam Raut opted to walk. #AUSvIND #TeamIndiapic.twitter.com/6xrofu5AVs — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 1, 2021 × Raut's act brought an end to her 23-run stand with captain Mithali Raj. The right-hander scored 36 runs off 165 balls and added a crucial stand of 102 runs for the second wicket with opener Smriti Mandhana, who notched up her maiden Test century at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. Mandhana scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball Test match and helped India post 276/5 on the board at stumps on Day 2. Deepti Sharma (12) and Taniya Bhatia (0) will resume India's innings on Day 3 of the Test match and will look to help the team cross the 300-run mark in the first session.

India's Punam Raut walks off despite being given not-out in Pink-ball Test against Australia - WATCH

<p>In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions. The pink ball tends to skid more and it moves a lot under lights, and hence it would be interesting to see how the opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adjust to the conditions.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj`s side will enter the Test with some momentum behind them as they were able to break Australia`s 26-match unbeaten run in ODIs after defeating the hosts in the final ODI by two wickets. Earlier this year, India had played their first Test in almost seven years, and owing to heroics by Sneh Rana, Mithali`s side was able to walk away with a famous draw. India and Australia had last played a Test in 2006 and 15 years later, both sides now find themselves on the cusp of playing a Test under lights. Australia has a potent pace attack and they are likely to trouble the Indian batters so it would be interesting to see whether the visiting camp has it in them to grind it out and play out a few tough hours on the pitch.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet Kaur had missed the ODI series due to an injury and it is not known whether she will play the Test or not. So in absence of an experienced middle-order, Mithali Raj once again holds the key. Deepti Sharma performed nicely in the Test against England, and hence she would look to continue with her form in the longest format.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jhulan-goswami-climbs-to-second-spot-in-latest-icc-odi-bowling-rankings-416601">Jhulan Goswami climbs to second spot in latest ICC ODI bowling rankings</a></strong></p>

<p>Jhulan Goswami is coming off a Player of the Match performance in the third ODI so she would enter the pink-ball contest with high confidence and it needs to be seen whether the likes of Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Shikha Pandey are able to provide her with desired support at the other end.</p>

<p><strong>Australia squad: </strong>Meg Lanning (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.</p>

<p><strong>India Test and ODI squad: </strong>Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Ekta Bisht.</p>


In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions.

In a historic first, India women will play their first-ever pink-ball Test against Australia, beginning Thursday and the focus remains on how the batters will adjust to the moving ball in twilight conditions. The pink ball tends to skid more and it moves a lot under lights, and hence it would be interesting to see how the opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adjust to the conditions. Mithali Raj`s side will enter the Test with some momentum behind them as they were able to break Australia`s 26-match unbeaten run in ODIs after defeating the hosts in the final ODI by two wickets. Earlier this year, India had played their first Test in almost seven years, and owing to heroics by Sneh Rana, Mithali`s side was able to walk away with a famous draw. India and Australia had last played a Test in 2006 and 15 years later, both sides now find themselves on the cusp of playing a Test under lights. Australia has a potent pace attack and they are likely to trouble the Indian batters so it would be interesting to see whether the visiting camp has it in them to grind it out and play out a few tough hours on the pitch. Harmanpreet Kaur had missed the ODI series due to an injury and it is not known whether she will play the Test or not. So in absence of an experienced middle-order, Mithali Raj once again holds the key. Deepti Sharma performed nicely in the Test against England, and hence she would look to continue with her form in the longest format. ALSO READ | Jhulan Goswami climbs to second spot in latest ICC ODI bowling rankings Jhulan Goswami is coming off a Player of the Match performance in the third ODI so she would enter the pink-ball contest with high confidence and it needs to be seen whether the likes of Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Shikha Pandey are able to provide her with desired support at the other end. Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham. India Test and ODI squad: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Yastika Bhatia, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Shikha Pandey, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Ekta Bisht.

Aus W vs Ind W: Focus on Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj as visitors gear up for first pink-ball Test

<p>Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday. With this defeat, Australia`s unbeaten 26-match run in ODI cricket came to an end. However, the hosts won the three-match ODI series by 2-1.</p>

<p>Chasing 265, India got off to a steady start as opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 59 runs for the opening wicket. However, the stand did not last long as Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Mandhana (22) in the 11th over. Yastika Bhatia next joined Shafali in the middle and the duo did not let the momentum drop for the visitors.</p>

<p>Yastika was the aggressor of the two, while Shafali played the second fiddle. Both batters brought up their respective half-centuries as India was poised well in their chase at 153/1 by the end of the 28th over. A 101-run stand for the second wicket came to an end in the 30th over as Sophie Molineux bowled Shafali (56).Richa Ghosh (0) and Bhatia (64) fell shortly after and India was reduced to 180/4, still needing 85 runs to win from 96 balls.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj (16) and Pooja Vastrakar (3) departed in quick succession, and the hopes of India`s victory rested on Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana`s shoulders. Deepti was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 31 runs, but Sneh Rana kept India in the game.</p>

<p>However, the right-hander was dismissed in the penultimate over after playing a knock of 30 runs and India needed 4 runs from the final over to register a win. Jhulan Goswami (8*) showed her experience to finally take the visitors over the line. Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney played knocks of 67 and 52 respectively as Australia posted a total of 264/9.</p>

<p>Opting to bat, opening batters Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy put on 41 runs for the opening wicket, but this stand was broken in the ninth over as Jhulan Goswami dismissed Haynes (13).</p>

<p>Indian bowlers then managed to get on top of Australia as Meg Lanning (0), Healy (35), and Ellyse Perry (26) departed in a matter of few overs and the hosts were reduced to 87/4 in the 25th over.</p>

<p>Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner then got together at the crease and both helped the hosts in retrieving the innings. Both batters went past their respective 50-run mark and put up a fifth-wicket stand of 98 runs. India was finally able to break the partnership in the 40th over as Sneh Rana got the better of Mooney (52), reducing Australia to 185/5.</p>

<p>Gardner (67) was eventually sent back to the pavilion by Pooja Vastrakar in the 45th over and hopes of Australia reaching a score of more than 250 relied heavily on Tahlia McGrath. In the end, McGrath did not disappoint scoring 47 off just 32 balls, helping the hosts post a score of more than the 260-run mark. For India, Jhulan and Pooja scalped three wickets each.</p>

<p><strong>Brief Scores:</strong> Australia 264/9 (Ashleigh Gardner 67, Beth Mooney 52; Jhulan Goswami 3-37) vs India 266/8 (Yastika Bhatia 64, Shafali Verma 56, Annabel Sutherland 3-30).</p>


Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday.

Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma played knocks of 64 and 56 respectively as India defeated Australia by two wickets in the third and final ODI here at the Harrup Park on Sunday. With this defeat, Australia`s unbeaten 26-match run in ODI cricket came to an end. However, the hosts won the three-match ODI series by 2-1. Chasing 265, India got off to a steady start as opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 59 runs for the opening wicket. However, the stand did not last long as Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Mandhana (22) in the 11th over. Yastika Bhatia next joined Shafali in the middle and the duo did not let the momentum drop for the visitors. Yastika was the aggressor of the two, while Shafali played the second fiddle. Both batters brought up their respective half-centuries as India was poised well in their chase at 153/1 by the end of the 28th over. A 101-run stand for the second wicket came to an end in the 30th over as Sophie Molineux bowled Shafali (56).Richa Ghosh (0) and Bhatia (64) fell shortly after and India was reduced to 180/4, still needing 85 runs to win from 96 balls. Mithali Raj (16) and Pooja Vastrakar (3) departed in quick succession, and the hopes of India`s victory rested on Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana`s shoulders. Deepti was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 31 runs, but Sneh Rana kept India in the game. However, the right-hander was dismissed in the penultimate over after playing a knock of 30 runs and India needed 4 runs from the final over to register a win. Jhulan Goswami (8*) showed her experience to finally take the visitors over the line. Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney played knocks of 67 and 52 respectively as Australia posted a total of 264/9. Opting to bat, opening batters Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy put on 41 runs for the opening wicket, but this stand was broken in the ninth over as Jhulan Goswami dismissed Haynes (13). Indian bowlers then managed to get on top of Australia as Meg Lanning (0), Healy (35), and Ellyse Perry (26) departed in a matter of few overs and the hosts were reduced to 87/4 in the 25th over. Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner then got together at the crease and both helped the hosts in retrieving the innings. Both batters went past their respective 50-run mark and put up a fifth-wicket stand of 98 runs. India was finally able to break the partnership in the 40th over as Sneh Rana got the better of Mooney (52), reducing Australia to 185/5. Gardner (67) was eventually sent back to the pavilion by Pooja Vastrakar in the 45th over and hopes of Australia reaching a score of more than 250 relied heavily on Tahlia McGrath. In the end, McGrath did not disappoint scoring 47 off just 32 balls, helping the hosts post a score of more than the 260-run mark. For India, Jhulan and Pooja scalped three wickets each. Brief Scores: Australia 264/9 (Ashleigh Gardner 67, Beth Mooney 52; Jhulan Goswami 3-37) vs India 266/8 (Yastika Bhatia 64, Shafali Verma 56, Annabel Sutherland 3-30).

Shafali, Yastika and Sneh shine as India end Australia's unbeaten 26-match run in ODIs

<p>India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli &amp; Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the duo's absence, Australia had enough firepower in their bowling line-up whereas they also had some reliable batters in the series. Nonetheless, Kohli-led India moved past the Aussies to win the series 2-1 and create history. During the course of the series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a scintillating hundred in the second Test, at Perth, but won accolades mainly for his captaincy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the series, when Kohli was preparing to go out and bat, he was wished 'all the best' by a little fan in the stands in the most adorable way. The right-hander didn't disappoint his young fan and responded with a thumbs-up as well. Here's the throwback video from the 2018 series -</p>

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<p>After the 2018 tour, India once again managed to stun Australia in their own backyard when they played the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy; winning the series 2-1 without Kohli (who left after the series opener). Both sides will meet once again for the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but this time it will be held in India in late 2022.</p>


India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli & Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga.

India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli & Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga. Despite the duo's absence, Australia had enough firepower in their bowling line-up whereas they also had some reliable batters in the series. Nonetheless, Kohli-led India moved past the Aussies to win the series 2-1 and create history. During the course of the series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a scintillating hundred in the second Test, at Perth, but won accolades mainly for his captaincy. During the series, when Kohli was preparing to go out and bat, he was wished 'all the best' by a little fan in the stands in the most adorable way. The right-hander didn't disappoint his young fan and responded with a thumbs-up as well. Here's the throwback video from the 2018 series - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cricket bloggers (@_cricblog_) × After the 2018 tour, India once again managed to stun Australia in their own backyard when they played the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy; winning the series 2-1 without Kohli (who left after the series opener). Both sides will meet once again for the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but this time it will be held in India in late 2022.

Adorable! When Indian skipper Virat Kohli responded to little fan's 'All the best' during Australia Tests in 2018 - watch

<p>Alyssa Healy, the opening batter of the Australian women's cricket team wants to replicate sensational batsman of the Indian men's cricket team Rohit Sharma to achieve success across all the formats of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking about how modern Test cricket has changed quite a lot over the period of time, Alyssa said she watches a lot of men's cricket and mentioned Rohit Sharma, who according to her is "one of the most devastating white-ball batters".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-welcomes-fans-back-to-stadiums-as-tournament-set-to-resume-on-september-19-413244">IPL 2021 welcomes fans back to stadiums as tournament set to resume on September 19</a></strong></p>

<p>"I look at the modern Test game and see how it's changed quite a lot. I watch a lot of the men's cricket and I look at someone like Rohit Sharma who is one of the most devastating white-ball batters in the world and yet he's a really successful opener in Test cricket," Healy said at a Fox Cricket launch event as reported by ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So for me, I said look at somebody like him and think about how he translates those skills across all the formats, could I potentially replicate that somehow," she added.</p>

<p>Australia will be locking horns against India in a multi-format series, comprising three ODIs, one-off day-night Test and three T20Is. The first ODI will be played on September 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/makes-it-so-challenging-you-can-never-get-used-to-this-indian-bowling-attack-says-dawid-malan-413237">'Makes it so challenging': You can never get used to this Indian bowling attack, says Dawid Malan</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's a tricky one because I've only played four Tests so I wouldn't say I'm overly comfortable with how to play or how to approach a Test. From my point of view, I don't think it's going to change too much from my one-day international batting. I think the ability to give yourself more time is such a blessing," Healy said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About the much-awaited series aginst India, Healy said: "Sometimes a bit of the unknown and the unpredictable nature of India makes them incredibly dangerous."</p>

<p>They've picked a few new players that we haven't seen before on this tour. So they always love throwing something new at us, even if it is Poonam Yadav, she always has something new to throw at us, just to kick us off track again," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alyssa Healy, the opening batter of the Australian women's cricket team wants to replicate sensational batsman of the Indian men's cricket team Rohit Sharma to achieve success across all the formats of the game.

Alyssa Healy, the opening batter of the Australian women's cricket team wants to replicate sensational batsman of the Indian men's cricket team Rohit Sharma to achieve success across all the formats of the game. While talking about how modern Test cricket has changed quite a lot over the period of time, Alyssa said she watches a lot of men's cricket and mentioned Rohit Sharma, who according to her is "one of the most devastating white-ball batters". ALSO READ | IPL 2021 welcomes fans back to stadiums as tournament set to resume on September 19 "I look at the modern Test game and see how it's changed quite a lot. I watch a lot of the men's cricket and I look at someone like Rohit Sharma who is one of the most devastating white-ball batters in the world and yet he's a really successful opener in Test cricket," Healy said at a Fox Cricket launch event as reported by ESPNcricinfo. "So for me, I said look at somebody like him and think about how he translates those skills across all the formats, could I potentially replicate that somehow," she added. Australia will be locking horns against India in a multi-format series, comprising three ODIs, one-off day-night Test and three T20Is. The first ODI will be played on September 21. ALSO READ | 'Makes it so challenging': You can never get used to this Indian bowling attack, says Dawid Malan "It's a tricky one because I've only played four Tests so I wouldn't say I'm overly comfortable with how to play or how to approach a Test. From my point of view, I don't think it's going to change too much from my one-day international batting. I think the ability to give yourself more time is such a blessing," Healy said. About the much-awaited series aginst India, Healy said: "Sometimes a bit of the unknown and the unpredictable nature of India makes them incredibly dangerous." They've picked a few new players that we haven't seen before on this tour. So they always love throwing something new at us, even if it is Poonam Yadav, she always has something new to throw at us, just to kick us off track again," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's Alyssa Healy wants to 'replicate' Rohit Sharma to achieve success in all formats