Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better.

As cricket slowly gets back into action after coronavirus suspensions, India are slated to tour Australia for four Test matches in December-January in what is set to be a highlight of the year.

Warner, a lynchpin of Australia's batting attack, said he is looking forward to the confrontation but that he will steer clear of taunting India's captain.

"I thrive on the crowd, I thrive on people sort of going at me in the field. And getting into that battle," Warner told India Today television.

"I think Virat is quite similar, if you go a little bit at Virat he comes out harder with the bat and he plays amazing. We have seen that time and time again.

"There is no point in actually trying to poke the bear because at the end of the day if you do that it just fires up the person a bit more."

Last year India claimed their first Test series win in Australia after 71 years of trying.

Warner, who along with Steve Smith missed the series while they served a ball-tampering ban, said Australia are much better prepared this time.

"It's a much-anticipated return to Australia for India. I am excited, one to be selected and to be a part of that. Last time we were not bad but were beaten by a good team and their bowling was relentless," said Warner.

"Now, India has got the best batting line-up and our bowlers will like to target them."

Warner said he's also keen to play the lucrative Indian Premier League if the International Cricket Council postpones the T20 World Cup, scheduled to start October 18 in Australia.

The fate of the T20 showpiece will be decided next month and if the World Cup is sidelined, the delayed IPL could take its place. Cricket Australia has admitted the World Cup looks "unrealistic" this year as the pandemic lingers.

Warner, who is captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, said quarantine rules for foreigners entering Australia was one of many problems for the World Cup.

"The challenges around getting every single nation that participates in the World Cup into Australia, given the fact that we have the quarantine for 14 days... we have to obviously abide by those rules and obviously we await the decision from the ICC," Warner said.

He added: "I am definitely sure and positive that we (Australian players) will be able to come and play in the IPL if that replaces the World Cup schedule."

Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better.

Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better. As cricket slowly gets back into action after coronavirus suspensions, India are slated to tour Australia for four Test matches in December-January in what is set to be a highlight of the year. Warner, a lynchpin of Australia's batting attack, said he is looking forward to the confrontation but that he will steer clear of taunting India's captain. "I thrive on the crowd, I thrive on people sort of going at me in the field. And getting into that battle," Warner told India Today television. "I think Virat is quite similar, if you go a little bit at Virat he comes out harder with the bat and he plays amazing. We have seen that time and time again. "There is no point in actually trying to poke the bear because at the end of the day if you do that it just fires up the person a bit more." Last year India claimed their first Test series win in Australia after 71 years of trying. Warner, who along with Steve Smith missed the series while they served a ball-tampering ban, said Australia are much better prepared this time. "It's a much-anticipated return to Australia for India. I am excited, one to be selected and to be a part of that. Last time we were not bad but were beaten by a good team and their bowling was relentless," said Warner. "Now, India has got the best batting line-up and our bowlers will like to target them." Warner said he's also keen to play the lucrative Indian Premier League if the International Cricket Council postpones the T20 World Cup, scheduled to start October 18 in Australia. The fate of the T20 showpiece will be decided next month and if the World Cup is sidelined, the delayed IPL could take its place. Cricket Australia has admitted the World Cup looks "unrealistic" this year as the pandemic lingers. Warner, who is captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, said quarantine rules for foreigners entering Australia was one of many problems for the World Cup. "The challenges around getting every single nation that participates in the World Cup into Australia, given the fact that we have the quarantine for 14 days... we have to obviously abide by those rules and obviously we await the decision from the ICC," Warner said. He added: "I am definitely sure and positive that we (Australian players) will be able to come and play in the IPL if that replaces the World Cup schedule."

Don't 'poke the bear' - Warner says Aussies shouldn't sledge Kohli

Cricket Australia (CA) has locked in the hosts for the four-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against India later in the year with Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney gearing up to host the Virat Kohli-led outfit.&nbsp;

The four-match Test series between India and Australia will commence at the Gabba, on December 3, where the Baggy Greens haven’t lost a Test since 1988.

Following the series opener, India will head to Adelaide in a bid to end Australia’s unbeaten record in day-night Tests at the iconic venue, as per a report.&nbsp;Interestingly, Perth has been omitted from the list of venues and the series will consist of just one day-night match.

The monumental Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will then host India for the traditional boxing Day Test before both the teams move to Sydney for the New year Test.

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is improving in Australia, it is possible that the tour could go without the quarantine hub. However, it is yet unclear whether fans will be allowed to witness the much-awaited series.&nbsp;

India have agreed to play the pink-ball Test with Kohli looking to prove that his side can win in Australian conditions.&nbsp;

The last time India toured Australia for a Test series, the Kohli-led side came victorious with a 2-1 series triumph against the Baggy Greens, who were missing Steve Smith and David Warner due to their ban for involvement in sandpaper-gate in South Africa.

Cricket Australia (CA) has locked in the hosts for the four-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against India later in the year with Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney gearing up to host the Virat Kohli-led outfit.

Cricket Australia (CA) has locked in the hosts for the four-match Border-Gavaskar Test series against India later in the year with Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney gearing up to host the Virat Kohli-led outfit. The four-match Test series between India and Australia will commence at the Gabba, on December 3, where the Baggy Greens haven’t lost a Test since 1988. Following the series opener, India will head to Adelaide in a bid to end Australia’s unbeaten record in day-night Tests at the iconic venue, as per a report. Interestingly, Perth has been omitted from the list of venues and the series will consist of just one day-night match. The monumental Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will then host India for the traditional boxing Day Test before both the teams move to Sydney for the New year Test. As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is improving in Australia, it is possible that the tour could go without the quarantine hub. However, it is yet unclear whether fans will be allowed to witness the much-awaited series. India have agreed to play the pink-ball Test with Kohli looking to prove that his side can win in Australian conditions. The last time India toured Australia for a Test series, the Kohli-led side came victorious with a 2-1 series triumph against the Baggy Greens, who were missing Steve Smith and David Warner due to their ban for involvement in sandpaper-gate in South Africa.

India set for Border-Gavaskar trophy defense as Cricket Australia locks in Test venues; Tour to commence from December 3

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board.

As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series.&nbsp;

Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket.&nbsp;

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“There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily.

While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar.&nbsp;

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However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series.

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board. As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series. Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket. ALSO READ: "I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami “There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily. While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar. ALSO READ: "I too feel the pressure": MS Dhoni opens up on the issue of mental health However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

Team India ready for two-week quarantine phase before Australia Test series: BCCI official

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus.&nbsp; 
Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well.

"I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead.

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"... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday.

Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament.&nbsp;

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"We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead."

While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors. Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus. Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well. "I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead. ALSO READ: "Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic" "... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday. Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal "We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead." While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Would love to see T20 World Cup go ahead, Ind-Aus series played: Australia Sports Minister Richard Colbeck

With COVID-19 pandemic wiping out the entire sporting calendar, sports bodies have been subjected to massive losses due to series and tournaments getting cancelled or postponed. Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts on Tuesday said that the four-match Test series between Australia and India, scheduled to be played later in 2020, could be extended to a five-match series with the entire rubber to be possibly played at a single venue.&nbsp;

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has reacted to the proposal while stating the Indian cricket board hasn’t given it a thought yet as Australia is in lockdown until the end of September. The official added that they will see how CA plans to organize the ICC T20 World Cup and depending on that, the bilateral series between India and Australia will be planned out.&nbsp;

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“We haven’t given it a thought as yet. We have a World Cup and Australia is in lockdown (the country has closed its borders to all foreigners for six months) until the end of September. We have to see how they go for that (T20 World Cup). Depending on that, the bilateral series will be worked out," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by a leading daily.

Earlier, Roberts had said that CA is trying their best while exploring all viable options for the T20 World Cup and the bilateral series against India. Roberts added that they are ruling out the possibility of playing a five-match Test series against India at the same venue.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-australia-can-swap-hosting-t20-world-cup-in-2020-and-2021-suggests-sunil-gavaskar-293805" hreflang="en">India-Australia can swap hosting T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2021, suggests Sunil Gavaskar</a>

“Whether or not there are people at the venue or not; we will explore all viable options. Fortunately, we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we are not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time,” Roberts said about India vs Australia Test series which could see them make up some of the losses. 
&nbsp;

With COVID-19 pandemic wiping out the entire sporting calendar, sports bodies have been subjected to massive losses due to series and tournaments getting cancelled or postponed.

With COVID-19 pandemic wiping out the entire sporting calendar, sports bodies have been subjected to massive losses due to series and tournaments getting cancelled or postponed. Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts on Tuesday said that the four-match Test series between Australia and India, scheduled to be played later in 2020, could be extended to a five-match series with the entire rubber to be possibly played at a single venue. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has reacted to the proposal while stating the Indian cricket board hasn’t given it a thought yet as Australia is in lockdown until the end of September. The official added that they will see how CA plans to organize the ICC T20 World Cup and depending on that, the bilateral series between India and Australia will be planned out. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Cricket is just not a sport for me, it is what I live for' - Smriti Mandhana opens up on her love for the game, rapport with Jemimah and much more “We haven’t given it a thought as yet. We have a World Cup and Australia is in lockdown (the country has closed its borders to all foreigners for six months) until the end of September. We have to see how they go for that (T20 World Cup). Depending on that, the bilateral series will be worked out," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by a leading daily. Earlier, Roberts had said that CA is trying their best while exploring all viable options for the T20 World Cup and the bilateral series against India. Roberts added that they are ruling out the possibility of playing a five-match Test series against India at the same venue. ALSO READ: India-Australia can swap hosting T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2021, suggests Sunil Gavaskar “Whether or not there are people at the venue or not; we will explore all viable options. Fortunately, we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we are not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time,” Roberts said about India vs Australia Test series which could see them make up some of the losses.

'We have to see how...' - BCCI reacts to Cricket Australia's proposal of hosting 5-Test series at single venue

Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned. CA chief executive Kevin Roberts has predicted losses to the tune of “hundreds of millions of dollars” if Virat Kohli-led Team India can’t tour Down Under.&nbsp;

Roberts further said an additional Test in the already scheduled four-match Test series, is an option with the entire rubber being played in one city at a stadium without any spectators. He further said that revenue from an ICC event is “very important” for all other counterparts around the cricket world and hence they will do “everything possible to stage and host the &nbsp;T20 World Cup”.

“We might not generate financial returns from that event that are as significant as the international cricket season (in Australia),” Roberts told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday.

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“But what we do know is that the bigger returns from the broadcast rights around the event that are generated by the ICC are very important to all of our counterparts around the cricket world.

“So it’s incumbent on us to do everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup.”

CA has already stood down the majority of its staff and warned players of pay cuts after suffering $20 million hit due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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“If you contemplate the prospect of the international season, in particular, being affected, we have an issue of hundreds of millions of dollars on our hands,” Roberts said.

“So it’s very important that ... we do everything possible to stage the season.”

&nbsp;“Whether or not there’s people at the venue or not ... we will explore all viable options,” Roberts said.

“Fortunately we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we’re not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time.”

Roberts further defended CA’s stance on standing down the majority of its staff on around 20 per cent of their usual pay for the rest of the financial year. Interestingly, CA had signed a broadcast deal worth $1.2 billion in 2018.&nbsp;

“On one level, cricket is fortunate in terms of the time of year when the coronavirus situation hit,” Roberts said while adding, “on another level, cricket is unfortunate in that it has hit us at the lowest point of our four-year cash cycle.”

“We were completely on track with our plan for the year until coronavirus hit,” Roberts said.

“The unfortunate reality of that is we’re estimating that we have taken a $20m impact thus far.

“And we have to anticipate, given the unknown and fast-moving nature of this situation, that there will be more risks than that $20m.”

 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned.

Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned. CA chief executive Kevin Roberts has predicted losses to the tune of “hundreds of millions of dollars” if Virat Kohli-led Team India can’t tour Down Under. Roberts further said an additional Test in the already scheduled four-match Test series, is an option with the entire rubber being played in one city at a stadium without any spectators. He further said that revenue from an ICC event is “very important” for all other counterparts around the cricket world and hence they will do “everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup”. “We might not generate financial returns from that event that are as significant as the international cricket season (in Australia),” Roberts told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday. ALSO READ: 'The situation is very bad, tricky': Shoaib Akhtar predicts no cricket for next one year “But what we do know is that the bigger returns from the broadcast rights around the event that are generated by the ICC are very important to all of our counterparts around the cricket world. “So it’s incumbent on us to do everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup.” CA has already stood down the majority of its staff and warned players of pay cuts after suffering $20 million hit due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Umar Akmal summoned as disciplinary panel sets hearing for April 27 “If you contemplate the prospect of the international season, in particular, being affected, we have an issue of hundreds of millions of dollars on our hands,” Roberts said. “So it’s very important that ... we do everything possible to stage the season.” “Whether or not there’s people at the venue or not ... we will explore all viable options,” Roberts said. “Fortunately we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we’re not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time.” Roberts further defended CA’s stance on standing down the majority of its staff on around 20 per cent of their usual pay for the rest of the financial year. Interestingly, CA had signed a broadcast deal worth $1.2 billion in 2018. “On one level, cricket is fortunate in terms of the time of year when the coronavirus situation hit,” Roberts said while adding, “on another level, cricket is unfortunate in that it has hit us at the lowest point of our four-year cash cycle.” “We were completely on track with our plan for the year until coronavirus hit,” Roberts said. “The unfortunate reality of that is we’re estimating that we have taken a $20m impact thus far. “And we have to anticipate, given the unknown and fast-moving nature of this situation, that there will be more risks than that $20m.”

Cricket Australia fears losing 'hundreds of millions' if India's tour Down Under gets affected by COVID-19

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed.&nbsp;

Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a>

"I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.”

"Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said.

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Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team.

"Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.” 
&nbsp;

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed. Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 "I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.” "Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team. "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”

Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs in finals of the tri-nation women's T20 series in Melbourne on Wednesday and clinched the series win. What a spell that was from Jess Jonassen to power Australia to victory in the tri-series final over India 👏 pic.

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs in finals of the tri-nation women's T20 series in Melbourne on Wednesday and clinched the series win. What a spell that was from Jess Jonassen to power Australia to victory in the tri-series final over India 👏 pic.twitter.com/RHwbPIluFa — ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2020 × Indian opener Smriti Mandhana's quickfire 66 runs off 37 balls was overpowered by Australian spinner Jess Jonassen's five-wicket haul which helped Australia defend a challenging total. Australia won the toss and chose to bat. Beth Mooney scored the most for the team (71 runs). Australia made good use of the last over. India's Rajeshwari Gayakwad conceded 19 runs in the final over. Australia have reduced India to 69/3 at the halfway mark, with Tayla Vlaeminck claiming two key wickets! Can India fight back? Follow #AUSvIND 👉 https://t.co/cocffiMMUe pic.twitter.com/15THXQbxTD — ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2020 × Indian women's Smriti Mandhana scored the most for India, at one point India was 115 for the loss of 3 wickets in the 15th over, but after Smriti Mandhana and Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur wickets in consecutive overs shattered the Indian hopes. India was all-out on144 runs in 20 overs. Jess Jonassen was adjudged the Player of the match after her match deciding five-wicket haul. Beth Mooney's fertile run-scoring performance earned her the Player of the Series. The Tri-nation series consisted of Australia, India and England. All the teams won and lost two matches. Playing XI: Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs to clinch Tri-nation T20 series

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-scores-most-runs-in-t20i-breaks-kohlis-record-259737">Rohit Sharma</a>, the opening right-handed batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-breaks-don-bradmans-71-year-old-record-257107">achieved the feat</a> of scoring 9,000 runs in the ongoing third ODI against Australia here at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Only Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have achieved the feat faster than Rohit.

<img alt="Rohit Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78f06cda-ad08-4079-93f2-a55aec174b47" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2842%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Rohit Sharma (Courtesy: ANI) ]

Sharma brought up the milestone in the first over of the Indian innings as he clipped Mitchell Starc away for a single. Apart from Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar have more than 9,000 runs in the 50-over format.

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Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket: 
 
January 2013: 2000 runs in 82 inns (The then 3rd slowest Indian) 
 
January 2020: 9000 runs in 217 inns (The 3rd fastest in the World)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a>
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) <a href="https://twitter.com/SampathStats/status/1218872376076558336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-breaks-record-for-scoring-most-runs-as-opener-in-calendar-year-269593">Rohit Sharma breaks record for scoring most runs as opener in calendar year</a>

Overall, 20 batsmen have more than 9,000 ODI runs to their name.

In the match between India and Australia, the former won the toss and elected to bat first. Steve Smith played a knock of 131 runs to propel Australia to 286/9 in the allotted fifty overs.

Rohit Sharma, the opening right-handed batsman achieved the feat of scoring 9,000 runs in the ongoing third ODI against Australia here at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Rohit Sharma, the opening right-handed batsman achieved the feat of scoring 9,000 runs in the ongoing third ODI against Australia here at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Only Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have achieved the feat faster than Rohit. [ Rohit Sharma (Courtesy: ANI) ] Sharma brought up the milestone in the first over of the Indian innings as he clipped Mitchell Starc away for a single. Apart from Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar have more than 9,000 runs in the 50-over format. Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket: January 2013: 2000 runs in 82 inns (The then 3rd slowest Indian) January 2020: 9000 runs in 217 inns (The 3rd fastest in the World)#INDvAUS — Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) January 19, 2020 × Also Read: Rohit Sharma breaks record for scoring most runs as opener in calendar year Overall, 20 batsmen have more than 9,000 ODI runs to their name. In the match between India and Australia, the former won the toss and elected to bat first. Steve Smith played a knock of 131 runs to propel Australia to 286/9 in the allotted fifty overs.

Rohit Sharma becomes the third-fastest batsman to register 9,000 ODI runs

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players. They will be looking forward to continuing the winning-run, whereas the Australians will be looking to make some amendments to get back on winning ways.&nbsp;

The men in blue are little sceptical about the top order batting today as Rohit Sharma faced a dislocated shoulder and Shikhar Dhawan not stepping into the field after being hit at the rib cages by Pat Cummins in the previous knock.

Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey despite being splendid fielders&nbsp;are yet to find form in with their bats and they should be key elements in the middle-order. India's middle-order at the moment completely relies on KL Rahul. &nbsp;KL Rahul's 80 was crucial for India's high score.&nbsp;

Indian bowlers&nbsp;could not get even a single&nbsp;in the first ODI and managed to bowl out the entire Australian team in the second ODI.

Virat Kohli's 78 after returning to his regular batting slot held the team together. He is looking forward to coming out on the same number in the decider. Chinnaswamy is home to Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore, the crowd will be expecting to bring up his record-breaking century today.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-panic-kohli-says-india-ready-for-australia-showdown-275111">Don't panic: Virat Kohli says India ready for Australia showdown</a>

KL Rahul will be lethal to Australia and crucial to team India, he is currently the torch-bearer of the middle order. He will be playing on his home ground.&nbsp;

Australia will be looking forward to being efficient with its bowling and consistent with the batting. They will be looking forward to finding depth in their batting lineup.&nbsp;

The Aussies conceded a mammoth of 340 runs, to which their reply was 304-all out. Australia just like India relies on its top order. Steve Smith missed his century by a whisker (98). Marnus Labuschagne did not dissappoint on his debut. The young lad scored 46 off 47 balls.&nbsp;

M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a small ground and the match is expected to be a high-scoring match. Bengaluru will see a cloud cover but no rain is predicted. Team batting second will be in a much favourable position.&nbsp;

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Australia return to Bengaluru tonight for a series-deciding ODI against India, buoyed by big victory they achieved at the same venue last year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki">https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1218700617532657664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are said to be recovered after inflicting injuries in the previous match. Rishabh Pant is expected to be a part of the playing XI, he might replace Manish Pandey or KL Rahul might continue the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team.&nbsp;

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey/Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Whereas the Aussies will look forward to replacing Kane Richardson with Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has just recovered from a hamstring injury. D'Arcy Short might be a replacement for Ashton Agar, this might strengthen the batting line-up.

Probable XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar/D'Arcy Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson/Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul(w), Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Srikar Bharat, Shivam Dube

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, D Arcy Short

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players.

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the finale of Australia's Tour of India. India's comeback in the second ODI will help reduce performance pressure on the players. They will be looking forward to continuing the winning-run, whereas the Australians will be looking to make some amendments to get back on winning ways. The men in blue are little sceptical about the top order batting today as Rohit Sharma faced a dislocated shoulder and Shikhar Dhawan not stepping into the field after being hit at the rib cages by Pat Cummins in the previous knock. Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey despite being splendid fielders are yet to find form in with their bats and they should be key elements in the middle-order. India's middle-order at the moment completely relies on KL Rahul. KL Rahul's 80 was crucial for India's high score. Indian bowlers could not get even a single in the first ODI and managed to bowl out the entire Australian team in the second ODI. Virat Kohli's 78 after returning to his regular batting slot held the team together. He is looking forward to coming out on the same number in the decider. Chinnaswamy is home to Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore, the crowd will be expecting to bring up his record-breaking century today. Also read- Don't panic: Virat Kohli says India ready for Australia showdown KL Rahul will be lethal to Australia and crucial to team India, he is currently the torch-bearer of the middle order. He will be playing on his home ground. Australia will be looking forward to being efficient with its bowling and consistent with the batting. They will be looking forward to finding depth in their batting lineup. The Aussies conceded a mammoth of 340 runs, to which their reply was 304-all out. Australia just like India relies on its top order. Steve Smith missed his century by a whisker (98). Marnus Labuschagne did not dissappoint on his debut. The young lad scored 46 off 47 balls. M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a small ground and the match is expected to be a high-scoring match. Bengaluru will see a cloud cover but no rain is predicted. Team batting second will be in a much favourable position. Australia return to Bengaluru tonight for a series-deciding ODI against India, buoyed by big victory they achieved at the same venue last year. #INDvAUS https://t.co/NoIuaTvNki — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2020 × Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are said to be recovered after inflicting injuries in the previous match. Rishabh Pant is expected to be a part of the playing XI, he might replace Manish Pandey or KL Rahul might continue the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team. Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey/Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah Whereas the Aussies will look forward to replacing Kane Richardson with Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has just recovered from a hamstring injury. D'Arcy Short might be a replacement for Ashton Agar, this might strengthen the batting line-up. Probable XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar/D'Arcy Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson/Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa Squads: India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul(w), Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Srikar Bharat, Shivam Dube Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, D Arcy Short

India vs Australia, 3rd ODI: After dominating display by each side, it comes down to decider

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven&nbsp;wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably.

Sharma, who also scored his first double-hundred in this ground, hit six sixes to score a stylish hundred that kept visitors at bay. Sharma and Kohli's 137-run partnership was broken by Adam Zampa when he sent back Sharma for 119 runs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-the-third-fastest-batsman-to-register-9000-odi-runs-275305">Rohit Sharma becomes the third-fastest batsman to register 9,000 ODI runs</a>

However, Shreyas Iyer did not allow Australia to bounce back and kept scoring at a strike rate over 100. Kohli and Iyer's fireworks snatched the match away from Aussies. Kohli was on course of another hundred but his plans were spoilt by Josh Hazlewood when he was clean-bowled on 89.

<img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c896373-e98b-40af-a7a6-59caebff3a15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sXgQR43d.jpg" />

(Virat Kohli completed 5000 runs as captain in this match | Courtesy: ICC)

Frontline Australian bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were brutally thrashed by Indian batsmen and both failed to claim any wicket. Spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa were only bowlers who restricted the run flow and ended up with figures of 1 for 38 runs and 1 for 44 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manish Pandey smashed Hazlewood for a boundary to finish off the proceedings. Iyer remained not out on 44 that included one six and six fours.&nbsp;

Sharma was awared player of the match award for his innings. Kohli grabbed the man of the series trophy for two valuable knocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, Australia won the toss and this time elected to bat first. Steve Smith once again carried on his impressive form and this time completed the three-figure mark which helped Australia post 286 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Bengaluru is known as a high-scoring venue but wickets at regular interval meant that the visitors were unable to put up an intimidating total.&nbsp;

Shami again proved his worth as he ended up with four wickets for 62 runs. Shami gave India its first breakthrough by dismissing Warner whose unbeaten ton in the first match cost India a humiliating loss. Skipper Aaron Finch was run out after getting a decent start.

Smith and Marnus Labuschagne's partnership was looking threatening but Ravindra Jadeja, like the last match ended their stand and&nbsp;dismissed Labuschagne on 54. In the same over, Jadeja also claimed Mitchell Starc's wicket, who was sent to provide an impetus to Australia's innings.&nbsp;

Indian pacers once again were effective in the death overs and their yorkers not only took wickets but stopped the run-flow.

However, Smith kept holding one end and got out in the 48th over.

Jadeja ended up with two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah, even though did not pick any wicket, but proved his worth at death by restricting the scoring.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably.

World's top-ranked ODI side thrashed Australia by seven wickets to claim the three-match series in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from the bat and Mohammed Shami with the bowl ensured that India won the three-match series comfortably. Sharma, who also scored his first double-hundred in this ground, hit six sixes to score a stylish hundred that kept visitors at bay. Sharma and Kohli's 137-run partnership was broken by Adam Zampa when he sent back Sharma for 119 runs. Also read: Rohit Sharma becomes the third-fastest batsman to register 9,000 ODI runs However, Shreyas Iyer did not allow Australia to bounce back and kept scoring at a strike rate over 100. Kohli and Iyer's fireworks snatched the match away from Aussies. Kohli was on course of another hundred but his plans were spoilt by Josh Hazlewood when he was clean-bowled on 89. (Virat Kohli completed 5000 runs as captain in this match | Courtesy: ICC) Frontline Australian bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were brutally thrashed by Indian batsmen and both failed to claim any wicket. Spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa were only bowlers who restricted the run flow and ended up with figures of 1 for 38 runs and 1 for 44 runs. Manish Pandey smashed Hazlewood for a boundary to finish off the proceedings. Iyer remained not out on 44 that included one six and six fours. Sharma was awared player of the match award for his innings. Kohli grabbed the man of the series trophy for two valuable knocks. Earlier, Australia won the toss and this time elected to bat first. Steve Smith once again carried on his impressive form and this time completed the three-figure mark which helped Australia post 286 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Bengaluru is known as a high-scoring venue but wickets at regular interval meant that the visitors were unable to put up an intimidating total. Shami again proved his worth as he ended up with four wickets for 62 runs. Shami gave India its first breakthrough by dismissing Warner whose unbeaten ton in the first match cost India a humiliating loss. Skipper Aaron Finch was run out after getting a decent start. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne's partnership was looking threatening but Ravindra Jadeja, like the last match ended their stand and dismissed Labuschagne on 54. In the same over, Jadeja also claimed Mitchell Starc's wicket, who was sent to provide an impetus to Australia's innings. Indian pacers once again were effective in the death overs and their yorkers not only took wickets but stopped the run-flow. However, Smith kept holding one end and got out in the 48th over. Jadeja ended up with two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah, even though did not pick any wicket, but proved his worth at death by restricting the scoring.

India vs Australia 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shami shine as hosts claim series

The International Control of Cricket (ICC) took a swipe at an Indian fan who claimed that he could bowl like Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;

When Bumrah was bowling in the ongoing third and final ODI of the series between India and Australia on Sunday, a fan displayed a banner which read: 'I can bowl like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-west-indies-second-test-jasprit-bumrah-becomes-third-indian-to-claim-a-hat-trick-in-tests-246924">Bumrah</a>.'

ICC responded in a witty manner with a tweet, which said:&nbsp;'We'd like to see video proof'.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/3rd-t20i-ind-vs-lanka-virat-kohli-and-jasprit-bumrah-break-records-after-emphatic-victory-over-sri-lanka-273577">Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka</a>

<img alt="Jaspreet Bumrah" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="693a7d54-966e-4e3b-9b02-8b2c473431b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2839%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Jaspreet Bumrah (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @jaspreetbumrah93) ]

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We'd like to see video proof 😄<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ti3s0OgkXx">pic.twitter.com/Ti3s0OgkXx</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1218824942235607040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Twitter trolls were quick to retaliate and have now saturated&nbsp;the comments&nbsp;section with similar illogical comparisons.

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I can act like tom cruise.😉😉
— Gidhet (@gidhet) <a href="https://twitter.com/gidhet/status/1218825233890594816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I can eat like Sarfaraaz !! 🤪
— shalina (@I_Shalina) <a href="https://twitter.com/I_Shalina/status/1218864829546536960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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No need... I saw his elbows so I agreed he can bowl like bumrah
— Vinod (@Vinod119911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vinod119911/status/1218827748010909696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I can batt like virat
— Jam Maooz (@JamMaooz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamMaooz/status/1218826516014010368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and accuracy, Bumrah is considered as the spearhead of Indian pace attack. In this match, Bumrah was unable to pick any wicket but proved to be a miser as he gave away only 38 runs.&nbsp;

In the previous ODI too, Bumrah again made life tougher for Aussie batsmen and gave away only 32 runs, even though, he claimed only one wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the ongoing match, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first and scored 287 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.

The International Control of Cricket (ICC) took a swipe at an Indian fan who claimed that he could bowl like Jasprit Bumrah. When Bumrah was bowling in the ongoing third and final ODI of the series between India and Australia on Sunday, a fan displayed a banner which read: 'I can bowl like Bumrah.

The International Control of Cricket (ICC) took a swipe at an Indian fan who claimed that he could bowl like Jasprit Bumrah. When Bumrah was bowling in the ongoing third and final ODI of the series between India and Australia on Sunday, a fan displayed a banner which read: 'I can bowl like Bumrah.' ICC responded in a witty manner with a tweet, which said: 'We'd like to see video proof'. Also Read: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka [ Jaspreet Bumrah (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @jaspreetbumrah93) ] We'd like to see video proof 😄#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Ti3s0OgkXx — ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2020 × Twitter trolls were quick to retaliate and have now saturated the comments section with similar illogical comparisons. I can act like tom cruise.😉😉 — Gidhet (@gidhet) January 19, 2020 × I can eat like Sarfaraaz !! 🤪 — shalina (@I_Shalina) January 19, 2020 × No need... I saw his elbows so I agreed he can bowl like bumrah — Vinod (@Vinod119911) January 19, 2020 × I can batt like virat — Jam Maooz (@JamMaooz) January 19, 2020 × Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and accuracy, Bumrah is considered as the spearhead of Indian pace attack. In this match, Bumrah was unable to pick any wicket but proved to be a miser as he gave away only 38 runs. In the previous ODI too, Bumrah again made life tougher for Aussie batsmen and gave away only 32 runs, even though, he claimed only one wicket. In the ongoing match, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first and scored 287 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.

ICC, netizens take a jibe at Indian fan claiming to be just as good as Jasprit Bumrah

After overcoming "panic" among fans, Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-1st-odi-virat-kohli-looks-forward-to-equal-sachin-tendulkar-and-go-past-ricky-ponting-274161">Virat Kohli</a> appears confident and collected&nbsp;when his side take on Australia in a tense deciding match in their one-day series on Sunday.

Many Indian fans had a near seizure after Australia hammered their side by 10 wickets in the first 50 over game on Tuesday. But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2nd-odi-virat-kohli-set-to-return-at-no-3-australia-eye-series-win-274794">Kohli's team dominated</a> Friday's second match and won by 36 runs, with opener Shikhar Dhawan hitting 96 and KL Rahul smashing 80 off 52 balls.

That helped to settle nerves and Kohli looked calm after the win in which he also made 78 in India's 340-6. "We live in the days of social media and a panic button being pressed too early," Kohli said after the game in Rajkot.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-proficient-run-scoring-virat-kohli-proves-why-he-is-the-king-of-the-decade-270044">With proficient run-scoring, Virat Kohli proves why he is the 'king of decade'</a>

<img alt="File Photo: Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09b28602-7dc2-451b-86ec-307b16cad7fe" height="429" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-18T182450.362.jpg" width="768" /> 
[ Virat Kohli (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ]

Anxiety still remains&nbsp;as Dhawan did not return to the field after being hit on the rib cage by a Pat Cummins bouncer during his 90-ball knock. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma also walked off after injuring his arm diving to prevent a boundary.

"It's that left shoulder that has popped out a few times. There's no tear so hopefully, he should be back for the next game," Kohli said. India experimented with the batting order in Mumbai but stuck with two traditional openers with Kohli at three as they saved the series.

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👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JWMMgFGQpd">pic.twitter.com/JWMMgFGQpd</a>
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Steve Smith stood out for Australia with his defiant 98 and stood guard with his team's new-look middle-order before chopping a Kuldeep Yadav delivery on to the stumps.

He put on a threatening 96-run third-wicket stand with Marnus Labuschagne, making his ODI debut in this series. Smith and Labuschagne steadied Australia after David Warner (15) and Aaron Finch (33), unbeaten centurions in the opening match, fell early.

Labuschagne made 46 at number four, and with wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey at five, Smith believes the new middle-order would take the team to the 2023 World Cup in India.

"I thought Marnus played really well in his first bat in one-day international cricket," Smith said. "He looked exceptionally good tonight. He hit the gaps hard, ran hard between the wickets and played some nice shots.

"And there's no reason why the three-four-five (batting order) can't stay as it is." Australia were bowled out for 304 in 49.1 overs having fallen steadily behind in the run chase once Smith had gone.

"We timed our chase pretty well when we lose three wickets in between 30 and 40 overs, it halts the ability to be able to go and try and get ten an over," said Smith.

"I would've liked to have batted a bit longer and been there in the happy hour."

After overcoming "panic" among fans, Indian captain Virat Kohli appears confident and collected when his side take on Australia in a tense deciding match in their one-day series on Sunday.

After overcoming "panic" among fans, Indian captain Virat Kohli appears confident and collected when his side take on Australia in a tense deciding match in their one-day series on Sunday. Many Indian fans had a near seizure after Australia hammered their side by 10 wickets in the first 50 over game on Tuesday. But Kohli's team dominated Friday's second match and won by 36 runs, with opener Shikhar Dhawan hitting 96 and KL Rahul smashing 80 off 52 balls. That helped to settle nerves and Kohli looked calm after the win in which he also made 78 in India's 340-6. "We live in the days of social media and a panic button being pressed too early," Kohli said after the game in Rajkot. Also Read: With proficient run-scoring, Virat Kohli proves why he is the 'king of decade' [ Virat Kohli (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ] Anxiety still remains as Dhawan did not return to the field after being hit on the rib cage by a Pat Cummins bouncer during his 90-ball knock. Vice-captain Rohit Sharma also walked off after injuring his arm diving to prevent a boundary. "It's that left shoulder that has popped out a few times. There's no tear so hopefully, he should be back for the next game," Kohli said. India experimented with the batting order in Mumbai but stuck with two traditional openers with Kohli at three as they saved the series. 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/JWMMgFGQpd — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 17, 2020 × Steve Smith stood out for Australia with his defiant 98 and stood guard with his team's new-look middle-order before chopping a Kuldeep Yadav delivery on to the stumps. He put on a threatening 96-run third-wicket stand with Marnus Labuschagne, making his ODI debut in this series. Smith and Labuschagne steadied Australia after David Warner (15) and Aaron Finch (33), unbeaten centurions in the opening match, fell early. Labuschagne made 46 at number four, and with wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey at five, Smith believes the new middle-order would take the team to the 2023 World Cup in India. "I thought Marnus played really well in his first bat in one-day international cricket," Smith said. "He looked exceptionally good tonight. He hit the gaps hard, ran hard between the wickets and played some nice shots. "And there's no reason why the three-four-five (batting order) can't stay as it is." Australia were bowled out for 304 in 49.1 overs having fallen steadily behind in the run chase once Smith had gone. "We timed our chase pretty well when we lose three wickets in between 30 and 40 overs, it halts the ability to be able to go and try and get ten an over," said Smith. "I would've liked to have batted a bit longer and been there in the happy hour."

Don't panic: Virat Kohli says India ready for Australia showdown

Shikhar Dhawan's brilliant 96 along with Rohit Sharma(42) and skipper Virat Kohli's(78) with a late surge by KL Rahul(80) helped India to clinch the second one-day international against Australia at Rajkot on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/finch-warner-slay-india-australia-win-first-odi-by-10-wickets-274267">Also Read:&nbsp;Finch, Warner slay India; Australia win first ODI by 10 wickets</a>

The Indian bowlers spearheaded by Mohammed Shami played their part as Australia failed to reach the 341-run target set by India with the hosts succumbing 36 short with the visitor's folding up for 304 in 49.1 overs.

Shami was the pick of the bowlers dismissing danger man Warner early with Australia on 20, and then later in the innings grabbed Turner(13) and Cummins(0) as the Australians failed to keep their 10-wicket winning momentum from the first ODI at the Wankhede.

The Australians bowlers were blunted by Shikhar Dhawan's prowess as the Indian opener hit a near run-a-ball 96 in just 90 balls studded with 13 boundaries and one six to take the initiative away from Australia.

The Indian opening pair added 81 for the first wicket in 13 overs serving as a launchpad for India's huge score. Dhawan shared an equally important partnership with skipper Virat Kohli who hit 78 in just 76 balls with six boundaries in a 97-run partnership to put India on top.

Even though Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for 7 falling to&nbsp;Zampa, the Australians bowlers failed to capitalise.

KL Rahul provided the icing on the cake with a superb 82 in 52 balls in the end overs demolishing the Aussies. KL Rahul&nbsp;hit&nbsp;six boundaries and three sixes to put India in an unassailable position. India's only disappointment was Manish Pandey who failed to click falling to Richardson for just 2 runs.

Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers scalping three Indian wickets with Stac proving the most expensive bowler giving away 78 runs in his 10 overs without picking up a wicket.

The Indian bowlers made merry at Rajkot with each bowler claiming wickets - Bumrah(1 wicket), Shami(3 wickets), Saini(2 wickets), Jadeja(2 wickets) and Kuldeep Yadav(2wickets) as the hosts avenged the battering by the Aussies suffered in the first ODI.

Although Smith narrowly missed his ton falling just two runs short hitting 98 in 102 balls with nine boundaries and a six and Labuschagne charging 46 in 47 balls with 4 boundaries but Australia were never seriously in the fight.

Shikhar Dhawan's brilliant 96 along with Rohit Sharma(42) and skipper Virat Kohli's(78) with a late surge by KL Rahul(80) helped India to clinch the second one-day international against Australia at Rajkot on Friday.

Shikhar Dhawan's brilliant 96 along with Rohit Sharma(42) and skipper Virat Kohli's(78) with a late surge by KL Rahul(80) helped India to clinch the second one-day international against Australia at Rajkot on Friday. Also Read: Finch, Warner slay India; Australia win first ODI by 10 wickets The Indian bowlers spearheaded by Mohammed Shami played their part as Australia failed to reach the 341-run target set by India with the hosts succumbing 36 short with the visitor's folding up for 304 in 49.1 overs. Shami was the pick of the bowlers dismissing danger man Warner early with Australia on 20, and then later in the innings grabbed Turner(13) and Cummins(0) as the Australians failed to keep their 10-wicket winning momentum from the first ODI at the Wankhede. The Australians bowlers were blunted by Shikhar Dhawan's prowess as the Indian opener hit a near run-a-ball 96 in just 90 balls studded with 13 boundaries and one six to take the initiative away from Australia. The Indian opening pair added 81 for the first wicket in 13 overs serving as a launchpad for India's huge score. Dhawan shared an equally important partnership with skipper Virat Kohli who hit 78 in just 76 balls with six boundaries in a 97-run partnership to put India on top. Even though Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for 7 falling to Zampa, the Australians bowlers failed to capitalise. KL Rahul provided the icing on the cake with a superb 82 in 52 balls in the end overs demolishing the Aussies. KL Rahul hit six boundaries and three sixes to put India in an unassailable position. India's only disappointment was Manish Pandey who failed to click falling to Richardson for just 2 runs. Zampa was the pick of the Australian bowlers scalping three Indian wickets with Stac proving the most expensive bowler giving away 78 runs in his 10 overs without picking up a wicket. The Indian bowlers made merry at Rajkot with each bowler claiming wickets - Bumrah(1 wicket), Shami(3 wickets), Saini(2 wickets), Jadeja(2 wickets) and Kuldeep Yadav(2wickets) as the hosts avenged the battering by the Aussies suffered in the first ODI. Although Smith narrowly missed his ton falling just two runs short hitting 98 in 102 balls with nine boundaries and a six and Labuschagne charging 46 in 47 balls with 4 boundaries but Australia were never seriously in the fight.

2nd ODI: India outplay Australia, level series

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-australia-storm-back-as-pakistan-wickets -clatter-263573"> Tim Paine</a> on Sunday took a dig at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-bangladesh-umesh-yadav-takes-five-as -winning-run-for-kohli-co-continues-264194">Virat Kohli</a>, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not.

When a journalist asked Paine whether both the sides will play the day-night Test in Australia next year, he replied: "We will certainly try and we will have to run that by Virat. We will get an answer from him at some stage I am sure".

Official Twitter handle of cricket.com.au posted a video of Paine answering the questions at a press conference and captioned the post as: "Tim Paine gives Virat Kohli a little clip in the post-game presser".

The Aussie captain is keen to play against India in Brisbane next summer!

When India and Australia last squared off in Australia in 2018, India had refused to play the day-night Test and the side did not also play the first match of the series at Gabba, Brisbane.

As fate had it, the first match was played at Adelaide and India ended up winning the match, which proved crucial in their series win Down Under.

When asked whether Australia would like to play the first Test at Brisbane next year, Paine replied: "That's where we like to start our summer and it has been. As I said, we'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see".

Australia defeated Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

On the other hand, India also ended up winning their first-ever day-night Test as they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs.

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper Tim Paine on Sunday took a dig at Virat Kohli, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not.

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper Tim Paine on Sunday took a dig at Virat Kohli, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not. When a journalist asked Paine whether both the sides will play the day-night Test in Australia next year, he replied: "We will certainly try and we will have to run that by Virat. We will get an answer from him at some stage I am sure". Official Twitter handle of cricket.com.au posted a video of Paine answering the questions at a press conference and captioned the post as: "Tim Paine gives Virat Kohli a little clip in the post-game presser". The Aussie captain is keen to play against India in Brisbane next summer! When India and Australia last squared off in Australia in 2018, India had refused to play the day-night Test and the side did not also play the first match of the series at Gabba, Brisbane. As fate had it, the first match was played at Adelaide and India ended up winning the match, which proved crucial in their series win Down Under. When asked whether Australia would like to play the first Test at Brisbane next year, Paine replied: "That's where we like to start our summer and it has been. As I said, we'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see". Australia defeated Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the series. On the other hand, India also ended up winning their first-ever day-night Test as they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs.

Tim Paine takes a dig at Virat Kohli over pink-ball Test in Australia-India series

India received a major set back after playing only two matches in the Cricket World Cup 2019 as team's star opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out after sustaining an injury on his left thumb.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791">During India's match against Australia</a> on Sunday, Dhawan played through pain after being hit on the thumb by a rising delivery from pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile.&nbsp;

He looked in considerable pain but went on playing and scored 117 off 109 balls,&nbsp;India won the match by 36 runs.&nbsp;

Although, he was rested in the second innings and Ravindra Jadeja came out to field.&nbsp;

The latest update is that Dhawan has gone to Leeds for further assessment and he is being assessed by the Indian team's physio Patrick Farhart and that an update will be provided in some time, published the CricketCountry&nbsp;website.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old will miss the next two matches against New Zealand and Pakistan but an official word from India's cricket board is still awaited.&nbsp;

In the absence of Dhawan, KL Rahul, who is India's back-up opener, might open the innings with Rohit Sharma and either Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar will get a chance to play at number four spot.&nbsp;

Dhawan underwent precautionary tests and scans following which the decision was made ahead of India's next game against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday.&nbsp;

India received a major set back after playing only two matches in the Cricket World Cup 2019 as team's star opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out after sustaining an injury on his left thumb.

India received a major set back after playing only two matches in the Cricket World Cup 2019 as team's star opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out after sustaining an injury on his left thumb. During India's match against Australia on Sunday, Dhawan played through pain after being hit on the thumb by a rising delivery from pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile. He looked in considerable pain but went on playing and scored 117 off 109 balls, India won the match by 36 runs. Although, he was rested in the second innings and Ravindra Jadeja came out to field. The latest update is that Dhawan has gone to Leeds for further assessment and he is being assessed by the Indian team's physio Patrick Farhart and that an update will be provided in some time, published the CricketCountry website. The 33-year-old will miss the next two matches against New Zealand and Pakistan but an official word from India's cricket board is still awaited. In the absence of Dhawan, KL Rahul, who is India's back-up opener, might open the innings with Rohit Sharma and either Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar will get a chance to play at number four spot. Dhawan underwent precautionary tests and scans following which the decision was made ahead of India's next game against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

World Cup: Shikhar Dhawan ruled out for three weeks due to injury

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791">India beat Australia by 36 runs</a> at the Oval in London.

Zampa was pictured during the India match putting his hand into his pocket and then rubbing the ball several times.

The incident came just a year after Australia stars Warner and Steve Smith, as well as team-mate Cameron Bancroft were banned for their roles in a ball-tampering scheme during a Test in South Africa.

On this occasion, Finch insisted Zampa was using hand-warmers he had put in his pocket, as he apparently does for every match.

"I haven't seen the photos, so I can't comment on them. I know for a fact he has hand warmers in his pocket. He has them in every single game he plays," Finch said.

Adam Zampa was reprimanded earlier by the International Cricket Council(ICC) for using an "audible obscenity" in Australia's battling 15-run World Cup win over the West Indies.

Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.&nbsp;

When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned.

Meanwhile, India captain<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/booing-smith-not-acceptable-i-said-sorry-to-him-on-behalf-of-the-crowd-kohli-225807"> Virat Kohli insisted </a>it was "not acceptable" for his side's fans to boo Steve Smith during the team's World Cup victory over Australia in London on Sunday.

Both Smith and fellow Australia batsman David Warner have been on the receiving end of jeers from opposition fans at the World Cup following their return to the international arena after serving year-long bans for their respective roles during a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. &nbsp;

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after India beat Australia by 36 runs at the Oval in London.

Australian captain Aaron Finch had to defuse a potential controversy after Australia spinner Adam Zampa faced allegations of ball- tampering after India beat Australia by 36 runs at the Oval in London. Zampa was pictured during the India match putting his hand into his pocket and then rubbing the ball several times. The incident came just a year after Australia stars Warner and Steve Smith, as well as team-mate Cameron Bancroft were banned for their roles in a ball-tampering scheme during a Test in South Africa. On this occasion, Finch insisted Zampa was using hand-warmers he had put in his pocket, as he apparently does for every match. "I haven't seen the photos, so I can't comment on them. I know for a fact he has hand warmers in his pocket. He has them in every single game he plays," Finch said. Adam Zampa was reprimanded earlier by the International Cricket Council(ICC) for using an "audible obscenity" in Australia's battling 15-run World Cup win over the West Indies. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. Leg-spinner Zampa admitted to the level-one offence and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and a player is banned. Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli insisted it was "not acceptable" for his side's fans to boo Steve Smith during the team's World Cup victory over Australia in London on Sunday. Both Smith and fellow Australia batsman David Warner have been on the receiving end of jeers from opposition fans at the World Cup following their return to the international arena after serving year-long bans for their respective roles during a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Zampa hand warmers row: Finch defends spinner over ball tampering allegation

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith was subjected to audible boos, jeers and chants of "cheat" from a group of Indian fans during India vs Australia World Cup match on June 9.&nbsp;

Steve Smith and David Warner, recently completed bans for ball-tampering, have been given a hostile reception by the crowd in England.&nbsp;

However, in the match against India, Indian skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/booing-smith-not-acceptable-i-said-sorry-to-him-on-behalf-of-the-crowd-kohli-225807">Virat Kohli showed his true sportsmanship spirit</a> when he gestured towards a section of the Indian fans to stop booing at Smith and cheer for him instead.&nbsp;

Virat's act was appreciated by Smith, who came up to him, shook his hand and patted him on the back during the drinks break.&nbsp;

In the post-match press conference, Virat said, "He (Smith) was just standing there, and I felt bad because if I was in a position where something had happened with me and I had apologised, I accepted it and I came back and still I would get booed, I wouldn't like it, either."&nbsp;

For Kohli, if someone has shown repentance then others should let go of the baggage and move on.

Watch: Steve Smith's reaction:

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With India fans giving Steve Smith a tough time fielding in the deep, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> suggested they applaud the Australian instead. 
 
Absolute class 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritOfCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpiritOfCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmkLoedxjr">pic.twitter.com/mmkLoedxjr</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1137777943667707907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Look, I think what's happened has happened like long back, the guy is back. He's trying to play well for his side.&nbsp;

"Even in the IPL, I saw him, it's not good to see someone down like that, to be honest," Kohli said.&nbsp;

Kohli acknowledged the differences he has had with Smith in the past.&nbsp;

"We've had a few arguments on the field. But you don't want to see a guy feeling that heat every time he goes out to play.&nbsp;

"What's happened has happened. Everyone has known that. He's come back. He's worked hard. He's playing well for his side now," the skipper said.

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith was subjected to audible boos, jeers and chants of "cheat" from a group of Indian fans during India vs Australia World Cup match on June 9.

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith was subjected to audible boos, jeers and chants of "cheat" from a group of Indian fans during India vs Australia World Cup match on June 9. Steve Smith and David Warner, recently completed bans for ball-tampering, have been given a hostile reception by the crowd in England. However, in the match against India, Indian skipper Virat Kohli showed his true sportsmanship spirit when he gestured towards a section of the Indian fans to stop booing at Smith and cheer for him instead. Virat's act was appreciated by Smith, who came up to him, shook his hand and patted him on the back during the drinks break. In the post-match press conference, Virat said, "He (Smith) was just standing there, and I felt bad because if I was in a position where something had happened with me and I had apologised, I accepted it and I came back and still I would get booed, I wouldn't like it, either." For Kohli, if someone has shown repentance then others should let go of the baggage and move on. Watch: Steve Smith's reaction: With India fans giving Steve Smith a tough time fielding in the deep, @imVkohli suggested they applaud the Australian instead. Absolute class 👏 #SpiritOfCricket #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/mmkLoedxjr — ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2019 × "Look, I think what's happened has happened like long back, the guy is back. He's trying to play well for his side. "Even in the IPL, I saw him, it's not good to see someone down like that, to be honest," Kohli said. Kohli acknowledged the differences he has had with Smith in the past. "We've had a few arguments on the field. But you don't want to see a guy feeling that heat every time he goes out to play. "What's happened has happened. Everyone has known that. He's come back. He's worked hard. He's playing well for his side now," the skipper said.

Watch: Steve Smith's reaction when Virat Kohli stopped Indian fans from booing him

India in the second match of ICC World Cup 2019 will take on defending champion Australia on Sunday ( 09 June). Watch full video to know more.

ICC World Cup 2019: India to face defending champion Australia at Kennington Oval

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged.&nbsp;

The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide. It had a 14.8 per cent TV rating with a live reach of&nbsp;288 million.&nbsp;

During the major ICC events, both the team are under the immense pressure of winning the match to steer clear of the repercussions as losing leads to extreme reactions from fans in both the countries.&nbsp;

When it comes to stats, India and Pakistan have played a total of 131 matches. Pakistan dominate the overall tally by winning 73 matches while India won 54. Although, in the World Cup, it is India who dominated Pakistan by a great record of winning all the six&nbsp;games played so far.&nbsp;

The stressful history between the two nations pushes the fans to take extreme measures while celebrating the win and after a defeat, some disruptions often occur.&nbsp;

After 2008 Mumbai blasts, India refused to play the bilateral series against the arch-rivals.

The question arises, is it worth it and why can't they just move on?&nbsp;

India vs Pakistan is overhyped and when it comes to real cricket, the actual action, India vs Australia is a real deal.&nbsp;

In the past five World Cup tournaments, India are the only team to have denied the Australians the trophy, which was in 2011 when India were the champions.&nbsp;

Both the teams have played a total of 136 ODI matches, Australia won 77 matches and India emerged victorious on 49 occasions.&nbsp;

While in the World Cup, Aussies dominated India by defeating the 'Men in Blue' in eight of 11 games played.&nbsp;

In the ongoing edition of World Cup, which is underway in England and Wales, both the teams had a winning start.&nbsp;

Now, they will look to continue the momentum when they take on each other on June 9 in one of the most anticipated battles in this edition.&nbsp;

Australia have enjoyed supremacy in cricket for more than a decade by winning World Cup three consecutive times and overall, they have won it five times.&nbsp;

However, they suffered a torrid year since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for ball-tampering, an incident that prompted a national outcry.&nbsp;

I grew up in a time when Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were world's best bowlers but even that time, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag were threats to them.&nbsp;

Now in modern times, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are posing threat to Australian Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

While David Warner and Aaron Finch are in form to make the job difficult for India's Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.&nbsp;

From batting to bowling, from fielding to sledging, the sides give a huge competition to each other.&nbsp;

Their current teams are a mix of young talents with experienced players and both the captains, Kohli and Finch, know weaknesses of each other's squad as they have played ten&nbsp;ODI including home and away series recently.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see which captain will use&nbsp;it in a better way.&nbsp;

Hungry for redemption, the Aussie will look to dominate the contest but with their current form, both the teams surely build up towards an exciting contest in this World Cup.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged. The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide.

India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is usually termed as one of the greatest in the international sporting arena, which is highly emotionally charged. The significance of India vs Pakistan World Cup match can be understood by the fact that in the previous edition, over one billion viewers watched the Indo-Pak contest worldwide. It had a 14.8 per cent TV rating with a live reach of 288 million. During the major ICC events, both the team are under the immense pressure of winning the match to steer clear of the repercussions as losing leads to extreme reactions from fans in both the countries. When it comes to stats, India and Pakistan have played a total of 131 matches. Pakistan dominate the overall tally by winning 73 matches while India won 54. Although, in the World Cup, it is India who dominated Pakistan by a great record of winning all the six games played so far. The stressful history between the two nations pushes the fans to take extreme measures while celebrating the win and after a defeat, some disruptions often occur. After 2008 Mumbai blasts, India refused to play the bilateral series against the arch-rivals. The question arises, is it worth it and why can't they just move on? India vs Pakistan is overhyped and when it comes to real cricket, the actual action, India vs Australia is a real deal. In the past five World Cup tournaments, India are the only team to have denied the Australians the trophy, which was in 2011 when India were the champions. Both the teams have played a total of 136 ODI matches, Australia won 77 matches and India emerged victorious on 49 occasions. While in the World Cup, Aussies dominated India by defeating the 'Men in Blue' in eight of 11 games played. In the ongoing edition of World Cup, which is underway in England and Wales, both the teams had a winning start. Now, they will look to continue the momentum when they take on each other on June 9 in one of the most anticipated battles in this edition. Australia have enjoyed supremacy in cricket for more than a decade by winning World Cup three consecutive times and overall, they have won it five times. However, they suffered a torrid year since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for ball-tampering, an incident that prompted a national outcry. I grew up in a time when Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were world's best bowlers but even that time, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag were threats to them. Now in modern times, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are posing threat to Australian Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. While David Warner and Aaron Finch are in form to make the job difficult for India's Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. From batting to bowling, from fielding to sledging, the sides give a huge competition to each other. Their current teams are a mix of young talents with experienced players and both the captains, Kohli and Finch, know weaknesses of each other's squad as they have played ten ODI including home and away series recently. It will be interesting to see which captain will use it in a better way. Hungry for redemption, the Aussie will look to dominate the contest but with their current form, both the teams surely build up towards an exciting contest in this World Cup. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Indo-Pak cricket rivalry overhyped, India vs Australia is the real deal

ICC World Cup: India vs Australia - Whose squad is better?

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes says the Bristol bar brawl and the ensuing chain of events, which dogged his career for 15 months, maybe the "best thing that could have happened" to him.

The ugly episode brought about a change in his lifestyle.

Following the incident in September 2017, Stokes was acquitted of affray at Bristol Crown Court in August last year, before the England and Wales Cricket Board's Discipline Commission concluded his 15-month exile after a hearing in December last year.&nbsp;

"It sounds silly but, could Bristol have been the best thing that could have happened to me? Who knows. But maybe in terms of my way of thinking," Stokes said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stokes, who is playing for Rajasthan&nbsp;in this year's IPL, said he was determined to win the upcoming World Cup at home.

"I don't want to be remembered as the guy who had a fight in the street. I want to do things on the field to be remembered for. If we win the World Cup, that becomes the first paragraph... Doesn't it?"

"I was that close to my career ending and being thrown away just like that. Maybe that is it," the New Zealand-born cricketer added.

He missed the 2017-18 Ashes series against Australia after being suspended by the ECB pending the police investigation.

"No matter what happens in life with me now, the Bristol thing will always be there.

"It's something I'll always carry with me. It'll always be there. Always."

He said that his off-field activities had changed since his arrest outside a Bristol nightclub, in the wake of England's victory over West Indies in an ODI.

"I don't go out anymore. I mean, I might go out for dinner, but I don't go out-out (for long night and drinks) anymore in England," he said.

"I used to love going out and celebrating with the lads. But we can do that in the hotel and I don't miss it. I don't feel that urge any more. Once you make the transition to not doing it then you don't miss it," Stokes said.&nbsp;

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes says the Bristol bar brawl and the ensuing chain of events, which dogged his career for 15 months, maybe the "best thing that could have happened" to him.

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes says the Bristol bar brawl and the ensuing chain of events, which dogged his career for 15 months, maybe the "best thing that could have happened" to him. The ugly episode brought about a change in his lifestyle. Following the incident in September 2017, Stokes was acquitted of affray at Bristol Crown Court in August last year, before the England and Wales Cricket Board's Discipline Commission concluded his 15-month exile after a hearing in December last year. "It sounds silly but, could Bristol have been the best thing that could have happened to me? Who knows. But maybe in terms of my way of thinking," Stokes said. Stokes, who is playing for Rajasthan in this year's IPL, said he was determined to win the upcoming World Cup at home. "I don't want to be remembered as the guy who had a fight in the street. I want to do things on the field to be remembered for. If we win the World Cup, that becomes the first paragraph... Doesn't it?" "I was that close to my career ending and being thrown away just like that. Maybe that is it," the New Zealand-born cricketer added. He missed the 2017-18 Ashes series against Australia after being suspended by the ECB pending the police investigation. "No matter what happens in life with me now, the Bristol thing will always be there. "It's something I'll always carry with me. It'll always be there. Always." He said that his off-field activities had changed since his arrest outside a Bristol nightclub, in the wake of England's victory over West Indies in an ODI. "I don't go out anymore. I mean, I might go out for dinner, but I don't go out-out (for long night and drinks) anymore in England," he said. "I used to love going out and celebrating with the lads. But we can do that in the hotel and I don't miss it. I don't feel that urge any more. Once you make the transition to not doing it then you don't miss it," Stokes said.

Bristol bar brawl may be the 'best thing' that could have happened to me, says Ben Stokes

High-flying India crashed to a stunning 2-3 defeat against Australia at home in the bilateral ODI series and the setback should act as a warning sign for Virat Kohli and his men going into the upcoming World Cup as one of the favourites, feels former captain Rahul Dravid.

India led 2-0 in the five-match series but lost the last three to the reigning World Cup champions to lose an ODI series after a lengthy gap.

These games are the last of the 50-over competition for India going into the World Cup commencing on May 30 in England.

"I think there was a bit of notion that we are going walk there and win the World Cup easily. So it's a good thing that has happened. What it has (the outcome against Australia) reminded us is that we have to play the World Cup very, very well," said Dravid.

He was speaking at the launch of ESPNCricinfos new metrics, SuperStats, along with his former India teammate Sanjay Manjrekar here on Wednesday.

"In a way, I think its a good balancing factor. India has performed well in the last couple of years. There was a little bit of talk that we are almost going to walk in there and win the World Cup very easily because we are the No. 1 team and we have been dominating one-day cricket for the last couple of years," said India's current under 19 and A team coach.

"But I don't find anything strange from my perspective watching the series. I still feel that we are going to be one of the favourites. But it's going to be tough. It's going to be competitive," the cricket stalwart insisted.

Both Dravid and Manjrekar also answered queries on the much-talked-about workload factor in the IPL starting on March 23 for some key Indian players, who are expected to make the World Cup squad, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

All-rounder Pandya is coming off a lower back injury layoff that forced him to miss matches in Australia as well as the home series against the same opponents at home.

"Most players are smart about these things. They know how to handle their body. I don't think the players would put their body on the line. I was reading Patrick Cummins (Australia pacer) saying that he feels better bowling when he is constantly playing rather than having rested and coming back," Dravid said.

"So to each player, it's different. There cannot be a blanket case that all should be rested. We have to just trust the players. They know what needs to be done," he opined.

Manjrekar was even more forthright and said the Cricket Board should not put pressure on IPL franchises to rest some players in view of the following World Cup.

"My views won't be appreciated. This is free enterprise. IPL is capitalism at its best. I don't think there should be any outside interference. It should be up to the franchises. Don't think there should be pressure (on IPL franchises) from the Cricket Board (BCCI) (to rest some players)," the former Test batsman turned TV commentator remarked.

Both also talked about the numbers game in cricket.

While welcoming the new parameters launched by the cricket website which he felt would be of some help to coaches, Dravid said, "numbers are not everything but at the same time you cannot ignore numbers".

"Numbers can't quantify whether someone is not feeling up for it on that particular day. There's a mix of both," is how he put it.&nbsp;

High-flying India crashed to a stunning 2-3 defeat against Australia at home in the bilateral ODI series and the setback should act as a warning sign for Virat Kohli and his men going into the upcoming World Cup as one of the favourites, feels former captain Rahul Dravid.

High-flying India crashed to a stunning 2-3 defeat against Australia at home in the bilateral ODI series and the setback should act as a warning sign for Virat Kohli and his men going into the upcoming World Cup as one of the favourites, feels former captain Rahul Dravid. India led 2-0 in the five-match series but lost the last three to the reigning World Cup champions to lose an ODI series after a lengthy gap. These games are the last of the 50-over competition for India going into the World Cup commencing on May 30 in England. "I think there was a bit of notion that we are going walk there and win the World Cup easily. So it's a good thing that has happened. What it has (the outcome against Australia) reminded us is that we have to play the World Cup very, very well," said Dravid. He was speaking at the launch of ESPNCricinfos new metrics, SuperStats, along with his former India teammate Sanjay Manjrekar here on Wednesday. "In a way, I think its a good balancing factor. India has performed well in the last couple of years. There was a little bit of talk that we are almost going to walk in there and win the World Cup very easily because we are the No. 1 team and we have been dominating one-day cricket for the last couple of years," said India's current under 19 and A team coach. "But I don't find anything strange from my perspective watching the series. I still feel that we are going to be one of the favourites. But it's going to be tough. It's going to be competitive," the cricket stalwart insisted. Both Dravid and Manjrekar also answered queries on the much-talked-about workload factor in the IPL starting on March 23 for some key Indian players, who are expected to make the World Cup squad, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. All-rounder Pandya is coming off a lower back injury layoff that forced him to miss matches in Australia as well as the home series against the same opponents at home. "Most players are smart about these things. They know how to handle their body. I don't think the players would put their body on the line. I was reading Patrick Cummins (Australia pacer) saying that he feels better bowling when he is constantly playing rather than having rested and coming back," Dravid said. "So to each player, it's different. There cannot be a blanket case that all should be rested. We have to just trust the players. They know what needs to be done," he opined. Manjrekar was even more forthright and said the Cricket Board should not put pressure on IPL franchises to rest some players in view of the following World Cup. "My views won't be appreciated. This is free enterprise. IPL is capitalism at its best. I don't think there should be any outside interference. It should be up to the franchises. Don't think there should be pressure (on IPL franchises) from the Cricket Board (BCCI) (to rest some players)," the former Test batsman turned TV commentator remarked. Both also talked about the numbers game in cricket. While welcoming the new parameters launched by the cricket website which he felt would be of some help to coaches, Dravid said, "numbers are not everything but at the same time you cannot ignore numbers". "Numbers can't quantify whether someone is not feeling up for it on that particular day. There's a mix of both," is how he put it.

Defeat to Australia warning sign for India ahead of ICC World Cup: Rahul Dravid

The Indian players will have to smartly manage their workload during the upcoming IPL since it will be their responsibility to stay fit and fresh for the ICC World Cup, says skipper Virat Kohli.

The upcoming edition of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 23 and culminate days before the World Cup, starting on May 30.

Many cricket boards have been cautious in releasing their players for their respective IPL franchises, putting national duty above league commitments.

Kohli said it's not that he is asking the Indian players not to be committed to their IPL teams but to be smart and aware during the course of the tournament.

"All the workload will be monitored and given a window, the guys can afford to rest. The World Cup comes every four years and we play IPL every year," said Kohli after India lost the decisive fifth ODI by 35 runs on Wednesday to concede the series 2-3 to Australia.

"Not to say we won't be committed to the IPL but we've got to be smart. We have to work in balance and take smart decisions.

"The responsibility and the onus is on the player. No one will be forced to do something. Eventually no one wants to miss the World Cup and cost the team good balance," added Kohli.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-india-by-35-runs-in-fifth-odi-win-series-3-2-203158">India lost its first ODI series since 2015 and will go into the World Cup after losing three straight matches</a> but Kohli said it was not something that is bothering the team management.

"None of the guys in the change room are panicking. The support staff is not feeling down after this defeat because we knew things we wanted to do in these last three games," Kohli said.

"To be honest, it doesn't feel like something off has happened because we have been playing such good cricket. The other team has really been more passionate and more energetic than us in the pressure moments. They've grabbed the crucial moments in the game better than us. They deserve to win."

Kohli asserted that India is pretty sure about its playing XI, going into the showpiece ICC event.

"As a side, combination wise, we are pretty sorted. Maximum one change, you'll get to see in the World Cup. As a side, we're balanced," he said.

"Hardik Pandya will come back to the team. With him, there's batting depth, and bowling option opens up. We know where we have to go as a combination. The XI is clear in our head. We just have to take better decisions in pressure situations to go far in the World Cup."

Asked if too much experimentation cost India the series after taking 2-0 lead, Kohli replied in the negative.&nbsp;

"Whoever gets a chance to play, we expect that guy to take responsibility and pressure. And hence you expose these guys to pressure situations where a series is on the line and you expect someone to step up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't," the India skipper said.

"But unless you try, you wouldn't know. So, that's exactly what we wanted to do in these games. From that point of view, you can analyse. I cannot breakdown who we expect to take the pressure in the World Cup. Unless the squad is announced, I cannot reveal.

"Being on the road for so many months does take a toll on you as a team. I'm not saying that's an excuse because you're expected to do that and be motivated to win every game you're playing for the country," he said.

Kohli said he was proud of India's achievements in the "hectic" season and would like his players to enjoy the IPL now.

"From that point of view, I think all of us just deserve to go to the IPL and just enjoy these two months," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian players will have to smartly manage their workload during the upcoming IPL since it will be their responsibility to stay fit and fresh for the ICC World Cup, says skipper Virat Kohli.

The Indian players will have to smartly manage their workload during the upcoming IPL since it will be their responsibility to stay fit and fresh for the ICC World Cup, says skipper Virat Kohli. The upcoming edition of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 23 and culminate days before the World Cup, starting on May 30. Many cricket boards have been cautious in releasing their players for their respective IPL franchises, putting national duty above league commitments. Kohli said it's not that he is asking the Indian players not to be committed to their IPL teams but to be smart and aware during the course of the tournament. "All the workload will be monitored and given a window, the guys can afford to rest. The World Cup comes every four years and we play IPL every year," said Kohli after India lost the decisive fifth ODI by 35 runs on Wednesday to concede the series 2-3 to Australia. "Not to say we won't be committed to the IPL but we've got to be smart. We have to work in balance and take smart decisions. "The responsibility and the onus is on the player. No one will be forced to do something. Eventually no one wants to miss the World Cup and cost the team good balance," added Kohli. On Wednesday, India lost its first ODI series since 2015 and will go into the World Cup after losing three straight matches but Kohli said it was not something that is bothering the team management. "None of the guys in the change room are panicking. The support staff is not feeling down after this defeat because we knew things we wanted to do in these last three games," Kohli said. "To be honest, it doesn't feel like something off has happened because we have been playing such good cricket. The other team has really been more passionate and more energetic than us in the pressure moments. They've grabbed the crucial moments in the game better than us. They deserve to win." Kohli asserted that India is pretty sure about its playing XI, going into the showpiece ICC event. "As a side, combination wise, we are pretty sorted. Maximum one change, you'll get to see in the World Cup. As a side, we're balanced," he said. "Hardik Pandya will come back to the team. With him, there's batting depth, and bowling option opens up. We know where we have to go as a combination. The XI is clear in our head. We just have to take better decisions in pressure situations to go far in the World Cup." Asked if too much experimentation cost India the series after taking 2-0 lead, Kohli replied in the negative. "Whoever gets a chance to play, we expect that guy to take responsibility and pressure. And hence you expose these guys to pressure situations where a series is on the line and you expect someone to step up. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't," the India skipper said. "But unless you try, you wouldn't know. So, that's exactly what we wanted to do in these games. From that point of view, you can analyse. I cannot breakdown who we expect to take the pressure in the World Cup. Unless the squad is announced, I cannot reveal. "Being on the road for so many months does take a toll on you as a team. I'm not saying that's an excuse because you're expected to do that and be motivated to win every game you're playing for the country," he said. Kohli said he was proud of India's achievements in the "hectic" season and would like his players to enjoy the IPL now. "From that point of view, I think all of us just deserve to go to the IPL and just enjoy these two months," he said.

'It doesn't feel like something off has happened,' says Kohli after India lose ODI series to Australia

Australia defeated India Wednesday by 35 runs to win the fifth one-day international at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. By virtue of this win, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-blames-drs-after-losing-4th-odi-to-australia-202423">the visitors have won the five-game series 3-2</a>.

Opting to bat, Australia were restricted to a score of 272 runs despite Usman Khawaja hitting a century and Peter Handscomb slamming a half-century.

In reply, India were bowled out for 237 runs as the wickets kept tumbling and vice-captain Rohit Sharma did not find any support at the other end.&nbsp;

Sharma, who had hit a patient and crucial half-century, was the sole batsman to have kept the charge going while others, including skipper Virat Kohli, failed to stay on the crease for long.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the only pair that saved India's pride at home was of Kedar Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The two played some phenomenal quick shots to reduce the run rate and target, which India at a point were very far from.

The hosts, at one point, were reduced to 136 for the loss of six wickets. It was after that the two took the charge and depleted the Australian bolwing attack for the next few overs.&nbsp;

However, both Jadhav and Kumar departed in quick succession for 44 and 46 runs respectively. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who was replaced in place of veteran batsman MS Dhoni, once again failed to share the pressure and departed for a poor 16 runs.&nbsp;

There were high expectations from Pant as he is well versed with the conditions of the Kotla ground. Though, his performance with the gloves were decent today in comparison to this 4th ODI, where he committed some serious mistakes that become one of the reasons why India lost the game.&nbsp;

In bowling, India were able to restrict the opponents from scoring a big total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave the best performance by clinching three wickets while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja took two.&nbsp;

Left-arm bowler Kuldeep Yadav settled for one wicket.

For Australia, Adam Zampa was the most disastrous as he went on to take three while Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson settled for a brace.&nbsp;

Australia defeated India Wednesday by 35 runs to win the fifth one-day international at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. By virtue of this win, the visitors have won the five-game series 3-2.

Australia defeated India Wednesday by 35 runs to win the fifth one-day international at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. By virtue of this win, the visitors have won the five-game series 3-2. Opting to bat, Australia were restricted to a score of 272 runs despite Usman Khawaja hitting a century and Peter Handscomb slamming a half-century. In reply, India were bowled out for 237 runs as the wickets kept tumbling and vice-captain Rohit Sharma did not find any support at the other end. Sharma, who had hit a patient and crucial half-century, was the sole batsman to have kept the charge going while others, including skipper Virat Kohli, failed to stay on the crease for long. Meanwhile, the only pair that saved India's pride at home was of Kedar Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The two played some phenomenal quick shots to reduce the run rate and target, which India at a point were very far from. The hosts, at one point, were reduced to 136 for the loss of six wickets. It was after that the two took the charge and depleted the Australian bolwing attack for the next few overs. However, both Jadhav and Kumar departed in quick succession for 44 and 46 runs respectively. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who was replaced in place of veteran batsman MS Dhoni, once again failed to share the pressure and departed for a poor 16 runs. There were high expectations from Pant as he is well versed with the conditions of the Kotla ground. Though, his performance with the gloves were decent today in comparison to this 4th ODI, where he committed some serious mistakes that become one of the reasons why India lost the game. In bowling, India were able to restrict the opponents from scoring a big total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave the best performance by clinching three wickets while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja took two. Left-arm bowler Kuldeep Yadav settled for one wicket. For Australia, Adam Zampa was the most disastrous as he went on to take three while Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson settled for a brace.

Australia beat India by 35 runs in fifth ODI, win series 3-2

Rohit Sharma added another major milestone to his name as he became the third fastest to reach 8000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-india-by-35-runs-in-fifth-odi-win-series-3-2-203158">ODI runs during the series decider against Australia</a> in New Delhi on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma played a brilliant inning and scored his 41st ODI half-century before giving away his wicket for 56 runs. &nbsp;

The Indian cricket team opener achieved the feat on his 200th ODI innings and is tied with former India skipper Sourav Ganguly. Virat Kohli was the fastest with 175 innings while AB De Villers is second with 182.

Overall, he become the ninth Indian cricket team player to reach 8000 runs after Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin.

In the fourth ODI in Mohali, Rohit completed 3000 ODI runs on home soil and also became the joint fastest to reach achieve the feat along with South Africa’s Hashim Amla (57 innings).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia defeated India Wednesday by 35 runs to win the fifth One-Day International at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. By virtue of this win, the visitors have won the five-game series 3-2.

Opting to bat, Australia were restricted to a score of 272 runs despite Usman Khawaja hitting a century and Peter Handscomb slamming a half-century.

In reply, India were bowled out for 237 runs as wickets kept tumbling and vice-captain Rohit Sharma didn't find any support at the other end.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma added another major milestone to his name as he became the third fastest to reach 8000 ODI runs during the series decider against Australia in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma added another major milestone to his name as he became the third fastest to reach 8000 ODI runs during the series decider against Australia in New Delhi on Wednesday. Rohit Sharma played a brilliant inning and scored his 41st ODI half-century before giving away his wicket for 56 runs. The Indian cricket team opener achieved the feat on his 200th ODI innings and is tied with former India skipper Sourav Ganguly. Virat Kohli was the fastest with 175 innings while AB De Villers is second with 182. Overall, he become the ninth Indian cricket team player to reach 8000 runs after Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin. In the fourth ODI in Mohali, Rohit completed 3000 ODI runs on home soil and also became the joint fastest to reach achieve the feat along with South Africa’s Hashim Amla (57 innings). Meanwhile, Australia defeated India Wednesday by 35 runs to win the fifth One-Day International at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. By virtue of this win, the visitors have won the five-game series 3-2. Opting to bat, Australia were restricted to a score of 272 runs despite Usman Khawaja hitting a century and Peter Handscomb slamming a half-century. In reply, India were bowled out for 237 runs as wickets kept tumbling and vice-captain Rohit Sharma didn't find any support at the other end.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes third fastest batsman to reach 8000 runs in ODIs

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes England have a very good chance to win the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

"If you go by the history of last two or three World Cups, in 2011 the host nation India won, in 2015 host nation Australia won. In 2019, there is a very good chance that England will win the World Cup," Gavaskar said Tuesday.

Gavaskar, however, pointed out that he is not saying England will win the 50-over tournament.

"There is a very good chance they (England) will win the World Cup," he said.The former cricketer, who debuted and played his last ODI cricket against England, is the first player to amass 10,000 Test runs.

He had also played for Somerset, one of eighteen first-class county clubs within the domestic cricket structure of England.

Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India, Dominic Asquith said he is hopeful that England men' s team will emulate their female compatriots, referring to England`s women cricketers victory over India at T20Is."Last week, we celebrated International Women`s Day.

For England's women cricketers it coincided with the victory over India`s T20 team," Asquith said."Over the course of this summer, we are delighted that we will host India and of course teams at the cricket World Cup.

On Sunday, June 30 we probably all know already there will be quite a match at Edgbaston. And we will see if England`s men can emulate their female compatriots," he said.

The much-awaited World Cup is scheduled to take place from May 30 to July 14. India and England will lock horns on June 30 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes England have a very good chance to win the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. "If you go by the history of last two or three World Cups, in 2011 the host nation India won, in 2015 host nation Australia won.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes England have a very good chance to win the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. "If you go by the history of last two or three World Cups, in 2011 the host nation India won, in 2015 host nation Australia won. In 2019, there is a very good chance that England will win the World Cup," Gavaskar said Tuesday. Gavaskar, however, pointed out that he is not saying England will win the 50-over tournament. "There is a very good chance they (England) will win the World Cup," he said.The former cricketer, who debuted and played his last ODI cricket against England, is the first player to amass 10,000 Test runs. He had also played for Somerset, one of eighteen first-class county clubs within the domestic cricket structure of England. Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India, Dominic Asquith said he is hopeful that England men' s team will emulate their female compatriots, referring to England`s women cricketers victory over India at T20Is."Last week, we celebrated International Women`s Day. For England's women cricketers it coincided with the victory over India`s T20 team," Asquith said."Over the course of this summer, we are delighted that we will host India and of course teams at the cricket World Cup. On Sunday, June 30 we probably all know already there will be quite a match at Edgbaston. And we will see if England`s men can emulate their female compatriots," he said. The much-awaited World Cup is scheduled to take place from May 30 to July 14. India and England will lock horns on June 30 at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

Sunil Gavaskar picks England as 2019 ICC World Cup favourites

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain.

The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town.&nbsp;

"I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

"You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team.

"I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless?

"But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said.

"They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that.

"The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added.

Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two&nbsp;weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year. Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain. The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town. "I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team. "I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless? "But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said. "They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that. "The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added. Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Steve Smith, David Warner return won't be easy, believes Ricky Ponting

Emboldened by Australia's remarkable turnaround in the ODI series against India, vice-captain Alex Carey Tuesday said they are "really confident" of entering the ICC World Cup with a squad good enough to play like defending champions.

The five-match series is poised at 2-2, thanks to Australia's back-to-back wins after staring down the barrel at one stage.

"As a player in the Australian cricket side we have been working hard in the last 12-18 months. Some success has started to come our way. We are really confident moving with the squad we take to the World Cup," Clarey said on the eve of the series-deciding game here.

Carey said it will only add to the strength of the side when Steve Smith and David Warner rejoin the side after serving out their bans.&nbsp;

"Those are definitely some big names that might come back into the line. The guys that are in the side are performing well, so it's only healthy for Australian cricket that the guys in the side are playing well and these guys that have done really well in the past have definitely put their hand up for selection when they are available."

He said he was not surprised by the way the Australian batsmen tackled India's formidable spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who have tormented batters with their guile in recent times.

"There has probably been a fair bit of media (analysis) about Australia playing against spin in the past. We have worked really hard on playing spin bowling in the nets over 12-18 months. I guess to see some reward, again it's no surprise, but the guys are doing so much hard work off the field," said Carey.

The match will be played on a Feroz Shah Kotla wicket which may assist slow bowlers. Carey, though, said they are capable of handling whatever is thrown at them.

"We played some local Indian bowlers that we tried in the nets, so I guess it's really a good experience. Guys getting out there in the middle to have the confidence to take on their spinners got to be a great confidence tomorrow."

He said the strength of the Australian team at the moment is that they have plenty of options.

"We take a lot of confidence that we trust the batters to perform their role. When Ashton did that the other night he did really well. They (Indians) are world class bowlers and I am sure they want to bounce back and it's up to our batters to have a game plan to negate that. We trust the players to perform their role and take on the best bowlers in the world and do a good job."

Carey said it will be a contest to watch for since they have the momentum and India would be keen to bounce back after two defeats.

"We were out under pressure early in the series. Some games were really close and now we have the series level at 2-2. It is obviously exciting going into tomorrow with the series on the line. Obviously (we will) take some momentum from the last game. The boys are felling confident.

"India are going to bounce back quickly but I guess for us we thought we played some pretty good cricket in the first two games and we just fell short so to have the series at 2-2, really excited. I am really looking forward to and so are the guys."

Emboldened by Australia's remarkable turnaround in the ODI series against India, vice-captain Alex Carey Tuesday said they are "really confident" of entering the ICC World Cup with a squad good enough to play like defending champions.

Emboldened by Australia's remarkable turnaround in the ODI series against India, vice-captain Alex Carey Tuesday said they are "really confident" of entering the ICC World Cup with a squad good enough to play like defending champions. The five-match series is poised at 2-2, thanks to Australia's back-to-back wins after staring down the barrel at one stage. "As a player in the Australian cricket side we have been working hard in the last 12-18 months. Some success has started to come our way. We are really confident moving with the squad we take to the World Cup," Clarey said on the eve of the series-deciding game here. Carey said it will only add to the strength of the side when Steve Smith and David Warner rejoin the side after serving out their bans. "Those are definitely some big names that might come back into the line. The guys that are in the side are performing well, so it's only healthy for Australian cricket that the guys in the side are playing well and these guys that have done really well in the past have definitely put their hand up for selection when they are available." He said he was not surprised by the way the Australian batsmen tackled India's formidable spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who have tormented batters with their guile in recent times. "There has probably been a fair bit of media (analysis) about Australia playing against spin in the past. We have worked really hard on playing spin bowling in the nets over 12-18 months. I guess to see some reward, again it's no surprise, but the guys are doing so much hard work off the field," said Carey. The match will be played on a Feroz Shah Kotla wicket which may assist slow bowlers. Carey, though, said they are capable of handling whatever is thrown at them. "We played some local Indian bowlers that we tried in the nets, so I guess it's really a good experience. Guys getting out there in the middle to have the confidence to take on their spinners got to be a great confidence tomorrow." He said the strength of the Australian team at the moment is that they have plenty of options. "We take a lot of confidence that we trust the batters to perform their role. When Ashton did that the other night he did really well. They (Indians) are world class bowlers and I am sure they want to bounce back and it's up to our batters to have a game plan to negate that. We trust the players to perform their role and take on the best bowlers in the world and do a good job." Carey said it will be a contest to watch for since they have the momentum and India would be keen to bounce back after two defeats. "We were out under pressure early in the series. Some games were really close and now we have the series level at 2-2. It is obviously exciting going into tomorrow with the series on the line. Obviously (we will) take some momentum from the last game. The boys are felling confident. "India are going to bounce back quickly but I guess for us we thought we played some pretty good cricket in the first two games and we just fell short so to have the series at 2-2, really excited. I am really looking forward to and so are the guys."

We are really confident of moving with this Australian squad to 2019 World Cup: Alex Carey

Australian cricket captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Aaron+Finch">Aaron Finch</a> on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time.

The five-match series between the two sides is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ashton-turner-usman-khawaja-and-peter-handscomb-made-australias-record-run-chase-special-against-india-202475">currently tied at 2-2</a> after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series.

Australia's last series win in the 50-over format in India came in 2009.&nbsp;

The team was invited for a special evening in New Delhi by the Australian High Commission in India.

Finch said that there is never a dull moment when they are playing with India as there is always "a lot of passion, a lot of fierce competitiveness between the two countries".&nbsp;

The team also interacted with veteran Indian bowler, Bishan Singh Bedi, who was a part of the famous Indian spin quartet.&nbsp;

The two teams will play the series-deciding ODI match in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 13).

If Finch's men win the New Delhi ODI, they'll become first Australian side win a five-match series after trailing 0-2.&nbsp;

Australian cricket captain Aaron Finch on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time. The five-match series between the two sides is currently tied at 2-2 after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series.

Australian cricket captain Aaron Finch on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time. The five-match series between the two sides is currently tied at 2-2 after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series. Australia's last series win in the 50-over format in India came in 2009. The team was invited for a special evening in New Delhi by the Australian High Commission in India. Finch said that there is never a dull moment when they are playing with India as there is always "a lot of passion, a lot of fierce competitiveness between the two countries". The team also interacted with veteran Indian bowler, Bishan Singh Bedi, who was a part of the famous Indian spin quartet. The two teams will play the series-deciding ODI match in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 13). If Finch's men win the New Delhi ODI, they'll become first Australian side win a five-match series after trailing 0-2.

Australian skipper Aaron Finch hopes to win ODI series in India

Ashton Turner, Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb made Australia's record run chase special against India

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