Australia will be without spinner Jess Jonassen for next month's all-format series against India due to injury, while swing bowler Megan Schutt has pulled out due to personal reasons, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday.

Australia's women will play India in three one-day internationals starting on September&nbsp;19 in Sydney, followed by a day-night Test at the WACA at Perth on September 30. The series will end with three Twenty20 internationals starting on October 7.

Jonassen, the top-ranked bowler in the ODI format, has suffered a bone stress injury in her tibia. Cricket Australia also said pace bowler Belinda Vakarewa had asked not to be considered for selection due to personal reasons.

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"We're fully supportive of the requests from Belinda and Megan to not be considered for selection and will continue to work with them to ensure they have the appropriate support," said Australia's national selector Shawn Flegler.

"Jess is another big loss and will be disappointed to miss out, but she's another one that's worked hard over the winter and with a long summer ahead, her focus will be to get herself right with a lot of cricket left in the season."

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Top-order batter Georgia Redmayne and fast bowler Stella Campbell received their maiden call-ups, while fast bowler Maitlan Brown has been included in the 18-member squad following her return from a hamstring injury.

All-rounder Ellyse Perry, wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy and batter Ashleigh Gardner have all been included in the squad, which will be captained by Meg Lanning, with Rachael Haynes as her deputy.

Australia will be without spinner Jess Jonassen for next month's all-format series against India due to injury, while swing bowler Megan Schutt has pulled out due to personal reasons, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday.

Australia will be without spinner Jess Jonassen for next month's all-format series against India due to injury, while swing bowler Megan Schutt has pulled out due to personal reasons, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday. Australia's women will play India in three one-day internationals starting on September 19 in Sydney, followed by a day-night Test at the WACA at Perth on September 30. The series will end with three Twenty20 internationals starting on October 7. Jonassen, the top-ranked bowler in the ODI format, has suffered a bone stress injury in her tibia. Cricket Australia also said pace bowler Belinda Vakarewa had asked not to be considered for selection due to personal reasons. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: India to begin campaign against Pakistan as ICC announces tournament schedule "We're fully supportive of the requests from Belinda and Megan to not be considered for selection and will continue to work with them to ensure they have the appropriate support," said Australia's national selector Shawn Flegler. "Jess is another big loss and will be disappointed to miss out, but she's another one that's worked hard over the winter and with a long summer ahead, her focus will be to get herself right with a lot of cricket left in the season." ALSO READ | India vs England: 'If you go after one of our guys...': KL Rahul reacts to heated altercations during Lord's Test Top-order batter Georgia Redmayne and fast bowler Stella Campbell received their maiden call-ups, while fast bowler Maitlan Brown has been included in the 18-member squad following her return from a hamstring injury. All-rounder Ellyse Perry, wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy and batter Ashleigh Gardner have all been included in the squad, which will be captained by Meg Lanning, with Rachael Haynes as her deputy.

Cricket: Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt out of Australia women's squad for India series

India men's hockey team were handed a crushing defeat by the Australians after the Kookaburras thrashed the Men in Blue 7-1. However, Manpreet Singh and Co. bounced back after beating defending Olympic-gold medalist Argentina, 3-1, on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Talking about a win against Argentina, Manpreet told reporters: "Tournament is not over. We have a match against Japan tomorrow and there is so much left. We will not be thinking about how we defeated defending Olympic champions tomorrow. We all played well and dominated the first three quarters but still, we missed our chances. Our defence did good and we will carry this further in the tournament and will focus on tomorrow's match."

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"We created a lot of opportunities and we will work on our last pass. In the quarter-finals and match against japan will be difficult because they will be a good team and they will not give us easy chances."

Singh also talked about 7-1 thrashing that was handed by Australia and called it a 'wake-up call'.&nbsp;

"That was a wake-up call for us. We were very disappointed and we focused on our next matches."

"Obviously there is heat but somehow we have an upper hand because there also we were training in the afternoon and here too our matches are scheduled before noon. That's why we have an advantage. But for everyone the weather is same."

India will take on hosts Japan in their last Group A game at Oi Hockey Stadium on Thursday at 3:00 pm IST.

India men's hockey team were handed a crushing defeat by the Australians after the Kookaburras thrashed the Men in Blue 7-1. However, Manpreet Singh and Co. bounced back after beating defending Olympic-gold medalist Argentina, 3-1, on Thursday.

India men's hockey team were handed a crushing defeat by the Australians after the Kookaburras thrashed the Men in Blue 7-1. However, Manpreet Singh and Co. bounced back after beating defending Olympic-gold medalist Argentina, 3-1, on Thursday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Boxer Satish Kumar advances into the quarter-finals after beating Jamaica's Ricardo Brown Talking about a win against Argentina, Manpreet told reporters: "Tournament is not over. We have a match against Japan tomorrow and there is so much left. We will not be thinking about how we defeated defending Olympic champions tomorrow. We all played well and dominated the first three quarters but still, we missed our chances. Our defence did good and we will carry this further in the tournament and will focus on tomorrow's match." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: 63-member Australian athletics team in isolation after US pole-vaulter tests positive for COVID-19 "We created a lot of opportunities and we will work on our last pass. In the quarter-finals and match against japan will be difficult because they will be a good team and they will not give us easy chances." Singh also talked about 7-1 thrashing that was handed by Australia and called it a 'wake-up call'. "That was a wake-up call for us. We were very disappointed and we focused on our next matches." "Obviously there is heat but somehow we have an upper hand because there also we were training in the afternoon and here too our matches are scheduled before noon. That's why we have an advantage. But for everyone the weather is same." India will take on hosts Japan in their last Group A game at Oi Hockey Stadium on Thursday at 3:00 pm IST.

Tokyo Olympics- 'Wake-up call for us': Manpreet Singh on Australia thrashing

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia.&nbsp;

Mitchell Starc is one of Australia's multi-format players who could be affected by the exceptionally close turnaround between the T20 World Cup and the beginning of the home Test season against Afghanistan in Hobart. He has depicted the forthcoming stage as an 'interesting' one for multi-format players from the nation will have to barge between formats.&nbsp;

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Opening up on the tight schedule, which could represent a test for multi-format players, Mitchell Starc was cited as saying by ESPN Cricinfo: "It's a very interesting one. I'm sure Cricket Australia is thinking about it and putting plans in place. The way of the world at the moment throws up a lot of hurdles, and then you are throwing two weeks of quarantine like we are going to have to do coming back from this tour as well; there's a lot of question marks."&nbsp;

Mitchell Starc, notwithstanding, called attention to that rules contrast as per the venues, and things could be chipped away at, alluding to the home series against India.

"You look back to the summer, and we played Sydney under restrictions; Brisbane was under full quarantine, so there's certainly precedence set there in how we approach different games, especially in Australia. In that respect, I don't think there're any hurdles to get around in playing cricket under quarantine conditions; it's just some of the finer details that government and cricket will have to work together," he added.

The 31-year-old conceded that the multi-format players would need to play as much cricket as possible. He said in such a manner: “Test cricket is certainly the pinnacle for a lot of us; certainly it is for me, as is a World Cup, so it will be hard to pick and choose."&nbsp;

The Australian limited-overs crew has shown up in West Indies for an essential visit in front of the T20 World Cup. Following their Caribbean trip, they will go to Bangladesh for another white-ball series. While many enormous names, including David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith, have opted out from the two tours, Mitchell Starc will be anticipating stretch out beyond the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

"It's a great opportunity for the group to start preparing with a bit more focus on that World Cup," he said. "Don't think I've played 10 T20s in the last four years let alone in the space of a few weeks so personally, it would be nice to get a bit of a rhythm of T20 cricket.

"The back end of the summer I was heavily focused on the red-ball so put the white-ball to the side. To prepare for this tour it's all been white-ball focused with what's coming up in the next few months. Preparing for shorter spells, more of a focus on staying unpredictable or&nbsp;variations. I don't change a whole lot in my preparation across the formats but certainly, they'll be a lot more planning and focus on tactically what we'll take on this series."

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia.

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia. Mitchell Starc is one of Australia's multi-format players who could be affected by the exceptionally close turnaround between the T20 World Cup and the beginning of the home Test season against Afghanistan in Hobart. He has depicted the forthcoming stage as an 'interesting' one for multi-format players from the nation will have to barge between formats. ALSO READ: Cricket: Steve Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup participation to be fit for Ashes Opening up on the tight schedule, which could represent a test for multi-format players, Mitchell Starc was cited as saying by ESPN Cricinfo: "It's a very interesting one. I'm sure Cricket Australia is thinking about it and putting plans in place. The way of the world at the moment throws up a lot of hurdles, and then you are throwing two weeks of quarantine like we are going to have to do coming back from this tour as well; there's a lot of question marks." Mitchell Starc, notwithstanding, called attention to that rules contrast as per the venues, and things could be chipped away at, alluding to the home series against India. "You look back to the summer, and we played Sydney under restrictions; Brisbane was under full quarantine, so there's certainly precedence set there in how we approach different games, especially in Australia. In that respect, I don't think there're any hurdles to get around in playing cricket under quarantine conditions; it's just some of the finer details that government and cricket will have to work together," he added. The 31-year-old conceded that the multi-format players would need to play as much cricket as possible. He said in such a manner: “Test cricket is certainly the pinnacle for a lot of us; certainly it is for me, as is a World Cup, so it will be hard to pick and choose." The Australian limited-overs crew has shown up in West Indies for an essential visit in front of the T20 World Cup. Following their Caribbean trip, they will go to Bangladesh for another white-ball series. While many enormous names, including David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith, have opted out from the two tours, Mitchell Starc will be anticipating stretch out beyond the T20 World Cup. "It's a great opportunity for the group to start preparing with a bit more focus on that World Cup," he said. "Don't think I've played 10 T20s in the last four years let alone in the space of a few weeks so personally, it would be nice to get a bit of a rhythm of T20 cricket. "The back end of the summer I was heavily focused on the red-ball so put the white-ball to the side. To prepare for this tour it's all been white-ball focused with what's coming up in the next few months. Preparing for shorter spells, more of a focus on staying unpredictable or variations. I don't change a whole lot in my preparation across the formats but certainly, they'll be a lot more planning and focus on tactically what we'll take on this series."

Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled

Australia&nbsp;head coach Justin Langer has expressed his disappointment over the slow-over rate against India in the Boxing Day Test, which ultimately cost the Aussies a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four points were docked from Australia's points tally in the WTC after Tim Paine's side were two overs short of the required rate of 15 overs per hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The four-point deduction meant that Australia ended up third in the ICC World Test Championship table with 69.2 percentage points while India finished first with 72 percentage points and New Zealand finishing second with 70 percentage points.&nbsp;

Langer said that Australia's team manager Gavin Dovey was on leave and hence, the team was unaware of the slow-over rate in the match.&nbsp;

"This might be the silliest thing I've ever said, but our manager Gavin Dovey ... he'd been away, he'd gone home for Christmas to be with his family," Langer told SEN.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It wasn't until after the game that we&nbsp;realised&nbsp;our over rate was down. Now, that's really slack on our behalf.&nbsp;

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"I remember we were in the team room afterwards and I spoke to&nbsp;Painey&nbsp;(skipper Tim Paine) and Dene Hills, our analyst, about it. I was a bit grumpy about it and I thought 'imagine if this cost us the World Test Championship.&nbsp;

"And I mentioned it to the players afterwards that two overs down could cost us the World Test Championship. And so, we have to get better at that and make sure it doesn't happen in Sydney and Brisbane.&nbsp;

"It was relevant at the time and it certainly became incredibly significant over the weekend."&nbsp;

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Langer is of the view that Australia should be more accountable and take responsibility for the crucial slow-over rate breach at the MCG as it was something that was within their control.&nbsp;

"How often do you get docked points in Test cricket these days? Rarely," he said.&nbsp;

"And we had that in our control, that's an attitudinal thing.&nbsp;

"At the time, we probably thought it's not that big a deal the players get fined but that cost us the World Test Championship (Final) after what had been two really good years for Australian cricket where we were ranked No.1 again.&nbsp;

"It's very disappointing, but the lesson is the things that we can control, we have to control. And we can't relax for a second in Test cricket," Langer added.&nbsp;

The ICC rules state that teams are docked two points and fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over they stay behind the rate. Australia&nbsp;were&nbsp;docked four points and fined 40 per cent of their match fee as they were behind by two overs.&nbsp;

Australia head coach Justin Langer has expressed his disappointment over the slow-over rate against India in the Boxing Day Test, which ultimately cost the Aussies a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship.

Australia head coach Justin Langer has expressed his disappointment over the slow-over rate against India in the Boxing Day Test, which ultimately cost the Aussies a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Four points were docked from Australia's points tally in the WTC after Tim Paine's side were two overs short of the required rate of 15 overs per hour. The four-point deduction meant that Australia ended up third in the ICC World Test Championship table with 69.2 percentage points while India finished first with 72 percentage points and New Zealand finishing second with 70 percentage points. Langer said that Australia's team manager Gavin Dovey was on leave and hence, the team was unaware of the slow-over rate in the match. "This might be the silliest thing I've ever said, but our manager Gavin Dovey ... he'd been away, he'd gone home for Christmas to be with his family," Langer told SEN. "It wasn't until after the game that we realised our over rate was down. Now, that's really slack on our behalf. ALSO READ: 'I turned to Rahul Dravid and asked...' Sam Billings recalls watching Rishabh Pant for first time "I remember we were in the team room afterwards and I spoke to Painey (skipper Tim Paine) and Dene Hills, our analyst, about it. I was a bit grumpy about it and I thought 'imagine if this cost us the World Test Championship. "And I mentioned it to the players afterwards that two overs down could cost us the World Test Championship. And so, we have to get better at that and make sure it doesn't happen in Sydney and Brisbane. "It was relevant at the time and it certainly became incredibly significant over the weekend." ALSO READ: IPL 2021 venues could host ICC T20 World Cup matches: Report Langer is of the view that Australia should be more accountable and take responsibility for the crucial slow-over rate breach at the MCG as it was something that was within their control. "How often do you get docked points in Test cricket these days? Rarely," he said. "And we had that in our control, that's an attitudinal thing. "At the time, we probably thought it's not that big a deal the players get fined but that cost us the World Test Championship (Final) after what had been two really good years for Australian cricket where we were ranked No.1 again. "It's very disappointing, but the lesson is the things that we can control, we have to control. And we can't relax for a second in Test cricket," Langer added. The ICC rules state that teams are docked two points and fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over they stay behind the rate. Australia were docked four points and fined 40 per cent of their match fee as they were behind by two overs.

'Very disappointing': Justin Langer rues missing WTC final berth due to major error against India

After a recent dip in form, India's&nbsp;chinaman&nbsp;bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack. Kuldeep, who was in the Indian squad&nbsp;in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, failed to bag a game in the longest format of the game. Kuldeep has now revealed what he learned from the like of Ashwin and Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon during India's recent&nbsp;tour of Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 26-year-old got the opportunity to pick the brains of Lyon and Ashwin – two of the best spinners in the world. Kuldeep opened up about his interactions with the spin duo&nbsp;as he said that while Lyon talked more about following simple drills, Ashwin was more technical and focused on what tweaks he can make in his bowling. Kuldeep, who is in strong contention to be back in the Indian Test XI against England, also revealed how Ashwin helped him laying out plans for England skipper Joe Root – who was in sensational form in their&nbsp;series against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

"I did speak quite a lot to Nathan Lyon. I asked him about his routines. He told me he maintains simple drills, what his skills are, how he runs the fingers over the ball while spinning, which is his strength. He asked me to follow my routines, find the spot where I should be pitching and enjoy my bowling with a smile.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"He (Ashwin) has given me quite a few ideas. He said at times I should quicken my rhythm, try bowling straighter, make slight tactical changes. He has a lot of knowledge not just about bowling but also game plans. During the Australia tour we spoke about plans for the England series - if Joe Root is batting, which fielders should be close, what areas to bowl. When he did not play in&nbsp;Brisbane&nbsp;I had good discussions with him," Kuldeep Yadav told&nbsp;ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;

Kuldeep also said that he should have played more matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the&nbsp;chinaman&nbsp;bowler added that he was bowling well and was in a good&nbsp;rhythm.&nbsp;

"Personally&nbsp;I felt the 2020 IPL did not go well for me. I should have played more matches. I felt I was in pretty good rhythm, I was bowling well, but just that I did not get many overs. So, perhaps, if I got more opportunities then it would have been good. I am not saying that was the lowest, to be honest.&nbsp;

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"Even in 2019, I did not have a good IPL. Until you fail, you can't handle the pressure. Now I feel I understand things better - I have seen failure in my life now, so even if I don't perform, it will not be new. In cricket, you can't perform at all times, but if you carry on doing the hard work, you create better chances to become successful," Kuldeep Yadav said.&nbsp;

Kuldeep last played Test for India in the year 2019 - against Australia in Sydney - where he ended up with five wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a recent dip in form, India's chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack.

After a recent dip in form, India's chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack. Kuldeep, who was in the Indian squad in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, failed to bag a game in the longest format of the game. Kuldeep has now revealed what he learned from the like of Ashwin and Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon during India's recent tour of Australia. The 26-year-old got the opportunity to pick the brains of Lyon and Ashwin – two of the best spinners in the world. Kuldeep opened up about his interactions with the spin duo as he said that while Lyon talked more about following simple drills, Ashwin was more technical and focused on what tweaks he can make in his bowling. Kuldeep, who is in strong contention to be back in the Indian Test XI against England, also revealed how Ashwin helped him laying out plans for England skipper Joe Root – who was in sensational form in their series against Sri Lanka. "I did speak quite a lot to Nathan Lyon. I asked him about his routines. He told me he maintains simple drills, what his skills are, how he runs the fingers over the ball while spinning, which is his strength. He asked me to follow my routines, find the spot where I should be pitching and enjoy my bowling with a smile. ALSO READ: Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior "He (Ashwin) has given me quite a few ideas. He said at times I should quicken my rhythm, try bowling straighter, make slight tactical changes. He has a lot of knowledge not just about bowling but also game plans. During the Australia tour we spoke about plans for the England series - if Joe Root is batting, which fielders should be close, what areas to bowl. When he did not play in Brisbane I had good discussions with him," Kuldeep Yadav told ESPNcricinfo. Kuldeep also said that he should have played more matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the chinaman bowler added that he was bowling well and was in a good rhythm. "Personally I felt the 2020 IPL did not go well for me. I should have played more matches. I felt I was in pretty good rhythm, I was bowling well, but just that I did not get many overs. So, perhaps, if I got more opportunities then it would have been good. I am not saying that was the lowest, to be honest. ALSO READ: Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender "Even in 2019, I did not have a good IPL. Until you fail, you can't handle the pressure. Now I feel I understand things better - I have seen failure in my life now, so even if I don't perform, it will not be new. In cricket, you can't perform at all times, but if you carry on doing the hard work, you create better chances to become successful," Kuldeep Yadav said. Kuldeep last played Test for India in the year 2019 - against Australia in Sydney - where he ended up with five wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav reveals lessons from Ashwin and Nathan Lyon

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil. While fans are still celebrating the historic win by the Indian team, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has revealed that the series win by Team India made him emotional as he shed tears while watching Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar bat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India started the tour on a torrid note and lost the Adelaide Test. However, the visitors bounced back in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to win the series 2-1 despite missing several of their key stars due to&nbsp;unavailability&nbsp;or injuries.&nbsp;

Laxman recalled the iconic Test series win as the batting legend said that he became "very emotional" while watching the last day of the Gabba Test.&nbsp;

"There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control," Laxman told Sports Today in an exclusive chat.

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"I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time," he added.&nbsp;

Laxman further revealed that it was the second time he shed tears while watching cricket with the first instance being India's ICC World Cup 2011&nbsp;triumph.&nbsp;

"Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;their dream of winning the World Cup," Laxman said.&nbsp;

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"And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country," the former India batsman added.&nbsp;

India's next&nbsp;assignment&nbsp;will be a full-fledged home series against England where both the sides will play three Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from February 5.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil.

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil. While fans are still celebrating the historic win by the Indian team, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has revealed that the series win by Team India made him emotional as he shed tears while watching Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar bat. India started the tour on a torrid note and lost the Adelaide Test. However, the visitors bounced back in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to win the series 2-1 despite missing several of their key stars due to unavailability or injuries. Laxman recalled the iconic Test series win as the batting legend said that he became "very emotional" while watching the last day of the Gabba Test. "There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control," Laxman told Sports Today in an exclusive chat. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team "I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time," he added. Laxman further revealed that it was the second time he shed tears while watching cricket with the first instance being India's ICC World Cup 2011 triumph. "Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to realise their dream of winning the World Cup," Laxman said. ALSO READ: Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test "And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country," the former India batsman added. India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England where both the sides will play three Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from February 5.

'Twice I cried...': VVS Laxman reveals emotional ride during India vs Australia Test series

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.&nbsp;

Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/union-budget-2021-nirmala-sitharaman-recalls-team-indias-historic-gabba-win-in-australia-360577" hreflang="en">Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia</a>

Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5.&nbsp;

"Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jos-buttler-ready-for-wicket-keeping-challenge-on-indias-pitches-360298" hreflang="en">England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches</a>

"Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added.&nbsp;

India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.&nbsp;

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team. Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave. Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. ALSO READ: Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5. "Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team. "They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said. ALSO READ: England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches "Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added. India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.

Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially&nbsp;abused&nbsp;during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people,&nbsp;who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges&nbsp;following a probe.&nbsp;

Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January.&nbsp;

On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd.&nbsp;Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires.&nbsp;

As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges.&nbsp;

"CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-axe-wade-keep-paine-as-captain-for-south-africa-test-tour-359588" hreflang="en">Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour</a>

"CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;in an attempt to locate those responsible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test&nbsp;did not engage in racist&nbsp;behaviour."&nbsp;

Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there&nbsp;had been such issues in Sydney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-reacts-to-captaincy-debate-ahead-of-england-series-359483" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series</a>

Cricket Australia issued&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police.&nbsp;

The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South&nbsp;Wales Police continues to investigate.&nbsp;

After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due&nbsp;to the sheer respect for the game.&nbsp;

India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe. Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January. On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd. Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires. As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges. "CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement. ALSO READ: Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour "CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analysed in an attempt to locate those responsible." But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour." Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there had been such issues in Sydney. "It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series Cricket Australia issued a heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police. The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South Wales Police continues to investigate. After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due to the sheer respect for the game. India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.

Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused at the SCG

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages.&nbsp;While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1,&nbsp;the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India started off the Test series with a humiliating defeat in Adelaide where the visitors were bundled off for a record-low of 36. However, showing great grit and resilience, the Indian team bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw Sydney Test and end the series by breaching Australia's fortress the Gabba.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the wins in Melbourne and Gabba will be remembered for long, the heroic show in Sydney will never be forgotten by the Indian fans.&nbsp;

During a conversation with India's fielding coach R Sridhar, Ravichandran Ashwin, in his YouTube channel, revealed an interesting yet hilarious incident involving Shardul Thakur.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-father-is-a-farmer-and-all-our-life-we-are-taught-to-keep-trying-shardul-thakur-358521" hreflang="en">'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur</a>

While Ravichandran Ashwin, with a sore back, and Hanuma Vihari, with a torn hamstring, were battling out to save the Sydney Test on Day 5, Indian team management sent bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur to the ground to pass on a message for the duo in the middle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7ef9f08a-fbd3-4b68-8c68-1b58bd6abc08}{244}" paraid="984069920" >The full conversation between Ravichandran Ashwin and R Sridhar on Shardul Thakur conveying the message from the dressing room:</h2>

Ashwin: Already I was padded up and standing from the morning because of my back pain. And then suddenly there was talk of Jadeja batting. And then suddenly Shastri came and said 'Ash, go!' After I went in, there were multiple messages from Shastri. Take us through those.

Sridhar: At one end, the bounce was a bit uneven and you got hit. We were worried about two things - one, a batsman getting out. And two, if Ash was injured, there was only Ravi Shastri left to play! Lot of things at stake, so he sent a message through Shardul.

He called for Shardul and said 'go tell Ashwin that I told him to play Lyon and Vihari to play the pacers'.

Ashwin: We were oblivious to it. We were keeping on playing the same way, and Vihari came and said Ash I'm feeling a bit distracting, so let's rotate strike for a couple of overs. And we got a single. Vihari played off-spin, and after an over, he came and said I'm unable to move my feet! Somehow we survived.

Shardul came running in and said "they're talking a lot of things inside. But I won't tell you anything! You both are playing well, just continue!" We were wondering what kind of a message this is.

Sridhar: And we were thinking he conveyed the message to you guys! And then every ball became an event. You batted till tea, and then we started believing. We had 249 balls, and Shastri would say 'Shabash' after every ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-talks-about-ravichandran-ashwins-struggles-during-the-sydney-test-358506" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test</a>

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Ashwin and Vihari, battling injuries, defied all the odds to remain unbeaten on Day 5 of the Sydney Test to help India draw the Test. Courtesy the drawn Sydney Test, the series remained at 1-1 which also gave a window to the Indian team to go for the kill in Brisbane as they won the&nbsp;Test series 2-1.&nbsp;

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages. While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1, the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things.

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages. While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1, the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things. India started off the Test series with a humiliating defeat in Adelaide where the visitors were bundled off for a record-low of 36. However, showing great grit and resilience, the Indian team bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw Sydney Test and end the series by breaching Australia's fortress the Gabba. While the wins in Melbourne and Gabba will be remembered for long, the heroic show in Sydney will never be forgotten by the Indian fans. During a conversation with India's fielding coach R Sridhar, Ravichandran Ashwin, in his YouTube channel, revealed an interesting yet hilarious incident involving Shardul Thakur. ALSO READ: 'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur While Ravichandran Ashwin, with a sore back, and Hanuma Vihari, with a torn hamstring, were battling out to save the Sydney Test on Day 5, Indian team management sent bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur to the ground to pass on a message for the duo in the middle. The full conversation between Ravichandran Ashwin and R Sridhar on Shardul Thakur conveying the message from the dressing room: Ashwin: Already I was padded up and standing from the morning because of my back pain. And then suddenly there was talk of Jadeja batting. And then suddenly Shastri came and said 'Ash, go!' After I went in, there were multiple messages from Shastri. Take us through those. Sridhar: At one end, the bounce was a bit uneven and you got hit. We were worried about two things - one, a batsman getting out. And two, if Ash was injured, there was only Ravi Shastri left to play! Lot of things at stake, so he sent a message through Shardul. He called for Shardul and said 'go tell Ashwin that I told him to play Lyon and Vihari to play the pacers'. Ashwin: We were oblivious to it. We were keeping on playing the same way, and Vihari came and said Ash I'm feeling a bit distracting, so let's rotate strike for a couple of overs. And we got a single. Vihari played off-spin, and after an over, he came and said I'm unable to move my feet! Somehow we survived. Shardul came running in and said "they're talking a lot of things inside. But I won't tell you anything! You both are playing well, just continue!" We were wondering what kind of a message this is. Sridhar: And we were thinking he conveyed the message to you guys! And then every ball became an event. You batted till tea, and then we started believing. We had 249 balls, and Shastri would say 'Shabash' after every ball. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test × Ashwin and Vihari, battling injuries, defied all the odds to remain unbeaten on Day 5 of the Sydney Test to help India draw the Test. Courtesy the drawn Sydney Test, the series remained at 1-1 which also gave a window to the Indian team to go for the kill in Brisbane as they won the Test series 2-1.

'Just continue!': When Shardul Thakur didn't convey Ravi Shastri's message to Vihari and Ashwin in Sydney

Shardul Thakur did not have a memorable debut for India in Test cricket. The all-rounder lasted only ten balls playing against West Indies at Hyderabad in 2018&nbsp;as he sustained hamstring and was forced off the field. However, two years later, Shadul Thakur's contribution with bat and ball made him an overnight star.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shardul-thakur-all-praise-for-warrior-cheteshwar-pujara-after-indias-historic-show-in-australia-358516" hreflang="en">Shardul Thakur all praise for 'warrior' Cheteshwar Pujara after India's historic show in Australia</a>

From scoring 67 runs to scalping seven wickets, Thakur's performance helped India seal the deal against Australia.&nbsp;

"For me it was ab agla mauka kab aayega? (when would I get the next chance)," he told Indian Express. "That wait between two Tests has changed me as a person. There were two options, either I crib and say, yaar yeh agla mauka kab aayega or just go there and keep working. Keep working was the only option. My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying. Keep working hard, keep pushing. Agar ek saal kheti kharaab ho jayega iska matlab yeh nahi ke next time (I won’t do farming. Same is in cricket, I will again try).

"I did (get frustrated), tell me who wants to sit out but at the end of the day only 11 can play. I have sat out before for two series and waited too. I’m human and I do get demotivated. I look out for my motivation. Be it carrying drinks or cheering, I kept busy in these activities.

"I spoke to Ravi bhai (Shastri) one day. I asked him that sometimes I get only one game per series, I always feel pressure on me when I play. What should I do? He replied, if you see this opportunity as pressure, then I will certainly feel pressure in my game. But if you feel that you want to win, then except the game pressure, there won’t be any add-on pressure."

Thakur talked about the 123-run stand with Washington Sundar and said that their aim was to tire the Aussie bowlers.

"We all went for a win. As the game got closer and closer we knew we would pull it off. I think the only time we all had a doubt was in the first innings when we had lost six wickets for some 180 runs. When I and Washington Sundar batted and crossed the 300 run-mark, we both saw the scoreboard and felt the lead was not that big. We can pull this game off in second innings if we get them out sooner," he said.

"Our batting coach Vikram Rathour came and said play the ball as per merit, don’t play any silly shot. I told Sundar that let’s hang around because their bowlers were getting tired. Australia hadn’t given rest to any of their seamers in the entire Test series, it was the same bowling attack playing and we could sense that they were getting tired. The more they got tired the easier it would get. And it happened, their bowlers did get tired. We had to just apply our mind and back our instincts.

"I told myself that if I can hang around for two hours, I have all the shots to play. I always enjoy playing fast bowlers, I have never been scared of speed. Am not scared to face even 145 kmph plus. Maybe it’s because of how my cricketing career started. We have a ground in my village where my first few years of cricket were played on matting wickets. The pitch in Palghar had uneven bounce, so handling bounce came naturally to me. At the same time I faced throwdown specialists regularly in the Indian team nets, so am used to playing pace.

"Since school days I used to play as an all-rounder. I always enjoyed batting and I always want to showcase my talent with the bat. I might bat lower down the order but my mind works like a batsman."

Shardul Thakur did not have a memorable debut for India in Test cricket. The all-rounder lasted only ten balls playing against West Indies at Hyderabad in 2018 as he sustained hamstring and was forced off the field.

Shardul Thakur did not have a memorable debut for India in Test cricket. The all-rounder lasted only ten balls playing against West Indies at Hyderabad in 2018 as he sustained hamstring and was forced off the field. However, two years later, Shadul Thakur's contribution with bat and ball made him an overnight star. ALSO READ: Shardul Thakur all praise for 'warrior' Cheteshwar Pujara after India's historic show in Australia From scoring 67 runs to scalping seven wickets, Thakur's performance helped India seal the deal against Australia. "For me it was ab agla mauka kab aayega? (when would I get the next chance)," he told Indian Express. "That wait between two Tests has changed me as a person. There were two options, either I crib and say, yaar yeh agla mauka kab aayega or just go there and keep working. Keep working was the only option. My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying. Keep working hard, keep pushing. Agar ek saal kheti kharaab ho jayega iska matlab yeh nahi ke next time (I won’t do farming. Same is in cricket, I will again try). "I did (get frustrated), tell me who wants to sit out but at the end of the day only 11 can play. I have sat out before for two series and waited too. I’m human and I do get demotivated. I look out for my motivation. Be it carrying drinks or cheering, I kept busy in these activities. "I spoke to Ravi bhai (Shastri) one day. I asked him that sometimes I get only one game per series, I always feel pressure on me when I play. What should I do? He replied, if you see this opportunity as pressure, then I will certainly feel pressure in my game. But if you feel that you want to win, then except the game pressure, there won’t be any add-on pressure." Thakur talked about the 123-run stand with Washington Sundar and said that their aim was to tire the Aussie bowlers. "We all went for a win. As the game got closer and closer we knew we would pull it off. I think the only time we all had a doubt was in the first innings when we had lost six wickets for some 180 runs. When I and Washington Sundar batted and crossed the 300 run-mark, we both saw the scoreboard and felt the lead was not that big. We can pull this game off in second innings if we get them out sooner," he said. "Our batting coach Vikram Rathour came and said play the ball as per merit, don’t play any silly shot. I told Sundar that let’s hang around because their bowlers were getting tired. Australia hadn’t given rest to any of their seamers in the entire Test series, it was the same bowling attack playing and we could sense that they were getting tired. The more they got tired the easier it would get. And it happened, their bowlers did get tired. We had to just apply our mind and back our instincts. "I told myself that if I can hang around for two hours, I have all the shots to play. I always enjoy playing fast bowlers, I have never been scared of speed. Am not scared to face even 145 kmph plus. Maybe it’s because of how my cricketing career started. We have a ground in my village where my first few years of cricket were played on matting wickets. The pitch in Palghar had uneven bounce, so handling bounce came naturally to me. At the same time I faced throwdown specialists regularly in the Indian team nets, so am used to playing pace. "Since school days I used to play as an all-rounder. I always enjoyed batting and I always want to showcase my talent with the bat. I might bat lower down the order but my mind works like a batsman."

'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series. Pujara&nbsp;faced the most number of deliveries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (928) and faced the heat of the Aussie pacers on some tough pitches in Australia.&nbsp;

While Pujara was the orchestrator of India's historic show in 2018-19, the top-order batsman continued his terrific run against Australia as he helped the visitors seal back-to-back series on Australian soil by ending up as the second-highest scorer for the team.&nbsp;

After receiving a grand welcome in Mumbai, Shardul recalled Pujara's breathtaking batting efforts in Australia.&nbsp;

ALSO REA:D&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-talks-about-ravichandran-ashwins-struggles-during-the-sydney-test-358506" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test</a>

"I think Pujara batted like an absolute warrior. In the dressing room, even though he was getting hit, we never felt that he wasn't confident. He was ready to take those blows."&nbsp;

While youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant based their game flow around Pujara's gritty knocks, India reaped the maximum rewards of two sides of the coin. Not only did Pujara suffered some tough blows to his body, but he also made sure that India&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in the games during the course of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-the-great-batsman-or-a-mediocre-captain-bishan-singh-bedi-opines-358468" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines</a>

Thakur&nbsp;added,&nbsp;"he was pretty solid in his&nbsp;defence. At times, he might have looked ugly while watching him on TV, but he played his role sensationally. He batted superbly. There was no sense of fear in us," he told the Times of India.&nbsp;

Shardul, who made a comeback into the Indian Test squad, made an instant impact as he wreaked havoc with the ball while also playing a crucial knock of 67 runs at the Gabba. Shardul ended up with seven wickets to help India defeat Australia by three wickets and conquer the fortress call the Gabba.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series.

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series. Pujara faced the most number of deliveries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (928) and faced the heat of the Aussie pacers on some tough pitches in Australia. While Pujara was the orchestrator of India's historic show in 2018-19, the top-order batsman continued his terrific run against Australia as he helped the visitors seal back-to-back series on Australian soil by ending up as the second-highest scorer for the team. After receiving a grand welcome in Mumbai, Shardul recalled Pujara's breathtaking batting efforts in Australia. ALSO REA:D Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test "I think Pujara batted like an absolute warrior. In the dressing room, even though he was getting hit, we never felt that he wasn't confident. He was ready to take those blows." While youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant based their game flow around Pujara's gritty knocks, India reaped the maximum rewards of two sides of the coin. Not only did Pujara suffered some tough blows to his body, but he also made sure that India remain in the games during the course of the series. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines Thakur added, "he was pretty solid in his defence. At times, he might have looked ugly while watching him on TV, but he played his role sensationally. He batted superbly. There was no sense of fear in us," he told the Times of India. Shardul, who made a comeback into the Indian Test squad, made an instant impact as he wreaked havoc with the ball while also playing a crucial knock of 67 runs at the Gabba. Shardul ended up with seven wickets to help India defeat Australia by three wickets and conquer the fortress call the Gabba.

Shardul Thakur all praise for 'warrior' Cheteshwar Pujara after India's historic show in Australia

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia.

And in an exclusive conversation with PTI, he opened up about the emotional roller-coaster that the tour was. "When Rishabh and Washy (Washington Sundar) were batting, I wasn't able to cope up with tension," Sridhar said after reaching his home in Hyderabad, still trying to calm the nerves after that surreal final day in Brisbane.

"My heart rate was 120 on fitness app and couldn't help telling Rohit that main ek ghante mein 10 saal buddha ho gaya," he joked. An integral part of the Indian team set-up, Sridhar opened about the tour in an elaborate chat, asserting it will be difficult to surpass what the team went through in the past one month -- from hitting the nadir to reaching the zenith.

He touched upon the many highlights of the intense trip -- from coach Ravi Shastri's inspiring speech after the 36 all-out disaster in Adelaide to Hanuma Vihari's "miracle" batting at Sydney to the stunner in Brisbane.

<h2>36 all out and the aftermath:</h2>

"After 36 all-out, you didn't know what's next. Then Ravi (Shastri) bhai gathered the team and said: 'Wear this 36 like a badge on your sleeves and you will be a great team'. "After 40 days, it was gospel truth. Also we had five meetings in two days after the Adelaide Test finished on the third evening. Virat (Kohli), Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) and the coaching staff discussed combination and Virat gave some lovely suggestions for the MCG Test before leaving.

"I don't think there could have been a better execution in Melbourne," he recalled the events leading up to the turnaround in Melbourne, where India won to draw level.

<h2>Hanuma Vihari and the Sydney Heist:</h2>

"At tea time in Sydney, Vihari had his feet stretched wide as Nitin Patel strapped his hamstring and other physio administered painkillers. I went up to him and told Vihari, 'You owe the next two hours to your team as this team has backed you at every juncture.'

"...And after those 250 balls when he came back, he could barely walk, he fell down on the chair as I went to hug him. He said: 'Sir you asked for it. This is the best I could do in this situation.' I could just mutter 'thank you.' Sridhar said Vihari's fitness took a hit as he wasn't a part of the IPL like most other Indian players last year.

"His hamstring injury is multi-factorial. Firstly, he wasn't playing IPL like others, so general fitness level was a bit less than other guys which I told him and then he stood at short leg for three Tests which also contributed to injury. But what he did in Sydney gave us belief that we could do it in Brisbane.

"Vihari is an intense, young man. He is not your normal, jovial kind of a guy. He can go into a shell very soon, and that's his strength also and it helped him in Sydney. "Despite being on heavy dose of painkillers, which could make you a bit drowsy, he actually pulled off a miracle in Sydney. So when we got there in Brisbane, we had the belief that we could do it."

<h2>The Brisbane Chase on final day:</h2>

"We didn't want to complicate anything with Rishabh and Washy and it was their own plan. They had very valid excellent plan which was based on their abilities and belief. "When you see what they were executing, the last thing you want to do is send in information and at such times, less is more. Ajinkya and Ravi bhai said, 'Just leave these two alone. Whatever happens, we would take it, we came so far brilliantly'."

<h2>T Natarajan didn't carry his bat or pads to the tour:</h2>

"You know Nattu didn't carry a bat. He had his bowling spikes and trainers because he came as a net bowler and was supposed to bowl. He had to borrow one from either Washy or Ash (R Ashwin) when he was named in the squad.

"But that was the beauty. He was not any usual net bowler. (Strength and Conditioning coach) Nick Webb and (trainer) Soham (Desai) had proper strength and conditioning plan for all our net bowlers and they were an integral part of dressing room."

<h2>Talent called Washington:&nbsp;</h2>

"We kept him here after white ball games because we didn't want Ash to bowl too much at the nets but Nathan Lyon was always going to be an integral part of the Aussie line-up so we needed our batsmen to get net sessions.

"We used Washy to bowl into the rough. When Washy would bowl to our top order at nets, I would go and tell him 'Washy, give the ball over-spin because that's the need of the hour on Australian pitches, up (pitching it up) and over spin as you have to put your whole body behind the ball, because it requires energy.'

"We would tell Washy, that you may not be the lead off-spinner, but when India come back again in 2025, who knows you might be leading the spin attack with Kuldeep. Also even when he was not in original squad, he would bat for 30 minutes every day."

<h2>Leadership will now be known as 'Ravi Ship':</h2>

"Before the Brisbane Test started, Ravi bhai had one mantra, 'Nattu is no less than (Jasprit) Bumrah and Washy is no less than Ashwin, and that will be your mindset'. If you two are crossing that boundary line wearing that India cap, you are no less than the person next to you.

"Please quote me, it is unfair that you needed India's greatest Test victory to understand Ravi Shastri's contribution to Indian cricket. He was Indian cricket's 'Go To Man', when NCA needed restructuring in 2007, when IPL was conceptualised, when India needed a stop gap coach in 2007 after the World Cup exit, and also in 2014 when a Team Director was needed."

<h2>And finally, a Champagne spray and game of TT:</h2>

We had a flight next morning. So first we had to pack our bags and then we went to the team room for celebration. 90 per cent people don't drink so it was just spraying champagne and then some games of table tennis which the boys enjoyed.

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia.

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia. And in an exclusive conversation with PTI, he opened up about the emotional roller-coaster that the tour was. "When Rishabh and Washy (Washington Sundar) were batting, I wasn't able to cope up with tension," Sridhar said after reaching his home in Hyderabad, still trying to calm the nerves after that surreal final day in Brisbane. "My heart rate was 120 on fitness app and couldn't help telling Rohit that main ek ghante mein 10 saal buddha ho gaya," he joked. An integral part of the Indian team set-up, Sridhar opened about the tour in an elaborate chat, asserting it will be difficult to surpass what the team went through in the past one month -- from hitting the nadir to reaching the zenith. He touched upon the many highlights of the intense trip -- from coach Ravi Shastri's inspiring speech after the 36 all-out disaster in Adelaide to Hanuma Vihari's "miracle" batting at Sydney to the stunner in Brisbane. 36 all out and the aftermath: "After 36 all-out, you didn't know what's next. Then Ravi (Shastri) bhai gathered the team and said: 'Wear this 36 like a badge on your sleeves and you will be a great team'. "After 40 days, it was gospel truth. Also we had five meetings in two days after the Adelaide Test finished on the third evening. Virat (Kohli), Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) and the coaching staff discussed combination and Virat gave some lovely suggestions for the MCG Test before leaving. "I don't think there could have been a better execution in Melbourne," he recalled the events leading up to the turnaround in Melbourne, where India won to draw level. Hanuma Vihari and the Sydney Heist: "At tea time in Sydney, Vihari had his feet stretched wide as Nitin Patel strapped his hamstring and other physio administered painkillers. I went up to him and told Vihari, 'You owe the next two hours to your team as this team has backed you at every juncture.' "...And after those 250 balls when he came back, he could barely walk, he fell down on the chair as I went to hug him. He said: 'Sir you asked for it. This is the best I could do in this situation.' I could just mutter 'thank you.' Sridhar said Vihari's fitness took a hit as he wasn't a part of the IPL like most other Indian players last year. "His hamstring injury is multi-factorial. Firstly, he wasn't playing IPL like others, so general fitness level was a bit less than other guys which I told him and then he stood at short leg for three Tests which also contributed to injury. But what he did in Sydney gave us belief that we could do it in Brisbane. "Vihari is an intense, young man. He is not your normal, jovial kind of a guy. He can go into a shell very soon, and that's his strength also and it helped him in Sydney. "Despite being on heavy dose of painkillers, which could make you a bit drowsy, he actually pulled off a miracle in Sydney. So when we got there in Brisbane, we had the belief that we could do it." The Brisbane Chase on final day: "We didn't want to complicate anything with Rishabh and Washy and it was their own plan. They had very valid excellent plan which was based on their abilities and belief. "When you see what they were executing, the last thing you want to do is send in information and at such times, less is more. Ajinkya and Ravi bhai said, 'Just leave these two alone. Whatever happens, we would take it, we came so far brilliantly'." T Natarajan didn't carry his bat or pads to the tour: "You know Nattu didn't carry a bat. He had his bowling spikes and trainers because he came as a net bowler and was supposed to bowl. He had to borrow one from either Washy or Ash (R Ashwin) when he was named in the squad. "But that was the beauty. He was not any usual net bowler. (Strength and Conditioning coach) Nick Webb and (trainer) Soham (Desai) had proper strength and conditioning plan for all our net bowlers and they were an integral part of dressing room." Talent called Washington: "We kept him here after white ball games because we didn't want Ash to bowl too much at the nets but Nathan Lyon was always going to be an integral part of the Aussie line-up so we needed our batsmen to get net sessions. "We used Washy to bowl into the rough. When Washy would bowl to our top order at nets, I would go and tell him 'Washy, give the ball over-spin because that's the need of the hour on Australian pitches, up (pitching it up) and over spin as you have to put your whole body behind the ball, because it requires energy.' "We would tell Washy, that you may not be the lead off-spinner, but when India come back again in 2025, who knows you might be leading the spin attack with Kuldeep. Also even when he was not in original squad, he would bat for 30 minutes every day." Leadership will now be known as 'Ravi Ship': "Before the Brisbane Test started, Ravi bhai had one mantra, 'Nattu is no less than (Jasprit) Bumrah and Washy is no less than Ashwin, and that will be your mindset'. If you two are crossing that boundary line wearing that India cap, you are no less than the person next to you. "Please quote me, it is unfair that you needed India's greatest Test victory to understand Ravi Shastri's contribution to Indian cricket. He was Indian cricket's 'Go To Man', when NCA needed restructuring in 2007, when IPL was conceptualised, when India needed a stop gap coach in 2007 after the World Cup exit, and also in 2014 when a Team Director was needed." And finally, a Champagne spray and game of TT: We had a flight next morning. So first we had to pack our bags and then we went to the team room for celebration. 90 per cent people don't drink so it was just spraying champagne and then some games of table tennis which the boys enjoyed.

Inside Team Room: Wear that 36 all out like a badge, R Sridhar recalls 'Raviship' and more

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Hanuma, battling a hamstring injury, first got it going along with Cheteshwar Pujara, before batting for more than three hours with Ashwin, who himself was struggling with a sore back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After India's historic achievement of winning back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, Vihari has credited former Indian captain Rahul Dravid for bridging the gap between domestic and international players.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Vihari's heroics on Day 5 of the Sydney Test, Dravid messaged the Indian batsman to laud him for his efforts.&nbsp;

"Even after the Sydney Test, it was nice of him to send me a text. He said ‘Very well done, you did a great job’. That is the person he is and I respect him for that," Vihari told&nbsp;Sports Today.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-siraj-drives-straight-to-his-fathers-grave-after-landing-in-india-pays-his-last-respects-358296" hreflang="en">Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects</a>

Vihari further praised Dravid for giving chances to youngsters during India A tours as he said it made the players ready for international cricket.&nbsp;

"I mean, after getting picked in the India A side. Those who were there in the side, Siraj, Saini, Shubman, Mayank, everyone who were part of that side played a lot of cricket together in India A. Also, in the last 3-4 years, we played many India A tours and he was the coach (Rahul Dravid). I don’t think we played so many India A tours before. So that bridged the gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian team. We made the progress quickly. That’s the reason why we are playing our first game or the second game, we are ready for the challenge. We are not behind any other players. He made it possible.&nbsp;

"As youngsters, we have to give a lot of credit to him, the way he let us express our game. When we play under him, it always feels like he is more of a mentor than a coach. He is always there whenever we need him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-ravindra-jadeja-ruled-out-of-england-test-series-358289" hreflang="en">India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series</a>

"Even in the last Australia tour, I made a call to him, saying ‘Sir, I am making my debut’. He said ‘you have done exceptionally well in Ranji Trophy, in India A, so you’re ready to play’. That’s the confidence he gave me," Vihari said.&nbsp;

Vihari is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation and will miss the home series against England starting from February 5 due to the hamstring tear. He is expected to be back in contention before India's tour of England later in the&nbsp;year.&nbsp;

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Hanuma, battling a hamstring injury, first got it going along with Cheteshwar Pujara, before batting for more than three hours with Ashwin, who himself was struggling with a sore back. After India's historic achievement of winning back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, Vihari has credited former Indian captain Rahul Dravid for bridging the gap between domestic and international players. After Vihari's heroics on Day 5 of the Sydney Test, Dravid messaged the Indian batsman to laud him for his efforts. "Even after the Sydney Test, it was nice of him to send me a text. He said ‘Very well done, you did a great job’. That is the person he is and I respect him for that," Vihari told Sports Today. ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects Vihari further praised Dravid for giving chances to youngsters during India A tours as he said it made the players ready for international cricket. "I mean, after getting picked in the India A side. Those who were there in the side, Siraj, Saini, Shubman, Mayank, everyone who were part of that side played a lot of cricket together in India A. Also, in the last 3-4 years, we played many India A tours and he was the coach (Rahul Dravid). I don’t think we played so many India A tours before. So that bridged the gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian team. We made the progress quickly. That’s the reason why we are playing our first game or the second game, we are ready for the challenge. We are not behind any other players. He made it possible. "As youngsters, we have to give a lot of credit to him, the way he let us express our game. When we play under him, it always feels like he is more of a mentor than a coach. He is always there whenever we need him. ALSO READ: India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series "Even in the last Australia tour, I made a call to him, saying ‘Sir, I am making my debut’. He said ‘you have done exceptionally well in Ranji Trophy, in India A, so you’re ready to play’. That’s the confidence he gave me," Vihari said. Vihari is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation and will miss the home series against England starting from February 5 due to the hamstring tear. He is expected to be back in contention before India's tour of England later in the year.

Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse. Siraj's 53-year-old father had passed away on November 20 due to lung ailment, a week after Siraj landed in Australia with the Indian team.&nbsp;

Siraj's father breathed his last while his son was fulfilling his national duties for the Indian cricket team. While the youngster had the opportunity to return back and stay with his family, Siraj chose to stay back with the team&nbsp;instead of heading back to India.&nbsp;

While players went home after earning a well-deserved rest ahead of the England series, the 26-year-old, who was India's highest wicket-taker in the Test series against Australia, drove straight from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in&nbsp;Shamshabad&nbsp;to the graveyard of his father in Khairtabad to pay last respects to his father Ghouse, TOI reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-ravindra-jadeja-ruled-out-of-england-test-series-358289" hreflang="en">India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series</a>

"I lost the biggest supporter of my life. He was the person who supported me the most in my pursuit of a cricket career. It's a great loss for me," Siraj had said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Even though he is not in the world, he'll always be with me," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Even though my mother and I would quite often scold Siraj for neglecting his studies and wasting his time playing cricket, my father never said a word to him. In fact, he encouraged him to go and play. He used to tell Siraj not to worry and that he will do whatever possible to help him play the game. Today, my father was proved right," Siraj's brother Mohammed Ismail&nbsp;was quoted as saying by TOI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-play-for-so-long-you-get-used-to-getting-hit-cheteshwar-pujara-talks-about-the-gabba-experience-358232" hreflang="en">'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience</a>

Siraj laid flowers on his father's grave and offered prayers before spending some time at the grave. He then left to his home in Al-Hasnath&nbsp;Colony in Toli Chowki.&nbsp;

"Siraj arrived around 9 in the morning and from there he went straight to the graveyard. His father would have been very proud to see Siraj do so exceedingly well in Test cricket, especially against the Australians on their home ground. Siraj would have been happier if he had been able to hug his father on his return and share his success stories but destiny seems to have other plans," said Siraj's closest friend Mohammed Shafi, who had accompanied him to the graveyard&nbsp;told TOI.&nbsp;

Siraj ended up with 13 wickets in the series in what was a fitting tribute to his departed father.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a gruelling tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a gruelling tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse. Siraj's 53-year-old father had passed away on November 20 due to lung ailment, a week after Siraj landed in Australia with the Indian team. Siraj's father breathed his last while his son was fulfilling his national duties for the Indian cricket team. While the youngster had the opportunity to return back and stay with his family, Siraj chose to stay back with the team instead of heading back to India. While players went home after earning a well-deserved rest ahead of the England series, the 26-year-old, who was India's highest wicket-taker in the Test series against Australia, drove straight from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad to the graveyard of his father in Khairtabad to pay last respects to his father Ghouse, TOI reported. ALSO READ: India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series "I lost the biggest supporter of my life. He was the person who supported me the most in my pursuit of a cricket career. It's a great loss for me," Siraj had said. "Even though he is not in the world, he'll always be with me," he added. "Even though my mother and I would quite often scold Siraj for neglecting his studies and wasting his time playing cricket, my father never said a word to him. In fact, he encouraged him to go and play. He used to tell Siraj not to worry and that he will do whatever possible to help him play the game. Today, my father was proved right," Siraj's brother Mohammed Ismail was quoted as saying by TOI. ALSO READ: 'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience Siraj laid flowers on his father's grave and offered prayers before spending some time at the grave. He then left to his home in Al-Hasnath Colony in Toli Chowki. "Siraj arrived around 9 in the morning and from there he went straight to the graveyard. His father would have been very proud to see Siraj do so exceedingly well in Test cricket, especially against the Australians on their home ground. Siraj would have been happier if he had been able to hug his father on his return and share his success stories but destiny seems to have other plans," said Siraj's closest friend Mohammed Shafi, who had accompanied him to the graveyard told TOI. Siraj ended up with 13 wickets in the series in what was a fitting tribute to his departed father.

Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest. A second-string Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, braved all odds to defeat a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba here to win the four-Test series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday in Brisbane.

"On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for their resilience, courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come," CA wrote in a Thank You note to the BCCI.

The note, written by CA interim CEO Nick Hockley and Chair Earl Eddings, was addressed to "friends in Indian cricket", the BCCI, acknowledging the role played by the Sourav Ganguly-led board in successfully completing the tour amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most," the letter read.

"The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India's players, coaches and support staff for all they have given. "Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men's teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever competed," it added.

The CA officials said that the BCCI's cooperation was crucial to making the tour a hit. The series gave the financially struggling CA a major boost with an expected revenue of 300 million Australian dollars.

The two teams brushed aside some unsavoury controversies like the racist chants against Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah by the crowd in the Sydney Test, to ensure that the focus remained firmly on cricket. "Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport's greatest ambassadors."

"We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible," they said.

The note also appreciated the contributions of all other stakeholders, saying the series witnessed many enthralling contests between players of the two sides.

"From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameroon Green - and much, much more - the past two months of cricket have been absolutely enthralling.

"May we also take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part to deliver this memorable series -- governments, health officials, venues, broadcast and commercial partners, cricket associations, players, match officials, staff and their families."

India's tour of Australia started nearly two months back with three ODIs which the visitors lost 1-2 before pocketing the T20 series 2-0.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest. A second-string Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, braved all odds to defeat a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba here to win the four-Test series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday in Brisbane. "On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for their resilience, courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come," CA wrote in a Thank You note to the BCCI. The note, written by CA interim CEO Nick Hockley and Chair Earl Eddings, was addressed to "friends in Indian cricket", the BCCI, acknowledging the role played by the Sourav Ganguly-led board in successfully completing the tour amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most," the letter read. "The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India's players, coaches and support staff for all they have given. "Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men's teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever competed," it added. The CA officials said that the BCCI's cooperation was crucial to making the tour a hit. The series gave the financially struggling CA a major boost with an expected revenue of 300 million Australian dollars. The two teams brushed aside some unsavoury controversies like the racist chants against Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah by the crowd in the Sydney Test, to ensure that the focus remained firmly on cricket. "Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport's greatest ambassadors." "We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible," they said. The note also appreciated the contributions of all other stakeholders, saying the series witnessed many enthralling contests between players of the two sides. "From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameroon Green - and much, much more - the past two months of cricket have been absolutely enthralling. "May we also take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part to deliver this memorable series -- governments, health officials, venues, broadcast and commercial partners, cricket associations, players, match officials, staff and their families." India's tour of Australia started nearly two months back with three ODIs which the visitors lost 1-2 before pocketing the T20 series 2-0.

Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill'

India's cricketers were hailed as &nbsp;'Immortals' on Wednesday following their record-breaking win in Brisbane, but some former greats called for chastened Australia to make changes.

India thrillingly achieved their 328 target with just 18 balls left on the final day to win the four-Test series 2-1, the highest successful run chase at Australia's "Fortress Gabba", where the hosts had been unbeaten for 32 years.

"It was the day when The Irrepressibles became The Immortals," declared News Corp's veteran cricket writer Robert Craddock.

"The day when Fortress Gabba was stormed by a group of cavalier raiders who kicked down the draw bridge, stole the crown jewels and raced off into the late afternoon sunshine towards hysterical fans who will cherish the memory forever.

"Take it all India. You deserve it."

India's refusal to play for a draw, which would have been enough for them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was lauded.

"The outcome was a revelation: Australia pressed for victory because they had to, India because they wanted to, and the result was a fitting climax to one of the most extraordinary series of all time," wrote Gideon Haigh in The Australian newspaper.

<h2>- 'Huge fallout' -</h2>

Most were united in their praise of India, but there was also criticism of Australia.

"I think there'll be a huge fallout from this," said leg-spinning great Shane Warne, commentating on TV, noting that India had been without their entire frontline bowling attack through injury.

"There's not too many times that you lose to the second or third side," he said.

"Tactics will come into question. Bowlers will come into question. People's spots in the team will come into question."

Mitchell Starc, who bowled 16 wicketless overs for 75 on the final day, came in for particular criticism after taking just 11 wickets in the series, with some saying captain Tim Paine had lost faith in the left-arm paceman.

"I know that your impact bowlers are meant to come in and have a little burst, but there just doesn't seem to have been the trust that Mitchell Starc's going to do the job," said former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor said: "You can have Starc when he's bowling at his best, but I think we need some subtlety in our bowling.&nbsp;

"We need someone who can swing the ball a bit, someone who can ask questions around lbw or bowled, not always looking to bounce batsmen out or get them caught behind," Taylor said.

Australia should look to bowlers such as the South Australian fast-medium pair Chadd Sayers and Daniel Worrall, who would add something different to the current three-pronged pace attack, said Taylor.

"There's a lot of talk about Australia not being aggressive enough, but I don't agree with that," Taylor said. "I think we need to find some subtlety in our bowling attack."

Some said that Australia should be thanking India for their skill and courage in coming to play the series at all during a global coronavirus pandemic.

"We mightn't be thanking you in five years when you're still whisking away matches from under our noses, but thanks for now, and take a bow," said the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Baum.

"By series end, few Australians would have begrudged you whatever spoils you took home."

India's cricketers were hailed as 'Immortals' on Wednesday following their record-breaking win in Brisbane, but some former greats called for chastened Australia to make changes.

India's cricketers were hailed as 'Immortals' on Wednesday following their record-breaking win in Brisbane, but some former greats called for chastened Australia to make changes. India thrillingly achieved their 328 target with just 18 balls left on the final day to win the four-Test series 2-1, the highest successful run chase at Australia's "Fortress Gabba", where the hosts had been unbeaten for 32 years. "It was the day when The Irrepressibles became The Immortals," declared News Corp's veteran cricket writer Robert Craddock. "The day when Fortress Gabba was stormed by a group of cavalier raiders who kicked down the draw bridge, stole the crown jewels and raced off into the late afternoon sunshine towards hysterical fans who will cherish the memory forever. "Take it all India. You deserve it." India's refusal to play for a draw, which would have been enough for them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was lauded. "The outcome was a revelation: Australia pressed for victory because they had to, India because they wanted to, and the result was a fitting climax to one of the most extraordinary series of all time," wrote Gideon Haigh in The Australian newspaper. - 'Huge fallout' - Most were united in their praise of India, but there was also criticism of Australia. "I think there'll be a huge fallout from this," said leg-spinning great Shane Warne, commentating on TV, noting that India had been without their entire frontline bowling attack through injury. "There's not too many times that you lose to the second or third side," he said. "Tactics will come into question. Bowlers will come into question. People's spots in the team will come into question." Mitchell Starc, who bowled 16 wicketless overs for 75 on the final day, came in for particular criticism after taking just 11 wickets in the series, with some saying captain Tim Paine had lost faith in the left-arm paceman. "I know that your impact bowlers are meant to come in and have a little burst, but there just doesn't seem to have been the trust that Mitchell Starc's going to do the job," said former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor said: "You can have Starc when he's bowling at his best, but I think we need some subtlety in our bowling. "We need someone who can swing the ball a bit, someone who can ask questions around lbw or bowled, not always looking to bounce batsmen out or get them caught behind," Taylor said. Australia should look to bowlers such as the South Australian fast-medium pair Chadd Sayers and Daniel Worrall, who would add something different to the current three-pronged pace attack, said Taylor. "There's a lot of talk about Australia not being aggressive enough, but I don't agree with that," Taylor said. "I think we need to find some subtlety in our bowling attack." Some said that Australia should be thanking India for their skill and courage in coming to play the series at all during a global coronavirus pandemic. "We mightn't be thanking you in five years when you're still whisking away matches from under our noses, but thanks for now, and take a bow," said the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Baum. "By series end, few Australians would have begrudged you whatever spoils you took home."

India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner

While India scripted history by winning the Test series against Australia following the historic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, there was an Australian fan whose video while chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and "Vande Mataram" is going viral on social media.&nbsp;

In the viral video, the Aussie fan is seen facing the Indian supporters at the Gabba in Brisbane and chanting for Team India. The video caught the attention of social media users quickly as fans and netizens&nbsp;expressed their delight.&nbsp;

The video of the Aussie fans is from Day 4 of the Gabba Test which was hampered a bit by rain. During the rain break, the fan was seen chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jay" and "Vande Mataram" as section of Indian supporters enjoyed his passion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-warns-team-india-ahead-of-england-series-357913" hreflang="en">Kevin Pietersen warns Team India ahead of England series</a>

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An Australian fan😎<a href="https://t.co/ZCM6J9n28X">pic.twitter.com/ZCM6J9n28X</a>
— Namrata Wakhloo (@NamrataWakhloo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NamrataWakhloo/status/1351439485922209796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Fortress Gabba breached by Indians</h2>

India went on to script one of the greatest Test series win on Australian soil as the Ajinkya Rahane-led outfit, despite injuries to many key players, defeated Australia by three wickets at the Gabba to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Not only the inexperienced Indian side won the Test series, they also ended Australia's 32-year-old unbeaten streak at the 'fortress' Gabba.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-rishabh-pant-joe-root-touch-new-high-after-epic-shows-357905" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant, Joe Root touch new high after epic shows</a>

Even Australian coach Justin Langer tipped his hat off to the Indian team as the former Aussie opener said that India&nbsp;deserve&nbsp;full credit for defeating Australia in the series.&nbsp;

"It was an incredible Test series and in the&nbsp;end&nbsp;there is always a winner or a loser. Today Test cricket is the winner. It's&nbsp;gonna&nbsp;hurt us big time. India deserved full credit. They have been outstanding but we have learnt lessons from it," Langer told Channel 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"First, you can never take anything for granted, second never ever, ever underestimate the Indians. There are 1.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;Indians and if you play in that first eleven you got to be really tough, don't you?"&nbsp;

India's next&nbsp;assignment&nbsp;will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.&nbsp;

While India scripted history by winning the Test series against Australia following the historic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, there was an Australian fan whose video while chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and "Vande Mataram" is going viral on social media.

While India scripted history by winning the Test series against Australia following the historic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, there was an Australian fan whose video while chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and "Vande Mataram" is going viral on social media. In the viral video, the Aussie fan is seen facing the Indian supporters at the Gabba in Brisbane and chanting for Team India. The video caught the attention of social media users quickly as fans and netizens expressed their delight. The video of the Aussie fans is from Day 4 of the Gabba Test which was hampered a bit by rain. During the rain break, the fan was seen chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jay" and "Vande Mataram" as section of Indian supporters enjoyed his passion. ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen warns Team India ahead of England series An Australian fan😎pic.twitter.com/ZCM6J9n28X — Namrata Wakhloo (@NamrataWakhloo) January 19, 2021 × Fortress Gabba breached by Indians India went on to script one of the greatest Test series win on Australian soil as the Ajinkya Rahane-led outfit, despite injuries to many key players, defeated Australia by three wickets at the Gabba to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Not only the inexperienced Indian side won the Test series, they also ended Australia's 32-year-old unbeaten streak at the 'fortress' Gabba. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant, Joe Root touch new high after epic shows Even Australian coach Justin Langer tipped his hat off to the Indian team as the former Aussie opener said that India deserve full credit for defeating Australia in the series. "It was an incredible Test series and in the end there is always a winner or a loser. Today Test cricket is the winner. It's gonna hurt us big time. India deserved full credit. They have been outstanding but we have learnt lessons from it," Langer told Channel 7. "First, you can never take anything for granted, second never ever, ever underestimate the Indians. There are 1.5 billion Indians and if you play in that first eleven you got to be really tough, don't you?" India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.

Watch: Australian fan chants 'Vande Mataram' during Gabba Test, video goes viral

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media&nbsp;platform&nbsp;Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens.&nbsp;

Defying all the odds, Team India led by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba in Brisbane to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy while ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the iconic&nbsp;venue.&nbsp;

"Congratulations&nbsp;@narendramodi and the Indian Cricket Team on a great win in the test series here in Australia. It was a&nbsp;hard fought&nbsp;contest between the game's best teams and players," Prime Minister Morrison tweeted.&nbsp;

Commiserations to Tim Paine and the Australian Men's Test Team, he said, adding, "They'll be back."&nbsp;

Replying to Prime Minister Morrison, PM Modi tweeted, "Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display."&nbsp;

"India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-thanks-bcci-on-successful-tour-salutes-team-indias-courage-and-skill-357897" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill'</a>

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Thanks, <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a>. 
It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display. 
 
India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it. <a href="https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U">https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1351796975126118401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Showing grit and resilience, Indian team made comeback in a sensational fashion. After going down in Adelaide, the visitors fought back in Melbourne. While the Rahane-led side drew the Sydney Test, they exceeded all the expectations after defeating Australia at their&nbsp;'fortress' Gabba.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even Cricket Australia thanked the BCCI through an open letter as the hosts lauded Team India's 'courage and skill' in what will be remembered as one of the best Test series of all-time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-hailed-as-immortals-australia-under-fire-after-gabba-stunner-357893" hreflang="en">India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner</a>

Congratulatory messages flooded social media platforms with fans, former players, current players, pundits wishing Team India after its historic triumph Down Under.&nbsp;

India's next immediate assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.&nbsp;

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media platform Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens.

Replying to a congratulatory message by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Australia are formidable competitors on the field while being solid partners off it as the duo exchanged messages on social media platform Twitter after India's historic Test series triumph against the Baggy Greens. Defying all the odds, Team India led by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba in Brisbane to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy while ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the iconic venue. "Congratulations @narendramodi and the Indian Cricket Team on a great win in the test series here in Australia. It was a hard fought contest between the game's best teams and players," Prime Minister Morrison tweeted. Commiserations to Tim Paine and the Australian Men's Test Team, he said, adding, "They'll be back." Replying to Prime Minister Morrison, PM Modi tweeted, "Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display." "India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it," he said. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill' Thanks, @ScottMorrisonMP. It was a thrilling series with the best from both the teams on full display. India and Australia make for formidable competitors on the field, and solid partners off it. https://t.co/6lndFvRP0U — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2021 × Showing grit and resilience, Indian team made comeback in a sensational fashion. After going down in Adelaide, the visitors fought back in Melbourne. While the Rahane-led side drew the Sydney Test, they exceeded all the expectations after defeating Australia at their 'fortress' Gabba. Even Cricket Australia thanked the BCCI through an open letter as the hosts lauded Team India's 'courage and skill' in what will be remembered as one of the best Test series of all-time. ALSO READ: India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner Congratulatory messages flooded social media platforms with fans, former players, current players, pundits wishing Team India after its historic triumph Down Under. India's next immediate assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.

Formidable competitors on field, solid partners off it: PM Narendra Modi to Australian PM after Test series triumph

Rishabh Pant on Tuesday surpassed the likes of MS Dhoni, Farokh Engineer, Wriddhiman Saha among others to register a new record during the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Pant smashed a cracking half-century to raise the hopes of India clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and in the process became the fastest Indian wicket-keeper to register 1000 Test runs.&nbsp;

Pant touched the landmark as soon as he scored his first run in the second innings of the Brisbane Test to become the fastest among Indian wicket-keeper to score 1000 Test runs.

While Pant took just 27 Test innings to register the feat, the likes of Dhoni, Engineer and Saha took 32, 36 and 37 innings respectively.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/his-style-of-play-allows-the-bowler-tom-moody-on-cheteshwar-pujara-357528" hreflang="en">'His style of play allows the bowler..': Tom Moody on Cheteshwar Pujara</a>

Fastest Indian WK to 1000 Test runs (by innings):

<ul>
	<li>27 Rishabh Pant*</li>
	<li>32 MS Dhoni</li>
	<li>36 Farokh Engineer</li>
	<li>37 Wriddhiman Saha</li>
	<li>39 Nayan Mongia</li>
</ul>

Since Dhoni’s retirement, Pant has been touted as the next Indian wicket-keeper to take the charge across formats and the youngster has returned with some impressive numbers and knocks for the Men in Blue.

On Day 5 of the Brisbane Test, Pant has been central to India’s hopes of winning the Test and end Australia’s record of being unbeaten at the Gabba since 1988. While Pant holds an impressive record against Australia on their home soil, the last hour of the play could still bring lot of surprises on the table.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tactics-havent-been-good-enough-shane-warne-questions-tim-paine-357500" hreflang="en">'Tactics haven’t been good enough': Shane Warne questions Tim Paine</a>

Meanwhile, India still need 50 runs to win the Test whereas Australia require five wickets to seal the series. Pant and Washington Sundar were batting for India at the time this report was published.

Rishabh Pant on Tuesday surpassed the likes of MS Dhoni, Farokh Engineer, Wriddhiman Saha among others to register a new record during the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Rishabh Pant on Tuesday surpassed the likes of MS Dhoni, Farokh Engineer, Wriddhiman Saha among others to register a new record during the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Pant smashed a cracking half-century to raise the hopes of India clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and in the process became the fastest Indian wicket-keeper to register 1000 Test runs. Pant touched the landmark as soon as he scored his first run in the second innings of the Brisbane Test to become the fastest among Indian wicket-keeper to score 1000 Test runs. While Pant took just 27 Test innings to register the feat, the likes of Dhoni, Engineer and Saha took 32, 36 and 37 innings respectively. ALSO READ: 'His style of play allows the bowler..': Tom Moody on Cheteshwar Pujara Fastest Indian WK to 1000 Test runs (by innings): 27 Rishabh Pant* 32 MS Dhoni 36 Farokh Engineer 37 Wriddhiman Saha 39 Nayan Mongia Since Dhoni’s retirement, Pant has been touted as the next Indian wicket-keeper to take the charge across formats and the youngster has returned with some impressive numbers and knocks for the Men in Blue. On Day 5 of the Brisbane Test, Pant has been central to India’s hopes of winning the Test and end Australia’s record of being unbeaten at the Gabba since 1988. While Pant holds an impressive record against Australia on their home soil, the last hour of the play could still bring lot of surprises on the table. ALSO READ: 'Tactics haven’t been good enough': Shane Warne questions Tim Paine Meanwhile, India still need 50 runs to win the Test whereas Australia require five wickets to seal the series. Pant and Washington Sundar were batting for India at the time this report was published.

Rishabh Pant surpasses MS Dhoni to become fastest Indian wicket-keeper to register 1000 Test runs

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday heaped praise on India’s resilient squad after the Ajinkya Rahane-led side scripted history to beat Australia at the Gabba by three wickets to win the four-Test series 2-1.<o:p></o:p>

Ponting said that he was “shocked” to see Australia go down in the Test series as he lauded the Indian team for showing grit and determination to come out with a win, against all odds.<o:p></o:p>

"I'm quite shocked that Australia weren't quite good enough to win this series," Ponting told cricket.com.au.<o:p></o:p>

"Considering everything the Indian cricket team has been through in the last five or six weeks, with the captain leaving, all the injuries they've had – they've been through 20 players – (Australia) have been at full-strength all bar Davey (Warner) missing early on, so it's really hard to comprehend.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-ever-underestimate-team-india-justin-langer-reflects-on-2-1-series-defeat-357764" hreflang="en">Never ever underestimate Team India: Justin Langer reflects on 2-1 series defeat</a>

"But having been there you can see how it's happened, because (of) how resilient they've been. They've played really good, tough, hard Test match cricket day-in and day-out and won all the big key moments through the series.<o:p></o:p>

Ponting further hailed India’s ability of winning big moments in every Test barring the Adelaide horror, where the visitors were skittled out for a paltry 36. Since then, it has been a show of remarkable resilience by the Indians.<o:p></o:p>

"That's been the difference between the two teams; India have won all the big moments in every Test match and Australia have fallen short."<o:p></o:p>

"Washington Sundar looked like he had played 50 Test matches through the course of this game and never looked out of place," Ponting said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-return-as-india-announce-squad-for-first-two-tests-vs-england-357751" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya return as India announce squad for first two Tests vs England</a>

"Shardul Thakur was the same in his second Test match, picked up seven wickets and scored 60-odd handy runs in the first innings.<o:p></o:p>

"I've been around the IPL a long time so I know the talent that they do have in India, but when you've got to step up on a big stage in a Test match against Australia it's a different story.<o:p></o:p>

"But they've done it, they've done it really well and they thoroughly deserve to win the series."<o:p></o:p>

Australia, across four innings of the Sydney and Brisbane Test, managed to scalp just 12 wickets which has left Ponting infuriated. The former Aussie captain said that Australia lost to “India A” side while adding that is the real concern for the Tim Paine-led outfit.<o:p></o:p>

"The cold hard facts of it are pretty much that was the India A team that played this Test match and (India) still won," he said.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-swashbuckling-rishabh-pant-decimated-australia-at-the-gabba-357703" hreflang="en">How swashbuckling Rishabh Pant decimated Australia at the Gabba</a>

"That's a real concern for Australia. I think we gave Australia the benefit of the doubt the last time India were out here because Warner and (Steve) Smith weren't there.<o:p></o:p>

India’s next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England, starting from February 5. <o:p></o:p>

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday heaped praise on India’s resilient squad after the Ajinkya Rahane-led side scripted history to beat Australia at the Gabba by three wickets to win the four-Test series 2-1.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday heaped praise on India’s resilient squad after the Ajinkya Rahane-led side scripted history to beat Australia at the Gabba by three wickets to win the four-Test series 2-1. Ponting said that he was “shocked” to see Australia go down in the Test series as he lauded the Indian team for showing grit and determination to come out with a win, against all odds. "I'm quite shocked that Australia weren't quite good enough to win this series," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "Considering everything the Indian cricket team has been through in the last five or six weeks, with the captain leaving, all the injuries they've had – they've been through 20 players – (Australia) have been at full-strength all bar Davey (Warner) missing early on, so it's really hard to comprehend. ALSO READ: Never ever underestimate Team India: Justin Langer reflects on 2-1 series defeat "But having been there you can see how it's happened, because (of) how resilient they've been. They've played really good, tough, hard Test match cricket day-in and day-out and won all the big key moments through the series. Ponting further hailed India’s ability of winning big moments in every Test barring the Adelaide horror, where the visitors were skittled out for a paltry 36. Since then, it has been a show of remarkable resilience by the Indians. "That's been the difference between the two teams; India have won all the big moments in every Test match and Australia have fallen short." "Washington Sundar looked like he had played 50 Test matches through the course of this game and never looked out of place," Ponting said. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya return as India announce squad for first two Tests vs England "Shardul Thakur was the same in his second Test match, picked up seven wickets and scored 60-odd handy runs in the first innings. "I've been around the IPL a long time so I know the talent that they do have in India, but when you've got to step up on a big stage in a Test match against Australia it's a different story. "But they've done it, they've done it really well and they thoroughly deserve to win the series." Australia, across four innings of the Sydney and Brisbane Test, managed to scalp just 12 wickets which has left Ponting infuriated. The former Aussie captain said that Australia lost to “India A” side while adding that is the real concern for the Tim Paine-led outfit. "The cold hard facts of it are pretty much that was the India A team that played this Test match and (India) still won," he said. IN PICS | How swashbuckling Rishabh Pant decimated Australia at the Gabba "That's a real concern for Australia. I think we gave Australia the benefit of the doubt the last time India were out here because Warner and (Steve) Smith weren't there. India’s next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England, starting from February 5.

Australia lost against India 'A': Ricky Ponting left shocked by crushing 2-1 series defeat

Australia head coach Justin Langer was all praise for the Indian cricket team after the Ajinkya Rahane-led outfit won the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane by three wickets to clinch the Test series 2-1 in historic fashion. India not only became the first Asian side to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, but the visitors also broke Australia’s 32-year-old unbeaten streak at the Gabba.

Langer, after India’s historic win in Brisbane, said that one can “never underestimate the Indians” while adding if you are picked from 1.5 billion Indians, you have to be “really tough”.

"It was an incredible Test series and in the end there is always a winner or a loser. Today Test cricket is the winner. It's gonna hurt us big time. India deserved full credit. They have been outstanding but we have learnt lessons from it," Langer told Channel 7.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-return-as-india-announce-squad-for-first-two-tests-vs-england-357751" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya return as India announce squad for first two Tests vs England</a>

"First, you can never take anything for granted, second never ever, ever underestimate the Indians. There are 1.5 billions Indians and if you play in that first eleven you got to be really tough, don't you?"&nbsp;

India were without several of their key players due to injury as the visitors fielded an inexperienced playing XI against Australia in Brisbane. However, as has been the case in the series, Indian players stepped up to the occasion to leave Australia red-faced at their fortress Gabba as youngsters Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill played whirlwind knocks to help India win the match by three wickets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/give-credit-to-virat-for-teams-self-belief-character-ravi-shastri-357730" hreflang="en">Give credit to Virat for team's self-belief, character: Ravi Shastri</a>

"I can't compliment India enough. They haven't gone away after that first Test match which we won in three days, bowled them out for 30 odd. For them to fight back like they did is amazing, credit to them. The big lesson for us is that you can't take anything for granted. India never got away," he said.

"It was an amazing effort. (Rishabh) Pant's innings somewhat reminded me of Ben Stokes' innings in Headingley actually. He came in, he was almost fearless and he will be lauded because of it. It was an unbelievable innings," Langer said in his praise of the Indian wicket-keeper batsman.&nbsp;

"I thought young (Shubman) Gill (91) batted very well. Their young bowling attack kept us under pressure throughout the match and as I said India deserve full credit."

India’s next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. 
&nbsp;

Australia head coach Justin Langer was all praise for the Indian cricket team after the Ajinkya Rahane-led outfit won the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane by three wickets to clinch the Test series 2-1 in historic fashion.

Australia head coach Justin Langer was all praise for the Indian cricket team after the Ajinkya Rahane-led outfit won the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane by three wickets to clinch the Test series 2-1 in historic fashion. India not only became the first Asian side to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, but the visitors also broke Australia’s 32-year-old unbeaten streak at the Gabba. Langer, after India’s historic win in Brisbane, said that one can “never underestimate the Indians” while adding if you are picked from 1.5 billion Indians, you have to be “really tough”. "It was an incredible Test series and in the end there is always a winner or a loser. Today Test cricket is the winner. It's gonna hurt us big time. India deserved full credit. They have been outstanding but we have learnt lessons from it," Langer told Channel 7. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya return as India announce squad for first two Tests vs England "First, you can never take anything for granted, second never ever, ever underestimate the Indians. There are 1.5 billions Indians and if you play in that first eleven you got to be really tough, don't you?" India were without several of their key players due to injury as the visitors fielded an inexperienced playing XI against Australia in Brisbane. However, as has been the case in the series, Indian players stepped up to the occasion to leave Australia red-faced at their fortress Gabba as youngsters Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill played whirlwind knocks to help India win the match by three wickets. ALSO READ: Give credit to Virat for team's self-belief, character: Ravi Shastri "I can't compliment India enough. They haven't gone away after that first Test match which we won in three days, bowled them out for 30 odd. For them to fight back like they did is amazing, credit to them. The big lesson for us is that you can't take anything for granted. India never got away," he said. "It was an amazing effort. (Rishabh) Pant's innings somewhat reminded me of Ben Stokes' innings in Headingley actually. He came in, he was almost fearless and he will be lauded because of it. It was an unbelievable innings," Langer said in his praise of the Indian wicket-keeper batsman. "I thought young (Shubman) Gill (91) batted very well. Their young bowling attack kept us under pressure throughout the match and as I said India deserve full credit." India’s next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5.

Never ever underestimate Team India: Justin Langer reflects on 2-1 series defeat

India coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday claimed this was the toughest ever tour an Indian team had undertaken and credited regular skipper Virat Kohli for the self-belief and character that saw the Indians win their second successive series in Australia. 
 
Kohli had returned home after India suffered a humiliating loss in the first Test at Adelaide to attend the birth of his first child. He had led India to their first-ever series win in Australia, back in 2018-19. 
 
"This is the toughest tour ever. We are playing in Covid and quarantine times with multiple injuries. So nothing comes close to this or surpasses this," said the coach after India defeated Australia in the fourth and final Test by three wickets at the Gabba. 
 
"You must give credit to Virat Kohli. He may not be here. He has gone back home. But his character, his personality is there for everyone to see in this team. For Ajinkya to take over the way he did was simply unreal. We were left with no choices, had no one left in the squad when the final Test started. India beat Australia in Australia last time but there was not a single bowler from that tour playing in this last game. It was important to keep the self-belief going," he said. 
 
Shastri lauded Rahane`s captaincy. 
 
"I think Ajinkya did a great job by being calm, composed. It is not easy to go out with a bowling attack that is just three Test matches old? I think it is the self-belief. You people believe it has come overnight. It hasn`t come overnight. It is a process that has taken 5-6 years. These boys have been playing with each other for five-six years. They have had tough tours, they have had losses. What they have learnt now is never give up. Feeling defeated is one thing. But not giving up is not in our game. And that this team has shown. And you have to give credit to Kohli," said Shastri. 
 
Shastri said that he had tears in his eyes after the series win. 
 
"I got emotional. I am not someone who has tears in my eyes but I really had absolutely real tears in my eyes. This is unreal. What these guys have pulled off will go down in history as one of the greatest series ever played. And when you look at the Covid situation and spate of injuries and to take everything into account and to show the stomach for fight after being bowled out for 36 is unimaginable." 
 
Shastri described the difficult circumstances the team had to go through ahead of the series. 
 
"When you look at the circumstances when this team came to Australia -- being in lockdown for four months where a lot of people living in metros couldn`t even get out of their flats, leave alone get an opportunity to practice and train. Then to go to IPL?. None of the guys had a proper hit in the middle. Then to come here and take on Australia in their own backyard, the world knows how tough it is. Then to go through these quarantine periods, have multiple injuries right through the tour," he stressed. 
 
"To be here bowled out for 36, India`s lowest score and then to come back from there and play like absolute champions is unreal. The penny has still not dropped. It will take some time. Unreal. Unimaginable. Simply superb. Especially the resolve and character the boys have shown." 
 
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India coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday claimed this was the toughest ever tour an Indian team had undertaken and credited regular skipper Virat Kohli for the self-belief and character that saw the Indians win their second successive series in Australia.

India coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday claimed this was the toughest ever tour an Indian team had undertaken and credited regular skipper Virat Kohli for the self-belief and character that saw the Indians win their second successive series in Australia. Kohli had returned home after India suffered a humiliating loss in the first Test at Adelaide to attend the birth of his first child. He had led India to their first-ever series win in Australia, back in 2018-19. "This is the toughest tour ever. We are playing in Covid and quarantine times with multiple injuries. So nothing comes close to this or surpasses this," said the coach after India defeated Australia in the fourth and final Test by three wickets at the Gabba. "You must give credit to Virat Kohli. He may not be here. He has gone back home. But his character, his personality is there for everyone to see in this team. For Ajinkya to take over the way he did was simply unreal. We were left with no choices, had no one left in the squad when the final Test started. India beat Australia in Australia last time but there was not a single bowler from that tour playing in this last game. It was important to keep the self-belief going," he said. Shastri lauded Rahane`s captaincy. "I think Ajinkya did a great job by being calm, composed. It is not easy to go out with a bowling attack that is just three Test matches old? I think it is the self-belief. You people believe it has come overnight. It hasn`t come overnight. It is a process that has taken 5-6 years. These boys have been playing with each other for five-six years. They have had tough tours, they have had losses. What they have learnt now is never give up. Feeling defeated is one thing. But not giving up is not in our game. And that this team has shown. And you have to give credit to Kohli," said Shastri. Shastri said that he had tears in his eyes after the series win. "I got emotional. I am not someone who has tears in my eyes but I really had absolutely real tears in my eyes. This is unreal. What these guys have pulled off will go down in history as one of the greatest series ever played. And when you look at the Covid situation and spate of injuries and to take everything into account and to show the stomach for fight after being bowled out for 36 is unimaginable." Shastri described the difficult circumstances the team had to go through ahead of the series. "When you look at the circumstances when this team came to Australia -- being in lockdown for four months where a lot of people living in metros couldn`t even get out of their flats, leave alone get an opportunity to practice and train. Then to go to IPL?. None of the guys had a proper hit in the middle. Then to come here and take on Australia in their own backyard, the world knows how tough it is. Then to go through these quarantine periods, have multiple injuries right through the tour," he stressed. "To be here bowled out for 36, India`s lowest score and then to come back from there and play like absolute champions is unreal. The penny has still not dropped. It will take some time. Unreal. Unimaginable. Simply superb. Especially the resolve and character the boys have shown."

Give credit to Virat for team's self-belief, character: Ravi Shastri

Australian captain Tim Paine insists he is the right man to lead his team to South Africa and to the possible Test championship final at Lords despite a sub-par performance in the Test series against India.

India beat Australia by three wickets at the Gabba on Tuesday, the first time since 1988 the Australians have lost a Test in Brisbane.

The win ensured the tourists claimed the series 2-1 and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy they won in Australia in 2018-19.

Paine conceded he was below par in the last two Tests.

He dropped a number of chances on the final day in Sydney, when India batted all day to salvage a draw, and missed a stumping on the last day in Brisbane as Rishabh Pant led India to a stunning victory.

Paine also came under heavy criticism from a number of former players over his bowling changes, field placings and his decisions on when to declare.

But he said that he had no intention of stepping down and would take Australia to South Africa in February.

"I'm still looking forward to going to South Africa to try and win a series there," Paine said.

"We had a goal to make the Test championship final -- that's still achievable and it's a goal for me and the group."

India are now top of the Test championship table, with New Zealand second and Australia third.

The series against South Africa is the last chance Australia have of reaching the top two and making the August final at Lords.

Paine was also forced to fend off criticism from former Australian great Adam Gilchrist that he couldn't captain effectively and keep wicket as well.

"I think I had an ordinary day in Sydney, I'll cop that on the chin," Paine said.

"It doesn't always go your way in cricket or in life so for me it's about soldiering on.

"I said a few times I have improvement in me, I still feel like I want to get better and I certainly want to keep leading this team."

Paine was appointed captain and wicketkeeper after the ball tampering scandal in South Africa, which led to Steve Smith being stood down as captain and suspended for 12 months.

"I'm loving the job. I'm going to cop heaps of flak I know that," he said.

"I've been absolutely belted by the Indians over the last seven days -- that's been interesting.

"But that's par for the course for this job."

Australian captain Tim Paine insists he is the right man to lead his team to South Africa and to the possible Test championship final at Lords despite a sub-par performance in the Test series against India.

Australian captain Tim Paine insists he is the right man to lead his team to South Africa and to the possible Test championship final at Lords despite a sub-par performance in the Test series against India. India beat Australia by three wickets at the Gabba on Tuesday, the first time since 1988 the Australians have lost a Test in Brisbane. The win ensured the tourists claimed the series 2-1 and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy they won in Australia in 2018-19. Paine conceded he was below par in the last two Tests. He dropped a number of chances on the final day in Sydney, when India batted all day to salvage a draw, and missed a stumping on the last day in Brisbane as Rishabh Pant led India to a stunning victory. Paine also came under heavy criticism from a number of former players over his bowling changes, field placings and his decisions on when to declare. But he said that he had no intention of stepping down and would take Australia to South Africa in February. "I'm still looking forward to going to South Africa to try and win a series there," Paine said. "We had a goal to make the Test championship final -- that's still achievable and it's a goal for me and the group." India are now top of the Test championship table, with New Zealand second and Australia third. The series against South Africa is the last chance Australia have of reaching the top two and making the August final at Lords. Paine was also forced to fend off criticism from former Australian great Adam Gilchrist that he couldn't captain effectively and keep wicket as well. "I think I had an ordinary day in Sydney, I'll cop that on the chin," Paine said. "It doesn't always go your way in cricket or in life so for me it's about soldiering on. "I said a few times I have improvement in me, I still feel like I want to get better and I certainly want to keep leading this team." Paine was appointed captain and wicketkeeper after the ball tampering scandal in South Africa, which led to Steve Smith being stood down as captain and suspended for 12 months. "I'm loving the job. I'm going to cop heaps of flak I know that," he said. "I've been absolutely belted by the Indians over the last seven days -- that's been interesting. "But that's par for the course for this job."

Defiant Paine wants to lead Australia to South Africa

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said he was enjoying one of the "biggest moments" of his life after guiding India to a historic win over Australia with a fearless innings on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old hit an attacking 89, including the winning four, to clinch the four-Test series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1.

Against all odds, injury-weakened India ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba with a record run-chase of 328 runs.

"This is one of the biggest moments of my life now," said Pant.

"It's been a dream series. The team management always backs me and tells me, you are a match-winner and you have to go win the match for the team."

Pant had also threatened to inspire an unlikely win in the third Test in Sydney, where he slammed 97 before the tail-enders blocked their way to a vital draw.

"I keep thinking every day that I want to win matches for India, and I did it today," said Pant.

"It was a fifth-day pitch and the ball was turning a bit. I thought I have to be disciplined with my shot selection."

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said he was enjoying one of the "biggest moments" of his life after guiding India to a historic win over Australia with a fearless innings on Tuesday.

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said he was enjoying one of the "biggest moments" of his life after guiding India to a historic win over Australia with a fearless innings on Tuesday. The 23-year-old hit an attacking 89, including the winning four, to clinch the four-Test series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Against all odds, injury-weakened India ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba with a record run-chase of 328 runs. "This is one of the biggest moments of my life now," said Pant. "It's been a dream series. The team management always backs me and tells me, you are a match-winner and you have to go win the match for the team." Pant had also threatened to inspire an unlikely win in the third Test in Sydney, where he slammed 97 before the tail-enders blocked their way to a vital draw. "I keep thinking every day that I want to win matches for India, and I did it today," said Pant. "It was a fifth-day pitch and the ball was turning a bit. I thought I have to be disciplined with my shot selection."

India hero Rishabh Pant hails 'dream series' after Australia upset