<p>The biggest talking point in the world of cricket still remains to be India’s 36-run all-out in the second innings which resulted in an eight-wicket win for Australia in Adelaide. Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has weighed his opinion on India’s decimation at the Adelaide Oval in front of the Australian bowling attack.</p>

<p>Tendulkar shared his thoughts on what went so wrong for the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team in Adelaide. The Master Blaster said opined that the Indian batsmen lacked the basic feet movement while adding that good stride forward against pacers on foreign soil helps batsmen tackle the threat of seaming deliveries.</p>

<p>"I thought in the first innings we batted well and showed a lot of resilience. In the second innings, there was not much playing and missing by our batsmen. The ball wasn't moving around too much; just a little bit. Normally, when batters score runs we don't look at other elements, like the number of times he was beaten etc.," Tendulkar told IANS.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-to-feature-in-the-never-surrender-christmas-campaign-by-sevilla-fc-351812" hreflang="en">Sachin Tendulkar to feature in the 'Never Surrender' Christmas campaign by Sevilla FC</a></strong></p>

<p>"But we talk about a number of aspects when the batter has edged the ball. Off similar deliveries, when you are beaten and when you are scoring runs, nobody talks about those. One change that one can talk about was getting a nice, big stride forward, which I felt was missing. In foreign conditions, I feel with a good stride forward against fast bowlers becomes important," Tendulkar said.</p>

<p>Tendulkar went on to praise the Australian bowlers for hitting tighter line and lengths outside the off-stump in the second innings which troubled the Indian batters massively.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-to-feature-in-the-never-surrender-christmas-campaign-by-sevilla-fc-351812" hreflang="en">Sachin Tendulkar to feature in the 'Never Surrender' Christmas campaign by Sevilla FC</a></strong></p>

<p>"A half-and-half defence (short stride) can always trouble you and if there's a little more movement off the seam then your hands tend to compensate for the lack of footwork. What I also simultaneously noticed was that the Australians bowled very much on off stump -- much, much tighter -- and not outside the off stump whereas they bowled outside the off stump in the first innings," he said.</p>

<p>India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, would like to put the Adelaide Horror in the past and focus on bouncing back into the four-match Test series.</p>


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

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

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

<p>Ahead of the four-match Test series between India and Australia, all eyes were on the Cheteshwar Pujara, whose batting prowess left Aussie bowlers on their knees last time India toured Down Under in 2018-19. Pujara was the highest run-scorer in the series with 521 runs but the Indian Test specialist didn’t look at his best in Adelaide Test where he managed to score just 43 and a duck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian spin great Nathan Lyon has said that the hosts have more surprise in line for Pujara in the remaining three Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can't reveal secrets, to be honest with you. But, obviously, Pujara is a world-class batter and he is going to be a big challenge for us for the rest of the series," 33-year-old Lyon said at a virtual press-conference on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-gives-his-take-on-team-indias-combination-for-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-351769" hreflang="en">Gautam Gambhir gives his take on Team India's combination for Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>"We spoke about him (Pujara) in depth before the series started, it was good to see a couple of plans come off in Adelaide, but we have got a couple more things.</p>

<p>Lyon further said that it is always fun to take on the best batsmen in the world with Pujara being one of them.</p>

<p>"So, hopefully, if he does get in, we can put into ploy...it is always fun challenging yourself against the best players in the world and Pujara is definitely one of those guys," added the senior spinner – who is nine wickets shorts of completing 400 wickets in the five-day format.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishant-expects-bowlers-captain-rahane-to-fill-kohli-void-351748" hreflang="en">Ishant expects 'bowler's captain' Rahane to fill Kohli void</a></strong></p>

<p>After a gritty 43 in the first innings, Pujara was send packing for a duck in the second innings with Indian getting bundled out for 36 – their lowest-ever Test innings score.</p>

<p>Without Virat Kohli, the responsibility will be on Pujara and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane to take the majority of load of scoring runs against Australia. India will be without the likes of Kohli and Mohammed Shami (injured) for the remainder of the Test series vs Australia as massive task awaits for the visitors.</p>


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batsman&nbsp;Mark Waugh has said that there is no way India would be able to avoid a whitewash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.</p>

<p>India were dismantled for just 36 runs in the second innings as Australia won the Adelaide Test comfortably by eight wickets. With many predicting India might bounce back in the series, Waugh has said there is ‘no hope’ for the Indian team.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-need-to-move-rohit-sharma-from-sydney-he-is-safe-bcci-official-351608" hreflang="en">No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official</a></strong></p>

<p>“I thought Adelaide was the Test that they could win on paper and with Virat Kohli here for just the one Test. I thought the conditions would suit them.</p>

<p>“I just can’t see how they can bounce back (after) Australia whitewashed them on the third day.</p>

<p>“So ‘no’ is the answer four-nil to Australia," Mark Waugh told on Fox Cricket.</p>

<p>Former Aussie wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also backed Waugh’s statement as he said he is not sure whether India would be able to get back the energy on and off the field after the departure of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a></strong></p>

<p>“If they are going to get back into the game, what I want to know is where they’re going to get their energy from,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket. “Virat Kohli is gone now and a lot of the energy comes off the back of what he does. He’s a world-class player, he’s their leader.</p>

<p>“I would have a look at bringing someone in like Rohit Sharma. If he comes out of quarantine and he’s in good knick and he’s fit enough to play, I’d put him straight in because I think they need a senior player like that to take the anxiety out of everything and just get everyone thinking about cricket again.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to play in the third Test, scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 7, upon completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine phase.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

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

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

<p>The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney.</p>

<p>However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is&nbsp;in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-releases-statement-after-getting-booked-in-mumbai-351599" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said:</p>

<p>"He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running."</p>

<p>Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a></strong></p>

<p>"The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement.</p>

<p>"Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State &amp; Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.</p>


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

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

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

<p>The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin bamboozled the Australian batsmen, including Steve Smith, as he picked up four wickets in the first innings to restrict Australia to just 190 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith, who is one of the finest batsmen of this generation, hailed Ashwin for executing his plans to perfection. Ashwin kept Smith silent during his 29-ball stay at the pitch in the first innings before dismissing him with a ripper. Ashwin bowled a few off-spinners before firing a straighter one to Smith as the Aussie batter edged it to the first slip, where Ajinkya Rahane took a sharp catch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-guru-randhawa-arrested-and-booked-in-raid-at-mumbai-club-351548" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina, Guru Randhawa arrested and booked in raid at Mumbai club</a></strong></p>

<p>Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Smith lauded Ashwin while terming him a ‘world-class performer’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No (when asked about if his dismissal was a case of preparing too hard for the pace battery of India). I just knicked one that didn't spin; unfortunately that happens sometimes. I thought it was pretty well bowled, to be honest. The two balls prior spun a bit and got a bit grip of the wicket and the next one was kind of side-spin which skidded off. I didn't play as well as I would have liked. It was some decent bowling," Smith said while replying to a query from ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Playing in Australia and playing in India is a bit different; the ball doesn't spin as much as it spins in India. He is a good bowler, he has played a lot of cricket now. He is a world-class performer," he further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know he got the better of me the other day; hopefully, I will learn something and move forward and play him a little bit better in the next game," Smith added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith admitted that he needs to adapt quickly to spin bowling which India have to offer in the four-match Test series while adding that spinners who do well in Australia are generally the ones who get over the top.</p>

<p>"He tried to bowl from round the wicket and skid it on. It was a good piece of bowling. Part of playing anywhere is adapting," said Smith during a virtual press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I too couldn't bat the same against spinners in India as I do here. You gotta adapt. Spinners that do well here are generally who get over the top," he added.</p>

<p>India head into the Boxing Day Test without Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injured) with Ajinkya Rahane set to lead the side in the Test, starting December 26 in Melbourne.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia.

The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin bamboozled the Australian batsmen, including Steve Smith, as he picked up four wickets in the first innings to restrict Australia to just 190 runs. Smith, who is one of the finest batsmen of this generation, hailed Ashwin for executing his plans to perfection. Ashwin kept Smith silent during his 29-ball stay at the pitch in the first innings before dismissing him with a ripper. Ashwin bowled a few off-spinners before firing a straighter one to Smith as the Aussie batter edged it to the first slip, where Ajinkya Rahane took a sharp catch. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina, Guru Randhawa arrested and booked in raid at Mumbai club Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Smith lauded Ashwin while terming him a ‘world-class performer’. "No (when asked about if his dismissal was a case of preparing too hard for the pace battery of India). I just knicked one that didn't spin; unfortunately that happens sometimes. I thought it was pretty well bowled, to be honest. The two balls prior spun a bit and got a bit grip of the wicket and the next one was kind of side-spin which skidded off. I didn't play as well as I would have liked. It was some decent bowling," Smith said while replying to a query from ANI. "Playing in Australia and playing in India is a bit different; the ball doesn't spin as much as it spins in India. He is a good bowler, he has played a lot of cricket now. He is a world-class performer," he further said. "I know he got the better of me the other day; hopefully, I will learn something and move forward and play him a little bit better in the next game," Smith added. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Smith admitted that he needs to adapt quickly to spin bowling which India have to offer in the four-match Test series while adding that spinners who do well in Australia are generally the ones who get over the top. "He tried to bowl from round the wicket and skid it on. It was a good piece of bowling. Part of playing anywhere is adapting," said Smith during a virtual press conference. "I too couldn't bat the same against spinners in India as I do here. You gotta adapt. Spinners that do well here are generally who get over the top," he added. India head into the Boxing Day Test without Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injured) with Ajinkya Rahane set to lead the side in the Test, starting December 26 in Melbourne.

'World-class performer': Steve Smith hails Ravichandran Ashwin for terrific display in Adelaide Test

<p>Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>"Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said.</p>

<p>Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney.</p>

<p>The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option.</p>

<p>Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane.</p>

<p>Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed &nbsp;four, backed up by Mitchell Starc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said.</p>

<p>"The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said.</p>

<p>Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special.</p>

<p>"It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."&nbsp;</p>


Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak. "Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said. Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7. "I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said. If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney. The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option. Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane. Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide. India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed four, backed up by Mitchell Starc. Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers. "I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said. "The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable." Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne. "Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said. Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special. "It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas. "To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."

Smith hopes virus-hit Sydney can still host third India Test

<p>Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI.</p>

<p>Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a></strong></p>

<p>Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.</p>

<p>With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a></strong></p>

<p>“India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar.</p>

<p>“India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI. Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4. India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy. “India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak. With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India “India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar. “India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained.

Sunil Gavaskar wants this batsman to replace Prithvi Shaw in Boxing Day Test vs Australia

<p>“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series. So the promise is there, and it's just about getting tougher mentally,” Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had said about the Indian team with beaming pride in 2018 just after England handed a painful 4-1 Test series defeat.</p>

<p>In July 2017, Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team after Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble (former Indian head coach)&nbsp;didn’t get together well enough, which resulted in the latter resigning from his post – a saga well documented in public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Shastri’s appointment, India have defeated Sri Lanka (home and away), South Africa (home), the West Indies (home and away), Bangladesh (home), Afghanistan (one-off Test at home) and Australia (away) but have suffered glaring defeats against England (away), South Africa (away) and New Zealand (away).</p>

<p>The latest addition into the matches India have played under Shastri’s tenure as head coach is the Adelaide Horror, where the Virat Kohli-led visitors were skittled out for 36 runs in the second innings with none of the batters managing to get to double digits.</p>

<p><img alt="India vs Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b77ee441-0488-46bc-8622-41e15f4c1e9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF7WC.jpg" /></p>

<p>India may well go onto turn the tables and win the series (a mammoth task)&nbsp;but the scars of 36 have been etched into the hearts of the Indian cricket fans forever.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-self-destructive-duo-fire-shastri-and-axe-captain-kohli-save-india-please-bcci-350981" hreflang="en">India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI</a></strong></p>

<p>Ravi Shastri has always sounded bullish about Indian team and the talent it possesses, no second thought about it because it is indeed a supremely talented bunch of players. The bowling attack is arguably the best Indian team has had so far in their history. The batting unit led by Virat Kohli consists of quality players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari – all of them have stood out in some series or another but the questions remain; is this Indian team utilizing its potential collectively? When will Ravi Shastri and co. start producing results overseas? Why does India often get tactically outclassed on foreign soil?</p>

<p><img alt="India vs Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="179db4ef-827b-4459-ba0c-173edb9ec23a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF6G3.jpg" /></p>

<p>India have been dominating home series and that has been the case for long, long before Ravi Shastri. The 2-1 Border Gavaskar Trophy win in 2018-19 was historic, no shadow of doubt about it. Then Australia were without David Warner and Steve Smith, and India pounced on each and every opportunity that came towards them in the series and registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil and became the first Asian side to do so. Fair enough. But did the Indian team utilize the momentum and became a better side? No.</p>

<p>Let’s not even go back to Freedom Trophy, when India visited South Africa in 2017-18 or even the Pataudi Trophy, when India visited England in 2018. India lost both the series. Some will say due to poor reading of conditions, many will say India were tactically and technically outclassed by the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, India were humiliated by New Zealand and ended up losing the series 2-0. Completely dominated and outclassed by the Kane Williamson-led outfit. Then the pandemic struck and the series drubbing slowly took a backseat amid the chaos of daily life. However, the Adelaide Horror has freshened up the sour memories and fans are asking, what is Ravi Shastri doing to get this talented bunch of players up and running in full flow?</p>

<p><img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b9744d3-6c89-487c-a62c-5ed4b16e9117" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF4TE.jpg" /></p>

<p>The current Indian squad is pretty much similar to when it visited Down Under in 2018-19. So what went so wrong in Adelaide? The pink-ball? India got ample practice including a warm-up game to gear up for the game. Or is the Indian cricket team bearing the weight of being clueless on the tactical front, especially when it comes to batting? The same old road map which was torn apart by the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Mayank Agarwal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="152d4b6a-318c-4bbb-b454-f3c2d2650a6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF628.jpg" /></p>

<p>Shastri was handed a contract extension in June 2019, until the ICC World Cup 2021. But has the head coach of the Indian cricket team justified his role and position by suffering defeats after defeats in away series (barring Australia 2018-19) against major opposition?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Good vocabulary and booming voice may sound good in the commentary box or in press conferences - where Ravi Shastri is generally not seen after series defeats. But when it comes to the Indian cricket team, the fans demand result, which in all fairness, has been a disappointing course under Shastri’s tenure - be it in away series or in ICC tournaments. And let’s not even discuss the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final, where the Indian team was left shattered and clueless by New Zealand bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ravi Shastri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ee0eb9e-44d7-4c6f-9c4e-80f2b7730e05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN955.jpg" /></p>

<p>The Indian cricket team is well capable of coming back strong. These players are a talented bunch. New faces will come in. Players who underperform are often mercilessly cropped out but what about the underperforming head coach of the Indian team? Is there an answer now or will India wait till three forthcoming World Cups, in 2021, 22 and 23? Or if everyone is content with India thrashing Sri Lanka, West Indies or Bangladesh (with all due respect to these teams), then let it be.&nbsp;</p>


“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series.

“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series. So the promise is there, and it's just about getting tougher mentally,” Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had said about the Indian team with beaming pride in 2018 just after England handed a painful 4-1 Test series defeat. In July 2017, Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team after Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble (former Indian head coach) didn’t get together well enough, which resulted in the latter resigning from his post – a saga well documented in public. Since Shastri’s appointment, India have defeated Sri Lanka (home and away), South Africa (home), the West Indies (home and away), Bangladesh (home), Afghanistan (one-off Test at home) and Australia (away) but have suffered glaring defeats against England (away), South Africa (away) and New Zealand (away). The latest addition into the matches India have played under Shastri’s tenure as head coach is the Adelaide Horror, where the Virat Kohli-led visitors were skittled out for 36 runs in the second innings with none of the batters managing to get to double digits. India may well go onto turn the tables and win the series (a mammoth task) but the scars of 36 have been etched into the hearts of the Indian cricket fans forever. ALSO READ: India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI Ravi Shastri has always sounded bullish about Indian team and the talent it possesses, no second thought about it because it is indeed a supremely talented bunch of players. The bowling attack is arguably the best Indian team has had so far in their history. The batting unit led by Virat Kohli consists of quality players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari – all of them have stood out in some series or another but the questions remain; is this Indian team utilizing its potential collectively? When will Ravi Shastri and co. start producing results overseas? Why does India often get tactically outclassed on foreign soil? India have been dominating home series and that has been the case for long, long before Ravi Shastri. The 2-1 Border Gavaskar Trophy win in 2018-19 was historic, no shadow of doubt about it. Then Australia were without David Warner and Steve Smith, and India pounced on each and every opportunity that came towards them in the series and registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil and became the first Asian side to do so. Fair enough. But did the Indian team utilize the momentum and became a better side? No. Let’s not even go back to Freedom Trophy, when India visited South Africa in 2017-18 or even the Pataudi Trophy, when India visited England in 2018. India lost both the series. Some will say due to poor reading of conditions, many will say India were tactically and technically outclassed by the hosts. ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, India were humiliated by New Zealand and ended up losing the series 2-0. Completely dominated and outclassed by the Kane Williamson-led outfit. Then the pandemic struck and the series drubbing slowly took a backseat amid the chaos of daily life. However, the Adelaide Horror has freshened up the sour memories and fans are asking, what is Ravi Shastri doing to get this talented bunch of players up and running in full flow? The current Indian squad is pretty much similar to when it visited Down Under in 2018-19. So what went so wrong in Adelaide? The pink-ball? India got ample practice including a warm-up game to gear up for the game. Or is the Indian cricket team bearing the weight of being clueless on the tactical front, especially when it comes to batting? The same old road map which was torn apart by the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in Adelaide. Shastri was handed a contract extension in June 2019, until the ICC World Cup 2021. But has the head coach of the Indian cricket team justified his role and position by suffering defeats after defeats in away series (barring Australia 2018-19) against major opposition? Good vocabulary and booming voice may sound good in the commentary box or in press conferences - where Ravi Shastri is generally not seen after series defeats. But when it comes to the Indian cricket team, the fans demand result, which in all fairness, has been a disappointing course under Shastri’s tenure - be it in away series or in ICC tournaments. And let’s not even discuss the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final, where the Indian team was left shattered and clueless by New Zealand bowlers. The Indian cricket team is well capable of coming back strong. These players are a talented bunch. New faces will come in. Players who underperform are often mercilessly cropped out but what about the underperforming head coach of the Indian team? Is there an answer now or will India wait till three forthcoming World Cups, in 2021, 22 and 23? Or if everyone is content with India thrashing Sri Lanka, West Indies or Bangladesh (with all due respect to these teams), then let it be.

Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?

<p>Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.</p>

<p>India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team.</p>

<p>However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series.</p>

<p>"We know we have opened up some scars.</p>

<p>"We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a></strong></p>

<p>"Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that.</p>

<p>"In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging."</p>

<p>"The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters.</p>

<p>Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-after-adelaide-horror-indian-team-set-to-make-5-changes-in-playing-xi-351314" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time.</p>

<p>"We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury."</p>

<p>India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>


Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team. However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series. "We know we have opened up some scars. "We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India "Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that. "In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging." "The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters. Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021. "We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI "Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time. "We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury." India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India

<p>The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand. While India have plenty of time in hands to turn things around, they would be without their captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series with the talismanic batsman set to leave for India on paternity leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before heading back to India, Kohli will hold a special team meeting ahead of the Boxing Day Test in the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian skipper will try and boost the confidence of the players as the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy eye a comeback into the four-Test series after going 1-0 down.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-after-adelaide-horror-indian-team-set-to-make-5-changes-in-playing-xi-351314" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI</a></strong></p>

<p>After getting skittled out for 36 and with no batsman registering scores in double-digits, keeping the team morale high could be an issue and to motivate his teammates, Kohli would be sitting to motivate and provide confidence to the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The emphasis of the meeting will be to motivate and give confidence to the young boys for the rest of the series," a source told TOI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead the Indian team for the remaining three Test matches in Kohli’s absence.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-self-destructive-duo-fire-shastri-and-axe-captain-kohli-save-india-please-bcci-350981" hreflang="en">India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI</a></strong></p>

<p>After the Adelaide disaster, Kohli rued the lack of intent shown by the Indian batsmen on Day 3 of the match as they went on to suffer an eight-wicket defeat.</p>

<p>"Very hard to put those feelings into words. We had a lead of 60-odd coming and just collapsed. When you work hard for two days and put yourself in a strong position and then an hour puts you in a position where it's literally impossible to win," Kohli said in the post-match presentation.</p>

<p>"I think we should have showed a little more intent today. They (Australians) bowled in similar kind of areas in the first innings as well but probably our mindset was to score runs."</p>


The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand.

The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand. While India have plenty of time in hands to turn things around, they would be without their captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series with the talismanic batsman set to leave for India on paternity leave. Before heading back to India, Kohli will hold a special team meeting ahead of the Boxing Day Test in the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian skipper will try and boost the confidence of the players as the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy eye a comeback into the four-Test series after going 1-0 down. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI After getting skittled out for 36 and with no batsman registering scores in double-digits, keeping the team morale high could be an issue and to motivate his teammates, Kohli would be sitting to motivate and provide confidence to the squad. "The emphasis of the meeting will be to motivate and give confidence to the young boys for the rest of the series," a source told TOI. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead the Indian team for the remaining three Test matches in Kohli’s absence. ALSO READ: India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI After the Adelaide disaster, Kohli rued the lack of intent shown by the Indian batsmen on Day 3 of the match as they went on to suffer an eight-wicket defeat. "Very hard to put those feelings into words. We had a lead of 60-odd coming and just collapsed. When you work hard for two days and put yourself in a strong position and then an hour puts you in a position where it's literally impossible to win," Kohli said in the post-match presentation. "I think we should have showed a little more intent today. They (Australians) bowled in similar kind of areas in the first innings as well but probably our mindset was to score runs."

AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India

<p>The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. For the first time in their history, none of the Indian batsmen got into double figures while registering the lowest Test score for India. And after the Adelaide horror, Indian team is set to make landslide changes into the playing XI for the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.</p>

<p>According to a report in TOI, Indian team is set to make as many as five changes in the playing XI. Two of the five changes come forced with Virat Kohli leaving for India and Mohammed Shami down and out with a fractured hand. Apart from Kohli and Shami, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari are also expected to warm the bench in the Boxing Day Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-crickets-bubble-burst-in-2021-351308" hreflang="en">Will cricket's bubble burst in 2021?</a></strong></p>

<p>Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to be included in the playing XI as Indian team looks to bounce back after a catastrophic performance in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Opener Prithvi Shaw could be replaced by KL Rahul, talented youngster Shubhman Gill will make his Test debut, replacing skipper Virat Kohli at No 4. Hanuma Vihari may make way for the fit-again Ravindra Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha could lose his wicketkeeper's spot to Rishabh Pant, and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini can replace injured pacer Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told TOI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill is likely to be slotted in at number four, the spot Virat Kohli bats in Test cricket while Rahul is expected to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal. Pant will come in as a natural replacement for Saha with Jadeja, if fit, likely to get in the team in place of Vihari, whose exclusion will come as a surprise if it happens.</p>

<p>With Siraj and Saini fighting for the third seamer’s spot in Shami’s absence, it would be interesting to see whom the Indian team management picks in the final team.</p>


The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. For the first time in their history, none of the Indian batsmen got into double figures while registering the lowest Test score for India. And after the Adelaide horror, Indian team is set to make landslide changes into the playing XI for the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26. According to a report in TOI, Indian team is set to make as many as five changes in the playing XI. Two of the five changes come forced with Virat Kohli leaving for India and Mohammed Shami down and out with a fractured hand. Apart from Kohli and Shami, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari are also expected to warm the bench in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Will cricket's bubble burst in 2021? Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to be included in the playing XI as Indian team looks to bounce back after a catastrophic performance in Adelaide. "Opener Prithvi Shaw could be replaced by KL Rahul, talented youngster Shubhman Gill will make his Test debut, replacing skipper Virat Kohli at No 4. Hanuma Vihari may make way for the fit-again Ravindra Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha could lose his wicketkeeper's spot to Rishabh Pant, and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini can replace injured pacer Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told TOI. ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters Gill is likely to be slotted in at number four, the spot Virat Kohli bats in Test cricket while Rahul is expected to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal. Pant will come in as a natural replacement for Saha with Jadeja, if fit, likely to get in the team in place of Vihari, whose exclusion will come as a surprise if it happens. With Siraj and Saini fighting for the third seamer’s spot in Shami’s absence, it would be interesting to see whom the Indian team management picks in the final team.

AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI

<p>July 9, 2019, ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final, India vs New Zealand. Result: resurgent Kiwis beat Kohli's Men in Blue by 18 runs(the result was never in doubt, except for Dhoni and Jadeja fans).</p>

<p>Fast forward to Cricket World Cup to be held in India in 2023.&nbsp;India vs Pakistan at Eden Gardens in a semi-final encounter. India has the historic record of never being beaten against their arch-rival. But wait, the unthinkable happens. Kohli's India slips to defeat on a disastrous day and he resigns as captain and Shastri steps down.</p>

<p>Last year, coach Shastri even said India's Test victory in Australia was&nbsp;"bigger" than India's maiden&nbsp;1983 World Cup triumph. Remember it was a depleted Australian team without the services of Smith and Warner and their morale was at an all-time low. India's victory was almost on a platter. This time it is different, Aussies are red hot at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch</strong> Shastri's comments here:</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-victory-in-australia-bigger-than-1983-world-cup-win-says-shastri-188749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Today, however, is December 19, 2020, the&nbsp;World Cup moment above is still years away and if India and its selectors want to avoid this&nbsp;fate the time to act is now. It is time to groom a new captain and bring in a new coach (a foreigner preferably). The Shastri-Kohli duo have had their day and India is grateful&nbsp;but cricket needs to move on. It is time for the BCCI to ensure a change of guard - if not now, when?</p>

<p>MS Dhoni, India's 2011 World Cup-winning captain had his eye set on the Mumbai final in 2008&nbsp;- three years prior to the big match and he began culling the seniors - Ganguly, Dravid etc from the one-day team. The result was pure fury as fans erupted, but history only remembers the final result: India beat Sri Lanka in the final.</p>

<p>The question to be asked is do&nbsp;Shastri and Kohli have a&nbsp;gameplan for 2023? Is Indian cricket set to humiliate its fans at home when the next World Cup will be&nbsp;played in front of 100,000 fans at Eden or Wankhede?</p>

<p>Now, the ball is in BCCI's court, if the search for a new coach does not begin it will be too late since 2021 is already upon us. India's coach Ravi Shastri has had his day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The "Champion of Champions" who began his superstardom in Australia in 1985 is clearly out of depth and not the man the country can lean on to get us another World Cup. Indian cricket does not need a Big Brother, it needs a 'high performance' professional&nbsp;coach in the same league as Gary Kirsten and John Wright. The young Team India needs a new approach and a new way of life. Late night parties and lack of will gets us nowhere. It should be obvious with India's listless stay currently in Australia.</p>

<p>Presently Team India is neither a world-beater in Tests nor ODIs. So why do we need a captain or a coach? The BCCI has the remedy but is it ready to take the bitter pill and administer it to Mr. Kohli and his coach? The answer is Maybe No, because there is a fear of repercussion. The question to be asked is - fear who? fans and Twitterati? They won't win us the World Cup, but the right decision will.</p>

<p>The greatest thing which perhaps Shastri can do for Indian cricket is to resign himself - fans and cricket will respect him&nbsp;and Kohli&nbsp;steps aside and showcases his talent just as a batsman - as Sachin once did!&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;is the best in the world with the willow in his hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it doesn't seem the script will be as&nbsp;simple for the emotional Indian fan and the paying public because nobody wants to take the first step towards victory.</p>


July 9, 2019, ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final, India vs New Zealand. Result: resurgent Kiwis beat Kohli's Men in Blue by 18 runs(the result was never in doubt, except for Dhoni and Jadeja fans).

July 9, 2019, ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final, India vs New Zealand. Result: resurgent Kiwis beat Kohli's Men in Blue by 18 runs(the result was never in doubt, except for Dhoni and Jadeja fans). Fast forward to Cricket World Cup to be held in India in 2023. India vs Pakistan at Eden Gardens in a semi-final encounter. India has the historic record of never being beaten against their arch-rival. But wait, the unthinkable happens. Kohli's India slips to defeat on a disastrous day and he resigns as captain and Shastri steps down. Last year, coach Shastri even said India's Test victory in Australia was "bigger" than India's maiden 1983 World Cup triumph. Remember it was a depleted Australian team without the services of Smith and Warner and their morale was at an all-time low. India's victory was almost on a platter. This time it is different, Aussies are red hot at home. Watch Shastri's comments here: Today, however, is December 19, 2020, the World Cup moment above is still years away and if India and its selectors want to avoid this fate the time to act is now. It is time to groom a new captain and bring in a new coach (a foreigner preferably). The Shastri-Kohli duo have had their day and India is grateful but cricket needs to move on. It is time for the BCCI to ensure a change of guard - if not now, when? MS Dhoni, India's 2011 World Cup-winning captain had his eye set on the Mumbai final in 2008 - three years prior to the big match and he began culling the seniors - Ganguly, Dravid etc from the one-day team. The result was pure fury as fans erupted, but history only remembers the final result: India beat Sri Lanka in the final. The question to be asked is do Shastri and Kohli have a gameplan for 2023? Is Indian cricket set to humiliate its fans at home when the next World Cup will be played in front of 100,000 fans at Eden or Wankhede? Now, the ball is in BCCI's court, if the search for a new coach does not begin it will be too late since 2021 is already upon us. India's coach Ravi Shastri has had his day. The "Champion of Champions" who began his superstardom in Australia in 1985 is clearly out of depth and not the man the country can lean on to get us another World Cup. Indian cricket does not need a Big Brother, it needs a 'high performance' professional coach in the same league as Gary Kirsten and John Wright. The young Team India needs a new approach and a new way of life. Late night parties and lack of will gets us nowhere. It should be obvious with India's listless stay currently in Australia. Presently Team India is neither a world-beater in Tests nor ODIs. So why do we need a captain or a coach? The BCCI has the remedy but is it ready to take the bitter pill and administer it to Mr. Kohli and his coach? The answer is Maybe No, because there is a fear of repercussion. The question to be asked is - fear who? fans and Twitterati? They won't win us the World Cup, but the right decision will. The greatest thing which perhaps Shastri can do for Indian cricket is to resign himself - fans and cricket will respect him and Kohli steps aside and showcases his talent just as a batsman - as Sachin once did! Virat is the best in the world with the willow in his hand. However, it doesn't seem the script will be as simple for the emotional Indian fan and the paying public because nobody wants to take the first step towards victory.

India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI

<p>Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order. However, in the Adelaide Test against India, Labuschagne left Twitterati in splits with his unique leaves and “no run” calls as they played out a gritty knock of 47 against India on Day 2 of the day-night Test.</p>

<p>Labuschagne’s unique leaves are similar to that of Steve Smith, whom the youngster has idolized since coming into the international arena. Labuschagne’s leaves made headlines as it was pretty similar to Smith’s leaves but the youngster continued with his unique leaves during the first Test against India and even added “no run” calls to his armoury.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netizens-troll-prithvi-shaw-for-poor-performance-with-bat-and-dropping-a-vital-catch-350765" hreflang="en">Netizens troll Prithvi Shaw for poor performance with bat and dropping a vital catch</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marnus displaying all his variations of the 'No Run!' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/gLQZjI50B7">pic.twitter.com/gLQZjI50B7</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1339859011244474369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here's how Twitterati reacted to Labuschagne's leaves and 'no run' calls:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This gotta be the Meme of the Week , Lol !!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilTwitter</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MemeTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MemeTwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/rWCRv6wSbh">pic.twitter.com/rWCRv6wSbh</a></p>
— Globe Trotter (@masala_dosai) <a href="https://twitter.com/masala_dosai/status/1339859730718547970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nice ...now release it on Spotify</p>
— Thala (@ssmbbakthudu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssmbbakthudu/status/1339859320171765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can hear him saying this all my life without complaint 😂😂😂</p>
— آفتاب 🇮🇳 (@Devastated_Soul) <a href="https://twitter.com/Devastated_Soul/status/1339859612766359552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Its better to shout " No Run" than running unknowing and loosing your captain😂</p>
— Saajan (@Saajan_07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saajan_07/status/1339861276344774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marnus to smith: whatever you do, I do even better 😂</p>
— wijay (@bizayay) <a href="https://twitter.com/bizayay/status/1339863284787253249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Smith 2.0 😁😁</p>
— Najeeb ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImNajeebH/status/1339861341817860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a><br />
<br />
Steve smith: <a href="https://t.co/xwIId8T0vq">pic.twitter.com/xwIId8T0vq</a></p>
— S O M E N A T H (@somenathpaul_) <a href="https://twitter.com/somenathpaul_/status/1339865936610820103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldos-viral-reaction-after-losing-to-lewandowski-at-fifa-the-best-awards-350727" hreflang="en">WATCH- Cristiano Ronaldo's viral reaction after losing to Lewandowski at FIFA 'The Best' Awards</a></strong></p>

<p>Labuschagne scored a gritty 47 off 119 deliveries to help Australia post 191 runs on board in the first innings. Along with Labuschagne, skipper Tim Paine looked solid with the willow as he scored an unbeaten 73. However, India having posted 244 runs on board in the first innings, took a solid lead of 53 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India started with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal but lost the former after Pat Cummins bowled the youngster for four. India sent Jasprit Bumrah at number 3 as a night watchman. Both Bumrah and Agarwal saw off the last few overs of the day as India ended at 9/1 with a lead of 62 runs.&nbsp;</p>


Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order.

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order. However, in the Adelaide Test against India, Labuschagne left Twitterati in splits with his unique leaves and “no run” calls as they played out a gritty knock of 47 against India on Day 2 of the day-night Test. Labuschagne’s unique leaves are similar to that of Steve Smith, whom the youngster has idolized since coming into the international arena. Labuschagne’s leaves made headlines as it was pretty similar to Smith’s leaves but the youngster continued with his unique leaves during the first Test against India and even added “no run” calls to his armoury. ALSO READ: Netizens troll Prithvi Shaw for poor performance with bat and dropping a vital catch Marnus displaying all his variations of the 'No Run!' #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/gLQZjI50B7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2020 × Here's how Twitterati reacted to Labuschagne's leaves and 'no run' calls: This gotta be the Meme of the Week , Lol !!#TamilTwitter#MemeTwitter pic.twitter.com/rWCRv6wSbh — Globe Trotter (@masala_dosai) December 18, 2020 × Nice ...now release it on Spotify — Thala (@ssmbbakthudu) December 18, 2020 × Can hear him saying this all my life without complaint 😂😂😂 — آفتاب 🇮🇳 (@Devastated_Soul) December 18, 2020 × Its better to shout " No Run" than running unknowing and loosing your captain😂 — Saajan (@Saajan_07) December 18, 2020 × Marnus to smith: whatever you do, I do even better 😂 — wijay (@bizayay) December 18, 2020 × Steve Smith 2.0 😁😁 — Najeeb ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) December 18, 2020 × #AUSvIND #INDvAUS Steve smith: pic.twitter.com/xwIId8T0vq — S O M E N A T H (@somenathpaul_) December 18, 2020 × ALSO READ: WATCH- Cristiano Ronaldo's viral reaction after losing to Lewandowski at FIFA 'The Best' Awards Labuschagne scored a gritty 47 off 119 deliveries to help Australia post 191 runs on board in the first innings. Along with Labuschagne, skipper Tim Paine looked solid with the willow as he scored an unbeaten 73. However, India having posted 244 runs on board in the first innings, took a solid lead of 53 runs. India started with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal but lost the former after Pat Cummins bowled the youngster for four. India sent Jasprit Bumrah at number 3 as a night watchman. Both Bumrah and Agarwal saw off the last few overs of the day as India ended at 9/1 with a lead of 62 runs.

Watch: Marnus Labuschagne's 'leaves' and 'no run' calls leave Twitterati in splits

<p>India found themselves on top of Australia in the first innings of the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval after Ravichandran Ashwin destroyed the Aussie top-order on Day 2 of the match. Ashwin got the big wickets of Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Travis Head to pile misery on the hosts after India posted 244 runs on the board. However, it was Virat Kohli who stole the show with a stunning catch to give Ashwin the wicket of debutant Green.</p>

<p>The incident happened in the 41st over of the Aussie innings when Ashwin bowled a length delivery to Green to which the Aussie youngster wanted to execute a pull shot over the mid-wicket fielder.</p>

<p>However, Green miscued his stroke as the ball travelled to the right side of the mid-wicket fielder – Kohli. The Indian skipper, reacting quickly to the stroke, dived to pull off a stunning catch as Green’s innings was cut short after scoring 11 runs off 24 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scg-test-on-despite-sydney-covid-19-outbreak-situation-being-monitored-by-cricket-australia-350676" hreflang="en">SCG Test on despite Sydney COVID-19 outbreak, situation being monitored by Cricket Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli dived full stretch to grab the catch with both his hands and upon completing the screamer, the Indian skipper raised his arms as his teammates ran towards him in joy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>WATCH VIDEO: Virat Kohli's stunning catch to dismiss Cameron Green</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cameron Green's debut innings was stopped short by an absolute classic from Virat Kohli - and the Indian captain enjoyed it a lot! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OhWhatAFeeling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OhWhatAFeeling</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Toyota_Aus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@toyota_Aus</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/krXXaZI1at">pic.twitter.com/krXXaZI1at</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1339852557858947072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Green’s dismissal put Australia in trouble as they were down to 79-5. However, since then captain Tim Paine and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a good partnership to take them to 111 runs. Umesh Yadav struck the hammer blow by dismissing Labuschagne for 47.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adelaide-test-virat-kohli-misses-28th-test-century-as-india-end-day-1-at-2336-350490" hreflang="en">Adelaide Test: Virat Kohli misses 28th Test century as India end Day 1 at 233/6</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, India would be looking to get a good lead going into the second innings and will look to wrap up the Australian lower-order as quickly as possible. Notably, Australia haven’t lost a single day-night Test match and India would be looking to break the deadlock in Adelaide.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India found themselves on top of Australia in the first innings of the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval after Ravichandran Ashwin destroyed the Aussie top-order on Day 2 of the match.

India found themselves on top of Australia in the first innings of the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval after Ravichandran Ashwin destroyed the Aussie top-order on Day 2 of the match. Ashwin got the big wickets of Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Travis Head to pile misery on the hosts after India posted 244 runs on the board. However, it was Virat Kohli who stole the show with a stunning catch to give Ashwin the wicket of debutant Green. The incident happened in the 41st over of the Aussie innings when Ashwin bowled a length delivery to Green to which the Aussie youngster wanted to execute a pull shot over the mid-wicket fielder. However, Green miscued his stroke as the ball travelled to the right side of the mid-wicket fielder – Kohli. The Indian skipper, reacting quickly to the stroke, dived to pull off a stunning catch as Green’s innings was cut short after scoring 11 runs off 24 balls. ALSO READ: SCG Test on despite Sydney COVID-19 outbreak, situation being monitored by Cricket Australia Kohli dived full stretch to grab the catch with both his hands and upon completing the screamer, the Indian skipper raised his arms as his teammates ran towards him in joy. WATCH VIDEO: Virat Kohli's stunning catch to dismiss Cameron Green Cameron Green's debut innings was stopped short by an absolute classic from Virat Kohli - and the Indian captain enjoyed it a lot! #OhWhatAFeeling@toyota_Aus | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/krXXaZI1at — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2020 × Green’s dismissal put Australia in trouble as they were down to 79-5. However, since then captain Tim Paine and Marnus Labuschagne stitched a good partnership to take them to 111 runs. Umesh Yadav struck the hammer blow by dismissing Labuschagne for 47. ALSO READ: Adelaide Test: Virat Kohli misses 28th Test century as India end Day 1 at 233/6 Meanwhile, India would be looking to get a good lead going into the second innings and will look to wrap up the Australian lower-order as quickly as possible. Notably, Australia haven’t lost a single day-night Test match and India would be looking to break the deadlock in Adelaide.

Watch: Virat Kohli takes screamer to help Ravichandran Ashwin dismiss Cameron Green

<p>Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney. The CA said that the situation is being closely monitored but was confident of pulling off the Test match.</p>

<p>Australian cricket authorities were put on alert after number of coronavirus cases in Sydney reached 28 on Friday. The third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is slated to be played from January 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's been lots of discussion and meetings of our medical experts, but this is the reason why throughout the summer we've had our players in bubbles in the hub," CA's interim chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN Radio.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-personal-decision-pcb-reacts-to-mohammad-amirs-decision-to-retire-from-international-cricket-350499" hreflang="en">'This is a personal decision': PCB reacts to Mohammad Amir's decision to retire from international cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>"We're monitoring the situation; we're not panicking at all, staying calm... ... it's really watch, wait and see and I think the governments around the country have handled the pandemic so well, so we'll watch, learn and stay in touch."</p>

<p>On whether the SCG Test was in doubt, Hockley said: "I don't think so - this is the very reason why we have the hubs in place... "... whether it's the WBBL players, the BBL players, the BCCI, our own Australia squads, they have been absolutely fantastic in dealing with all the protocols.</p>

<p>"Our medical experts have been working around the clock, we're in very good communication with health authorities around the country. It's one of the things we've had to navigate with getting cricket up safely."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest Sydney outbreak has already had an impact on the broadcasters with former Aussie pacer and Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee decided to go back home in northern Sydney. Whereas two Sydney-based members of the broadcasters returned back to their home base while two others decided to work from hotel.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-suffers-run-out-after-terrible-mix-up-with-ajinkya-rahane-in-adelaide-test-350471" hreflang="en">Watch: Virat Kohli suffers run-out after terrible mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane in Adelaide Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"If the game can be played safely (in Sydney) then we'll play it there. That's our starting point, so it's working with the health authorities to ascertain that," he said.</p>

<p>"We started out thinking how to play the full series as safely as possible, and we'll take the same approach over the coming days and weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've got contingency plans around a whole range of different options, and we've had to be agile all the way through. We were encouraged that it was 17 cases yesterday and ten today, and we'll see how that plays out over the next 72 hours."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the third Test, the second match is scheduled to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Deceber 26 and its chief Stuart Fox said they are open to supporting CA if need be.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hope that doesn't happen to Sydney. We know what it's like to lose a major event. For us, all focus is on the Boxing Day Test," he was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "We're here to support Cricket Australia if need be."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.

Cricket Australia on Friday said that the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is still on despite a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney. The CA said that the situation is being closely monitored but was confident of pulling off the Test match. Australian cricket authorities were put on alert after number of coronavirus cases in Sydney reached 28 on Friday. The third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is slated to be played from January 7. "There's been lots of discussion and meetings of our medical experts, but this is the reason why throughout the summer we've had our players in bubbles in the hub," CA's interim chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN Radio. ALSO READ:'This is a personal decision': PCB reacts to Mohammad Amir's decision to retire from international cricket "We're monitoring the situation; we're not panicking at all, staying calm... ... it's really watch, wait and see and I think the governments around the country have handled the pandemic so well, so we'll watch, learn and stay in touch." On whether the SCG Test was in doubt, Hockley said: "I don't think so - this is the very reason why we have the hubs in place... "... whether it's the WBBL players, the BBL players, the BCCI, our own Australia squads, they have been absolutely fantastic in dealing with all the protocols. "Our medical experts have been working around the clock, we're in very good communication with health authorities around the country. It's one of the things we've had to navigate with getting cricket up safely." The latest Sydney outbreak has already had an impact on the broadcasters with former Aussie pacer and Fox Cricket commentator Brett Lee decided to go back home in northern Sydney. Whereas two Sydney-based members of the broadcasters returned back to their home base while two others decided to work from hotel. ALSO READ: Watch: Virat Kohli suffers run-out after terrible mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane in Adelaide Test "If the game can be played safely (in Sydney) then we'll play it there. That's our starting point, so it's working with the health authorities to ascertain that," he said. "We started out thinking how to play the full series as safely as possible, and we'll take the same approach over the coming days and weeks. "We've got contingency plans around a whole range of different options, and we've had to be agile all the way through. We were encouraged that it was 17 cases yesterday and ten today, and we'll see how that plays out over the next 72 hours." Before the third Test, the second match is scheduled to start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Deceber 26 and its chief Stuart Fox said they are open to supporting CA if need be. "We hope that doesn't happen to Sydney. We know what it's like to lose a major event. For us, all focus is on the Boxing Day Test," he was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "We're here to support Cricket Australia if need be."

SCG Test on despite Sydney COVID-19 outbreak, situation being monitored by Cricket Australia

<p>A Mitchell Starc thunderbolt gave Australia a dream start Thursday before India dug in for an intimidating opening session on the first day of their day-night Test at Adelaide Oval Thursday.</p>

<p>Batting after captain Virat Kohli won the toss on an overcast day, the visitors ground to 41 for two&nbsp;by the first break, known as dinner despite being in mid-afternoon.</p>

<p>Cheteshwar Pujara was not out 17 from 88 balls and Kohli unbeaten on five as they fended off a barrage from Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in front of a limited, but appreciative, crowd.</p>

<p>Cummins, the world's number one Test bowler, was the pick of the attack with 1-3 off six overs.</p>

<p>Australia went into the clash with their usual three quicks, but also debutant all-rounder Cameron Green, and they got off to a spectacular start.</p>

<p>Opener Prithvi Shaw was clean-bowled for a duck by left-armer Starc, the world's most potent pink-ball bowler, on only the second delivery, chopping onto his stumps as he looked to drive.</p>

<p>It was a poor shot and will give Indian selectors plenty to ponder after preferring him to fellow 21-year-old Shubman Gill, who has been in good touch.</p>

<p>Starc, who only rejoined the Australian squad this week after compassionate leave, almost trapped a tentative Pujara two balls later, catching an edge that fell just short of first slip.</p>

<p>But the experienced Pujara, whose 123 and 71 set up India for a 31-run win in Adelaide in 2018 en route to a maiden series victory in Australia, settled down and began blocking and grinding out runs.</p>

<p>It proved slow going as he and Mayank Agarwal rode their luck, with Pujara surviving again when a thick edge off Starc flew past Nathan Lyon's outstretched arm.</p>

<p>They scored just 21 in the first 10 overs before Cummins broke the second-wicket partnership with a beautiful delivery that clattered into Agarwal's middle stump, removing him for 17.</p>

<p>Superstar Kohli marched onto a ground he rates as his favourite overseas to steady the ship and see his team through to dinner without further loss.</p>


A Mitchell Starc thunderbolt gave Australia a dream start Thursday before India dug in for an intimidating opening session on the first day of their day-night Test at Adelaide Oval Thursday.

A Mitchell Starc thunderbolt gave Australia a dream start Thursday before India dug in for an intimidating opening session on the first day of their day-night Test at Adelaide Oval Thursday. Batting after captain Virat Kohli won the toss on an overcast day, the visitors ground to 41 for two by the first break, known as dinner despite being in mid-afternoon. Cheteshwar Pujara was not out 17 from 88 balls and Kohli unbeaten on five as they fended off a barrage from Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in front of a limited, but appreciative, crowd. Cummins, the world's number one Test bowler, was the pick of the attack with 1-3 off six overs. Australia went into the clash with their usual three quicks, but also debutant all-rounder Cameron Green, and they got off to a spectacular start. Opener Prithvi Shaw was clean-bowled for a duck by left-armer Starc, the world's most potent pink-ball bowler, on only the second delivery, chopping onto his stumps as he looked to drive. It was a poor shot and will give Indian selectors plenty to ponder after preferring him to fellow 21-year-old Shubman Gill, who has been in good touch. Starc, who only rejoined the Australian squad this week after compassionate leave, almost trapped a tentative Pujara two balls later, catching an edge that fell just short of first slip. But the experienced Pujara, whose 123 and 71 set up India for a 31-run win in Adelaide in 2018 en route to a maiden series victory in Australia, settled down and began blocking and grinding out runs. It proved slow going as he and Mayank Agarwal rode their luck, with Pujara surviving again when a thick edge off Starc flew past Nathan Lyon's outstretched arm. They scored just 21 in the first 10 overs before Cummins broke the second-wicket partnership with a beautiful delivery that clattered into Agarwal's middle stump, removing him for 17. Superstar Kohli marched onto a ground he rates as his favourite overseas to steady the ship and see his team through to dinner without further loss.

Starc, Cummins draw first blood in opening Test against India

<p>The Day 1 of the first Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval was a mix-bag for both the teams. While India looked solid and on course for a good total before Virat Kohli suffered a run-out which ultimately led to a middle-order collapse, Australia, on the other hand, toiled hard the entire day before bouncing back strong in the final session of the day, with the second new ball under lights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision to go with out of form opener Prithvi Shaw backfired as he was sent packing by Mitchell Starc in the second delivery of the first over for a duck.</p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara bravely tackled the threat of the new pink-ball and showed grit and determination to stitch a decent partnership of 32 runs to steady the ship. However, a Pat Cummins jaffa found the gap between Agarwal’s bat and pad to send him packing for 17.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adelaide-test-cheteshwar-pujara-scripts-unique-record-against-australia-in-test-cricket-350411" hreflang="en">Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<h2>WATCH: India's fall of wickets on Day 1 of Adelaide Test</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch all the Indian wickets to fall on day one of the Vodafone Test Series including Virat Kohli's crucial run out on 74 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/UhKTRxMS3D">pic.twitter.com/UhKTRxMS3D</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1339540827329056769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kohli took over the charge and played a cautious and patience knock – in a phase where Australian pace troika of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were bowling quick and in testing lengths. Both Pujara and Kohli toiled hard to play the Aussie pace attack and dealt with a dangerous-looking Nathan Lyon to stitch a 68-run stand before the veteran spinner got the better of Pujara, who was dismissed for 43.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thats-racist-fans-blast-shane-warne-for-calling-cheteshwar-pujara-as-steve-350428" hreflang="en">'That's racist!': Fans blast Shane Warne for calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve'</a></strong></p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane looked solid and he along with his skipper played some delightful strokes to build another 88-run stand. At a time, when India were dominating the proceedings, Kohli suffered run-out after a terrible mix-up with Rahane. The Indian vice-captain too followed Kohli back to the hut soon before Hazlewood trapped Hanuma Vihari plumb for 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin saw off the new ball and played their hands to help India end Day 1 at 233-6. India would be hoping for a good batting display on Day 2 and post a first innings total of around 300.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starc ended the day with 2 wickets to his name whereas Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon picked up a wicket each.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Day 1 of the first Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval was a mix-bag for both the teams. While India looked solid and on course for a good total before Virat Kohli suffered a run-out which ultimately led to a middle-order collapse, Australia, on the other hand, toiled hard the entire day before bouncing back strong in the final session of the day, with the second new ball under lights.

The Day 1 of the first Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval was a mix-bag for both the teams. While India looked solid and on course for a good total before Virat Kohli suffered a run-out which ultimately led to a middle-order collapse, Australia, on the other hand, toiled hard the entire day before bouncing back strong in the final session of the day, with the second new ball under lights. Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision to go with out of form opener Prithvi Shaw backfired as he was sent packing by Mitchell Starc in the second delivery of the first over for a duck. Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara bravely tackled the threat of the new pink-ball and showed grit and determination to stitch a decent partnership of 32 runs to steady the ship. However, a Pat Cummins jaffa found the gap between Agarwal’s bat and pad to send him packing for 17. ALSO READ: Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket WATCH: India's fall of wickets on Day 1 of Adelaide Test Watch all the Indian wickets to fall on day one of the Vodafone Test Series including Virat Kohli's crucial run out on 74 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UhKTRxMS3D — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2020 × Kohli took over the charge and played a cautious and patience knock – in a phase where Australian pace troika of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were bowling quick and in testing lengths. Both Pujara and Kohli toiled hard to play the Aussie pace attack and dealt with a dangerous-looking Nathan Lyon to stitch a 68-run stand before the veteran spinner got the better of Pujara, who was dismissed for 43. ALSO READ: 'That's racist!': Fans blast Shane Warne for calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' Ajinkya Rahane looked solid and he along with his skipper played some delightful strokes to build another 88-run stand. At a time, when India were dominating the proceedings, Kohli suffered run-out after a terrible mix-up with Rahane. The Indian vice-captain too followed Kohli back to the hut soon before Hazlewood trapped Hanuma Vihari plumb for 16. Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin saw off the new ball and played their hands to help India end Day 1 at 233-6. India would be hoping for a good batting display on Day 2 and post a first innings total of around 300. Starc ended the day with 2 wickets to his name whereas Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon picked up a wicket each.

Adelaide Test: Virat Kohli misses 28th Test century as India end Day 1 at 233/6

<p>Virat Kohli on Thursday was looking on course to get his 28th Test century in the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval but was the victim of a mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane which resulted in his run-out. Kohli ended up with a solid 74 but it could easily have been a triple-digit score for the Indian skipper had it not been for the run-out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened in the 77th over of the first innings, when Nathan Lyon was bowling to Ajinkya Rahane. The Indian vice-captain pushed the ball towards the gap between cover and mid-off and called ‘yes’ for a run. Kohli, trusting his partner ran for it but Rahane backed out after the Indian skipper reached half-way down the track.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thats-racist-fans-blast-shane-warne-for-calling-cheteshwar-pujara-as-steve-350428" hreflang="en">'That's racist!': Fans blast Shane Warne for calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve'</a></strong></p>

<h2>WATCH VIDEO: Ajinkya Rahane leaves Virat Kohli stranded as Indian skipper misses century</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nightmare scenario for India, pure joy for Australia!<br />
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Virat Kohli is run out after a mix up with Ajinkya Rahane! <a href="https://twitter.com/hcltech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hcltech</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/YdQdMrMtPh">pic.twitter.com/YdQdMrMtPh</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1339525606254342147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Josh Hazlewood picked the ball and threw it quickly to Lyon, at the non-striker’s end, with the veteran offie dislodging the bails comfortably. Kohli looked at Rahane in dismay but the latter immediately apologized for his error as the Indian skipper walked back to the pavilion, missing out on a deserved century.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adelaide-test-cheteshwar-pujara-scripts-unique-record-against-australia-in-test-cricket-350411" hreflang="en">Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>After Kohli’s departure, Australia opted for the second new ball and picked up quick wickets with Mitchell Starc dismissing Ajinkya Rahane. Hazlewood soon got into the act and caught Hanuma Vihari plumb to leave India down for 206/6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lot will depend on how Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin bat along with the Indian tail as India will at least eye a score of more than 250 runs after getting a super start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Australia are yet to lose a pink-ball Test and have a perfect record in day-night Test affairs. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli on Thursday was looking on course to get his 28th Test century in the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval but was the victim of a mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane which resulted in his run-out.

Virat Kohli on Thursday was looking on course to get his 28th Test century in the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval but was the victim of a mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane which resulted in his run-out. Kohli ended up with a solid 74 but it could easily have been a triple-digit score for the Indian skipper had it not been for the run-out. The incident happened in the 77th over of the first innings, when Nathan Lyon was bowling to Ajinkya Rahane. The Indian vice-captain pushed the ball towards the gap between cover and mid-off and called ‘yes’ for a run. Kohli, trusting his partner ran for it but Rahane backed out after the Indian skipper reached half-way down the track. ALSO READ: 'That's racist!': Fans blast Shane Warne for calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' WATCH VIDEO: Ajinkya Rahane leaves Virat Kohli stranded as Indian skipper misses century Nightmare scenario for India, pure joy for Australia! Virat Kohli is run out after a mix up with Ajinkya Rahane! @hcltech | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/YdQdMrMtPh — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2020 × Josh Hazlewood picked the ball and threw it quickly to Lyon, at the non-striker’s end, with the veteran offie dislodging the bails comfortably. Kohli looked at Rahane in dismay but the latter immediately apologized for his error as the Indian skipper walked back to the pavilion, missing out on a deserved century. ALSO READ: Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket After Kohli’s departure, Australia opted for the second new ball and picked up quick wickets with Mitchell Starc dismissing Ajinkya Rahane. Hazlewood soon got into the act and caught Hanuma Vihari plumb to leave India down for 206/6. A lot will depend on how Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin bat along with the Indian tail as India will at least eye a score of more than 250 runs after getting a super start. Notably, Australia are yet to lose a pink-ball Test and have a perfect record in day-night Test affairs.

Watch: Virat Kohli suffers run-out after terrible mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane in Adelaide Test

<p>Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne on Thursday found himself in a bit of controversy while doing his commentary duties for Fox Cricket on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia. Warne, who was in the commentary box, referred Pujara as ‘Steve’ and the name has left many fans in anger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pujara was given the nickname ‘Steve’ during his County stint with Yorkshire. The Indian batsman had once revealed that his Yorkshire teammates found it tough to pronounce his name ‘Cheteshwar’ and gave him the name ‘Steve’. However, it was recently reported that the nickname ‘Steve’ had a racist angle.</p>

<p>In December, County club Yorkshire launched a thorough investigation into alleged racism after cricketer Azeem Rafiq lodged a case against the club alleging racism. A Yorkshire employee named Taj Butt had even alleged that the name ‘Steve’ was used as a reference to “every player of colour”. Butt had left his job at Yorkshire club as the community development officer just six weeks after joining them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adelaide-test-cheteshwar-pujara-scripts-unique-record-against-australia-in-test-cricket-350411" hreflang="en">Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>"There were continuous references to taxi drivers and restaurant workers when referring to Asian community," Butt had told ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p>"They called every person of colour 'Steve'. Even Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an overseas professional, was called Steve because they could not pronounce his name."</p>

<p>Warne had referred Pujara as Steve and had a laugh with his colleagues but the move left fans unimpressed by the spin great.</p>

<h2>Here's how fans reacted to Shane Warne referring Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve':</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Referring to Pujara as ‘Steve’ is:<br />
a) unprofessional<br />
b) disrespectful<br />
c) racist<br />
<br />
Learn to say his name</p>
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidvee/status/1339442439266791424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shameful to hear Fox commentators call Pujara "Steve" even after it was allegedly kept as a racist remark at Yorkshire. Disgraceful! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Madhusudhan (@kmadhu0) <a href="https://twitter.com/kmadhu0/status/1339436479588626432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And Pujara has actually voiced he doesn't like being called Steve.</p>
— JackBo ManHorse (@basedIITian) <a href="https://twitter.com/basedIITian/status/1339442903492411393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Calling Pujara “Steve” because you cannot pronounce his first name is simply racist. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a></p>
— broskijo (@broskijo2) <a href="https://twitter.com/broskijo2/status/1339436756551299073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> mate you need to apologise to Pujara, laughing at Steve as a nickname is racist just because you can't say his name. Ffs do better.</p>
— Krizztorpha (@krizztorpha) <a href="https://twitter.com/krizztorpha/status/1339437063679033344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am amazed by how nonchalantly these Aussie commentators endorse racism.<br />
You cannot call Cheteshwar Pujara <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> ' Steve'<br />
NO!<br />
And It's part of your job to learn how to pronounce names.<br />
Stop slacking, work harder!<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketcomau</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSAvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a></p>
— Auri (@arcticmonkey_5) <a href="https://twitter.com/arcticmonkey_5/status/1339439225792434181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-amir-takes-indefinite-break-from-international-cricket-says-being-mentally-tortured-by-pakistan-management-350393" hreflang="en">Mohammad Amir takes indefinite break from international cricket, says 'being mentally tortured' by Pakistan management</a></strong></p>

<p>Reportedly, former West Indies cricketer Tino Best and Pakistan pacer Rana Naveed-ul-Haq had also verified Rafiq’s claims of racism after having played for the English club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fans are now asking the legendary spinner Warne&nbsp;to apologise after referring Pujara as ‘Steve’ on air.</p>


Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne on Thursday found himself in a bit of controversy while doing his commentary duties for Fox Cricket on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia.

Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne on Thursday found himself in a bit of controversy while doing his commentary duties for Fox Cricket on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia. Warne, who was in the commentary box, referred Pujara as ‘Steve’ and the name has left many fans in anger. Pujara was given the nickname ‘Steve’ during his County stint with Yorkshire. The Indian batsman had once revealed that his Yorkshire teammates found it tough to pronounce his name ‘Cheteshwar’ and gave him the name ‘Steve’. However, it was recently reported that the nickname ‘Steve’ had a racist angle. In December, County club Yorkshire launched a thorough investigation into alleged racism after cricketer Azeem Rafiq lodged a case against the club alleging racism. A Yorkshire employee named Taj Butt had even alleged that the name ‘Steve’ was used as a reference to “every player of colour”. Butt had left his job at Yorkshire club as the community development officer just six weeks after joining them. ALSO READ: Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket "There were continuous references to taxi drivers and restaurant workers when referring to Asian community," Butt had told ESPNCricinfo. "They called every person of colour 'Steve'. Even Cheteshwar Pujara, who joined as an overseas professional, was called Steve because they could not pronounce his name." Warne had referred Pujara as Steve and had a laugh with his colleagues but the move left fans unimpressed by the spin great. Here's how fans reacted to Shane Warne referring Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve': Referring to Pujara as ‘Steve’ is: a) unprofessional b) disrespectful c) racist Learn to say his name — Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) December 17, 2020 × Shameful to hear Fox commentators call Pujara "Steve" even after it was allegedly kept as a racist remark at Yorkshire. Disgraceful! #AUSvIND — Madhusudhan (@kmadhu0) December 17, 2020 × And Pujara has actually voiced he doesn't like being called Steve. — JackBo ManHorse (@basedIITian) December 17, 2020 × Calling Pujara “Steve” because you cannot pronounce his first name is simply racist. #AUSvsIND @ShaneWarne — broskijo (@broskijo2) December 17, 2020 × @ShaneWarne mate you need to apologise to Pujara, laughing at Steve as a nickname is racist just because you can't say his name. Ffs do better. — Krizztorpha (@krizztorpha) December 17, 2020 × I am amazed by how nonchalantly these Aussie commentators endorse racism. You cannot call Cheteshwar Pujara @cheteshwar1 ' Steve' NO! And It's part of your job to learn how to pronounce names. Stop slacking, work harder! @FoxCricket @BCCI @cricketcomau #AUSAvIND #INDvAUS — Auri (@arcticmonkey_5) December 17, 2020 × ALSO READ: Mohammad Amir takes indefinite break from international cricket, says 'being mentally tortured' by Pakistan management Reportedly, former West Indies cricketer Tino Best and Pakistan pacer Rana Naveed-ul-Haq had also verified Rafiq’s claims of racism after having played for the English club. However, fans are now asking the legendary spinner Warne to apologise after referring Pujara as ‘Steve’ on air.

'That's racist!': Fans blast Shane Warne for calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve'

<p>Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Thursday scripted a unique record against Australia in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Virat Kohli, during the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pujara, who was Man of the Series, the last time India visited Australia in 2018-19 continued his rich run of form in the longest format of the game as he blunted the new pink-ball against Australia by facing 160 deliveries in his 43-run knock on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test.</p>

<p>By facing 160 deliveries, Pujara registered his name in the record books as he became the player to have faced most deliveries in Test cricket against Australia in the past decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-amir-takes-indefinite-break-from-international-cricket-says-being-mentally-tortured-by-pakistan-management-350393" hreflang="en">Mohammad Amir takes indefinite break from international cricket, says 'being mentally tortured' by Pakistan management</a></strong></p>

<p>Pujara now has faced as many as 3609 deliveries in 28 innings, surpassing Root (3607 balls in 46 innings), Cook (3274 balls in 40 innings) and Virat Kohli (3115* deliveries in 35 innings) – making him the batsman to have faced most balls in Test cricket versus Australia in the past decade.</p>

<h2>Most balls faced in Test cricket vs Australia in the past decade:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>CHETESHWAR PUJARA 3609 (28 inns)</li>
	<li>Joe Root 3607 (46 inns)</li>
	<li>Alastair Cook 3274 (40 inns)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli 3115 (35 inns)</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>Pujara in the 2018-19 series tormented the Australian bowling attack as he scored a whopping 521 runs in four innings at an average of 74.43. The Indian batsman scored three centuries on the tour, facing 1258 deliveries in 30 hours of batting.</p>

<p>However, Pujara was sent packing by Nathan Lyon on Day 1 of Adelaide Test for 46 as the Aussie spinner got the better of Pujara again. Lyon has now dismissed Pujara 10 times, the most for any bowler against him in Test cricket.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Thursday scripted a unique record against Australia in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Virat Kohli, during the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Thursday scripted a unique record against Australia in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Virat Kohli, during the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. Pujara, who was Man of the Series, the last time India visited Australia in 2018-19 continued his rich run of form in the longest format of the game as he blunted the new pink-ball against Australia by facing 160 deliveries in his 43-run knock on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test. By facing 160 deliveries, Pujara registered his name in the record books as he became the player to have faced most deliveries in Test cricket against Australia in the past decade. ALSO READ: Mohammad Amir takes indefinite break from international cricket, says 'being mentally tortured' by Pakistan management Pujara now has faced as many as 3609 deliveries in 28 innings, surpassing Root (3607 balls in 46 innings), Cook (3274 balls in 40 innings) and Virat Kohli (3115* deliveries in 35 innings) – making him the batsman to have faced most balls in Test cricket versus Australia in the past decade. Most balls faced in Test cricket vs Australia in the past decade: CHETESHWAR PUJARA 3609 (28 inns) Joe Root 3607 (46 inns) Alastair Cook 3274 (40 inns) Virat Kohli 3115 (35 inns) ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters Pujara in the 2018-19 series tormented the Australian bowling attack as he scored a whopping 521 runs in four innings at an average of 74.43. The Indian batsman scored three centuries on the tour, facing 1258 deliveries in 30 hours of batting. However, Pujara was sent packing by Nathan Lyon on Day 1 of Adelaide Test for 46 as the Aussie spinner got the better of Pujara again. Lyon has now dismissed Pujara 10 times, the most for any bowler against him in Test cricket.

Adelaide Test: Cheteshwar Pujara scripts unique record against Australia in Test cricket

<p>Steve Smith and Virat Kohli – the two greatest batsmen of this generation – interviewed each other on the eve of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia where the iconic duo spoke about a lot of things ranging from their best knocks, rivalries, challengers in international cricket and much more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While discussing the best knocks, Kohli mentioned the 2016 T20 World Cup quarter-final against Australia wherein he hammered 82 runs to guide India to the semi-finals as he narrated the entire innings and how easily he was finding the gaps that day. The Indian skipper further said that he had trouble breaking down his own knock after the match while adding it was a special knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I went into a trance mode," Kohli said.</p>

<p>"You feel like things are looking difficult and you just think about committing to what the team needs.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-kohli-smith-discuss-best-knocks-rivalry-and-more-ahead-of-india-vs-australia-test-series-350192" hreflang="en">Watch: Kohli, Smith discuss best knocks, rivalry and more ahead of India vs Australia Test series</a></strong></p>

<p>"I still don't know how it happened, it was like everything I was hitting was going into gaps. I went into a zone that not even I could break down after.</p>

<p>"I felt that was so special because it's getting into that space while you're batting where you're under pressure and everything is coming off.”</p>

<p>Kohli and Smith also spoke about the 2014 series where both of them were against each other as captain. Australia won the series 2-0. Kohli came into that series after a horror tour of England and despite planning for the series for a couple of months, it didn’t get off to a perfect start for the Indian skipper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's funny because I visualised for two months and then we prepared so much to play the first Test and then I walk in four balls before lunch and Mitchell Johnson hit me first ball in the head," Kohli said.</p>

<p>"I just stood there thinking, 'I've prepared for two-and-a-half months, and the first ball hits me on the head. What the hell is going on?'</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>"But then you either go fight or flight. I was pissed off with myself that I prepared for so long how can I not even get bat on the ball and get out of the way."</p>

<p>Indian skipper Kohli will return back to India on paternity leave and he said that the big decision was absolutely clear in his mind while adding that he wanted to be there at any cost as it is a very, very special moment in his life.</p>

<p>"It's a decision that was absolutely clear in my mind," said Kohli.</p>

<p>"As committed as you are to play for your country this is a very, very special moment in life that you want to be there for at any cost. It's a blessed time and we're very excited."</p>

<p>Here’s the complete interview of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli:</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Steve Smith and Virat Kohli – the two greatest batsmen of this generation – interviewed each other on the eve of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia where the iconic duo spoke about a lot of things ranging from their best knocks, rivalries, challengers in international cricket and much more.

Steve Smith and Virat Kohli – the two greatest batsmen of this generation – interviewed each other on the eve of the Adelaide Test between India and Australia where the iconic duo spoke about a lot of things ranging from their best knocks, rivalries, challengers in international cricket and much more. While discussing the best knocks, Kohli mentioned the 2016 T20 World Cup quarter-final against Australia wherein he hammered 82 runs to guide India to the semi-finals as he narrated the entire innings and how easily he was finding the gaps that day. The Indian skipper further said that he had trouble breaking down his own knock after the match while adding it was a special knock. "I went into a trance mode," Kohli said. "You feel like things are looking difficult and you just think about committing to what the team needs. TRENDING | Watch: Kohli, Smith discuss best knocks, rivalry and more ahead of India vs Australia Test series "I still don't know how it happened, it was like everything I was hitting was going into gaps. I went into a zone that not even I could break down after. "I felt that was so special because it's getting into that space while you're batting where you're under pressure and everything is coming off.” Kohli and Smith also spoke about the 2014 series where both of them were against each other as captain. Australia won the series 2-0. Kohli came into that series after a horror tour of England and despite planning for the series for a couple of months, it didn’t get off to a perfect start for the Indian skipper. "It's funny because I visualised for two months and then we prepared so much to play the first Test and then I walk in four balls before lunch and Mitchell Johnson hit me first ball in the head," Kohli said. "I just stood there thinking, 'I've prepared for two-and-a-half months, and the first ball hits me on the head. What the hell is going on?' ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters "But then you either go fight or flight. I was pissed off with myself that I prepared for so long how can I not even get bat on the ball and get out of the way." Indian skipper Kohli will return back to India on paternity leave and he said that the big decision was absolutely clear in his mind while adding that he wanted to be there at any cost as it is a very, very special moment in his life. "It's a decision that was absolutely clear in my mind," said Kohli. "As committed as you are to play for your country this is a very, very special moment in life that you want to be there for at any cost. It's a blessed time and we're very excited." Here’s the complete interview of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli: ×

'I went into a trance mode': Virat Kohli reveals his favourite knock to Steve Smith - Watch

<p>Two of the greatest batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, ahead of the much-awaited four-match Test series between India and Australia, sat down for a one on one interaction as they talked about their favourite knocks, overcoming challenges at the international level among many other questions.</p>

<p>Kohli’s heartwarming gesture towards Smith during the ICC World Cup 2019, where the Indian skipper asked the crowd to not boo Smith, won plenty of hearts. The Australian batsman asked Kohli about the gesture while revealing he messaged the Indian skipper on that night thanking him for the ‘top class’ move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli said that it is not fair to target an individual personally&nbsp;while adding in long term you start to realise things from a larger perspective. Kohli asked Smith about how he was feeling when he walked out to bat after a 12-month break, to which the former Aussie skipper said that despite there being a lot of negativity, he enjoyed the noise of the crowd and the feeling of playing cricket again.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-personality-is-the-representation-of-a-new-india-virat-kohli-350171" hreflang="en">'My personality is the representation of a new India': Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SPECIAL - The two greats - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevesmith49</a> talk cricket.<br />
<br />
Two batting geniuses sit down to talk about their love for the game, batting techniques &amp; having more to life than just cricket.<br />
<br />
You do not want to miss this!<br />
<br />
📹📹<a href="https://t.co/3jEYM9zxzV">https://t.co/3jEYM9zxzV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/fNrZXrxiVr">pic.twitter.com/fNrZXrxiVr</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1339144577668661249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“I remember I sent you a message that night saying that was top class,” said Smith.</p>

<p>“There was an incident that had happened (the sandpaper-gate sage in 2018 involving Smith and David Warner) and you guys realised it and came back after a long time having gone through everything you had to,” said Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-playing-xi-for-adelaide-test-vs-australia-prithvi-shaw-wriddhiman-saha-get-the-nod-350128" hreflang="en">India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod</a></strong></p>

<p>“I feel that nothing in life can be that permanent and it’s not fair to target an individual personally. As much as you play against one another, there is a human side to things as well. Yes, you’re competitive on the field but you don’t want to get nasty as such. In the long term, you realise things from a larger perspective.”</p>

<p>The iconic duo then went on to discuss Kohli’s favourite innings, why Smith moved away from being a leg-spinner and much more. Catch the full conversation between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith here:</p>

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Two of the greatest batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, ahead of the much-awaited four-match Test series between India and Australia, sat down for a one on one interaction as they talked about their favourite knocks, overcoming challenges at the international level among many other questions.

Two of the greatest batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, ahead of the much-awaited four-match Test series between India and Australia, sat down for a one on one interaction as they talked about their favourite knocks, overcoming challenges at the international level among many other questions. Kohli’s heartwarming gesture towards Smith during the ICC World Cup 2019, where the Indian skipper asked the crowd to not boo Smith, won plenty of hearts. The Australian batsman asked Kohli about the gesture while revealing he messaged the Indian skipper on that night thanking him for the ‘top class’ move. Kohli said that it is not fair to target an individual personally while adding in long term you start to realise things from a larger perspective. Kohli asked Smith about how he was feeling when he walked out to bat after a 12-month break, to which the former Aussie skipper said that despite there being a lot of negativity, he enjoyed the noise of the crowd and the feeling of playing cricket again. ALSO READ: 'My personality is the representation of a new India': Virat Kohli SPECIAL - The two greats - @imVkohli & @stevesmith49 talk cricket. Two batting geniuses sit down to talk about their love for the game, batting techniques & having more to life than just cricket. You do not want to miss this! 📹📹https://t.co/3jEYM9zxzV #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/fNrZXrxiVr — BCCI (@BCCI) December 16, 2020 × “I remember I sent you a message that night saying that was top class,” said Smith. “There was an incident that had happened (the sandpaper-gate sage in 2018 involving Smith and David Warner) and you guys realised it and came back after a long time having gone through everything you had to,” said Kohli. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod “I feel that nothing in life can be that permanent and it’s not fair to target an individual personally. As much as you play against one another, there is a human side to things as well. Yes, you’re competitive on the field but you don’t want to get nasty as such. In the long term, you realise things from a larger perspective.” The iconic duo then went on to discuss Kohli’s favourite innings, why Smith moved away from being a leg-spinner and much more. Catch the full conversation between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith here: ×

Watch: Kohli, Smith discuss best knocks, rivalry and more ahead of India vs Australia Test series