Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for.

After 13 overs at the crease, the two have managed to put up 31 runs with Mayank scoring 23 and Hanuma making three runs so far.

Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for.

Rookies Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have survived the first 10 overs in the Boxing Day Test, promising a new opening pair for the Indian cricket team. Debutant Mayanak, who got his Test cap today by skipper Virat Kohli, will be the player to look out for. After 13 overs at the crease, the two have managed to put up 31 runs with Mayank scoring 23 and Hanuma making three runs so far. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure." Teams: Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

3rd Test: India 31 for no loss after 13 overs

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure."

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface.

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match." "We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav." The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1. Talking about their strategy for today, captain Tim Paine said, " I wasn't too sure what to do so I am happy to be bowling. We have a pretty inexperienced group so a win certainly helps. I would have laughed if someone would have told me last year that I will be the skipper for the Australian team in the next Boxing Day Test. Archie wanted to bat 100% but I told him that I was not entirely sure." Teams: Australia (Playing XI):Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(w/c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

3rd Test: India opt to bat against Australia

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday.

Pujara raised his 21st test half-century to be 68 not out at stumps, with Kohli on 47 as Australia's bowlers endured a day of toil on a placid Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket after the India captain won the toss and elected to bat.

Opener Mayank Agarwal enjoyed a stellar entry to test cricket, scoring 76 to record the highest ever innings by an India debutant on Australian soil before being dismissed on the last ball before tea.

The Karnataka batsman eclipsed the 51 scored by Dattu Phadkar against Don Bradman's team in Sydney in 1947, raising his hand for a permanent role in the top order after replacing the out-of-form Murali Vijay.

"I wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on," the 27-year-old told reporters.

"It did a little bit early on but then it was slow ... I am happy but obviously I would have liked more (runs)."

The Boxing Day crowd of 73,516 was a record attendance for a match featuring India in Australia and travelling fans from the subcontinent roared their applause as Kohli and Pujara combined for a 92-run stand and strode off unbeaten at stumps.

A day after Christmas festivities, home supporters were left flat, however, and the Australian bowlers frustrated by the drop-in pitch that offered very little movement in an echo of the wicket that produced a dull draw against England last year.

With the four-match series poised at 1-1, India's slow but disciplined accumulation left them well-placed to build a big total and tire Australia's bowlers in baking heat forecast for day two.

"We’ve been able to restrict them quite well with runs, we didn’t get the wickets we probably would have liked," said Australia batsman Travis Head.

"We’ve got to make sure we bowl the same way we did and things can change, I don’t think we’re far away."

Only Pat Cummins was rewarded for Australia, the paceman claiming the wicket of new opener Hanuma Vihari and ending Agarwal's 161-ball knock by having him glove a catch down the leg side.

Vihari, promoted to replace the out-of-sorts Lokesh Rahul, had a less successful debut as an opener, and was snared for eight off 66 balls by a rising delivery that pinged off his gloves before being caught by slips fielder Aaron Finch.

That was the sole highlight until the brink of tea for Tim Paine's side, with Agarwal and Pujara holding firm in an 83-run stand.

With the pitch doing little for the seamers, spinner Nathan Lyon was introduced in the eighth over of the morning but was also unable to conjure a breakthrough throughout.

Agarwal smashed two fours past the bowler after lunch, the second a glorious straight drive to raise his fifty off 95 balls.

He slog-swept Lyon for six after the drinks break before eventually falling to Cummins at 123 for two.

Kohli joined Pujara in the middle and feasted on the ageing ball, punching the ball to the fence with a trio of exquisite, wristy on-drives among his six fours.

Desperate for a wicket, Australia threw away a review for lbw when Lyon rapped Kohli's pads when the captain was on 32.

After the second new ball was taken, a more realistic chance went begging when Kohli, on 47, nicked a Mitchell Starc delivery only for wicketkeeper Paine to grass a low, one-handed chance.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli combined to frustrate Australia for an entire session as India held the whip-hand at 215 for two at the close of a grinding opening day of the third test on Wednesday. Pujara raised his 21st test half-century to be 68 not out at stumps, with Kohli on 47 as Australia's bowlers endured a day of toil on a placid Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket after the India captain won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Mayank Agarwal enjoyed a stellar entry to test cricket, scoring 76 to record the highest ever innings by an India debutant on Australian soil before being dismissed on the last ball before tea. The Karnataka batsman eclipsed the 51 scored by Dattu Phadkar against Don Bradman's team in Sydney in 1947, raising his hand for a permanent role in the top order after replacing the out-of-form Murali Vijay. "I wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on," the 27-year-old told reporters. "It did a little bit early on but then it was slow ... I am happy but obviously I would have liked more (runs)." The Boxing Day crowd of 73,516 was a record attendance for a match featuring India in Australia and travelling fans from the subcontinent roared their applause as Kohli and Pujara combined for a 92-run stand and strode off unbeaten at stumps. A day after Christmas festivities, home supporters were left flat, however, and the Australian bowlers frustrated by the drop-in pitch that offered very little movement in an echo of the wicket that produced a dull draw against England last year. With the four-match series poised at 1-1, India's slow but disciplined accumulation left them well-placed to build a big total and tire Australia's bowlers in baking heat forecast for day two. "We’ve been able to restrict them quite well with runs, we didn’t get the wickets we probably would have liked," said Australia batsman Travis Head. "We’ve got to make sure we bowl the same way we did and things can change, I don’t think we’re far away." Only Pat Cummins was rewarded for Australia, the paceman claiming the wicket of new opener Hanuma Vihari and ending Agarwal's 161-ball knock by having him glove a catch down the leg side. Vihari, promoted to replace the out-of-sorts Lokesh Rahul, had a less successful debut as an opener, and was snared for eight off 66 balls by a rising delivery that pinged off his gloves before being caught by slips fielder Aaron Finch. That was the sole highlight until the brink of tea for Tim Paine's side, with Agarwal and Pujara holding firm in an 83-run stand. With the pitch doing little for the seamers, spinner Nathan Lyon was introduced in the eighth over of the morning but was also unable to conjure a breakthrough throughout. Agarwal smashed two fours past the bowler after lunch, the second a glorious straight drive to raise his fifty off 95 balls. He slog-swept Lyon for six after the drinks break before eventually falling to Cummins at 123 for two. Kohli joined Pujara in the middle and feasted on the ageing ball, punching the ball to the fence with a trio of exquisite, wristy on-drives among his six fours. Desperate for a wicket, Australia threw away a review for lbw when Lyon rapped Kohli's pads when the captain was on 32. After the second new ball was taken, a more realistic chance went begging when Kohli, on 47, nicked a Mitchell Starc delivery only for wicketkeeper Paine to grass a low, one-handed chance.

'Wouldn't complain about the pitch, it was good to bat on', says Mayank Agarwal after his maiden Test half-century

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-agarwal-hanuma-vihari-to-open-as-vijay-rahul-dropped-for-boxing-day-test-186298">Boxing Day Test </a>played between December 26 and December 30 is one of the biggest year-end cricketing carnivals played at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against the home team Australia.&nbsp;

As its history date back to 1950, the first day after Christmas is one of the best traditions in Australia and the crowd attends this encounter in huge numbers.&nbsp;

Once again, on Wednesday, the Australian side is ready to host India, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-reign-of-dominance-over-the-world-cricket-in-2018-186446">led by Virat Kohli</a>, in the third Test of the four-match series.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But before the nail-biting clash, let's take a look at the previous Australian performances on their most important day.&nbsp;

From 1950 to 2017, a total of 42 Boxing Day Tests have been played, out of which 24 have been won by hosts Australia.

The year 1950, when the tradition of playing an international game on the Boxing Day actually began, nearly 60,486 people attended the game against England, on the first weekday following Christmas.

The fourth day of the game between Australia and England (during the 1950-51 Ashes series) was played which the hosts won by 28 runs.

For the next following years, the Boxing Day Test was not a regular fixture in the Australian cricket summer. It was in 1980, the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Australian team secured rights to begin a Test match on December 26 annually.&nbsp;

In 1989, instead of a Test match, an ODI was played on the Boxing Day against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The game became a regular fixture as it was a massive crowd puller. In 1975, which highlighted the popularity of the day and the game, 85,661 people attended the game against the West Indies.&nbsp;

It took another 31 years to better this record when 89,155 people were present at the MCG in 2006 for the Test match against England.

But it was in 2013 the game recorded the highest ever attendance on the Boxing Day. A total of 91,112 people audited this match against England, which Australia won by eight wickets.&nbsp;

Moreover, since 2000, the crowd presence on this day did not go down below 50,000. The lowest gathering was registered in 1993 against South Africa which ended in a draw.&nbsp;

India too experienced the taste of what it means to take on the Aussie spirit on Boxing Day at the Melbourne cricket ground(MCG) on December 26th, 2003 as Sourav's tigers leading 1-0 in the series sought to slay the home team.

Captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss and expectedly chose to bat as the capacity crowd at Melbourne sat down to witness another Indian batting extravaganza. The Indian summer in Australia truly arrived as Sehwag came out to bat with Akash Chopra.

Sehwag smashed the Aussie attack comprising of Brett Lee, Bracken, Williams and MacGill to all corners of the Melbourne stadium piling up 195 in just 233 balls. The Indian opener scored a massive 25 boundaries which included five sixes. The Boxing Day truly belonged to Sehwag and India as the Aussies applauded the new India.&nbsp;

In end, Sehwag holed out to Bracken on the boundary attempting another six as he eyed a double century falling short by five runs to be dismissed by Katich for 195, the highest score by an Indian at the MCG.

India finished the day on top at 329/4 powered by Sehwag's swashbuckling knock. However, the Aussies hit back during their innings as Hayden bludgeoned India scoring 136 and Ponting scored a match-winning double ton(257 with 25 boundaries, like Sehwag) as India crumbled to defeat losing by nine wickets.

The 43rd match between India and Australia will also be a memorable as the hosts will be playing for their pride while the Men in Blue will fight to return to the winning momentum.&nbsp;

The Boxing Day Test played between December 26 and December 30 is one of the biggest year-end cricketing carnivals played at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against the home team Australia.

The Boxing Day Test played between December 26 and December 30 is one of the biggest year-end cricketing carnivals played at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against the home team Australia. As its history date back to 1950, the first day after Christmas is one of the best traditions in Australia and the crowd attends this encounter in huge numbers. Once again, on Wednesday, the Australian side is ready to host India, led by Virat Kohli, in the third Test of the four-match series. But before the nail-biting clash, let's take a look at the previous Australian performances on their most important day. From 1950 to 2017, a total of 42 Boxing Day Tests have been played, out of which 24 have been won by hosts Australia. The year 1950, when the tradition of playing an international game on the Boxing Day actually began, nearly 60,486 people attended the game against England, on the first weekday following Christmas. The fourth day of the game between Australia and England (during the 1950-51 Ashes series) was played which the hosts won by 28 runs. For the next following years, the Boxing Day Test was not a regular fixture in the Australian cricket summer. It was in 1980, the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Australian team secured rights to begin a Test match on December 26 annually. In 1989, instead of a Test match, an ODI was played on the Boxing Day against Sri Lanka. The game became a regular fixture as it was a massive crowd puller. In 1975, which highlighted the popularity of the day and the game, 85,661 people attended the game against the West Indies. It took another 31 years to better this record when 89,155 people were present at the MCG in 2006 for the Test match against England. But it was in 2013 the game recorded the highest ever attendance on the Boxing Day. A total of 91,112 people audited this match against England, which Australia won by eight wickets. Moreover, since 2000, the crowd presence on this day did not go down below 50,000. The lowest gathering was registered in 1993 against South Africa which ended in a draw. India too experienced the taste of what it means to take on the Aussie spirit on Boxing Day at the Melbourne cricket ground(MCG) on December 26th, 2003 as Sourav's tigers leading 1-0 in the series sought to slay the home team. Captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss and expectedly chose to bat as the capacity crowd at Melbourne sat down to witness another Indian batting extravaganza. The Indian summer in Australia truly arrived as Sehwag came out to bat with Akash Chopra. Sehwag smashed the Aussie attack comprising of Brett Lee, Bracken, Williams and MacGill to all corners of the Melbourne stadium piling up 195 in just 233 balls. The Indian opener scored a massive 25 boundaries which included five sixes. The Boxing Day truly belonged to Sehwag and India as the Aussies applauded the new India. In end, Sehwag holed out to Bracken on the boundary attempting another six as he eyed a double century falling short by five runs to be dismissed by Katich for 195, the highest score by an Indian at the MCG. India finished the day on top at 329/4 powered by Sehwag's swashbuckling knock. However, the Aussies hit back during their innings as Hayden bludgeoned India scoring 136 and Ponting scored a match-winning double ton(257 with 25 boundaries, like Sehwag) as India crumbled to defeat losing by nine wickets. The 43rd match between India and Australia will also be a memorable as the hosts will be playing for their pride while the Men in Blue will fight to return to the winning momentum.

3rd Test: Australia's almost 'invincible' record awaits India on Boxing Day

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Murali Vijay and KL Rahul scored just 95 runs between them in eight innings across the opening two Tests in Adelaide and Perth.&nbsp;India's ODI specialist Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned from injury.&nbsp;

With the four-Test series tied 1-1, much is riding on the Boxing Day showdown and India can't afford another top-order flop.&nbsp;

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India name Playing XI for 3rd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/DImj8BVTj5">pic.twitter.com/DImj8BVTj5</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1077346819682709504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has failed to recover from an abdominal strain. Australia have made one change to their playing XI - replacing Peter Handscomb with Mitchell Marsh.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. In the list, both openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have been dropped while rookies Hanuma Vihari and debutant Mayank Agarwal will be given the opportunity to open, according to Reuters. Murali Vijay and KL Rahul scored just 95 runs between them in eight innings across the opening two Tests in Adelaide and Perth. India's ODI specialist Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have returned from injury. With the four-Test series tied 1-1, much is riding on the Boxing Day showdown and India can't afford another top-order flop. India name Playing XI for 3rd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/DImj8BVTj5 — BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2018 × Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has failed to recover from an abdominal strain. Australia have made one change to their playing XI - replacing Peter Handscomb with Mitchell Marsh.

IND vs AUS: BCCI announces playing XI for Boxing Day Test

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday.

While Kohli gave a batting masterclass on a challenging track in Perth, Cheteshwar Pujara had played a decisive role in team's win Adelaide but other batsmen have not contributed much unlike bowlers, who have picked 40 wickets in four innings.&nbsp;

"It is very important for batsmen to stand up, because as everyone can see, our bowling has been performing really well. Otherwise, the bowlers won't be able to do anything with the totals that we have been compiling," skipper Kohli said on the eve of the third Test.

"If we are batting second, we will try to take the lead or get as close to the opposition total as possible. If you equal a big score, then it becomes a second-innings' match and if you take a good first-innings lead, then you can capitalize on that.&nbsp;

"The batsmen must step up collectively. I won't say individually whether someone needs to do that or not, but as a batting unit, we have to definitely put up a better performance," Kohli sent out a loud and clear message for his batting unit.

The Indian captain made it clear that neither his team's Adelaide victory nor the Perth defeat will have any bearing when Melbourne Test starts.

"As a team, I don't think whether you are 2-0 up or 2-0 down or 1-1, what's happened in the past has no significance at all to what's going to happen in the next two Tests or what's going to happen in the next Test which is quite immediate.&nbsp;

"The key is to stay in the moment, stay in the present, understand and remember why you won the first Test, which was because of us being in the present moment," the skipper reiterated what he has often stressed.

Nathan Lyon with 16 wickets in two Tests have been India's chief tormentor so far and Kohli praised the off-spinner for his effort. &nbsp;

"Lyon is a very good bowler. He consistently bowls in good areas. So we have to have our plans against such a bowler so that we can also explore scoring options because if he is allowed to bowl at one spot for a long time, he becomes even more dangerous.&nbsp;

"These things you need to figure out constantly - who is bowling well in a particular series and what your plans should be against him. He has definitely bowled very well from the opposition."

What makes Lyon special is the fact that he plays most of his Test matches in Australia.

"For a spinner to bowl so well in Australia is a huge thing. We are taking it as a challenge, and we definitely want to improve our play against him. We have put in the effort in practice, it now matters who we execute those on the field.&nbsp;

"As I said, if there is a challenge coming your way, you try and counter it. That's our effort - if we have been dismissed in a particular way, not repeat that mode of dismissal. As cricketers, that is all you can do," he added.

Last time when India played at the MCG, the Test ended in a draw even though Kohli and Rahane had scored hundreds.

"Last time the pitch played a big part in not being able to have a result either ways, for both sides. But seeing the pitch now, it has much more grass than it had last time and I hope that it is a lively pitch.&nbsp;

"I hope it does as much as it did in the first two games because as a side, you always know that you are in for a result that way. The surface, what I saw yesterday, looked pretty dry underneath. There is a good coverage of grass, which should keep the surface intact," Kohli seemed hopeful.

For Kohli, a pitch should have enough in it to keep the bowlers interested on all five days of a Test match.

"I think it should have enough for the bowlers to stay interested on all days of the Test match and hopefully, it's a much more lively wicket than the last time we played here," he opined.

Kohli will be playing his second Boxing Day Test Down Under and seemed pretty excited about it.

"It's amazing (as an occasion). Obviously, day one is the most anticipated day and we are expecting a lot of people to come in, maybe 80,000-plus. So I have experienced that twice before.&nbsp;

"It's definitely a magical day to step on the field, the national anthems for both teams, and you can sense the energy in the stadium. For me, that is my most favourite personal moment of the Boxing Day, when the anthems are sung, you are standing on the field and there are so many people around you. Definitely, it is one of the most iconic Test matches and we are very happy to be a part of that," he added.&nbsp;

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday.

Their patchy performance has stuck out like a sore thumb during the first two Tests and India skipper Virat Kohli urged his batsmen to complement the superb effort of his bowling unit in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia starting Wednesday. While Kohli gave a batting masterclass on a challenging track in Perth, Cheteshwar Pujara had played a decisive role in team's win Adelaide but other batsmen have not contributed much unlike bowlers, who have picked 40 wickets in four innings. "It is very important for batsmen to stand up, because as everyone can see, our bowling has been performing really well. Otherwise, the bowlers won't be able to do anything with the totals that we have been compiling," skipper Kohli said on the eve of the third Test. "If we are batting second, we will try to take the lead or get as close to the opposition total as possible. If you equal a big score, then it becomes a second-innings' match and if you take a good first-innings lead, then you can capitalize on that. "The batsmen must step up collectively. I won't say individually whether someone needs to do that or not, but as a batting unit, we have to definitely put up a better performance," Kohli sent out a loud and clear message for his batting unit. The Indian captain made it clear that neither his team's Adelaide victory nor the Perth defeat will have any bearing when Melbourne Test starts. "As a team, I don't think whether you are 2-0 up or 2-0 down or 1-1, what's happened in the past has no significance at all to what's going to happen in the next two Tests or what's going to happen in the next Test which is quite immediate. "The key is to stay in the moment, stay in the present, understand and remember why you won the first Test, which was because of us being in the present moment," the skipper reiterated what he has often stressed. Nathan Lyon with 16 wickets in two Tests have been India's chief tormentor so far and Kohli praised the off-spinner for his effort. "Lyon is a very good bowler. He consistently bowls in good areas. So we have to have our plans against such a bowler so that we can also explore scoring options because if he is allowed to bowl at one spot for a long time, he becomes even more dangerous. "These things you need to figure out constantly - who is bowling well in a particular series and what your plans should be against him. He has definitely bowled very well from the opposition." What makes Lyon special is the fact that he plays most of his Test matches in Australia. "For a spinner to bowl so well in Australia is a huge thing. We are taking it as a challenge, and we definitely want to improve our play against him. We have put in the effort in practice, it now matters who we execute those on the field. "As I said, if there is a challenge coming your way, you try and counter it. That's our effort - if we have been dismissed in a particular way, not repeat that mode of dismissal. As cricketers, that is all you can do," he added. Last time when India played at the MCG, the Test ended in a draw even though Kohli and Rahane had scored hundreds. "Last time the pitch played a big part in not being able to have a result either ways, for both sides. But seeing the pitch now, it has much more grass than it had last time and I hope that it is a lively pitch. "I hope it does as much as it did in the first two games because as a side, you always know that you are in for a result that way. The surface, what I saw yesterday, looked pretty dry underneath. There is a good coverage of grass, which should keep the surface intact," Kohli seemed hopeful. For Kohli, a pitch should have enough in it to keep the bowlers interested on all five days of a Test match. "I think it should have enough for the bowlers to stay interested on all days of the Test match and hopefully, it's a much more lively wicket than the last time we played here," he opined. Kohli will be playing his second Boxing Day Test Down Under and seemed pretty excited about it. "It's amazing (as an occasion). Obviously, day one is the most anticipated day and we are expecting a lot of people to come in, maybe 80,000-plus. So I have experienced that twice before. "It's definitely a magical day to step on the field, the national anthems for both teams, and you can sense the energy in the stadium. For me, that is my most favourite personal moment of the Boxing Day, when the anthems are sung, you are standing on the field and there are so many people around you. Definitely, it is one of the most iconic Test matches and we are very happy to be a part of that," he added.

Kohli's message to batsmen: Bowlers won't be able to do anything with totals we've been putting up

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.

Jadeja missed the second test in Perth after symptoms of an injury sustained during this year's one-day international series against the West Indies and returned during India's tour match in Sydney last month and he was given an injection for the pain.

"In the lead-up to the Perth test, the management and Jadeja were of the opinion that the intensity of his bowling in the nets could have been higher. For this reason, he was not considered for selection," the BCCI said.

"Jadeja's left shoulder has continued to improve and he is now available for the third test of the series in Melbourne," BCCI said in a statement.

However, doubts remain over fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test.

The off-spinner would be evaluated over the next 48 hours, India coach Ravi Shastri said on Sunday.

The visitors opted for a four-prong pace attack in Perth and suffered a 146-run loss that levelled the four-match series 1-1.

Virat Kohli-led India had won the opening test in Adelaide by 31 runs.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be available for the Boxing Day test match against Australia after recovering from a shoulder problem, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday. Jadeja missed the second test in Perth after symptoms of an injury sustained during this year's one-day international series against the West Indies and returned during India's tour match in Sydney last month and he was given an injection for the pain. "In the lead-up to the Perth test, the management and Jadeja were of the opinion that the intensity of his bowling in the nets could have been higher. For this reason, he was not considered for selection," the BCCI said. "Jadeja's left shoulder has continued to improve and he is now available for the third test of the series in Melbourne," BCCI said in a statement. However, doubts remain over fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is still recovering from an abdominal strain that caused him to miss the second test. The off-spinner would be evaluated over the next 48 hours, India coach Ravi Shastri said on Sunday. The visitors opted for a four-prong pace attack in Perth and suffered a 146-run loss that levelled the four-match series 1-1. Virat Kohli-led India had won the opening test in Adelaide by 31 runs.

IND vs AUS: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja declared fit for Boxing Day test

Indian cricket team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday said his rhythm and counter-attacking mindset could help him slam a century or double century at the Boxing Day Test, starting Wednesday.&nbsp;

Rahane has so far hit two fifties in his 164 runs from the first two Tests but a three-figure score is yet to be seen coming from his bat. He last scored a century against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year.

While speaking to the media, Rahane said, "I am sure it will come in this match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to Perth, the mindset I was in to counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come,"&nbsp;

However, the 30-year-old soon added that personal milestones can be achieved later as well.

"I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. I can read the situation a bit better and if I can play like that it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well."

"I am really happy (to return here for Boxing Day Test). We all know how big it is and to come here at 1-1 is really good. We had our chances in Perth but it is important to stay in the present right now and give our best starting from December 26," he concluded.

After defeating Australia in the first test, India lost the second by a huge margin of 146 runs, where Virat Kohli and his men were dismissed for a mere 140 in the second innings.&nbsp;

When asked what changes he would want to see in the team for the third Test, Rahane said the batting unit needs to step up and support the bowlers if they are to win consistently overseas.&nbsp;

India are currently tied 1-1 with the hosts in the four-match Test series.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian cricket team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday said his rhythm and counter-attacking mindset could help him slam a century or double century at the Boxing Day Test, starting Wednesday.

Indian cricket team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday said his rhythm and counter-attacking mindset could help him slam a century or double century at the Boxing Day Test, starting Wednesday. Rahane has so far hit two fifties in his 164 runs from the first two Tests but a three-figure score is yet to be seen coming from his bat. He last scored a century against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year. While speaking to the media, Rahane said, "I am sure it will come in this match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to Perth, the mindset I was in to counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come," However, the 30-year-old soon added that personal milestones can be achieved later as well. "I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. I can read the situation a bit better and if I can play like that it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well." "I am really happy (to return here for Boxing Day Test). We all know how big it is and to come here at 1-1 is really good. We had our chances in Perth but it is important to stay in the present right now and give our best starting from December 26," he concluded. After defeating Australia in the first test, India lost the second by a huge margin of 146 runs, where Virat Kohli and his men were dismissed for a mere 140 in the second innings. When asked what changes he would want to see in the team for the third Test, Rahane said the batting unit needs to step up and support the bowlers if they are to win consistently overseas. India are currently tied 1-1 with the hosts in the four-match Test series.

May score '100 or even 200' in Boxing Day Test, says Ajinkya Rahane

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old&nbsp;Archie Schille, who is expected&nbsp;to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

As per reports, Schiller, who suffers from a rare heart condition, will be co-captain alongside Tim Paine starting Wednesday. The leg-spinner, who turned seven on Saturday, from Adelaide is set to partner his idol Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Schiller was named in Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test last month. He trained with the Australian players in Adelaide ahead of the first Test and was also given the team jersey.

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Meet the newest member of the Australian Test team: <a href="https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE">https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MakeAWishAust?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MakeAWishAust</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/0EMBSu4yEm">pic.twitter.com/0EMBSu4yEm</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1076661900170022913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts go into the third Test of the four-match series on a high after their series-levelling victory at the Optus stadium in Perth. 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old Archie Schille, who is expected to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia on Sunday introduced a seven-year-old Archie Schille, who is expected to lead the hosts in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As per reports, Schiller, who suffers from a rare heart condition, will be co-captain alongside Tim Paine starting Wednesday. The leg-spinner, who turned seven on Saturday, from Adelaide is set to partner his idol Nathan Lyon. Schiller was named in Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test last month. He trained with the Australian players in Adelaide ahead of the first Test and was also given the team jersey. Meet the newest member of the Australian Test team: https://t.co/vmcqkK0tqE @MakeAWishAust | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0EMBSu4yEm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 23, 2018 × The hosts go into the third Test of the four-match series on a high after their series-levelling victory at the Optus stadium in Perth.

IND vs AUS: Hosts add 7-year old leg-spinner to their squad for 3rd Test against India

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings.

He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1.

As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. 
But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals.

"With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday.

"It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days.

"I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK.

"If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed."

After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris.

The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings.

Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm.

Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year.

But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. 
Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans. Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings. He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1. As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals. "With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday. "It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days. "I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK. "If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed." After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris. The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings. Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm. Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings. Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year. But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Finch says finger would need to be cut off to miss Boxing Day

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia.&nbsp;

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle on Friday rated the pitch at Perth Stadium as 'average', the lowest pass mark provided by the ICC when they assess the pitch and outfield of Test grounds.&nbsp;

Australia had defeated India by 146 runs on the fifth and final day of the second Test at the Perth Stadium.&nbsp;

"Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I'd actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting Test at the MCG," Johnson wrote on his twitter handle.&nbsp;

Vaughan also took to Twitter to criticise ICC's decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO..."&nbsp;

The ICC's rating is presumably due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match.&nbsp;

However, Johnson disagreed.&nbsp;

"Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more &amp; stays low?," he wrote.&nbsp;

The Perth pitch saw some sharp bounce with one Mohammed Shami delivery hitting Australian opener Aaron Finch's right glove, forcing him to retire hurt.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine were also dismissed in Australia's second innings by balls that reared sharply off a good length.&nbsp;

However, Khawaja's 72 after India skipper Virat Kohli's 123 in the first innings proved there were runs on offer in the wicket.&nbsp;

At the start of the year, the ICC introduced a disciplinary system in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world and can provide six ratings, very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit, when rating Test venues.&nbsp;

The third Test between India and Australia will be held at the MCG, which had received a 'poor' rating last year and there will be a lot of focus on new MCG curator Matthew Page this week.

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia.

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle on Friday rated the pitch at Perth Stadium as 'average', the lowest pass mark provided by the ICC when they assess the pitch and outfield of Test grounds. Australia had defeated India by 146 runs on the fifth and final day of the second Test at the Perth Stadium. "Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I'd actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting Test at the MCG," Johnson wrote on his twitter handle. Vaughan also took to Twitter to criticise ICC's decision. "And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO..." The ICC's rating is presumably due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match. However, Johnson disagreed. "Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?," he wrote. The Perth pitch saw some sharp bounce with one Mohammed Shami delivery hitting Australian opener Aaron Finch's right glove, forcing him to retire hurt. Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine were also dismissed in Australia's second innings by balls that reared sharply off a good length. However, Khawaja's 72 after India skipper Virat Kohli's 123 in the first innings proved there were runs on offer in the wicket. At the start of the year, the ICC introduced a disciplinary system in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world and can provide six ratings, very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit, when rating Test venues. The third Test between India and Australia will be held at the MCG, which had received a 'poor' rating last year and there will be a lot of focus on new MCG curator Matthew Page this week.

Mitchell Johnson, Michael Vaughan slam ICC's Perth pitch rating

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> might have come under sharp criticism from various quarters for his on-field aggressive behaviour but former Australia spinner Brad Hogg Saturday defended the India captain, saying the visiting team derives energy from him.&nbsp;

"Virat Kohli is the energy of this Indian team. He is their clear leader and they feed off him. You just see him on the field - his athleticism is different and he expects that from the Indian team," Hogg told PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"And what he expects from the team, he does as well, so it is not as if he is telling the team what to do without leading from the front. He is actually leading from the front and asking his teammates to follow him," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Talking about Kohli's batting, Hogg said: "As a batsman too, Kohli is on a different level to anyone else. Perhaps only Usman Khawaja came close, that too in the second innings where he batted with a lot of composure," said 47-year-old Hogg who played seven Tests between 1996 to 2008.&nbsp;

"But even then, they don't have someone on the same level as Kohli. He is a different batsman to everybody else - he finds boundaries and rotates strike, and turns momentum of the game at will," he added.&nbsp;

Hogg said India would need to find balance going into the third Test to put Australia under pressure. He said both the teams might look to play a pace-bowling all-round at the MCG.&nbsp;

The four-match Test series is now levelled at 1-1, with India winning in Adelaide and Australia drawing level in Perth.&nbsp;

Hogg said he hopes to see a close contest in the remaining two Tests.&nbsp;

"I only really want a close series. We have had two close Test matches, and that's what we want. We want Australia tested on their home soil and they have been tested a couple of times previously by Indian teams coming here," said the left-arm spinner.&nbsp;

"It will be interesting to see how India will balance their team going into the MCG Test. Both teams might look to play the extra bowler by picking the all-rounder and added to their bowling depth."&nbsp;

Hogg heaped praise on Indian pacers and said it would be a huge opportunity for the visitors against a 'relatively weak' Australian side.&nbsp;

"India have to be proud with the way their pacers have bowled in both Tests. They have been aggressive and won the first Test, and it was very important because it gave them energy and belief," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is a huge opportunity for India because of the relative weakness of the Australian team. So that adds pressure and it plays on back of their minds. Perth tested this bowling attack's character and they showed true fight, but didn't score enough runs."&nbsp;

India also faced flak for not playing a spinner at the Perth pitch where Nathan Lyon scalped eight wickets, despite the wicket favouring the pacers.&nbsp;

Hogg backed the decision saying in absence of injured Ravichandran Ashwin, India simply couldn't play Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav for a lack of aid from the pace-friendly pitch.&nbsp;

"See, Ashwin wasn't fit and yes, they did have Jadeja and Kuldeep. I would have loved to see Kuldeep bowl on that track, but even Nathan Lyon didn't get too much turn," he said.&nbsp;

"As for Jadeja, he would have been spinning into a long left-handed Australian line-up so India probably had that point at the back of their mind. I suspect India might have made the right decision but it came down to the first hour on day one," he opined.&nbsp;

Hogg said the Australian openers have made all the difference in the series so far for the home team, surely as compared to their Indian counterparts.&nbsp;

"It was an enthralling Test match and India can be proud of how they fought. But the difference was in the opening partnerships. The way Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch added 112 runs, they made India chase the game from the first hour on day one," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Indian pacers couldn't figure out line or length for the first two sessions and that's where this game got away from them.&nbsp;

"It happens sometimes in Perth, when opposition teams arrive here. They can get carried away seeing the green grass or bounce, and are not able to adjust lengths. It gave Australia impetus and India never recovered from there," Hogg said.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli might have come under sharp criticism from various quarters for his on-field aggressive behaviour but former Australia spinner Brad Hogg Saturday defended the India captain, saying the visiting team derives energy from him.

Virat Kohli might have come under sharp criticism from various quarters for his on-field aggressive behaviour but former Australia spinner Brad Hogg Saturday defended the India captain, saying the visiting team derives energy from him. "Virat Kohli is the energy of this Indian team. He is their clear leader and they feed off him. You just see him on the field - his athleticism is different and he expects that from the Indian team," Hogg told PTI. "And what he expects from the team, he does as well, so it is not as if he is telling the team what to do without leading from the front. He is actually leading from the front and asking his teammates to follow him," he added. Talking about Kohli's batting, Hogg said: "As a batsman too, Kohli is on a different level to anyone else. Perhaps only Usman Khawaja came close, that too in the second innings where he batted with a lot of composure," said 47-year-old Hogg who played seven Tests between 1996 to 2008. "But even then, they don't have someone on the same level as Kohli. He is a different batsman to everybody else - he finds boundaries and rotates strike, and turns momentum of the game at will," he added. Hogg said India would need to find balance going into the third Test to put Australia under pressure. He said both the teams might look to play a pace-bowling all-round at the MCG. The four-match Test series is now levelled at 1-1, with India winning in Adelaide and Australia drawing level in Perth. Hogg said he hopes to see a close contest in the remaining two Tests. "I only really want a close series. We have had two close Test matches, and that's what we want. We want Australia tested on their home soil and they have been tested a couple of times previously by Indian teams coming here," said the left-arm spinner. "It will be interesting to see how India will balance their team going into the MCG Test. Both teams might look to play the extra bowler by picking the all-rounder and added to their bowling depth." Hogg heaped praise on Indian pacers and said it would be a huge opportunity for the visitors against a 'relatively weak' Australian side. "India have to be proud with the way their pacers have bowled in both Tests. They have been aggressive and won the first Test, and it was very important because it gave them energy and belief," he said. "This is a huge opportunity for India because of the relative weakness of the Australian team. So that adds pressure and it plays on back of their minds. Perth tested this bowling attack's character and they showed true fight, but didn't score enough runs." India also faced flak for not playing a spinner at the Perth pitch where Nathan Lyon scalped eight wickets, despite the wicket favouring the pacers. Hogg backed the decision saying in absence of injured Ravichandran Ashwin, India simply couldn't play Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav for a lack of aid from the pace-friendly pitch. "See, Ashwin wasn't fit and yes, they did have Jadeja and Kuldeep. I would have loved to see Kuldeep bowl on that track, but even Nathan Lyon didn't get too much turn," he said. "As for Jadeja, he would have been spinning into a long left-handed Australian line-up so India probably had that point at the back of their mind. I suspect India might have made the right decision but it came down to the first hour on day one," he opined. Hogg said the Australian openers have made all the difference in the series so far for the home team, surely as compared to their Indian counterparts. "It was an enthralling Test match and India can be proud of how they fought. But the difference was in the opening partnerships. The way Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch added 112 runs, they made India chase the game from the first hour on day one," he said. "Indian pacers couldn't figure out line or length for the first two sessions and that's where this game got away from them. "It happens sometimes in Perth, when opposition teams arrive here. They can get carried away seeing the green grass or bounce, and are not able to adjust lengths. It gave Australia impetus and India never recovered from there," Hogg said.

Virat Kohli is the energy of Indian team: Brad Hogg

Viv Richards is happy that the current Indian team has come a long way in terms of aggressive attitude from the teams that he played against and credit should go to skipper Virat Kohli for infusing positive attitude.&nbsp;

"India were not like this years back (70's, 80's and 90's). But it's nice to have someone like Virat. I love it (aggression), why not? They now love to give it back. That's what cricket is all about. I love Virat's captaincy," Richards said during a promotional event.&nbsp;

While there has been criticism for Kohli's aggressive brand of captaincy, Richards finds nothing wrong.&nbsp;

"He competes hard. He expects results. A lot of people have said he's too aggressive... I don't think so. When you have a guy who can lead from the front, it can only rub off on the individuals who are following him. As you can see, the Indian team today is the team to beat in world cricket."&nbsp;

Shifting focus to the ongoing India's Test series Down Under, Richards agreed to the euphoria that Kohli's men have the best chance to beat Australia for the first time.&nbsp;

"It's going to be a great series in Australia. Aussies have fought back well after India won the opening Test in Adelaide. Even though this Indian team are the number one, you should never underestimate Australia. They are fighters.&nbsp;

"With the series one-all now, it would be a very good one. But I would say India have the perfect chance to win a series in Australia under the aggressive captaincy of Kohli."&nbsp;

Asked about the plus point of India team, he said: "I remember the days when we came here for the first time in 1970s, they had the best spinners in the world. And now they have a great pace attack as well. I think that's the plus point."&nbsp;

For Richards, Sunil Gavaskar is the 'Godfather' of Indian batting. The bulk of Gavaskar's 34 Test hundreds have come against the fearsome West Indies pace attack of 70's and early 80's.&nbsp;

"I would say this for sure that he's the godfather of Indian batsmanship. He is not playing anymore. He's still in my opinion what he would have achieved in the past would have passed down the mantle to Sachin and now we see Virat. India should be very proud to have so many talented people, who are up there in world cricket."&nbsp;

Delving on the plight of West Indies cricket, Richards hoped they were half as good as Indians.&nbsp;

"We have gone through a bad phase, but in sport you should say never say never. So long we believe that we are going to turn it around at some phase, it's just a matter of time. It may be taking longer than normal. But at some point, we will be back at our best again," he concluded.

Viv Richards is happy that the current Indian team has come a long way in terms of aggressive attitude from the teams that he played against and credit should go to skipper Virat Kohli for infusing positive attitude.

Viv Richards is happy that the current Indian team has come a long way in terms of aggressive attitude from the teams that he played against and credit should go to skipper Virat Kohli for infusing positive attitude. "India were not like this years back (70's, 80's and 90's). But it's nice to have someone like Virat. I love it (aggression), why not? They now love to give it back. That's what cricket is all about. I love Virat's captaincy," Richards said during a promotional event. While there has been criticism for Kohli's aggressive brand of captaincy, Richards finds nothing wrong. "He competes hard. He expects results. A lot of people have said he's too aggressive... I don't think so. When you have a guy who can lead from the front, it can only rub off on the individuals who are following him. As you can see, the Indian team today is the team to beat in world cricket." Shifting focus to the ongoing India's Test series Down Under, Richards agreed to the euphoria that Kohli's men have the best chance to beat Australia for the first time. "It's going to be a great series in Australia. Aussies have fought back well after India won the opening Test in Adelaide. Even though this Indian team are the number one, you should never underestimate Australia. They are fighters. "With the series one-all now, it would be a very good one. But I would say India have the perfect chance to win a series in Australia under the aggressive captaincy of Kohli." Asked about the plus point of India team, he said: "I remember the days when we came here for the first time in 1970s, they had the best spinners in the world. And now they have a great pace attack as well. I think that's the plus point." For Richards, Sunil Gavaskar is the 'Godfather' of Indian batting. The bulk of Gavaskar's 34 Test hundreds have come against the fearsome West Indies pace attack of 70's and early 80's. "I would say this for sure that he's the godfather of Indian batsmanship. He is not playing anymore. He's still in my opinion what he would have achieved in the past would have passed down the mantle to Sachin and now we see Virat. India should be very proud to have so many talented people, who are up there in world cricket." Delving on the plight of West Indies cricket, Richards hoped they were half as good as Indians. "We have gone through a bad phase, but in sport you should say never say never. So long we believe that we are going to turn it around at some phase, it's just a matter of time. It may be taking longer than normal. But at some point, we will be back at our best again," he concluded.

India under Virat has learnt to give it back: Viv Richards

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field.

"There's not many characters in our game at the moment. The professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree," Border said on Fox Cricket's podcast -- The Follow-on.

Kohli has received severe criticism from the likes of Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Sanjay Manjrekar for his aggressive celebrations in the ongoing Test series in Australia.

The Indian skipper was also involved in a series of heated exchanges with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine, which prompted umpire Chris Gafaney to intervene during the second Test here.

"I haven't seen anyone sort of carry on so much as a captain when his side takes a wicket. It's really over the top but it's good in a way. You can see some passion about what he's trying to do," Border said.

Border added that perhaps Kohli's aggression stems from the desire to cement his legacy with an away series victory.

"He's so keen to win away from home and really deserve that number one ranking that's your KPIs (key performance indicators) as a captain I suppose," he said.

Under Kohli, India suffered two back-to-back away series defeats against South Africa and England this year.

"To drive the team to be number one, which he has achieved, but to win away from home is one of those important things you notice as a captain."

Border also opined that as the leader, Kohli feels the need to manifest the passion and drive.&nbsp;

"I think he's feeling that pinch. If you look at this Indian side he's probably the only one that has the character to get really animated," he said.

"The rest of the Indian boys are very good cricketers but seem to me a quiet bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper he needs to lead from the front and really show some passion and drive. I think it just comes naturally to him," he added.&nbsp;

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field. "There's not many characters in our game at the moment.

Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli's aggression, saying cricket needs characters like the Indian skipper who exude passion on the field. "There's not many characters in our game at the moment. The professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree," Border said on Fox Cricket's podcast -- The Follow-on. Kohli has received severe criticism from the likes of Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Sanjay Manjrekar for his aggressive celebrations in the ongoing Test series in Australia. The Indian skipper was also involved in a series of heated exchanges with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine, which prompted umpire Chris Gafaney to intervene during the second Test here. "I haven't seen anyone sort of carry on so much as a captain when his side takes a wicket. It's really over the top but it's good in a way. You can see some passion about what he's trying to do," Border said. Border added that perhaps Kohli's aggression stems from the desire to cement his legacy with an away series victory. "He's so keen to win away from home and really deserve that number one ranking that's your KPIs (key performance indicators) as a captain I suppose," he said. Under Kohli, India suffered two back-to-back away series defeats against South Africa and England this year. "To drive the team to be number one, which he has achieved, but to win away from home is one of those important things you notice as a captain." Border also opined that as the leader, Kohli feels the need to manifest the passion and drive. "I think he's feeling that pinch. If you look at this Indian side he's probably the only one that has the character to get really animated," he said. "The rest of the Indian boys are very good cricketers but seem to me a quiet bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper he needs to lead from the front and really show some passion and drive. I think it just comes naturally to him," he added.

Former Australia captain Border defends Kohli's aggression, says cricket needs such characters

Zaheer Khan: India can win series in Australia (WION Exclusive)

Virat Kohli has been lately making headlines for his altercation with his &nbsp;Australian counterpart Tim Paine and today he is again in news but this time for his swashbuckling batting.&nbsp;

Indian cricket team captain, who scored a brilliant hundred in the 2nd Test, has retained his place as the top-ranked batsman in the ICC Test rankings.&nbsp;

The right-handed batsman's 123-run inning on a bounce and pace-rich Perth Stadium has helped Kohli accumulate 14 points and reach a total of 934, three away from his career-best Test rating points.

Kohli on Thursday has further extended his lead over New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson from seven to nineteen points. Kane, who became the first Kiwi cricketer to break the 900-point barrier in the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, enjoys a tally of 915 points.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old also helped his side register their first win in an away series against an Asian side in 49 years, following excellent performances against Pakistan recently.

Meanwhile, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has gained two spots to finish 15th in the rankings while wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has jumped 11 places to a career-best 48th.&nbsp;

Amongst the bowlers, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada leads the charts with 882 points with English fast-bowler James Anderson closely trailing him.

Indian pacer Mohammad Shami jumped two spots to finish 24th in the rankings while Jasprit Bumrah gained five places to a career-best 28th. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ravindra Jadeja is placed 5th in the rankings with 796 points alongside spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who has finished 6th having accumulated 778 points. &nbsp;

Top 10 Test batsman

Kane Williamson 
Steve Smith 
Cheteshwar Pujara 
Joe Root 
David Warner 
Dimuth Karunaratne 
Dean Elgar 
Azhar Ali 
Henry Nicholls

Top 10 Test bowlers

Kagiso Rabada 
James Anderson 
Vernon Philander 
Mohammad Abbas 
Ravindra Jadeja 
R Ashwin 
Nathan Lyon 
Pat Cummins 
Josh Hazlewood 
Yasir Shah

Virat Kohli has been lately making headlines for his altercation with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine and today he is again in news but this time for his swashbuckling batting.

Virat Kohli has been lately making headlines for his altercation with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine and today he is again in news but this time for his swashbuckling batting. Indian cricket team captain, who scored a brilliant hundred in the 2nd Test, has retained his place as the top-ranked batsman in the ICC Test rankings. The right-handed batsman's 123-run inning on a bounce and pace-rich Perth Stadium has helped Kohli accumulate 14 points and reach a total of 934, three away from his career-best Test rating points. Kohli on Thursday has further extended his lead over New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson from seven to nineteen points. Kane, who became the first Kiwi cricketer to break the 900-point barrier in the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, enjoys a tally of 915 points. The 28-year-old also helped his side register their first win in an away series against an Asian side in 49 years, following excellent performances against Pakistan recently. Meanwhile, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has gained two spots to finish 15th in the rankings while wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has jumped 11 places to a career-best 48th. Amongst the bowlers, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada leads the charts with 882 points with English fast-bowler James Anderson closely trailing him. Indian pacer Mohammad Shami jumped two spots to finish 24th in the rankings while Jasprit Bumrah gained five places to a career-best 28th. Ravindra Jadeja is placed 5th in the rankings with 796 points alongside spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who has finished 6th having accumulated 778 points. Top 10 Test batsman Kane Williamson Steve Smith Cheteshwar Pujara Joe Root David Warner Dimuth Karunaratne Dean Elgar Azhar Ali Henry Nicholls Top 10 Test bowlers Kagiso Rabada James Anderson Vernon Philander Mohammad Abbas Ravindra Jadeja R Ashwin Nathan Lyon Pat Cummins Josh Hazlewood Yasir Shah

Virat Kohli extends dominance as No.1 Test batsman, Bumrah reaches career-best 28th in latest ICC rankings

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson slammed India captain Virat Kohli, describing his behaviour as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-is-out-of-control-i-dont-like-his-attitude-says-former-australian-cricketer-mike-hussey-184801">"disrespectful" and "silly"</a> during the second Test in Perth. Kohli and Australia captain Tim Paine were involved in a series of heated exchanges, which at one point prompted umpire Chris Gaffaney to step in to dissolve the tension.

However, once the second Test ended with Australia beating India by 146 runs, both the captains played down the issue, saying no line was crossed. But Johnson was extremely critical of Kohli's behaviour during the Test.

"At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest'," he wrote in a column for Fox Sports.

"Virat Kohli could not do that with Tim Paine, shaking the Australian captain's hand but barely making eye contact with him. To me, that is disrespectful.

"Kohli gets away with more than most cricketers simply because he is Virat Kohli and he gets placed on a pedestal but this Test left the Indian captain looking silly," he wrote.

BCCI on Tuesday came out in support of Kohli, rubbishing media reports in Australia which claimed that Kohli had bragged about being the best batsman in the world while ridiculing Paine as a "stand-in captain".

Johnson said that Kohli didn't keep his words after making pre-series claims that he won't initiate any confrontations.

"Kohli has contradicted the things he said at the start of the series. He said he was a changed person - that he was coming in with a different attitude to last time and wasn't going to initiate anything. What we saw this Test says otherwise," he wrote.

"From my experiences with him and what I am seeing as an observer now, not much has changed. It was disappointing and that is not the only area where he let himself down."

Kohli scored a sparkling 123 in the first innings before being dismissed in a controversial fashion following a contentious catch at slip by Peter Handscomb.

Johnson was offended with Kohli for not acknowledging the standing ovation at Perth stadium after his dismissal.

"To me the catch was given out so you accept it and move on and as a player who has scored a hundred you acknowledge the standing ovation," he said.

Johnson and Kohli had a fiery relationship after the 2014 Melbourne Test where the pacer's throw had hit Kohli during his attempt to get the batsman run out.

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson slammed India captain Virat Kohli, describing his behaviour as "disrespectful" and "silly" during the second Test in Perth.

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson slammed India captain Virat Kohli, describing his behaviour as "disrespectful" and "silly" during the second Test in Perth. Kohli and Australia captain Tim Paine were involved in a series of heated exchanges, which at one point prompted umpire Chris Gaffaney to step in to dissolve the tension. However, once the second Test ended with Australia beating India by 146 runs, both the captains played down the issue, saying no line was crossed. But Johnson was extremely critical of Kohli's behaviour during the Test. "At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest'," he wrote in a column for Fox Sports. "Virat Kohli could not do that with Tim Paine, shaking the Australian captain's hand but barely making eye contact with him. To me, that is disrespectful. "Kohli gets away with more than most cricketers simply because he is Virat Kohli and he gets placed on a pedestal but this Test left the Indian captain looking silly," he wrote. BCCI on Tuesday came out in support of Kohli, rubbishing media reports in Australia which claimed that Kohli had bragged about being the best batsman in the world while ridiculing Paine as a "stand-in captain". Johnson said that Kohli didn't keep his words after making pre-series claims that he won't initiate any confrontations. "Kohli has contradicted the things he said at the start of the series. He said he was a changed person - that he was coming in with a different attitude to last time and wasn't going to initiate anything. What we saw this Test says otherwise," he wrote. "From my experiences with him and what I am seeing as an observer now, not much has changed. It was disappointing and that is not the only area where he let himself down." Kohli scored a sparkling 123 in the first innings before being dismissed in a controversial fashion following a contentious catch at slip by Peter Handscomb. Johnson was offended with Kohli for not acknowledging the standing ovation at Perth stadium after his dismissal. "To me the catch was given out so you accept it and move on and as a player who has scored a hundred you acknowledge the standing ovation," he said. Johnson and Kohli had a fiery relationship after the 2014 Melbourne Test where the pacer's throw had hit Kohli during his attempt to get the batsman run out.

Virat Kohli is ‘silly and disrespectful’, says Australia's Mitchell Johnson

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes.

Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay have managed only one double-digit stand midway through the four-test series in Australia, hardly the starts that would help bring India a first test series win Down Under.

Their struggles have intensified pressure on the middle order of a team with a lengthy tail, and number three Cheteshwar Pujara has had to walk out to bat inside four overs on three of the four occasions.

Opening stands made telling difference in Perth, where Australia prevailed by 146 runs to square the four-test series.

The 112-run first innings stand between Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch laid the platform for Australia's 300-plus total in a low-scoring contest and they raised 59 in the second to help set India a target which the tourists could not achieve.

Rahul, who has managed 48 in four innings, has looked like a sitting duck, with batting great Sunil Gavaskar demanding the 26-year-old be sent home to work on his game.

"I think he should come back and play Ranji Trophy for Karnataka," the former India captain told Aaj Tak channel.

"It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that."

Rahul has not managed a fifty in his last seven test outings and equally worrying has been the manner of his dismissals, with the right hander either bowled or trapped LBW in 11 of his last 14 innings.

India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lamented last month that the opener was "finding new ways to get out" and many believe Rahul needs to work out the flaws with his technique.

Opening partner Vijay has not covered himself in glory either on his return to the squad after he and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan were dropped following modest returns in England.

Vijay has managed 49 runs from four innings but may still continue as opener purely because India have lost the exciting Prithvi Shaw to an ankle injury for the entire series.

"I'm sure those guys have figured out what's gone wrong in this game especially and they're very keen to correct it themselves," Kohli said in Perth of his misfiring openers.

The tourists have flown in Mayank Agarwal as replacement, rewarding the uncapped opener for his consistency in domestic cricket.

The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne followed by the finale in Sydney.

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes.

Captain Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind India's struggling openers but the tourists' defeat in Perth showed they have yet to find a solution to their top order woes. Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay have managed only one double-digit stand midway through the four-test series in Australia, hardly the starts that would help bring India a first test series win Down Under. Their struggles have intensified pressure on the middle order of a team with a lengthy tail, and number three Cheteshwar Pujara has had to walk out to bat inside four overs on three of the four occasions. Opening stands made telling difference in Perth, where Australia prevailed by 146 runs to square the four-test series. The 112-run first innings stand between Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch laid the platform for Australia's 300-plus total in a low-scoring contest and they raised 59 in the second to help set India a target which the tourists could not achieve. Rahul, who has managed 48 in four innings, has looked like a sitting duck, with batting great Sunil Gavaskar demanding the 26-year-old be sent home to work on his game. "I think he should come back and play Ranji Trophy for Karnataka," the former India captain told Aaj Tak channel. "It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that." Rahul has not managed a fifty in his last seven test outings and equally worrying has been the manner of his dismissals, with the right hander either bowled or trapped LBW in 11 of his last 14 innings. India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lamented last month that the opener was "finding new ways to get out" and many believe Rahul needs to work out the flaws with his technique. Opening partner Vijay has not covered himself in glory either on his return to the squad after he and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan were dropped following modest returns in England. Vijay has managed 49 runs from four innings but may still continue as opener purely because India have lost the exciting Prithvi Shaw to an ankle injury for the entire series. "I'm sure those guys have figured out what's gone wrong in this game especially and they're very keen to correct it themselves," Kohli said in Perth of his misfiring openers. The tourists have flown in Mayank Agarwal as replacement, rewarding the uncapped opener for his consistency in domestic cricket. The series shifts to the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne followed by the finale in Sydney.

IND vs AUS: Opening woes continue to blight India Down Under

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series.

Despite <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-slams-25th-test-century-in-perth-test-184408">Virat Kohli's century</a> in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.

India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day.

In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win."

Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test.

Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.

India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough."

He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest."

Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision.

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Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> REPORT 👇<a href="https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU">https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU</a> <a href="https://t.co/55myWBgBIt">pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt</a>
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Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well."

"With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added.

On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality."

The 30-year-old reacted on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-out-or-not-out-debate-over-virat-kohlis-wicket-is-on-184445">controversial wicket</a> saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it."

Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted.

"I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note."

"Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match. India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day. In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win." Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test. Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough." He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest." Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision. Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. #AUSvIND REPORT 👇https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well." "With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added. On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality." The 30-year-old reacted on his controversial wicket saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it." Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted. "I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note." "Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.

India vs Australia: 'We thought four quicks would be enough,' says Virat Kohli after losing Perth Test

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) Tuesday rubbished media reports in Australia which claimed that captain Virat Kohli bragged about being the best batsman in the world while ridiculing Tim Paine during the second Test in Perth.&nbsp;

The two captains were consistently involved in banter during the match but both insisted that no line was crossed. Reports in Australia claimed that the world's No.1 Test and ODI batsman boasted about being the best in the business during the showdowns.

The BCCI came out in support of Kohli, saying the statement attributed to Kohli was just hearsay and he never bragged about himself.&nbsp;

"It is 'assumed' that Kohli said, 'I am the best player in the world and you are just a stand-in captain'. These claims were based on hearsay and the BCCI would like to bring into notice that no such words were spoken on the field by the Indian captain," BCCI said in a statement.

"The BCCI got a clarification from the team management about the incident and would like to classify the reports as baseless."

With the banter reported by the media on the last two days of the match, Kohli faced questions on the issue but he said no one crossed the line.

"As long as there is no swearing on the field, and there's no personal attacks, the line doesn't get crossed. That's it!. But look, in the competitive spirit, it stays on the field. I am not going to go into details but to be honest it's not of importance for me to speak on and it's something that's done," Kohli said after India lost the Test by 146 runs.

Paine also insisted that things never went out of hand.

"It was a highly competitive Test match from both teams. There's a lot on the line and both teams desperately want to win and sometimes that stuff happens" Paine said during the post-match press conference.

"It was just two competitive cricketers trying to do their best to win the game," Paine said.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) Tuesday rubbished media reports in Australia which claimed that captain Virat Kohli bragged about being the best batsman in the world while ridiculing Tim Paine during the second Test in Perth.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) Tuesday rubbished media reports in Australia which claimed that captain Virat Kohli bragged about being the best batsman in the world while ridiculing Tim Paine during the second Test in Perth. The two captains were consistently involved in banter during the match but both insisted that no line was crossed. Reports in Australia claimed that the world's No.1 Test and ODI batsman boasted about being the best in the business during the showdowns. The BCCI came out in support of Kohli, saying the statement attributed to Kohli was just hearsay and he never bragged about himself. "It is 'assumed' that Kohli said, 'I am the best player in the world and you are just a stand-in captain'. These claims were based on hearsay and the BCCI would like to bring into notice that no such words were spoken on the field by the Indian captain," BCCI said in a statement. "The BCCI got a clarification from the team management about the incident and would like to classify the reports as baseless." With the banter reported by the media on the last two days of the match, Kohli faced questions on the issue but he said no one crossed the line. "As long as there is no swearing on the field, and there's no personal attacks, the line doesn't get crossed. That's it!. But look, in the competitive spirit, it stays on the field. I am not going to go into details but to be honest it's not of importance for me to speak on and it's something that's done," Kohli said after India lost the Test by 146 runs. Paine also insisted that things never went out of hand. "It was a highly competitive Test match from both teams. There's a lot on the line and both teams desperately want to win and sometimes that stuff happens" Paine said during the post-match press conference. "It was just two competitive cricketers trying to do their best to win the game," Paine said.

BCCI says Virat Kohli never said 'he’s the best player in the world'

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-reminds-me-a-lot-of-imran-khan-says-ravi-shastri-34771">utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri</a> as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management.

India lost the Perth Test by 146 runs to allow the hosts level the four-match series 1-1. India went in with four specialist pacers while Australia picked spinner Nathan Lyon, who eventually tuned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Gavaskar was not impressed with the selection choices made by the team management.

"We have been seeing this - the selection blunders that have been committed since the tour of South Africa. It has cost the team because it has lost matches which could've been won if the proper selection had been made," Gavaskar said.&nbsp;

"They have to look at the combination of their team, look at the hole that needs to be plugged and pick the men to. If they do that then they can certainly win the next two matches but if they don't, and that too against this Australian team which does not have Steve Smith or David Warner, then the selectors need to think whether we are getting any benefit from this lot - the captain, coach and support staff,&nbsp;Gavaskar said. &nbsp;

The former opener questioned the logic for picking a jumbo squad.&nbsp;

"I want to find out that who has authorised 19 players to go because the next question is why not three more? The BCCI is a very rich body, it can afford to send even 40 people down there. However, I feel that an India cap, an Indian blazer has to be made a lot more valuable. ... By carrying players and taking 19 players, I do believe that the selection committee has not handled their responsibility well," he said.&nbsp;

"A lot of those players can come back and play domestic cricket which will not only embellish our domestic cricket, lift the standard of our domestic cricket but also give these guys, unlikely to be picked in the Test matches, an opportunity to regain form and make a case for getting back in the team," he added.&nbsp;

The first one on the flight back home from Perth should be India opener KL Rahul according to Gavaskar.

"He (Rahul) has no chance of playing in the remaining two Tests unless of course there is an injury to any player. I think that he should be coming back and playing Ranji Trophy for Karnataka. It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that. He can prove me wrong and I will be very happy to be proven wrong as long as the Indian team benefits."

The utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management.

The utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management. India lost the Perth Test by 146 runs to allow the hosts level the four-match series 1-1. India went in with four specialist pacers while Australia picked spinner Nathan Lyon, who eventually tuned out to be the difference between the two sides. Gavaskar was not impressed with the selection choices made by the team management. "We have been seeing this - the selection blunders that have been committed since the tour of South Africa. It has cost the team because it has lost matches which could've been won if the proper selection had been made," Gavaskar said. "They have to look at the combination of their team, look at the hole that needs to be plugged and pick the men to. If they do that then they can certainly win the next two matches but if they don't, and that too against this Australian team which does not have Steve Smith or David Warner, then the selectors need to think whether we are getting any benefit from this lot - the captain, coach and support staff, Gavaskar said. The former opener questioned the logic for picking a jumbo squad. "I want to find out that who has authorised 19 players to go because the next question is why not three more? The BCCI is a very rich body, it can afford to send even 40 people down there. However, I feel that an India cap, an Indian blazer has to be made a lot more valuable. ... By carrying players and taking 19 players, I do believe that the selection committee has not handled their responsibility well," he said. "A lot of those players can come back and play domestic cricket which will not only embellish our domestic cricket, lift the standard of our domestic cricket but also give these guys, unlikely to be picked in the Test matches, an opportunity to regain form and make a case for getting back in the team," he added. The first one on the flight back home from Perth should be India opener KL Rahul according to Gavaskar. "He (Rahul) has no chance of playing in the remaining two Tests unless of course there is an injury to any player. I think that he should be coming back and playing Ranji Trophy for Karnataka. It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that. He can prove me wrong and I will be very happy to be proven wrong as long as the Indian team benefits."

Kohli, Shastri's utility must be assessed if India do not win remaining Tests: Gavaskar

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1.

The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings.

Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc finished with 3-46, while spinner Nathan Lyon took 3-39 on a feisty pitch. For India, Ajinkya Rahane made 30 with the bat and Rishabh Pant also 30.

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🙌 AUSTRALIA WIN 🙌 
 
The hosts register a convincing 146-run win by bowling India out for 140 early in the morning session on Day 5.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> SCORECARD ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/viG01B7TWC">https://t.co/viG01B7TWC</a> <a href="https://t.co/siotOPs9LR">pic.twitter.com/siotOPs9LR</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074870379561111552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the post-match&nbsp;presentation, Virat Kohli said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win."

Cricket pundits questioned&nbsp;Virat's decision&nbsp;to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test.

India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough."

He justified saying, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest."

Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who won player of the match, for his brilliant performance. Kohli said, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well."

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With match-winning figures of 8/106 in the Perth Test, Nathan Lyon is named the Player of the Match. 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/agHLjqKga5">pic.twitter.com/agHLjqKga5</a>
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It was a first win in eight Test matches for Australia. India, who won the opener at Adelaide Oval by 31 runs, have never won a Test series in Australia.

The series continues with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26 before concluding with the fourth Test in Sydney in the New Year.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1. The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the second Test on Tuesday to level up the four-match series at 1-1. The tourists, chasing 287 runs for victory, were dismissed for 140 at the new Perth Stadium when Jasprit Bumrah was caught and bowled by quick Pat Cummins as the last wicket of the innings. Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc finished with 3-46, while spinner Nathan Lyon took 3-39 on a feisty pitch. For India, Ajinkya Rahane made 30 with the bat and Rishabh Pant also 30. 🙌 AUSTRALIA WIN 🙌 The hosts register a convincing 146-run win by bowling India out for 140 early in the morning session on Day 5.#AUSvIND SCORECARD ⬇️ https://t.co/viG01B7TWC pic.twitter.com/siotOPs9LR — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win." Cricket pundits questioned Virat's decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test. India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough." He justified saying, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest." Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who won player of the match, for his brilliant performance. Kohli said, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well." With match-winning figures of 8/106 in the Perth Test, Nathan Lyon is named the Player of the Match. 👏#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/agHLjqKga5 — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × It was a first win in eight Test matches for Australia. India, who won the opener at Adelaide Oval by 31 runs, have never won a Test series in Australia. The series continues with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on December 26 before concluding with the fourth Test in Sydney in the New Year.

Australia thrash India to win Perth Test by 146 runs, level series 1-1

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting reckons India's batting woes have outweighed their opponents after the visitors slumped to a massive 146 run defeat in the second Test.&nbsp;

"I compared the two teams at the start of the series and I didn't think India could win here just because of the frailties of their batting and I think that's been highlighted this week," told Ponting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The injury of Prithvi Shaw, which ruled him out of the entire Test series, was the first blow to India. The youngster had suffered a left ankle injury while attempting a catch in a practice game against Cricket Australia XI.

Batsman Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin were also ruled out before the Perth Test. India have called opener Mayank Agarwal and all-rounder Hardik Pandya to bolster their batting.

"They've had to call in another opener, they've brought in another all-rounder as well to try and bolster that middle order. They've got as much on their plate as the Australian boys have, if not more now that they've lost this game.

"(There is) a lot of uncertainty around their group and they haven't got long to turn things around," Ponting said.

Ponting advised Australia to carry forward the winning momentum to the third Test at Melbourne.

"Just not relax. They've set a bit of blueprint this week (of how to beat India) with the way they've played. They just have to build on that now.

"There's no doubt with one win a bit of belief comes but they can't just rock up in Melbourne and expect India are going to play like they did here," he said.&nbsp;

Ponting, under whom Australia dominated world cricket, also cautioned Australia that the remaining two venues are more suited to Indians.

"If you think about the MCG and SCG, they are conditions that will suit the Indians more than Adelaide and Perth.&nbsp;

"The Aussie boys will have their work cut out, but as long they play the brand of cricket they know that they can play and I think they showed that (with) some great aggression this week, I hope that continues for the next couple of weeks&nbsp;if they can do that then I think they're going to be hard to beat," he said.&nbsp;

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting reckons India's batting woes have outweighed their opponents after the visitors slumped to a massive 146 run defeat in the second Test.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting reckons India's batting woes have outweighed their opponents after the visitors slumped to a massive 146 run defeat in the second Test. "I compared the two teams at the start of the series and I didn't think India could win here just because of the frailties of their batting and I think that's been highlighted this week," told Ponting. The injury of Prithvi Shaw, which ruled him out of the entire Test series, was the first blow to India. The youngster had suffered a left ankle injury while attempting a catch in a practice game against Cricket Australia XI. Batsman Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin were also ruled out before the Perth Test. India have called opener Mayank Agarwal and all-rounder Hardik Pandya to bolster their batting. "They've had to call in another opener, they've brought in another all-rounder as well to try and bolster that middle order. They've got as much on their plate as the Australian boys have, if not more now that they've lost this game. "(There is) a lot of uncertainty around their group and they haven't got long to turn things around," Ponting said. Ponting advised Australia to carry forward the winning momentum to the third Test at Melbourne. "Just not relax. They've set a bit of blueprint this week (of how to beat India) with the way they've played. They just have to build on that now. "There's no doubt with one win a bit of belief comes but they can't just rock up in Melbourne and expect India are going to play like they did here," he said. Ponting, under whom Australia dominated world cricket, also cautioned Australia that the remaining two venues are more suited to Indians. "If you think about the MCG and SCG, they are conditions that will suit the Indians more than Adelaide and Perth. "The Aussie boys will have their work cut out, but as long they play the brand of cricket they know that they can play and I think they showed that (with) some great aggression this week, I hope that continues for the next couple of weeks if they can do that then I think they're going to be hard to beat," he said.

Perth Test shows India's batting weaker than Australia's, says Ricky Ponting

Australia captain Tim Paine was a relieved man as Australia registered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-australia-thrash-india-to-win-perth-test-by-146-runs-184935">146-run victory over India</a> in the second Test match of a four-match series in Perth.

It is Australia's first&nbsp;win since the ball-tampering&nbsp;scandal, which included former captain Steve Smith, David Warner&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cameron Bancroft.

The Paine-led team marked a&nbsp;drought-breaking success,&nbsp;their&nbsp;first in seven Tests spanning almost 10 months.

It was Paine's first Test win in five matches since taking over from the suspended Steve Smith in South Africa, and also the first victory for new coach Justin Langer, coming in his hometown.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-we-thought-four-quicks-would-be-enough-says-virat-kohli-after-losing-perth-test-184960">'We thought four quicks would be enough,' says Virat Kohli after losing Perth Test</a>

In the post-match presentation, Paine said, "It's a big relief because the first Test win has taken a while."

India, chasing&nbsp;287 to win, the visitors resumed at 115 for five on the final day but lost their remaining wickets for just 21 runs in the morning session.

India&nbsp;were&nbsp;dismissed for 140, with spinner Nathan Lyon claiming 3-39 to finish with eight wickets for the match.&nbsp;

Paine, who was involved in a verbal spat with Indian counterpart Virat Kohli on the third and fourth days, said the overwhelming emotion was relief at finally being able to put a dark period in Australian cricket behind them.

Paine hailed his team for their performance, "We won the toss and decided to bat. We had our fingers crossed and hoped we play pretty well."

"It's been hard work - the first two Tests of this series have been really tough."

"We've got some inexperienced players in terms of Test matches played, to get a win like that against the best Test team in the world is going to give them a huge boost of confidence."

He especially mentioned the openers, "Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch getting us to none for 100 was brilliant batting and probably the difference between the two sides."

Paine also praised Nathan Lyon's performance, "It's great to have Lyon in our team. Every team would want to have him in their team. You can throw him the ball in any condition, at any end, any time against any team and he loves bowling to the best players in the world."

"It's a huge honour to captain the Australian side."

"Now to do it at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test is a special feeling. We all can't wait to get to Melbourne," concluded.

Australia captain Tim Paine was a relieved man as Australia registered a 146-run victory over India in the second Test match of a four-match series in Perth. It is Australia's first win since the ball-tampering scandal, which included former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Australia captain Tim Paine was a relieved man as Australia registered a 146-run victory over India in the second Test match of a four-match series in Perth. It is Australia's first win since the ball-tampering scandal, which included former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. The Paine-led team marked a drought-breaking success, their first in seven Tests spanning almost 10 months. It was Paine's first Test win in five matches since taking over from the suspended Steve Smith in South Africa, and also the first victory for new coach Justin Langer, coming in his hometown. Also Read: 'We thought four quicks would be enough,' says Virat Kohli after losing Perth Test In the post-match presentation, Paine said, "It's a big relief because the first Test win has taken a while." India, chasing 287 to win, the visitors resumed at 115 for five on the final day but lost their remaining wickets for just 21 runs in the morning session. India were dismissed for 140, with spinner Nathan Lyon claiming 3-39 to finish with eight wickets for the match. Paine, who was involved in a verbal spat with Indian counterpart Virat Kohli on the third and fourth days, said the overwhelming emotion was relief at finally being able to put a dark period in Australian cricket behind them. Paine hailed his team for their performance, "We won the toss and decided to bat. We had our fingers crossed and hoped we play pretty well." "It's been hard work - the first two Tests of this series have been really tough." "We've got some inexperienced players in terms of Test matches played, to get a win like that against the best Test team in the world is going to give them a huge boost of confidence." He especially mentioned the openers, "Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch getting us to none for 100 was brilliant batting and probably the difference between the two sides." Paine also praised Nathan Lyon's performance, "It's great to have Lyon in our team. Every team would want to have him in their team. You can throw him the ball in any condition, at any end, any time against any team and he loves bowling to the best players in the world." "It's a huge honour to captain the Australian side." "Now to do it at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test is a special feeling. We all can't wait to get to Melbourne," concluded.

'It's a big relief,' says Tim Paine as Australia win for first time since ball-tampering scandal

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