Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah struck thrice, in second innings, to give India its first win in the four test match series against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-here-is-why-australian-players-are-wearing-black-armbands-182613">Australia on the fifth and final day </a>at Adelaide Oval. By virtue of this win, Virat Kohli-led side has become the first Indian team to win the first Test match of the series on Australian soil.&nbsp;

Chasing a target of 323 runs, set by India in their second innings, Australia succumbed to the Indian bowling attack for 291runs.&nbsp;

Delivering a terrific bowling line on the final day, Bumrah dismissed settled Australian skipper Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh to bring India closer to victory.&nbsp;While Marsh departed after making 60, Paine lost his wicket to an amazing delivery after contributing 41 runs.&nbsp;

Later, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc tried to establish a partnership but were sent back after making 28 runs each.

Nathan Lyon, too, played a perfect cameo and scored unbeaten 38 runs to keep their side alive in the game. &nbsp;He was the star wicket-taker for the hosts in the second inning as the bowler clinched six wickets in 42 overs bowled.&nbsp;

Australia resumed the game at 104 for four today and lost two wickets till lunch.&nbsp;

After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah.

On day 4 also, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order.&nbsp;

India scored 250 runs in their first inning, with the entire credit going to the magnificent century of Cheteshwar Pujara. The right-handed batsman scored 123 runs supported by seven boundaries and two sixes.

Pujara continued his form and slammed another half-century in the second inning to lift India's total. He slammed 71 runs, to become the highest individual scorer for India in both the innings to pick up the 'Man of the Match' award. &nbsp;

Ajinkya Rahane too shed his poor form to slam a half-century. He contributed 70 runs supported by seven boundaries in his 170-ball inning. Australia, on the other hand, were all out for 235 runs in their first inning, giving India a 15-run lead. &nbsp;

India now lead the series 1-0 and will next face the hosts in the second Test, starting Dec 14, at Perth Stadium.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah struck thrice, in second innings, to give India its first win in the four test match series against Australia on the fifth and final day at Adelaide Oval.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah struck thrice, in second innings, to give India its first win in the four test match series against Australia on the fifth and final day at Adelaide Oval. By virtue of this win, Virat Kohli-led side has become the first Indian team to win the first Test match of the series on Australian soil. Chasing a target of 323 runs, set by India in their second innings, Australia succumbed to the Indian bowling attack for 291runs. Delivering a terrific bowling line on the final day, Bumrah dismissed settled Australian skipper Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh to bring India closer to victory. While Marsh departed after making 60, Paine lost his wicket to an amazing delivery after contributing 41 runs. Later, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc tried to establish a partnership but were sent back after making 28 runs each. Nathan Lyon, too, played a perfect cameo and scored unbeaten 38 runs to keep their side alive in the game. He was the star wicket-taker for the hosts in the second inning as the bowler clinched six wickets in 42 overs bowled. Australia resumed the game at 104 for four today and lost two wickets till lunch. After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah. On day 4 also, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order. India scored 250 runs in their first inning, with the entire credit going to the magnificent century of Cheteshwar Pujara. The right-handed batsman scored 123 runs supported by seven boundaries and two sixes. Pujara continued his form and slammed another half-century in the second inning to lift India's total. He slammed 71 runs, to become the highest individual scorer for India in both the innings to pick up the 'Man of the Match' award. Ajinkya Rahane too shed his poor form to slam a half-century. He contributed 70 runs supported by seven boundaries in his 170-ball inning. Australia, on the other hand, were all out for 235 runs in their first inning, giving India a 15-run lead. India now lead the series 1-0 and will next face the hosts in the second Test, starting Dec 14, at Perth Stadium.

India beat Australia by 31 runs to clinch first Test

Jasprit Bumrah struck again to dismiss settled Australian skipper Tim Paine at 41, with India now being just three wickets away from winning the first Test match.&nbsp;

Paine was sent back minutes after the teams resumed after lunch.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bumrah bowled a beautiful delivery to send Shaun Marsh back to the pavilion at 60. &nbsp;

Resuming the game at 104 for four today, Australia lost two wickets - one of settled Shaun Marsh for 60 and other of Travis Head for just 14 runs.

After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah.

However, Paine is playing at 40 and has Pat Cummins at the other end.

On day 4, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India in a commanding position.&nbsp;

Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323.

Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch.

The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England.

Jasprit Bumrah struck again to dismiss settled Australian skipper Tim Paine at 41, with India now being just three wickets away from winning the first Test match.

Jasprit Bumrah struck again to dismiss settled Australian skipper Tim Paine at 41, with India now being just three wickets away from winning the first Test match. Paine was sent back minutes after the teams resumed after lunch. Earlier, Bumrah bowled a beautiful delivery to send Shaun Marsh back to the pavilion at 60. Resuming the game at 104 for four today, Australia lost two wickets - one of settled Shaun Marsh for 60 and other of Travis Head for just 14 runs. After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Paine is playing at 40 and has Pat Cummins at the other end. On day 4, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India in a commanding position. Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323. Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch. The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England.

IND vs AUS: India one wicket away from victory, Australia 259/9 after 108.4 Overs

With four players in hand, Australia need 137 more runs to win the first Test match against India, as the hosts managed to score 186 for six at lunch on the fifth and final day of the game at Adelaide Oval

Resuming the game at 104 for four, Australia lost two wickets - one of settled Shaun Marsh for 60 and other of Travis Head for just 14 runs.

After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah.

However, Paine is playing at 40 and has Pat Cummins at the other end.

On day 4, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India in a commanding position.&nbsp;

Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323.

Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch.

The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England.

With four players in hand, Australia need 137 more runs to win the first Test match against India, as the hosts managed to score 186 for six at lunch on the fifth and final day of the game at Adelaide Oval Resuming the game at 104 for four, Australia lost two wickets - one of settled Shaun Marsh for 60 and other of Travis Head for just 14 runs.

With four players in hand, Australia need 137 more runs to win the first Test match against India, as the hosts managed to score 186 for six at lunch on the fifth and final day of the game at Adelaide Oval Resuming the game at 104 for four, Australia lost two wickets - one of settled Shaun Marsh for 60 and other of Travis Head for just 14 runs. After pacer Ishant Sharma departed Travis, Marsh along with skipper Tim Paine battled hard before Marash lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Paine is playing at 40 and has Pat Cummins at the other end. On day 4, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India in a commanding position. Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323. Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch. The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England.

IND vs AUS, Day 5: Australia 186/6 at lunch

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats in South Africa and England, India began the Test series against Australia in earnest, winning the opening match Down Under for the first time in over seven decades.

"We lost the first Test in England by 31, lost the first Test in South Africa by 60-70, so this is a very good feeling for the boys to come out on top. When you get off to a good start, there's belief," Shastri said.

The teams will be heading to Perth for the second Test that starts on December 14 and Shastri, who is confident that the fast bowlers will have a crucial role to play, hinted at ditching net practice ahead of the clash.

"They have to rest up, to hell with the nets. You just come there, mark your attendance and get away to the hotel. We know the Perth track is quick, it's a drop in surface, there will be something there for the fast bowlers."

A collective performance by the four-man Indian bowling attack -- pacers Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin -- helped India earn 15-run first innings lead before they completed a rare win in this part of the world.

"The bowlers were brilliant in the first innings, defending 250, the discipline was magnificent. They've worked on it, it's not come in overnight. As a bowling unit, when you show that discipline, it doesn't matter which side you play against. You will be successful," Sahstri said.

The coach also said he was hopeful that players had learnt from their mistakes in the first innings and commended Man of the Match, Cheteshwar Pujara, for his knocks in both the innings.

"There was some rash shots played in the first innings, that was foolish cricket, but they learnt from it. Pujara was absolutely magnificent, we've asked him to be a little more upright to counter bounce in these conditions."

On youngster Rishabh Pant, who equalled the world record of most catches in a Test by a wicketkeeper, dropping the catch of Nathan Lyon, Shastri said: "You have to allow him to play his game, but he has to be a little more sensible now.

"He did the hard work in getting Lyon to spread his fields, so he has to be smarter. You make a mistake now, but don't repeat it, then I'll be in his ears."&nbsp;

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players.

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players. Having suffered back-to-back defeats in South Africa and England, India began the Test series against Australia in earnest, winning the opening match Down Under for the first time in over seven decades. "We lost the first Test in England by 31, lost the first Test in South Africa by 60-70, so this is a very good feeling for the boys to come out on top. When you get off to a good start, there's belief," Shastri said. The teams will be heading to Perth for the second Test that starts on December 14 and Shastri, who is confident that the fast bowlers will have a crucial role to play, hinted at ditching net practice ahead of the clash. "They have to rest up, to hell with the nets. You just come there, mark your attendance and get away to the hotel. We know the Perth track is quick, it's a drop in surface, there will be something there for the fast bowlers." A collective performance by the four-man Indian bowling attack -- pacers Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin -- helped India earn 15-run first innings lead before they completed a rare win in this part of the world. "The bowlers were brilliant in the first innings, defending 250, the discipline was magnificent. They've worked on it, it's not come in overnight. As a bowling unit, when you show that discipline, it doesn't matter which side you play against. You will be successful," Sahstri said. The coach also said he was hopeful that players had learnt from their mistakes in the first innings and commended Man of the Match, Cheteshwar Pujara, for his knocks in both the innings. "There was some rash shots played in the first innings, that was foolish cricket, but they learnt from it. Pujara was absolutely magnificent, we've asked him to be a little more upright to counter bounce in these conditions." On youngster Rishabh Pant, who equalled the world record of most catches in a Test by a wicketkeeper, dropping the catch of Nathan Lyon, Shastri said: "You have to allow him to play his game, but he has to be a little more sensible now. "He did the hard work in getting Lyon to spread his fields, so he has to be smarter. You make a mistake now, but don't repeat it, then I'll be in his ears."

To hell with the nets, boys need rest: Ravi Shastri after 1st Test win against Australia

Gautam Gambhir on Sunday categorically rejected the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/yes-i-made-enemies-but-i-slept-in-peace-gautam-gambhir-182607">rumour&nbsp;that he was joining politics</a> but the former India opener indicated he was open to coaching at the big stage.

The 37-year-old World Cup winner walked into the sunset by scoring a memorable hundred in his farewell Ranji Trophy match against Andhra at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

"Not at all," Gambhir said when asked if he was contesting in the next general elections.

"There are rumours which I have heard as well, probably the reason is maybe I take up social issues as well... For me Twitter was always a platform which is very, very important and where I take up social issues.

"I am not that kind of a character where I am going to start joking on a platform like twitter as well. For me being a citizen of this country it is my right to take up social issues and that probably is the reason why people thing I am going to join politics but there is nothing of that sort." 
Gambhir last played for the country in 2016 against England in Rajkot.

"As I just mentioned I haven't even thought about it (politics) and it is a completely different field. 25 years I have not done anything else, so let's see what I am going to do."

Gambhir scored 4154 runs in Test cricket from 58 matches, 5238 runs in ODIs and 932 in T20Is.&nbsp;

He was also asked if he is keen on taking up coaching assignments in competitive cricket, and he sounded positive.

"One thing which excites me is action and I am sure action is not about sitting in those AC rooms doing commentary and stuff. I don't know if I am going to be as good a coach as I have been a player," Gambhir said.

"I will have to evaluate whether I can be successful as a coach. Let's see, if that comes around and if I feel that I have the energy, passion and if I have the commitment to do it, I will think about it."

He responded in the negative when asked if he will enter cricket administration at some point.

"I am too straightforward a person to be in administration, I don't think people will accept me anywhere," said Gambhir, who has distributed all his bats to his team-mates, leaving his "kit bag empty".

Gambhir said he is willing to help young players in Delhi cricket.

"I am still a government nominee, hopefully I can now try and contribute more now (since he is no longer a player). There won't be any conflict of interest involved, which is very important and there won't be any criticism as well because when I took this up there were a lot of criticism.

"The boys need a lot of good things in DDCA (Delhi District and Cricket Association) and hopefully I am able to put that word across the executive committee and get those things done from cricket point of view. Apart from that, my job is to get the best out of the boys."

Gautam Gambhir on Sunday categorically rejected the rumour that he was joining politics but the former India opener indicated he was open to coaching at the big stage.

Gautam Gambhir on Sunday categorically rejected the rumour that he was joining politics but the former India opener indicated he was open to coaching at the big stage. The 37-year-old World Cup winner walked into the sunset by scoring a memorable hundred in his farewell Ranji Trophy match against Andhra at the Feroz Shah Kotla. "Not at all," Gambhir said when asked if he was contesting in the next general elections. "There are rumours which I have heard as well, probably the reason is maybe I take up social issues as well... For me Twitter was always a platform which is very, very important and where I take up social issues. "I am not that kind of a character where I am going to start joking on a platform like twitter as well. For me being a citizen of this country it is my right to take up social issues and that probably is the reason why people thing I am going to join politics but there is nothing of that sort." Gambhir last played for the country in 2016 against England in Rajkot. "As I just mentioned I haven't even thought about it (politics) and it is a completely different field. 25 years I have not done anything else, so let's see what I am going to do." Gambhir scored 4154 runs in Test cricket from 58 matches, 5238 runs in ODIs and 932 in T20Is. He was also asked if he is keen on taking up coaching assignments in competitive cricket, and he sounded positive. "One thing which excites me is action and I am sure action is not about sitting in those AC rooms doing commentary and stuff. I don't know if I am going to be as good a coach as I have been a player," Gambhir said. "I will have to evaluate whether I can be successful as a coach. Let's see, if that comes around and if I feel that I have the energy, passion and if I have the commitment to do it, I will think about it." He responded in the negative when asked if he will enter cricket administration at some point. "I am too straightforward a person to be in administration, I don't think people will accept me anywhere," said Gambhir, who has distributed all his bats to his team-mates, leaving his "kit bag empty". Gambhir said he is willing to help young players in Delhi cricket. "I am still a government nominee, hopefully I can now try and contribute more now (since he is no longer a player). There won't be any conflict of interest involved, which is very important and there won't be any criticism as well because when I took this up there were a lot of criticism. "The boys need a lot of good things in DDCA (Delhi District and Cricket Association) and hopefully I am able to put that word across the executive committee and get those things done from cricket point of view. Apart from that, my job is to get the best out of the boys."

Gautam Gambhir says, categorically, that he is not joining politics

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team is on a tour of Australia and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-australia-1st-test-how-spin-pace-exposed-tim-paines-team-182267">expectations are high from the 'Men In Blue' </a>to emerge victorious in every game they play.

Many cricket pundits believe that this tour is the best time for India to end their Test jinx in Australia as they are facing an unsettled side, especially after the bans put on former captain Steve Smith and his former deputy David Warner. &nbsp;

Several comparisons have also been raised as to which Test team is better, the current one or the side which included legends like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Virendra Sehwag.

While some seniors refused to do the comparison, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman, who has set umpteen records against 'The Invincibles' moulded his answer, saying Steve Waugh-led side was the best Australian team he played against. &nbsp;

"Steve Waugh team was probably the best team I played against. In our generation, the Australian team under Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting were the best teams. You imagine Australia had registered 15 consecutive wins, coming and winning the 16th Test match comfortably, in Mumbai, and that too in three days is remarkable."

"But from there, from that kind of situation we went on to win the Test match in Kolkata, following it up with a brilliant nail-biting win in Chennai and winning that Test series, were the moments really really memorable."

However, the former right-handed batsman, who is playing an inning of a cricket commentator now, stressed that there were many things that happened during the series which helped them grow the bond, they share till now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The best thing about the team under Waugh was that they were in India to embrace the culture, and everyone could see a huge shift in the way the Australian team travelled after that and eventually we all became friends."

On being asked to give a 'winning mantra' to the current Indian team touring Australia, Laxman said the team will have to earn each and every run they make and wicket they take.&nbsp;

"When you play against Australians you have to earn each and every run you score and wicket you take because they are not going to give anything easy. And even if you have to win you have to work hard for that win," Laxman concluded.

India will play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team is on a tour of Australia and expectations are high from the 'Men In Blue' to emerge victorious in every game they play. Many cricket pundits believe that this tour is the best time for India to end their Test jinx in Australia as they are facing an unsettled side, especially after the bans put on former captain Steve Smith and his former deputy David Warner.

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team is on a tour of Australia and expectations are high from the 'Men In Blue' to emerge victorious in every game they play. Many cricket pundits believe that this tour is the best time for India to end their Test jinx in Australia as they are facing an unsettled side, especially after the bans put on former captain Steve Smith and his former deputy David Warner. Several comparisons have also been raised as to which Test team is better, the current one or the side which included legends like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Virendra Sehwag. While some seniors refused to do the comparison, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman, who has set umpteen records against 'The Invincibles' moulded his answer, saying Steve Waugh-led side was the best Australian team he played against. "Steve Waugh team was probably the best team I played against. In our generation, the Australian team under Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting were the best teams. You imagine Australia had registered 15 consecutive wins, coming and winning the 16th Test match comfortably, in Mumbai, and that too in three days is remarkable." "But from there, from that kind of situation we went on to win the Test match in Kolkata, following it up with a brilliant nail-biting win in Chennai and winning that Test series, were the moments really really memorable." However, the former right-handed batsman, who is playing an inning of a cricket commentator now, stressed that there were many things that happened during the series which helped them grow the bond, they share till now. "The best thing about the team under Waugh was that they were in India to embrace the culture, and everyone could see a huge shift in the way the Australian team travelled after that and eventually we all became friends." On being asked to give a 'winning mantra' to the current Indian team touring Australia, Laxman said the team will have to earn each and every run they make and wicket they take. "When you play against Australians you have to earn each and every run you score and wicket you take because they are not going to give anything easy. And even if you have to win you have to work hard for that win," Laxman concluded. India will play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Watch: Steve Waugh's side was best I played against, says VVS Laxman

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday played one of his finest innings in Tests to save India from drowning as the team, at a point, was reduced to 86 runs for the loss of five wickets by the Australian bowlers.

Pujara took the driver's seat and played some magnificent shots to reach his first Test century on the Australian soil and 16th Test ton in total.

The 30-year-old batsman compiled 123 runs in hot and difficult conditions at Adelaide Oval to help India stay alive in the first of the four-Test series with 250-9 at stumps.

As wickets kept falling around him, Pujara's one of the remarkable inning had him hit seven boundaries and two sixes in his 246-ball stay at the crease.

"It was one of my top innings in Test cricket, I could say top five. I can't rate whether it was one of the best but the teammates who were appreciating said that this is one of the best," said Pujara at the day's end conference.

When asked what this century means for him, he said, "It means a lot, but I would also like to say that people say that I've scored more runs in India. But at the same time you need to look at the number of matches we play in India. So I will obviously score runs there."

The right-handed batsman, who is playing his 65th Test, was going strong before being run out attempting a quick single on the second-last ball of the day by a diving Pat Cummins.

The batsmen felt disappointed but said he felt the single was necessary.&nbsp;

"I was a bit disappointed but I had to take that single because only the last two balls were left and I thought I should be on strike, so I took the chance but he fielded brilliantly," he explained.

He went on to add that this innings proved he was as comfortable scoring runs overseas as at home.

"At times I've had bad phases playing overseas but I still feel very confident when it comes to different conditions.

"Playing county cricket has helped me a lot, and playing in England conditions are always challenging and when you come to Australia you know that it is slightly better.

"And as I said, I had a pretty decent time to prepare before this Test series."

India will start the second day tomorrow with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah on the crease.&nbsp;

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday played one of his finest innings in Tests to save India from drowning as the team, at a point, was reduced to 86 runs for the loss of five wickets by the Australian bowlers.

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday played one of his finest innings in Tests to save India from drowning as the team, at a point, was reduced to 86 runs for the loss of five wickets by the Australian bowlers. Pujara took the driver's seat and played some magnificent shots to reach his first Test century on the Australian soil and 16th Test ton in total. The 30-year-old batsman compiled 123 runs in hot and difficult conditions at Adelaide Oval to help India stay alive in the first of the four-Test series with 250-9 at stumps. As wickets kept falling around him, Pujara's one of the remarkable inning had him hit seven boundaries and two sixes in his 246-ball stay at the crease. "It was one of my top innings in Test cricket, I could say top five. I can't rate whether it was one of the best but the teammates who were appreciating said that this is one of the best," said Pujara at the day's end conference. When asked what this century means for him, he said, "It means a lot, but I would also like to say that people say that I've scored more runs in India. But at the same time you need to look at the number of matches we play in India. So I will obviously score runs there." The right-handed batsman, who is playing his 65th Test, was going strong before being run out attempting a quick single on the second-last ball of the day by a diving Pat Cummins. The batsmen felt disappointed but said he felt the single was necessary. "I was a bit disappointed but I had to take that single because only the last two balls were left and I thought I should be on strike, so I took the chance but he fielded brilliantly," he explained. He went on to add that this innings proved he was as comfortable scoring runs overseas as at home. "At times I've had bad phases playing overseas but I still feel very confident when it comes to different conditions. "Playing county cricket has helped me a lot, and playing in England conditions are always challenging and when you come to Australia you know that it is slightly better. "And as I said, I had a pretty decent time to prepare before this Test series." India will start the second day tomorrow with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah on the crease.

Century against Australia 'one of my top innings in Test', says Cheteshwar Pujara

No.1 Test team India will take on Australia tomorrow in the first of the four test-game series. The upcoming games are seen by the cricket pundits as the best chance for the Men in Blue to end their Test series jinx as Australia will be without Steve Smith and David Warner.

The Indian cricket team has never won a Test series in Australia but with the star batsmen not being part of the Australian squad due to their roles in the ball-tampering scandal, the visitors for the first time will enter the ground as favourites.&nbsp;

A day before the nail-biting clash begins, let's take a look at the top five Indian batsmen who could make a big impact against Australia.&nbsp;

1) Virat Kohli:&nbsp;Virat, the number 1-ranked Test batsman in the world, has been in top form this year in all formats. So far in 2018, Kohli has played a total of 10 Test matches so far, scoring 1,063 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 59.05. Out of the 10 Tests, eight were outside of India - five in England and three in South Africa. In the five Tests in England, Kohli amassed 593 runs at an average of 59.30 while in South Africa, the Indian skipper scored 286 runs in 3 Tests at an average of 47.66.

2) Murali Vijay: The India opener has not been in his best form so far but has the potential to take the Aussie bowlers apart. He has played six Tests, scoring a total of 233 runs at a dismal average of 21.18 with just a solitary century to his name. &nbsp;Due to his poor show, Vijay was ignored for the two-Test series against the Windies in India but made his case for an opening slot in the Adelaide Test with a classy 132-ball 129, which included 16 boundaries and five sixes. The last time Vijay played in Adelaide, he scored 53 and 99. In the four-match series in 2014/15, which India lost 0-2, he had scored a total of 482 runs at an average of 60.25.

3) KL Rahul: Like his opening partner, Rahul too has struggled in the longest format of the game this year. The 26-year-old has played 10 Tests this year, scoring a total of 420 runs at an average of 24.70 with just a single hundred. Consistency has been Rahul's biggest problem and the right-hander should count himself lucky that Prithvi Shaw is injured, getting a chance to prove his worth again.&nbsp;

4) Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara too has had an underwhelming year but the middle-order batsman has scored 509 runs in 10 Tests this year at an average of 31.81 with one century to his name. The right-hander struggled big time in South Africa with a return of just 100 runs in the three Tests at an average of 16.66. His poor performance against the Proteas saw him being dropped from the first Test against England at Edgbaston. But he returned for the next four Tests where he managed to score 278 runs at an average of 39.71.

5) Rishabh Pant: The young wicketkeeper-batsman is seen as the perfect replacement for MS Dhoni, both as gloveman and middle-order batsman. &nbsp;His performances with the bat, in his brief period with the Indian Test team that has also raised expectations among the fans. Pant has played five Tests in total -- three in England and two against the Windies in India. He has scored 346 runs at an average of 43.25. The youngster already has a Test century to his name and that also in England. The 21-year-old was prolific against the Windies as well, scoring 184 runs in the two-Test series at an average of 92.

No.1 Test team India will take on Australia tomorrow in the first of the four test-game series. The upcoming games are seen by the cricket pundits as the best chance for the Men in Blue to end their Test series jinx as Australia will be without Steve Smith and David Warner.

No.1 Test team India will take on Australia tomorrow in the first of the four test-game series. The upcoming games are seen by the cricket pundits as the best chance for the Men in Blue to end their Test series jinx as Australia will be without Steve Smith and David Warner. The Indian cricket team has never won a Test series in Australia but with the star batsmen not being part of the Australian squad due to their roles in the ball-tampering scandal, the visitors for the first time will enter the ground as favourites. A day before the nail-biting clash begins, let's take a look at the top five Indian batsmen who could make a big impact against Australia. 1) Virat Kohli: Virat, the number 1-ranked Test batsman in the world, has been in top form this year in all formats. So far in 2018, Kohli has played a total of 10 Test matches so far, scoring 1,063 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 59.05. Out of the 10 Tests, eight were outside of India - five in England and three in South Africa. In the five Tests in England, Kohli amassed 593 runs at an average of 59.30 while in South Africa, the Indian skipper scored 286 runs in 3 Tests at an average of 47.66. 2) Murali Vijay: The India opener has not been in his best form so far but has the potential to take the Aussie bowlers apart. He has played six Tests, scoring a total of 233 runs at a dismal average of 21.18 with just a solitary century to his name. Due to his poor show, Vijay was ignored for the two-Test series against the Windies in India but made his case for an opening slot in the Adelaide Test with a classy 132-ball 129, which included 16 boundaries and five sixes. The last time Vijay played in Adelaide, he scored 53 and 99. In the four-match series in 2014/15, which India lost 0-2, he had scored a total of 482 runs at an average of 60.25. 3) KL Rahul: Like his opening partner, Rahul too has struggled in the longest format of the game this year. The 26-year-old has played 10 Tests this year, scoring a total of 420 runs at an average of 24.70 with just a single hundred. Consistency has been Rahul's biggest problem and the right-hander should count himself lucky that Prithvi Shaw is injured, getting a chance to prove his worth again. 4) Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara too has had an underwhelming year but the middle-order batsman has scored 509 runs in 10 Tests this year at an average of 31.81 with one century to his name. The right-hander struggled big time in South Africa with a return of just 100 runs in the three Tests at an average of 16.66. His poor performance against the Proteas saw him being dropped from the first Test against England at Edgbaston. But he returned for the next four Tests where he managed to score 278 runs at an average of 39.71. 5) Rishabh Pant: The young wicketkeeper-batsman is seen as the perfect replacement for MS Dhoni, both as gloveman and middle-order batsman. His performances with the bat, in his brief period with the Indian Test team that has also raised expectations among the fans. Pant has played five Tests in total -- three in England and two against the Windies in India. He has scored 346 runs at an average of 43.25. The youngster already has a Test century to his name and that also in England. The 21-year-old was prolific against the Windies as well, scoring 184 runs in the two-Test series at an average of 92.

1st Test: 5 Indian batsmen to watch out for against Australia at Adelaide

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Despite that, the death-over&nbsp;specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him. The same group had welcomed the Indian cricket team at Adelaide airport.

The fan group got a surprise visit from Bhuvi following which then sang a song praising the Indian pacer.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a video of Bhuvneshwar's entertaining session with the Bharat Army on Twitter, saying: "Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval. Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar."

The number one-ranked Indian Test team will start favourites in the gruelling series as Australia are just coming out of a bad phase.&nbsp;

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SPECIAL: Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval 
 
Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for <a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> 🎹🥁🎷 <a href="https://t.co/9hG3fThrHQ">pic.twitter.com/9hG3fThrHQ</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1070212549470126080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts are missing the services of their prominent batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, both of which are serving one-year bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March 2018.

India have never won a Test series down under in 70 years and the pundits see it as a perfect opportunity to claim a series on Australian soil. However, &nbsp;captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane claimed that the hosts are not "vulnerable" without Smith and Warner.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite that, the death-over specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite that, the death-over specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him. The same group had welcomed the Indian cricket team at Adelaide airport. The fan group got a surprise visit from Bhuvi following which then sang a song praising the Indian pacer. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a video of Bhuvneshwar's entertaining session with the Bharat Army on Twitter, saying: "Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval. Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar." The number one-ranked Indian Test team will start favourites in the gruelling series as Australia are just coming out of a bad phase. SPECIAL: Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for @BhuviOfficial 🎹🥁🎷 pic.twitter.com/9hG3fThrHQ — BCCI (@BCCI) December 5, 2018 × The hosts are missing the services of their prominent batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, both of which are serving one-year bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March 2018. India have never won a Test series down under in 70 years and the pundits see it as a perfect opportunity to claim a series on Australian soil. However, captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane claimed that the hosts are not "vulnerable" without Smith and Warner.

Watch: Fan group sings song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar at Adelaide

Virat Kohli can be "rattled" and Australia should try to get under his skin rather than sitting back and be bullied by the Indian captain, said former skipper Ricky Ponting.

India will take on Australia in the four-Test series beginning here Thursday and former Australia batsman Dean Jones has advised against provoking Kohli.

The India skipper has mellowed down since the previous tour Down Under but when asked if he will be baiting Australia on the field, Ponting said: "Well, he might. I don't necessarily believe that he is someone you shouldn't try to get under his skin. I have seen him rattled.

"Mitchell Johnson definitely rattled him a few times with some good hostile bowling and some good hostile body language around him. So, I would not sit back and let anyone bully," Ponting told cricket.Com.Au.&nbsp;

"The way we go about playing cricket, especially at home, it is about good strong body language. That is the way Australians have always played their best."&nbsp;

Ponting, under whom Australia dominated world cricket, said it would be "rubbish" if the current side doesn't play with an aggressive mindset.

"Yes, Australian teams of the past have always had few words to say but it was always on the back of some good hostile bowling, you can't do without it. It is rubbish otherwise.&nbsp;

"You have to able to impose yourself on the game in a way other than using your mouth. You got to use your actions and skills."

India lost the four-Test series 0-2 four years ago but Kohli amassed 692 runs at an average of 86.25, including four centuries.&nbsp;

Had he been the captain, Ponting says he wouldn't have allowed Kohli to get a good start.

"With someone like him who likes to score freely, he has obviously got a big ego, there are other things you can do. Don't let him score boundaries early on. Try and ball tight consistent stuff," he said.

"He also likes to run the ball down to third man so may be play around with guys behind the wicket in different areas, just get inside his head as to what we are trying to do.

"Another thing I will be doing is going back and looking at who has had the most success against him and why. The first one that comes to mind is James Anderson. He seems to trouble him the most," added Ponting.

Virat Kohli can be "rattled" and Australia should try to get under his skin rather than sitting back and be bullied by the Indian captain, said former skipper Ricky Ponting.

Virat Kohli can be "rattled" and Australia should try to get under his skin rather than sitting back and be bullied by the Indian captain, said former skipper Ricky Ponting. India will take on Australia in the four-Test series beginning here Thursday and former Australia batsman Dean Jones has advised against provoking Kohli. The India skipper has mellowed down since the previous tour Down Under but when asked if he will be baiting Australia on the field, Ponting said: "Well, he might. I don't necessarily believe that he is someone you shouldn't try to get under his skin. I have seen him rattled. "Mitchell Johnson definitely rattled him a few times with some good hostile bowling and some good hostile body language around him. So, I would not sit back and let anyone bully," Ponting told cricket.Com.Au. "The way we go about playing cricket, especially at home, it is about good strong body language. That is the way Australians have always played their best." Ponting, under whom Australia dominated world cricket, said it would be "rubbish" if the current side doesn't play with an aggressive mindset. "Yes, Australian teams of the past have always had few words to say but it was always on the back of some good hostile bowling, you can't do without it. It is rubbish otherwise. "You have to able to impose yourself on the game in a way other than using your mouth. You got to use your actions and skills." India lost the four-Test series 0-2 four years ago but Kohli amassed 692 runs at an average of 86.25, including four centuries. Had he been the captain, Ponting says he wouldn't have allowed Kohli to get a good start. "With someone like him who likes to score freely, he has obviously got a big ego, there are other things you can do. Don't let him score boundaries early on. Try and ball tight consistent stuff," he said. "He also likes to run the ball down to third man so may be play around with guys behind the wicket in different areas, just get inside his head as to what we are trying to do. "Another thing I will be doing is going back and looking at who has had the most success against him and why. The first one that comes to mind is James Anderson. He seems to trouble him the most," added Ponting.

Kohli can still be rattled, don't let him be a bully: Ponting to Australia

Indian captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts&nbsp;at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here.

The opening day of the four-day non-first class match against an understrength representative side was washed out by torrential rain.

The picture of Virat Kohli and&nbsp;CA XI captain Sam Whiteman, which was captured during the toss, was tweeted&nbsp;by the official handle of BCCI.

Soon after that fans&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;Kohli for wearing shorts in the 'gentleman's game' and called it&nbsp;disrespectful.

Here is the BCCI's post:

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CA XI have won the toss and will field first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/J8fb8BJp8x">pic.twitter.com/J8fb8BJp8x</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1067909541377978370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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See how the Twitter users commented on this:

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Watching Virat Kohli going out to toss with shorts is nothing but disgraceful. I remember the legendary late ML Jaisimha in full whites when he became coach of Hyderabad team. He always felt one should respect the game. Period
— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/dassport_TT/status/1068146588118204416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This @imVkohli bad attitude is showing no any respect for game and their legacy why @bcci @icc @accessonline n other cricket members think about this. Where is #sunilgavaskar who taunted in #Aisacup to Pakistani player for their cap??? What @imVkohli is showing," a twitter handle that goes by the name @VeeG48 wrote.

Another wrote, "Disgraceful and disrespectful... There was time captains used to wear Blazers during toss.... This behavior is absolutely unpardonable...."

The Virat Kohli-led tourists suffered a mini-collapse towards the end, losing their last five wickets for 11 runs to be dismissed for 358, but will be pleased to have got so much time in the middle for their top and middle orders.

India's 19-year-old opening batsman Prithvi Shaw caught the eye with a sparkling 66, hitting 11 boundaries in his 69-ball knock.

While few fans came in support of the skipper.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a> what was the point to raise the issue of virat kohli wearing shorts during toss time Firstly its unofficial game and its a practice match at that time he might be not aware also whether he is wearing shorts or full pants stop raising small issue
— Parth Dhanesha (@18gazerparth) <a href="https://twitter.com/18gazerparth/status/1068146119727816704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Test series begins in Adelaide on December 6, with further matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney over the following month.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here. The opening day of the four-day non-first class match against an understrength representative side was washed out by torrential rain. The picture of Virat Kohli and CA XI captain Sam Whiteman, which was captured during the toss, was tweeted by the official handle of BCCI. Soon after that fans criticised Kohli for wearing shorts in the 'gentleman's game' and called it disrespectful. Here is the BCCI's post: CA XI have won the toss and will field first #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/J8fb8BJp8x — BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2018 × See how the Twitter users commented on this: Watching Virat Kohli going out to toss with shorts is nothing but disgraceful. I remember the legendary late ML Jaisimha in full whites when he became coach of Hyderabad team. He always felt one should respect the game. Period — N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) November 29, 2018 × "This @imVkohli bad attitude is showing no any respect for game and their legacy why @bcci @icc @accessonline n other cricket members think about this. Where is #sunilgavaskar who taunted in #Aisacup to Pakistani player for their cap??? What @imVkohli is showing," a twitter handle that goes by the name @VeeG48 wrote. Another wrote, "Disgraceful and disrespectful... There was time captains used to wear Blazers during toss.... This behavior is absolutely unpardonable...." The Virat Kohli-led tourists suffered a mini-collapse towards the end, losing their last five wickets for 11 runs to be dismissed for 358, but will be pleased to have got so much time in the middle for their top and middle orders. India's 19-year-old opening batsman Prithvi Shaw caught the eye with a sparkling 66, hitting 11 boundaries in his 69-ball knock. While few fans came in support of the skipper. @sanjaymanjrekar what was the point to raise the issue of virat kohli wearing shorts during toss time Firstly its unofficial game and its a practice match at that time he might be not aware also whether he is wearing shorts or full pants stop raising small issue — Parth Dhanesha (@18gazerparth) November 29, 2018 × The Test series begins in Adelaide on December 6, with further matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney over the following month.

Twitterati troll Virat Kohli for wearing shorts during toss against Australia in warm-up match

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career.&nbsp;

Mithali, the ODI captain, had two back-to-back fifties against Pakistan and Ireland but was rested for the final league game against Australia due to a knee issue and also didn't feature in India's eight-wicket semi-final loss to England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"No! I also have also sat in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said 'Welcome to the group'," Ganguly said at the Tollygunge Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn't play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket. It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door," the 46-year-old said recalling the 2006 second Test against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Ganguly, however, said it's not the end of the road for Mithali.&nbsp;

"You should always remember you're best because you did something and there's an opportunity again. So I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali Raj being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground," he said.&nbsp;

"But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there's no guarantee in life."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commenting on World Cup-winning former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who's form is on the wane of late, Ganguly said he still has the power in him to hit big sixes and should be allowed to go on a high.&nbsp;

"He's another champion. Fantastic career for 12-13 years since winning the World Twenty 20. Just like everyone else he has to perform. There's one must in life: whatever job you do, wherever you are, whatever age you have, how much experience you have you have to keep preforming at the top level otherwise someone else will take your place," he said.

"I wish him all the luck because we want champions to go on a high. I still feel he can hit the ball in the stands. He's a phenomenal cricketer," Ganguly said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked about his take on the 2019 World Cup lineup, Ganguly said: "I am not a selector but I expect 85-90 per cent of this team to play in the World Cup."&nbsp;

Talking on India skipper Virat Kohli, Ganguly said: "He's phenomenal. Look at his numbers. He wears his hat on his sleeves and India needs a captain like him for whom winning means everything. I wish him all the luck."&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 145-page report by the Ethics Centre review into Australian Cricket has refuted the "mistaken" view that CA had overseen a 'win at all costs' policy.&nbsp;

With their series against Australia already underway Ganguly said winning at all costs should be the way but players should not cross the line.&nbsp;

"Nobody wants to go there and lose. In your journey to the tag of winning-at-all-costs, you can still behave, you can still do the right things by not crossing the line. Lot of champions have done it. Look at Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh," Ganguly said, adding that the Aussies have to "be careful" of not repeating another ball-tampering scandal.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career. Mithali, the ODI captain, had two back-to-back fifties against Pakistan and Ireland but was rested for the final league game against Australia due to a knee issue and also didn't feature in India's eight-wicket semi-final loss to England. "No! I also have also sat in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said 'Welcome to the group'," Ganguly said at the Tollygunge Club. "Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn't play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket. It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door," the 46-year-old said recalling the 2006 second Test against Pakistan. Ganguly, however, said it's not the end of the road for Mithali. "You should always remember you're best because you did something and there's an opportunity again. So I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali Raj being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground," he said. "But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there's no guarantee in life." Commenting on World Cup-winning former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who's form is on the wane of late, Ganguly said he still has the power in him to hit big sixes and should be allowed to go on a high. "He's another champion. Fantastic career for 12-13 years since winning the World Twenty 20. Just like everyone else he has to perform. There's one must in life: whatever job you do, wherever you are, whatever age you have, how much experience you have you have to keep preforming at the top level otherwise someone else will take your place," he said. "I wish him all the luck because we want champions to go on a high. I still feel he can hit the ball in the stands. He's a phenomenal cricketer," Ganguly said. Asked about his take on the 2019 World Cup lineup, Ganguly said: "I am not a selector but I expect 85-90 per cent of this team to play in the World Cup." Talking on India skipper Virat Kohli, Ganguly said: "He's phenomenal. Look at his numbers. He wears his hat on his sleeves and India needs a captain like him for whom winning means everything. I wish him all the luck." A 145-page report by the Ethics Centre review into Australian Cricket has refuted the "mistaken" view that CA had overseen a 'win at all costs' policy. With their series against Australia already underway Ganguly said winning at all costs should be the way but players should not cross the line. "Nobody wants to go there and lose. In your journey to the tag of winning-at-all-costs, you can still behave, you can still do the right things by not crossing the line. Lot of champions have done it. Look at Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh," Ganguly said, adding that the Aussies have to "be careful" of not repeating another ball-tampering scandal.

Like Mithali, I too was dropped at my peak: Sourav Ganguly

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to incessant rain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Rain interrupted the game in the 19th over when Australia was batting at&nbsp;132 for the loss of seven wickets. With just an over left, the target for the Virat Kohli-led side was adjusted to 137 runs in 19 overs, according to DLS method.

However, the rain didn't stop which further forced the umpires to readjust the target to 90 runs in 11 overs.&nbsp;

After waiting for over an hour, the game was finally called off, meaning there will be no result. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier, the Indian bowlers learned from the mistakes they committed in the 1st T20I as the hosts were once tottering at 101/7 in 16 overs.&nbsp;

However, pacer K Khaleel Ahmed, who had clinched two wickets, was clobbered for 19 runs in the 18th over as Australia managed to reach a respectable total. He leaked a total of 39 runs from four overs.&nbsp;

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/20 from his three overs.&nbsp;

Put in to bat, Australia kept on receiving jolts at regular intervals after a poor start. Bhuvneshwar gave an early blow to the hosts by dismissing Aaron Finch on his very second ball.&nbsp;

Just when it looked Australia were recovering, Khaleel sent back Chris Lynn (13) making the scoreline read 27/2. With the addition of eight runs in Australia's scorecard, Khaleel struck again to dismiss opener D Arcy Short (14) in the sixth over.

Last match hero Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis failed to replicate their show and contributed 19 and four runs, respectively, as Australia were reeling at 62/5 in 11 overs.

With this game having no result, Australia still lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. India has one more game to level the series.&nbsp;

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to incessant rain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Rain interrupted the game in the 19th over when Australia was batting at 132 for the loss of seven wickets.

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to incessant rain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Rain interrupted the game in the 19th over when Australia was batting at 132 for the loss of seven wickets. With just an over left, the target for the Virat Kohli-led side was adjusted to 137 runs in 19 overs, according to DLS method. However, the rain didn't stop which further forced the umpires to readjust the target to 90 runs in 11 overs. After waiting for over an hour, the game was finally called off, meaning there will be no result. Earlier, the Indian bowlers learned from the mistakes they committed in the 1st T20I as the hosts were once tottering at 101/7 in 16 overs. However, pacer K Khaleel Ahmed, who had clinched two wickets, was clobbered for 19 runs in the 18th over as Australia managed to reach a respectable total. He leaked a total of 39 runs from four overs. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/20 from his three overs. Put in to bat, Australia kept on receiving jolts at regular intervals after a poor start. Bhuvneshwar gave an early blow to the hosts by dismissing Aaron Finch on his very second ball. Just when it looked Australia were recovering, Khaleel sent back Chris Lynn (13) making the scoreline read 27/2. With the addition of eight runs in Australia's scorecard, Khaleel struck again to dismiss opener D Arcy Short (14) in the sixth over. Last match hero Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis failed to replicate their show and contributed 19 and four runs, respectively, as Australia were reeling at 62/5 in 11 overs. With this game having no result, Australia still lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. India has one more game to level the series.

2nd T20I between India and Australia called off due to rain

Indian cricket team is all set to take on a weakened and unsettled Australia in the first T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane, today. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.&nbsp;

However, it will not be a cakewalk for the 'Men in Blue'.&nbsp;

If looked at the Indian squad, then a new era is going to begin in Indian cricket as the team will enter the foreign ground without wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper, who had been an inseparable part of the Indian team for more than a decade, was dropped from the shortest format to give young Rishabh Pant a chance to prove his skills behind the stumps.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, skipper Kohli, who has been in terrific form lately, has matured in his game and is able to take better decisions to bring the team out when in tricky situations. But when it comes to the Decision Review System (DRS), there wasn’t a more perfect cricketer than MS Dhoni.&nbsp;

Apart from Kohli, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who has smashed two centuries in four T20 innings since July, are the dangermen for India. in fact, they both sit above their captain on the T20 batting rankings.

Australia, on the other hand, will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their full 12-month bans for ball-tampering. But Kohli is adamant that the hosts still pose a big threat.

Australia's batting fortunes will revolve around Finch, Maxwell and D'Arcy Short, who have all scored in excess of 400 runs in T20Is this year.&nbsp;

But contributions outside these three have been lacking, which has been one of the reasons for Australia's slump recently.&nbsp;

In bowling, Andrew Tye and Billy Stanlake have been the go-to bowlers for Australia in the absence of top quicks like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco. 
&nbsp;

Indian cricket team is all set to take on a weakened and unsettled Australia in the first T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane, today. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.

Indian cricket team is all set to take on a weakened and unsettled Australia in the first T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane, today. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting. However, it will not be a cakewalk for the 'Men in Blue'. If looked at the Indian squad, then a new era is going to begin in Indian cricket as the team will enter the foreign ground without wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper, who had been an inseparable part of the Indian team for more than a decade, was dropped from the shortest format to give young Rishabh Pant a chance to prove his skills behind the stumps. Meanwhile, skipper Kohli, who has been in terrific form lately, has matured in his game and is able to take better decisions to bring the team out when in tricky situations. But when it comes to the Decision Review System (DRS), there wasn’t a more perfect cricketer than MS Dhoni. Apart from Kohli, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who has smashed two centuries in four T20 innings since July, are the dangermen for India. in fact, they both sit above their captain on the T20 batting rankings. Australia, on the other hand, will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their full 12-month bans for ball-tampering. But Kohli is adamant that the hosts still pose a big threat. Australia's batting fortunes will revolve around Finch, Maxwell and D'Arcy Short, who have all scored in excess of 400 runs in T20Is this year. But contributions outside these three have been lacking, which has been one of the reasons for Australia's slump recently. In bowling, Andrew Tye and Billy Stanlake have been the go-to bowlers for Australia in the absence of top quicks like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco.

1st T20I: Kohli's India start favourites against unsettled Australia

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The most awaited series between India and&nbsp;Australia is set to&nbsp;start&nbsp;and it will be a&nbsp;real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S.&nbsp;

Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still&nbsp;have the&nbsp;upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions.&nbsp;

"When you do well in places like Australia you feel good as a team. Thinking about the World Cup ahead it can only give you confidence winning in places like Australia," said Rohit Sharma before the crucial T20 match to kick-off in Brisbane.

Gabba, which Rohit considers to be Australia's fastest surface, does not host any Test but Perth, known for assisting the quicks, is the venue for the second match while Melbourne and Sydney will host the last two Tests.

Brisbane ground, which is known as&nbsp;the 'GABBA', has been a batting heaven. The track is known for staying flat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is often a little more there for the spinners, with the extra bounce likely to hoodwink the batsman.&nbsp;

The GABBA is a fortress for Australia, as they have not lost here since 1988 when they faced those fearsome West Indians. The deck is suited to pace, and both sides sport top pace attacks making this a mouthwatering contest.&nbsp;

However, India will play just one T20 match here at Brisbane but performance here will matter.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has played eleven Twenty-20 matches against Australia since his debut. He scored a total of 423 runs at an average of 60.42 with 144.36 strike rate.

He recently gained popularity for his streak of slamming one-day and Test centuries but it is surprising to know that he did not score a single ton in so far 62 T20 matches he played in his career.

The fans and spectators will expect that headline-grabber, whose highest runs scored against Aussies is an unbeaten 90 to score his first T20 century in the upcoming T20 series.

India and Australia&nbsp;have played 15 T20 matches and not surpringly the visitors&nbsp;have a&nbsp; better record than Australia winning 10.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan has played six T20 innings against Australia and has scored 130&nbsp;runs.

In the one-day format, he has scored 626 runs against the same opponent including two centuries.

 
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The most awaited series between India and Australia is set to start and it will be a real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S. Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still have the upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions.

The most awaited series between India and Australia is set to start and it will be a real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S. Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still have the upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions. "When you do well in places like Australia you feel good as a team. Thinking about the World Cup ahead it can only give you confidence winning in places like Australia," said Rohit Sharma before the crucial T20 match to kick-off in Brisbane. Gabba, which Rohit considers to be Australia's fastest surface, does not host any Test but Perth, known for assisting the quicks, is the venue for the second match while Melbourne and Sydney will host the last two Tests. Brisbane ground, which is known as the 'GABBA', has been a batting heaven. The track is known for staying flat. There is often a little more there for the spinners, with the extra bounce likely to hoodwink the batsman. The GABBA is a fortress for Australia, as they have not lost here since 1988 when they faced those fearsome West Indians. The deck is suited to pace, and both sides sport top pace attacks making this a mouthwatering contest. However, India will play just one T20 match here at Brisbane but performance here will matter. Virat Kohli has played eleven Twenty-20 matches against Australia since his debut. He scored a total of 423 runs at an average of 60.42 with 144.36 strike rate. He recently gained popularity for his streak of slamming one-day and Test centuries but it is surprising to know that he did not score a single ton in so far 62 T20 matches he played in his career. The fans and spectators will expect that headline-grabber, whose highest runs scored against Aussies is an unbeaten 90 to score his first T20 century in the upcoming T20 series. India and Australia have played 15 T20 matches and not surpringly the visitors have a better record than Australia winning 10. Opener Shikhar Dhawan has played six T20 innings against Australia and has scored 130 runs. In the one-day format, he has scored 626 runs against the same opponent including two centuries.

T20: 'Fortress Brisbane' awaits Virat's India against Australia

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia.

Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.&nbsp;

Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well."

"The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added.

Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering.&nbsp;

When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile."

India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco.

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">Teams:

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">India&nbsp;(Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">Australia&nbsp;(Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting. Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well." "The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added. Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering. When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile." India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco. Teams: India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed Australia (Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake

1st T20I: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to bowl against Australia

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said.

India have tried to manage the workload of key players like Virat Kohli and their frontline fast bowlers by resting them for their previous ODI series.

With the top three spots in the batting order locked in and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a floating option, a number of players have been given the chance to audition for the middle order over the last couple of years.

The auditions are now over, Shastri suggested.

"We will try and play close to a 15 that will go to the World Cup," he told reporters before India's departure for Australia.

"Chopping, changing over now, rest period over. Now is the time to really get focused, play as a unit.

"And hopefully not have too many injuries where we have to look elsewhere and take it from there."

India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first test starts in Adelaide on Dec. 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the tests before a three-match one-day international series in January.

That will be followed by a five-match ODI series in New Zealand before India return home for another five-match ODI series against Australia.

India's top players will then be involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England.

"There are not too many games now," Shastri added. "We have got eight good games in Australia and New Zealand and then five against Australia here. So 13 games. So we will try and play the best team at all times."

Two-time champions India are ranked second in the world in the 50-over format behind England.

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said.

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said. India have tried to manage the workload of key players like Virat Kohli and their frontline fast bowlers by resting them for their previous ODI series. With the top three spots in the batting order locked in and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a floating option, a number of players have been given the chance to audition for the middle order over the last couple of years. The auditions are now over, Shastri suggested. "We will try and play close to a 15 that will go to the World Cup," he told reporters before India's departure for Australia. "Chopping, changing over now, rest period over. Now is the time to really get focused, play as a unit. "And hopefully not have too many injuries where we have to look elsewhere and take it from there." India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first test starts in Adelaide on Dec. 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the tests before a three-match one-day international series in January. That will be followed by a five-match ODI series in New Zealand before India return home for another five-match ODI series against Australia. India's top players will then be involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England. "There are not too many games now," Shastri added. "We have got eight good games in Australia and New Zealand and then five against Australia here. So 13 games. So we will try and play the best team at all times." Two-time champions India are ranked second in the world in the 50-over format behind England.

Ravi Shastri: No more changing in ODIs for India, now is time 'play as a unit'

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career.

Waugh spoke in reference to India coach Ravi Shastri's comments that this is "the best Indian side in the last 15 years".

"Look I have played against some great Indian sides and I am not sure that the current side is better than the ones we played against," Waugh told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview.

The 53-year-old said such comments could have been avoided as it puts pressure on the team.&nbsp;

"I am not really sure but probably not a great thing to say as it puts extra pressure on the team. Once they start losing, they will get a lot of criticism for that. Look, it's good that Ravi Shastri believes in his side but comments like these could be kept to himself," Waugh said.

The former skipper known for his mental disintegration tactic feels that Australia despite recent problems would be hard to beat in their own den.

"Australia will be hard to beat in Australia. We have a bowling attack as good as any team in world cricket and we can take wickets. It's our batting if we score 350 runs in first innings, I think we will be very hard to beat. And someone will always come and do well and that's the nature of the sport.&nbsp;

"I am still pretty confident that we can win in Australia but it's going to be a close series though," Waugh said about the Test series starting December 6.

Like everyone else, he praised Virat Kohli for his supreme consistency comparing him with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.

"He is a great player and he loves these big moments. He is like Tendulkar and Lara. They wait for these and that's where they want to show their best. He will be the dangerman straightaway but they have some pretty good batsmen," Waugh said.

"Actually, India have quite a rounded team and they will see this as a significant chance. They would have prepared for this tour for a long time. I think it is going to be really close series," he added.&nbsp;

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career. Waugh spoke in reference to India coach Ravi Shastri's comments that this is "the best Indian side in the last 15 years". "Look I have played against some great Indian sides and I am not sure that the current side is better than the ones we played against," Waugh told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview. The 53-year-old said such comments could have been avoided as it puts pressure on the team. "I am not really sure but probably not a great thing to say as it puts extra pressure on the team. Once they start losing, they will get a lot of criticism for that. Look, it's good that Ravi Shastri believes in his side but comments like these could be kept to himself," Waugh said. The former skipper known for his mental disintegration tactic feels that Australia despite recent problems would be hard to beat in their own den. "Australia will be hard to beat in Australia. We have a bowling attack as good as any team in world cricket and we can take wickets. It's our batting if we score 350 runs in first innings, I think we will be very hard to beat. And someone will always come and do well and that's the nature of the sport. "I am still pretty confident that we can win in Australia but it's going to be a close series though," Waugh said about the Test series starting December 6. Like everyone else, he praised Virat Kohli for his supreme consistency comparing him with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. "He is a great player and he loves these big moments. He is like Tendulkar and Lara. They wait for these and that's where they want to show their best. He will be the dangerman straightaway but they have some pretty good batsmen," Waugh said. "Actually, India have quite a rounded team and they will see this as a significant chance. They would have prepared for this tour for a long time. I think it is going to be really close series," he added.

Don't think Virat Kohli's India is better than ones I played against: Steve Waugh

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia.&nbsp;

The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back.

"When it comes to getting engaged in an argument on the field, I have been completely okay playing without an altercation. I have enough belief in my abilities.. those were very immature things I used to feed on when I was younger," Kohli said at India's pre-departure press conference.&nbsp;

"Now being captain of the team, you do not have time to think of anything else apart from what the team needs."

&nbsp;"We were always the ones giving it back. As long as it does not start, we will not go out looking for anything but we will reciprocate," he added.

However, there has since been a transition in the Australian cricket culture, especially after Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year over their roles in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. The Australian team under new Test captain Tim Paine are now expected to play with a smile and be nice boys on the field.

India leave for Australia to play a three-match T20I series starting November 21 before the four-Test series from December 6 and three ODIs scheduled to be played in January.

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia. The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back.

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia. The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back. "When it comes to getting engaged in an argument on the field, I have been completely okay playing without an altercation. I have enough belief in my abilities.. those were very immature things I used to feed on when I was younger," Kohli said at India's pre-departure press conference. "Now being captain of the team, you do not have time to think of anything else apart from what the team needs." "We were always the ones giving it back. As long as it does not start, we will not go out looking for anything but we will reciprocate," he added. However, there has since been a transition in the Australian cricket culture, especially after Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year over their roles in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. The Australian team under new Test captain Tim Paine are now expected to play with a smile and be nice boys on the field. India leave for Australia to play a three-match T20I series starting November 21 before the four-Test series from December 6 and three ODIs scheduled to be played in January.

'Will reciprocate,' Virat Kohli says on sledging by Australian cricketers

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is.&nbsp;

On being asked about the expectations he has from the team, Indian skipper Kohli advised the team's lower-order to take a cue from their England Test defeat in a bid to rage a victory over the Aussies, especially in the Test series.&nbsp;

"The lower order contributions are crucial. As we saw in England, their lower order contributions were better than ours and that was the difference in the series. So that's where we want the guys to be fearless."

"If they get going they can change the game or course of the whole series," Kohli added.

With the top-orders and the middle-order failing to judge the moving dukes on English conditions, the team had hopes completely rested on Kohli's shoulders to rescue India each time. The skipper was the only batsman during the entire tour to punish the English side with his bat.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue will be playing three T20I, four Tests and three ODIs.The forthcoming Test series is considered to be India's best chance to win on the Australian soil as the team will be without the services of their beleaguered leaders Steve Smith and David Warner.&nbsp;

For India, Kohli is in top form as the skipper smashed three consecutive centuries against the Windies.

Talking about what kind of character the team has developed after the England tour, Kohli stressed that they have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

"We definitely have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The Thing is we understand within the group what we need to work on so it is up to the individuals to take ownership of that, take responsibility for the things that are explained or laid out. So there were a lot of things that we sat down and figured it out after the England tour."&nbsp;

Kohli also stressed that there was not much that went wrong during England tour.&nbsp;

"To be honest, we all felt that there was not much that went wrong but whatever was not right was very extreme also. So we played good cricket but the mistakes were also very extreme. That's why we lost that many numbers of games rather than winning those moments and winning the game. "

The skipper further asked the team to strike a decent balance when the situation is against them and try to find a way out of it, rather than wanting to get out of it immediately.&nbsp;

When asked what advice he wants to give to his team, Kohli said he would want every individual to take more responsibility, assess it and then find a solution rather than thinking that the solution will appear from somewhere.

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is.

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is. On being asked about the expectations he has from the team, Indian skipper Kohli advised the team's lower-order to take a cue from their England Test defeat in a bid to rage a victory over the Aussies, especially in the Test series. "The lower order contributions are crucial. As we saw in England, their lower order contributions were better than ours and that was the difference in the series. So that's where we want the guys to be fearless." "If they get going they can change the game or course of the whole series," Kohli added. With the top-orders and the middle-order failing to judge the moving dukes on English conditions, the team had hopes completely rested on Kohli's shoulders to rescue India each time. The skipper was the only batsman during the entire tour to punish the English side with his bat. The Men in Blue will be playing three T20I, four Tests and three ODIs.The forthcoming Test series is considered to be India's best chance to win on the Australian soil as the team will be without the services of their beleaguered leaders Steve Smith and David Warner. For India, Kohli is in top form as the skipper smashed three consecutive centuries against the Windies. Talking about what kind of character the team has developed after the England tour, Kohli stressed that they have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. "We definitely have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The Thing is we understand within the group what we need to work on so it is up to the individuals to take ownership of that, take responsibility for the things that are explained or laid out. So there were a lot of things that we sat down and figured it out after the England tour." Kohli also stressed that there was not much that went wrong during England tour. "To be honest, we all felt that there was not much that went wrong but whatever was not right was very extreme also. So we played good cricket but the mistakes were also very extreme. That's why we lost that many numbers of games rather than winning those moments and winning the game. " The skipper further asked the team to strike a decent balance when the situation is against them and try to find a way out of it, rather than wanting to get out of it immediately. When asked what advice he wants to give to his team, Kohli said he would want every individual to take more responsibility, assess it and then find a solution rather than thinking that the solution will appear from somewhere.

Lower-order contribution crucial for team's victory over Australia, says Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.&nbsp;

In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team.

&nbsp;As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday.

“Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet.

In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTF</a> <a href="https://t.co/tRAX4QbuZI">pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI</a>
— H (@Hramblings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hramblings/status/1059718366288637953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Married in a foreign country 
Supports foreign countries in other sports 
Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi 
Talks in a foreign language many times 
Wears foreign dresses 
Is he in his right mind speaking those words now?
— Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kens103/status/1059862124225269760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justcurious?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justcurious</a>
— gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryThomas88/status/1059851116169424896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. <a href="https://t.co/49AlEpItWo">pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo</a>
— Saif (@isaifpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaifpatel/status/1060048228157190144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega.
— Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) <a href="https://twitter.com/iBM1105/status/1059720575923486720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more. In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team. As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday. “Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet. In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.” Is #Kohli asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? #WTF pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI — H (@Hramblings) November 6, 2018 × The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen. Married in a foreign country Supports foreign countries in other sports Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi Talks in a foreign language many times Wears foreign dresses Is he in his right mind speaking those words now? — Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) November 6, 2018 × Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here #justcurious — gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) November 6, 2018 × FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo — Saif (@isaifpatel) November 7, 2018 × This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega. — Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) November 6, 2018 ×

Watch: Virat Kohli tells fan to 'leave India' for liking foreign batsmen more

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'. &nbsp;

The three-time prime minister of India represented Lucknow in Parliament.

The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies will be the first-ever international cricket match in the state capital.

UP Governor Ram Naik has approved the government proposal to this effect. Orders were issued for the change of name by Principal Secretary (Housing) Nitin Ramesh Gokaran late on Monday.

Meanwhile, the visitors lost the first ODI by five wickets and will be aiming to save the series by winning today's game.

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'.

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'. The three-time prime minister of India represented Lucknow in Parliament. The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies will be the first-ever international cricket match in the state capital. UP Governor Ram Naik has approved the government proposal to this effect. Orders were issued for the change of name by Principal Secretary (Housing) Nitin Ramesh Gokaran late on Monday. Meanwhile, the visitors lost the first ODI by five wickets and will be aiming to save the series by winning today's game.

IND vs WI: 2nd T20I venue renamed after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

India registered a five-wicket victory against the tourists at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.&nbsp;From nine encounters between 2011 and 2018, India now trail the Windies 3-5 in their T20I head-to-head record.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma, who is leading the side in absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, failed to score big in the opening match.

Besides Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan (3), KL Rahul (16), Rishabh Pant (1), and Manish Pandey (19) could not perform with the bat.

Dinesh Karthik played a calculated 34-ball 31 and strung together an unbeaten 27-run partnership with Krunal Pandya, helping India to have a winning start to the T20I series.

On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav, adjudged man of the match, ended the match with figures of 3/13 from his four overs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (1/16) and debutant Krunal Pandya (1/15) were economical.

The Windies, on the other hand, would be desperate to notch up a win against the hosts.

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. India registered a five-wicket victory against the tourists at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. From nine encounters between 2011 and 2018, India now trail the Windies 3-5 in their T20I head-to-head record. Rohit Sharma, who is leading the side in absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, failed to score big in the opening match. Besides Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan (3), KL Rahul (16), Rishabh Pant (1), and Manish Pandey (19) could not perform with the bat. Dinesh Karthik played a calculated 34-ball 31 and strung together an unbeaten 27-run partnership with Krunal Pandya, helping India to have a winning start to the T20I series. On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav, adjudged man of the match, ended the match with figures of 3/13 from his four overs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (1/16) and debutant Krunal Pandya (1/15) were economical. The Windies, on the other hand, would be desperate to notch up a win against the hosts.

2nd T20I: India eye another series win over Windies

After weeks of speculation over Shikhar Dhawan being unhappy at Hyderabad due to the amount he is being paid, the IPL franchise on Monday swapped the southpaw in favour of three players from Delhi - Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma.&nbsp;

Dhawan's induction is a homecoming for the left-hander who is not only a Delhiite, but also began his IPL career with Delhi in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.&nbsp;

Dhawan's association with Hyderabad began in 2013, who went on to become the team’s top-scorer with a tally of 2768 runs from a total of 91 innings.

Going into the IPL 2018 auction, Hyderabad had chosen to retain David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar but paid Rs 5.2 crore to eventually buy Dhawan back using the Right to Match (RTM) card.&nbsp;

In the press release too, the franchise confirmed that the left-handed batsman was unhappy with the price tag.&nbsp;

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We have traded Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Daredevils for Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. We thank Shikhar for his contribution to the team over the years and wish him the very best. <a href="https://t.co/oEqwJ61yw1">pic.twitter.com/oEqwJ61yw1</a>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1059363002539958272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Subsequently, Dhawan was rumoured to be joining Mumbai to partner Rohit Sharma as the two openers share a great chemistry on the cricket pitch.&nbsp;

The deal with Delhi has still not been disclosed but his association with the franchise for the 2019 edition is confirmed.&nbsp;

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Brace yourselves, for he has returned, where it all began! 
 
Welcome Home, Shikhar Dhawan. 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhadkega?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhadkega</a> <a href="https://t.co/LFGMxs1bEk">pic.twitter.com/LFGMxs1bEk</a>
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiDaredevils/status/1059355975453425664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

After weeks of speculation over Shikhar Dhawan being unhappy at Hyderabad due to the amount he is being paid, the IPL franchise on Monday swapped the southpaw in favour of three players from Delhi - Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma.

After weeks of speculation over Shikhar Dhawan being unhappy at Hyderabad due to the amount he is being paid, the IPL franchise on Monday swapped the southpaw in favour of three players from Delhi - Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. Dhawan's induction is a homecoming for the left-hander who is not only a Delhiite, but also began his IPL career with Delhi in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Dhawan's association with Hyderabad began in 2013, who went on to become the team’s top-scorer with a tally of 2768 runs from a total of 91 innings. Going into the IPL 2018 auction, Hyderabad had chosen to retain David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar but paid Rs 5.2 crore to eventually buy Dhawan back using the Right to Match (RTM) card. In the press release too, the franchise confirmed that the left-handed batsman was unhappy with the price tag. We have traded Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Daredevils for Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. We thank Shikhar for his contribution to the team over the years and wish him the very best. pic.twitter.com/oEqwJ61yw1 — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 5, 2018 × Subsequently, Dhawan was rumoured to be joining Mumbai to partner Rohit Sharma as the two openers share a great chemistry on the cricket pitch. The deal with Delhi has still not been disclosed but his association with the franchise for the 2019 edition is confirmed. Brace yourselves, for he has returned, where it all began! Welcome Home, Shikhar Dhawan. 🙌#DilDilli #Dhadkega pic.twitter.com/LFGMxs1bEk — Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) November 5, 2018 ×

IPL 2019: Hyderabad trades 'financially unhappy' Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi

Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Committee of Administrators (COA) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for inviting former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin to ring the bell for the India vs West Indies T20I at Eden Gardens.

The act of CAB, which invites former players to ring the bell prior to the start of a match there, did not go down well with Gambhir, who seemed to have questioned how a cricketer, who was once banned for match-fixing, was given such an honour.

He further questioned ‘no tolerance policy against corruption’ of BCCI, CAB, and COA.

“India may have won today at Eden but I am sorry @bcci, CoA &amp;CAB lost. Looks like the No Tolerance Policy against Corrupt takes a leave on Sundays! I know he was allowed to contest HCA polls but then this is shocking...The bell is ringing, hope the powers that be are listening,” he wrote on his Twitter.

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India may have won today at Eden but I am sorry <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a>, CoA &amp;CAB lost. Looks like the No Tolerance Policy against Corrupt takes a leave on Sundays! I know he was allowed to contest HCA polls but then this is shocking....The bell is ringing, hope the powers that be are listening. <a href="https://t.co/0HKbp2Bs9r">pic.twitter.com/0HKbp2Bs9r</a>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1059161185411579904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In 2000, Azharuddin was banned for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. However, the ban was later lifted in 2012.&nbsp;

Azhar had captained&nbsp;in 47 Tests and has played 99 Tests for India. He has scored 6,215 runs at an average of 45.03.&nbsp;

Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Committee of Administrators (COA) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for inviting former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin to ring the bell for the India vs West Indies T20I at Eden Gardens.

Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Committee of Administrators (COA) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for inviting former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin to ring the bell for the India vs West Indies T20I at Eden Gardens. The act of CAB, which invites former players to ring the bell prior to the start of a match there, did not go down well with Gambhir, who seemed to have questioned how a cricketer, who was once banned for match-fixing, was given such an honour. He further questioned ‘no tolerance policy against corruption’ of BCCI, CAB, and COA. “India may have won today at Eden but I am sorry @bcci, CoA &CAB lost. Looks like the No Tolerance Policy against Corrupt takes a leave on Sundays! I know he was allowed to contest HCA polls but then this is shocking...The bell is ringing, hope the powers that be are listening,” he wrote on his Twitter. India may have won today at Eden but I am sorry @bcci, CoA &CAB lost. Looks like the No Tolerance Policy against Corrupt takes a leave on Sundays! I know he was allowed to contest HCA polls but then this is shocking....The bell is ringing, hope the powers that be are listening. pic.twitter.com/0HKbp2Bs9r — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 4, 2018 × In 2000, Azharuddin was banned for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. However, the ban was later lifted in 2012. Azhar had captained in 47 Tests and has played 99 Tests for India. He has scored 6,215 runs at an average of 45.03.

Azhar rings bell at Eden, Gambhir questions BCCI's 'no tolerance policy against corrupt'

India thrashed the West Indies by huge 224 runs in the fourth ODI to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series here on Monday.

Chasing 378 for victory, the tourists were bowled out for 153 runs. The visitors never really had a shot at chasing down this total after they kept losing wickets right from the start.

Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu's brilliant centuries, supported by a disciplined bowling spell by young paceman Khaleel Ahmed and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both taking three wickets each, helped to conclude Windies' batting in just 36.2 overs.&nbsp;

Skipper Jason Holder top-scored for the visitors with his unbeaten 54-run knock.

Earlier, centuries from opener Rohit and Rayudu had powered India to a mammoth 377 runs.&nbsp;

While Rohit compensated for his failure in the third ODI by belting another top-notch hundred, the 21st of his career and the second of the series, Rayudu, the newly-anointed No.4 stamped his authority by slamming his 3rd ODI century.&nbsp;

India had won the Guwahati ODI, tied the Vizag match and lost the Pune contest.&nbsp; The final match will be played Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.&nbsp;

India thrashed the West Indies by huge 224 runs in the fourth ODI to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series here on Monday. Chasing 378 for victory, the tourists were bowled out for 153 runs.

India thrashed the West Indies by huge 224 runs in the fourth ODI to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series here on Monday. Chasing 378 for victory, the tourists were bowled out for 153 runs. The visitors never really had a shot at chasing down this total after they kept losing wickets right from the start. Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu's brilliant centuries, supported by a disciplined bowling spell by young paceman Khaleel Ahmed and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both taking three wickets each, helped to conclude Windies' batting in just 36.2 overs. Skipper Jason Holder top-scored for the visitors with his unbeaten 54-run knock. Earlier, centuries from opener Rohit and Rayudu had powered India to a mammoth 377 runs. While Rohit compensated for his failure in the third ODI by belting another top-notch hundred, the 21st of his career and the second of the series, Rayudu, the newly-anointed No.4 stamped his authority by slamming his 3rd ODI century. India had won the Guwahati ODI, tied the Vizag match and lost the Pune contest. The final match will be played Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

4th ODI: India beat West Indies by 224 runs, take 2-1 lead

Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a brilliant century to lift India after they lost skipper Virat Kohli for early in the 4th ODI in Mumbai. He departed after making 162 runs while Rayudu&nbsp;slammed his 3rd ODI hundred today, against West Indies.&nbsp;

Rohit, who also established over 100 runs partnership with Ambati Rayudu, had hit a boundary to reach his 21st ODI century.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kohli, who registered three consecutive centuries in the previous three ODIs, was dismissed for just 16 runs.&nbsp;

India got the required start as openers Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan played a speedy inning to set a high score for the Windies. But Dhawan departed after contributing 38 runs and later Kohli also was sent back to the pavilion, which reduced the average.

Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies, who registered a stunning 43-run win in the third ODI to level the series 1-1.

After winning the toss, Kohli said, "They (Windies) play fearless cricket, we are not taking anything lightly."

He also added, "Considering all the factors, giving our bowlers the best time to bowl was also the decision behind to bat first. We have known from game one."

Windies captain Jason Holder said, "We are just looking forward to the game today. This is an important game."

For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been included at the place of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kedar Jadhav is back replacing Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a brilliant century to lift India after they lost skipper Virat Kohli for early in the 4th ODI in Mumbai. He departed after making 162 runs while Rayudu slammed his 3rd ODI hundred today, against West Indies.

Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a brilliant century to lift India after they lost skipper Virat Kohli for early in the 4th ODI in Mumbai. He departed after making 162 runs while Rayudu slammed his 3rd ODI hundred today, against West Indies. Rohit, who also established over 100 runs partnership with Ambati Rayudu, had hit a boundary to reach his 21st ODI century. Meanwhile, Kohli, who registered three consecutive centuries in the previous three ODIs, was dismissed for just 16 runs. India got the required start as openers Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan played a speedy inning to set a high score for the Windies. But Dhawan departed after contributing 38 runs and later Kohli also was sent back to the pavilion, which reduced the average. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies, who registered a stunning 43-run win in the third ODI to level the series 1-1. After winning the toss, Kohli said, "They (Windies) play fearless cricket, we are not taking anything lightly." He also added, "Considering all the factors, giving our bowlers the best time to bowl was also the decision behind to bat first. We have known from game one." Windies captain Jason Holder said, "We are just looking forward to the game today. This is an important game." For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been included at the place of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kedar Jadhav is back replacing Rishabh Pant.

IND vs WI: Rohit falls, Rayudu hits century to set big target

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli's has been in tremendous form lately. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-first-indian-batsman-to-score-3-consecutive-centuries-173880">After slamming his 38th ODI ton, yesterday, against West Indies</a>, Kohli became the only Indian batsman to score three centuries in a row.&nbsp;

While many in the cricket fraternity have been praising Kohli for his splendid performance, former Pakistan Cricket Team pacer&nbsp;Shoaib Akhtar skipper has set him a new challenge.&nbsp;

Praising Kohli's three tons in a row, Akhtar said he wants the Indian skipper to cross the 120 hundred-mark.&nbsp;

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar (100) holds the record of a century of centuries in all the three formats of the game.&nbsp;

Given Virat Kohli's form with the bat and his age, it seems reaching the 120+ centuries is not at all an unachievable target for him.&nbsp;

"Virat Kohli is something else man with three ODI hundreds in a row, the first India batsman to achieve that .. what a great run machine he is ..Keep it up cross 120 hundred mark as I set up for you", Shoaib Akhtar posted on his official Twitter account.

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Guwahati. Visakhapatnam. Pune. 
 
Virat Kohli is something else man with three ODI hundreds in a row, the first India batsman to achieve that .. what a great run machine he is .. 
Keep it up cross 120 hundred mark as I set up for you ..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1056245811145773058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kohli currently has 24 Test centuries and 38 ODI tons to his name. On the list of overall batsmen with the most hundreds in their career, Kohli occupies the fourth spot with 62 hundreds.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli's has been in tremendous form lately. After slamming his 38th ODI ton, yesterday, against West Indies, Kohli became the only Indian batsman to score three centuries in a row.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli's has been in tremendous form lately. After slamming his 38th ODI ton, yesterday, against West Indies, Kohli became the only Indian batsman to score three centuries in a row. While many in the cricket fraternity have been praising Kohli for his splendid performance, former Pakistan Cricket Team pacer Shoaib Akhtar skipper has set him a new challenge. Praising Kohli's three tons in a row, Akhtar said he wants the Indian skipper to cross the 120 hundred-mark. Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar (100) holds the record of a century of centuries in all the three formats of the game. Given Virat Kohli's form with the bat and his age, it seems reaching the 120+ centuries is not at all an unachievable target for him. "Virat Kohli is something else man with three ODI hundreds in a row, the first India batsman to achieve that .. what a great run machine he is ..Keep it up cross 120 hundred mark as I set up for you", Shoaib Akhtar posted on his official Twitter account. Guwahati. Visakhapatnam. Pune. Virat Kohli is something else man with three ODI hundreds in a row, the first India batsman to achieve that .. what a great run machine he is .. Keep it up cross 120 hundred mark as I set up for you .. — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 27, 2018 × Kohli currently has 24 Test centuries and 38 ODI tons to his name. On the list of overall batsmen with the most hundreds in their career, Kohli occupies the fourth spot with 62 hundreds.

After 38th ODI ton, Virat Kohli gets new batting target from Shoaib Akhtar

Virat Kohli on Wednesday become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 ODI runs – a feat he accomplished by breaking yet another Sachin Tendulkar record.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team skipper breached the 10K-run mark in one-day internationals during the second ODI against the Windies on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

Kohli went past the milestone when he reached the score of 81. Later, he went on to post his 37th ODI century and eventually stayed unbeaten on 157 as India had put a target of 322 runs for the Jason Holder's side.&nbsp;

Moments after he achieved the feat, Twitter erupted in praise for the batsmen dubbing him 'King Kohli'.&nbsp;

Even the cricket fraternity, including Sachin Tendulkar, took to Twitter to congratulate the Kohli on his achievement.&nbsp;

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The intensity and consistency with which you bat is just amazing. <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>, congratulations on achieving 10,000 runs in ODIs. Keep the runs flowing. <a href="https://t.co/tQUhY8bHna">pic.twitter.com/tQUhY8bHna</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1055086395444871168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Software update all the time. Virat Kohli has redefined what consistency means. Got his 9000th odi run just 11 innings ago and got his 10000 th today, to go with his 37th century. Enjoy the phenomena <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingKohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/OPhvIsBRDJ">pic.twitter.com/OPhvIsBRDJ</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1055058131095568384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And the insanity continues with an undying intensity. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingKohli</a> on 10,000 ODI runs and 37th century. The hunger, consistency and intensity is simply incredible <a href="https://t.co/DGoP1GlZ01">pic.twitter.com/DGoP1GlZ01</a>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1055057021899341826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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What a champion <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> proud of you my boy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏏 <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KINGKOHLI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KINGKOHLI</a> <a href="https://t.co/svXWOJi9op">pic.twitter.com/svXWOJi9op</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1055063605316595712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“Century pe century baar baar, run hue pure dus hazaar!” 
Heartiest congratulations brother <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> 👏 
Fastest player ever to complete 10,000 ODI runs! What a remarkable journey it’s been so far!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virat10K?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virat10K</a> <a href="https://t.co/HRzLEGaxzN">pic.twitter.com/HRzLEGaxzN</a>
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1055063677517393920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Another absolute masterclass from the India captain! <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imvKohli</a> passed 10,000 ODI runs in style with an exceptional 157* to propel his side to 321/6 against Windies in Vizag. 
 
The G.O.A.T? 🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> LIVE ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/gVFbHbvkYh">https://t.co/gVFbHbvkYh</a> <a href="https://t.co/euFlVN8Yo7">pic.twitter.com/euFlVN8Yo7</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1055064918649651200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fastest player to 10,000 ODI runs. 
 
Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveLords?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveLords</a> <a href="https://t.co/mozi6uy9JD">pic.twitter.com/mozi6uy9JD</a>
— Lord's Cricket Ground 🏏 (@HomeOfCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/HomeOfCricket/status/1055050666312417280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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🚨🚨 Reigning Supremacy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingKohli</a> 👑<a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> becomes the FASTEST BATSMAN to score 10000 ODI runs. 
 
👏🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/2YMoFtr2L1">pic.twitter.com/2YMoFtr2L1</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1055046851089453057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kohli took 205 innings to reach the feat while Tendulkar accomplished the feat in 259 innings. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly took 263 innings to reach the milestone and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played 273 innings to breach the 10,000-run mark in one-day internationals.

Despite such heroics from Kohli, India failed to beat West Indies in the 2nd ODI, after Shai Hope's gutsy hundred helped his side to end the game in a dramatic tie.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli on Wednesday become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 ODI runs – a feat he accomplished by breaking yet another Sachin Tendulkar record. The Indian cricket team skipper breached the 10K-run mark in one-day internationals during the second ODI against the Windies on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.

Virat Kohli on Wednesday become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 ODI runs – a feat he accomplished by breaking yet another Sachin Tendulkar record. The Indian cricket team skipper breached the 10K-run mark in one-day internationals during the second ODI against the Windies on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam. Kohli went past the milestone when he reached the score of 81. Later, he went on to post his 37th ODI century and eventually stayed unbeaten on 157 as India had put a target of 322 runs for the Jason Holder's side. Moments after he achieved the feat, Twitter erupted in praise for the batsmen dubbing him 'King Kohli'. Even the cricket fraternity, including Sachin Tendulkar, took to Twitter to congratulate the Kohli on his achievement. The intensity and consistency with which you bat is just amazing. @imVkohli, congratulations on achieving 10,000 runs in ODIs. Keep the runs flowing. pic.twitter.com/tQUhY8bHna — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 24, 2018 × Software update all the time. Virat Kohli has redefined what consistency means. Got his 9000th odi run just 11 innings ago and got his 10000 th today, to go with his 37th century. Enjoy the phenomena #KingKohli pic.twitter.com/OPhvIsBRDJ — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 24, 2018 × And the insanity continues with an undying intensity. Congratulations #KingKohli on 10,000 ODI runs and 37th century. The hunger, consistency and intensity is simply incredible pic.twitter.com/DGoP1GlZ01 — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 24, 2018 × What a champion @imVkohli proud of you my boy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏏 @BCCI #INDvsWI #KINGKOHLI pic.twitter.com/svXWOJi9op — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 24, 2018 × “Century pe century baar baar, run hue pure dus hazaar!” Heartiest congratulations brother @imVkohli 👏 Fastest player ever to complete 10,000 ODI runs! What a remarkable journey it’s been so far!#ViratKohli #Virat10K pic.twitter.com/HRzLEGaxzN — Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 24, 2018 × Another absolute masterclass from the India captain! @imvKohli passed 10,000 ODI runs in style with an exceptional 157* to propel his side to 321/6 against Windies in Vizag. The G.O.A.T? 🐐#INDvWI LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/gVFbHbvkYh pic.twitter.com/euFlVN8Yo7 — ICC (@ICC) October 24, 2018 × The fastest player to 10,000 ODI runs. Congratulations, @imVkohli! 👏#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/mozi6uy9JD — Lord's Cricket Ground 🏏 (@HomeOfCricket) October 24, 2018 × 🚨🚨 Reigning Supremacy #KingKohli 👑@imVkohli becomes the FASTEST BATSMAN to score 10000 ODI runs. 👏🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/2YMoFtr2L1 — BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2018 × Kohli took 205 innings to reach the feat while Tendulkar accomplished the feat in 259 innings. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly took 263 innings to reach the milestone and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played 273 innings to breach the 10,000-run mark in one-day internationals. Despite such heroics from Kohli, India failed to beat West Indies in the 2nd ODI, after Shai Hope's gutsy hundred helped his side to end the game in a dramatic tie.

Sachin Tendulkar gives special advice to Virat Kohli after achieving 10,000 runs

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th ODI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Kohli, who made 140 in the first ODI, completed his century with a boundary off Marlon Samuels.

India has lost five wickets and are playing at 268 runs after 46 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kohli surpassed legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, M.S. Dhoni and Rahul Dravid in the time taken and the number of innings played, to become the fastest to reach the 10K number.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar achieved this feat in 259 innings, while Kohli achieved it 205 innings only. He is also fifth Indian to reach the mark in ODIs.

The skipper, who was just 81 runs short after being out on 140, slammed a brilliant half-century to enter the elite club.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th ODI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th ODI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday. Kohli, who made 140 in the first ODI, completed his century with a boundary off Marlon Samuels. India has lost five wickets and are playing at 268 runs after 46 overs. Earlier, Kohli surpassed legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, M.S. Dhoni and Rahul Dravid in the time taken and the number of innings played, to become the fastest to reach the 10K number. Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar achieved this feat in 259 innings, while Kohli achieved it 205 innings only. He is also fifth Indian to reach the mark in ODIs. The skipper, who was just 81 runs short after being out on 140, slammed a brilliant half-century to enter the elite club.

IND vs WI: After reaching 10,000 runs, Virat Kohli smashes 37th ODI century

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th OPDI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Kohli, who made 140 in the first ODI, completed his century with a boundary off Marlon Samuels.

India has lost five wickets and are playing at 268 runs after 46 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kohli surpassed legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, M.S. Dhoni and Rahul Dravid in the time taken and the number of innings played, to become the fastest to reach the 10K number.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar achieved this feat in 259 innings, while Kohli achieved it 205 innings only. He is also fifth Indian to reach the mark in ODIs.

The skipper, who was just 81 runs short after being out on 140, slammed a brilliant half-century to enter the elite club.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th OPDI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who became the fastest cricketer to enter the 10,000 runs club in ODI cricket, slammed his 37th OPDI century in the same game against West Indies on Wednesday. Kohli, who made 140 in the first ODI, completed his century with a boundary off Marlon Samuels. India has lost five wickets and are playing at 268 runs after 46 overs. Earlier, Kohli surpassed legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, M.S. Dhoni and Rahul Dravid in the time taken and the number of innings played, to become the fastest to reach the 10K number. Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar achieved this feat in 259 innings, while Kohli achieved it 205 innings only. He is also fifth Indian to reach the mark in ODIs. The skipper, who was just 81 runs short after being out on 140, slammed a brilliant half-century to enter the elite club.

IND vs WI: After 10K runs feat, Virat Kohli smashes 37th ODI century