New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli&nbsp;to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.

Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring.

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How it started v how it's going 😅 <a href="https://t.co/XKyEJUgUAS">pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a>

Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave.

"They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday.

"Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling."&nbsp;

All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade.&nbsp;

ALOS READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-uks-new-year-honours-list-353538" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list</a>

Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1.&nbsp;

In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list.

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🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five 
🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7 
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New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings. Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring. How it started v how it's going 😅 pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 × ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave. "They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday. "Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling." All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade. ALOS READ: Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1. In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list. 🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five 🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7 🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah becomes No.9 Latest update in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings 👉 https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH pic.twitter.com/RLU1nMpfoV — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 ×

ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10

Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-warner-returns-for-australia-will-the-hitman-formula-to-bolster-team-india-353392" hreflang="en">As Warner returns for Australia, will the 'Hitman' formula bolster Team India?</a>

Ravichandran Ashwin has been toying with the Aussie and is preventing him to score runs for the hosts. Smith has scored only 10 runs in 4 innings in the series so far while being dismissed by Ashwin two times.

“I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith told SEN Radio.

“I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career. I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things,” he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-biggest-reward-for-us-ajinkya-rahane-posts-heartfelt-message-for-fans-after-mcg-triumph-353371" hreflang="en">'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph</a>

“It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game,” Smith continued.

“At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me. When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games.

Ashwin also spoke about Smith and the importance of his dismissal. “Coming down to Australia and if you cannot get Steven Smith out, it is always going to be an uphill task,” he told Channel 7.

“He pretty much holds the batting line-up together.”

Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.

Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. ALSO READ: As Warner returns for Australia, will the 'Hitman' formula bolster Team India? Ravichandran Ashwin has been toying with the Aussie and is preventing him to score runs for the hosts. Smith has scored only 10 runs in 4 innings in the series so far while being dismissed by Ashwin two times. “I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith told SEN Radio. “I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career. I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things,” he said. ALSO READ: 'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph “It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game,” Smith continued. “At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me. When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games. Ashwin also spoke about Smith and the importance of his dismissal. “Coming down to Australia and if you cannot get Steven Smith out, it is always going to be an uphill task,” he told Channel 7. “He pretty much holds the batting line-up together.”

'I’ve let him dictate terms': Steve Smith talks about his trouble in facing Ravichandran Ashwin

ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is considered as one of the best batsmen in modern-day cricket. His prolific batting performance in all three formats helped him get a nickname of 'King Kohli'. The batsman on Wednesday was in conversation with Australia's Steve Smith where he revealed the real source of his motivation which drove him to represent India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-playing-xi-for-adelaide-test-vs-australia-prithvi-shaw-wriddhiman-saha-get-the-nod-350128" hreflang="en">India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod</a>

The Indian skipper said that the demise of his father was a turning point in his life because of which he became committed to play for the country. According to Kohli, the incident motivated him to want to don the blue jersey even without thinking of being dropped.&nbsp;

“I always knew that I wanted to play the game at the highest level. The time I really thought that I am definitely going to make this my career is when my father passed away. That’s the time I realised I got to get serious about this, actually my proper commitment and my focus cannot shift,” said Kohli during the conversation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-kohli-smith-discuss-best-knocks-rivalry-and-more-ahead-of-india-vs-australia-test-series-350192" hreflang="en">Watch: Kohli, Smith discuss best knocks, rivalry and more ahead of India vs Australia Test series</a>

“I became single-minded from then on, just focused to play for India and play for a long time. I did not even think that I am going to get dropped from the team and anything like that. It was a pure motivation and the will to move forward,” Kohli added.

Kohli was just 18 when he lost his father in 2006. He lost his father while the current Indian batsman was playing for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy game. Despite losing his father, Kohli's innings saved the day for Delhi.&nbsp;

Virat and Co. will be gearing up to face their fiercest rivals Australia tomorrow in Adelaide. Both teams will kick-off the series with a Pink Ball Test.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is considered as one of the best batsmen in modern-day cricket. His prolific batting performance in all three formats helped him get a nickname of 'King Kohli'.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is considered as one of the best batsmen in modern-day cricket. His prolific batting performance in all three formats helped him get a nickname of 'King Kohli'. The batsman on Wednesday was in conversation with Australia's Steve Smith where he revealed the real source of his motivation which drove him to represent India. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod The Indian skipper said that the demise of his father was a turning point in his life because of which he became committed to play for the country. According to Kohli, the incident motivated him to want to don the blue jersey even without thinking of being dropped. “I always knew that I wanted to play the game at the highest level. The time I really thought that I am definitely going to make this my career is when my father passed away. That’s the time I realised I got to get serious about this, actually my proper commitment and my focus cannot shift,” said Kohli during the conversation. ALSO READ: Watch: Kohli, Smith discuss best knocks, rivalry and more ahead of India vs Australia Test series “I became single-minded from then on, just focused to play for India and play for a long time. I did not even think that I am going to get dropped from the team and anything like that. It was a pure motivation and the will to move forward,” Kohli added. Kohli was just 18 when he lost his father in 2006. He lost his father while the current Indian batsman was playing for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy game. Despite losing his father, Kohli's innings saved the day for Delhi. Virat and Co. will be gearing up to face their fiercest rivals Australia tomorrow in Adelaide. Both teams will kick-off the series with a Pink Ball Test.

Virat Kohli reveals the real reason behind his motivation to play for India

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

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

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

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

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

Two of the greatest batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, ahead of the much-awaited four-match Test series between India and Australia, sat down for a one on one interaction as they talked about their favourite knocks, overcoming challenges at the international level among many other questions.

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

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

Giving a major headache to already injury-hit Australian squad, Steve Smith on Tuesday missed the major batting session ahead of the first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series in Adelaide against India. Smith walked off the field after completing a couple of stretching and running drills and headed to the dressing room in some discomfort.&nbsp;

While the other Australian batsmen enjoyed a good batting session ahead of the series opener, Smith walked off to the dressing room with physiotherapist David Beakley to receive a “back rub” after suffering from lower-back soreness. The Aussie ace would not be training on Tuesday.

However, he is not believed to be in doubt for the Adelaide test and is expected to be back in the nets session tomorrow.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announces-qualification-pathway-to-mens-t20-world-cup-2022-in-australia-349768" hreflang="en">ICC announces qualification pathway to men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia</a>

Smith has been among the runs since returning back from the one-year ban. He had defied all the odds to pile mammoth runs in the Ashes 2019 and has since carried on scoring runs in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.&nbsp;

In the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against India, Smith looked in great touch and is expected to be the backbone of the Aussie batting unit in the much-awaited Test series against India. He had scored consecutive 62-ball centuries in ODIs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mushfiqur-rahim-loses-cool-almost-hits-teammate-during-bangabandhu-t20-cup-349744" hreflang="en">WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim loses cool, almost hits teammate during Bangabandhu T20 Cup</a>

Smith had revealed that second of those centuries came after he spent the morning of the match suffering from nausea and dizziness – for which he was treated hours before play started.

Australia are already without the likes of David Warner, Will Pucovski, Sean Abbott due to injuries.

There are further doubts over the participation of Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc with the latter having just joined the squad after a family illness.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Giving a major headache to already injury-hit Australian squad, Steve Smith on Tuesday missed the major batting session ahead of the first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series in Adelaide against India.

Giving a major headache to already injury-hit Australian squad, Steve Smith on Tuesday missed the major batting session ahead of the first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series in Adelaide against India. Smith walked off the field after completing a couple of stretching and running drills and headed to the dressing room in some discomfort. While the other Australian batsmen enjoyed a good batting session ahead of the series opener, Smith walked off to the dressing room with physiotherapist David Beakley to receive a “back rub” after suffering from lower-back soreness. The Aussie ace would not be training on Tuesday. However, he is not believed to be in doubt for the Adelaide test and is expected to be back in the nets session tomorrow. ALSO READ: ICC announces qualification pathway to men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia Smith has been among the runs since returning back from the one-year ban. He had defied all the odds to pile mammoth runs in the Ashes 2019 and has since carried on scoring runs in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. In the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against India, Smith looked in great touch and is expected to be the backbone of the Aussie batting unit in the much-awaited Test series against India. He had scored consecutive 62-ball centuries in ODIs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. TRENDING: WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim loses cool, almost hits teammate during Bangabandhu T20 Cup Smith had revealed that second of those centuries came after he spent the morning of the match suffering from nausea and dizziness – for which he was treated hours before play started. Australia are already without the likes of David Warner, Will Pucovski, Sean Abbott due to injuries. There are further doubts over the participation of Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc with the latter having just joined the squad after a family illness.

IND vs AUS: Steve Smith misses crucial net session due to lower-back soreness

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo.

Smith said a team doctor put him through his paces to see if he was fit to take the field in Sydney.

“I didn’t know I was playing...” Smith told a Cricket Australia website after collecting his second man-of-the-match award.

“I had a really bad dose of vertigo this morning and I was struggling until ... I came down early to have a hit and a bit of a run around.”

“The doctor, I think he performed six Epley manoeuvres on me ... and got the crystals out of my ears and I was struggling for a bit.”

There was no sign Smith was in any discomfort when he got to the crease with the 31-year-old reaching his 100 with 62 balls for the second straight match, the third fastest by an Australian behind Glenn Maxwell (51) and James Faulkner (57).

“Just pleased to be able to get out here and play another good innings and help the team,” Smith said.

Team mate Marnus Labuschagne, Smith’s collaborator in their 136-run partnership, called it one of the best one-day knocks he had ever seen.

“The way he batted yesterday was superb. It almost felt like he didn’t really give an opportunity, didn’t really take a risk,” Labuschagne said in a video call on Monday.

Smith could have reached the 100-mark taking one ball fewer but Labuschagne slipped at the striker’s end and they decided against a second run.

“The boys were asking me was I batting in my runners out there?” said Labuschagne, who scored 70. “That was a bit disappointing from my end.

“I’ll have to get rid of those shoes and get a brand new set ... for next game.”

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo.

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo. Smith said a team doctor put him through his paces to see if he was fit to take the field in Sydney. “I didn’t know I was playing...” Smith told a Cricket Australia website after collecting his second man-of-the-match award. “I had a really bad dose of vertigo this morning and I was struggling until ... I came down early to have a hit and a bit of a run around.” “The doctor, I think he performed six Epley manoeuvres on me ... and got the crystals out of my ears and I was struggling for a bit.” There was no sign Smith was in any discomfort when he got to the crease with the 31-year-old reaching his 100 with 62 balls for the second straight match, the third fastest by an Australian behind Glenn Maxwell (51) and James Faulkner (57). “Just pleased to be able to get out here and play another good innings and help the team,” Smith said. Team mate Marnus Labuschagne, Smith’s collaborator in their 136-run partnership, called it one of the best one-day knocks he had ever seen. “The way he batted yesterday was superb. It almost felt like he didn’t really give an opportunity, didn’t really take a risk,” Labuschagne said in a video call on Monday. Smith could have reached the 100-mark taking one ball fewer but Labuschagne slipped at the striker’s end and they decided against a second run. “The boys were asking me was I batting in my runners out there?” said Labuschagne, who scored 70. “That was a bit disappointing from my end. “I’ll have to get rid of those shoes and get a brand new set ... for next game.”

Australia's Smith hits the heights after being laid low by vertigo

After scoring back-to-back centuries against India, Australia batsman Steve Smith said a changed batting approach has been yielding better results for him in the ongoing series.

Smith is now 'batting with more finesse'&nbsp;rather than hitting the ball hard. He smashed a 104-run knock off 64 balls and was awarded player of the Match.

Australia posted a mammoth total of 379/4 in their 50 overs as the top-five batsmen scored half-centuries for the team after openers David Warner (83) and Aaron Finch (60) provided a flying start.

The hosts won the game by 51 runs and gained a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series.

"I felt good from ball one. It was another great foundation set by Finch and Davey. It`s just summing up conditions and what`s in front of you. Against India, you need to score big totals. Fortunately, it`s come off. I am batting with more finesse now and that`s worked. Tried to slog the balls hard a couple of weeks ago. It (records) doesn`t bother me, nice to score some runs for the team. The boys were outstanding in the field too," Smith said at the end of the game.

India was behind the eight-ball right from the start of the chase, and it was only Virat Kohli (89) and KL Rahul (76) who could salvage some pride with the bat in hand. In the end, Australia wrapped up an easy win by 51 runs.

Earlier, Steve Smith and David Warner played knocks of 104 and 83 respectively as Australia posted a total of 389/4 against India. Opting to bat first, Australia once again got off to a flier as Warner and Aaron Finch hammered the Indian bowlers all around the park. Both batters went past their 50-run mark and the duo stitched together a partnership of more than 100 runs for the third consecutive time in ODI cricket.

In the final eight overs, Labuschagne and Maxwell added 93 more runs to Australia`s total and as a result, the side posted a total of more than the 380-run mark. Labuschagne was dismissed after playing a knock of 70 runs while Maxwell remained unbeaten on 63.The final and third ODI of the series will be played at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Wednesday, December 2.&nbsp;

After scoring back-to-back centuries against India, Australia batsman Steve Smith said a changed batting approach has been yielding better results for him in the ongoing series.

After scoring back-to-back centuries against India, Australia batsman Steve Smith said a changed batting approach has been yielding better results for him in the ongoing series. Smith is now 'batting with more finesse' rather than hitting the ball hard. He smashed a 104-run knock off 64 balls and was awarded player of the Match. Australia posted a mammoth total of 379/4 in their 50 overs as the top-five batsmen scored half-centuries for the team after openers David Warner (83) and Aaron Finch (60) provided a flying start. The hosts won the game by 51 runs and gained a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series. "I felt good from ball one. It was another great foundation set by Finch and Davey. It`s just summing up conditions and what`s in front of you. Against India, you need to score big totals. Fortunately, it`s come off. I am batting with more finesse now and that`s worked. Tried to slog the balls hard a couple of weeks ago. It (records) doesn`t bother me, nice to score some runs for the team. The boys were outstanding in the field too," Smith said at the end of the game. India was behind the eight-ball right from the start of the chase, and it was only Virat Kohli (89) and KL Rahul (76) who could salvage some pride with the bat in hand. In the end, Australia wrapped up an easy win by 51 runs. Earlier, Steve Smith and David Warner played knocks of 104 and 83 respectively as Australia posted a total of 389/4 against India. Opting to bat first, Australia once again got off to a flier as Warner and Aaron Finch hammered the Indian bowlers all around the park. Both batters went past their 50-run mark and the duo stitched together a partnership of more than 100 runs for the third consecutive time in ODI cricket. In the final eight overs, Labuschagne and Maxwell added 93 more runs to Australia`s total and as a result, the side posted a total of more than the 380-run mark. Labuschagne was dismissed after playing a knock of 70 runs while Maxwell remained unbeaten on 63.The final and third ODI of the series will be played at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Wednesday, December 2.

Ind vs Aus: Batting with more finesse now and it's working, says Smith

India's woes in Australia tour of 2020-21 continue as the Men in Blue were beaten by 51 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday in the second ODI of the three-match series. With this win, Aussies seal a series against India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exploited-me-for-10-years-woman-accuses-pakistan-skipper-babar-azam-of-sexual-abuse-346194" hreflang="en">'Exploited me for 10 years': Woman accuses Pakistan skipper Babar Azam of sexual abuse</a>

Australia won the toss and chose to bat. They repeated the dominance with the bat like the first match. Steve Smith smashed a second consecutive century while Warner and skipper Finch scored 83 and 60 runs respectively. Labuschange's 70 stabilised Australian innings in between. Maxwell's 63 off 29 balls was a cherry on the top for Australian innings powering them to 389 by the end of 50 overs. India's fielding standards were poor many significant catches were dropped including Labuschange's. Jadeja and Hardik were most economical in terms of bowling.&nbsp;

India was off to a good start. Dhawan and Agarwal were quick to cross 50-mark. However, India lost their openers within the first 10 overs. Kohli and Iyer's 93-run stand helped stabilise the innings. Virat Kohli scored the most (89 runs off 87 balls). KL Rahul tried to up the run-rate by scoring 76 runs off 66 balls but fell victim to Adam Zampa. Cummins scalped three crucial wickets (Mayank, Jadeja, Pandya). 
Hazlewood got two vital wickets of Kohli and Dhawan.&nbsp;

Australia is up by 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. &nbsp;India will be hoping to avoid a whitewash at Canberra.

India's woes in Australia tour of 2020-21 continue as the Men in Blue were beaten by 51 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday in the second ODI of the three-match series.

India's woes in Australia tour of 2020-21 continue as the Men in Blue were beaten by 51 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday in the second ODI of the three-match series. With this win, Aussies seal a series against India. Also read: 'Exploited me for 10 years': Woman accuses Pakistan skipper Babar Azam of sexual abuse Australia won the toss and chose to bat. They repeated the dominance with the bat like the first match. Steve Smith smashed a second consecutive century while Warner and skipper Finch scored 83 and 60 runs respectively. Labuschange's 70 stabilised Australian innings in between. Maxwell's 63 off 29 balls was a cherry on the top for Australian innings powering them to 389 by the end of 50 overs. India's fielding standards were poor many significant catches were dropped including Labuschange's. Jadeja and Hardik were most economical in terms of bowling. India was off to a good start. Dhawan and Agarwal were quick to cross 50-mark. However, India lost their openers within the first 10 overs. Kohli and Iyer's 93-run stand helped stabilise the innings. Virat Kohli scored the most (89 runs off 87 balls). KL Rahul tried to up the run-rate by scoring 76 runs off 66 balls but fell victim to Adam Zampa. Cummins scalped three crucial wickets (Mayank, Jadeja, Pandya). Hazlewood got two vital wickets of Kohli and Dhawan. Australia is up by 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. India will be hoping to avoid a whitewash at Canberra.

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI: Steve Smith stars as Australia seal series win against India

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-adam-gilchrist-apologizes-after-a-goof-up-during-commentating-345842" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating</a>

Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game.&nbsp;

Steve Smith, who smashed a whopping 105 runs in 66 balls could have gotten out earlier. In the 37th over, Dhawan misjudged the ball and ran too far in to drop Smith. Chahal dropped centurion Aaron Finch. Both Aussies were responsible for posing a mammoth total against the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

Kolhi talked about the sloppy fielding effort after the match. He said: "Got enough time to prepare. Don’t think there can be any excuses,” he said. “Probably the first long game we’ve played in a while, been playing T20 cricket. Probably that’s something that can have an effect. Body language wasn’t great after around 25 overs. If you don’t take your chances against a top-quality opposition, they’ll make you pay."

Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board. Pandya produced a good knock with the bat but was not given the ball. And Pandya's inability to bowl due to the risk it exposes his back to.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, Hardik is not fit enough to bowl, and we don’t have other all-round options to pick from either, someone like Stoinis or Maxwell," Kohli pointed out.

"From the batting point of view, we had a chat briefly now. All the batsmen committed to it which is why you saw us playing with intent. I think we gave ourselves the best chance. Hardik’s innings was the best example of that. As a batting unit we committed nicely to positive cricket and we are going to do that in the future as well."

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Also read: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game. Steve Smith, who smashed a whopping 105 runs in 66 balls could have gotten out earlier. In the 37th over, Dhawan misjudged the ball and ran too far in to drop Smith. Chahal dropped centurion Aaron Finch. Both Aussies were responsible for posing a mammoth total against the Men in Blue. Kolhi talked about the sloppy fielding effort after the match. He said: "Got enough time to prepare. Don’t think there can be any excuses,” he said. “Probably the first long game we’ve played in a while, been playing T20 cricket. Probably that’s something that can have an effect. Body language wasn’t great after around 25 overs. If you don’t take your chances against a top-quality opposition, they’ll make you pay." Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board. Pandya produced a good knock with the bat but was not given the ball. And Pandya's inability to bowl due to the risk it exposes his back to. "Unfortunately, Hardik is not fit enough to bowl, and we don’t have other all-round options to pick from either, someone like Stoinis or Maxwell," Kohli pointed out. "From the batting point of view, we had a chat briefly now. All the batsmen committed to it which is why you saw us playing with intent. I think we gave ourselves the best chance. Hardik’s innings was the best example of that. As a batting unit we committed nicely to positive cricket and we are going to do that in the future as well."

'They’ll make you pay': Virat Kohli on missed chances and poor fielding effort

Indian Cricket Team faced an onslaught by Australian batsmen. Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Glen Maxwell, who failed to perform in IPL went blitzkrieg against India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-adam-gilchrist-apologizes-after-a-goof-up-during-commentating-345842" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating</a>

Smith and Maxwell, in particular, played in a T20 style. Maxwell scored a blistering 19-ball 45-run knock before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami, Smith scored 105 off just 66 balls. Their performances stunned their respective IPL franchises.&nbsp;

"Glenn Maxwell hitting sixes. Ki haal hai, @lionsdenkxip?," &nbsp;tweeted Rajasthan seeing Maxwell smash boundaries at will. "Smith’s scored a 100 off 62 #KXIP admin #RR admin Pain", Punjab replied.

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Smith’s scored a 💯 off 62 🤭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIP</a> admin <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a> admin 
🤝 
Pain<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sec2zCUP5Q">https://t.co/Sec2zCUP5Q</a>
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip/status/1332229118474158080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries.&nbsp;

Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs.&nbsp;

Indian Cricket Team faced an onslaught by Australian batsmen. Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Glen Maxwell, who failed to perform in IPL went blitzkrieg against India.

Indian Cricket Team faced an onslaught by Australian batsmen. Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Glen Maxwell, who failed to perform in IPL went blitzkrieg against India. Also read: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Smith and Maxwell, in particular, played in a T20 style. Maxwell scored a blistering 19-ball 45-run knock before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami, Smith scored 105 off just 66 balls. Their performances stunned their respective IPL franchises. "Glenn Maxwell hitting sixes. Ki haal hai, @lionsdenkxip?," tweeted Rajasthan seeing Maxwell smash boundaries at will. "Smith’s scored a 100 off 62 #KXIP admin #RR admin Pain", Punjab replied. Smith’s scored a 💯 off 62 🤭#KXIP admin #RR admin 🤝 Pain#SaddaPunjab #AUSvIND https://t.co/Sec2zCUP5Q — Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) November 27, 2020 × Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries. Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs.

IPL franchises KXIP and RR stunned by Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith's onslaught against India

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries.&nbsp;

Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs.&nbsp;

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Chasing a mighty 375, India started off well with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan stitching a 53-run stand. However, Australian bowlers stood tall as Hazlewood sent Agarwal packing for 22. Skipper Virat Kohli started off well but was caught for pace by Hazlewood. Shreyas Iyer endured the same fate.&nbsp;

Adam Zampa continued his terrific run with the ball in ODI cricket as he picked up four wickets while sending the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-no-1bn-adani-loan-protesters-enter-ground-holding-banner-against-adani-group-345782" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group</a>

Hardik and Dhawan hung around for a bit and played some great strokes to take the game a bit deeper. While Dhawan was finally sent packing for 74, Hardik followed suit after a cracking 90 off 76 deliveries. Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini stuck a six each in the end as India finished at 308-8 in 50 overs.&nbsp;

Australia, with the win, take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with the next match scheduled to be played on Sunday at SCG.

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries. Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Chasing a mighty 375, India started off well with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan stitching a 53-run stand. However, Australian bowlers stood tall as Hazlewood sent Agarwal packing for 22. Skipper Virat Kohli started off well but was caught for pace by Hazlewood. Shreyas Iyer endured the same fate. Adam Zampa continued his terrific run with the ball in ODI cricket as he picked up four wickets while sending the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group Hardik and Dhawan hung around for a bit and played some great strokes to take the game a bit deeper. While Dhawan was finally sent packing for 74, Hardik followed suit after a cracking 90 off 76 deliveries. Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini stuck a six each in the end as India finished at 308-8 in 50 overs. Australia, with the win, take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with the next match scheduled to be played on Sunday at SCG.

India vs Australia: Virat Kohli & Co. start the tour with 66-run defeat

India vs Australia ODI series: 5 key players to watch out for

The batting unit of Rajasthan Royals fired collectively to provide them with their second-straight win in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, against Kings XI Punjab on Friday, as the action continued in the T20 tournament. In what was a must-win match for RR, the Steve Smith-led outfit bagged the win with seven wickets in hand and 15 deliveries to spare.

After the crucial win, RR captain Smith said that they are peaking at the right time while adding it was nice to get over the line early as it helps the net run-rate.

“Couple of games tomorrow [on Saturday], we will be watching them closely and then will be good to go day after,” Smith said in the post-match interview.

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However, Smith conceded that a couple of wins in between the tournament would have helped Rajasthan Royals’ cause as he said the team have ebbed and flowed during the course of the tournament thus far.&nbsp;

“We have sort of ebbed and flowed through the tournament. But it would have been great to win a few in the middle. But it is about peaking at the right time. We still need to do our bit. It’s nice to get over the line comfortably. It helps the net run rate,” Smith said.

Whereas Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul said the dew didn’t help KXIP while making batting easier for RR in the second innings.

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“It was a horrible toss to lose to be honest. It did get very easy to bat later on. There was a lot of dew in the second half and that made it a bit tough for the bowlers to grip the ball. When you're operating with two leg spinners like we are, it does make things difficult,” KL Rahul said.

“Don't think we bowled that badly but need to operate better with the wet ball. The dew has been unpredictable this season. You can't prepare for it but need to adapt to it,” the skipper added. 
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The batting unit of Rajasthan Royals fired collectively to provide them with their second-straight win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, against Kings XI Punjab on Friday, as the action continued in the T20 tournament.

The batting unit of Rajasthan Royals fired collectively to provide them with their second-straight win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, against Kings XI Punjab on Friday, as the action continued in the T20 tournament. In what was a must-win match for RR, the Steve Smith-led outfit bagged the win with seven wickets in hand and 15 deliveries to spare. After the crucial win, RR captain Smith said that they are peaking at the right time while adding it was nice to get over the line early as it helps the net run-rate. “Couple of games tomorrow [on Saturday], we will be watching them closely and then will be good to go day after,” Smith said in the post-match interview. ALSO READ: Chris Gayle fined for flinging bat after missing IPL century However, Smith conceded that a couple of wins in between the tournament would have helped Rajasthan Royals’ cause as he said the team have ebbed and flowed during the course of the tournament thus far. “We have sort of ebbed and flowed through the tournament. But it would have been great to win a few in the middle. But it is about peaking at the right time. We still need to do our bit. It’s nice to get over the line comfortably. It helps the net run rate,” Smith said. Whereas Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul said the dew didn’t help KXIP while making batting easier for RR in the second innings. ALSO READ: Chris Gayle becomes first player to smash 1000 sixes in T20 cricket “It was a horrible toss to lose to be honest. It did get very easy to bat later on. There was a lot of dew in the second half and that made it a bit tough for the bowlers to grip the ball. When you're operating with two leg spinners like we are, it does make things difficult,” KL Rahul said. “Don't think we bowled that badly but need to operate better with the wet ball. The dew has been unpredictable this season. You can't prepare for it but need to adapt to it,” the skipper added.

IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals peaking at the right time, reckons captain Steve Smith

Australian batsmen Steve Smith will not be participating in the Twenty20 Big Bash League this season as he said that continuing to play in bio-secure bubbles amid the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on his mental health.

The Aussie has played already played under the bio-secure bubble. First, the T20 series in England and now, he is a part of the on-going IPL in the UAE.&nbsp;

Australia's domestic league will commence in December and will go on till February. This league will be played after India's Tour of Australia.&nbsp;

"I'll be honest with you, absolutely no chance," Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;

"It's still early days with the bubbles. We don't know how long it's going to last for.

"There's an uncertainty there. It's just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their headspace in a reasonable place.

"When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out - even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had."

Smith is not the first player to have concerns over players' mental health in bubbles, with England's limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan also saying players may withdraw from tours if their mental health is at risk.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Australian batsmen Steve Smith will not be participating in the Twenty20 Big Bash League this season as he said that continuing to play in bio-secure bubbles amid the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on his mental health.

Australian batsmen Steve Smith will not be participating in the Twenty20 Big Bash League this season as he said that continuing to play in bio-secure bubbles amid the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on his mental health. The Aussie has played already played under the bio-secure bubble. First, the T20 series in England and now, he is a part of the on-going IPL in the UAE. Australia's domestic league will commence in December and will go on till February. This league will be played after India's Tour of Australia. "I'll be honest with you, absolutely no chance," Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "It's still early days with the bubbles. We don't know how long it's going to last for. "There's an uncertainty there. It's just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their headspace in a reasonable place. "When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out - even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had." Smith is not the first player to have concerns over players' mental health in bubbles, with England's limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan also saying players may withdraw from tours if their mental health is at risk. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Absolutely no chance': Steve Smith on participating in Big Bash League

Chris Morris and AB de Villiers help Royal Challengers Bangalore get their sixth victory in the 33rd match of Indian Premier League after beating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat. The openers (Robin Uthappa and Ben Stokes) gave a decent start to the Royals. However, the 50-run partnership between the opening pair was broken after Chris Morris removed struggling Stokes. Chahal's back-to-back wickets in the eighth over brought RCB back in the game. Skipper Steve Smith's 57 runs off 36 balls kept Rajasthan strong and powered them to 177 by the end of the innings. Chris Morris was the best bowler for RCB as he scalped four wickets including the man in form Steve Smith.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore were off to a bad start with the bat as Aaron Finch has dismissed by the fourth over. However, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a 79-run partnership to keep RCB in the contest. But back-to-back wickets of Kohli and Padikkal slowed the chase for RCB with 35 runs needed off the final two overs. However, AB de Villiers and Gurkeerat Mann's power-hitting in the final overs won them the match. De Villiers scored 55 runs off 22 balls.&nbsp;

With this win, Royal Challengers Bangalore stand on third with 12 points, whereas, Rajasthan sit on the seventh position with six points.&nbsp;

Chris Morris and AB de Villiers help Royal Challengers Bangalore get their sixth victory in the 33rd match of Indian Premier League after beating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets.

Chris Morris and AB de Villiers help Royal Challengers Bangalore get their sixth victory in the 33rd match of Indian Premier League after beating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat. The openers (Robin Uthappa and Ben Stokes) gave a decent start to the Royals. However, the 50-run partnership between the opening pair was broken after Chris Morris removed struggling Stokes. Chahal's back-to-back wickets in the eighth over brought RCB back in the game. Skipper Steve Smith's 57 runs off 36 balls kept Rajasthan strong and powered them to 177 by the end of the innings. Chris Morris was the best bowler for RCB as he scalped four wickets including the man in form Steve Smith. Royal Challengers Bangalore were off to a bad start with the bat as Aaron Finch has dismissed by the fourth over. However, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a 79-run partnership to keep RCB in the contest. But back-to-back wickets of Kohli and Padikkal slowed the chase for RCB with 35 runs needed off the final two overs. However, AB de Villiers and Gurkeerat Mann's power-hitting in the final overs won them the match. De Villiers scored 55 runs off 22 balls. With this win, Royal Challengers Bangalore stand on third with 12 points, whereas, Rajasthan sit on the seventh position with six points.

IPL 2020: AB de Villiers' power-hitting helps Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets

With Rajasthan Royals struggling in the bottom-half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 points table and skipper Steve Smith struggling heavily with his form, speculations started that RR might drop Smith as the captain of the side for the rest of IPL 2020.

Rajasthan Royals on Twitter posted a couple of photos in praise of swashbuckling English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler on Friday and many started speculating that he might replace Smith as the captain of RR.

However, Rajasthan Royals’ Chief Operating Officer Jake Lush McCrum dismissed the rumous of Buttler taking over captaincy duties from Smith while even RR took to Twitter to confirm it was nothing short of plain rumour.

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When asked about whether Buttler is taking over the captaincy duty for RR, McCrum tweeted: It does not. Twitter having a little too much fun today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It does not. Twitter having a little too much fun today <a href="https://t.co/S77lkTgnUx">https://t.co/S77lkTgnUx</a>
— Jake Lush McCrum (@JakeLushMcCrum) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeLushMcCrum/status/1317035665721352192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RR have won three of their eight matches in IPL 2020 so far while being equal on points (6) with the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. RR are lying seventh in the points table due to their worrisome net run-rate but are still in contention for a playoff spot in IPL 2020.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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When admin realises he started a false rumour. <a href="https://t.co/QOHcJD7pNk">https://t.co/QOHcJD7pNk</a> <a href="https://t.co/vXBVcizcNT">pic.twitter.com/vXBVcizcNT</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1317036219444858880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Not only their lackluster start in the tournament but the cold form of captain Smith is coming as a major worry for the RR batting unit.

While Smith got off to a superb start in IPL 2020 with scores of 69 and 50 against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab respectively, he has managed to score in double digits just once since then. Smith has scored 3, 5, 6, 24, 5 and 1 in the T20 tournament being held in the UAE after starting with a couple of a half-centuries.

With Rajasthan Royals struggling in the bottom-half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 points table and skipper Steve Smith struggling heavily with his form, speculations started that RR might drop Smith as the captain of the side for the rest of IPL 2020.

With Rajasthan Royals struggling in the bottom-half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 points table and skipper Steve Smith struggling heavily with his form, speculations started that RR might drop Smith as the captain of the side for the rest of IPL 2020. Rajasthan Royals on Twitter posted a couple of photos in praise of swashbuckling English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler on Friday and many started speculating that he might replace Smith as the captain of RR. However, Rajasthan Royals’ Chief Operating Officer Jake Lush McCrum dismissed the rumous of Buttler taking over captaincy duties from Smith while even RR took to Twitter to confirm it was nothing short of plain rumour. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik steps down from KKR captaincy When asked about whether Buttler is taking over the captaincy duty for RR, McCrum tweeted: It does not. Twitter having a little too much fun today. It does not. Twitter having a little too much fun today https://t.co/S77lkTgnUx — Jake Lush McCrum (@JakeLushMcCrum) October 16, 2020 × RR have won three of their eight matches in IPL 2020 so far while being equal on points (6) with the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. RR are lying seventh in the points table due to their worrisome net run-rate but are still in contention for a playoff spot in IPL 2020. When admin realises he started a false rumour. https://t.co/QOHcJD7pNk pic.twitter.com/vXBVcizcNT — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 16, 2020 × Not only their lackluster start in the tournament but the cold form of captain Smith is coming as a major worry for the RR batting unit. While Smith got off to a superb start in IPL 2020 with scores of 69 and 50 against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab respectively, he has managed to score in double digits just once since then. Smith has scored 3, 5, 6, 24, 5 and 1 in the T20 tournament being held in the UAE after starting with a couple of a half-centuries.

IPL 2020: Jos Buttler to take over as Rajasthan Royals captain? RR COO quashes rumours

Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith is considered as one of the best batsmen in international cricket and his captaincy has been applauded by many. In a recent video posted by Rajasthan Royals, the Aussie named the best captain in world cricket currently.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/think-twice-before-hitting-it-in-air-virat-kohli-warns-kl-rahul-before-contest-in-sharjah-335464" hreflang="en">'Think twice before hitting it in air': Virat Kohli warns KL Rahul before contest in Sharjah</a>

"Who is the best captain currently in world cricket?" Buttler asked Smith.&nbsp;

After taking some time and replied: "Oh, tough question. I think Eoin Morgan maybe in one-day cricket."

"Obviously, he did very well for England. Hearing from you and Stokesy and stuff very well respected, great tactically on the field and yeah I’ll go with him," Smith told Buttler.

Buttler had a witty comeback to this statement.&nbsp;

"Tough to say that for an Aussie though," Buttler replied as both the RR cricketers shared a good laugh.

Rajasthan started well in IPL 2020, but they have witnessed a drastic fall in the form. Aussie has also seen a drop in form and has failed to perform in last few matches.&nbsp;

KKR's Eoin Morgan led England to its maiden World Cup title in 2019 and has been successful as a T20 captain too.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik also hailed the English as the world's best captain and said he is lucky to have him by his side in the ongoing IPL.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith is considered as one of the best batsmen in international cricket and his captaincy has been applauded by many. In a recent video posted by Rajasthan Royals, the Aussie named the best captain in world cricket currently.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith is considered as one of the best batsmen in international cricket and his captaincy has been applauded by many. In a recent video posted by Rajasthan Royals, the Aussie named the best captain in world cricket currently. Also read: 'Think twice before hitting it in air': Virat Kohli warns KL Rahul before contest in Sharjah "Who is the best captain currently in world cricket?" Buttler asked Smith. After taking some time and replied: "Oh, tough question. I think Eoin Morgan maybe in one-day cricket." "Obviously, he did very well for England. Hearing from you and Stokesy and stuff very well respected, great tactically on the field and yeah I’ll go with him," Smith told Buttler. Buttler had a witty comeback to this statement. "Tough to say that for an Aussie though," Buttler replied as both the RR cricketers shared a good laugh. Rajasthan started well in IPL 2020, but they have witnessed a drastic fall in the form. Aussie has also seen a drop in form and has failed to perform in last few matches. KKR's Eoin Morgan led England to its maiden World Cup title in 2019 and has been successful as a T20 captain too. Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik also hailed the English as the world's best captain and said he is lucky to have him by his side in the ongoing IPL.

'Very well respected': Steve Smith names the best captain of world cricket

Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith has become the third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> captain to be fined for slow-over rate following their defeat to Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Mumbai Indians defeated Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs with the latter being bowled out for 136 despite Jos Buttler’s cracking 70-run knock.

Smith was fined $1,600 for slow over-rate under IPL code of conduct after Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer was fined the same amount.

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The defeat to Mumbai Indians was the third in a row for the Rajasthan Royals with the Steve Smith-led outfit desperate to get back to winning ways.

Meanwhile, Stokes has arrived in Dubai from New Zealand, where he was with his ailing father, and now is undergoing a six-day quarantine and will now be able to play before Saturday.

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“I think losing wickets early doesn't help, we haven't been able to get off to a good start in the last three games. Outside of Jos and Archer at the end, we have a bit of work to do on our batting. He (Stokes) is not out till the 10th I think. He is not too far away, hopefully we can get a few wins before he's back and then gain momentum. I don't think we need to panic too much, it is just about implementing our plans and playing some good cricket for longer. We haven't been able to do that in the last three games and we have to turn it around quickly. Hopefully get a bit of momentum,” said Steve Smith after the match. 
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Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith has become the third Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 captain to be fined for slow-over rate following their defeat to Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith has become the third Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 captain to be fined for slow-over rate following their defeat to Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Mumbai Indians defeated Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs with the latter being bowled out for 136 despite Jos Buttler’s cracking 70-run knock. Smith was fined $1,600 for slow over-rate under IPL code of conduct after Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer was fined the same amount. ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad name replacement bowler after Bhuvneshwar's injury The defeat to Mumbai Indians was the third in a row for the Rajasthan Royals with the Steve Smith-led outfit desperate to get back to winning ways. Meanwhile, Stokes has arrived in Dubai from New Zealand, where he was with his ailing father, and now is undergoing a six-day quarantine and will now be able to play before Saturday. ALSO READ: Shane Watson's tweet goes viral after 'perfect match' against KXIP “I think losing wickets early doesn't help, we haven't been able to get off to a good start in the last three games. Outside of Jos and Archer at the end, we have a bit of work to do on our batting. He (Stokes) is not out till the 10th I think. He is not too far away, hopefully we can get a few wins before he's back and then gain momentum. I don't think we need to panic too much, it is just about implementing our plans and playing some good cricket for longer. We haven't been able to do that in the last three games and we have to turn it around quickly. Hopefully get a bit of momentum,” said Steve Smith after the match.

IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals' Steve Smith latest skipper fined for slow over-rate

Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday defeated Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Stadium with the latter losing their first match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. KKR bowlers stole the show with a lethal effort as they restricted RR for 137/9 to help the Dinesh Karthik-led outfit seal a comfortable 37-run win in Dubai.

While KKR posted 174/6 in 20 overs courtesy a fine knock by Shubman Gill (47) and unbeaten 34 off 23 from Eoin Morgan, RR faltered under pressure as they lost quick wickets early on and failed to recuperate from the early dismissals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/simon-doull-backs-kkr-star-shubman-gill-to-lead-an-ipl-side-in-two-years-331464" hreflang="en">Simon Doull backs KKR star Shubman Gill to lead an IPL side in two years</a>

Opting to field first, RR got rid of misfiring Sunil Narine early on before Nitish Rana (22) stitched a mini-partnership with Sunil Narine. However, with Jofra Archer bowling a peach of a spell, KKR lost skipper Dinesh Karthik (1) and Andre Russell (24), pressure was on the Kolkata outfit at one point in time. However, Morgan, Cummins (12) and Kamlesh Nagarkoti (8*) took KKR to 174-run total.&nbsp;

Chasing 175, RR lost Steve Smith (3) early on before Shivam Mavi got rid of in-form Sanju Samson (8). Robin Uthappa (2), Riyan Parag (1) followed them in quick succession. While Rahul Tewatia (14) and Tom Curran stitched a partnership down the order, it was too little too late for the Rajasthan franchise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-csk-ceo-gives-update-on-ambati-rayudu-and-dwayne-bravos-fitness-331418" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: CSK CEO gives update on Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo's fitness</a>

This was RR’s first defeat in IPL 2020 with KKR continuing their winning run after suffering defeat in their season opener.&nbsp;

KKR next face Delhi Capitals in Sharjah on Saturday with RR playing Mumbai Indians next on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday defeated Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Stadium with the latter losing their first match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday defeated Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Stadium with the latter losing their first match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. KKR bowlers stole the show with a lethal effort as they restricted RR for 137/9 to help the Dinesh Karthik-led outfit seal a comfortable 37-run win in Dubai. While KKR posted 174/6 in 20 overs courtesy a fine knock by Shubman Gill (47) and unbeaten 34 off 23 from Eoin Morgan, RR faltered under pressure as they lost quick wickets early on and failed to recuperate from the early dismissals. ALSO READ: Simon Doull backs KKR star Shubman Gill to lead an IPL side in two years Opting to field first, RR got rid of misfiring Sunil Narine early on before Nitish Rana (22) stitched a mini-partnership with Sunil Narine. However, with Jofra Archer bowling a peach of a spell, KKR lost skipper Dinesh Karthik (1) and Andre Russell (24), pressure was on the Kolkata outfit at one point in time. However, Morgan, Cummins (12) and Kamlesh Nagarkoti (8*) took KKR to 174-run total. Chasing 175, RR lost Steve Smith (3) early on before Shivam Mavi got rid of in-form Sanju Samson (8). Robin Uthappa (2), Riyan Parag (1) followed them in quick succession. While Rahul Tewatia (14) and Tom Curran stitched a partnership down the order, it was too little too late for the Rajasthan franchise. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: CSK CEO gives update on Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo's fitness This was RR’s first defeat in IPL 2020 with KKR continuing their winning run after suffering defeat in their season opener. KKR next face Delhi Capitals in Sharjah on Saturday with RR playing Mumbai Indians next on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

IPL 2020: Kolkata Knight Riders end Rajasthan Royal's unbeaten run, win by 37 runs

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face high-flying Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday as the action continues in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. Both the teams are heading into the match on the back of thumping wins in their previous matches and would be looking to continue their winning run in Dubai.&nbsp;

While KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous encounter in IPL 2020, RR chased a record 224 against Kings XI Punjab to script history. Both the teams have hit the right chords in IPL 2020 and it would be interesting to see their approach when they meet each other on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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<h2>RR vs KKR - Head-to-head stats:</h2>

Talking about head-to-head stats, both RR and KKR have won 10 matches each in their previous face-offs and the tie is firmly locked. However, in the UAE, RR have a 1-0 advantage over the Kolkata outfit and would look to continue the momentum in Dubai. Both RR and KKR have played two Super Overs as well.

In previous five matches, KKR have outplayed RR four times whereas the latter have won just 1 encounter. The team who have chased in the matches between RR and KKR hold an advantage when it comes to statistics with team batting second winning four of the five matches in the previous clashes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kkrs-karthik-picks-3-players-he-will-swap-for-rabada-iyer-and-ashwin-from-dc-330705" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Karthik picks 3 KKR players he will swap for Rabada, Iyer and Ashwin</a>

Shubman Gill shone in KKR’s win over SRH and fans will have plenty of expectations from the young batsman to take the duty forward. Whereas a lot of eyes will be on the power-hitting duo of Eoin Morgan and Andre Russel along with costliest overseas players in IPL history, Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

For RR, Sanju Samson has been the star so far with Steve Smith providing crucial starts while opening the innings. RR fans would hope Jos Buttler fires all cylinders after a disappointing outing against KXIP.&nbsp;

<h2>RR vs KKR - Squads:</h2>

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier, Rahul Tripathi, Siddhesh Lad, Nikhil Naik, Chris Green, Prasidh Krishna, Lockie Ferguson, Rinku Singh, Ali Khan, Tom Banton, Manimaran Siddharth

Rajasthan Royals Squad: Jos Buttler(w), Steven Smith(c), Sanju Samson, Rahul Tewatia, Robin Uthappa, Jofra Archer, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, David Miller, Aniruddha Joshi, Manan Vohra, Andrew Tye, Shashank Singh, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Mayank Markande, Anuj Rawat, Kartik Tyagi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Singh 
&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face high-flying Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday as the action continues in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face high-flying Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday as the action continues in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both the teams are heading into the match on the back of thumping wins in their previous matches and would be looking to continue their winning run in Dubai. While KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous encounter in IPL 2020, RR chased a record 224 against Kings XI Punjab to script history. Both the teams have hit the right chords in IPL 2020 and it would be interesting to see their approach when they meet each other on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Spin hero Rashid Khan pays tribute to late mother, his 'biggest fan' RR vs KKR - Head-to-head stats: Talking about head-to-head stats, both RR and KKR have won 10 matches each in their previous face-offs and the tie is firmly locked. However, in the UAE, RR have a 1-0 advantage over the Kolkata outfit and would look to continue the momentum in Dubai. Both RR and KKR have played two Super Overs as well. In previous five matches, KKR have outplayed RR four times whereas the latter have won just 1 encounter. The team who have chased in the matches between RR and KKR hold an advantage when it comes to statistics with team batting second winning four of the five matches in the previous clashes. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Karthik picks 3 KKR players he will swap for Rabada, Iyer and Ashwin Shubman Gill shone in KKR’s win over SRH and fans will have plenty of expectations from the young batsman to take the duty forward. Whereas a lot of eyes will be on the power-hitting duo of Eoin Morgan and Andre Russel along with costliest overseas players in IPL history, Pat Cummins. For RR, Sanju Samson has been the star so far with Steve Smith providing crucial starts while opening the innings. RR fans would hope Jos Buttler fires all cylinders after a disappointing outing against KXIP. RR vs KKR - Squads: Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier, Rahul Tripathi, Siddhesh Lad, Nikhil Naik, Chris Green, Prasidh Krishna, Lockie Ferguson, Rinku Singh, Ali Khan, Tom Banton, Manimaran Siddharth Rajasthan Royals Squad: Jos Buttler(w), Steven Smith(c), Sanju Samson, Rahul Tewatia, Robin Uthappa, Jofra Archer, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, David Miller, Aniruddha Joshi, Manan Vohra, Andrew Tye, Shashank Singh, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Mayank Markande, Anuj Rawat, Kartik Tyagi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Singh

IPL 2020, RR vs KKR Preview: Can DK and Co. stop high-flying Rajasthan Royals?

Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab in a high scoring thriller at Sharjah on Sunday. The Royals have broken their previous record of the highest successful run chase after clinching this match in the final overs.&nbsp;

Rajasthan won the toss and chose to field first. But the decision did not go as planned in the beginning after KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal put up 183 runs of opening partnership for KXIP. Agarwal scored a century. Pooran's final over hitting helped KXIP pose a mammoth total of 223.&nbsp;

Rajasthan was off to a shaky start as they lost Buttler on single digit. However, a quick partnership between skipper Smith and Samson helped Rajasthan stay in the game. But Kings XI were relieved after Smith's dismissal. Tewatia came into the strike and was struggling to score runs. Samson's wicket out on some extra pressure on RR. But Tewatia smashed five sixes of Cottrell's over to close into a massive victory. He went on to smash two more sixes in Shami's over. Tewatia was 8 off 19 balls at one stage but he went on to score 50 in just 30 balls.&nbsp;

Samson was adjudged the man of the match for his innings.&nbsp;

Rajasthan are second on the table after the win, whereas, KXIP have slipped to third.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab in a high scoring thriller at Sharjah on Sunday. The Royals have broken their previous record of the highest successful run chase after clinching this match in the final overs.

Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab in a high scoring thriller at Sharjah on Sunday. The Royals have broken their previous record of the highest successful run chase after clinching this match in the final overs. Rajasthan won the toss and chose to field first. But the decision did not go as planned in the beginning after KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal put up 183 runs of opening partnership for KXIP. Agarwal scored a century. Pooran's final over hitting helped KXIP pose a mammoth total of 223. Rajasthan was off to a shaky start as they lost Buttler on single digit. However, a quick partnership between skipper Smith and Samson helped Rajasthan stay in the game. But Kings XI were relieved after Smith's dismissal. Tewatia came into the strike and was struggling to score runs. Samson's wicket out on some extra pressure on RR. But Tewatia smashed five sixes of Cottrell's over to close into a massive victory. He went on to smash two more sixes in Shami's over. Tewatia was 8 off 19 balls at one stage but he went on to score 50 in just 30 balls. Samson was adjudged the man of the match for his innings. Rajasthan are second on the table after the win, whereas, KXIP have slipped to third.

IPL 2020: RR beat KXIP to highest successful run chase in IPL history

Rajasthan Royals are set to play Kings XI Punjab at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday as the high-octane action continues in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. Both RR and KXIP have the winning momentum and would be looking to continue the run on Sunday.

Sanju Samson and KL Rahul were the stars for RR and KXIP respectively in their previous wins in IPL 2020 as both played some fabulous cricketing strokes. While Samson smashed 74 off 32 laced by nine sixes and boundary against CSK, Rahul hammered an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls powered 14 boundaries and seven sixes.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Sharjah recorded 33 sixes in the last match between KXIP and CSK and another high-scoring encounter is expected when RR and KXIP take the field on Sunday.

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RR would be a bit wary about their bowling line-up that leaked 200 runs against CSK and a change or two could be made given that ace England batsman Jos Buttler is also available for selection. Either of David Miller or Tom Curran could make way for Butter as RR look to bolster their playing XI.

For KXIP, the bowling department has excelled with Mohammad Shami and Sheldon Cottrell making a lethal new-ball pair. Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi continues to impress and learn under Anil Kumble.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-expecting-tough-match-against-kings-xi-punjab-says-jos-buttler-330463" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Expecting tough match against Kings XI Punjab, says Jos Buttler</a>

Given that the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has the shortest boundary and a score of around 200-210 is expected again.&nbsp;

<h2 class="MsoNormal">KXIP vs RR Squads:</h2>

Kings XI Punjab Squad: Mayank Agarwal, Lokesh Rahul(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, James Neesham, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Hardus Viljoen, Jagadeesha Suchith, Ishan Porel, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Tajinder Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Simran Singh, Harpreet Brar

Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Steven Smith(c), Sanju Samson(w), Robin Uthappa, Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, David Miller, Varun Aaron, Aniruddha Joshi, Manan Vohra, Ankit Rajpoot, Andrew Tye, Shashank Singh, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Mayank Markande, Anuj Rawat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh&nbsp; 
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Rajasthan Royals are set to play Kings XI Punjab at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday as the high-octane action continues in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Rajasthan Royals are set to play Kings XI Punjab at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday as the high-octane action continues in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Both RR and KXIP have the winning momentum and would be looking to continue the run on Sunday. Sanju Samson and KL Rahul were the stars for RR and KXIP respectively in their previous wins in IPL 2020 as both played some fabulous cricketing strokes. While Samson smashed 74 off 32 laced by nine sixes and boundary against CSK, Rahul hammered an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls powered 14 boundaries and seven sixes. Interestingly, Sharjah recorded 33 sixes in the last match between KXIP and CSK and another high-scoring encounter is expected when RR and KXIP take the field on Sunday. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Shubman Gill breaks twin records after match-winning knock vs Sunrisers Hyderabad RR would be a bit wary about their bowling line-up that leaked 200 runs against CSK and a change or two could be made given that ace England batsman Jos Buttler is also available for selection. Either of David Miller or Tom Curran could make way for Butter as RR look to bolster their playing XI. For KXIP, the bowling department has excelled with Mohammad Shami and Sheldon Cottrell making a lethal new-ball pair. Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi continues to impress and learn under Anil Kumble. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Expecting tough match against Kings XI Punjab, says Jos Buttler Given that the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has the shortest boundary and a score of around 200-210 is expected again. KXIP vs RR Squads: Kings XI Punjab Squad: Mayank Agarwal, Lokesh Rahul(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, James Neesham, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Hardus Viljoen, Jagadeesha Suchith, Ishan Porel, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Tajinder Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Simran Singh, Harpreet Brar Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Steven Smith(c), Sanju Samson(w), Robin Uthappa, Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, David Miller, Varun Aaron, Aniruddha Joshi, Manan Vohra, Ankit Rajpoot, Andrew Tye, Shashank Singh, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Mayank Markande, Anuj Rawat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh

IPL 2020, RR vs KXIP Preview: Can Smith & Co. continue their winning run?

Rajasthan Royals will hope to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win as they take on Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rajasthan-royals-vs-chennai-super-kings-preview-stats-players-to-watchout-for-329380" hreflang="en">IPL 2020- RR vs CSK: Preview, stats, players to watchout for</a>

However, 'Sir Jadeja' might pose a major thorn for Steve Smith and Co. and might hamper their dreams to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win. In the head-to-head stats between the two teams, Chennai has won 14 times, whereas, Rajasthan has won 7 times and Jadeja has been vital for Chennai Super Kings during these games.&nbsp;

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A former Rajasthan Royals player has played well against his old side. Jadeja scalped 16 wickets in 14 matches against Rajasthan Royals. He has an average of 19 and a strike rate of 15.8 against RR, which is better than any other active team.&nbsp;

Jadeja has been a nightmare for RR skipper Steve Smith as the left-arm spinner dismissed the Aussie five times. Ravindra Jadeja has picked up two 4-fors against RR.&nbsp;

Looking at the conditions in the UAE, Jadeja might just be Dhoni's trump card tonight.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals will hope to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win as they take on Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Also read: IPL 2020- RR vs CSK: Preview, stats, players to watchout for However, 'Sir Jadeja' might pose a major thorn for Steve Smith and Co.

Rajasthan Royals will hope to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win as they take on Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Also read: IPL 2020- RR vs CSK: Preview, stats, players to watchout for However, 'Sir Jadeja' might pose a major thorn for Steve Smith and Co. and might hamper their dreams to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win. In the head-to-head stats between the two teams, Chennai has won 14 times, whereas, Rajasthan has won 7 times and Jadeja has been vital for Chennai Super Kings during these games. IN PICS: In pics- IPL trivia: Top 5 batsmen with highest individual scores! A former Rajasthan Royals player has played well against his old side. Jadeja scalped 16 wickets in 14 matches against Rajasthan Royals. He has an average of 19 and a strike rate of 15.8 against RR, which is better than any other active team. Jadeja has been a nightmare for RR skipper Steve Smith as the left-arm spinner dismissed the Aussie five times. Ravindra Jadeja has picked up two 4-fors against RR. Looking at the conditions in the UAE, Jadeja might just be Dhoni's trump card tonight.

IPL 2020: Ravindra Jadeja, a biggest thorn for Rajasthan Royals and Steve Smith

Rajasthan Royals, led by Steve Smiths, will hope to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win as they take on Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Rajasthan Royals, led by Steve Smiths, will hope to begin their IPL 2020 campaign with a win as they take on Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. IN PICS| IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE Chennai Super Kings began their IPL campaign with a five-wicket win against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Saturday. Also read: IPL 2020: After Preity, Ness Wadia reacts to 'short run' controversy during KXIP vs DC Royals will pose a tough challenge to Dhoni and Co. this year, despite having a poor run last season. Cricketing stalwarts like Steve Smith, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler have been in the top form currently and will be an asset to the Royals tonight. However, Buttler will be missing out the opening match. The squad of Rajasthan Royals include Robin Uthappa, who could replace Buttler and is one fifty shy from getting 25 half-centuries in the Indian Premier League. Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the young gun to watch out for. Jaiswal was the leading run-getter during India’s run to the final of the Under 19 World Cup earlier in the year. He also remains the youngest Indian to score a double ton in List A cricket. He might even open the innings for Royals. Sanju Samson has been in top form for Royals in yesteryears, he will be expected to perform well this year too. In terms of hard-hitters, David Miller and all-rounder Tom Curran could be a part of the playing XI tonight. Chennai Super Kings players are confident after their latest win over Mumbai Indians. Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis have been in top form and scored half-centuries in the previous match. Dhoni's form with the bat is still not known as he did not play many balls last match. Jadeja, Ngidi and Chahar are expected to lead CSK's bowling department. According to coach Stephen Fleming, Bravo will be missing this match too. STATS In the last five matches between the two sides, CSK have beaten RR 4-1. MILESTONE ALERT CSK skipper MS Dhoni needs 68 more runs to complete 4500 IPL runs. RR player David Miller needs one catch to complete 50 IPL catches. CSK duo Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu need 43 and 45 runs respectively to complete 1000 IPL runs for Chennai Super Kings. Expected Playing XI Chennai Super Kings: Murali Vijay, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla, Lungi Ngidi Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Robin Uthappa, Steve Smith (c), David Miller, Sanju Samson (wk), Tom Curran, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Rajpoot

IPL 2020- Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview, stats, players to watchout for

Chennai Super Kings bowling consultant Eric Simons has said that Aussie cricketers like Steve Smith and David Warner will remain in for isolation for six days post-arrival in the UAE for the Indian Premier League. These players will have to remain in isolation despite having spent time at the bio-secure bubble in the UK.&nbsp;

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After the third and final ODI against England, Steve Smith, David Warner and Josh Hazlewood will join their respective IPL teams in the UAE.&nbsp;

“We are hearing - although it’s not confirmed yet - that they will also have to self-isolate in their rooms for six days and produce negative tests on the first, third and sixth days before they can join us,” Simons wrote in his column for ‘Manners on Cricket’ website.

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“We had hoped that they could all move from their current bio-secure bubbles into ours but it seems likely that there will be no ‘leniency’, which is understandable. Apart from our brilliant Indian players, led by the ageless MS Dhoni, we do have Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi in full training so there’s no shortage of talent.”

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The Australians will arrive in the UAE on September 17. According to Simons, the players in CSK will have to wear a smart health tracking device whenever they step out of hotel rooms.

“We were issued with tracking devices to be worn around our necks whenever we left our hotel rooms but our physiotherapist has been very creative in turning them into ‘watches’ so at least that doesn’t feel restrictive,” said the former South African coach.

CSK has reported 13 cases of coronavirus since they arrived in the UAE. These cases include two players.&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings bowling consultant Eric Simons has said that Aussie cricketers like Steve Smith and David Warner will remain in for isolation for six days post-arrival in the UAE for the Indian Premier League.

Chennai Super Kings bowling consultant Eric Simons has said that Aussie cricketers like Steve Smith and David Warner will remain in for isolation for six days post-arrival in the UAE for the Indian Premier League. These players will have to remain in isolation despite having spent time at the bio-secure bubble in the UK. Also read: IPL can help Australian and Indian players with 'challenging' practice before December series: Chappel After the third and final ODI against England, Steve Smith, David Warner and Josh Hazlewood will join their respective IPL teams in the UAE. “We are hearing - although it’s not confirmed yet - that they will also have to self-isolate in their rooms for six days and produce negative tests on the first, third and sixth days before they can join us,” Simons wrote in his column for ‘Manners on Cricket’ website. In pics: IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise “We had hoped that they could all move from their current bio-secure bubbles into ours but it seems likely that there will be no ‘leniency’, which is understandable. Apart from our brilliant Indian players, led by the ageless MS Dhoni, we do have Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi in full training so there’s no shortage of talent.” In pics: IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players The Australians will arrive in the UAE on September 17. According to Simons, the players in CSK will have to wear a smart health tracking device whenever they step out of hotel rooms. “We were issued with tracking devices to be worn around our necks whenever we left our hotel rooms but our physiotherapist has been very creative in turning them into ‘watches’ so at least that doesn’t feel restrictive,” said the former South African coach. CSK has reported 13 cases of coronavirus since they arrived in the UAE. These cases include two players.

IPL 2020: Australian players to remain in isolation for six days, says CSK bowling consultant Simons

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion.

Smith was sidelined from the first of a three-match series after being hit on the head batting in the nets, from a delivery by one of Australia's fast bowlers, but rather a throw-down from a member of the coaching staff.

An Australia team spokesman said Smith was being rested as a precaution despite passing a concussion assessment and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's second ODI.

"Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three."

Smith was dramatically felled by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during last year's drawn second Test at Lord's, paving the way for Marnus Labuschagne to become international cricket's first concussion substitute.

Despite missing the third Test at Headingley, Smith still scored 774 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of over 110 during a five-match series that ended all square at 2-2.

In the 31-year-old former captain Smith's absence, Australia slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs on Friday after losing the toss.

Stoinis was well caught by diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off fast bowler Mark Wood for 43, featuring six fours. Then both Labuschagne (21) and Alex Carey (10) fell to leg-spinner Adil Rashid in what was Australia's first one-day international against England since an eight-wicket defeat by the eventual champions in last year's World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion.

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion. Smith was sidelined from the first of a three-match series after being hit on the head batting in the nets, from a delivery by one of Australia's fast bowlers, but rather a throw-down from a member of the coaching staff. An Australia team spokesman said Smith was being rested as a precaution despite passing a concussion assessment and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's second ODI. "Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three." Smith was dramatically felled by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during last year's drawn second Test at Lord's, paving the way for Marnus Labuschagne to become international cricket's first concussion substitute. Despite missing the third Test at Headingley, Smith still scored 774 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of over 110 during a five-match series that ended all square at 2-2. In the 31-year-old former captain Smith's absence, Australia slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs on Friday after losing the toss. Stoinis was well caught by diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off fast bowler Mark Wood for 43, featuring six fours. Then both Labuschagne (21) and Alex Carey (10) fell to leg-spinner Adil Rashid in what was Australia's first one-day international against England since an eight-wicket defeat by the eventual champions in last year's World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

Australia's Smith to have new concussion test ahead of 2nd England ODI

Master batsman Steve Smith says Australia have “unfinished business” in England, with the achievement of retaining the Ashes last year tempered by defeat in the final test that levelled the series 2-2.

Tim Paine’s Australia retained the urn in England for the first time since 2001, earning a hero’s reception back home, but the loss at The Oval left a sour taste for Smith.

“To know that we’d got the Ashes back was pretty special,” he said in comments published on Cricket Australia’s website.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t win them which is something I’d still like to do.

“From my personal perspective, I think it’s unfinished business.

“It’s great to retain the Ashes but it just doesn’t sit right with me when you don’t win it.

“So I probably left at the end of the fifth test (feeling) more disappointed than a sense of achievement.”

Smith was awarded the Compton-Miller Medal as player of the series after scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57 from four tests.

He was forced to miss the third test with concussion after being struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s which sent a shudder through the Australian camp.

Smith, who scored 211 in the fourth test at Old Trafford to ensure Australia retained the urn, said he had no problem watching the replay of the Archer delivery that felled him.

“I’ve seen it a few times. It’s not hard to watch,” he said.

Australia will look to retain the Ashes at home in 2021/22 and the 31-year-old Smith must wait until 2023 for another chance to beat England away.

“Hopefully I get another crack at it, we’ll see how we go,” he said. “I’m getting a bit old now.

“But it’s certainly something to strive for, that’s for sure.”

Master batsman Steve Smith says Australia have “unfinished business” in England, with the achievement of retaining the Ashes last year tempered by defeat in the final test that levelled the series 2-2.

Master batsman Steve Smith says Australia have “unfinished business” in England, with the achievement of retaining the Ashes last year tempered by defeat in the final test that levelled the series 2-2. Tim Paine’s Australia retained the urn in England for the first time since 2001, earning a hero’s reception back home, but the loss at The Oval left a sour taste for Smith. “To know that we’d got the Ashes back was pretty special,” he said in comments published on Cricket Australia’s website. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t win them which is something I’d still like to do. “From my personal perspective, I think it’s unfinished business. “It’s great to retain the Ashes but it just doesn’t sit right with me when you don’t win it. “So I probably left at the end of the fifth test (feeling) more disappointed than a sense of achievement.” Smith was awarded the Compton-Miller Medal as player of the series after scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57 from four tests. He was forced to miss the third test with concussion after being struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s which sent a shudder through the Australian camp. Smith, who scored 211 in the fourth test at Old Trafford to ensure Australia retained the urn, said he had no problem watching the replay of the Archer delivery that felled him. “I’ve seen it a few times. It’s not hard to watch,” he said. Australia will look to retain the Ashes at home in 2021/22 and the 31-year-old Smith must wait until 2023 for another chance to beat England away. “Hopefully I get another crack at it, we’ll see how we go,” he said. “I’m getting a bit old now. “But it’s certainly something to strive for, that’s for sure.”

Drawing Ashes in England was 'disappointing' - Smith

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