Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed South African pacer Dale Steyn's tally of 439 Test wickets here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

Ashwin bagged his 440th Test wicket on Day 3 of the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.

The veteran spinner, who removed Dhananjaya de Silva for his 440th Test wicket, has now become the 8th highest wicket-taker in the history of red-ball cricket.

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Ashwin trails the likes of Muthiah Muralidaran (800), Shane Warne (708), and James Anderson (640) - the top 3.

However, he is third among currently active players, behind Anderson and Stuart Broad (537).

Ashwin is, at present, India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble who has 619 wickets in the longest format of the game.

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In the first Test match of the series in Mohali, Ashwin had overtaken Kapil Dev's tally of 434 wickets to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the longest format.

The hosts are just six wickets away from victory as they dismissed three batters to leave the visitors at 151/4 at Tea on Day-3 of the second Test being played here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed South African pacer Dale Steyn's tally of 439 Test wickets here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. Ashwin bagged his 440th Test wicket on Day 3 of the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed South African pacer Dale Steyn's tally of 439 Test wickets here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. Ashwin bagged his 440th Test wicket on Day 3 of the ongoing pink-ball Test match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The veteran spinner, who removed Dhananjaya de Silva for his 440th Test wicket, has now become the 8th highest wicket-taker in the history of red-ball cricket. ALSO READ: 'I love his game': Legendary Kapil Dev heaps praise on Ravindra Jadeja after his heroics against Sri Lanka Ashwin trails the likes of Muthiah Muralidaran (800), Shane Warne (708), and James Anderson (640) - the top 3. However, he is third among currently active players, behind Anderson and Stuart Broad (537). Ashwin is, at present, India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble who has 619 wickets in the longest format of the game. ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer becomes first Indian to achieve rare feat with twin half-centuries in pink-ball Test vs Sri Lanka In the first Test match of the series in Mohali, Ashwin had overtaken Kapil Dev's tally of 434 wickets to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the longest format. The hosts are just six wickets away from victory as they dismissed three batters to leave the visitors at 151/4 at Tea on Day-3 of the second Test being played here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Dale Steyn, becomes 8th highest wicket-taker in Test cricket

Imam-ul-Haq smashed his second hundred in the run-fest in Rawalpindi but Australia's first test in Pakistan in 24 years ended in a dull draw on Tuesday.

Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had evaporated.

Pakistan decided to bat on allowing Imam, who went into the match without a century in his previous 11 tests, to score his second hundred of the contest.

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The bespectacled left-hander's unbeaten 111 included seven boundaries and two sixes. Imam went on to win the man-of-the-match award.

His opening partner Abdullah Shafique, who made 136 not out, also brought up his maiden test century as Pakistan posted 252 for no loss in their second innings before the teams shook hands and left.

A total of 1,187 runs were scored over five days and only 14 wickets fell in what Australia's Steve Smith called a "pretty benign, dead wicket" which risks censure from the game's governing body.

With draw looming as the only possible result, Australia captain Pat Cummins shielded his frontline quicks and used as many as nine bowlers in Pakistan's second innings.

Earlier, after the tourists began the final day on 449-7, Pakistan took 11 deliveries to claim the last three Australian wickets.

Nauman Ali dismissed Cummins for eight, and both Mitchell Starc and Lyon fell lbw as Australia finished 17 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total.

Each of Australia`s top four batsmen crossed the 50-mark but could not convert them into hundreds and the tourists lost their last six wickets for 52 runs.

Left-arm spinner Nauman claimed a career-best 6-107 on a flat track where bowlers struggled for success.

When Pakistan came out to bat for a second time in the match, Cummins saw no point in straining his pace attack on the unresponsive track.

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On Tuesday the pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled a combined 16 out of their 77 overs.

Off-spinner Lyon alone sent down 26 overs, while part-timers Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja were also utilised.

Imam-ul-Haq smashed his second hundred in the run-fest in Rawalpindi but Australia's first test in Pakistan in 24 years ended in a dull draw on Tuesday. Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Imam-ul-Haq smashed his second hundred in the run-fest in Rawalpindi but Australia's first test in Pakistan in 24 years ended in a dull draw on Tuesday. Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had evaporated. Pakistan decided to bat on allowing Imam, who went into the match without a century in his previous 11 tests, to score his second hundred of the contest. ALSO READ: THROWBACK: When Dravid proved Arun Lal's prediction wrong by hitting a huge six in Indo-Pak Test - WATCH The bespectacled left-hander's unbeaten 111 included seven boundaries and two sixes. Imam went on to win the man-of-the-match award. His opening partner Abdullah Shafique, who made 136 not out, also brought up his maiden test century as Pakistan posted 252 for no loss in their second innings before the teams shook hands and left. A total of 1,187 runs were scored over five days and only 14 wickets fell in what Australia's Steve Smith called a "pretty benign, dead wicket" which risks censure from the game's governing body. With draw looming as the only possible result, Australia captain Pat Cummins shielded his frontline quicks and used as many as nine bowlers in Pakistan's second innings. Earlier, after the tourists began the final day on 449-7, Pakistan took 11 deliveries to claim the last three Australian wickets. Nauman Ali dismissed Cummins for eight, and both Mitchell Starc and Lyon fell lbw as Australia finished 17 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total. Each of Australia`s top four batsmen crossed the 50-mark but could not convert them into hundreds and the tourists lost their last six wickets for 52 runs. Left-arm spinner Nauman claimed a career-best 6-107 on a flat track where bowlers struggled for success. When Pakistan came out to bat for a second time in the match, Cummins saw no point in straining his pace attack on the unresponsive track. ALSO READ: If Kohli, Rohit & Bumrah don't play...: Ex-opener on Dravid & Co. fielding 2 different playing XIs in Tests On Tuesday the pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled a combined 16 out of their 77 overs. Off-spinner Lyon alone sent down 26 overs, while part-timers Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja were also utilised.

Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test: Rawalpindi run-fest ends in a dull draw

India thrashed Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener, in Mohali, to win by an innings and 222 runs. Despite the big win, Rohit Sharma's Team India is at the fourth position in the points table of the ongoing second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.&nbsp;

Following the Mohali Test win, India's percentage points have improved (54.16) but they still have a lot to do if they need to qualify for the WTC final. Australia&nbsp;(77.77), Pakistan (66.66), Sri Lanka (66.66), and South Africa (60) are at the top four.&nbsp;India&nbsp;will play Sri Lanka in the second and final Test and then lock horns with&nbsp;England in their remaining one Test (away), Bangladesh in two Tests (away) before hosting Australia in a four-match series in the remainder of their second cycle.

Prior to the second Test versus the Lankans, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra made a bold claim and predicted the finalists for the ongoing WTC cycle. Chopra feels defending champions Kane Williamson's New Zealand won't qualify whereas named two teams who can meet in the finale.

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“India need to get 100 percent points in the four-match series against Australia. You cannot draw, you have to win all four games,” Aakash said on his official YouTube channel.&nbsp;"We're likely to win against Sri Lanka 2-0. We have to play Bangladesh away, I'm confident we can win there. And the one one-off Test against England. We lost the series in South Africa, so it is not going to be easy," he asserted.

"They (New Zealand) have only 2 Tests remaining at home. They have drawn series against Bangladesh and South Africa. New Zealand won't qualify. Even if they win their remaining two Tests at home against Sri Lanka, they have two Tests away against Pakistan (and 3 against England). It is over for them, they won't qualify,”&nbsp;the former cricketer further opined.

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"I am not counting England, Bangladesh, West Indies, and I won't count New Zealand as well. I don't think Sri Lanka have a chance at qualification. I believe it will be between three teams -- Australia, India, and Pakistan. If Pakistan don't prepare such roads, there's a strong possibility of a Pakistan-Australia final," Chopra added. The veteran also named Dean Elgar-led South Africa as the dark horse and concluded by saying, "South Africa is a dark horse. If they beat Australia in Australia, England in England, they have a good chance. They will win at home, it is the away series that they have to focus on. So, they have a decent outside chance. But the frontrunners are Australia and Pakistan. I think that is going to be the final."

India thrashed Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener, in Mohali, to win by an innings and 222 runs. Despite the big win, Rohit Sharma's Team India is at the fourth position in the points table of the ongoing second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

India thrashed Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener, in Mohali, to win by an innings and 222 runs. Despite the big win, Rohit Sharma's Team India is at the fourth position in the points table of the ongoing second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Following the Mohali Test win, India's percentage points have improved (54.16) but they still have a lot to do if they need to qualify for the WTC final. Australia (77.77), Pakistan (66.66), Sri Lanka (66.66), and South Africa (60) are at the top four. India will play Sri Lanka in the second and final Test and then lock horns with England in their remaining one Test (away), Bangladesh in two Tests (away) before hosting Australia in a four-match series in the remainder of their second cycle. Prior to the second Test versus the Lankans, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra made a bold claim and predicted the finalists for the ongoing WTC cycle. Chopra feels defending champions Kane Williamson's New Zealand won't qualify whereas named two teams who can meet in the finale. ALSO READ | If Kohli, Rohit & Bumrah don't play...: Ex-opener on Dravid & Co. fielding 2 different playing XIs in Tests “India need to get 100 percent points in the four-match series against Australia. You cannot draw, you have to win all four games,” Aakash said on his official YouTube channel. "We're likely to win against Sri Lanka 2-0. We have to play Bangladesh away, I'm confident we can win there. And the one one-off Test against England. We lost the series in South Africa, so it is not going to be easy," he asserted. "They (New Zealand) have only 2 Tests remaining at home. They have drawn series against Bangladesh and South Africa. New Zealand won't qualify. Even if they win their remaining two Tests at home against Sri Lanka, they have two Tests away against Pakistan (and 3 against England). It is over for them, they won't qualify,” the former cricketer further opined. ALSO READ | Mayank or Gill: Gavaskar shares his pick, suggests who should open with Rohit Sharma in 2nd Test vs SL "I am not counting England, Bangladesh, West Indies, and I won't count New Zealand as well. I don't think Sri Lanka have a chance at qualification. I believe it will be between three teams -- Australia, India, and Pakistan. If Pakistan don't prepare such roads, there's a strong possibility of a Pakistan-Australia final," Chopra added. The veteran also named Dean Elgar-led South Africa as the dark horse and concluded by saying, "South Africa is a dark horse. If they beat Australia in Australia, England in England, they have a good chance. They will win at home, it is the away series that they have to focus on. So, they have a decent outside chance. But the frontrunners are Australia and Pakistan. I think that is going to be the final."

WTC summit clash: Aakash Chopra rules out defending champions NZ's chances, predicts finalists

Ravindra Jadeja's performance at India's recent Test home win against Sri Lanka in Mohali has catapulted him to the no. 1 position in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings.

His unbeaten 175 lifted him up to 17 places from 54th to 37th with the bat and he added nine wickets to move up to 17th with the ball.

His all-round contribution was enough for him to regain the top all-rounder spot from Jason Holder, who had held it since February 2021.

Jadeja's only previous time on top was in August 2017, when he spent a week at number one.

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The Rawalpindi Test between host Pakistan and Australia was a batting feast, and Imam-ul-Haq celebrated by striking a century in each innings to move to a career-best 63rd with 477 points.

His teammate Azhar Ali struck 185 and moved up ten places to 12 whilst Abdullah Shafique added a second-innings century to gain 27 places to 67.

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne missed out on a century, being dismissed for 90, but that was enough to gain a point up to 936 and 12th position on his own in the list of highest-ever batting ratings.

Usman Khawaja also fell in the 90s but continued his renaissance, moving up six places to 24 with the bat, his highest position for three years.

In bowlers, Nauman Ali of Pakistan impressed with figures of 6-107 in Australia's first innings and saw him gain 19 places to 51.

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In T20I cricket, whilst the top 12 batters are unchanged, at joint thirteenth position is Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai, who's unbeaten 59 in the second match against Bangladesh at Mirpur ensured a shared series win.

For the hosts, Liton Das starred in the first match with 60, which helped him to gain 26 places to 49th over the course of the series.

With the ball, Nasum Ahmed has made his first appearance in the top 10 bowlers, thanks to his 'Player of the Match'&nbsp;performance of 4-10 in the first match.

Ravindra Jadeja's performance at India's recent Test home win against Sri Lanka in Mohali has catapulted him to the no. 1 position in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings.

Ravindra Jadeja's performance at India's recent Test home win against Sri Lanka in Mohali has catapulted him to the no. 1 position in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings. His unbeaten 175 lifted him up to 17 places from 54th to 37th with the bat and he added nine wickets to move up to 17th with the ball. His all-round contribution was enough for him to regain the top all-rounder spot from Jason Holder, who had held it since February 2021. Jadeja's only previous time on top was in August 2017, when he spent a week at number one. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Bowlers shine as West Indies beat England by 7 runs in a thriller The Rawalpindi Test between host Pakistan and Australia was a batting feast, and Imam-ul-Haq celebrated by striking a century in each innings to move to a career-best 63rd with 477 points. His teammate Azhar Ali struck 185 and moved up ten places to 12 whilst Abdullah Shafique added a second-innings century to gain 27 places to 67. Australia's Marnus Labuschagne missed out on a century, being dismissed for 90, but that was enough to gain a point up to 936 and 12th position on his own in the list of highest-ever batting ratings. Usman Khawaja also fell in the 90s but continued his renaissance, moving up six places to 24 with the bat, his highest position for three years. In bowlers, Nauman Ali of Pakistan impressed with figures of 6-107 in Australia's first innings and saw him gain 19 places to 51. ALSO READ: R Ashwin or Harbhajan Singh? Gautam Gambhir picks the more difficult off-spinner to face In T20I cricket, whilst the top 12 batters are unchanged, at joint thirteenth position is Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai, who's unbeaten 59 in the second match against Bangladesh at Mirpur ensured a shared series win. For the hosts, Liton Das starred in the first match with 60, which helped him to gain 26 places to 49th over the course of the series. With the ball, Nasum Ahmed has made his first appearance in the top 10 bowlers, thanks to his 'Player of the Match' performance of 4-10 in the first match.

ICC Test Rankings: Ravindra Jadeja becomes No.1 all-rounder after dream run in SL series opener

India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed happiness, after his side defeated Sri Lanka here at the Punjab Cricket Association, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Sunday to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin bagged four wickets in 2nd innings, as India defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test.

"It was a good start. It was a great game of cricket from our perspective. We ticked all the boxes we wanted to. To be honest I didn't think it is going to be that kind of a Test match that would get over in three days. It was a good batting pitch, there was some turn and some assistance for the seamers as well. A lot of credit to the guys, they bowled very well in tandem, kept the pressure and never made it easier for the Sri Lanka batsmen. We just ensured we applied pressure from both ends. Good signs for India cricket," said Rohit after the first Test ended.

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"Lot of performances, landmark Test match for Virat and we wanted to come out here and win the Test first and foremost. It was heartening to see such big individual performances. No thought process, it was about making the most of the bowling options we have and we want to have other options as well. We wanted to make sure he (Jayant) gets some overs," he added.

Resuming post Tea session at 120/4 the Indian spinners continued their wicket-taking spree as Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Charith Asalanka in the third ball post-tea caught by Virat Kohli making him his 435th Test victim and going past Kapil Dev to become India's second most successful Test bowler behind Anil Kumble who has 619 Test scalps to his name.

Ashwin is now ninth in the list of all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests.

Five balls later Sri Lanka lost Angelo Mathews for 28 to Ravindra Jadeja's leg before wicket and then two balls later Suranga Lakmal hold out by Jayant Yadav in mid-on without troubling the scorers.

Jadeja got two wickets in one over to take his innings tally to three wickets and match tally to eight to leave visitors tottering at 121/7.

Wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella and Lasith Embuldeniya tried hard to delay the inevitable striking a small partnership and taking their team's total beyond the 150-run mark.

Jadeja once again broke the partnership picking up his fourth wicket of the innings dismissing Embuldeniya for 2.

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Dickwella was losing partners at the other end so he started playing shots but Mohammed Shami dismissed Vishwa Fernando for a duck to leave the Islanders at 170/9.

Dickwella went on to score his half-century and was the only Lankan batter to do so in 2nd innings.

Ashwin finally dismissed no.11 batter Lahiru Kumara for 4 caught by Shami as he took his fourth scalp and Sri Lanka was bowled out for 178 in 2nd innings to succumb to a defeat by an innings and 222 runs.

India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed happiness, after his side defeated Sri Lanka here at the Punjab Cricket Association, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Sunday to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed happiness, after his side defeated Sri Lanka here at the Punjab Cricket Association, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Sunday to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin bagged four wickets in 2nd innings, as India defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test. "It was a good start. It was a great game of cricket from our perspective. We ticked all the boxes we wanted to. To be honest I didn't think it is going to be that kind of a Test match that would get over in three days. It was a good batting pitch, there was some turn and some assistance for the seamers as well. A lot of credit to the guys, they bowled very well in tandem, kept the pressure and never made it easier for the Sri Lanka batsmen. We just ensured we applied pressure from both ends. Good signs for India cricket," said Rohit after the first Test ended. ALSO READ: Jadeja, Ashwin spin India to thumping win by an innings and 222 runs in 1st Test against Sri Lanka "Lot of performances, landmark Test match for Virat and we wanted to come out here and win the Test first and foremost. It was heartening to see such big individual performances. No thought process, it was about making the most of the bowling options we have and we want to have other options as well. We wanted to make sure he (Jayant) gets some overs," he added. Resuming post Tea session at 120/4 the Indian spinners continued their wicket-taking spree as Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Charith Asalanka in the third ball post-tea caught by Virat Kohli making him his 435th Test victim and going past Kapil Dev to become India's second most successful Test bowler behind Anil Kumble who has 619 Test scalps to his name. Ashwin is now ninth in the list of all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests. Five balls later Sri Lanka lost Angelo Mathews for 28 to Ravindra Jadeja's leg before wicket and then two balls later Suranga Lakmal hold out by Jayant Yadav in mid-on without troubling the scorers. Jadeja got two wickets in one over to take his innings tally to three wickets and match tally to eight to leave visitors tottering at 121/7. Wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella and Lasith Embuldeniya tried hard to delay the inevitable striking a small partnership and taking their team's total beyond the 150-run mark. Jadeja once again broke the partnership picking up his fourth wicket of the innings dismissing Embuldeniya for 2. ALSO READ: Fan's 'I will not get married till Virat Kohli scores his 71st' poster goes viral during 1st Test vs Sri Lanka Dickwella was losing partners at the other end so he started playing shots but Mohammed Shami dismissed Vishwa Fernando for a duck to leave the Islanders at 170/9. Dickwella went on to score his half-century and was the only Lankan batter to do so in 2nd innings. Ashwin finally dismissed no.11 batter Lahiru Kumara for 4 caught by Shami as he took his fourth scalp and Sri Lanka was bowled out for 178 in 2nd innings to succumb to a defeat by an innings and 222 runs.

Great game of cricket from our perspective: Rohit Sharma lauds teammates after win over Sri Lanka in 1st Test

All-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday equalled Kapil Dev's tally of 434 Test wickets.

Ashwin achieved the feat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here in Mohali.

When the spinner takes one more wicket, he will become India's second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format, only behind Anil Kumble.

At the lunch break on Day 3, Sri Lanka's score in the second innings read 10/1 -- still trailing by 390 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne (8*) and Pathum Nissanka (1*) are currently at the crease.

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After being asked to follow on, Sri Lanka once again got off to bad start as the side lost opening batter Lahiru Thirimanne (0) in the third over of the innings.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka then ensured that the visitors do not lose any more wickets.

Earlier, resuming Day 3 at 138/4 in the first innings, overnight batters Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka added 53 runs more to the total and this saw Nissanka going past his half-century.

India finally got the breakthrough in the 58th over as Jasprit Bumrah got the better of Asalanka (29).

Niroshan Dickwella (2) failed to impress with the bat and he managed to score just 2 before being sent to the pavilion by Ravindra Jadeja.

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In the same over, Jadeja removed Suranga Lakmal (0) and Sri Lanka was reduced to 164/7.

In the end, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 174, handing India a lead of 400 runs and the hosts enforced the follow-on.

All-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday equalled Kapil Dev's tally of 434 Test wickets. Ashwin achieved the feat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here in Mohali.

All-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday equalled Kapil Dev's tally of 434 Test wickets. Ashwin achieved the feat on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here in Mohali. When the spinner takes one more wicket, he will become India's second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format, only behind Anil Kumble. At the lunch break on Day 3, Sri Lanka's score in the second innings read 10/1 -- still trailing by 390 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne (8*) and Pathum Nissanka (1*) are currently at the crease. ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja joins Gary Sobers in elite list after unbeaten 175 and 5-wicket haul in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka After being asked to follow on, Sri Lanka once again got off to bad start as the side lost opening batter Lahiru Thirimanne (0) in the third over of the innings. Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka then ensured that the visitors do not lose any more wickets. Earlier, resuming Day 3 at 138/4 in the first innings, overnight batters Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka added 53 runs more to the total and this saw Nissanka going past his half-century. India finally got the breakthrough in the 58th over as Jasprit Bumrah got the better of Asalanka (29). Niroshan Dickwella (2) failed to impress with the bat and he managed to score just 2 before being sent to the pavilion by Ravindra Jadeja. ALSO READ: Wriddhiman Saha reveals all to BCCI's probe committee about the journalist who threatened him In the same over, Jadeja removed Suranga Lakmal (0) and Sri Lanka was reduced to 164/7. In the end, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 174, handing India a lead of 400 runs and the hosts enforced the follow-on.

India vs Sri Lanka: Ravichandran Ashwin equals Kapil Dev's record of 434 Test wickets

A rollicking 96 from Rishabh Pant powered India to 357/6 at stumps on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium here on Friday.

Pant's explosive knock, feasting on a tired Sri Lanka bowling attack, tightened India's tight grip on the first day's proceedings. 
 
Resuming from 199/4 after the tea break, Pant and Shreyas Iyer took four boundaries in the first six overs of the final session.

With the duo looking increasingly comfortable at the crease and taking the attack to the Sri Lanka bowling attack, the 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket came up in 82 balls.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-tour-of-pakistan-pcb-hopes-australias-visit-will-set-an-example-for-top-teams-458925">Australia tour of Pakistan: PCB hopes Australia's visit will set an example for top teams</a> 
 
Sri Lanka's troubles increased when Lahiru Kumara walked off the field and didn't complete his over. But part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva broke the 53-run stand between Pant and Iyer with the first ball of his second spell.

De Silva got one to spin back in from round the wicket and beat Iyer's inside edge to trap him plumb lbw in front of stumps. 
 
Pant then got support from Ravindra Jadeja, who stole boundaries off de Silva and Embuldeniya. Pant was unafraid to play the waiting game while showing signs of aggression to get boundaries to reach his fifty in 73 balls. 
 
From there, Pant shifted gears blazingly, dancing down the pitch and lofting twice over long-on and deep mid-wicket for back-to-back sixes. Pant then cut Embuldeniya twice through cover and point to take 22 runs off the over. 
 
De Silva also suffered some punishment with Pant heaving a delivery over 'the bowler's head for four followed by a loft down the ground for six.

Pant further took de Silva to the cleaners, hitting successive fours through deep mid-wicket and down the ground. 
 
Sri Lanka got a much-needed breakthrough after taking the second new ball as Pant fell short of his century by just four runs.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who made 46 in his last 22 balls, tried to defend on the backfoot with no footwork off Suranga Lakmal but the ball went through the gate to clip the off-stump bail.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/because-of-his-stature-no-one-ex-selector-slams-bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-for-attending-team-meetings-458929">'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings</a> 
 
Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin slammed five fours to maintain India's comfortable hold on day one. At stumps, Jadeja was batting on 45 and Ashwin on 10. 
 
Brief scores: India 357/6 in 85 overs (Rishabh Pant 96, Hanuma Vihari 58; Lasith Embuldeniya 2/107, Dhananjaya de Silva 1/47) against Sri Lanka

A rollicking 96 from Rishabh Pant powered India to 357/6 at stumps on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium here on Friday. Pant's explosive knock, feasting on a tired Sri Lanka bowling attack, tightened India's tight grip on the first day's proceedings.

A rollicking 96 from Rishabh Pant powered India to 357/6 at stumps on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium here on Friday. Pant's explosive knock, feasting on a tired Sri Lanka bowling attack, tightened India's tight grip on the first day's proceedings. Resuming from 199/4 after the tea break, Pant and Shreyas Iyer took four boundaries in the first six overs of the final session. With the duo looking increasingly comfortable at the crease and taking the attack to the Sri Lanka bowling attack, the 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket came up in 82 balls. ALSO READ: Australia tour of Pakistan: PCB hopes Australia's visit will set an example for top teams Sri Lanka's troubles increased when Lahiru Kumara walked off the field and didn't complete his over. But part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva broke the 53-run stand between Pant and Iyer with the first ball of his second spell. De Silva got one to spin back in from round the wicket and beat Iyer's inside edge to trap him plumb lbw in front of stumps. Pant then got support from Ravindra Jadeja, who stole boundaries off de Silva and Embuldeniya. Pant was unafraid to play the waiting game while showing signs of aggression to get boundaries to reach his fifty in 73 balls. From there, Pant shifted gears blazingly, dancing down the pitch and lofting twice over long-on and deep mid-wicket for back-to-back sixes. Pant then cut Embuldeniya twice through cover and point to take 22 runs off the over. De Silva also suffered some punishment with Pant heaving a delivery over 'the bowler's head for four followed by a loft down the ground for six. Pant further took de Silva to the cleaners, hitting successive fours through deep mid-wicket and down the ground. Sri Lanka got a much-needed breakthrough after taking the second new ball as Pant fell short of his century by just four runs. The wicketkeeper-batter, who made 46 in his last 22 balls, tried to defend on the backfoot with no footwork off Suranga Lakmal but the ball went through the gate to clip the off-stump bail. ALSO READ: 'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin slammed five fours to maintain India's comfortable hold on day one. At stumps, Jadeja was batting on 45 and Ashwin on 10. Brief scores: India 357/6 in 85 overs (Rishabh Pant 96, Hanuma Vihari 58; Lasith Embuldeniya 2/107, Dhananjaya de Silva 1/47) against Sri Lanka

Rishabh Pant misses out on his hundred as India post 357/6 on Day 1 of 1st Test against Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club.

Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma.

Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned,"&nbsp;Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI.

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'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> on his landmark Test. 
 
Full interview coming up on <a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a>. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VK100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VK100</a> <a href="https://t.co/SFehIolPwb">pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1499300756205101058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of&nbsp;50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries&nbsp;among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club. Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma. Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned," Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI. 'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - @imVkohli on his landmark Test. Full interview coming up on https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ. Stay tuned! #VK100 pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb — BCCI (@BCCI) March 3, 2022 × "I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added. In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of 50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format.

Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli."

Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year. While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format. Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli." Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test

Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites

Wriddhiman Saha has warned the 'respected' journalist, who threatened him for not giving an interview, and stated that he will not take such a behaviour if repeated. He, however, has&nbsp;chosen to not reveal his/her identity this time around.

On February 19, Saha wasn't named in India's squad for the two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Following his omission, Saha revealed that a well-known journalist is threatening him after the veteran cricketer didn't entertain his/her request for an interview. Thus, the 37-year-old didn't hold back and shared a screenshot of his conversation with the journalist.

Back then, Saha took to his official Twitter handle where he shared a picture of the chat and captioned the post, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whoever-you-are-youre-talking-like-a-kidnapper-aakash-chopra-to-journalist-who-threatened-wriddhiman-saha-455410">Whoever you are, you're talking like a kidnapper: Aakash Chopra to journalist who threatened Wriddhiman Saha</a>

While many former cricketers -- such as Ravi Shastri, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Aakash Chopra, etc. -- urged Saha to reveal the identity of the journalist, the&nbsp;veteran keeper-batter Saha has chosen to not share any further detail but left a stern warning for him/her. He took to his official Twitter handle, on Tuesday evening (February 22), and wrote, "I was hurt and offended. I thought not to tolerate such kind of behaviour and didn’t want anyone to go through these kind of bullying. I decided I will go out and expose the chat in public eye, but not his/her name. My nature isn't such that I will harm anyone to the extent of ending someone’s career. So on grounds of humanity looking at his/her family, I am not exposing the name for the time being. But if any such repetition happens, I will not hold back."

"I thank each and everyone who has shown support and extended their willingness to help. My gratitude," he added.

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1/3- I was hurt and offended. I thought not to tolerate such kind of behaviour and didn’t want anyone to go through these kind of bullying. I decided I will go out and expose the chat in public eye, but not his/her name
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wriddhipops/status/1496101544311537665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-will-ask-wriddhiman-saha-about-his-tweet-and-if-he-was-bullied-says-treasurer-arun-dhumal-455301">BCCI will ask Wriddhiman Saha about his tweet and if he was bullied, says Treasurer Arun Dhumal</a>

It will be interesting to see if Saha reveals the name of the journalist to the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI. Talking about his future in whites, his return looks difficult given he isn't playing the Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition -- due to personal reasons -- and has been told by head coach Rahul Dravid that the team management is looking to groom a young&nbsp;KS Bharat for the second keeper-batter slot (with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice).

Wriddhiman Saha has warned the 'respected' journalist, who threatened him for not giving an interview, and stated that he will not take such a behaviour if repeated.

Wriddhiman Saha has warned the 'respected' journalist, who threatened him for not giving an interview, and stated that he will not take such a behaviour if repeated. He, however, has chosen to not reveal his/her identity this time around. On February 19, Saha wasn't named in India's squad for the two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Following his omission, Saha revealed that a well-known journalist is threatening him after the veteran cricketer didn't entertain his/her request for an interview. Thus, the 37-year-old didn't hold back and shared a screenshot of his conversation with the journalist. Back then, Saha took to his official Twitter handle where he shared a picture of the chat and captioned the post, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone." ALSO READ | Whoever you are, you're talking like a kidnapper: Aakash Chopra to journalist who threatened Wriddhiman Saha While many former cricketers -- such as Ravi Shastri, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Aakash Chopra, etc. -- urged Saha to reveal the identity of the journalist, the veteran keeper-batter Saha has chosen to not share any further detail but left a stern warning for him/her. He took to his official Twitter handle, on Tuesday evening (February 22), and wrote, "I was hurt and offended. I thought not to tolerate such kind of behaviour and didn’t want anyone to go through these kind of bullying. I decided I will go out and expose the chat in public eye, but not his/her name. My nature isn't such that I will harm anyone to the extent of ending someone’s career. So on grounds of humanity looking at his/her family, I am not exposing the name for the time being. But if any such repetition happens, I will not hold back." "I thank each and everyone who has shown support and extended their willingness to help. My gratitude," he added. 1/3- I was hurt and offended. I thought not to tolerate such kind of behaviour and didn’t want anyone to go through these kind of bullying. I decided I will go out and expose the chat in public eye, but not his/her name — Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 22, 2022 × ALSO READ | BCCI will ask Wriddhiman Saha about his tweet and if he was bullied, says Treasurer Arun Dhumal It will be interesting to see if Saha reveals the name of the journalist to the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI. Talking about his future in whites, his return looks difficult given he isn't playing the Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition -- due to personal reasons -- and has been told by head coach Rahul Dravid that the team management is looking to groom a young KS Bharat for the second keeper-batter slot (with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice).

Not naming for family's sake, but will not hold back if it's repeated: Wriddhiman Saha warns journalist

India's Test squad for the forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka was announced on Saturday (February 19). Among the notable omissions, senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma's absence made heads turn.

While Pujara-Rahane are busy in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition, Saha's future seems to be, more or less, sealed after the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter revealed his chat with head coach Rahul Dravid. Saha mentioned that Dravid had a conversation with him, where he revealed that the national side is looking at KS Bharat as the second keeper-batter to Rishabh Pant and not him. In addition, he suggested Saha&nbsp;take a call on his future.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dravid-suggested-retirement-ganguly-assured-test-spot-wriddhiman-saha-makes-explosive-revelations-454719">Dravid suggested retirement, Ganguly assured Test spot: Wriddhiman Saha makes explosive revelations</a>

Following Dravid's remark, Saha's childhood coach Jayant&nbsp;Bhowmik told India Today, "Rahul Dravid is a gentleman. I have heard what he has said. It's alright. But then, even now Indian team has players who are in their late 30s. Everyone knows that Wriddhiman Saha is still No.1 wicketkeeper in the world. Then, what is the problem?"

He further asserted, "There should not be different criteria for different people when it comes to selection. That's unfair. How can this happen? I spoke to Wriddhiman Saha this morning. He is mentally very strong. His mental strength won't be affected because of all this. He is exceptional.

"But what hurts me is Saha is someone who loves the sport, contributed so much to his country and sport but he has been left out without a proper criterion," Jayanta added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-hurt-by-wriddhiman-sahas-comments-he-deserved-honesty-and-clarity-about-his-position-rahul-dravid-454972">Not hurt by Wriddhiman Saha's comments, he deserved honesty and clarity about his position: Rahul Dravid</a>

Not being a part of the Ranji season for Bengal, due to personal reasons, it will be difficult for Saha to reclaim his spot in whites. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India are gearing up for three T20Is versus Sri Lanka before the action moves to the two Tests, starting on March 4.

India's Test squad for the forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka was announced on Saturday (February 19). Among the notable omissions, senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma's absence made heads turn.

India's Test squad for the forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka was announced on Saturday (February 19). Among the notable omissions, senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma's absence made heads turn. While Pujara-Rahane are busy in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition, Saha's future seems to be, more or less, sealed after the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter revealed his chat with head coach Rahul Dravid. Saha mentioned that Dravid had a conversation with him, where he revealed that the national side is looking at KS Bharat as the second keeper-batter to Rishabh Pant and not him. In addition, he suggested Saha take a call on his future. ALSO READ | Dravid suggested retirement, Ganguly assured Test spot: Wriddhiman Saha makes explosive revelations Following Dravid's remark, Saha's childhood coach Jayant Bhowmik told India Today, "Rahul Dravid is a gentleman. I have heard what he has said. It's alright. But then, even now Indian team has players who are in their late 30s. Everyone knows that Wriddhiman Saha is still No.1 wicketkeeper in the world. Then, what is the problem?" He further asserted, "There should not be different criteria for different people when it comes to selection. That's unfair. How can this happen? I spoke to Wriddhiman Saha this morning. He is mentally very strong. His mental strength won't be affected because of all this. He is exceptional. "But what hurts me is Saha is someone who loves the sport, contributed so much to his country and sport but he has been left out without a proper criterion," Jayanta added. ALSO READ | Not hurt by Wriddhiman Saha's comments, he deserved honesty and clarity about his position: Rahul Dravid Not being a part of the Ranji season for Bengal, due to personal reasons, it will be difficult for Saha to reclaim his spot in whites. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India are gearing up for three T20Is versus Sri Lanka before the action moves to the two Tests, starting on March 4.

Shouldn't be different selection criteria for different people: Wriddhiman Saha's coach on Dravid's remark

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the two-match test series against South Africa later this month after failing to recover in time from a long-standing elbow injury, the country`s cricket board (NZC) said on Monday. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and opener Hamish Rutherford have been recalled for the first game while wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher and fast bowler Blair Tickner were given maiden call-ups to the test side, which will be led by Tom Latham.

The first test starts at Christchurch`s Hagley Oval on Feb. 17. "(Kane) was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for test cricket, we had to make the tough call... and focus on returning for the white-ball matches against the Netherlands in March," said Kiwi head coach Gary Stead. 
The 31-year-old Williamson also sat out the two-test home series against Bangladesh last month due to the niggling elbow issue.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2022-tickets-for-india-pakistan-clash-at-the-mcg-sold-out-in-a-flash-451271">T20 World Cup 2022: Tickets for India-Pakistan clash, at the MCG, SOLD OUT in a flash</a>

Seamer Trent Boult will also be unavailable as he awaits the birth of his third child, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel could potentially be in the fray for the second test. "It`s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second," added Stead.

Squad for the first Test:

Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the two-match test series against South Africa later this month after failing to recover in time from a long-standing elbow injury, the country`s cricket board (NZC) said on Monday.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the two-match test series against South Africa later this month after failing to recover in time from a long-standing elbow injury, the country`s cricket board (NZC) said on Monday. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and opener Hamish Rutherford have been recalled for the first game while wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher and fast bowler Blair Tickner were given maiden call-ups to the test side, which will be led by Tom Latham. The first test starts at Christchurch`s Hagley Oval on Feb. 17. "(Kane) was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for test cricket, we had to make the tough call... and focus on returning for the white-ball matches against the Netherlands in March," said Kiwi head coach Gary Stead. The 31-year-old Williamson also sat out the two-test home series against Bangladesh last month due to the niggling elbow issue. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup 2022: Tickets for India-Pakistan clash, at the MCG, SOLD OUT in a flash Seamer Trent Boult will also be unavailable as he awaits the birth of his third child, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel could potentially be in the fray for the second test. "It`s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second," added Stead. Squad for the first Test: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson ruled out of South Africa series due to long-standing elbow injury

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not&nbsp;managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard.&nbsp;

During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match.

Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theres-not-an-iota-of-md-shami-mentions-indias-ex-head-coach-ravi-shastris-stand-out-quality-450200">'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality</a>

Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6.

The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul &amp; Co. lost 3-0.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests.

Team India have often struggled to get rid of the opposition's tail and also not managed contributions from the lower-order at regular intervals, especially while playing away Tests. However, things have changed for the good in the past year with the lower-order often bailing the team out of crisis and adding valuable runs to the scoreboard. During India's 2021 five-match Test series versus England, in the United Kingdom, the then Virat Kohli-led side played a riveting second Test versus Joe Root-led England at Lord's. During the fifth day, the play started with India 181-6, leading the hosts by 154 runs. The overnight batters -- Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma -- returned back to the pavillion in a jiffy as it seemed like India will manage to set up a target close to 200, or slightly above it. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami joined together in the middle, with India reeling at 209-8, and stitched an unbeaten 89-run ninth-wicket stand, withstanding the short-ball ploy from the English seamers to take the team total to 298-8 (declare). While Bumrah remained unbeaten on 34, Shami registered a memorable fifty (second in whites) to remain 56 not out. Setting up a competitive 272-run target, India beat England by 151 runs after dismissing them for a paltry 124 in the final session of the match. Recently, during an interview with India.com, Shami reflected back on his vital knock in the Lord's Test and slammed his critics saying that he is scared of short-pitched deliveries. "Let me tell you something. I was never scared of the short ball as many people thought it to be. I have always enjoyed my batting and I do try to contribute as much as possible with the bat and help the team. If I was scared of the short ball, I wouldn’t have scored that half-century at Lord’s. So I don’t think much about it,” the 31-year-old concluded. ALSO READ | 'There's not an iota of....': Md Shami mentions India's ex-head coach Ravi Shastri's stand-out quality Shami, who has an ODI World Cup hat-trick up his sleeves and remains a regular in India's Test line-up, has been rested for the India-West Indies white-ball series at home, which gets underway on February 6. The experienced pacer had a good run in the India-South Africa Tests, early this year, returning with 14 wickets (most among Indians). He wasn't part of the three ODIs, which KL Rahul & Co. lost 3-0.

If I was scared of short balls, I wouldn’t have scored fifty in Lord's Test vs England: Md Shami slams critics

Virat Kohli's glorious Test captaincy tenure: Reliving former skipper's inspiring run as leader in whites

Virat Kohli, on Saturday (January 15), dropped a bomb by stepping down as the Indian Test captain, a day after India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar's South Africa in their ongoing tour of the African nation. Under Kohli, India became one of the most successful Test teams in the modern-era as the 33-year-old led the national side to 40 wins in 68 Tests.

Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-had-no-pressure-from-the-board-selectors-bcci-treasurer-reacts-to-kohli-leaving-test-captaincy-445254">Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy</a>

Kohli's resignation as Test captain came as a huge shocker to the cricketing fraternity given how much he loves to lead from the front in whites and the resounding success India has achieved under him.&nbsp;

According to a report filed by&nbsp;Hindustan Times,&nbsp;it has been learned that Kohli was offered a farewell Test as captain by the Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official. As per the report, the board official had come up with an offer for Kohli to have a farewell Test as skipper along with a gala in Bengaluru (where the forthcoming home series opener versus Sri Lanka will be held next month) during his telephonic conversation. "One match makes no difference. That’s not how I am,” Kohli is reportedly known to have said in his reply.&nbsp;For the unversed, Kohli's next Test will also be his 100th match in whites, in Bengaluru.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-wants-to-make-himself-unsackable-manjrekar-on-kohlis-shocking-decision-to-resign-as-test-captain-445199">'He wants to make himself unsackable': Manjrekar on Kohli's shocking decision to resign as Test captain</a>

In the last four months, Kohli has freed himself from captaincy duties for Team India. While he announced his decision to resign as T20I captain prior to the World Cup, mid-September, he was removed from ODI captaincy before the SA tour whereas he left the top post in Tests on Saturday. Amid all this, Kohli's relation with the board has also gone down considerably; which could have been a factor in quitting captaincy altogether.

Virat Kohli, on Saturday (January 15), dropped a bomb by stepping down as the Indian Test captain, a day after India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar's South Africa in their ongoing tour of the African nation.

Virat Kohli, on Saturday (January 15), dropped a bomb by stepping down as the Indian Test captain, a day after India's 2-1 series loss to Dean Elgar's South Africa in their ongoing tour of the African nation. Under Kohli, India became one of the most successful Test teams in the modern-era as the 33-year-old led the national side to 40 wins in 68 Tests. Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022 × ALSO READ | Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy Kohli's resignation as Test captain came as a huge shocker to the cricketing fraternity given how much he loves to lead from the front in whites and the resounding success India has achieved under him. According to a report filed by Hindustan Times, it has been learned that Kohli was offered a farewell Test as captain by the Sourav Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official. As per the report, the board official had come up with an offer for Kohli to have a farewell Test as skipper along with a gala in Bengaluru (where the forthcoming home series opener versus Sri Lanka will be held next month) during his telephonic conversation. "One match makes no difference. That’s not how I am,” Kohli is reportedly known to have said in his reply. For the unversed, Kohli's next Test will also be his 100th match in whites, in Bengaluru. ALSO READ | 'He wants to make himself unsackable': Manjrekar on Kohli's shocking decision to resign as Test captain In the last four months, Kohli has freed himself from captaincy duties for Team India. While he announced his decision to resign as T20I captain prior to the World Cup, mid-September, he was removed from ODI captaincy before the SA tour whereas he left the top post in Tests on Saturday. Amid all this, Kohli's relation with the board has also gone down considerably; which could have been a factor in quitting captaincy altogether.

'One match makes...': Virat Kohli turned down BCCI's offer to play farewell Test as captain - Report

The year 2021 is coming to an end. The calendar year saw plenty of action on the 22-yard cricket strip, especially in the purest format of the gentlemen's game. The year saw New Zealand become the first-ever World Test champions whereas many other riveting series was played out in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;

Many big guns made heads turn with their performances whereas some marquee players fell flat. On the other hand, some new faces made a mark in the toughest form of the game with their efforts on the field. Cricket Australia, thus, shared their Test XI for the year 2021, which featured some big names but the likes of Indian Test captain Virat Kohli and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah found no place.&nbsp;

Cricket.com.au Test team features as many as four Indians, such as Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel. Rohit ended the year being the second-highest run-getter after Joe Root (1,708 runs). Rohit slammed 2 tons and 4 fifties whereas Pant finished with 748 runs, with 1 hundred and as many as five half-centuries. Ashwin is 2021's leading wicket-taker (54 scalps) whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar debuted in whites this year and returned with 36 scalps (second-most by an Indian).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-cricketer-of-the-year-award-smriti-mandhana-among-four-players-nominated-441424">ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year award: Smriti Mandhana among four players nominated</a>

The other players in the list are Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne (with 902 runs with 4 centuries and 3 fifties), also named the captain. Joe Root, Fawad Alam and Marnus Labuschagne also made the cut. Labuschagne ended being Australia's top run-getter in Tests (526 runs) whereas Fawad had three&nbsp;triple-figure knocks and two fifties. The rest of the list includes Kyle Jamieson (Player-of-the-Match in WTC final) and Pakistan's pace duo Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi (both among the top 3 wicket-takers in 2021).

Cricket Australia Test XI of 2021: Rohit Sharma, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Root, Fawad Alam, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Kyle Jamieson, Axar Patel, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi

The year 2021 is coming to an end. The calendar year saw plenty of action on the 22-yard cricket strip, especially in the purest format of the gentlemen's game. The year saw New Zealand become the first-ever World Test champions whereas many other riveting series was played out in the longest format of the game.

The year 2021 is coming to an end. The calendar year saw plenty of action on the 22-yard cricket strip, especially in the purest format of the gentlemen's game. The year saw New Zealand become the first-ever World Test champions whereas many other riveting series was played out in the longest format of the game. Many big guns made heads turn with their performances whereas some marquee players fell flat. On the other hand, some new faces made a mark in the toughest form of the game with their efforts on the field. Cricket Australia, thus, shared their Test XI for the year 2021, which featured some big names but the likes of Indian Test captain Virat Kohli and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah found no place. Cricket.com.au Test team features as many as four Indians, such as Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel. Rohit ended the year being the second-highest run-getter after Joe Root (1,708 runs). Rohit slammed 2 tons and 4 fifties whereas Pant finished with 748 runs, with 1 hundred and as many as five half-centuries. Ashwin is 2021's leading wicket-taker (54 scalps) whereas spin-bowling all-rounder Axar debuted in whites this year and returned with 36 scalps (second-most by an Indian). ALSO READ | ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year award: Smriti Mandhana among four players nominated The other players in the list are Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne (with 902 runs with 4 centuries and 3 fifties), also named the captain. Joe Root, Fawad Alam and Marnus Labuschagne also made the cut. Labuschagne ended being Australia's top run-getter in Tests (526 runs) whereas Fawad had three triple-figure knocks and two fifties. The rest of the list includes Kyle Jamieson (Player-of-the-Match in WTC final) and Pakistan's pace duo Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi (both among the top 3 wicket-takers in 2021). Cricket Australia Test XI of 2021: Rohit Sharma, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Root, Fawad Alam, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Kyle Jamieson, Axar Patel, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi

No Kohli or Bumrah! Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among 4 Indians in Cricket Australia's Test XI of 2021

On Thursday (December 30), South Africa's keeper-batsman Quinton De Kock announced his decision to retire from Test cricket. The move left many shocked as the 29-year-old batter remains one of the key players for the Proteas across formats. Amassing&nbsp;3300 runs at 38.82 in 54 Tests, de Kock decided to step aside from the red-ball format to spend more time with his growing family.

De Kock's move drew parallels with MS Dhoni, who had also shocked one and all with his sudden Test retirement decision on December 30, 2014. The former Indian captain shared his decision post India's 2014/15 Boxing Day Test versus Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. With India having already lost the series 2-0 after the drawn Test in Melbourne, with a encounter to go in the four-match series, Dhoni decided to call it quits.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-played-some-outstanding-cricket-virat-kohli-looks-back-at-indias-glorious-test-run-in-2021-441357">We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021</a>

"One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.

"MS Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats. BCCI while respecting the decision of MS Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," it added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-rishabh-pant-goes-past-ms-dhoni-to-become-quickest-indian-keeper-to-100-dismissals-440741">Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Rishabh Pant goes past MS Dhoni to become quickest Indian keeper to 100 dismissals</a>

While Dhoni is known for his white-ball heroics, as an astute and tactical captain, finisher and power-hitter, the former keeper-batsman had plenty of highs in Tests as well; amassing 4,876 runs in 90 Tests at&nbsp;38.09 with a high-score of 224. The swashbuckling right-hander played several memorable knocks at home (double-ton versus Australia, twin centuries against Sri Lanka and a century versus the Proteas) whereas he played a vital role in India's draw versus England in the Lord's Test in 2007. In addition, Dhoni scored several half-centuries in England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa whereas he smacked a memorable ton against Pakistan in the 2006 Faisalabad Test.&nbsp;

Dhoni accounted for 78 sixes and 294 dismissals in whites (most by any Indian keeper-batsman). Six years after his Test exit, the former Indian captain announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020 with 17,266 runs, 108 half-centuries, 16 tons, 829 dismissals overall.

On Thursday (December 30), South Africa's keeper-batsman Quinton De Kock announced his decision to retire from Test cricket. The move left many shocked as the 29-year-old batter remains one of the key players for the Proteas across formats.

On Thursday (December 30), South Africa's keeper-batsman Quinton De Kock announced his decision to retire from Test cricket. The move left many shocked as the 29-year-old batter remains one of the key players for the Proteas across formats. Amassing 3300 runs at 38.82 in 54 Tests, de Kock decided to step aside from the red-ball format to spend more time with his growing family. De Kock's move drew parallels with MS Dhoni, who had also shocked one and all with his sudden Test retirement decision on December 30, 2014. The former Indian captain shared his decision post India's 2014/15 Boxing Day Test versus Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. With India having already lost the series 2-0 after the drawn Test in Melbourne, with a encounter to go in the four-match series, Dhoni decided to call it quits. ALSO READ | We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021 "One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket," the BCCI said in a statement. "MS Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats. BCCI while respecting the decision of MS Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," it added. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Rishabh Pant goes past MS Dhoni to become quickest Indian keeper to 100 dismissals While Dhoni is known for his white-ball heroics, as an astute and tactical captain, finisher and power-hitter, the former keeper-batsman had plenty of highs in Tests as well; amassing 4,876 runs in 90 Tests at 38.09 with a high-score of 224. The swashbuckling right-hander played several memorable knocks at home (double-ton versus Australia, twin centuries against Sri Lanka and a century versus the Proteas) whereas he played a vital role in India's draw versus England in the Lord's Test in 2007. In addition, Dhoni scored several half-centuries in England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa whereas he smacked a memorable ton against Pakistan in the 2006 Faisalabad Test. Dhoni accounted for 78 sixes and 294 dismissals in whites (most by any Indian keeper-batsman). Six years after his Test exit, the former Indian captain announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020 with 17,266 runs, 108 half-centuries, 16 tons, 829 dismissals overall.

THROWBACK: When MS Dhoni shocked one and all with sudden retirement from Test cricket in 2014

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the&nbsp;African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root &amp; Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom.

The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli &amp; Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-shami-or-mohammed-siraj-aakash-chopra-names-indias-no-1-pacer-in-tests-441347">Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests</a>

"New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv.

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Scenes from Centurion 👌<a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a> goes behind the scenes post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 
 
Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/oKyGhm0MxF">pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1476564857419825155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-look-at-plethora-of-records-achieved-by-virat-kohli-as-india-thrash-south-africa-in-centurion-441243">A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion</a>

"Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added.

The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation.

The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014).

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane. Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root & Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom. The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli & Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests "New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv. Scenes from Centurion 👌https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ goes behind the scenes post #TeamIndia's historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2021 × ALSO READ | A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion "Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added. The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation. The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021

Quinton&nbsp;de Kock has announced his retirement from Test cricket, another blow to South Africa's brittle top six batting line-up in the longest format of the game that has seen them lose a number of established internationals in the last few years.

De Kock has cited a desire to spend more time with his family with the imminent birth of his first child.

He played in the 113-run first Test loss to India at Centurion Park that finished on Thursday, and was always set to sit out the next two fixtures in the series while on paternity leave.

The 29-year-old will, however, be missing permanently for South Africa in Tests, though he will remain available in white ball cricket.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-india-demolished-south-africa-at-their-fortress-in-centurion-to-go-1-0-up-441187">How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up</a>

"This is not a decision that I have come to very easily," De Kock said in a statement. "I have taken a lot of time to think about what my future looks like and what needs to take priority in my life now that (my wife) Sasha and I are about to welcome our first child into this world and look to grow our family beyond that.

"My family is everything to me and I want to have the time and space to be able to be with them during this new and exciting chapter of our lives.

"I love test cricket and I love representing my country and all that it comes with. I’ve enjoyed the ups and the downs, the celebrations and even the disappointments, but now I’ve found something that I love even more."

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-0-a-look-at-indias-woeful-test-record-in-south-africa-440996">7-0: A look at India's woeful Test record in South Africa</a>

Wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock scored 3,300 runs at an average of 38.82 in Tests with six centuries since he made his debut in 2014. He also took 221 catches and 11 stumpings.

"This is not the end of my career as a Protea, I’m fully committed to white ball cricket and representing my country to the best of my ability for the foreseeable future," he said.

South Africa have also lost Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis to test retirement in the last three years, all mainstays of their top six.

Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from Test cricket, another blow to South Africa's brittle top six batting line-up in the longest format of the game that has seen them lose a number of established internationals in the last few years.

Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from Test cricket, another blow to South Africa's brittle top six batting line-up in the longest format of the game that has seen them lose a number of established internationals in the last few years. De Kock has cited a desire to spend more time with his family with the imminent birth of his first child. He played in the 113-run first Test loss to India at Centurion Park that finished on Thursday, and was always set to sit out the next two fixtures in the series while on paternity leave. The 29-year-old will, however, be missing permanently for South Africa in Tests, though he will remain available in white ball cricket. IN PICS | How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up "This is not a decision that I have come to very easily," De Kock said in a statement. "I have taken a lot of time to think about what my future looks like and what needs to take priority in my life now that (my wife) Sasha and I are about to welcome our first child into this world and look to grow our family beyond that. "My family is everything to me and I want to have the time and space to be able to be with them during this new and exciting chapter of our lives. "I love test cricket and I love representing my country and all that it comes with. I’ve enjoyed the ups and the downs, the celebrations and even the disappointments, but now I’ve found something that I love even more." IN PICS | 7-0: A look at India's woeful Test record in South Africa Wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock scored 3,300 runs at an average of 38.82 in Tests with six centuries since he made his debut in 2014. He also took 221 catches and 11 stumpings. "This is not the end of my career as a Protea, I’m fully committed to white ball cricket and representing my country to the best of my ability for the foreseeable future," he said. South Africa have also lost Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis to test retirement in the last three years, all mainstays of their top six.

'Not the end of my career': South Africa's Quinton de Kock quits Test cricket

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt is very vocal on various aspects of the gentlemen's game and often shares his views on several platforms. After Day 1 of the Centurion Test ended between India and South Africa, on Sunday (December 26), the tainted Pakistani cricketer has called for senior Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara's omission from the Test line-up to make way for 'in-form' Mayank Agarwal once Rohit Sharma returns.

For the unversed, vice-captain Rohit Sharma isn't part of Virat Kohli-led India's three-match Test series versus Dean Elgar-led Proteas, in the rainbow nation, due to a hamstring injury. Mayank, on the other hand, had fallen behind in the pecking order due to Rohit, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's presence but injury to Rohit and Gill made him the opener for the SA series.

Mayank cashed in the opportunity to score a free-flowing and attractive 123-ball 60 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. He stitched an impressive 117-run opening stand with centurion KL Rahul (122 not out) and helped India close the day at 272-3. Meanwhile, Pujara's struggles continued as he was dismissed for a golden duck, his second overall, and fourth duck in the calendar year. Pujara's last international ton came in early 2019, hence, his spot is under the scanner.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-ex-india-pacer-ashish-nehra-predicts-a-top-knock-from-virat-kohli-isnt-far-away-440493">Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Ex-India pacer Ashish Nehra predicts a top knock from Virat Kohli 'isn't far away'</a>

Butt feels once Rohit is fit and back in the Test setup, Pujara can make way for Mayank. On his Youtube channel, the Pakistani stated, "He (Pujara) is not in form now. So you have to replace him when Rohit Sharma returns because you cannot drop an in-form player. And I was never in favour of that move. They left out Shreyas Iyer despite that performance (against New Zealand). India have always backed their senior players, which is good, but Pujara needs to score runs."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-dravid-gives-a-pat-on-pujaras-back-to-uplift-his-spirits-after-golden-duck-watch-440395">Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Dravid gives a pat on Pujara's back to uplift his spirits after golden duck - WATCH</a>

Thus, Pujara needs to be among runs in the remainder of the SA Tests in order to retain his spot in the purest format of the game. Meanwhile, Rohit is expected to be available for the three ODIs versus South Africa, starting early next year.&nbsp;

Talking about the Centurion Test, Day 2 got washed out without a ball being bowled due to rain showers. India will resume third day's play at 272-3 with Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane (unbeaten on 40) in the middle.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt is very vocal on various aspects of the gentlemen's game and often shares his views on several platforms. After Day 1 of the Centurion Test ended between India and South Africa, on Sunday (December 26), the tainted Pakistani cricketer has called for senior Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara's omission from the Test line-up to make way for 'in-form' Mayank Agarwal once Rohit Sharma returns.

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt is very vocal on various aspects of the gentlemen's game and often shares his views on several platforms. After Day 1 of the Centurion Test ended between India and South Africa, on Sunday (December 26), the tainted Pakistani cricketer has called for senior Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara's omission from the Test line-up to make way for 'in-form' Mayank Agarwal once Rohit Sharma returns. For the unversed, vice-captain Rohit Sharma isn't part of Virat Kohli-led India's three-match Test series versus Dean Elgar-led Proteas, in the rainbow nation, due to a hamstring injury. Mayank, on the other hand, had fallen behind in the pecking order due to Rohit, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's presence but injury to Rohit and Gill made him the opener for the SA series. Mayank cashed in the opportunity to score a free-flowing and attractive 123-ball 60 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. He stitched an impressive 117-run opening stand with centurion KL Rahul (122 not out) and helped India close the day at 272-3. Meanwhile, Pujara's struggles continued as he was dismissed for a golden duck, his second overall, and fourth duck in the calendar year. Pujara's last international ton came in early 2019, hence, his spot is under the scanner. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Ex-India pacer Ashish Nehra predicts a top knock from Virat Kohli 'isn't far away' Butt feels once Rohit is fit and back in the Test setup, Pujara can make way for Mayank. On his Youtube channel, the Pakistani stated, "He (Pujara) is not in form now. So you have to replace him when Rohit Sharma returns because you cannot drop an in-form player. And I was never in favour of that move. They left out Shreyas Iyer despite that performance (against New Zealand). India have always backed their senior players, which is good, but Pujara needs to score runs." ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Dravid gives a pat on Pujara's back to uplift his spirits after golden duck - WATCH Thus, Pujara needs to be among runs in the remainder of the SA Tests in order to retain his spot in the purest format of the game. Meanwhile, Rohit is expected to be available for the three ODIs versus South Africa, starting early next year. Talking about the Centurion Test, Day 2 got washed out without a ball being bowled due to rain showers. India will resume third day's play at 272-3 with Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane (unbeaten on 40) in the middle.

Ex-Pak skipper calls for senior batter's omission for 'in-form' Mayank Agarwal on Rohit's Test return

MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. He announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, being one of the best limited-overs players for Team India (with staggering success in ODIs, decent contributions in T20Is and IPL) whereas he was also a force to reckon with in Tests.&nbsp;

Dhoni amassed 4,876 runs in the purest format --&nbsp;the most by an Indian keeper and third-most overall -- and accounted for 294 dismissals behind the stumps in 90 Tests. He played some memorable knocks in England, Pakistan, New Zealand and at home before shockingly retiring from the format in late 2014, during India's tour of Australia.&nbsp;

After the third and penultimate Test of the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Dhoni called it quits from the Test format in a press conference; shocking many in the cricketing fraternity. Recalling how Dhoni's retirement announced shocked Team India players, the then team director and former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently opened up on the whole episode.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blessing-in-disguise-ravi-shastri-opens-up-on-bccis-decision-to-replace-virat-kohli-as-indias-odi-captain-440298">'Blessing in disguise': Ravi Shastri opens up on BCCI's decision to replace Virat Kohli as India's ODI captain</a>

Reliving Dhoni's&nbsp;shocking announcement, former India head coach Shastri shared the dressing room's reaction. Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri, who was the team's director back then, has revealed, "I knew that the moment MS Dhoni finishes, Virat Kohli is the guy to lead the side. He (MS Dhoni) knew who was the next leader in line."

"Well, it came as a surprise. He came to me and said 'I want to say something to the boys'. I said 'sure'. I thought he was going to say something about the draw. He comes out. I just saw the faces around the dressing room. Most of the boys were in a state of shock when MS made the announcement. But that's MS for you," Shastri added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-ms-dhonis-chennai-super-kings-scripted-a-fairytale-comeback-in-ipl-2021-440193">How MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings scripted a fairytale comeback in IPL 2021</a>

Dhoni went onto lead the limited-overs side till 2016 end and gave up captaincy altogether in early 2017. From thereon, he played as a regular wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs and T20Is before featuring in his last international match during the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand. He retired from the highest level in mid-August last year.

Dhoni remains an active player in IPL and will lead current champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2022.

MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. He announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, being one of the best limited-overs players for Team India (with staggering success in ODIs, decent contributions in T20Is and IPL) whereas he was also a force to reckon with in Tests.

MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. He announced his international retirement on August 15, 2020, being one of the best limited-overs players for Team India (with staggering success in ODIs, decent contributions in T20Is and IPL) whereas he was also a force to reckon with in Tests. Dhoni amassed 4,876 runs in the purest format -- the most by an Indian keeper and third-most overall -- and accounted for 294 dismissals behind the stumps in 90 Tests. He played some memorable knocks in England, Pakistan, New Zealand and at home before shockingly retiring from the format in late 2014, during India's tour of Australia. After the third and penultimate Test of the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Dhoni called it quits from the Test format in a press conference; shocking many in the cricketing fraternity. Recalling how Dhoni's retirement announced shocked Team India players, the then team director and former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently opened up on the whole episode. ALSO READ | 'Blessing in disguise': Ravi Shastri opens up on BCCI's decision to replace Virat Kohli as India's ODI captain Reliving Dhoni's shocking announcement, former India head coach Shastri shared the dressing room's reaction. Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri, who was the team's director back then, has revealed, "I knew that the moment MS Dhoni finishes, Virat Kohli is the guy to lead the side. He (MS Dhoni) knew who was the next leader in line." "Well, it came as a surprise. He came to me and said 'I want to say something to the boys'. I said 'sure'. I thought he was going to say something about the draw. He comes out. I just saw the faces around the dressing room. Most of the boys were in a state of shock when MS made the announcement. But that's MS for you," Shastri added. ALSO READ | How MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings scripted a fairytale comeback in IPL 2021 Dhoni went onto lead the limited-overs side till 2016 end and gave up captaincy altogether in early 2017. From thereon, he played as a regular wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs and T20Is before featuring in his last international match during the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand. He retired from the highest level in mid-August last year. Dhoni remains an active player in IPL and will lead current champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2022.

I want to say something to the boys: Shastri recalls Dhoni's Test retirement and how it shocked Team India

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom. Since then, he has been a regular in the Test line-up and has impressed one and all with his consistency and hunger for runs.&nbsp;

After an impressive fifty in the Ashes 2021/22 opener, at The Gabba, Brisbane, the right-hander slammed his sixth hundred on Day 2 of the second Test, i.e. a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Friday (December 17). Labuschagne rode on his luck throughout the innings as he was given a reprieve twice on the opening day, got an edge off James Anderson to reach to triple-figures and was also caught off Ollie Robinson all the way to the boundary rope before replays suggested it was a no-ball.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the youngster made the most of his chances and notched up his third century in day-night Test; first by any player. Thus, Labuschagne achieved a rare feat courtesy his knock, filled with 8 fours. Apart from Labuschagne, David Warner (95), stand-in captain Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) have propelled the Aussie total beyond the 400-run mark&nbsp;after opting to bat first.&nbsp;

On Day 1, Labuschagne had also crossed the 2000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third quickest Australian and fifth overall to the feat.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/buttler-dropping-that-was-unbelievable-labuschagne-on-getting-a-reprieve-on-95-on-day-1-of-2nd-test-437465">Buttler dropping that was unbelievable: Labuschagne on getting a reprieve on 95 on Day 1 of 2nd Test</a>

For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the second Test after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Following their splendid performance in the series opener, where Australia won by 9 wickets, the Smith-led hosts will look to make it 2-0 versus the English line-up.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom.

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom. Since then, he has been a regular in the Test line-up and has impressed one and all with his consistency and hunger for runs. After an impressive fifty in the Ashes 2021/22 opener, at The Gabba, Brisbane, the right-hander slammed his sixth hundred on Day 2 of the second Test, i.e. a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Friday (December 17). Labuschagne rode on his luck throughout the innings as he was given a reprieve twice on the opening day, got an edge off James Anderson to reach to triple-figures and was also caught off Ollie Robinson all the way to the boundary rope before replays suggested it was a no-ball. Nonetheless, the youngster made the most of his chances and notched up his third century in day-night Test; first by any player. Thus, Labuschagne achieved a rare feat courtesy his knock, filled with 8 fours. Apart from Labuschagne, David Warner (95), stand-in captain Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) have propelled the Aussie total beyond the 400-run mark after opting to bat first. On Day 1, Labuschagne had also crossed the 2000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third quickest Australian and fifth overall to the feat. ALSO READ | Buttler dropping that was unbelievable: Labuschagne on getting a reprieve on 95 on Day 1 of 2nd Test For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the second Test after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Following their splendid performance in the series opener, where Australia won by 9 wickets, the Smith-led hosts will look to make it 2-0 versus the English line-up.

Ashes 2021, 2nd Test: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in day-night contest

The Ashes 2021/22 edition finally kicked off on Wednesday (December 8) at The Gabba, Brisbane. Pat Cummins-led Australia made an emphatic start to the series as they bundled out Joe Root's England for a paltry 146 in the first innings on a rain-marred opening day after the visitors elected to bat first.

Mitchell Starc struck on the very first ball of the contest to get rid of English opener Rory Burns and the visitors never recovered from thereon. Newly-appointed Test captain Pat Cummins returned with 5 for 38 in 13.1 overs, dismissing Haseeb Hameed, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and the likes, as England folded for 146 in 50.1 overs. While rain break didn't lead to the Aussies coming out to bat, England have a huge task in hand to bounce back in the series opener.&nbsp;

Former Aussie cricketer-turned-commentator Ian Chappell, thus, slammed Root after England's flop show on Day 1 of Ashes 2021/22.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/starc-adds-his-name-to-elite-list-with-first-ball-dismissal-of-rory-burns-in-ashes-2021-opener-watch-435085">Starc adds his name to elite list with first-ball dismissal of Rory Burns in Ashes 2021 opener - Watch</a>

Talking to&nbsp;SportsDay, Chappell said, "I think he’s (Root) a very good batsman but he’s not much of a captain. He doesn’t have a great imagination and I think that’s important in Australia."

On the other hand, he asserted, "Pat Cummins will be a good captain, I think it will take him a while to get into the job but I think by the end of the series, I think Pat will be miles in front of Joe (Root) as a captain and if that’s the case, Australia will win pretty comfortably," said Chappell.&nbsp;

He added, "I think Stokes would be a good captain. Aggressive players don’t always make good captains but I think Stokes has a lot going for him. He has a great cricket brain, he’s a great batsman and bowler and don’t underestimate his fielding. I think he would be a good captain and Joe Root would do well to listen to him."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-pat-cummins-shines-on-captaincy-debut-breaks-plethora-of-records-with-five-fer-vs-england-435020">Ashes 2021: Pat Cummins shines on captaincy debut, breaks plethora of records with five-fer vs England</a>

Root took over as England's captain in mid-2017. While he has had good success as a leader in the purest format, his captaincy skills will be under the read throughout Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. During England's last Test series on Aussie soil, Root &amp; Co. had lost 4-0, hence, the pressure is on the English skipper to turn the tides for his national side in this Aussie summer.

The Ashes 2021/22 edition finally kicked off on Wednesday (December 8) at The Gabba, Brisbane. Pat Cummins-led Australia made an emphatic start to the series as they bundled out Joe Root's England for a paltry 146 in the first innings on a rain-marred opening day after the visitors elected to bat first.

The Ashes 2021/22 edition finally kicked off on Wednesday (December 8) at The Gabba, Brisbane. Pat Cummins-led Australia made an emphatic start to the series as they bundled out Joe Root's England for a paltry 146 in the first innings on a rain-marred opening day after the visitors elected to bat first. Mitchell Starc struck on the very first ball of the contest to get rid of English opener Rory Burns and the visitors never recovered from thereon. Newly-appointed Test captain Pat Cummins returned with 5 for 38 in 13.1 overs, dismissing Haseeb Hameed, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and the likes, as England folded for 146 in 50.1 overs. While rain break didn't lead to the Aussies coming out to bat, England have a huge task in hand to bounce back in the series opener. Former Aussie cricketer-turned-commentator Ian Chappell, thus, slammed Root after England's flop show on Day 1 of Ashes 2021/22. ALSO READ | Starc adds his name to elite list with first-ball dismissal of Rory Burns in Ashes 2021 opener - Watch Talking to SportsDay, Chappell said, "I think he’s (Root) a very good batsman but he’s not much of a captain. He doesn’t have a great imagination and I think that’s important in Australia." On the other hand, he asserted, "Pat Cummins will be a good captain, I think it will take him a while to get into the job but I think by the end of the series, I think Pat will be miles in front of Joe (Root) as a captain and if that’s the case, Australia will win pretty comfortably," said Chappell. He added, "I think Stokes would be a good captain. Aggressive players don’t always make good captains but I think Stokes has a lot going for him. He has a great cricket brain, he’s a great batsman and bowler and don’t underestimate his fielding. I think he would be a good captain and Joe Root would do well to listen to him." ALSO READ | Ashes 2021: Pat Cummins shines on captaincy debut, breaks plethora of records with five-fer vs England Root took over as England's captain in mid-2017. While he has had good success as a leader in the purest format, his captaincy skills will be under the read throughout Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. During England's last Test series on Aussie soil, Root & Co. had lost 4-0, hence, the pressure is on the English skipper to turn the tides for his national side in this Aussie summer.

'He’s not much of a captain' - Chappell slams Joe Root after England's flop show on Day 1 of Ashes 2021 opener

India beat New Zealand by 372 runs to win the second and final Test, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and also clinch the series 1-0. With this win, India are now at the third position in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship's points table. In addition, India regained the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings with the series victory over the Black Caps.

India have, thus, once again regained the numero uno position in Tests. Earlier, Kohli &amp; Co. have topped the Test rankings on five successive annual years and are now once again at the top. Under Kohli, India have defeated Australia (twice) in their own backyard, were the runners-up in the inaugural WTC, have an unassailable 2-1 lead versus England in the 2021&nbsp;away Tests and also remain unbeaten at home.

Thus, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan lavished huge praise on the 33-year-old Kohli and labelled him as the best Test captain India ever had. He tweeted, "As I have said earlier and saying it again @imVkohli is the best Test Captain India have ever had! He's at the top with the win percentage of 59.09 per cent and the second spot is at 45 per cent."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-take-a-decision-based-virat-kohli-continues-to-back-ajinkya-rahane-amid-widespread-criticism-434615">'Won’t take a decision based....': Virat Kohli continues to back Ajinkya Rahane amid widespread criticism</a>

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As I have said earlier and saying it again <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> is the best Test Captain India have ever had! He's at the top with the win percentage of 59.09% and the second spot is at 45%.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1467779872969805824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-creates-history-becomes-1st-player-to-win-50-international-matches-across-all-formats-434603">Virat Kohli creates history, becomes 1st player to win 50 international matches across all formats</a>

The Mumbai Test between India and New Zealand was Kohli's comeback in international cricket post the T20 World Cup in the UAE. While he didn't have a great run with the bat, he led the national side to yet another series win, 14th successive Test series triumph at home, and the No. 1 side will now shift their focus on the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation, from December 26.

India beat New Zealand by 372 runs to win the second and final Test, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and also clinch the series 1-0. With this win, India are now at the third position in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship's points table.

India beat New Zealand by 372 runs to win the second and final Test, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and also clinch the series 1-0. With this win, India are now at the third position in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship's points table. In addition, India regained the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings with the series victory over the Black Caps. India have, thus, once again regained the numero uno position in Tests. Earlier, Kohli & Co. have topped the Test rankings on five successive annual years and are now once again at the top. Under Kohli, India have defeated Australia (twice) in their own backyard, were the runners-up in the inaugural WTC, have an unassailable 2-1 lead versus England in the 2021 away Tests and also remain unbeaten at home. Thus, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan lavished huge praise on the 33-year-old Kohli and labelled him as the best Test captain India ever had. He tweeted, "As I have said earlier and saying it again @imVkohli is the best Test Captain India have ever had! He's at the top with the win percentage of 59.09 per cent and the second spot is at 45 per cent." ALSO READ | 'Won’t take a decision based....': Virat Kohli continues to back Ajinkya Rahane amid widespread criticism As I have said earlier and saying it again @imVkohli is the best Test Captain India have ever had! He's at the top with the win percentage of 59.09% and the second spot is at 45%. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 6, 2021 × ALSO READ | Virat Kohli creates history, becomes 1st player to win 50 international matches across all formats The Mumbai Test between India and New Zealand was Kohli's comeback in international cricket post the T20 World Cup in the UAE. While he didn't have a great run with the bat, he led the national side to yet another series win, 14th successive Test series triumph at home, and the No. 1 side will now shift their focus on the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation, from December 26.

Virat Kohli is best Test captain India have ever had, says Irfan Pathan after NZ Test series

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the performance of Ajinkya Rahane, who is going through a lean patch in his career. The former spin legend has also named a replacement of Test vice-captain, claiming it to be the "perfect solution" for Team India.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old has been facing criticism for his recent performances as he has hit just one century and a couple of fifties in the last 16 Tests. His average has also declined.&nbsp;

If we talk about his performance in 2020, he scored 272 runs in four matches he played and in 2021, he scored 407 runs from 12 Tests he has played. In India vs New Zealand Test in Kapur, his performance was criticised as he scored 35 in the first innings and four runs in the second.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajaz-patel-breaks-ian-bothams-41-year-old-record-with-his-magical-spell-against-india-in-mumbai-test-434293">Ajaz Patel breaks Ian Botham's 41-year-old record with his magical spell against India in Mumbai Test</a>

Media reports have even suggested that Rahane might lose his Test vice-captaincy going forward. It has been understood that the Indian cricket governing body, BCCI, might pick T20 skipper Rohit Sharma as Test vice-captain for the upcoming South Africa series.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Harbhajan has backed young Indian batter Shreyas Iyer to replace struggling Rahane, saying that he is "ready to fill the slot". Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former spinner said, "Shreyas Iyer batted brilliantly in the last game and showed his talent."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-in-disbelief-after-getting-bowled-by-rachin-ravindra-in-2nd-test-against-new-zealand-watch-434285">Kohli in disbelief after getting bowled by Rachin Ravindra in 2nd Test against New Zealand - WATCH</a>

Shreyas Iyer has dazzled on his debut Test by hitting a magnificent century. Talking about the same, Harbhajan said, "I am so happy that he made the most of the opportunity in the middle order. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is not scoring runs. Going forward, Iyer could be India's perfect solution."&nbsp;

The first Test ended as a draw but Iyer won the Player of the Match award.&nbsp;

"Don't know if Rahane will be a part of the India squad for the South Africa series but Iyer, I feel, has made his case as a middle-order option. It will be interesting when the selection happens," he further said.&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the performance of Ajinkya Rahane, who is going through a lean patch in his career. The former spin legend has also named a replacement of Test vice-captain, claiming it to be the "perfect solution" for Team India.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh weighed in on the performance of Ajinkya Rahane, who is going through a lean patch in his career. The former spin legend has also named a replacement of Test vice-captain, claiming it to be the "perfect solution" for Team India. The 33-year-old has been facing criticism for his recent performances as he has hit just one century and a couple of fifties in the last 16 Tests. His average has also declined. If we talk about his performance in 2020, he scored 272 runs in four matches he played and in 2021, he scored 407 runs from 12 Tests he has played. In India vs New Zealand Test in Kapur, his performance was criticised as he scored 35 in the first innings and four runs in the second. ALSO READ | Ajaz Patel breaks Ian Botham's 41-year-old record with his magical spell against India in Mumbai Test Media reports have even suggested that Rahane might lose his Test vice-captaincy going forward. It has been understood that the Indian cricket governing body, BCCI, might pick T20 skipper Rohit Sharma as Test vice-captain for the upcoming South Africa series. Meanwhile, Harbhajan has backed young Indian batter Shreyas Iyer to replace struggling Rahane, saying that he is "ready to fill the slot". Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former spinner said, "Shreyas Iyer batted brilliantly in the last game and showed his talent." ALSO READ | Kohli in disbelief after getting bowled by Rachin Ravindra in 2nd Test against New Zealand - WATCH Shreyas Iyer has dazzled on his debut Test by hitting a magnificent century. Talking about the same, Harbhajan said, "I am so happy that he made the most of the opportunity in the middle order. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is not scoring runs. Going forward, Iyer could be India's perfect solution." The first Test ended as a draw but Iyer won the Player of the Match award. "Don't know if Rahane will be a part of the India squad for the South Africa series but Iyer, I feel, has made his case as a middle-order option. It will be interesting when the selection happens," he further said.

Harbhajan Singh names replacement for Ajinkya Rahane: He could be India's 'perfect solution'

R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format.

Ashwin was five wickets away from moving past Harbhajan's wicket-tally when India commenced the first Test versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand at Kanpur. The 35-year-old returned with a three-wicket haul in NZ's first essay and removed openers Will Young and Latham, in the final innings, to topple Bhajji.&nbsp;

After the match, Ashwin reacted to the news of moving past Harbhajan and told the broadcasters, "These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it's wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he's kept saying that how many ever wickets you take, how many ever runs you make in 10 years time, you won't remember them. It's the memories that matters so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years."

The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows:

Anil Kumble - 619

Kapil Dev - 434

R Ashwin - 419*

Harbhajan Singh - 417

Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796">None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</a>

On the other hand, the veteran off-spinner Harbhajan also reacted to Ashwin's feat and told PTI, "I would like to congratulate Ashwin on his milestone. Well done and hope he wins many more matches for India. I never believed in comparisons. We played our best cricket in different times, against different opposition. I had done my best for the country back then and ditto for Ashwin, he did his best now."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-wasim-jaffer-shares-an-out-of-the-box-suggestion-on-who-could-open-with-shubman-gill-in-2nd-test-432784">IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer shares an 'out-of-the-box' suggestion on who could open with Shubman Gill in 2nd Test</a>

Ashwin returned with six wickets in the first Test but couldn't take Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. to a win as NZ managed a draw at stumps on Day Five, being 165/9 in pursuit of 284. The second and final Test will get underway from December 3 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format.

R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format. Ashwin was five wickets away from moving past Harbhajan's wicket-tally when India commenced the first Test versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand at Kanpur. The 35-year-old returned with a three-wicket haul in NZ's first essay and removed openers Will Young and Latham, in the final innings, to topple Bhajji. After the match, Ashwin reacted to the news of moving past Harbhajan and told the broadcasters, "These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it's wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he's kept saying that how many ever wickets you take, how many ever runs you make in 10 years time, you won't remember them. It's the memories that matters so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years." The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows: Anil Kumble - 619 Kapil Dev - 434 R Ashwin - 419* Harbhajan Singh - 417 Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311 ALSO READ | None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test On the other hand, the veteran off-spinner Harbhajan also reacted to Ashwin's feat and told PTI, "I would like to congratulate Ashwin on his milestone. Well done and hope he wins many more matches for India. I never believed in comparisons. We played our best cricket in different times, against different opposition. I had done my best for the country back then and ditto for Ashwin, he did his best now." ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer shares an 'out-of-the-box' suggestion on who could open with Shubman Gill in 2nd Test Ashwin returned with six wickets in the first Test but couldn't take Ajinkya Rahane & Co. to a win as NZ managed a draw at stumps on Day Five, being 165/9 in pursuit of 284. The second and final Test will get underway from December 3 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests

After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25).

As soon as the Indian team started their two-match Test series opener versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps, former Indian opener-turned-meme specialist Wasim Jaffer won the internet with an epic post.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/viral-team-india-coach-rahul-dravid-resorts-to-off-spin-in-nets-ahead-of-1st-test-vs-nz-watch-431663">VIRAL: Team India coach Rahul Dravid resorts to off-spin in nets ahead of 1st Test vs NZ - WATCH</a>

Jaffer captioned the post, "Watching Test cricket after few months of T20 cricket feels the same as eating maa ke haath ka khana (eating home-cooked food by mother) after few months away from home."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-axar-and-jadeja-are-in-the-same-league-says-former-pakistan-cricketer-431755">'Don't think Axar and Jadeja are in the same league,' says former Pakistan cricketer</a>

Test cricket has returned after a few months' halt. The IPL 14's final leg, in the UAE, was followed by the seventh edition of the T20 WC, from mid-September to November. Now, the longest format has come back into the fore with plenty of Test matches lined-up in the coming weeks. While India-New Zealand are involved in a Test series in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also engaged in a two-match Test series versus West Indies and Pakistan, respectively, in their own backyards. On the other hand, the Ashes 2021 is set to commence in Australia from December 8.

Talking about the India-NZ first Test, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first. At lunch, India are well-placed at 82&nbsp;for 1 with opener Shubman Gill unbeaten on 52. The hosts will look to post a big score and challenge the Kiwi line-up in Green Park, Kanpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25).

After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25). As soon as the Indian team started their two-match Test series opener versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps, former Indian opener-turned-meme specialist Wasim Jaffer won the internet with an epic post. ALSO READ | VIRAL: Team India coach Rahul Dravid resorts to off-spin in nets ahead of 1st Test vs NZ - WATCH Jaffer captioned the post, "Watching Test cricket after few months of T20 cricket feels the same as eating maa ke haath ka khana (eating home-cooked food by mother) after few months away from home." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wasim Jaffer (@wasimjaffer14) × ALSO READ | 'Don't think Axar and Jadeja are in the same league,' says former Pakistan cricketer Test cricket has returned after a few months' halt. The IPL 14's final leg, in the UAE, was followed by the seventh edition of the T20 WC, from mid-September to November. Now, the longest format has come back into the fore with plenty of Test matches lined-up in the coming weeks. While India-New Zealand are involved in a Test series in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also engaged in a two-match Test series versus West Indies and Pakistan, respectively, in their own backyards. On the other hand, the Ashes 2021 is set to commence in Australia from December 8. Talking about the India-NZ first Test, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first. At lunch, India are well-placed at 82 for 1 with opener Shubman Gill unbeaten on 52. The hosts will look to post a big score and challenge the Kiwi line-up in Green Park, Kanpur.

Ind vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer wins the internet with epic post as Test cricket returns after IPL 2021, T20 WC

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has retired from Test cricket, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday. As a result, the all-rounder`s 12-year career in the longest format has come to an end."I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career. I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB president for supporting me when I returned to the Test team," Mahmudullah stated in a release issued by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-nz-1st-test-going-to-be-different-challenge-to-what-we-get-back-home-says-kyle-jamieson-431539">IND v NZ, 1st Test: Going to be different challenge to what we get back home, says Kyle Jamieson</a>

"I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories," he added.Mahmudullah however confirmed that he will continue to play white-ball cricket for his country. "Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continue giving my best for my country in white-ball cricket," said Mahmudullah. The 35-year-old played 50 Tests for Bangladesh, managing to score 2,914 runs at an average of 33.49. He also managed to scalp 43 wickets in his career with his best figures being 5/51.&nbsp;

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has retired from Test cricket, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday. As a result, the all-rounder`s 12-year career in the longest format has come to an end.

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has retired from Test cricket, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday. As a result, the all-rounder`s 12-year career in the longest format has come to an end."I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career. I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB president for supporting me when I returned to the Test team," Mahmudullah stated in a release issued by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), as reported by ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ | IND v NZ, 1st Test: Going to be different challenge to what we get back home, says Kyle Jamieson "I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories," he added.Mahmudullah however confirmed that he will continue to play white-ball cricket for his country. "Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continue giving my best for my country in white-ball cricket," said Mahmudullah. The 35-year-old played 50 Tests for Bangladesh, managing to score 2,914 runs at an average of 33.49. He also managed to scalp 43 wickets in his career with his best figures being 5/51.

Mahmudullah announces retirement from longest format ahead of Bangladesh's home series vs Pakistan

Team India is now entering a new era under Rohit Sharma post their dismal campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. As Virat Kohli had already announced that he will step aside as the T20I captain post the showpiece event, Rohit has officially taken over in the shortest format and will look to take the Men in Blue to greater heights.

In addition, Rahul Dravid has taken over as India's head coach after the Ravi Shastri-era came to an end with the T20 WC campaign. Thus, there is a lot happening in Indian cricket as all eyes are now on the future.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brilliant-captain-to-excellent-mentor-selfless-rahul-dravid-continues-to-serve-indian-cricket-426721#rahul-dravid---jack-of-all-trades-426688">Brilliant captain to excellent mentor: Selfless Rahul Dravid continues to serve Indian cricket</a>

As per a report in the&nbsp;Times of India, the national selectors are divided over the vice-captaincy position in the Test line-up. After Rohit was given the responsibility to lead in T20Is, and he is already the vice-captain in ODIs, some of the selectors want him to become Kohli's deputy altogether; i.e. even in Tests. On the other hand, some remain in favour of Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a historic 2-1 series win versus Australia in their own backyard in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

While Rahane has been a regular in whites, Rohit's stocks have also risen in the purest format of the game. The thing which is in favour of Rohit is that Rahane's form continues to remain a matter of concern. His Melbourne Test hundred, in late 2020, has been his only face-saving knock in recent times. Thus, it has now reached a point where his vice-captaincy post is being discussed among selectors and head coach Dravid.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-addresses-indias-fatigue-issue-with-cac-to-work-on-rotation-policy-with-jay-shah-report-428239">Rahul Dravid addresses India's fatigue issue with CAC, to work on rotation policy with Jay Shah: Report</a>

It remains to be seen if a change will be made with respect to Kohli's deputy in Tests or whether Rahane will continue to hold the post. India's next Test series is versus New Zealand, i.e. a two-match Test series starting from late November.

Team India is now entering a new era under Rohit Sharma post their dismal campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. As Virat Kohli had already announced that he will step aside as the T20I captain post the showpiece event, Rohit has officially taken over in the shortest format and will look to take the Men in Blue to greater heights.

Team India is now entering a new era under Rohit Sharma post their dismal campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. As Virat Kohli had already announced that he will step aside as the T20I captain post the showpiece event, Rohit has officially taken over in the shortest format and will look to take the Men in Blue to greater heights. In addition, Rahul Dravid has taken over as India's head coach after the Ravi Shastri-era came to an end with the T20 WC campaign. Thus, there is a lot happening in Indian cricket as all eyes are now on the future. ALSO READ | Brilliant captain to excellent mentor: Selfless Rahul Dravid continues to serve Indian cricket As per a report in the Times of India, the national selectors are divided over the vice-captaincy position in the Test line-up. After Rohit was given the responsibility to lead in T20Is, and he is already the vice-captain in ODIs, some of the selectors want him to become Kohli's deputy altogether; i.e. even in Tests. On the other hand, some remain in favour of Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a historic 2-1 series win versus Australia in their own backyard in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Rahane has been a regular in whites, Rohit's stocks have also risen in the purest format of the game. The thing which is in favour of Rohit is that Rahane's form continues to remain a matter of concern. His Melbourne Test hundred, in late 2020, has been his only face-saving knock in recent times. Thus, it has now reached a point where his vice-captaincy post is being discussed among selectors and head coach Dravid. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid addresses India's fatigue issue with CAC, to work on rotation policy with Jay Shah: Report It remains to be seen if a change will be made with respect to Kohli's deputy in Tests or whether Rahane will continue to hold the post. India's next Test series is versus New Zealand, i.e. a two-match Test series starting from late November.

Rohit Sharma or Ajinkya Rahane? Selectors divided over vice-captaincy post in Indian Test side: Report

The legendary Ian Chappell believes the ever-growing T20 format is increasingly casting a dark shadow over Test cricket, especially in the current chaotic scenario in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Chappell said T20 has an edge over the traditional format because of the short duration of time needed for the completion of a game.

"There's a T20 World Cup to be played in the UAE and then, after some spirited negotiations, hopefully a credible Ashes series in Australia. The difficult negotiations over the Ashes series were mostly brought about by the Covid pandemic, but more and more the T20 format is casting a dark shadow over Test cricket," Chappel wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.

"T20 tournaments involving countries require only days to complete and therefore are far easier to negotiate in the current chaotic climate than a long Test series.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hardik-pandya-virender-sehwag-names-3-players-mumbai-indians-should-retain-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-419581">No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction</a>

"Because of the short time-span involved, T20 is a game better suited than Test matches to countries that are not traditionally cricket-playing nations. Hence the involvement of tyros like Oman and Papua New Guinea in the upcoming T20 tournament."

The Australian great said the T20 format is more lucrative and alluring for players.

"The T20 format is also more lucrative and popular when compared with Test cricket in countries other than Australia and England. Considering most administrators are myopic when it comes to matters other than the bottom line, this is a critical point in any planning for the game's future.

"The cost of the infrastructure required to produce Test players is prohibitive to non-traditional cricket countries. On the other hand there's a good chance they can run a T20 competition and actually attract fans - which will provide an income stream," Chappell explained.

"Even if a non-traditional country does not have their own T20 competition, their better players have an opportunity to earn a living by playing in overseas tournaments."

Chappell feels Test cricket will continue to survive but going forward it will remain restricted among traditional cricketing nations.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tom-moodys-desire-to-become-indias-next-head-coach-reason-behind-david-warners-fall-from-grace-at-srh-419434">Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind&nbsp;Warner's fall from grace at SRH?</a>

"All of these factors point to future Test series being mostly played among the traditional cricket countries. It's hard to see the long form of the game prospering in the latest Test-playing nations, Ireland and Afghanistan," he said.

"They don't have a first-class infrastructure capable of supporting a player development system of any great depth. There's also an inclination among the older Test-playing nations to avoid contests against these newer teams where possible, as they are generally a costly proposition.

"It's a bleak picture for Test cricket, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic-created chaos." 
Chappell also called on the administrators of the game to work on the crowded international schedule keeping players' mental health in mind.

"Players are now - as they should be - less reluctant to speak out and act on mental health issues. This is going to be critical in future planning.

"Not only do administrators need to give serious thought to what for too long has been an absurdly congested schedule but hitting the right balance between financial needs and player welfare will also require some creative thinking," he pointed out.

The 78-year-old feels a system where weak nations can hire players from other countries can make the tarditional format more competitive and address the current imbalance among Test playing countries.

"That could mean introducing a draft system whereby the weaker Test teams can acquire outstanding players from other countries to boost their competitiveness. This could be a way for talented players from outside of the Test-playing nations to experience the thrill of the longer game," he wrote.

"The current imbalance between the strong and weak Test-playing countries is another hindrance in promoting the five-day game. Creating a balance between the financial rewards of T20 and the need to fully Test players in longer contests is a big challenge."

The legendary Ian Chappell believes the ever-growing T20 format is increasingly casting a dark shadow over Test cricket, especially in the current chaotic scenario in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

The legendary Ian Chappell believes the ever-growing T20 format is increasingly casting a dark shadow over Test cricket, especially in the current chaotic scenario in wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Chappell said T20 has an edge over the traditional format because of the short duration of time needed for the completion of a game. "There's a T20 World Cup to be played in the UAE and then, after some spirited negotiations, hopefully a credible Ashes series in Australia. The difficult negotiations over the Ashes series were mostly brought about by the Covid pandemic, but more and more the T20 format is casting a dark shadow over Test cricket," Chappel wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo. "T20 tournaments involving countries require only days to complete and therefore are far easier to negotiate in the current chaotic climate than a long Test series. Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "Because of the short time-span involved, T20 is a game better suited than Test matches to countries that are not traditionally cricket-playing nations. Hence the involvement of tyros like Oman and Papua New Guinea in the upcoming T20 tournament." The Australian great said the T20 format is more lucrative and alluring for players. "The T20 format is also more lucrative and popular when compared with Test cricket in countries other than Australia and England. Considering most administrators are myopic when it comes to matters other than the bottom line, this is a critical point in any planning for the game's future. "The cost of the infrastructure required to produce Test players is prohibitive to non-traditional cricket countries. On the other hand there's a good chance they can run a T20 competition and actually attract fans - which will provide an income stream," Chappell explained. "Even if a non-traditional country does not have their own T20 competition, their better players have an opportunity to earn a living by playing in overseas tournaments." Chappell feels Test cricket will continue to survive but going forward it will remain restricted among traditional cricketing nations. Also Read: Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind Warner's fall from grace at SRH? "All of these factors point to future Test series being mostly played among the traditional cricket countries. It's hard to see the long form of the game prospering in the latest Test-playing nations, Ireland and Afghanistan," he said. "They don't have a first-class infrastructure capable of supporting a player development system of any great depth. There's also an inclination among the older Test-playing nations to avoid contests against these newer teams where possible, as they are generally a costly proposition. "It's a bleak picture for Test cricket, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic-created chaos." Chappell also called on the administrators of the game to work on the crowded international schedule keeping players' mental health in mind. "Players are now - as they should be - less reluctant to speak out and act on mental health issues. This is going to be critical in future planning. "Not only do administrators need to give serious thought to what for too long has been an absurdly congested schedule but hitting the right balance between financial needs and player welfare will also require some creative thinking," he pointed out. The 78-year-old feels a system where weak nations can hire players from other countries can make the tarditional format more competitive and address the current imbalance among Test playing countries. "That could mean introducing a draft system whereby the weaker Test teams can acquire outstanding players from other countries to boost their competitiveness. This could be a way for talented players from outside of the Test-playing nations to experience the thrill of the longer game," he wrote. "The current imbalance between the strong and weak Test-playing countries is another hindrance in promoting the five-day game. Creating a balance between the financial rewards of T20 and the need to fully Test players in longer contests is a big challenge."

T20 format is casting a dark shadow over Test cricket, feels Ian Chappell

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