Why team India will miss Jasprit Bumrah in ODIs against Australia

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">India ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory in Australia</a> on Monday.&nbsp;Their 2-1 victory Down Under was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wins in the first test in Adelaide and third in Melbourne ensured they could not lose the series and their batsmen, led by a 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara, batted Australia out of the fourth match with a daunting 622-7 declared total in the first innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-australia-list-of-records-made-on-day-2-of-sydney-test-188237">Australia </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-australia-list-of-records-made-on-day-2-of-sydney-test-188237">were</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-australia-list-of-records-made-on-day-2-of-sydney-test-188237"> all-out for 300 in their first inning</a>, which witnessed the hosts&nbsp;follow-on at home for the first time in 30 years.</p>

<p>Kohli, who is on cloud nine, kissed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and termed the victory as his best achievement by far.</p>

<p>"I've never been more proud of a team than this one. The culture we've been able to build over the last 12 months. Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time. Only one word to say, I'm proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good."&nbsp;</p>

<p>By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional."</p>

<p>When asked what importance does this victory hold for the Indian cricket team, Kohli said, "This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we've been able to achieve is something to be really proud of. That's something that we spoke about, just wanted to go back to basics, not be flamboyant."</p>

<p>Kohli also gave a special mention to Cheteshwar Pujara, who played some remarkable innings, saying he's one guy always willing to accept things. He's the nicest man around.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli also gave a special mention to Mayank Agarwal, who started his international career with a brilliant half-century in the first inning followed by a crucial 42 runs in his second inning in the third Test against Australia.</p>

<p>In India's first inning in the fourth Test also, Mayank hit his second International fifty. He made 77 runs which included seven boundaries and two huge sixes.</p>

<p>Kohli also praised his bowling line saying the way the bowlers have dictated terms in this series and the previous two tours as well, he has not seen that happen in Indian cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a revelation for Indian cricket and learning for the other bowlers back home. They definitely deserve to be here and breaking record of the great West Indian fast bowlers is no mean feat. Definitely, this is just the stepping stone for us. The average age in the team is quite low. The most important thing for us have been belief. Our intent has always been good, and that is to take Indian cricket forward", Kohli concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australian skipper Tim Paine congratulated Virat and coach Ravi Shastri, saying the current Indian team have got some talent.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory in Australia on Monday. Their 2-1 victory Down Under was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground.

India ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory in Australia on Monday. Their 2-1 victory Down Under was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground. Wins in the first test in Adelaide and third in Melbourne ensured they could not lose the series and their batsmen, led by a 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara, batted Australia out of the fourth match with a daunting 622-7 declared total in the first innings. Australia were all-out for 300 in their first inning, which witnessed the hosts follow-on at home for the first time in 30 years. Kohli, who is on cloud nine, kissed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and termed the victory as his best achievement by far. "I've never been more proud of a team than this one. The culture we've been able to build over the last 12 months. Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time. Only one word to say, I'm proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good." By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional." When asked what importance does this victory hold for the Indian cricket team, Kohli said, "This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we've been able to achieve is something to be really proud of. That's something that we spoke about, just wanted to go back to basics, not be flamboyant." Kohli also gave a special mention to Cheteshwar Pujara, who played some remarkable innings, saying he's one guy always willing to accept things. He's the nicest man around. Kohli also gave a special mention to Mayank Agarwal, who started his international career with a brilliant half-century in the first inning followed by a crucial 42 runs in his second inning in the third Test against Australia. In India's first inning in the fourth Test also, Mayank hit his second International fifty. He made 77 runs which included seven boundaries and two huge sixes. Kohli also praised his bowling line saying the way the bowlers have dictated terms in this series and the previous two tours as well, he has not seen that happen in Indian cricket. "It's a revelation for Indian cricket and learning for the other bowlers back home. They definitely deserve to be here and breaking record of the great West Indian fast bowlers is no mean feat. Definitely, this is just the stepping stone for us. The average age in the team is quite low. The most important thing for us have been belief. Our intent has always been good, and that is to take Indian cricket forward", Kohli concluded. Meanwhile, Australian skipper Tim Paine congratulated Virat and coach Ravi Shastri, saying the current Indian team have got some talent.

Watch: 'By far my best achievement,' says Kohli after maiden Test victory in Australia

WION Sports: Team India win historic Test series in Australia

Give Mitchell Starc 'space not pressure' to work things out, says Virat Kohli

<p>India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cricketing duo, during the fiery 'Rapid-fire round' were asked to name the better batsman between current Indian skipper Virat Kohli and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.</p>

<p>In reply, both picked their captain Kohli without any hesitation.</p>

<p>Ever since Kohli has started scoring runs consistently for his side, the comparisons between him and the Tendulkar have been made. In the last two year, Kohli has even surpassed Tendulkar in several records held by the former. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">' Sachin or Virat '<br />
<br />
Elite opinions. <a href="https://t.co/SJdV59Mn3X">pic.twitter.com/SJdV59Mn3X</a></p>
— Freak (@strangerrr_18) <a href="https://twitter.com/strangerrr_18/status/1081926816384860160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After their answer, fans of Tendulkar chided the two, accusing them of knowing zilch about the game.&nbsp;A Twitter user even called Pandya an empty vessel that is making noise.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hardik Pandya in Koffee with Karan is the classic example of 'empty vessels make the most noise'. Only if wearing Gucci shoes made someone a gentleman. Sigh! <a href="https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb">https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb</a></p>
— Sohini Guharoy (@sohinigr) <a href="https://twitter.com/sohinigr/status/1081964482044272644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what I'm doing now, just to feel better about the sport I grew up loving.<br />
<br />
Needed this to detox from the sewage that Hardik Pandya spewed on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFdR0SNHWi">pic.twitter.com/XFdR0SNHWi</a></p>
— Anand M S (@yemmay) <a href="https://twitter.com/yemmay/status/1081967891942039552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It might have been fun initially to watch two young sportsmen letting their guards down, but the obnoxious and misogynist attitude of Hardik Pandya just was too much to take in. At one time, cricket was called a gentleman's sport. Where has all the class gone? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a></p>
— Medha Chatterjee (@moldyshorts16) <a href="https://twitter.com/moldyshorts16/status/1081960284015808513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin is the greatest batsmen of all time '<br />
said by<br />
<br />
Don Bradman<br />
Viv Richards<br />
Sunil Gavaskar<br />
Brett Lee<br />
Wasim Akram<br />
David<br />
Ganguly.......and many more<br />
<br />
Kohli &gt; Sachin said by<br />
'KL Rahul ' and 'Hardik Pandya' .....<br />
<br />
Every true cricket fan knows who is best!</p>
— S A N D E E P (@SandeepRohitian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandeepRohitian/status/1081955125206355968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a><br />
After seeing kl and hardik choose virat over sachin.<br />
Me : <a href="https://t.co/Kcsy9piUrh">pic.twitter.com/Kcsy9piUrh</a></p>
— Sameer (@sabhya_purush) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabhya_purush/status/1081985226203512832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karan also asked the two to choose the better captain between Kohli and MS Dhoni, both of them picked Dhoni as a better skipper.</p>


India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets.

India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets. The cricketing duo, during the fiery 'Rapid-fire round' were asked to name the better batsman between current Indian skipper Virat Kohli and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. In reply, both picked their captain Kohli without any hesitation. Ever since Kohli has started scoring runs consistently for his side, the comparisons between him and the Tendulkar have been made. In the last two year, Kohli has even surpassed Tendulkar in several records held by the former. ' Sachin or Virat ' Elite opinions. pic.twitter.com/SJdV59Mn3X — Freak (@strangerrr_18) January 6, 2019 × After their answer, fans of Tendulkar chided the two, accusing them of knowing zilch about the game. A Twitter user even called Pandya an empty vessel that is making noise. Hardik Pandya in Koffee with Karan is the classic example of 'empty vessels make the most noise'. Only if wearing Gucci shoes made someone a gentleman. Sigh! https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb — Sohini Guharoy (@sohinigr) January 6, 2019 × This is what I'm doing now, just to feel better about the sport I grew up loving. Needed this to detox from the sewage that Hardik Pandya spewed on #KoffeeWithKaran pic.twitter.com/XFdR0SNHWi — Anand M S (@yemmay) January 6, 2019 × It might have been fun initially to watch two young sportsmen letting their guards down, but the obnoxious and misogynist attitude of Hardik Pandya just was too much to take in. At one time, cricket was called a gentleman's sport. Where has all the class gone? #KoffeeWithKaran — Medha Chatterjee (@moldyshorts16) January 6, 2019 × Sachin is the greatest batsmen of all time ' said by Don Bradman Viv Richards Sunil Gavaskar Brett Lee Wasim Akram David Ganguly.......and many more Kohli > Sachin said by 'KL Rahul ' and 'Hardik Pandya' ..... Every true cricket fan knows who is best! — S A N D E E P (@SandeepRohitian) January 6, 2019 × #KoffeeWithKaran After seeing kl and hardik choose virat over sachin. Me : pic.twitter.com/Kcsy9piUrh — Sameer (@sabhya_purush) January 6, 2019 × Karan also asked the two to choose the better captain between Kohli and MS Dhoni, both of them picked Dhoni as a better skipper.

KL Rahul, Pandya say Kohli 'better batsman' than Tendulkar; Twitterati boils

<p>Virat Kohli-led team achieved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">Test series victory</a>&nbsp;on Australian soil since India started touring to Australia in 1947-48 as they clinched the series 2-1 after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the historic Test series Virat said, "By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, former and current players along with administrators hailed the series win on various platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following are the reactions:</p>

<p><strong>Sachin Tendulkar</strong><br />
An amazing day for Indian cricket! The resilience and determination of #TeamIndia has made this a series to be cherished. Proud of the boys. Has been a wonderful series where the younger and senior players shared responsibilities to achieve something special. @Rishabpant777, who has gone from strength to strength and @imkuldeep18 are definitely ones to watch out for.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An amazing day for Indian cricket! The resilience and determination of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> has made this a series to be cherished. Proud of the boys. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/qPPXhYnKzM">pic.twitter.com/qPPXhYnKzM</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1082179058069254145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Bishan Singh Bedi</strong><br />
Kudos to Team Ind fr recovering lot of (sic) lost ground in (sic) Sth Afr/Eng-truly remarkable feat-beating Aust fr 1st time in (sic) their own backyard-2 guys @cheteshwar1 &amp; @Jaspritbumrah93 personified consistency-all playing X1's gr8 resolve/determination helped cross the Rubicon..Congrats All!</p>

<p>VVS Laxman<br />
Many congratulations #TeamIndia on this historic series win in Australia. It took a complete Team effort from every member of the side and it gives such an immense sense of satisfaction and joy to see what the boys have done on the field. Let's cherish this special series win</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> on this historic series win in Australia. It took a complete Team effort from every member of the side and it gives such an immense sense of satisfaction and joy to see what the boys have done on the field. Let’s cherish this special series win <a href="https://t.co/QFj7oJg47i">pic.twitter.com/QFj7oJg47i</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1082152051768020992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Virender Sehwag</strong><br />
Congratulations #TeamIndia for this memorable win. Every cricket lover in India will be very proud of this one and a special effort by every member in the Team to ensure this result.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for this memorable win. Every cricket lover in India will be very proud of this one and a special effort by every member in the Team to ensure this result. <a href="https://t.co/GLUaQgLt4S">pic.twitter.com/GLUaQgLt4S</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1082150021594836992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Harbhajan Singh</strong><br />
Proud of you guys Well done Team India for winning the test series in Australia.. Congratulations @cheteshwar1 for winning MOS u (sic) been a backbone of indian batting line up.. Keep it up @BCCI bowling wise @Jaspritbumrah93 has been phenomenal..Love ur work</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud of you guys🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳..Well done Team India for winning the test series in Australia.. congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> for winning MOS u been a backbone of indian batting line up.. keep it up 🔥🏏<a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> bowling wise <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> has been phenomenal..love ur work ⭐️💪</p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1082121618263101440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Suresh Raina</strong><br />
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Historic 1st Test Series win for India in Australia! Superb effort by #TeamIndia ! It may have ended in rain but that's not going to dampen the celebrations! Proud #INDvAUS</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When was the last time you did something for the first time? Historic 1st Test Series win for India in Australia! Superb effort by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> ! It may have ended in rain but that’s not going to dampen the celebrations! Proud <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVN9OZtye5">pic.twitter.com/xVN9OZtye5</a></p>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1082137310702026759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Mitchell Johnson</strong><br />
Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for making history, winning in Australia for the 1st time is a proud achievement for all of India. @cheteshwar1 &amp; the whole Indian bowling attack was just unstoppable this series. Was thrilling to watch @Jaspritbumrah93 bowling</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to India for winning the Test series in Australia for the first time ever 👏🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> I was so impressed with your performance throughout this series! Fast,… <a href="https://t.co/7fMSNEeJ1q">https://t.co/7fMSNEeJ1q</a></p>
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) <a href="https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1082132516125982722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Michael Clarke</strong><br />
Congratulations team on a very well played Test Match series 2-1.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations team 🇮🇳 on a very well played Test Match series 2-1 👏🏻🏏</p>
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) <a href="https://twitter.com/MClarke23/status/1082120539756552193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Michael Vaughan</strong><br />
Well done #India on a really good series Win Down Under .. High class Skill produced by many of the players .. But it's great for all players around the world to see @cheteshwar1 get Man of the Series for playing the Test Match way .. A lesson to all ...</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> on a really good series Win Down Under .. High class Skill produced by many of the players .. but it’s great for all players around the world to see <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> get Man of the Series for playing the Test Match way .. A lesson to all .. #2–1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1082170985032355841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Glenn McGrath</strong><br />
? Congratulations to @imVkohli &amp; his Indian Team on winning their first ever series in Australia. They outplayed @CAComms in all departments. Very well deserved.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> &amp; his Indian Team on winning their first ever series in Australia. They outplayed <a href="https://twitter.com/cacomms?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CAComms</a> in all departments. Very well deserved. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pinktest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pinktest</a> <a href="https://t.co/UkEJcrzJ3I">https://t.co/UkEJcrzJ3I</a></p>
— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) <a href="https://twitter.com/glennmcgrath11/status/1082121305481191424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Gautam Gambhir</strong><br />
Congratulations India on a stupendous victory. It's a big day for us as sporting nation. For once,let's not debate or dissect the impact of absence of Warner/Smith, let's just savour the moment and be proud. Let's be together on this one at least!</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations India on a stupendous victory. It’s a big day for us as sporting nation. For once,let’s not debate or dissect the impact of absence of Warner/Smith, let’s just savour the moment and be proud. Let’s be together on this one at least! <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SPNSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPNSportsIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1082135708100366341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Vinod Rai (CoA chief)&nbsp;</strong><br />
An amazing historic series win for the Indian team. A very comprehensive effort. Every member contributed. I congratulate the captain, the head coach and each player in the team for the remarkable performance put in by them. My heartiest accolades for the performance. Great show.<br />
<br />
CK Khanna (acting president, BCCI): I wish to congratulate the Indian team for their series win in Australia and Virat Kohli for his superb captaincy. He led from the front.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diana Edulji (COA member)&nbsp;Congratulations to Team India on this great series victory.</p>


Virat Kohli-led team achieved Test series victory on Australian soil since India started touring to Australia in 1947-48 as they clinched the series 2-1 after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday.

Virat Kohli-led team achieved Test series victory on Australian soil since India started touring to Australia in 1947-48 as they clinched the series 2-1 after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday. After winning the historic Test series Virat said, "By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional." Meanwhile, former and current players along with administrators hailed the series win on various platforms. Following are the reactions: Sachin Tendulkar An amazing day for Indian cricket! The resilience and determination of #TeamIndia has made this a series to be cherished. Proud of the boys. Has been a wonderful series where the younger and senior players shared responsibilities to achieve something special. @Rishabpant777, who has gone from strength to strength and @imkuldeep18 are definitely ones to watch out for. An amazing day for Indian cricket! The resilience and determination of #TeamIndia has made this a series to be cherished. Proud of the boys. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/qPPXhYnKzM — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2019 × Bishan Singh Bedi Kudos to Team Ind fr recovering lot of (sic) lost ground in (sic) Sth Afr/Eng-truly remarkable feat-beating Aust fr 1st time in (sic) their own backyard-2 guys @cheteshwar1 & @Jaspritbumrah93 personified consistency-all playing X1's gr8 resolve/determination helped cross the Rubicon..Congrats All! VVS Laxman Many congratulations #TeamIndia on this historic series win in Australia. It took a complete Team effort from every member of the side and it gives such an immense sense of satisfaction and joy to see what the boys have done on the field. Let's cherish this special series win Many congratulations #TeamIndia on this historic series win in Australia. It took a complete Team effort from every member of the side and it gives such an immense sense of satisfaction and joy to see what the boys have done on the field. Let’s cherish this special series win pic.twitter.com/QFj7oJg47i — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 7, 2019 × Virender Sehwag Congratulations #TeamIndia for this memorable win. Every cricket lover in India will be very proud of this one and a special effort by every member in the Team to ensure this result. Congratulations #TeamIndia for this memorable win. Every cricket lover in India will be very proud of this one and a special effort by every member in the Team to ensure this result. pic.twitter.com/GLUaQgLt4S — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 7, 2019 × Harbhajan Singh Proud of you guys Well done Team India for winning the test series in Australia.. Congratulations @cheteshwar1 for winning MOS u (sic) been a backbone of indian batting line up.. Keep it up @BCCI bowling wise @Jaspritbumrah93 has been phenomenal..Love ur work Proud of you guys🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳..Well done Team India for winning the test series in Australia.. congratulations @cheteshwar1 for winning MOS u been a backbone of indian batting line up.. keep it up 🔥🏏@BCCI bowling wise @Jaspritbumrah93 has been phenomenal..love ur work ⭐️💪 — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 7, 2019 × Suresh Raina When was the last time you did something for the first time? Historic 1st Test Series win for India in Australia! Superb effort by #TeamIndia ! It may have ended in rain but that's not going to dampen the celebrations! Proud #INDvAUS When was the last time you did something for the first time? Historic 1st Test Series win for India in Australia! Superb effort by #TeamIndia ! It may have ended in rain but that’s not going to dampen the celebrations! Proud #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/xVN9OZtye5 — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 7, 2019 × Mitchell Johnson Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for making history, winning in Australia for the 1st time is a proud achievement for all of India. @cheteshwar1 & the whole Indian bowling attack was just unstoppable this series. Was thrilling to watch @Jaspritbumrah93 bowling Congratulations to India for winning the Test series in Australia for the first time ever 👏🏼 @Jaspritbumrah93 I was so impressed with your performance throughout this series! Fast,… https://t.co/7fMSNEeJ1q — Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) January 7, 2019 × Michael Clarke Congratulations team on a very well played Test Match series 2-1. Congratulations team 🇮🇳 on a very well played Test Match series 2-1 👏🏻🏏 — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 7, 2019 × Michael Vaughan Well done #India on a really good series Win Down Under .. High class Skill produced by many of the players .. But it's great for all players around the world to see @cheteshwar1 get Man of the Series for playing the Test Match way .. A lesson to all ... Well done #India on a really good series Win Down Under .. High class Skill produced by many of the players .. but it’s great for all players around the world to see @cheteshwar1 get Man of the Series for playing the Test Match way .. A lesson to all .. #2–1 #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 7, 2019 × Glenn McGrath ? Congratulations to @imVkohli & his Indian Team on winning their first ever series in Australia. They outplayed @CAComms in all departments. Very well deserved. Congratulations to @imVkohli & his Indian Team on winning their first ever series in Australia. They outplayed @CAComms in all departments. Very well deserved. #AUSvIND #pinktest https://t.co/UkEJcrzJ3I — Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) January 7, 2019 × Gautam Gambhir Congratulations India on a stupendous victory. It's a big day for us as sporting nation. For once,let's not debate or dissect the impact of absence of Warner/Smith, let's just savour the moment and be proud. Let's be together on this one at least! Congratulations India on a stupendous victory. It’s a big day for us as sporting nation. For once,let’s not debate or dissect the impact of absence of Warner/Smith, let’s just savour the moment and be proud. Let’s be together on this one at least! @BCCI @SPNSportsIndia #INDvAUS — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 7, 2019 × Vinod Rai (CoA chief) An amazing historic series win for the Indian team. A very comprehensive effort. Every member contributed. I congratulate the captain, the head coach and each player in the team for the remarkable performance put in by them. My heartiest accolades for the performance. Great show. CK Khanna (acting president, BCCI): I wish to congratulate the Indian team for their series win in Australia and Virat Kohli for his superb captaincy. He led from the front. Diana Edulji (COA member) Congratulations to Team India on this great series victory.

India vs Australia: Former and current players along with administrators hail India's series win

<p>Virat Kohli-led team achieved <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">Test series victory</a> on Australian soil since India started touring to Australia in 1947-48 as they clinched the series 2-1 after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the historic Test series Virat said, "By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rishabh Pant led the on-field celebrations with an unusual victory dance and the entire team joined in. The celebration became hilarious when the players asked Cheteshwar Pujara to shake a leg but he simply couldn't.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri</a></strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli while interacting with media was asked about the victory dance, "Can you explain the dance that you and some of the guys did in front of Indian fans?"</p>

<p>Virat replied, "You'll have to ask Rishabh Pant that, he came up with that and we just went along. I don't know what he was trying to do to be honest. It just felt good, it was very easy but Pujara could not even do that. You can see how simple he is".</p>

<p><strong>Watch the victory dance:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">#<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a><br />
Dance Dance 🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🏼🕺<br />
Celebrations have well and truly begun for Team India! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ambFZkqUX">pic.twitter.com/0ambFZkqUX</a></p>
— Ritika Sajdeh ™ (@ImRitika45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRitika45/status/1082153874771841029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get those feet tapping. The Bharat Army gave the team a welcome in their own style - and needless to say, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> joined in 😁😁 - - <a href="https://twitter.com/28anand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@28anand</a> gets us visuals straight from the hotel 👌👌<br />
<br />
Watch the full video here ----&gt; <a href="https://t.co/a0vlmo5Gmg">https://t.co/a0vlmo5Gmg</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8likfSmDN">pic.twitter.com/N8likfSmDN</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1082210339662454785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MUST WATCH: Virat &amp; Co. celebrate historic win in style 😎🇮🇳🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/scg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scg</a> dressing room abuzz with cheers, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> thanking their fans &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> on the proudest moment of his life - <a href="https://twitter.com/28anand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@28anand</a> has all bases covered here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a><br />
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Video Link -----&gt; <a href="https://t.co/boJL4z7d1O">https://t.co/boJL4z7d1O</a> <a href="https://t.co/MC82y3cdYF">pic.twitter.com/MC82y3cdYF</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1082192586209521664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored a century in all four Tests, was given the player of the match and also the player of the series.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli-led team achieved Test series victory on Australian soil since India started touring to Australia in 1947-48 as they clinched the series 2-1 after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday. After winning the historic Test series Virat said, "By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional." Rishabh Pant led the on-field celebrations with an unusual victory dance and the entire team joined in. The celebration became hilarious when the players asked Cheteshwar Pujara to shake a leg but he simply couldn't. Watch: Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney Watch: India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri Virat Kohli while interacting with media was asked about the victory dance, "Can you explain the dance that you and some of the guys did in front of Indian fans?" Virat replied, "You'll have to ask Rishabh Pant that, he came up with that and we just went along. I don't know what he was trying to do to be honest. It just felt good, it was very easy but Pujara could not even do that. You can see how simple he is". Watch the victory dance: ##AUSvIND #TeamIndia Dance Dance 🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🏼🕺 Celebrations have well and truly begun for Team India! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0ambFZkqUX — Ritika Sajdeh ™ (@ImRitika45) January 7, 2019 × Get those feet tapping. The Bharat Army gave the team a welcome in their own style - and needless to say, #TeamIndia joined in 😁😁 - - @28anand gets us visuals straight from the hotel 👌👌 Watch the full video here ----> https://t.co/a0vlmo5Gmg pic.twitter.com/N8likfSmDN — BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2019 × MUST WATCH: Virat & Co. celebrate historic win in style 😎🇮🇳🇮🇳@scg dressing room abuzz with cheers, #TeamIndia thanking their fans & @imVkohli on the proudest moment of his life - @28anand has all bases covered here #AUSvIND Video Link -----> https://t.co/boJL4z7d1O pic.twitter.com/MC82y3cdYF — BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2019 × Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored a century in all four Tests, was given the player of the match and also the player of the series.

Watch: India's unusual victory dance after historic Test series win against Australia that Cheteshwar Pujara can't do

<p>Dominant team India registered their status as the world's number one team by winning a historic first-ever series in Australia after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After scripting history, Virat-led was showered with praises from a former player Sunil Gavaskar. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "India played the opposition they were presented with and it's a great achievement for them."</p>

<p>He further added, "It is not that teams that I was a part of didn't play to win. We also played to win but this team is at a different level in terms of fitness and the captain has shown the way. In our times, we used do our individual routines."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-indias-unusual-victory-dance-after-historic-test-win-against-australia-that-cheteshwar-pujara-cant-do-188811">India's unusual victory dance after historic Test series win against Australia that Cheteshwar Pujara can't do</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides applauding the winning team, Gavaskar slammed the criticism that the historic win came against a weakened Australian team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was attributed to batting mainstays David Warner and Steve Smith's one-year ban on ball tampering charges but Gavaskar rejected the assertion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not India's fault that this Australian team was without David Warner and Steve Smith. Australia could have handed them shorter bans but obviously it was thought that one-year bans would be good for Australian cricket, that they needed to be made an example for anyone who brings the game into disrepute," Gavaskar said during a post-match show on 'Sony Six'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some happy faces in the dressing room post the Historic win 🇮🇳🇮🇳📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/nVosuIEwlt">pic.twitter.com/nVosuIEwlt</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1082155848628023296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."&nbsp;</p>


Dominant team India registered their status as the world's number one team by winning a historic first-ever series in Australia after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday.

Dominant team India registered their status as the world's number one team by winning a historic first-ever series in Australia after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket finished in a draw on Monday. After scripting history, Virat-led was showered with praises from a former player Sunil Gavaskar. He said, "India played the opposition they were presented with and it's a great achievement for them." He further added, "It is not that teams that I was a part of didn't play to win. We also played to win but this team is at a different level in terms of fitness and the captain has shown the way. In our times, we used do our individual routines." Watch: India's unusual victory dance after historic Test series win against Australia that Cheteshwar Pujara can't do Besides applauding the winning team, Gavaskar slammed the criticism that the historic win came against a weakened Australian team. It was attributed to batting mainstays David Warner and Steve Smith's one-year ban on ball tampering charges but Gavaskar rejected the assertion. "It is not India's fault that this Australian team was without David Warner and Steve Smith. Australia could have handed them shorter bans but obviously it was thought that one-year bans would be good for Australian cricket, that they needed to be made an example for anyone who brings the game into disrepute," Gavaskar said during a post-match show on 'Sony Six'. Some happy faces in the dressing room post the Historic win 🇮🇳🇮🇳📸 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/nVosuIEwlt — BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2019 × Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide. "We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters. "We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."

Not India's fault that Steve Smith and David Warner were not picked: Sunil Gavaskar slams critics

<p>Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">lose a Test series to India</a> on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday.</p>

<p>India wrapped up a 2-1 series victory, their first in 71 years of trying, after the fourth and final Test petered out in a draw at a rain-drenched Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.</p>

<p>Installed as captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, Paine has now overseen seven Test matches and won just one -- the Perth victory that tied up the series at 1-1.</p>

<p>Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide.</p>

<p>"We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri</a></strong></p>

<p>"We thought had a number of opportunities in that Test to get ahead of the game, and when those key moments came up, India outplayed us.</p>

<p>"More often than not when those big moments came up, Virat (Kohli) scored a century or (Cheteshwar) Pujara scored one or (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled a great spell and got them through those moments.</p>

<p>"Their best players stood up in the big moments."</p>

<p>Paine said the Australians, still without their best two batsmen because of the bans handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the Newlands scandal, needed to emulate the Indians when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series.</p>

<p>"We can learn a lot from the way they went about it and we'll make sure we do," he said.</p>

<p>"We'll have a week off and get ready for the Sri Lanka series. We've got faith that the guys around the team are the right guys."</p>

<p>Paine said he had faith that senior batsmen Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh and the pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins would rediscover their best form after under-par series.</p>

<p>He thought that opener Marcus Harris and Travis Head, who probably got their chances because of the absence of Smith and Warner, had acquitted themselves well at Test level.</p>

<p>Paine conceded, however, that not scoring a century between the batting unit over the entire series was a serious setback.</p>

<p>"Clearly, we know we're not going to win too many any Test matches without scoring hundreds," he said.</p>

<p>"But when guys are in their third, fourth Test matches, it's hard. We had so many starts throughout this series, it's just the experience of learning how to convert them.</p>

<p>"(And the Indian) attack was seriously good. I don't think in Australia we've given them enough credit for how relentless they were. It was hard work batting even for seasoned Test players."</p>

<p>After a one-day series against India, Australia next take on Sri Lanka in Brisbane starting on Jan 24 followed by the second Test in Canberra.</p>

<p>"We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."</p>


Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to lose a Test series to India on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday.

Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to lose a Test series to India on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday. India wrapped up a 2-1 series victory, their first in 71 years of trying, after the fourth and final Test petered out in a draw at a rain-drenched Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. Installed as captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, Paine has now overseen seven Test matches and won just one -- the Perth victory that tied up the series at 1-1. Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide. "We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters. Watch: Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney Watch: India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri "We thought had a number of opportunities in that Test to get ahead of the game, and when those key moments came up, India outplayed us. "More often than not when those big moments came up, Virat (Kohli) scored a century or (Cheteshwar) Pujara scored one or (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled a great spell and got them through those moments. "Their best players stood up in the big moments." Paine said the Australians, still without their best two batsmen because of the bans handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the Newlands scandal, needed to emulate the Indians when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series. "We can learn a lot from the way they went about it and we'll make sure we do," he said. "We'll have a week off and get ready for the Sri Lanka series. We've got faith that the guys around the team are the right guys." Paine said he had faith that senior batsmen Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh and the pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins would rediscover their best form after under-par series. He thought that opener Marcus Harris and Travis Head, who probably got their chances because of the absence of Smith and Warner, had acquitted themselves well at Test level. Paine conceded, however, that not scoring a century between the batting unit over the entire series was a serious setback. "Clearly, we know we're not going to win too many any Test matches without scoring hundreds," he said. "But when guys are in their third, fourth Test matches, it's hard. We had so many starts throughout this series, it's just the experience of learning how to convert them. "(And the Indian) attack was seriously good. I don't think in Australia we've given them enough credit for how relentless they were. It was hard work batting even for seasoned Test players." After a one-day series against India, Australia next take on Sri Lanka in Brisbane starting on Jan 24 followed by the second Test in Canberra. "We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."

India vs Australia: We were outplayed in key moments, says Australia captain Tim Paine

<p>Virat Kohli-led India registered a historic series win against Australia in the Test series that concluded on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it was natural for the captain Kohli and his men to go for the ‘victory walk’ around the stadium in Sydney, it was Virat's wife Anushka Sharma who caught the attention after she accompanied her husband.</p>

<p>A fan also posted a video of the two taking the victory walk after India clinched the fourth game Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opting to bat in the final Test, India took a commanding position as Cheteswar Pujara and stumper Rishabh Pant's scintillating 193 and 159-run respective knock guided India to a massive 622/7 in their first innings.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUfyFOgwuA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Winning couple💏💏💏. @virat.kohli @anushkasharma #viratkohli #anushkasharma #virushka #virataddicted</a></p>

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<p>India then rode chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's fifer to bundle out the home side on 300 runs before enforcing a follow-on.</p>

<p>Australia were six for no loss in their second innings and play wasn't possible on the final day of the Test due to incessant rains as the contest ended in draw.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli-led India registered a historic series win against Australia in the Test series that concluded on Monday. While it was natural for the captain Kohli and his men to go for the ‘victory walk’ around the stadium in Sydney, it was Virat's wife Anushka Sharma who caught the attention after she accompanied her husband.

Virat Kohli-led India registered a historic series win against Australia in the Test series that concluded on Monday. While it was natural for the captain Kohli and his men to go for the ‘victory walk’ around the stadium in Sydney, it was Virat's wife Anushka Sharma who caught the attention after she accompanied her husband. A fan also posted a video of the two taking the victory walk after India clinched the fourth game Test series. Opting to bat in the final Test, India took a commanding position as Cheteswar Pujara and stumper Rishabh Pant's scintillating 193 and 159-run respective knock guided India to a massive 622/7 in their first innings. View this post on Instagram Winning couple💏💏💏. @virat.kohli @anushkasharma #viratkohli #anushkasharma #virushka #virataddicted A post shared by Virat Addicted 👑🔥♥️ (@virataddicted.01) on Jan 6, 2019 at 8:40pm PST × India then rode chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's fifer to bundle out the home side on 300 runs before enforcing a follow-on. Australia were six for no loss in their second innings and play wasn't possible on the final day of the Test due to incessant rains as the contest ended in draw.

Watch: Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney

<p>Virat Kohli failed to impress his fans with his batting as he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 23 on Day 1 of the 4th Test in Sydney against Australia. However, the Indian skipper has bagged another major record to his name as he became the fastest to reach 19000 international runs, again surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian captain broke several records in 2018 and has started off the new year with another big one.</p>

<p>While Tendulkar reached the landmark in 432 innings, Kohli took 33 less as he reached the same point in his cricketing career in 399 innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the duo are West Indies' Brian Lara (433), Australia's Ricky Ponting (444) and South Africa's Jacques Kallis (458), in the top 5.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old Delhi lad ended 2018 with a total of 2735 international runs, which comprised 11 hundreds, to cap-off another stellar calendar year.</p>

<p>Having concluded the year with 1322 runs in 13 Tests, averaging over 55, Kohli hence ended the period as the top-scoring batsman in the format, justifying his position as the No. 1 Test batsman in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In ODIs, meanwhile, Virat scored 1202 runs in 14 matches that brought about a total of 6 centuries.</p>


Virat Kohli failed to impress his fans with his batting as he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 23 on Day 1 of the 4th Test in Sydney against Australia. However, the Indian skipper has bagged another major record to his name as he became the fastest to reach 19000 international runs, again surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar.

Virat Kohli failed to impress his fans with his batting as he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 23 on Day 1 of the 4th Test in Sydney against Australia. However, the Indian skipper has bagged another major record to his name as he became the fastest to reach 19000 international runs, again surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian captain broke several records in 2018 and has started off the new year with another big one. While Tendulkar reached the landmark in 432 innings, Kohli took 33 less as he reached the same point in his cricketing career in 399 innings. Following the duo are West Indies' Brian Lara (433), Australia's Ricky Ponting (444) and South Africa's Jacques Kallis (458), in the top 5. The 30-year-old Delhi lad ended 2018 with a total of 2735 international runs, which comprised 11 hundreds, to cap-off another stellar calendar year. Having concluded the year with 1322 runs in 13 Tests, averaging over 55, Kohli hence ended the period as the top-scoring batsman in the format, justifying his position as the No. 1 Test batsman in the world. In ODIs, meanwhile, Virat scored 1202 runs in 14 matches that brought about a total of 6 centuries.

4th Test: Kohli surpasses Tendulkar to score fastest 19000 international runs

<p>India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday.</p>

<p>The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth.</p>

<p>If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.</p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth.</p>

<p>First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja.</p>

<p>"It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test."</p>

<p>Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket.</p>

<p>In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped.</p>

<p>"We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine.</p>

<p>Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc</p>

<p>India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah</p>

<p>Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG)</p>

<p>TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)</p>

<p>Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)</p>


If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday. The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth. If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia. Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth. First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja. "It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test." Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket. In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped. "We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine. Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Ind vs Aus, 4th Test: India win toss, bat in fourth Australia Test

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management.</p>

<p>Ashwin has not taken part in the current series after bowling 86 overs in the first Test in Adelaide and since then has been laid low by left -sided abdominal strain.</p>

<p>While Indian team management kept Ashwin in the final 13 and officially announced that a call will be taken on Thursday morning before the start of the match, Kohli made it clear that all is not well with the burly Tamil Nadu off-spinner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well, it's unfortunate that Ashwin has had two niggles quite similar in the last couple of away tours (England and now Australia). He, more than anyone else, will be focused to correct this," the skipper said on the eve of the final Test.</p>

<p>"The physio and the trainer have spoken to him in terms of what's required (from him) in order to get over that injury. He is very important for sure. In Test cricket, he is a vital part of this team and we want him to be 100 per cent fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format," Kohli in his own way let media know on where he stood on this issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Ashwin) is very disappointed with the fact that he has not been able to recover in time, but the things have been laid out to him (as to) what needs to be done to get back to full fitness. Honestly, you can't predict an injury. When it happens, you just manage and doing what you can to get over that injury," the skipper said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From Ashwin's injury, the discussion veered towards back issues that Kohli has had for some time. Kohli was in pain during Melbourne Test and was also seen having a taping on his waist while fielding but he has now learnt to manage it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there was no reference to Ashwin, Kohli's take on injury management could be a lesson for the spinner also.</p>

<p>"You just have to manage it physically and stay ahead of the injury. I have been able to do it for now and I am sure I will find out more options and more ways to counter that and be at the top of my fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's inhuman or impossible to keep going on without niggles and I think it's fine to have a few niggles here and there. You just need to be able to manage it very well," said Kohli.</p>

<p>Kohli revealed that he has had a disc problem since his early days with the Indian team, back in 2011.</p>

<p>"On my personal fitness concern, I have had disc issues since 2011, it's nothing new. I have been able to manage it because of the physical effort I have put in in the last few years. When you have a back, which has disc issues, you can only maintain it that way so I'm not too bothered by it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the workload gets high, it can get into a spasm. You don't really get serious issues, you get fine in 2-3 days but at that point of time you get into a spasm. That's very easy to heal so I am not too concerned with it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Kohli attributes his top level fitness to his routines which has helped him massively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The physical part has definitely helped me massively in the last three years. I feel like I can switch formats easily. And I can be at the top of my energy levels or intensity levels that is required to play international cricket because I work really hard no my fitness. There are many factors involved: the diet, the sleep patterns and all these sort of things are very crucial."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming back to Ashwin, Kohli feels that young Hanuma Vihari's part-time off-breaks could come in handy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ashwin's absence does make you alter plans a little bit throughout the course of a series. But the fact that Hanuma Vihari has bowled beautifully whenever we have given him the ball makes us feel absolutely calm about Ashwin not being able to play," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But, if you see the way Vihari has bowled he has looked like picking up a wicket whenever he comes to bowl. He's pitching the ball in the right areas so we are looking at him as a solid bowling option right now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Especially in this Test because he has pace on the ball, he puts in the effort, he's economical and that's all you need from a guy who is coming in to bowl 10-15 overs in a day," the skipper reasoned.&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management.

Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management. Ashwin has not taken part in the current series after bowling 86 overs in the first Test in Adelaide and since then has been laid low by left -sided abdominal strain. While Indian team management kept Ashwin in the final 13 and officially announced that a call will be taken on Thursday morning before the start of the match, Kohli made it clear that all is not well with the burly Tamil Nadu off-spinner. "Well, it's unfortunate that Ashwin has had two niggles quite similar in the last couple of away tours (England and now Australia). He, more than anyone else, will be focused to correct this," the skipper said on the eve of the final Test. "The physio and the trainer have spoken to him in terms of what's required (from him) in order to get over that injury. He is very important for sure. In Test cricket, he is a vital part of this team and we want him to be 100 per cent fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format," Kohli in his own way let media know on where he stood on this issue. "He (Ashwin) is very disappointed with the fact that he has not been able to recover in time, but the things have been laid out to him (as to) what needs to be done to get back to full fitness. Honestly, you can't predict an injury. When it happens, you just manage and doing what you can to get over that injury," the skipper said. From Ashwin's injury, the discussion veered towards back issues that Kohli has had for some time. Kohli was in pain during Melbourne Test and was also seen having a taping on his waist while fielding but he has now learnt to manage it. While there was no reference to Ashwin, Kohli's take on injury management could be a lesson for the spinner also. "You just have to manage it physically and stay ahead of the injury. I have been able to do it for now and I am sure I will find out more options and more ways to counter that and be at the top of my fitness. "It's inhuman or impossible to keep going on without niggles and I think it's fine to have a few niggles here and there. You just need to be able to manage it very well," said Kohli. Kohli revealed that he has had a disc problem since his early days with the Indian team, back in 2011. "On my personal fitness concern, I have had disc issues since 2011, it's nothing new. I have been able to manage it because of the physical effort I have put in in the last few years. When you have a back, which has disc issues, you can only maintain it that way so I'm not too bothered by it. "When the workload gets high, it can get into a spasm. You don't really get serious issues, you get fine in 2-3 days but at that point of time you get into a spasm. That's very easy to heal so I am not too concerned with it." However, Kohli attributes his top level fitness to his routines which has helped him massively. "The physical part has definitely helped me massively in the last three years. I feel like I can switch formats easily. And I can be at the top of my energy levels or intensity levels that is required to play international cricket because I work really hard no my fitness. There are many factors involved: the diet, the sleep patterns and all these sort of things are very crucial." Coming back to Ashwin, Kohli feels that young Hanuma Vihari's part-time off-breaks could come in handy. "Ashwin's absence does make you alter plans a little bit throughout the course of a series. But the fact that Hanuma Vihari has bowled beautifully whenever we have given him the ball makes us feel absolutely calm about Ashwin not being able to play," Kohli said. "But, if you see the way Vihari has bowled he has looked like picking up a wicket whenever he comes to bowl. He's pitching the ball in the right areas so we are looking at him as a solid bowling option right now. "Especially in this Test because he has pace on the ball, he puts in the effort, he's economical and that's all you need from a guy who is coming in to bowl 10-15 overs in a day," the skipper reasoned.

Ashwin had similar injuries on two tours, says concerned skipper Kohli

<p>It turned out to be a glorious 2018 for India captain Virat Kohli and South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada as both maintained their respective pole positions in the year-end ICC Test Player Rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli dropped three points despite a first innings score of 82 in the third Test against Australia in Melbourne, but still enjoys a 34-point lead over nearest rival Kane Williamson of New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli, who attained a career-high 937 points during the year, which is the highest ever by an India batsman, scored 1322 runs in all. He overtook Steven Smith in August and has now held the top position for 135 days.</p>

<p>Rabada, who split the top ranking with England's seasoned fast bowler James Anderson during the year, is just six points ahead of his adversary.</p>

<p>Rabada, who became the youngest to take top position among bowlers during the year and held the spot for 178 days during the year, grabbed six wickets in the opening match at Centurion that South Africa won by six wickets to finish with 52 wickets in 10 Tests in 2018.</p>

<p>Kohli's compatriot Cheteshwar Pujara has also maintained his fourth position after a first-innings century in Melbourne, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has gained 10 slots to reach a career-best 38th position.</p>

<p>Debutant opener Mayank Agarwal has also entered the batsmen's list at an impressive 67th place after scores of 76 and 42 helped his side win by 137 runs for a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.</p>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah has moved from 28th to 12th after his match haul of nine for 86, the best-ever by an India seam bowler in Australia. He is now the highest-ranked India fast bowler in the format with Mohammed Shami is next in 23rd position.</p>

<p>For Australia, Pat Cummins has been the pick, gaining five slots to reach a career-best third position after finishing with nine wickets in the match. He has also gained 13 slots to reach 91st place among batsmen with some useful runs down the order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Travis Head (up seven places to 56th) has also benefitted in the latest rankings update.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand fast bowlers have a lot to cheer about following their record 423-run win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trent Boult's nine wickets in the match have helped him gain seven slots to reach the seventh position while Tim Southee (up two places to ninth) and Neil Wagner (up one place to 15th) have also moved up.</p>

<p>Century-makers at Christchurch, Henry Nicholls (up two places to seventh) and Tom Latham (up eight places to 14th), and Jeet Raval (up two places to 35th) have also gained in the latest rankings update.</p>

<p>Nicholls scored an unbeaten 162 to move up to the seventh place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For South Africa, former captain Hashim Amla (up three places to 11th place) and Temba Bavuma (up four places to 31st) have gained among batsmen while fast bowler Duanne Olivier has gained 17 places to reach 36th position after his player of the match effort of 11 wickets.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Babar Azam has gained nine slots to reach 27th position after innings of 71 and six while left-arm fast bowlers Mohammad Amir (up two places to 34th) and Shaheen Afridi (up 38 places to 73rd) have advanced after taking four and five wickets in Centurion.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, New Zealand have leapfrogged South Africa to take third place in the ICC Test Team Rankings after starting the series against Sri Lanka with a chance of going up to the second position with a 2-0 win.</p>


It turned out to be a glorious 2018 for India captain Virat Kohli and South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada as both maintained their respective pole positions in the year-end ICC Test Player Rankings.

It turned out to be a glorious 2018 for India captain Virat Kohli and South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada as both maintained their respective pole positions in the year-end ICC Test Player Rankings. Kohli dropped three points despite a first innings score of 82 in the third Test against Australia in Melbourne, but still enjoys a 34-point lead over nearest rival Kane Williamson of New Zealand. Kohli, who attained a career-high 937 points during the year, which is the highest ever by an India batsman, scored 1322 runs in all. He overtook Steven Smith in August and has now held the top position for 135 days. Rabada, who split the top ranking with England's seasoned fast bowler James Anderson during the year, is just six points ahead of his adversary. Rabada, who became the youngest to take top position among bowlers during the year and held the spot for 178 days during the year, grabbed six wickets in the opening match at Centurion that South Africa won by six wickets to finish with 52 wickets in 10 Tests in 2018. Kohli's compatriot Cheteshwar Pujara has also maintained his fourth position after a first-innings century in Melbourne, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has gained 10 slots to reach a career-best 38th position. Debutant opener Mayank Agarwal has also entered the batsmen's list at an impressive 67th place after scores of 76 and 42 helped his side win by 137 runs for a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Jasprit Bumrah has moved from 28th to 12th after his match haul of nine for 86, the best-ever by an India seam bowler in Australia. He is now the highest-ranked India fast bowler in the format with Mohammed Shami is next in 23rd position. For Australia, Pat Cummins has been the pick, gaining five slots to reach a career-best third position after finishing with nine wickets in the match. He has also gained 13 slots to reach 91st place among batsmen with some useful runs down the order. Travis Head (up seven places to 56th) has also benefitted in the latest rankings update. New Zealand fast bowlers have a lot to cheer about following their record 423-run win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch. Trent Boult's nine wickets in the match have helped him gain seven slots to reach the seventh position while Tim Southee (up two places to ninth) and Neil Wagner (up one place to 15th) have also moved up. Century-makers at Christchurch, Henry Nicholls (up two places to seventh) and Tom Latham (up eight places to 14th), and Jeet Raval (up two places to 35th) have also gained in the latest rankings update. Nicholls scored an unbeaten 162 to move up to the seventh place. For South Africa, former captain Hashim Amla (up three places to 11th place) and Temba Bavuma (up four places to 31st) have gained among batsmen while fast bowler Duanne Olivier has gained 17 places to reach 36th position after his player of the match effort of 11 wickets. Pakistan's Babar Azam has gained nine slots to reach 27th position after innings of 71 and six while left-arm fast bowlers Mohammad Amir (up two places to 34th) and Shaheen Afridi (up 38 places to 73rd) have advanced after taking four and five wickets in Centurion. Meanwhile, New Zealand have leapfrogged South Africa to take third place in the ICC Test Team Rankings after starting the series against Sri Lanka with a chance of going up to the second position with a 2-0 win.

ICC Test Player Rankings: Virat Kohli, Kagiso Rabada end 2018 on top spots

<p>Overflowing with confidence and buoyed by the blossoming of a rare pace talent, India can sniff a first-ever series win on Australian soil ahead of the fourth and final Test in Sydney.</p>

<p>Led by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/delighted-virat-kohli-praises-jasprit-bumrah-mayank-agarwal-after-3rd-test-victory-over-australia-187321">Jasprit Bumrah</a>'s series-leading 20 wickets, India's vaunted pace attack have hogged the spotlight this tour but the slow bowlers may get their turn to shine on the traditionally spin-friendly wicket at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>Leading the series 2-1 after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-australia-by-137-runs-to-win-melbourne-test-187279">137-run thrashing</a> of Tim Paine's depleted Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, Virat Kohli's team are in the box seat to shrug off the nation's history of underachievement Down Under.</p>

<p>The last Indian team to win two Tests in Australia was back in 1977-78 but the Bob Simpson-captained hosts claimed the fifth and final contest to break the hearts of Bishan Bedi's side.</p>

<p>After India outplayed Australia with bat and ball in Melbourne, Kohli is convinced India have the firepower to break new ground.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HR4FnnGEbA">pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA</a></p>
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<p>"We're not shocked or very surprised by what's happened," he said after the MCG triumph.</p>

<p>"We always believed that it's very possible because of the talent we have in the side and the mindset that we've been carrying for the last 12 months, regardless of what's been said or the mistakes we've made.</p>

<p>"It's a great opportunity from the point of view that we always wanted to win a series away from home.</p>

<p>"The fact that the boys realised we worked so hard to be here now and there is no looking back, it's the last Test of the series and you have to give everything you have to win a series, and that was our goal from day one."</p>

<p>India's sole defeat in the series came without a spinner at Perth, when the team went with four pace bowlers in a much-criticised selection. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon took a bag of wickets to be named man-of-the-match.</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was selected in Melbourne and supported the quicks with five wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin continued his recovery from an abdominal strain.</p>

<p>Ashwin took six wickets and was instrumental in the series-opening win in Adelaide, so India may be keen to unleash a dual spin bowling attack against Australia's ill-at-ease batsmen.</p>

<p>"It depends on the pitch. I think Ashwin's very close to being match fit," Kohli said. "He's been bowling a lot of overs and I'm sure these next four days will make him even stronger.</p>

<p>"Regardless, being the last Test match I think he will be willing to push himself and start for the team but again it depends on what type of pitch we get for Sydney."</p>

<p>Plagued by worries over their opening pair after Perth, India solved one half of the equation by blooding Mayank Agarwal, who enjoyed a stellar debut with a 76 in the first innings and three catches in the match.</p>

<p>With 42 in the second innings, Agarwal's total of 118 runs for the match was a record for an Indian debutant in Australia.</p>

<p>Spin bowling all-rounder Hanuma Vihari, promoted from number six after Perth, was less assured in his debut as an opener, scoring eight and 13.</p>

<p>He could make way for fit-again seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya should selectors opt for two spinners.</p>

<p>Kohli, however, praised Vihari for soaking up 111 deliveries in the Melbourne Test and may be reluctant to fiddle too much with a winning combination.</p>


Overflowing with confidence and buoyed by the blossoming of a rare pace talent, India can sniff a first-ever series win on Australian soil ahead of the fourth and final Test in Sydney.

Overflowing with confidence and buoyed by the blossoming of a rare pace talent, India can sniff a first-ever series win on Australian soil ahead of the fourth and final Test in Sydney. Led by Jasprit Bumrah's series-leading 20 wickets, India's vaunted pace attack have hogged the spotlight this tour but the slow bowlers may get their turn to shine on the traditionally spin-friendly wicket at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Leading the series 2-1 after the 137-run thrashing of Tim Paine's depleted Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, Virat Kohli's team are in the box seat to shrug off the nation's history of underachievement Down Under. The last Indian team to win two Tests in Australia was back in 1977-78 but the Bob Simpson-captained hosts claimed the fifth and final contest to break the hearts of Bishan Bedi's side. After India outplayed Australia with bat and ball in Melbourne, Kohli is convinced India have the firepower to break new ground. Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2018 × "We're not shocked or very surprised by what's happened," he said after the MCG triumph. "We always believed that it's very possible because of the talent we have in the side and the mindset that we've been carrying for the last 12 months, regardless of what's been said or the mistakes we've made. "It's a great opportunity from the point of view that we always wanted to win a series away from home. "The fact that the boys realised we worked so hard to be here now and there is no looking back, it's the last Test of the series and you have to give everything you have to win a series, and that was our goal from day one." India's sole defeat in the series came without a spinner at Perth, when the team went with four pace bowlers in a much-criticised selection. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon took a bag of wickets to be named man-of-the-match. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was selected in Melbourne and supported the quicks with five wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin continued his recovery from an abdominal strain. Ashwin took six wickets and was instrumental in the series-opening win in Adelaide, so India may be keen to unleash a dual spin bowling attack against Australia's ill-at-ease batsmen. "It depends on the pitch. I think Ashwin's very close to being match fit," Kohli said. "He's been bowling a lot of overs and I'm sure these next four days will make him even stronger. "Regardless, being the last Test match I think he will be willing to push himself and start for the team but again it depends on what type of pitch we get for Sydney." Plagued by worries over their opening pair after Perth, India solved one half of the equation by blooding Mayank Agarwal, who enjoyed a stellar debut with a 76 in the first innings and three catches in the match. With 42 in the second innings, Agarwal's total of 118 runs for the match was a record for an Indian debutant in Australia. Spin bowling all-rounder Hanuma Vihari, promoted from number six after Perth, was less assured in his debut as an opener, scoring eight and 13. He could make way for fit-again seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya should selectors opt for two spinners. Kohli, however, praised Vihari for soaking up 111 deliveries in the Melbourne Test and may be reluctant to fiddle too much with a winning combination.

Virat Kohli-led India sniff maiden series win in Sydney

<p>Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PV Sindhu's perseverance on the badminton court, Neeraj Chopra's obsessive pursuit of perfection every time he hurled the javelin, and the teenage shooting stars who refused to take their eyes off the target, made 2018 a year in which highs easily outnumbered the lows for Indian sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was a plethora of big-ticket sporting events this year and the country had lots to celebrate throughout. Whether it was the Commonwealth and the Asian Games or Youth Olympics, athletes pushed the boundaries and produced path-breaking performances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were the usual administrative mess-ups occasionally and odd cases of dope shame as well, but they couldn't make a dent to the overall sense of accomplishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the cricket field, the results weren't encouraging in South Africa and England but Kohli the batsman again ruled the roost, making his craft look ridiculously easy even on the most challenging tracks. It was only fitting that he was bestowed the nation's highest sporting honour - the Khel Ratna.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For 'Captain Kohli', however, it was far more challenging as he grappled to get the combinations right. But the team did find a degree of redemption against Australia by retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to close the year on a high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of course, it came against an Australian team weakened by the absence of banned batting mainstays Steve Smith and David Warner. The duo, along with Cameron Bancroft, combined for this year's biggest cricket scandal -&nbsp;the ball-tampering saga that forced a review of Australia's "win at all cost" culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same Australia which had the world mesmerised by its near-perfect hosting of the Commonwealth Games within weeks of the drama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Games were memorable for India too as the country logged its third-best ever medal haul, highlighted by a record-shattering weightlifting show. Spearheading it was the diminutive world champion&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mirabai Chanu, who later shared the Khel Ratna with Kohli.</p>

<p>Weightlifting also found another prospective star in Jeremy Lalrinnunga after the 16-year-old claimed an unprecedented gold at Youth Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a comeback of sorts for shooting, after their flop-show at the 2016 Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's gold medal-winners at the CWG shooting range included a 16-year-old Manu Bhaker and a 15-year-old Anish Bhanwala. The shooters hit the bull's eye in the Asiad too and though Bhaker felt the pain of failure for the first time, new gold-winning stars emerged in 16-year-old Saurabh Choudhary and a 15-something Shardul Vihan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhaker and Chaudhary also won gold medals at Youth Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If shooting was about youngsters, boxing became all about an ageing but incomparable superstar in Mary Kom. The 36-year-old mother-of-three, who is also a Parliamentarian, picked up four gold medals - including a record sixth world title and the CWG top honours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There won't be another Mary Kom," she declared and one look at her predominantly golden cabinet of medals would be enough to silence anyone who thinks otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then there was Sindhu. She lost five big finals, quietly took the criticism that labelled her a 'choker', but had the last laugh with a season-ending World Tour Finals title, beating world No.1 and familiar foe Tai Tzu Ying on her way to the summit clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not to be left behind was Saina Nehwal. The trailblazer started with a gold at CWG, picked up a bronze in Asian Games and began a new chapter in her personal life by marrying fellow shuttler P Kashyap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat became more than just a famous Phogat sister with gold medals at both the CWG and Asian Games and Bajrang Punia stepped out of the shadow of his mentor and London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punia won gold at CWG and Asiad before a silver at World Championships positioned him as the biggest star. However, double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar's stock fell due to a string of sub-par performances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The big takeaway in table tennis was the rise of Manika Batra. The Delhiite claimed four medals, including two gold, in the CWG before combining with veteran Sharath Kamal for a historic mixed doubles bronze at the Asiad, where India delivered its best-ever medal haul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another star to make the year his own was Neeraj. The 21-year-old won both the CWG and Asian Games with records to boot and is giving Indian athletics audacious Olympic medal hopes for Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A sprint sensation also emerged in 18-year-old Hima Das, India's first ever woman track-and-field world champion at any level after her under-20 400m gold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Away from the spotlight, it was business as usual for ace cueist Pankaj Advani as he added a 21st world title to his trophy cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A star rose on the golf course as well in Shubhankar Sharma, who won the Maybank Malaysia Open. He also bagged Asian Tour Order of Merit title and European Tour Rookie of the Year award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were disappointments too -&nbsp;the men's hockey team being the most prominent with no medal at CWG and an underwhelming third-place finish at Asiad.</p>

<p>CWG champion weightlifter Sanjita Chanu flunked a dope test.&nbsp;And there was no end to the administrative mess that the BCCI has become.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, none of the negatives was big enough to come in the way of a stronger India emerging on the competitive field.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to.

Virat Kohli continued to dominate the cricket chatter with his batting and brashness, the indomitable MC Mary Kom rolled back the years like very few can and, month after month, Indian sports also found new and younger heroes to raise a toast to. PV Sindhu's perseverance on the badminton court, Neeraj Chopra's obsessive pursuit of perfection every time he hurled the javelin, and the teenage shooting stars who refused to take their eyes off the target, made 2018 a year in which highs easily outnumbered the lows for Indian sports. There was a plethora of big-ticket sporting events this year and the country had lots to celebrate throughout. Whether it was the Commonwealth and the Asian Games or Youth Olympics, athletes pushed the boundaries and produced path-breaking performances. There were the usual administrative mess-ups occasionally and odd cases of dope shame as well, but they couldn't make a dent to the overall sense of accomplishment. On the cricket field, the results weren't encouraging in South Africa and England but Kohli the batsman again ruled the roost, making his craft look ridiculously easy even on the most challenging tracks. It was only fitting that he was bestowed the nation's highest sporting honour - the Khel Ratna. For 'Captain Kohli', however, it was far more challenging as he grappled to get the combinations right. But the team did find a degree of redemption against Australia by retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to close the year on a high. Of course, it came against an Australian team weakened by the absence of banned batting mainstays Steve Smith and David Warner. The duo, along with Cameron Bancroft, combined for this year's biggest cricket scandal - the ball-tampering saga that forced a review of Australia's "win at all cost" culture. The same Australia which had the world mesmerised by its near-perfect hosting of the Commonwealth Games within weeks of the drama. The Games were memorable for India too as the country logged its third-best ever medal haul, highlighted by a record-shattering weightlifting show. Spearheading it was the diminutive world champion Mirabai Chanu, who later shared the Khel Ratna with Kohli. Weightlifting also found another prospective star in Jeremy Lalrinnunga after the 16-year-old claimed an unprecedented gold at Youth Olympics. It was a comeback of sorts for shooting, after their flop-show at the 2016 Olympics. India's gold medal-winners at the CWG shooting range included a 16-year-old Manu Bhaker and a 15-year-old Anish Bhanwala. The shooters hit the bull's eye in the Asiad too and though Bhaker felt the pain of failure for the first time, new gold-winning stars emerged in 16-year-old Saurabh Choudhary and a 15-something Shardul Vihan. Bhaker and Chaudhary also won gold medals at Youth Olympics. If shooting was about youngsters, boxing became all about an ageing but incomparable superstar in Mary Kom. The 36-year-old mother-of-three, who is also a Parliamentarian, picked up four gold medals - including a record sixth world title and the CWG top honours. "There won't be another Mary Kom," she declared and one look at her predominantly golden cabinet of medals would be enough to silence anyone who thinks otherwise. Then there was Sindhu. She lost five big finals, quietly took the criticism that labelled her a 'choker', but had the last laugh with a season-ending World Tour Finals title, beating world No.1 and familiar foe Tai Tzu Ying on her way to the summit clash. Not to be left behind was Saina Nehwal. The trailblazer started with a gold at CWG, picked up a bronze in Asian Games and began a new chapter in her personal life by marrying fellow shuttler P Kashyap. On the wrestling mat, Vinesh Phogat became more than just a famous Phogat sister with gold medals at both the CWG and Asian Games and Bajrang Punia stepped out of the shadow of his mentor and London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt. Punia won gold at CWG and Asiad before a silver at World Championships positioned him as the biggest star. However, double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar's stock fell due to a string of sub-par performances. The big takeaway in table tennis was the rise of Manika Batra. The Delhiite claimed four medals, including two gold, in the CWG before combining with veteran Sharath Kamal for a historic mixed doubles bronze at the Asiad, where India delivered its best-ever medal haul. Another star to make the year his own was Neeraj. The 21-year-old won both the CWG and Asian Games with records to boot and is giving Indian athletics audacious Olympic medal hopes for Tokyo 2020. A sprint sensation also emerged in 18-year-old Hima Das, India's first ever woman track-and-field world champion at any level after her under-20 400m gold. Away from the spotlight, it was business as usual for ace cueist Pankaj Advani as he added a 21st world title to his trophy cabinet. A star rose on the golf course as well in Shubhankar Sharma, who won the Maybank Malaysia Open. He also bagged Asian Tour Order of Merit title and European Tour Rookie of the Year award. There were disappointments too - the men's hockey team being the most prominent with no medal at CWG and an underwhelming third-place finish at Asiad. CWG champion weightlifter Sanjita Chanu flunked a dope test. And there was no end to the administrative mess that the BCCI has become. However, none of the negatives was big enough to come in the way of a stronger India emerging on the competitive field.

Virat Kohli, Mary Kom make 2018 their own; India discovers new stars too

<p>India defeated Australia by 137 runs to win the third Test of a four-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the win, India have taken an&nbsp;unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a huge 399 to win, Australia were all out for 261 in the post-lunch session after the first session was washed out due to intermittent showers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, the world's top-ranked nation, are eying the first-ever series win Down Under in Sydney later this week, where they only need a draw to smash the long-time jinx.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No team before had made more than 332 to win, and that was in 1928 by England.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">INDIA LEAD SERIES 2-1!<br />
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With the wicket of Nathan Lyon, Ishant Sharma wraps Australia up for 261, powering his side to a convincing 137-run win at the MCG.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> SCORECARD 👇<a href="https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp">https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/8o7GPf04yZ">pic.twitter.com/8o7GPf04yZ</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1079202275908771840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The home team were 258 for eight overnight,&nbsp;with Pat Cummins not out 61 and Nathan Lyon on six, with just Josh Hazlewood to come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Indian pacers were quick to take the remaining wickets to give India a historic win at MCG and also it was India's 150th Test match win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah stuck in his second over of the day and send back Pat Cummins, who showed immense resistance with his bat. Cummins returned to the pavilion after scoring 63 off 114.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the next over, Ishant Sharma took the last wicket as Nathan Lyon departed after scored seven runs off 50 balls.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jasprit Bumrah gets the big wicket of Pat Cummins!<br />
<br />
India are just one wicket away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> LIVE 👇<a href="https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp">https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/cURNQ2HP5w">pic.twitter.com/cURNQ2HP5w</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1079199245498892289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bumrah was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. He took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cummins aside, no other Australian passed 50 in Melbourne, exposing their lack of batting depth and reinforcing how much they are missing the banned Steve Smith and David Warner.</p>

<p>The pair's year-long suspensions for ball-tampering run out in late March and it is widely believed that they will be reintegrated quickly into the team.</p>

<p>It leaves India zeroing in on a first-ever series win in Australia with just the Sydney Test next week to go.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India won the first Test in Adelaide by 31 runs with Australia bouncing back to claim the second in Perth by 146 runs.&nbsp;</p>


India defeated Australia by 137 runs to win the third Test of a four-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

India defeated Australia by 137 runs to win the third Test of a four-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Chasing a huge 399 to win, Australia were all out for 261 in the post-lunch session after the first session was washed out due to intermittent showers. India, the world's top-ranked nation, are eying the first-ever series win Down Under in Sydney later this week, where they only need a draw to smash the long-time jinx. No team before had made more than 332 to win, and that was in 1928 by England. INDIA LEAD SERIES 2-1! With the wicket of Nathan Lyon, Ishant Sharma wraps Australia up for 261, powering his side to a convincing 137-run win at the MCG.#AUSvIND SCORECARD 👇https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp pic.twitter.com/8o7GPf04yZ — ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2018 × The home team were 258 for eight overnight, with Pat Cummins not out 61 and Nathan Lyon on six, with just Josh Hazlewood to come. While Indian pacers were quick to take the remaining wickets to give India a historic win at MCG and also it was India's 150th Test match win. India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah stuck in his second over of the day and send back Pat Cummins, who showed immense resistance with his bat. Cummins returned to the pavilion after scoring 63 off 114. In the next over, Ishant Sharma took the last wicket as Nathan Lyon departed after scored seven runs off 50 balls. Jasprit Bumrah gets the big wicket of Pat Cummins! India are just one wicket away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.#AUSvIND LIVE 👇https://t.co/XyVZQv8kRp pic.twitter.com/cURNQ2HP5w — ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2018 × Bumrah was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. He took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets. Cummins aside, no other Australian passed 50 in Melbourne, exposing their lack of batting depth and reinforcing how much they are missing the banned Steve Smith and David Warner. The pair's year-long suspensions for ball-tampering run out in late March and it is widely believed that they will be reintegrated quickly into the team. It leaves India zeroing in on a first-ever series win in Australia with just the Sydney Test next week to go. India won the first Test in Adelaide by 31 runs with Australia bouncing back to claim the second in Perth by 146 runs.

India beat Australia by 137 runs to win Melbourne Test

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli&nbsp;hailed "outstanding" pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah Sunday and declared batsmen around the world should be scared of the young hotshot fast bowler.</p>

<p>The 25-year-old right-arm quick with an unorthodox rigid action took 9-86 in the Melbourne Test against Australia, including a career-best 6-33 in the first innings.</p>

<p>In his first year of Test cricket he has claimed three five-wicket hauls overseas -- in South Africa, England and now Australia, where his exploits were central to India's 137-run win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Credit has to go to the bowlers. I think they have been outstanding, especially Jasprit. The way he bowled in this Test match was outstanding," said Kohli after win gave India a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series.</p>

<p>"The mindset he has at the moment is what separates him from anyone else in the world right now.</p>

<p>"He looks at a pitch and he doesn't think it's a hard toil, he thinks wickets, he thinks how can I get a breakthrough for the team.</p>

<p>"He's as strong-headed as I've seen anyone in the past and that's the key to his success that I've seen in the last 12 months, the way he has matured as a Test cricketer."</p>

<p>He added that the way Bumrah was bowling so soon in his Test career "is a very scary sign for batsmen around the world".</p>

<p>Kohli is widely seen as one of the best batsmen of his generation and even he said he wouldn't want to be facing Bumrah on surfaces like the recent Perth Test, where the cracked pitch caused variable bounce and numerous blows to the body.</p>

<p>"In Test cricket, especially on a pitch like Perth, I wouldn't want to face him to be honest because once he is on a roll, he can really crank it up."</p>

<p>It wasn't just the bowlers that were impeccable for India in Melbourne. The batsmen, led by Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, were also top class.</p>

<p>Kohli said he was most proud of the way the team bounced back after losing in Perth.</p>

<p>"I think that takes more mentally out of you than starting a series well, so I think that's why this victory is more special for the bowlers," he said.</p>

<p>"They've been so tired and bowled so many overs. Even in this game they had to put in more effort because of the nature of the pitch. So outstanding, hats off to them."</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli hailed "outstanding" pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah Sunday and declared batsmen around the world should be scared of the young hotshot fast bowler.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli hailed "outstanding" pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah Sunday and declared batsmen around the world should be scared of the young hotshot fast bowler. The 25-year-old right-arm quick with an unorthodox rigid action took 9-86 in the Melbourne Test against Australia, including a career-best 6-33 in the first innings. In his first year of Test cricket he has claimed three five-wicket hauls overseas -- in South Africa, England and now Australia, where his exploits were central to India's 137-run win. "Credit has to go to the bowlers. I think they have been outstanding, especially Jasprit. The way he bowled in this Test match was outstanding," said Kohli after win gave India a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series. "The mindset he has at the moment is what separates him from anyone else in the world right now. "He looks at a pitch and he doesn't think it's a hard toil, he thinks wickets, he thinks how can I get a breakthrough for the team. "He's as strong-headed as I've seen anyone in the past and that's the key to his success that I've seen in the last 12 months, the way he has matured as a Test cricketer." He added that the way Bumrah was bowling so soon in his Test career "is a very scary sign for batsmen around the world". Kohli is widely seen as one of the best batsmen of his generation and even he said he wouldn't want to be facing Bumrah on surfaces like the recent Perth Test, where the cracked pitch caused variable bounce and numerous blows to the body. "In Test cricket, especially on a pitch like Perth, I wouldn't want to face him to be honest because once he is on a roll, he can really crank it up." It wasn't just the bowlers that were impeccable for India in Melbourne. The batsmen, led by Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, were also top class. Kohli said he was most proud of the way the team bounced back after losing in Perth. "I think that takes more mentally out of you than starting a series well, so I think that's why this victory is more special for the bowlers," he said. "They've been so tired and bowled so many overs. Even in this game they had to put in more effort because of the nature of the pitch. So outstanding, hats off to them."

Bumrah's bowling 'scary sign for batsmen around the world,' says Virat Kohli

<p>Indian cricket team registered a historic 137-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday as they won the Boxing Day Test against Australia for the very first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the teams have played eight Boxing Tests in Melbourne since 1985, and India lost five and two ended in a draw but this is the first time when the 'Men in Blue' walked out as winners.</p>

<p>Earlier, India had won the first Test at the Adelaide Oval before going down in Perth.</p>

<p>Congratulating the Virat Kohli-led side, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar termed the team's effort as "incredible".</p>

<p>"Incredible effort by #TeamIndia to take a 2-1 lead, especially @Jaspritbumrah93 who has played an instrumental role in this win. He has gone from strength to strength in all formats of the game. Definitely one of the best in the world today. #INDvAUS," Sachin tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible effort by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to take a 2-1 lead, especially <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> who has played an instrumental role in this win. He has gone from strength to strength in all formats of the game. Definitely one of the best in the world today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/vweoHd0nEE">pic.twitter.com/vweoHd0nEE</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1079210461663358977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">37 years 10 months ago was the last time India won a test at the MCG, none of the players from either sides were born. This win is one to savour &amp; cherish for a long time and a perfect end to 2018 for Team India. Each player can be very proud of their contribution to this win👍</p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1079200335111933952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The win gave India a 2-1 lead and leaves them on the verge of claiming a historic first series victory on Australian soil.</p>

<p>Chasing a huge 399 to win, Australia were all out for 261 in the post-lunch session after the first session was washed out due to intermittent showers.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bumrah was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. He took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets.&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket team registered a historic 137-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday as they won the Boxing Day Test against Australia for the very first time.

Indian cricket team registered a historic 137-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday as they won the Boxing Day Test against Australia for the very first time. Both the teams have played eight Boxing Tests in Melbourne since 1985, and India lost five and two ended in a draw but this is the first time when the 'Men in Blue' walked out as winners. Earlier, India had won the first Test at the Adelaide Oval before going down in Perth. Congratulating the Virat Kohli-led side, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar termed the team's effort as "incredible". "Incredible effort by #TeamIndia to take a 2-1 lead, especially @Jaspritbumrah93 who has played an instrumental role in this win. He has gone from strength to strength in all formats of the game. Definitely one of the best in the world today. #INDvAUS," Sachin tweeted. Incredible effort by #TeamIndia to take a 2-1 lead, especially @Jaspritbumrah93 who has played an instrumental role in this win. He has gone from strength to strength in all formats of the game. Definitely one of the best in the world today. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/vweoHd0nEE — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 30, 2018 × 37 years 10 months ago was the last time India won a test at the MCG, none of the players from either sides were born. This win is one to savour & cherish for a long time and a perfect end to 2018 for Team India. Each player can be very proud of their contribution to this win👍 — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 30, 2018 × The win gave India a 2-1 lead and leaves them on the verge of claiming a historic first series victory on Australian soil. Chasing a huge 399 to win, Australia were all out for 261 in the post-lunch session after the first session was washed out due to intermittent showers. Bumrah was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. He took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets.

'Incredible effort,' says Sachin Tendulkar on India's historic Boxing Day Test win

<p>India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-australia-by-137-runs-to-win-melbourne-test-187279">win the third Test</a> of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing the media, Virat said, "We are very happy. Leading the series for the first time in Australia. We will take the trophy back home regardless of what happens in the last Test."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat added, "Although our aim is to win the series here, which is what we came here thinking and that hasn't changed regardless of whatever happened."</p>

<p>"But it is important to realise this moment and it is important to understand how much hard work we have put in to reach this scoreline. We have to appreciate that as a whole team."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HR4FnnGEbA">pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1079251672231104512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you, Melbourne for all the support. Onto the next one at the SCG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6iCBgNaLcu">pic.twitter.com/6iCBgNaLcu</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1079235152008675328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kohli singled out bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Test debutante batsman Mayank Aggarwal for their contributions to the victory as India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli told reporters, "Mayank's composure, his intent and belief, it was a huge boost for us. Because the way he batted at top of the order on first day, it has to be praised because it is not easy to come to Australia and start like that, and starting against such a bowling attack. He should also get a lot of credit for the win."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat gave a special mention to Bumrah, who was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Jasprit obviously is the best bowler in the world, as per me. He is a match winner, without doubt."</p>

<p>Bumrah took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The final Test match of the series starts 3rd January in Sydney.</p>


India captain Virat Kohli praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to win the third Test of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

India captain Virat Kohli praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to win the third Test of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. While addressing the media, Virat said, "We are very happy. Leading the series for the first time in Australia. We will take the trophy back home regardless of what happens in the last Test." Virat added, "Although our aim is to win the series here, which is what we came here thinking and that hasn't changed regardless of whatever happened." "But it is important to realise this moment and it is important to understand how much hard work we have put in to reach this scoreline. We have to appreciate that as a whole team." Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2018 × Thank you, Melbourne for all the support. Onto the next one at the SCG #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6iCBgNaLcu — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2018 × Kohli singled out bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Test debutante batsman Mayank Aggarwal for their contributions to the victory as India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Kohli told reporters, "Mayank's composure, his intent and belief, it was a huge boost for us. Because the way he batted at top of the order on first day, it has to be praised because it is not easy to come to Australia and start like that, and starting against such a bowling attack. He should also get a lot of credit for the win." Virat gave a special mention to Bumrah, who was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. "Jasprit obviously is the best bowler in the world, as per me. He is a match winner, without doubt." Bumrah took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets. The final Test match of the series starts 3rd January in Sydney.

Delighted Virat Kohli praises Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal after 3rd Test victory over Australia

<p>India moved within two wickets of an emphatic victory in the third Test after reducing Australia to 258 for eight at the close of day four on Saturday.</p>

<p>Having set a mammoth victory target of 399 shortly before lunch, Virat Kohli's team attacked with precision and intensity to leave the home side on life support at the end of a muggy and overcast day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>The lion-hearted Pat Cummins thwarted India's hopes of closing out the win with a day to spare, anchoring some stubborn tail-end resistance after the top order crumbled.</p>

<p>The seamer was 61 not out, with Nathan Lyon on six, and Australia still 141 runs short of their victory target.</p>

<p>Having dominated with bat and ball throughout a one-sided contest, the tourists will almost certainly head to the Sydney finale with a 2-1 series lead and a genuine belief they can become the first Indian team to win a series Down Under.</p>

<p>On a grim day for Australian cricket, Cummins was the only shining light for the home side, and recorded career-best figures of 6-27 before Kohli declared India's second innings at 106-8 before lunch.</p>

<p>However, Cummins's heroics will likely be consigned to a foot-note, squandered as they were by the familiar batting failures of his team mates.</p>

<p>Where straight bats were required to provide a platform of resistance, Aaron Finch got his team off to the worst possible start by throwing away his wicket for three with an unsightly cut shot off Jasprit Bumrah that was gobbled in the slips.</p>

<p>Recalled all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was similarly wasteful, slogging spinner Ravindra Jadeja straight to Kohli at short cover to be out for 10.</p>

<p>Having done the hard work to get set in his innings, Travis Head (34) fell on his sword after tea by dragging Ishant Sharma onto his stumps with a dubious drive away from his body.</p>

<p>Amid the help from Australia's poor shot selection, India produced moments of brilliance to remove their more assured batsmen.</p>

<p>Mohammed Shami dismissed Usman Khawaja lbw for 33 shortly after lunch with a peach of a delivery, before Bumrah trapped Shaun Marsh for 44 with a searing ball.</p>

<p>The wily Jadeja proved a constant menace, and induced an edge off Marcus Harris (13) that lodged in Mayank Agarwal's mid-riff.</p>

<p>The left-arm spinner later returned to dismiss wicketkeeper-captain Tim Paine for 26, leaving Australia to rely on their tail and a miracle to stave off defeat.</p>


India moved within two wickets of an emphatic victory in the third Test after reducing Australia to 258 for eight at the close of day four on Saturday. Having set a mammoth victory target of 399 shortly before lunch, Virat Kohli's team attacked with precision and intensity to leave the home side on life support at the end of a muggy and overcast day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India moved within two wickets of an emphatic victory in the third Test after reducing Australia to 258 for eight at the close of day four on Saturday. Having set a mammoth victory target of 399 shortly before lunch, Virat Kohli's team attacked with precision and intensity to leave the home side on life support at the end of a muggy and overcast day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The lion-hearted Pat Cummins thwarted India's hopes of closing out the win with a day to spare, anchoring some stubborn tail-end resistance after the top order crumbled. The seamer was 61 not out, with Nathan Lyon on six, and Australia still 141 runs short of their victory target. Having dominated with bat and ball throughout a one-sided contest, the tourists will almost certainly head to the Sydney finale with a 2-1 series lead and a genuine belief they can become the first Indian team to win a series Down Under. On a grim day for Australian cricket, Cummins was the only shining light for the home side, and recorded career-best figures of 6-27 before Kohli declared India's second innings at 106-8 before lunch. However, Cummins's heroics will likely be consigned to a foot-note, squandered as they were by the familiar batting failures of his team mates. Where straight bats were required to provide a platform of resistance, Aaron Finch got his team off to the worst possible start by throwing away his wicket for three with an unsightly cut shot off Jasprit Bumrah that was gobbled in the slips. Recalled all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was similarly wasteful, slogging spinner Ravindra Jadeja straight to Kohli at short cover to be out for 10. Having done the hard work to get set in his innings, Travis Head (34) fell on his sword after tea by dragging Ishant Sharma onto his stumps with a dubious drive away from his body. Amid the help from Australia's poor shot selection, India produced moments of brilliance to remove their more assured batsmen. Mohammed Shami dismissed Usman Khawaja lbw for 33 shortly after lunch with a peach of a delivery, before Bumrah trapped Shaun Marsh for 44 with a searing ball. The wily Jadeja proved a constant menace, and induced an edge off Marcus Harris (13) that lodged in Mayank Agarwal's mid-riff. The left-arm spinner later returned to dismiss wicketkeeper-captain Tim Paine for 26, leaving Australia to rely on their tail and a miracle to stave off defeat.

INDvsAUS: India march to brink of victory in Melbourne Test

<p>Australian skipper Tim Paine is gathering all kinds of attention in the ongoing India-Australia Test series apart from his wicketkeeping skills. On the third day of the Melbourne Test, Paine sledged Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and the conversation was recorded on the stumps mic.</p>

<p>When Pant was batting, Paine said, "Now that big MS back in the ODI squad, maybe he could play for the Hobart Hurricanes, this bloke [Pant]. We need a batter. Fancy that Panty, extend your little Aussie holiday? Beautiful town Hobart too. We'll get you a nice apartment on the waterfront, have you over for dinner."</p>

<p>He further added, "Do you babysit? I can take my wife to the movies while you watch the kids."</p>

<p>Pant and Mayank Agarwal not out as&nbsp;India built a 346 run lead as Australia were bowled out for 151 in their first innings, in reply to the tourists 443-7 declared.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tim Paine doing some recruiting for the <a href="https://twitter.com/HurricanesBBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HurricanesBBL</a> out in the middle of the 'G... 😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6btRZA3KI7">pic.twitter.com/6btRZA3KI7</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1078545482597556224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The banter continues...<br />
Now it's for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishabhPant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishabhPant</a><br />
<br />
"Left out of India's ODI squad, Rishabh Pant will have some free time after the Test series."<br />
<br />
Tim Paine had a couple of suggestions for how he can use it.<br />
<br />
Baby sitting? 👶<br />
A stint with the Hobart Hurricanes? 🌪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a> <a href="https://t.co/udTtqB9Q1i">pic.twitter.com/udTtqB9Q1i</a></p>
— Ramya Pedapudi (@ramyapedapudi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramyapedapudi/status/1078589213690318850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-stump-mic-reveals-on-pitch-chats-between-virat-kohli-and-tim-paine-in-perth-test-184628">Paine and his banter with Virat Kohli</a> became a talking point in the Perth Test and he was at it again from behind the stumps with Rohit Sharma at the receiving end on the second day of third Test.</p>

<p>In the Perth Test, Paine was involved in a heated verbal exchange with Kohli, which at one point, needed the umpires' intervention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yesterday, Paine was caught on the stump microphone telling team-mate Aaron Finch that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tim-paine-sledges-rohit-with-ipl-banter-twitterati-cant-stop-laughing-186815">he would join Mumbai team in Indian Premier League</a> if the stylish Indian hits a six at the MCG, during the post-tea session.</p>

<p>Recently, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has expressed concerns over the use of stump microphones, with its chief Alistair Nicholson saying it doesn't want players to get unnecessary sanctions for "unintentional and accidental" on-field conversations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports here, the ACA has already aired its reservations on stump microphones to broadcasters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ACA said it's not against the use of stump mics but wants clarity over the "rules of engagement".&nbsp;</p>


Australian skipper Tim Paine is gathering all kinds of attention in the ongoing India-Australia Test series apart from his wicketkeeping skills. On the third day of the Melbourne Test, Paine sledged Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and the conversation was recorded on the stumps mic.

Australian skipper Tim Paine is gathering all kinds of attention in the ongoing India-Australia Test series apart from his wicketkeeping skills. On the third day of the Melbourne Test, Paine sledged Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and the conversation was recorded on the stumps mic. When Pant was batting, Paine said, "Now that big MS back in the ODI squad, maybe he could play for the Hobart Hurricanes, this bloke [Pant]. We need a batter. Fancy that Panty, extend your little Aussie holiday? Beautiful town Hobart too. We'll get you a nice apartment on the waterfront, have you over for dinner." He further added, "Do you babysit? I can take my wife to the movies while you watch the kids." Pant and Mayank Agarwal not out as India built a 346 run lead as Australia were bowled out for 151 in their first innings, in reply to the tourists 443-7 declared. Watch: Tim Paine doing some recruiting for the @HurricanesBBL out in the middle of the 'G... 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6btRZA3KI7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2018 × The banter continues... Now it's for #RishabhPant "Left out of India's ODI squad, Rishabh Pant will have some free time after the Test series." Tim Paine had a couple of suggestions for how he can use it. Baby sitting? 👶 A stint with the Hobart Hurricanes? 🌪️#AusvInd pic.twitter.com/udTtqB9Q1i — Ramya Pedapudi (@ramyapedapudi) December 28, 2018 × Earlier, Paine and his banter with Virat Kohli became a talking point in the Perth Test and he was at it again from behind the stumps with Rohit Sharma at the receiving end on the second day of third Test. In the Perth Test, Paine was involved in a heated verbal exchange with Kohli, which at one point, needed the umpires' intervention. Yesterday, Paine was caught on the stump microphone telling team-mate Aaron Finch that he would join Mumbai team in Indian Premier League if the stylish Indian hits a six at the MCG, during the post-tea session. Recently, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has expressed concerns over the use of stump microphones, with its chief Alistair Nicholson saying it doesn't want players to get unnecessary sanctions for "unintentional and accidental" on-field conversations. According to media reports here, the ACA has already aired its reservations on stump microphones to broadcasters. The ACA said it's not against the use of stump mics but wants clarity over the "rules of engagement".

Watch: Now Tim Paine's sledging includes wife, kids and babysitting

<p>Bundled out for a paltry 151 in the first innings, pacer Pat Cummins on Friday said Australian batsmen need to learn a lot from India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> and Cheteshwar Pujara on how to pace their knocks on this MCG pitch.</p>

<p>Pujara and Kohli had put on 170 runs in the first innings to help India declare at a mammoth 443 for seven and Cummins said the Australian batsmen need to take a cue from the visiting duo's temperament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was obviously not ideal. We turned up thinking of a good first innings score and be right in the game. We wanted to take this result away from them. This is a young batting group and they are working hard. They are trying their best, but it is just one of those things. Today it didn't come off," Cummins said after the day's play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we saw from India's first innings, we saw temperament of Pujara and Virat and how they pace their innings. They absorb pressure because on this kind of wicket, it is hard to score runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You have to face a lot of balls to get big scores and it is probably one of those wickets where you do the hard work early. Keep absorbing pressure and score later, but evidently it did not work for us today," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Riding on Cummins' four for 10 figures, Australia reduced India to 54 for five in the second innings of the ongoing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-in-charge-but-devastating-pat-cummins-gives-australia-hope-186970">third Test</a> but still trail the visitors by 346 runs after conceding a first innings lead of 292 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fast bowler said in the absence of their two best batsmen - banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner, others have to rise to the occasion to give India a tough fight in the remaining two days of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's always going to be hard missing two of your best players. We've known for nine months (that Steve Smith and David Warner won't be available).</p>

<p>thers have to stand up. It probably highlights the class they've had in previous years but we've got find to find a way," Cummins said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone here is good enough. They've done it at the level below, all of them are the best (Sheffield) Shield players and most of them have done it for Australia before. Wicket feels pretty good still, so everyone feels like in the second innings they can face more balls and get going," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cummins was the wrecker-in-chief In India's second innings with his impressive figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And the pacer said they wanted to make things tough for India in the second things and still dare to dream for a positive result over the next two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am pretty tired, exhausted but the good thing is that coming into this series I felt really fresh. Hopefully, there won't be too many overs tomorrow and we won't have to bowl last in this game. So hopefully there will be a 4-5 day break before Sydney," Cummins said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we knock them over in the morning, you just never know. We tried to make it very hard for every run. The wicket is still pretty good, tough to score runs.</p>

<p>ut we saw last year we batted really well on day four and five (at the MCG), you dare to dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But it's still a long way left in the game. For India to move the game forward will be hard tomorrow. They will have to bat long and we will just take it as deep as possible," he signed off.</p>


Bundled out for a paltry 151 in the first innings, pacer Pat Cummins on Friday said Australian batsmen need to learn a lot from India captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara on how to pace their knocks on this MCG pitch.

Bundled out for a paltry 151 in the first innings, pacer Pat Cummins on Friday said Australian batsmen need to learn a lot from India captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara on how to pace their knocks on this MCG pitch. Pujara and Kohli had put on 170 runs in the first innings to help India declare at a mammoth 443 for seven and Cummins said the Australian batsmen need to take a cue from the visiting duo's temperament. "It was obviously not ideal. We turned up thinking of a good first innings score and be right in the game. We wanted to take this result away from them. This is a young batting group and they are working hard. They are trying their best, but it is just one of those things. Today it didn't come off," Cummins said after the day's play. "What we saw from India's first innings, we saw temperament of Pujara and Virat and how they pace their innings. They absorb pressure because on this kind of wicket, it is hard to score runs. "You have to face a lot of balls to get big scores and it is probably one of those wickets where you do the hard work early. Keep absorbing pressure and score later, but evidently it did not work for us today," he added. Riding on Cummins' four for 10 figures, Australia reduced India to 54 for five in the second innings of the ongoing third Test but still trail the visitors by 346 runs after conceding a first innings lead of 292 runs. The fast bowler said in the absence of their two best batsmen - banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner, others have to rise to the occasion to give India a tough fight in the remaining two days of the match. "It's always going to be hard missing two of your best players. We've known for nine months (that Steve Smith and David Warner won't be available). thers have to stand up. It probably highlights the class they've had in previous years but we've got find to find a way," Cummins said. "Everyone here is good enough. They've done it at the level below, all of them are the best (Sheffield) Shield players and most of them have done it for Australia before. Wicket feels pretty good still, so everyone feels like in the second innings they can face more balls and get going," he added. Cummins was the wrecker-in-chief In India's second innings with his impressive figures. And the pacer said they wanted to make things tough for India in the second things and still dare to dream for a positive result over the next two days. "I am pretty tired, exhausted but the good thing is that coming into this series I felt really fresh. Hopefully, there won't be too many overs tomorrow and we won't have to bowl last in this game. So hopefully there will be a 4-5 day break before Sydney," Cummins said. "If we knock them over in the morning, you just never know. We tried to make it very hard for every run. The wicket is still pretty good, tough to score runs. ut we saw last year we batted really well on day four and five (at the MCG), you dare to dream. "But it's still a long way left in the game. For India to move the game forward will be hard tomorrow. They will have to bat long and we will just take it as deep as possible," he signed off.

Need to bat like Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli in second innings: Pat Cummins

<p>India declared their first innings after scoring a mammoth 443 for the loss of seven wickets to leave Australia with just six overs to bat on Day 2 of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.</p>

<p>India's massive total was powered by a classic century from Cheteshwar Pujara (106) and half-centuries from skipper Virat Kohli (82), debutant opener Mayank Agarwal (76) and Rohit Sharma (63 not out).</p>

<p>Pujara's brilliant inning ended after the right-handed batsman lost his wicket to a low ball of Australian pacer Pat Cummins. The 30-year old was sent back to the pavilion minutes after Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.</p>

<p>India reached 277 for loss of two wickets at lunch on the second day. Pujara, who resumed the inning on Day 2 at 68, went on to hit his 17th Test century to put India in a dominating position while skipper Kohli reached his half-century early today.</p>

<p>Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane made 34 while and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant contributed 39 to add to Australia's woes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the hosts, pacer Pat Cummins emerged the hero returning with figures of 3/72 while Mitchell Starc contributed with two wickets.</p>

<p>Josh Hazlewood and lone spinner Nathan Lyon worked hard for their one wicket apiece.</p>


India declared their first innings after scoring a mammoth 443 for the loss of seven wickets to leave Australia with just six overs to bat on Day 2 of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.

India declared their first innings after scoring a mammoth 443 for the loss of seven wickets to leave Australia with just six overs to bat on Day 2 of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday. India's massive total was powered by a classic century from Cheteshwar Pujara (106) and half-centuries from skipper Virat Kohli (82), debutant opener Mayank Agarwal (76) and Rohit Sharma (63 not out). Pujara's brilliant inning ended after the right-handed batsman lost his wicket to a low ball of Australian pacer Pat Cummins. The 30-year old was sent back to the pavilion minutes after Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed by Mitchell Starc. India reached 277 for loss of two wickets at lunch on the second day. Pujara, who resumed the inning on Day 2 at 68, went on to hit his 17th Test century to put India in a dominating position while skipper Kohli reached his half-century early today. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane made 34 while and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant contributed 39 to add to Australia's woes. For the hosts, pacer Pat Cummins emerged the hero returning with figures of 3/72 while Mitchell Starc contributed with two wickets. Josh Hazlewood and lone spinner Nathan Lyon worked hard for their one wicket apiece.

3rd Test, Day 2: India declare on 443/7

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