Cricket

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India kicks off on Friday at Perth Stadium, with all eyes on the pitch prepared by 27-year-old curator Isaac McDonald. Known for producing some of the fastest and bounciest surfaces in world cricket, the Perth pitch is expected to challenge both batters and bowlers alike.McDonald has been carefully monitoring the conditions, especially with a forecast of up to 10mm of rain over the next few days. He is balancing the need to retain enough moisture to prevent excessive cracking with the risk of overwatering if more rain than expected arrives."In terms of pace and bounce, that [ODI] pitch was really good," McDonald said, referencing the recent ODI between Australia and Pakistan, where the surface provided explosive bounce but resulted in a low-scoring match with Australia bowled out for 140. "The Pakistan attack was quite skiddy, but when guys like [Australia's] Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson were really banging it into the wicket — not so much bowling short balls but hitting the surface a bit harder — that's when it was really coming through."McDonald believes the Test pitch will exhibit similar characteristics, explaining that moisture readings from the preparation process align closely with those from the ODI. "So far, I've done a few tests on the [Test] wicket's moisture content readings, and we're about similar," he noted. "So it's just whether or not the weather wants to play its part and I can hold it there or have to add a bit more moisture."The young curator admitted to feeling the pressure of his high-profile role but also expressed pride in preparing what is regarded as the fastest track in world cricket. "The hour before the first ball, it's horrible," McDonald confessed. "You just want it to start, to make sure it's all good and the ball gets through to the 'keeper nicely and the batters are playing some strokes. Then I can relax and start to enjoy the spectacle of what the Test match actually is."Despite his nerves, McDonald views them as a sign of his dedication to his craft. "I do get quite nervous, but I guess that means it matters because I care about the success of the game and about the facility as a whole. So maybe if I didn't get nervous, it might be a bad thing," he added with a smile.Fans and players alike will hope the Perth pitch lives up to its reputation, promising a thrilling contest between the world’s top two Test sides in the opening act of this prestigious series.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's recent social media post has sparked concerns among fans ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia. Kohli, who has been struggling for form in recent months, posted a cryptic message on social media that left many puzzled.In the post, Kohli reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his apparel brand, Wrogn. However, the wording of the post raised questions about his future in cricket. "Looking back, we've always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked," Kohli wrote.The post continued, "We've changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn't get it." Kohli's words have led to speculation that he may be considering retirement or a break from cricket.However, Kohli's post also expressed a sense of resilience and determination. "But honestly? We didn't care. We were busy figuring out who we are. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn't shake us," he wrote.Kohli's post has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some have expressed concern about his future in cricket, while others have praised him for his honesty and vulnerability.Ahead of the first Test against Australia, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed Kohli as a "superstar" of the game. "He's passionate about the way that he plays. He's passionate about his team. He wants to win and he plays with his heart on his sleeve," Ponting said.It remains to be seen whether Kohli's social media post is a sign of things to come. However, one thing is for sure: the Indian star remains one of the most talked-about and polarizing figures in world cricket.

Mitchell Marsh, Australia's in-form Test batter, has attributed his recent success to a significant shift in his mental approach to the game. Heading into the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Marsh has emphasized the importance of letting go of failures and focusing on preparation.Marsh's Test career has been marked by both highs and lows. From 2014 to 2019, he struggled to find consistency, averaging a mere 25.20 with only three centuries and six fifties in 55 innings. However, his return to the Test side in the Ashes series against England last year marked a turning point.Marsh's newfound mental resilience has been instrumental in his resurgence. He has learned to compartmentalize failures and focus on the present moment. "I have worked really hard on the mental side of my game, to be able to walk out there and get straight into my pre-ball routines, no matter how nervous I am," he said."For me, it is all about my preparation. If I prepare as well as I possibly can, I go into a game or an innings really confident, then if I fail, I can look at myself in the mirror and say that I have actually done all I can."Marsh's mental fortitude has also allowed him to enjoy the game more. "It does not guarantee me success, but it certainly allows me to enjoy the game a bit more, no matter what situation I find myself in. I feel as if I have got tools now to hopefully get me through," he said.Australia's recent struggles against India in Test cricket have provided additional motivation for the team. Marsh believes that the team's experience and the support of their fans will be crucial in overcoming this challenge."Since the last time they played here, we have grown a lot as a team. We have got a really experienced group now, and I think the fact that we have lost the last two series, our fans will be up and about for that and hopefully get right behind us," he said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top Test teams. Marsh's mental resilience and newfound consistency will be key factors in Australia's quest for victory.

Virat Kohli's immense popularity in Australia stems from his passionate and aggressive approach to cricket, particularly in Test matches. Despite recent challenges in his form, his prominence in Australia remains undiminished.Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting attributes Kohli's appeal to his competitive spirit and willingness to play with his heart on his sleeve. Australian supporters appreciate this emotional and aggressive style, which aligns with their sporting values.Kohli's Test performance in Australia is remarkable, with 1352 runs in 25 innings at 54.08, including six centuries. He led India to a historic victory in 2018/19, achieving the first Test series win by an Asian team in Australia.Ponting emphasizes that Kohli's recognition from Australian supporters is earned through performance. He notes that international cricket stars face varying pressures across different nations and cultures, but Kohli's leadership qualities and willingness to take responsibility for his team in challenging situations have earned him respect.Despite recent struggles in form, Kohli's historical success in Australia suggests that the upcoming tour could be a turning point. In 13 Tests in Australia, he has scored 1,352 runs at 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 at Perth, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. The series continues at The Gabba, Brisbane (December 14-18), followed by the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30). The final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3-7) concludes this significant series.

After a humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir faces immense pressure as the team embarks on a challenging five-Test tour of Australia. The honeymoon period for Gambhir has ended abruptly, raising questions about the direction of Indian cricket under his leadership.India's recent struggles have exposed tactical frailties and a lack of transition planning. The team's aging core, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, has shown signs of decline. Gambhir has defended his decision to retain these veterans, but he must also identify and nurture young talents to shape the future of Indian cricket.Gambhir's tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. After losing 27 wickets to spin in Sri Lanka, India prepared spin-friendly pitches for the New Zealand series. However, the strategy backfired as the team struggled against lesser-skilled bowlers. With Nathan Lyon looming in Australian conditions, India's spin woes could persist.Despite the setbacks, Gambhir remains determined to instill a fighting spirit in his players. He has promoted Washington Sundar and is considering introducing young talents like Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana. However, he must avoid tactical missteps and foster unity within the squad.The Australia tour will be a defining moment for Gambhir's tenure as head coach. It will test the team's technical and tactical preparedness, as well as its resilience. If India can overcome this tough phase, it will serve as a blueprint for how champions rise from the ashes of defeat.

Rohit Sharma's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener remains uncertain despite the birth of his second child. Former cricketer Surinder Khanna has urged Rohit to prioritize the series opener, emphasizing the significance of his presence for India's chances.Rohit had previously informed the BCCI of his unavailability for the first Test due to the birth of his son. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the Indian team.Khanna, while extending his congratulations to Rohit and his family, stressed the importance of Rohit joining the squad for the high-stakes encounter. He recalled his own experience of returning to a match on the evening of his wedding reception, highlighting the commitment required from players.India's recent struggles in the New Zealand series have added to the complexities ahead of the Australia tour. The team suffered a 3-0 clean sweep, marking their first such defeat in a home Test series since 2000.The first Test against Australia begins on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is crucial for India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes, as they currently trail Australia in the standings.To qualify for the third successive WTC final, India must win at least four of the five Tests against Australia. The team will be looking to bounce back from their New Zealand debacle and secure a strong start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's recent home defeat to New Zealand has raised questions about their confidence ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. However, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne believes that the visitors remain a formidable opponent despite their setback.Labuschagne acknowledged that India's loss to New Zealand could have dented their morale, especially considering it ended their 12-year unbeaten run at home. "They are probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory, losing to New Zealand 3-0," he said.However, Labuschagne emphasized that Australia would not underestimate India's capabilities. "They're a quality line-up and they're one of the best teams in the world. So you can never underestimate a team like that," he said.Labuschagne recalled India's remarkable comeback in Australia in 2020-21, when they won the series 2-1 despite missing several key players. "That's what happened in 2021 – the likes of (T) Natarajan played, (Mohammad) Siraj got his first crack in Australia, Washington Sundar played," he said.With India set to field a weakened team in the first Test due to injuries to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Labuschagne believes they still have ample talent to pose a challenge. "They're a quality line-up and they've showed that over a period of time. You can't ever underestimate the depth of Indian cricket," he said.Labuschagne's comments highlight the respect that Australia has for India's cricketing prowess. Despite their recent struggles, India remains a formidable opponent with a deep pool of talented players. The Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in the team's preparedness for the upcoming Test series against Australia, dismissing concerns about the team being "undercooked." Ganguly believes that the team's recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia will favor India.Ganguly acknowledged the unexpected nature of India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand but emphasized the challenging nature of the pitches. He stressed the need for India to return to playing on balanced cricket tracks that foster both batting and bowling skills, suggesting that over-reliance on rank turners could hinder players' confidence and adaptability in different conditions.Despite the setback of Shubman Gill's thumb fracture, Ganguly remains confident in the team's ability and mental strength to move past their recent shock loss. He believes that other batters will step up in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Gill during the first Test.Ganguly also highlighted the importance of playing Nitish Kumar Reddy in conditions that suit his skill set, suggesting that he could provide a proper balance to the side. He also felt that Mohammed Shami should have traveled to Adelaide and played the second Test, which is a day/night game.Ganguly's confidence in the team stems from their recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia. He believes that the team has the ability to perform well and is confident that they will be competitive in the upcoming series.

Australia Prepares Green Pitch for India in Perth Test, Favoring Fast BowlersAustralia is reportedly preparing a green pitch for the first Test match against India at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The outfield and pitch are expected to be lush, providing an advantage to fast bowlers. This could pose a significant threat to India's batting lineup, especially in the absence of key players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.The green pitch conditions suggest that India may opt for a single spinner in their playing XI. Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin could be relegated to the bench, while pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are likely to make their Test debuts.Australia's famed pace bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins will be a formidable force on a green pitch. Their ability to generate pace and swing could prove challenging for India's batsmen.The conditions also favor India's pace bowlers, who will be eager to make an impact. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana are all vying for the two remaining pace bowling spots alongside Jasprit Bumrah.Bumrah will lead India in the first Test in Rohit Sharma's absence. He has previously captained India in one Test match, where they suffered a defeat.The first Test between Australia and India gets underway on Friday, November 22. The green pitch and the absence of key players will make for an intriguing contest.