Cricket

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, faces a crucial test as India prepares to take on Australia in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22nd. While Kohli's record against Australia remains formidable, his recent form has raised concerns about his ability to deliver on Australian soil.Kohli's Test performance has witnessed a significant decline since 2020. His average has plummeted to 31.68 from a commanding average exceeding 50 in the preceding years. This slump includes a meager two centuries in 34 Test matches, a statistic that even surprised former Australian captain Ricky Ponting."I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he has only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That did not seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that is a concern," Ponting told ICC. "There would not be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that has only scored two Test match hundreds in five years."Kohli's struggles are further highlighted by his Test average in 2024, plummeting to 22.72, his lowest since his debut year in 2011. This poor run of form has seen him drop out of the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings top 20 for the first time in a decade.Adding to the pressure, Kohli's recent home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand yielded a paltry 192 runs in 10 innings, averaging a meager 21.33. This performance stands in stark contrast to his career average of 47.48 against Australia, with a remarkable eight centuries and five fifties in 25 matches.Despite the concerning statistics, Ricky Ponting remains optimistic about Kohli's chances. "I have said it before about Virat, you do not ever question the greats of the game. There is no doubt, he is a great of the game," remarked Ponting. "He loves playing against Australia. In fact, I know he loves playing against Australia. And as I said, his record in Australia is very good. If there is a time for him to turn it around, it would be this series. So I would not be surprised to see Virat make runs in the first game."Kohli's past performance in Australia certainly supports Ponting's confidence. He boasts an average of 54.08 on Australian pitches, amassing 1,352 runs in 13 Tests, including six centuries.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy carries immense weight as it contributes to the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 qualification. India will be looking to Kohli to rediscover his form and lead the batting lineup against a formidable Australian bowling attack.

Rohit Sharma's Availability for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener Remains UncertainIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth remains in doubt. Rohit himself had expressed uncertainty about his availability due to a "personal reason," but recent reports suggest that he may travel to Australia with the first batch of players on November 10.While Rohit's presence in Australia does not guarantee his participation in the Perth Test, it indicates a potential change in his stance. Rumors have circulated that Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh are expecting their second child, which could be the reason for his initial request for time off.According to India Today, Rohit will fly to Australia with the first group of players on Sunday, while the second batch will depart on Monday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to divide the team into two batches due to limited availability on commercial flights.However, Rohit's participation in the opening match is still subject to his personal situation. He could potentially return home before the match begins. Nevertheless, it appears that Rohit is keen on giving himself a chance to play."He is traveling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," an India Today source said.After the conclusion of the New Zealand Test series, Rohit had expressed uncertainty about his availability for the Perth match. "I am not sure of my availability for the first Test in Perth, Fingers Crossed," he had said.Rohit recently participated in a six-hour meeting with BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The meeting covered various topics, including the reasons for India's 0-3 defeat against New Zealand.

Australia's opening batsman conundrum intensified on Saturday as teenager Sam Konstas staked his claim with an unbeaten 73, while his rivals faltered ahead of the first Test against India.Konstas, 19, seized his opportunity in the final match of the Australia A series against India A, guiding his team to a six-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His composed innings, which included seven fours and a six, came after a challenging start to the series, where he had managed only 16, 0, and 3 in his previous three innings.Konstas' resurgence reminded selectors of his potential, having impressed with consecutive centuries for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. However, his recent struggles for Australia A had raised doubts about his readiness to replace David Warner as Australia's opener.Meanwhile, Konstas' competitors failed to capitalize on their chances. Nathan McSweeney, who had emerged as a frontrunner with scores of 39 and an unbeaten 88 in the previous match, could only manage 14 and 25 at the MCG. Marcus Harris, hoping to add to his 14 Test caps, followed up his solid 74 on Friday by falling for a golden duck in the second innings. Cameron Bancroft, whose hopes of reviving his Test career were already fading after poor performances in Mackay, also suffered a golden duck.With the first of five Tests against India beginning on November 22 in Perth, Australia's selectors now face a difficult decision about who will open alongside Usman Khawaja. Konstas' strong performance has thrown a spanner in the works, while McSweeney, Harris, and Bancroft have failed to cement their positions.

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has expressed concerns about the Indian batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Chappell believes that if the Indian batters attempt to play over the top of the ball, they will be vulnerable to the extra bounce in Australian conditions.India's recent 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand at home has raised questions about the form of captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. Chappell believes that the aging duo may be starting to decline, which could put pressure on the younger batters in the squad."India have got some batting problems," Chappell said. "Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both ageing, and you get to that point where people start talking about it and maybe it starts to creep into your head a little bit."However, Chappell also acknowledged that the Indian batters will be playing on good pitches in Australia. He warned that the extra bounce could expose any technical flaws in their batting."The only thing I'd say against that is they're coming to Australia where the pitches are pretty good, but there'll be the extra bounce and if they have gone over the top then the extra bounce will find them out," Chappell said.India has won the past two Test series in Australia, but former Australian skipper Mark Taylor believes that the pressure is now on the younger batters to make big runs."They (India) have moved on Pujara and they've moved on Rahane, and they've left Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, their best two players, but all of a sudden they've had a bit of a rocky period... and that has put pressure now on the younger guys and also their lower-order," Taylor said.The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see India and Australia play Test matches in Perth, Adelaide (pink-ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney from November 22 to January 7, 2025. It will be the first five-match Test series between India and Australia since 1991/92.

Pakistan's confidence is soaring as they prepare for the decisive third ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The visitors have been in scintillating form, led by the fiery bowling of Haris Rauf, who has claimed eight wickets in the series so far.Pakistan's victory in the second ODI in Adelaide was a clinical display of pace bowling and aggressive batting. Saim Ayub, the young opener, played a key role in the win, treating Australia's frontline attack with disdain.Australia, on the other hand, will be without several key players, including Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, who are preparing for the upcoming Test series against India. Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the first time, facing the daunting task of galvanizing a new-look team.The Optus Stadium is expected to provide a fast and bouncy surface, which should suit Pakistan's pace attack. Rauf, in particular, will be looking to exploit the extra bounce and continue his impressive form.Pakistan's batting has also been in good touch, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan providing stability at the top of the order. Kamran Ghulam and Salman Agha have also made valuable contributions.Australia's batting has been a concern, with openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for form. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will need to step up and provide some much-needed runs.The series has taken on added significance ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Both teams will be eager to gain momentum and confidence before the tournament.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as Team India's head coach has hit a roadblock, with the team suffering a series loss in Sri Lanka and a clean sweep at home against New Zealand in Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a change in leadership if India fails to perform in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir's appointment as head coach came after a successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he led the team to a title victory. However, his tenure with the national team has been marked by disappointing results. The ODI series loss in Sri Lanka was followed by a humiliating 0-3 defeat against New Zealand in the Test series at home.The BCCI is reportedly considering replacing Gambhir as Test coach with a specialist like VVS Laxman, while retaining him for white-ball cricket. This decision would be based on India's performance in Australia.According to reports, Gambhir and the team's think-tank have had disagreements over team selection and other decisions. These differences have reportedly created a rift within the team, which could impact their performance in the upcoming series.Gambhir recently met with BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and India's ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma to discuss the team's recent performances. The meeting reportedly focused on the factors that contributed to the Test series loss against New Zealand.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will be a crucial test for Gambhir's future as Test coach. If India fails to perform, the BCCI may be forced to make a change in leadership.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is preparing for the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India after a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf's impressive five-wicket haul dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi's three wickets for 26 runs in eight overs further showcased Pakistan's fast-bowling dominance on the seam-friendly Australian pitches.In response, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership. Ayub, in particular, displayed his attacking prowess, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Spinner Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Pakistan, dismissing Ayub in the 21st over. Babar Azam (15 not out) and Shafique (64 not out) guided Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Australia will be without several key players, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, for the series decider in Perth on Sunday. Cummins, who bowled seven wicketless overs, acknowledged Australia's shortcomings, particularly in batting. "We should have done better and scored more than 160," he said.In Cummins' absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side in Perth as the BGT-bound squad shifts its focus to the red-ball format. "We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball," Cummins said.The first Test between India and Australia will commence in Perth on November 22.

KL Rahul's dismal batting form continued in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, leaving India A in a precarious position. Rahul, who is vying for an opening spot in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managed a mere 14 runs across two innings, including a bizarre dismissal in the second innings.After bowling out India A for 161 on the opening day, Australia A posted 223, giving them a 62-run first-innings lead. However, India A's top-order faltered in their second innings, with Rahul falling in an embarrassing fashion.Facing 44 deliveries, Rahul misjudged a tossed-up delivery and failed to offer a shot. The ball ricocheted off his pads and onto the stumps, leaving him bewildered as he trudged back to the pavilion. This dismissal between the legs further compounded his struggles ahead of the crucial Test series.Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was selected as a backup opener for the upcoming tour of Australia, also failed to impress. After a first-innings duck, he managed only 17 runs in the second innings. The Indian top-order struggled against the quality spin and pace of the Australian bowlers, leaving them at 56/5 early in the second innings.Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (19 batting) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (9 batting) ensured there were no further setbacks, negotiating the remaining overs before stumps were drawn for the day.Earlier, India A's pace attack, led by Prasidh Krishna's four-wicket burst and Mukesh Kumar's three-wicket haul, dominated the Australian batting, dismissing them for 223 in 62.1 overs. Marcus Harris was the standout batter for Australia A, scoring a gritty 74 off 138 balls.In response, India A lost openers Abhimanyu and Sai Sudharsan cheaply to disciplined bowling from Nathan McAndrew and Beau Webster. Abhimanyu's misreading of McAndrew's pace led to his dismissal at gully, adding to the team's concerns. Devdutt Padikkal (1) also fell cheaply, as both Webster (2/14) and McAndrew (2/22) tore through India's batting lineup.However, Jurel and Reddy then held firm, ensuring India A ended the day on 73/5, still trailing by 11 runs.

Pakistan's Rizwan and Australia's Zampa Engage in Humorous Banter During Adelaide ODIThe second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide on Friday featured a lighthearted exchange between visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The banter, captured on the stump microphone, quickly went viral on social media.Australia's innings took a dramatic turn when Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29 reduced the hosts to a mere 163 all out in 35 overs. Amidst the intense action, a moment of levity occurred in the 34th over bowled by Naseem Shah.As Zampa attempted a pull shot, Shah's bouncer sailed past his bat. Rizwan, behind the stumps, appealed for an edge, but the umpire ruled it a wide for height."You heard something?" Rizwan inquired of Zampa."You are appealing for everything?" Zampa retorted.Undeterred, Rizwan playfully asked, "Should I take the review?"To Rizwan's surprise, Zampa replied, "Yes, you should."Heeding Zampa's advice, Rizwan signaled for the review. However, replays showed that the ball had not touched Zampa's bat before entering Rizwan's gloves.The exchange drew laughter from both players and the commentators. It highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can exist even in the midst of intense competition.