Cricket

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a stern warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their opening Test against India in Perth on Friday. Watson highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit that Virat Kohli brings to the field, cautioning Australia to be prepared for his trademark aggression.The Aussies are set to face India in a highly-anticipated five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Kohli's form and leadership are likely to play a decisive role. Watson emphasized Australia's need to maintain composure against Kohli's fierce approach.Kohli's performance in Test cricket has been declining over recent years, with his struggles becoming increasingly apparent since 2020. The former Indian captain has been working diligently to recover his exceptional batting form in the traditional format of the game.In 34 Test matches spanning the past four years, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. With his prolonged period of modest performances continuing, there is mounting pressure on Kohli to deliver significant contributions across five Tests."The one thing that I know about Virat is because he's the fire burning so brightly and deeply inside of him, the intensity that he brings to every ball that he is engaging in a game has been superhuman. But there have been moments in his career when that fire started to go out because it is so hard to maintain that intensity," Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.Despite experiencing a period of reduced performance, Kohli's challenging phase has continued. However, Watson cautioned the Australian side, suggesting they should wish for the Indian stalwart to enter the series without his characteristic vigour. He emphasised that if Kohli regains his typical intensity, spectators worldwide would witness him at his finest form."That is where the Australian team needs to leave him alone, and hope that he doesn't bring that intensity. If he brings that, then that just shuts everything out, and that's when he will be at his very best. But if stuff is going on and that intensity is not there, then you see that not the best version of Virat," he added.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to perform well in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Clarke highlighted Kohli's impressive record in Australia, where he has scored six centuries in 13 Tests.Clarke believes that the media hype and build-up surrounding Kohli will motivate him to perform. He also emphasized that Kohli's familiarity with the Australian conditions will be an advantage."Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia. He still has the game and will be hungry. The conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India," Clarke said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the batter averaging just 20.33 in 19 international matches this year. However, Clarke believes that Kohli can turn things around in Australia."If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series. He loves the fight and getting into the action. All of this will pump him up for sure," Clarke added.Kohli's struggles in Tests have been particularly noticeable since 2020. In 34 Tests since then, he has averaged just 31.68, with only two centuries.However, Kohli's record in Australia remains impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a major test for Kohli, who is facing increasing pressure to deliver.

Mohammed Shami's Return Boosts India's Hopes for Border-Gavaskar TrophyWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has ignited excitement among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Shami, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury, made a remarkable comeback in the Ranji Trophy, sparking calls for his inclusion in the Test squad.Kirti Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes Shami should be part of the squad for the second Test in Adelaide, provided he is fully fit. "Mohammed Shami is the best seam bowler India has," Azad said. "He has excellent control, can swing both ways, and is a very sensible bowler."Shami's return to competitive cricket has been impressive. In his first match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, he claimed a seven-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. He also contributed with the bat, scoring a quickfire 37 runs.To gain more playing time, Shami will represent Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth, followed by a Day-Night encounter in Adelaide from December 6.Azad acknowledged the challenges of playing in Australia, particularly on the bouncy wickets of Perth and Melbourne. However, he expressed confidence in the Indian team's ability to adapt to any conditions. "The Indian team is capable of playing on any track," he said. "They have played against international bowlers and batters in IPL matches."Shami's return provides a significant boost to India's bowling attack. His experience, skill, and ability to swing the ball both ways will be crucial in the upcoming series. With Shami in the squad, India will have a more balanced and formidable bowling unit capable of challenging Australia's formidable batting lineup.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has made a remarkable start to his Test career with three daddy hundreds in just 14 matches. His impressive double centuries against England at home and a 171 on debut in the West Indies have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the world.However, Jaiswal's biggest challenge lies ahead as India prepare to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The challenging conditions Down Under will test his grit, determination, and mental toughness to the limits.Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Jaiswal has the potential to thrive in Australia and emerge as an even better player after the tour. "I think he'll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already, he’s world-class,” Shastri said.Shastri praised Jaiswal's freedom of play and his ability to score freely. He believes that once the youngster settles into the Australian conditions, he will be a force to reckon with. "If he can see that phase through, he will love these pitches. He scores freely and has the temperament to thrive in tough conditions,” Shastri added.Jaiswal will be playing his first-ever match in Australia when the BGT commences in Perth on November 22. He is likely to open the batting alongside KL Rahul in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The Indian team has been preparing diligently for the series, with extended net sessions and simulation matches at the WACA stadium in Perth. They had their first training session at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday, the venue of the first Test.Jaiswal's performance in Australia will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. If he can overcome the challenges posed by the bouncy Australian tracks and the formidable Australian bowling attack, he will cement his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.

Australia Stuns India to Clinch Record-Extending Sixth ODI World Cup TitleOn a fateful night in November 2023, the Australian cricket team defied all odds to defeat India in their own backyard and claim a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title. The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, adorned with a sea of blue and over 100,000 fervent Indian supporters, fell silent as Pat Cummins and his team shattered the dreams of a billion fans.India, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, faced a formidable challenge in the final. Batting first, they got off to a decent start but lost wickets at crucial intervals. Despite a valiant 66 from KL Rahul, India could only muster a modest total of 240.Australia's chase began disastrously, with three wickets falling within the first seven overs. However, opener Travis Head emerged as an unlikely hero, playing the innings of his life. His magnificent 137 off 120 deliveries, coupled with a solid 58 from Marnus Labuschagne, propelled Australia to a stunning six-wicket victory.The match showcased the incredible grit and determination of both teams, but it was Australia who held their nerve under immense pressure. Their victory not only extended their record as the most successful ODI World Cup team but also shattered the hearts of a nation that had pinned its hopes on a home triumph.

India's women's cricket team has undergone significant changes for its upcoming ODI series against Australia, with opener Shafali Verma being dropped due to poor form. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the recent home ODIs against New Zealand due to board exams, has returned to the squad.The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth includes several new faces. Batters Priya Punia and Harleen Deol, legspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu have all received call-ups.Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, remains unavailable. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is also absent. Other notable omissions include offspinner Shreyanka Patil, spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.Middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, legspinner Priya Mishra, and seamer Saima Thakor, who all made their debuts against New Zealand, have retained their spots to face Australia.The squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and includes experienced players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The team will be hoping to improve upon its recent performances, which have included a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.

Nathan McSweeney, a 25-year-old debutant, has been entrusted with the responsibility of opening the batting for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite not being a specialist opener, McSweeney's impressive technique and ability to bat for extended periods have earned him the nod.David Warner, Australia's vice-captain, expressed confidence in McSweeney's abilities, stating that he possesses the necessary technique and patience to succeed at the highest level. Warner also highlighted the importance of being patient with young players like McSweeney, who will be facing a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.McSweeney's selection as an opener is a result of the absence of a clear contender to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order since Warner's retirement earlier this year. Steve Smith, who initially filled the role, has been moved back to his usual No. 4 position, while Marnus Labuschagne will bat at No. 3.Warner believes that McSweeney's partnership with Khawaja will be crucial for Australia's success. He emphasized the need for patience and support for the young opener, who will be making his debut in a high-pressure series.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his talent and the faith that the Australian selectors have in his abilities. With his technique and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and establish himself as a reliable opener for Australia in the years to come.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has urged Virat Kohli to rediscover his aggressive form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Shastri believes that facing the Aussies on their home turf could reignite Kohli's fire and help him regain his lost touch.Kohli has struggled for consistency in recent years, scoring only two centuries in his last 60 innings. His performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand were particularly disappointing, with the 36-year-old managing just 192 runs in 10 innings.Shastri, who coached India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, believes that Kohli needs to bring back his aggression to succeed Down Under. "You mellow with age, don't you? But I think at the start of the Test series, you might just see (Kohli) firing again. He needs to be, I'd like to see him (like that) again," said Shastri.Shastri also highlighted the importance of Steve Smith for Australia. "In the face, that's Kohli," said Shastri. "Come Australia, he'll get his juices going. It's (about) how he starts off, and for Australia, it's with Steve Smith. These guys, don't write them off – because if they get cracking in the first two or three innings, they'll have a good series."India will defend the BGT in a five-Test series, beginning with the tour opener in Perth on November 22. The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting world-class players.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has endured a dismal year in 2023, failing to cross the 100-run mark in six innings against New Zealand. As he embarks on a tour of Australia, a country where he has enjoyed success in the past, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain his form and lead the team to victory.Ganguly believes that this could be Kohli's last tour of Australia, given his age and the team's future plans. He emphasized the importance of this series for Kohli, who will be eager to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with."He is a champion batter," Ganguly said. "He has had success in Australia in the past. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli."Kohli's struggles in New Zealand have been attributed to the challenging pitches, which did not favor batting. Ganguly believes that the conditions in Australia will be more conducive to Kohli's style of play."In Australia, he will enjoy the conditions," Ganguly said. "There will be good pitches. I am backing Virat to deliver in Australia in this series."Kohli's record in Australia is impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. He will be hoping to add to that tally and help India secure a series victory Down Under.