Cricket

Australia's Test team faces a crucial decision ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against India: who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja? Steven Smith's four-match stint as an opener has been met with mixed reviews, prompting speculation about potential alternatives.Despite Smith's initial request to open, his performance in New Zealand has raised concerns. His scores of 31, 0, 11, and 9 on pitches favoring new-ball bowlers have cast doubt on his suitability for the role.Coach Andrew McDonald has stated that the incumbent top six from the New Zealand series will remain for the first Test against India, but discussions are ongoing. If Smith is not retained as an opener, several options emerge.Marnus Labuschagne:Labuschagne could swap positions with Smith, moving from No. 3 to open. He has experience opening in first-class cricket, including a century at the WACA in 2016. However, moving Labuschagne from his successful position at No. 3 may not be ideal.Cameron Green:Green was considered as a potential opener before Warner's retirement. He has the skills to do it, but his heavy bowling workload and preference for No. 4 make it an undesirable option.Travis Head:Khawaja has suggested Head as the best partner for him, allowing Smith to return to No. 4. Head has opened in Test cricket in India, but his mediocre record against spin in the subcontinent is a concern.Mitchell Marsh:Marsh has made it clear that he is not comfortable moving to the top of the order. His technique is not suited to batting against the new ball, and his bowling will be crucial throughout the summer.The selectors face a difficult decision. Smith's desire to open must be balanced against the team's overall balance and the strengths of the other candidates. The upcoming Shield matches will provide further insights into the team's plans.

Australia's formidable bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon poses a significant threat to India's dominance in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, according to Pakistan's Test team head coach Jason Gillespie. Despite India's impressive record of four consecutive series wins since 2014-15, Gillespie believes the Australian bowlers have the potential to turn the tide.Gillespie expressed his confidence in an interview with 'Fox Sports', stating, "I will be backing them in and I am sure they can do the job. They are the best bowlers in the country. Their records speak for themselves. This quartet, including Nathan Lyon, is the best possible bowling attack that Australia can put out in the park."India, led by Rohit Sharma, has maintained an unbeaten streak in the current World Test Championship cycle, securing victories against the West Indies and England, and a draw against South Africa. However, Gillespie remains optimistic about Australia's chances, saying, "They are red-hot, they are playing some good Test cricket for a while now. Even though they have beaten Australia in recent times. I think Australia have a chance to beat India this time around."The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, part of the World Test Championship, will commence on November 22 in Perth. This series will also mark a historic milestone as it will be the first time since 1991-92 that India and Australia will compete in a five-Test series for this trophy.In terms of player positions, following David Warner's retirement, Steve Smith had moved to the opening slot but didn't perform well. Gillespie suggested, "Players like David Warner are pretty tough to replace. I didn't mind the idea of Steve Smith going up in the order. I have a feeling that he might have slot back in the middle order to bat at 4."India and Australia currently occupy the top two spots in the World Test Championship points table, with New Zealand in third place. The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's leading Test nations.

Australia's Nathan Lyon, a seasoned off-spinner, exudes confidence in his team's ability to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) from India during the upcoming Aussie summer. The BGT, which will be contested over five Tests for the first time, holds immense significance as it could determine a place in the World Test Championship final.Lyon, who has been meticulously analyzing the Indian batsmen since England's tour of India earlier this year, believes Australia will emerge victorious with a resounding 5-0 scoreline. He emphasizes the need for Australia's top batsmen to deliver substantial centuries to put pressure on India's pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah."We need big runs. We need the guys who are talented enough to get the hundred. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, all the top order. I don't want 101 or 107, I want 180 and 200," Lyon asserted.The pain of not winning the BGT since 2014 has been palpable among Australian cricketers. Lyon, who has played a pivotal role in Australia's Test success, is eager to end this drought and bring the trophy back home."It's been 10 years since we have won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I started thinking about this series when England were over in India... I love the game and I will watch a decent Test match, but I have had eyes on this series (BGT) for a long time now," Lyon said.Lyon's confidence stems from his meticulous preparation and understanding of the Indian batsmen's strengths and weaknesses. He has been taking notes and seeking insights from other spinners who have recently toured India."I had a really good chat with Tom Hartley (England spinner), just about the way he went about it, when (Yashasvi) Jaiswal went after him. That's something I picked up from him," Lyon revealed.With the BGT set to commence in December, the anticipation is building. Lyon's bold prediction has added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an enthralling series that could reshape the landscape of Test cricket.

Three-time defending women's T20 World Cup champions Australia are gearing up for the upcoming tournament in the UAE with a warm-up series against New Zealand starting on Thursday in Mackay. The Aussies have had a lengthy break between international assignments, having not played since March and April.Despite the break, Australia's squad has been active in other competitions. Several players participated in the women's Hundred in the UK, while Tahlia McGrath played in the Australia A limited-overs series against India A.Australia is one of the few teams that hasn't played international cricket in recent months. Pakistan and South Africa have squared off, while England and Ireland have also locked horns. New Zealand, on the other hand, had a lengthy tour of England in June and July.Phoebe Litchfield, who played in the Hundred for the Northern Superchargers, believes the defending champions shouldn't be too rusty. However, she acknowledges the need for heat acclimation before the trip to the UAE."It's going to be hot. Not too dissimilar to Bangladesh," Litchfield said. "So our preparation continues the same, and we're probably going to do some heat acclimation over the next sort of week and a half to get ready."Litchfield expressed disappointment over the tournament being moved from Bangladesh due to security reasons. However, she believes Dubai offers a suitable alternative.Litchfield, who has not played in a World Cup, is unsure of her starting position in the upcoming series and the tournament. She expects to bat in the middle order if she plays.Both Australia and New Zealand arrived in Mackay on Monday. The first two matches of the series will be played on Thursday and Sunday before the teams move to Brisbane for the final game next Tuesday. Both squads will then fly straight to the UAE next Wednesday.

Marnus Labuschagne, the prolific Australian batsman, is eagerly anticipating his upcoming duels with the formidable Indian pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. However, one particular battle that Labuschagne is especially looking forward to is against the fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj.Labuschagne and Siraj have a shared history that dates back to their time at the MRF Academy in 2015-16. "We played against each other, and that's when I first met him," Labuschagne recalled in a recent interview with Star Sports.The Australian batsman, who has now reached the milestone of 50 Tests, praised Siraj for his infectious energy and passion for the game. "He has got great passion, great energy, and a great love for the game," Labuschagne said. "It's been nice to see our careers moving almost together from such experiences."Siraj, who is also 30 years old, has made a significant impact in his 27 Tests for India, claiming 74 wickets. He will next be in action in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai.After Bangladesh's visit, India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series before embarking on their tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This year's edition of the prestigious series will be contested over five Tests for the first time.All 10 Tests that India will play in the coming months are part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The results of these matches will determine whether India can retain their current No. 1 spot in the WTC table or remain in the top two to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final in June next year.Labuschagne's anticipation for the upcoming battles against Siraj and the Indian pace attack is palpable. The Australian batsman is known for his resilience and determination, and he will undoubtedly be looking to make a significant contribution to his team's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia's star opener Usman Khawaja has expressed his admiration for legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, praising his strategic approach and cricketing intelligence. As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, Khawaja acknowledged Ashwin's formidable record against the Aussies.Ashwin has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests and 42 innings against them. His economy rate of 2.70 is a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs. On Australian soil, Ashwin has taken 39 wickets in 10 Tests, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.93.Khawaja believes that Ashwin's success stems from his ability to stay ahead of the game. "He is very strategic, he always has a plan," Khawaja said. "He always tries to figure it out. He is trying to get ahead of the game, one step ahead of the game, which I respect. I respect his cricketing brain."Ashwin's debut in 2011 marked the beginning of a remarkable Test career. In 100 matches and 189 innings, he has captured 516 wickets at an economy rate of 2.81. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and deceive batsmen with his variations has made him one of the most successful bowlers in the world.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with India seeking to extend its dominance over Australia. The series will begin on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Australia's pace-bowling depth, a cornerstone of their success in recent years, is facing a stern test with a string of injuries and absentees during their limited-overs tour of the UK.Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Riley Meredith have all been ruled out with various side strains, while Josh Hazlewood's arrival was delayed due to a minor calf strain. Hazlewood's fitness is paramount, as he is a key figure in Australia's plans for the upcoming five-Test series against India.Coach Andrew McDonald emphasized that managing the workload of their fast bowlers is crucial, with the India series being the primary focus. "A lot of our priorities will be geared around that," he said.While the injured bowlers in England are not immediate contenders for Test spots, there are also concerns over the availability of red-ball reserves. Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are facing injury setbacks, while Scott Boland and Michael Neser have also nursed injuries in pre-season.Sean Abbott, who impressed with his sharp bowling in Cardiff, could be considered depending on the progress of others. Mitchell Starc will be managed carefully through the ODI series, while Pat Cummins has remained at home for strength and conditioning work.Australia's situation mirrors that of other nations, such as India and England, who are also grappling with managing the workload of their multi-format fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah's workload is carefully monitored, while Mohammed Shami's recovery from an ankle injury may require cautious management ahead of the Australia tour. England faces a similar challenge with Mark Wood, who has suffered another elbow problem.Despite their resilience, Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood have played a grueling schedule in recent seasons, raising concerns about their ability to sustain their performances throughout the India series. Cummins has hinted that things may be different this summer, with the importance of all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh being highlighted.The current injuries have been a setback for the England tour but are not yet an immediate concern for the India series. However, Australia's much-vaunted bowling depth may face a defining summer as they navigate the challenges of managing their fast bowlers.

The highly anticipated third and decisive T20I between Australia and England at Old Trafford promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to clinch the series victory. After England leveled the series at 1-1 with a nail-biting three-wicket triumph in Cardiff, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting predicts an intense battle.Ponting believes that England will recall Jofra Archer, who was rested for the second T20I, while Reece Topley may make way for Brydon Carse, who impressed in Archer's absence. For Australia, Ponting expects Josh Hazlewood to return to the lineup."It's more than ruthless now; it's 1-1 and it's Australia against England," Ponting said on Sky Sports Cricket. "I don't care what game it is, you want to win the series."Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara echoed Ponting's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fielding the strongest possible team in a series decider. "You can have all your planning and resting and rotation, but the quality of the side can't be undermined," Sangakkara said.Both Ponting and Sangakkara acknowledged the depth of talent in both squads, which allows them to rotate players without compromising the quality of their teams.The third T20I will be a crucial test for both Australia and England, as they seek to gain an edge in the highly competitive rivalry between the two cricketing giants. With the series on the line, expect a fierce and entertaining contest at Old Trafford.

Kepler Wessels: The Unique Cricketer with Centuries for Two NationsKepler Wessels stands as a remarkable figure in cricket history, being the only player to have scored over 1000 runs and centuries in Test matches for two different countries: Australia and South Africa. His extraordinary journey began when he left South Africa for Australia in search of international opportunities, as his home country was banned from world sports due to apartheid.Wessels' debut for Australia in the 1982-83 Ashes series against England was a resounding success. He made an immediate impact with a brilliant 162 in his first innings, setting the stage for a successful stint in Australian cricket. Over the next few years, he became an integral part of the Australian team, excelling in both Test and ODI formats.However, Wessels' career took a significant turn when South Africa was readmitted to international cricket in the early 1990s. He returned to represent his home country, becoming the captain of the South African team in their first Test match post-isolation against the West Indies in 1991-92. He also led South Africa in their first Cricket World Cup appearance since the 1970s in 1992.Wessels' crowning achievement for South Africa came in 1994 when he scored a magnificent 105 against England at Lord's. This century made him the only cricketer to have scored centuries for two nations in Test matches, a testament to his exceptional talent and adaptability.Throughout his Test career, Wessels amassed six centuries and 15 half-centuries, while in his ODI career spanning 109 matches, he scored one century and 26 fifties. His contributions to both Australia and South Africa were significant, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.