Cricket

India's Young Guns Embark on Transformative Test Series in AustraliaIndia's upcoming Test series against Australia is poised to be a transformative experience for the team's younger members, who will be making their maiden appearances on Australian soil. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players like Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have emphasized the profound impact that a Test series in Australia can have on a player's development.For players like Yashaswi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna, this series will be a baptism of fire. They will have the opportunity to prove their mettle against one of the world's most formidable cricketing nations.Kohli, Ashwin, and Bumrah, who have all experienced the rigors of Test cricket in Australia, have shared their invaluable insights with the younger players. They have stressed the importance of embracing the challenges and learning from the experience."Gauti bhai (Gambhir) had a chat with the boys just before we started, we had some of the senior boys as well," said assistant coach Paras Mhambrey. "Booms (Bumrah), Virat, Ash (Ashwin) having a chat with the guys how first they came here as youngsters with a lot of seniors around and how they sort of felt that once you finish an Australia series you go back a better cricketer."Bowling coach Morne Morkel described the series as "a showpiece on the international calendar" and predicted that both teams would engage in intense competition."I think it's a showpiece on the international calendar since it's going to be teams that not going to give anybody an inch or a sniff and it is going to be hard-fought sessions," said Morkel.Since 2014-15, Australia has not been able to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India winning four consecutive series. India remains the only Asian nation to defeat Australia in a Test series on their home soil."It's become a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It's obviously a very proud moment that India won here twice in the last two times as well as winning it in India," said assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.The young Indian players are eager to make a name for themselves and contribute to the team's success. They will be tested to their limits, but the experience they gain will undoubtedly shape their careers.

Australia's Usman Khawaja has shared his insights on facing India's enigmatic fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging the initial awkwardness of his unique action but emphasizing that it becomes more manageable with familiarity.Khawaja, who has faced 155 deliveries from Bumrah in seven Test innings, has managed to score 43 runs without being dismissed. He attributes this to adjusting to Bumrah's unconventional bowling style."Initially, it's his action that stands out," Khawaja explained. "It's different and bizarre, with his release point much higher than other bowlers. He seems to push the ball out further, making it appear faster than expected."However, Khawaja believes that once batters become accustomed to Bumrah's action, they can better anticipate his deliveries. "It's fine once you get used to it," he said. "I've played against him a lot, and while he can still dismiss me early, it's not as awkward as the first time."Despite the focus on Bumrah, Khawaja cautions against overlooking the rest of India's bowling attack. "They have a lot of other good bowlers," he said. "Mohammed Siraj is excellent against both right-handers and left-handers. Mohammed Shami is underrated, and they have quality spinners as well."Khawaja emphasizes the importance of not dwelling on Bumrah's threat but rather focusing on scoring runs against him. "I'm not thinking about where he's getting me out," he said. "I'm thinking about where I can score runs. That's what good batsmen do. If he misses, I'll capitalize; if he bowls well, I'll respect it."With Australia set to face India in a five-match Test series, Khawaja's experience against Bumrah will be invaluable. The series begins on November 22 in Perth, and Khawaja will be expected to play a key role as Australia's opening batsman.

Pakistan Opts to Field First in Rain-Delayed T20I Opener Against AustraliaIn a rain-affected first T20I at the Gabba, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan elected to field first after winning the toss. The match, initially scheduled for a full 20 overs, was reduced to a seven-over contest due to persistent lightning and rain in Brisbane.Pakistan's batting-heavy lineup features the return of wicketkeeper-batter Sahibzada Farhan, who replaced left-arm fast bowler Jahandad Khan at the last minute. The pace attack boasts the formidable trio of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, while Babar Azam and Rizwan will open the batting.Australia's captain, Josh Inglis, echoed Rizwan's decision to field first. Their top five remains largely unchanged from the ODI series, with Adam Zampa as the specialist spinner and Tim David slotting into the middle order. Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson complete the bowling attack.The reduced format of the match means that only two bowlers can bowl a maximum of two overs each, while all other bowlers are restricted to one over. The powerplay consists of two overs.Australia:1. Jake Fraser-McGurk2. Matt Short3. Josh Inglis (capt & wk)4. Glenn Maxwell5. Tim David6. Marcus Stoinis7. Aaron Hardie8. Xavier Bartlett9. Nathan Ellis10. Adam Zampa11. Spencer JohnsonPakistan:1. Babar Azam2. Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk)3. Sahibzada Farhan4. Usman Khan5. Salman Agha6. Irfan Khan7. Abbas Afridi8. Shaheen Shah Afridi9. Haseebullah Khan10. Haris Rauf11. Naseem Shah

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has been diligently preparing for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Perth. A recent video shared by Fox Cricket on Twitter captured Kohli's intense training session, showcasing his unwavering determination ahead of the crucial series.Kohli's presence in Australia has generated immense excitement among fans, who eagerly gathered at the Perth nets to witness their hero in action. The video highlights the lengths fans went to catch a glimpse of the "King," as Fox Cricket aptly described him.Kohli's popularity in Australia has always been evident, with his presence consistently attracting extensive media coverage and high viewership. However, this upcoming series holds immense significance for Kohli, who is facing pressure to regain his best form and secure his place in the Test squad.With younger players emerging and vying for spots in the starting eleven, Kohli's position in the team is under scrutiny. The Australian series presents him with an opportunity to silence critics and prove his worth. Kohli has a history of exceptional performances in Australia, and his supporters are hopeful that he can replicate his past success.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a pivotal moment in Kohli's illustrious career. It is a chance for him to demonstrate his resilience and reaffirm his status as one of the greatest batters of all time. With the eyes of the cricketing world upon him, Kohli is determined to deliver and lead India to victory.

Former Australian leg-spinner Kerry O'Keeffe has predicted that the Australian team will target Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Test series. O'Keeffe believes that Australia will try to unsettle Rohit, who is likely to miss the first Test due to the expected birth of his second child, and Kohli, who has been in a recent slump.O'Keeffe told Fox Sports, "Rohit Sharma may miss one or two Tests, but he is the captain, and Australia always tries to torpedo the visiting captain. It's been a tactic they've used forever, and I think they'll go very hard at Rohit Sharma."O'Keeffe also suggested that Kohli is "slightly weaker" due to his recent form and that the Australian team will try to exploit this. "Kohli, who has worried them (Australia) over the years, what a stunning player he's been; but in sport, if you sense that the king of the jungle is slightly weaker, you poke a bit of cheek at him," O'Keeffe said.However, O'Keeffe believes that Kohli's form could be the deciding factor in the outcome of the series. "I'm fascinated to see what Virat Kohli ends up with at the end of the summer. It could be the decisive point in the whole summer. If he has an absolutely blazing series, India could win."Rohit has managed 588 runs in 11 Tests at an average of just 29.40 this year, while Kohli has accumulated 250 runs in six Test at an average of 22.72.India's squad for Border-Gavaskar Series: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, faces immense pressure as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-Test series, the first of its kind since 1991-92, will be a crucial test for Kohli, who has struggled for form in recent times.Kohli's average of 22.72 in six matches in 2024 is the lowest of his career. He has managed just one fifty this year, a 70 against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Bengaluru. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Australians will target Kohli's weakness outside the off-stump. "They'll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is," Manjrekar said. "Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that's pitched right up, he'll look to drive."Manjrekar also expects the Aussies to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body. "Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much," Manjrekar said. "So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that."Kohli's poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 runs in three matches, will be a concern for India. The Aussies will be looking to exploit his vulnerability and keep his poor form going.Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in the two innings in January 2012 and scoring a century in 2018. India need to win four Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India's Pace Attack in Absence of Mohammed ShamiWith the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, the onus of leading India's pace attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia falls on Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, India's vice-captain, played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17.00.Bumrah's impressive record in Australia, where he has taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests, makes him a key player for India. In the lead-up to the series, Bumrah has been working on his bouncer delivery, which is expected to be a potent weapon against the Australian batters.In a recent practice session at the WACA, Bumrah bowled bouncers at his Indian teammates, giving them a taste of the "chin music" they can expect in Australia. The Indian batters were peppered with short-pitched deliveries, providing them with valuable experience ahead of the series.Bumrah's ability to generate pace and swing, combined with his accuracy, makes him a formidable bowler. He will be crucial to India's chances of winning their third consecutive Test series in Australia.

Team India Arrives in Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Eyes Historic VictoryNEW DELHI: The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, set to kick off in Perth on November 22. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious encounters in international cricket, and the excitement is building as Team India has officially arrived Down Under to begin their preparations.On Thursday, the Indian team took to Instagram to announce their arrival in Australia, sharing a video that showcased both the coaching staff and the players gearing up for the tough series ahead. The video, featuring visuals of India's intense net session, carried a voice-over stating, "There's pace. There's bounce. And there's the age-old rivalry. Australia, we have arrived!"In the clip, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were seen discussing the significance of the series. Nayar remarked on the challenges that Indian cricketers face when touring Australia, calling it "one of the toughest" assignments.Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel described the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a "showpiece on the international cricket calendar," emphasizing the fierce competition. "It’s going to be teams that won’t give anybody an inch or sniff. It’s going to be hard-fought sessions," Morkel noted.Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, took the time to chat with the younger members of the squad. The discussion focused on the challenges of playing in Australia and how these experiences have shaped the careers of previous Indian players."Gauti bhai had a chat with the boys just before we started, and some of the senior boys too. Rohit, Virat, Ash all having a chat with the guys - how first they came here as a youngster with a lot of seniors around. And how they sort of felt that once you finish the Australia series, you go back a better cricketer," Nayar shared.Ryan ten Doeschate, proud of India's recent success Down Under, said, "It becomes a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It’s a very proud moment that India won twice in the last two series here."The coaching staff expressed their optimism, with Morkel adding, "I am hopeful for the next five Test matches is hard. During the five days of cricket matches we sit after the day's play and you take off your shoes and say that I have given it all."With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on Perth as India look to continue their winning legacy in Australia. The upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, experts and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the performances of key players who could potentially shape the outcome of the series. Both teams boast an array of match-winners, promising an enthralling spectacle that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.The Australian media has already begun its psychological warfare, heaping praise on Indian superstars while simultaneously engaging in mind games. A recent front-page article in The Daily Telegraph featured Virat Kohli with the Hindi headline "Fight for the Ages," while Yashasvi Jaiswal graced the back page with the Punjabi title "The New King." The newspaper's sports section not only chronicled Jaiswal's journey but also hailed him as India's next superstar, suggesting that he is poised to succeed Kohli.In a viral video, former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan discussed the upcoming series. When asked about the Indian player he was most eager to watch, Vaughan singled out Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. "Yashasvi Jaiswal would be one, but Rishabh Pant, I think he is absolutely box-office," Vaughan said. "He makes batting look more like he's just playing in the backyard. For India to be really competitive, this man on screen Rishabh is gonna have to play a blinder once again."Pant's heroics in the fourth and final Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in January 2021 remain etched in the annals of Test cricket history. Facing a daunting target of 328 runs on the fifth day, Pant played a fearless, match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 138 balls. His aggressive mindset and clever shot selection helped India pull off one of the greatest chases in Test cricket, breaking Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.Pant's fearless approach and unyielding belief, even under immense pressure, have made him a vital cog in India's batting lineup. His attacking play style and ability to turn games on their head have earned him a reputation as a big-match player. As India gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch, as his performances could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.