Cricket

Pakistan's Haris Rauf Mimics Hardik Pandya's Celebration in ODI Triumph Over AustraliaPakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf showcased a confident celebration reminiscent of India's Hardik Pandya during the third ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. After claiming the wicket of Matthew Short, Rauf performed a "shoulder shrug" gesture, similar to Pandya's celebration after dismissing Shadab Khan in the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.Rauf's celebration came after he delivered a short-pitched delivery outside off stump, which Short attempted to pull. However, Irfan Khan at deep square leg completed the catch successfully. Pakistan went on to secure an eight-wicket victory, their first ODI series triumph in Australia in 22 years.Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) led Pakistan's chase of 140, while Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rauf starred with the ball. Despite losing the opening match in Melbourne, Pakistan bounced back with a convincing nine-wicket win in Adelaide.Rauf's celebration drew attention to the growing influence of Indian cricket on the global stage. Pandya's "shoulder shrug" gesture has become iconic, and Rauf's imitation highlights the respect and admiration that Pakistani players have for their Indian counterparts.The victory in Perth was a significant achievement for Pakistan, who have struggled in recent years to maintain consistency in ODI cricket. The team's ability to adapt to Australian conditions and overcome the loss of key players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman is a testament to their resilience and determination.As Pakistan looks ahead to the upcoming World Cup in India, the team will be hoping to build on their success in Australia. With a talented squad and a growing belief in their abilities, Pakistan will be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Pakistan's historic ODI series victory against Australia in Perth marked a significant milestone for the team. The 2-1 series triumph was Pakistan's first ODI series win on Australian soil since 2002.Australia, prioritizing their upcoming Test series against India, fielded a less experienced lineup. Pakistan, opting to field first, capitalized on this opportunity. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the pace attack, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain also contributed with crucial wickets, bowling Australia out for a mere 140 runs.Pakistan's chase was clinical and controlled. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique laid the foundation with an 84-run partnership. Despite Lance Morris's brief resistance, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam guided Pakistan to a comfortable victory, reaching the target with eight wickets in hand.This dominant performance serves as a confidence booster for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming T20 series against Australia. The team's impressive pace attack and solid batting lineup have set the stage for an exciting series.

With India's upcoming five-match Test series against Australia looming, the form of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has become a major talking point. The duo's recent struggles have raised concerns after India's embarrassing 0-3 whitewash at home to New Zealand.Rohit managed a mere 91 runs in six innings, while Kohli fared slightly better with 93 runs as India suffered a humiliating defeat. These poor performances have sparked calls for the duo to be dropped from the Test squad.However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Rohit and Kohli's recent slump is primarily due to mental fatigue, evident in their shot selection."Take nothing away from New Zealand, but it tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers, and even Rohit coming out and saying he wasn't at his best - I just think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them," Clarke said on ESPN's Around the Wicket Podcast.Clarke expressed confidence that Rohit and Kohli can regain their form if they arrive in Australia refreshed."They know they've played well out here in Australia, and they'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That's the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli - you can't be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you'll see the best of them," he added.Meanwhile, India captain Rohit is likely to miss the first Test against Australia, scheduled to be played in Perth from November 22.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Jasprit Bumrah (VC)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Rishabh Pant (WK)* Sarfaraz Khan* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* R Ashwin* R Jadeja* Mohd. Siraj* Akash Deep* Prasidh Krishna* Harshit Rana* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Washington SundarReserves:* Mukesh Kumar* Navdeep Saini* Khaleel Ahmed

Marcus Harris, the 32-year-old opener, has expressed his readiness to take on the challenge of opening the batting for Australia in the upcoming first Test against India in Perth. Harris has been in impressive form for Australia A, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.In the final game against India A at the MCG, Harris produced a gritty 74 on a difficult batting surface. Despite the other Test contenders failing to impress, Harris remained composed and played a crucial role in Australia A's innings.Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, was present at the MCG but has yet to confirm the Test squad. However, it is widely expected that Harris and Nathan McSweeney will be included in an expanded squad of 13 players.Harris acknowledged the external pressure surrounding his potential selection but emphasized his readiness to perform if called upon. He highlighted his improved batting form and mental resilience compared to previous seasons.Harris has been the only player in the Australia A squad to open the batting in both matches against India A. He believes that the selectors' decision to have him open in both games may indicate their intentions.Despite the scrutiny and speculation, Harris has remained focused on his performance. He has embraced the media attention and learned from his experiences in the past.Harris has also credited his improved batting technique to the guidance of Victoria coach Chris Rogers. Rogers has emphasized the importance of rotating the strike and scoring with control, rather than relying solely on boundaries.Harris acknowledged the element of luck involved in his innings, but he also emphasized the importance of playing and missing well and edging the ball close to the wicketkeeper. He also benefited from a fortunate not-out decision when he was given the benefit of the doubt on a potential edge.Overall, Marcus Harris is confident in his abilities and believes he is well-equipped to handle the pressure of opening the batting for Australia in the first Test against India.

Pakistan's Saim Ayub has emerged as a rising star in the cricketing world, showcasing his exceptional batting skills in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. His remarkable six over the fine-leg fence, reminiscent of Indian legend Yuvraj Singh, left Australian pacer Mitchell Starc bewildered.Ayub's innings of 82 runs off 71 balls played a pivotal role in Pakistan's comprehensive nine-wicket victory. The 23-year-old opener, along with Abdullah Shafique (64 not out off 69), forged a formidable opening partnership of 137 runs, laying the foundation for Pakistan's triumph.Ayub's six in the 12th over was a sight to behold. He swiftly gauged the length ball and shuffled across to flick Starc over the fine-leg fence with impeccable timing. The flair, flamboyance, and follow-through of the shot drew comparisons to Yuvraj Singh, a renowned six-hitter in the white-ball format.Pakistan's bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29, restricted Australia to a mere 163 runs. Rauf's pace and accuracy proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who were dismissed in just 33.5 overs.The victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up an exciting decider in Perth on Sunday. Ayub's performance has not only earned him praise from cricket pundits but has also raised expectations for his future in international cricket.

Haris Rauf's devastating five-wicket haul propelled Pakistan to a commanding position in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, giving them a golden opportunity to level the series.Rauf's incisive spell of 5 for 29 ripped through Australia's middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 163 all out in just 35 overs. The right-arm pacer's relentless pace and accuracy proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who were unable to settle into any rhythm.Rauf's wicket-taking spree began with the dismissal of Josh Inglis for 18, followed by the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne for a mere 6. He then accounted for Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16), leaving Australia in tatters.Captain Pat Cummins (13) was Rauf's fifth victim, caught behind in a moment of brilliance. Steve Smith's 35 was the only significant contribution for Australia, as they were bowled out for their lowest ODI total against Pakistan since 2002.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial role behind the stumps, taking six catches to complete a memorable performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi also chipped in with three wickets, removing openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply.The victory gives Pakistan a much-needed boost after their narrow defeat in the first match. They will now look to seal the series in the third and final ODI on Sunday in Perth.

Australia's T20I team will be led by wicketkeeper Josh Inglis in the upcoming series against Pakistan, as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are unavailable due to paternity leave and Test preparation, respectively. Inglis, 29, will become the 14th T20I captain for Australia, having been approved by the board following a recommendation from the selectors.Inglis's appointment as captain is a surprise to some, as he has not led at BBL level. However, he is highly regarded for his leadership credentials and tactical nous. He was appointed captain of a strong Prime Minister's XI in a first-class match against West Indies in November 2022.Inglis was also vice-captain of the Perth Scorchers last season and a key part of their leadership group. He was strongly considered to take over the captaincy when Ashton Turner suffered a season-ending injury, but Aaron Hardie was chosen instead due to a preference not to have a wicketkeeper-captain so far from his younger bowlers.Australia's selectors do not have the same concerns at international level given the experience of bowlers in the side. The team has a history of having an interim wicketkeeper captain, with Matthew Wade serving as vice-captain in recent years and standing in as skipper in 13 games, including during the 2022 World Cup.The T20I series against Pakistan will also see a change in coaching staff, with head coach Andrew McDonald, batting coach Michael Di Venuto, and bowling coach Daniel Vettori taking a short break. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will take charge, as he did for Australia's five-match T20I series against India last October. Former Australia batter Brad Hodge will also work with the group as an assistant coach, while Matthew Wade has been appointed interim fielding and keeping coach.Australia's T20I squad vs Pakistan:* Sean Abbott* Xavier Bartlett* Cooper Connolly* Tim David* Nathan Ellis* Jake Fraser-McGurk* Aaron Hardie* Josh Inglis (c)* Spencer Johnson* Glenn Maxwell* Matthew Short* Marcus Stoinis* Adam Zampa

Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have endorsed Nathan McSweeney as the ideal candidate to fill the vacant opening slot in the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With David Warner's retirement and Steve Smith's return to his preferred number 4 position, Australia is seeking a reliable opening partner for Usman Khawaja.McSweeney, the captain of Australia A, has impressed with his recent performances, scoring 291 runs in his last four innings, including a century in the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup. Ponting believes McSweeney's experience and leadership qualities make him the most suitable choice."He's got the most out of any of those guys from the 'A' game in Australia at the moment," Ponting said. "And he's more experienced. He has captained Australia A in the past, and he's captaining them now. So, I'm leaning towards McSweeney now for that opening role at the start of the Australian summer."Healy echoed Ponting's sentiments, praising McSweeney's batting ability and maturity. "I was glad people could see how Nathan McSweeney can bat yesterday," Healy said. "He showed that at 25 years of age, he's the most ready of the four."Ponting also suggested that Australia's decision to experiment with Smith as an opener indicated their willingness to consider younger players. "Another thing that I'd said then was that I don't think they'd go back to a Bancroft or Harris because if they're willing to do that they would've done it the last year," Ponting added.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to commence on November 22, the Australian selectors face a crucial decision in choosing the opening partner for Khawaja. McSweeney's impressive form and leadership qualities have made him the frontrunner for the role, and his selection would signal a new era for Australian cricket.

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has revealed that David Warner's offer to come out of retirement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was merely a joke. Warner had suggested his availability if Australia struggled to find an opening partner for Usman Khawaja, but Paine believes it was all in jest."He was not dead serious, that is Davey. How do I know? Because I spoke to him, that is how. Is that good enough for the people?" Paine told SEN.Warner's retirement from international cricket came after Australia's disappointing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup in the Super Eight stage. In his illustrious career, he amassed 8,786 runs in 112 Tests, 6,932 runs in 161 ODIs, and 3,277 runs in 110 T20Is.Warner's absence has left a significant void in Australia's batting lineup, particularly in the opening position. With Steve Smith moving down to number four and Cameron Green sidelined with a back injury, the team has been searching for a suitable partner for Khawaja.However, Paine's revelation suggests that Warner is not seriously considering a return. "He said, 'I got them good, haha'. Of course, that's Davey's thing. People say, 'You're not serious', I am dead serious, but he is not (about returning to cricket)," Paine added.Warner's retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket. He was a key member of the teams that won the 2015 and 2023 ICC Cricket World Cups, the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and the ICC World Test Championship 2023. His aggressive batting style and exceptional fielding made him one of the most feared and respected players in the world.