Cricket

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to exploit Virat Kohli's recent form slump and target his front pad with straighter impact balls. Healy believes that this strategy could put Kohli's forward defense to the test, as he has only averaged 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.Healy also suggests that the bowlers should consider body smashes if the first matchup fails, as Kohli is known for using hook and pull strokes to counter the bowling. Healy recommends bowling at the back armpit and having a short leg position right next to him on the leg side.Kohli has historically dominated red-ball cricket in Australia, scoring six hundreds from 13 Test matches and averaging 54.08. However, Healy believes that the Australian pace trio has the potential to unsettle Kohli and put him under pressure.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22. Healy's advice to the Australian bowlers could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His unique bowling action and exceptional skill have left both past and present Australian players in awe.On his previous Test tours of Australia, Bumrah has taken 32 wickets at an average of 21.25, including a match-winning 6/33 during the 2018 Boxing Day Test. Since the start of the 20th century, only two touring bowlers have taken more wickets in Australia at a lower average -- Richard Hadlee and Curtly Ambrose.Australian batters are unanimous about the pivotal role Bumrah can play for India in the upcoming five-match Test series. Travis Head described him as "impossible to face," while Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith acknowledged his ability to strike fear into the hearts of batsmen.Part of Bumrah's magic lies in his unconventional bowling action. Brett Lee, the former Australian pace legend, likened it to that of a "cat burglar." Khawaja admitted that he initially struggled to understand where the ball was coming from when facing Bumrah.Smith, who has an impressive record against Bumrah, still feels vulnerable against him early in his innings. He attributed this to Bumrah's awkward bowling rhythm, which takes some time to adjust to.Bumrah's exceptional skill and ability to unsettle batters make him a key player for India in the upcoming Test series. His presence will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to the Australian batting lineup.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling spearhead and vice-captain, has emerged as a formidable force ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. His exceptional skills and ability to excel in diverse conditions have made him a key player for India.Bumrah's unique bowling style, characterized by a short run-up and an awkward stiff-arm delivery stride, has left Australian batters in awe. His ability to generate significant pace from a short run-up, combined with his control over line, length, and swing, makes him a formidable opponent.Australian batters have expressed their admiration for Bumrah's bowling prowess. Travis Head described him as "impossible" to face, while Usman Khawaja compared him to Mitchell Johnson due to his awkward action and the deceptive pace he generates. Steve Smith acknowledged the difficulty of facing Bumrah's deliveries, particularly in the initial stages of an innings.Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson explained how Bumrah's unique release point and coordination allow him to generate so much pace. He also highlighted Bumrah's ability to swing the ball both ways at speed, making him even more unpredictable.Marnus Labuschagne, the top-scorer in the last BGT played in Australia, praised Bumrah's ability to control his pace and swing, as well as his use of the bouncer. He emphasized that Bumrah's exceptional skills have made him one of the best bowlers in India.Bumrah's leadership will be crucial for India in the first Test of the BGT, as designated skipper Rohit Sharma will be unavailable due to personal reasons. His experience and ability to inspire his teammates will be vital in India's quest to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Virat Kohli's exceptional batting prowess in Australia is a testament to his remarkable skills as a batsman. In his 13 Test matches on Australian soil, he has amassed an impressive 1352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four half-centuries.Among his many memorable innings in Australia, one stands out as his most cherished, despite coming in a losing cause. During the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli produced a masterful 123-run performance in Perth, a venue renowned for its lightning-fast and bouncy pitch. His knock, which included 13 boundaries and one six, remains his finest achievement in Australia."My best knock in Australia will definitely be my 100 at Perth. 2018-19 series that we played. I thought that was the toughest pitch that I played on in Test cricket. It was great to get a hundred on that tour," Kohli said in a video uploaded by the BCCI titled "Ask the Next One".Despite Kohli's brilliant century, India suffered a 146-run defeat in that match. However, the series saw India, captained by Kohli, secure victory in the first Test by 31 runs, followed by the Perth loss. They bounced back to win in Melbourne by 137 runs and drew in Sydney, clinching the four-match series 2-1.This victory marked India's first-ever Test series win on Australian territory, a testament to Kohli's leadership and the team's resilience. Kohli's exceptional record in Australia is a reflection of his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and perform at the highest level. His 123-run knock in Perth stands as a shining example of his batting prowess and his unwavering determination to succeed.

Alex Carey, Australia's incumbent wicketkeeper, is entering the Test series against India as a rejuvenated force. Despite the presence of Josh Inglis in the squad, Carey remains unfazed and confident in his abilities.After a six-month break from cricket, Carey has returned with a vengeance. He has posted impressive scores in both ODIs and Shield matches, showcasing his exceptional form with both bat and gloves. Carey attributes his resurgence to a minor technical tweak in his batting stance, which has improved his decision-making and overall performance.While Inglis's inclusion in the squad could potentially threaten Carey's position, the veteran wicketkeeper remains pragmatic. He understands the competitive nature of the role and is focused on performing to the best of his abilities. Carey's long-time teammate, Travis Head, believes he has never seen him bat better, highlighting his current form and potential impact on the team.Carey's relaxed demeanor and impressive performances have made him a key player for Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the team. As the Test series against India approaches, Carey is poised to play a significant role in Australia's quest for victory.

Glenn Maxwell Joins Elite Club with 10,000 T20 RunsAustralian batter Glenn Maxwell has etched his name into the annals of T20 cricket history by becoming only the third Australian to surpass 10,000 runs in the format. The prolific batter achieved the milestone during the rain-hit first T20I against Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane.Maxwell's aggressive and innovative batting style has made him a formidable force in T20 leagues and for Australia. Known for his ability to score quickly and consistently, he has been a key player in numerous successful campaigns.With his 19-ball 43 in the first T20I against Pakistan, Maxwell joined David Warner (12411) and Aaron Finch (11458) as the only Australians to reach the 10,000-run mark in T20 cricket. Overall, he became the 16th batter to achieve this feat, led by Chris Gayle with 14,562 runs in 463 games.Maxwell's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and longevity in the T20 format. He has played a pivotal role in Australia's success in T20 cricket, including their victory in the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.Beyond his international exploits, Maxwell has also been a standout performer in domestic and franchise-based T20 leagues around the world. His ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition has made him a highly sought-after player.Maxwell's latest milestone is a fitting recognition of his contributions to T20 cricket. He has consistently entertained fans with his explosive batting and has played a significant role in the growth and popularity of the format.

Mohammed Shami's exceptional performance in the second Test against Australia in Perth in December 2018 remains a testament to his lethal bowling prowess in pace-friendly conditions. His remarkable 6/56, not only his best bowling figures, but also the fourth best by an Indian bowler in Australia at the time, played a pivotal role in India's eventual Test series triumph.Shami's absence of wickets in the first innings was more than compensated by his devastating spell in the second. With India opting for a four-pronged pace attack, Shami emerged as the standout performer, ripping through Australia's lower middle-order. His hat-trick attempt, dismissed by Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, showcased his relentless aggression.Shami's success stemmed from his ability to exploit the Perth pitch's pace and bounce. His consistent pace and movement off the seam troubled the Australian batsmen, forcing them into errors. Targeting the stumps with precision, Shami's high-paced deliveries proved too potent for the opposition.Despite Shami's heroics, India's lack of a balanced bowling attack ultimately cost them the match. The inability to chase down the 287-run target resulted in a 146-run defeat. However, Shami's performance underlined his status as one of India's premier pace bowlers, particularly on overseas tours.Shami's 6/56 in Perth showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver match-winning performances. His skill in extracting the best from pace-friendly pitches, combined with his relentless pace and accuracy, makes him a formidable force in the international arena.

Australian chief selector George Bailey has defended the selection of Nathan McSweeney as an opener for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against India, despite criticism from former Test opener Ed Cowan.Cowan labeled McSweeney's promotion as "a guess" due to his limited experience opening the batting. However, Bailey expressed confidence in the 25-year-old's abilities, emphasizing his technique and temperament.McSweeney, who usually bats at No. 3 or No. 4 for South Australia, had never opened the batting until this week's Australia A match against India A at the MCG. His first outing as an opener saw him score 14 and 25, leading to criticism about his selection.Cowan argued that McSweeney's recent form and lack of experience opening the batting made his selection questionable. "The data would suggest at the moment in his career, he doesn't have the technique nor the temperament to do it," Cowan said.Bailey, however, believes that McSweeney has the potential to succeed at the Test level. "We like his technique, temperament; we think he's got the game to succeed at Test level," Bailey said.Bailey also pointed out that McSweeney's inclusion is about more than just individual stats. He believes McSweeney's selection brings balance to the team's composition. "We think he complements the team, and that's an important factor too—the balance of what you want your make-up of your XI to look like," Bailey said.McSweeney's selection is a gamble, but Bailey is confident that he has the potential to succeed. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a major test for the young opener, but if he can perform well, he could cement his place in the Australian Test team for years to come.

Xavier Bartlett's return to the Australian cricket scene is a welcome sight for the national hierarchy, who are looking to bolster their fast bowling depth ahead of the grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Bartlett, who has been sidelined since September due to a side strain, is set to make his comeback in the T20I series opener against Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday.Bartlett's impressive performances in last season's BBL, where he was the leading wicket-taker and played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat's title triumph, have put him on the radar of the selectors. His ability to generate late swing with the new ball, thanks to his immaculate upright seam positioning, makes him a valuable asset.With Australia's frontline quicks, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, facing the challenge of five Tests against India within seven weeks, the hierarchy is keen to build depth behind them. Bartlett's return provides a much-needed option, especially considering the recent fitness issues with fringe quicks like Michael Neser, Lance Morris, and Jhye Richardson.Bartlett, who has taken four-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs against West Indies and has an impressive average of 17.66 in T20Is, is eager to seize the opportunity. "Going forward there will be opportunities. Personally, the goal is always to try and play Test cricket for Australia," he said.Bartlett will be part of a second-string Australian team that will aim to salvage some pride after their surprise ODI series defeat to Pakistan. The batters struggled against Pakistan's pace attack, and Bartlett believes that Australia can learn from their opponents. "They have been amazing, the last two games they only used four bowlers," he said. "Hopefully we can emulate that."Bartlett is set to share the new ball with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, a partnership that proved successful for the Heat during their title run. While the Gabba surface is known for its pace and bounce, Bartlett is confident that it will make for entertaining cricket.While Bartlett's performances in the T20I series could see him move up the pecking order of fringe Test bowlers, his Heat teammate Nathan McSweeney will make his debut in the first Test after being named as Usman Khawaja's opening partner. Bartlett expressed his excitement for McSweeney, saying, "To see his journey from when we were about 11 or 12 [years of age] to where he is now, making his Test debut, it's unbelievable."