Cricket

Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Shubman Gill ahead of the highly anticipated first Test against Australia in Perth, commencing on November 22. Gill sustained a left-hand injury while fielding in the slips during the intra-squad match and was unable to return to the field on the second day.Morkel expressed optimism about Gill's recovery, stating, "Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will make a decision on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed."In the simulation match, Gill scored 28 in the first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini's delivery. He later returned to bat, remaining unbeaten on 42*. The young batter is expected to play a crucial role in the Test series, emulating Cheteshwar Pujara's ability to tire Australian bowlers with a solid defensive approach.In 14 matches batting at number three, Gill has amassed 926 runs at an average of 42.09, with three centuries and three fifties, including a top score of 119*. This year, he has been in excellent form, scoring 806 runs in 19 innings at an average of 47.41, with three centuries and three fifties, his highest score also being 119*.The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval, is scheduled from December 6 to 10. The third Test will follow at The Gabba in Brisbane, from December 14 to 18.The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from December 26 to 30, will serve as the penultimate game, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This thrilling finale promises a fitting end to the high-stakes series.

Mitchell Marsh Praises India's Spin Duo Ahead of Border-Gavaskar SeriesAustralian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has heaped praise on India's experienced spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. Marsh acknowledged the world-class abilities of the Indian duo, who have consistently troubled Australian batsmen in the past.Ashwin, in particular, has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests against them. His economy rate of 2.70 and ability to extract turn and bounce from Australian pitches have made him a formidable opponent. Jadeja, too, has a strong record against Australia, with 89 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive economy rate of 2.33.Marsh, who is expected to play a key role in Australia's batting lineup, expressed his admiration for the Indian spinners. "They're world-class bowlers," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge, but how much spin will play in Australia, we'll wait and see."While acknowledging the threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja, Marsh also highlighted India's capable pace attack. "They've got an outstanding fast-bowling attack," he said. "But there's no doubt they're world-class spinners, and I've got a lot of respect for them."Marsh, who has improved his batting against spin in recent years, expressed confidence in his ability to counter the Indian spinners. "I've grown a lot as a player, and I'll take a positive mindset into that battle," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be a major test for both India and Australia. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test being a day-night affair in Adelaide. The third Test will be played in Brisbane, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the final Test in Sydney.

India's recent home defeat to New Zealand has raised questions about their confidence ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. However, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne believes that the visitors remain a formidable opponent despite their setback.Labuschagne acknowledged that India's loss to New Zealand could have dented their morale, especially considering it ended their 12-year unbeaten run at home. "They are probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory, losing to New Zealand 3-0," he said.However, Labuschagne emphasized that Australia would not underestimate India's capabilities. "They're a quality line-up and they're one of the best teams in the world. So you can never underestimate a team like that," he said.Labuschagne recalled India's remarkable comeback in Australia in 2020-21, when they won the series 2-1 despite missing several key players. "That's what happened in 2021 – the likes of (T) Natarajan played, (Mohammad) Siraj got his first crack in Australia, Washington Sundar played," he said.With India set to field a weakened team in the first Test due to injuries to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Labuschagne believes they still have ample talent to pose a challenge. "They're a quality line-up and they've showed that over a period of time. You can't ever underestimate the depth of Indian cricket," he said.Labuschagne's comments highlight the respect that Australia has for India's cricketing prowess. Despite their recent struggles, India remains a formidable opponent with a deep pool of talented players. The Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

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.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia will be a crucial test for India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, according to former India pacer Harbhajan Singh. India suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in a Test series at home, and they need to bounce back in style against the mighty Aussies. The World Test Championship finale spot is also at stake.Gambhir's anger and patience will be tested, but he needs to stay calm if he wants Team India to perform better, said Harbhajan. "It is difficult to run big teams, everyone takes time. If the results were fine, everyone would have said 'see, Gautam is making the team win'. The series against Australia is important, a lot of things will be tested. Gautam Gambhir who will be sitting outside, his anger and patience will be tested," Harbhajan said on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel."He cannot control anything from the outside, big players get frustrated sitting on the sidelines. This Test, Gambhir needs to pass. The tour is very important for Gambhir. In this country, everyone has an opinion. Gautam Gambhir must be feeling low, he is on the radar. If the series doesn't go well, Gambhir will be at the receiving end. I want him to stay calm and for the team to perform well," he added.According to a report by the Indian Express, India skipper Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test match against Australia, and Jasprit Bumrah will serve as captain in his absence. The report claimed that Rohit has already informed the BCCI that he will be spending more time with wife Ritika Sajdeh following the birth of their second child."We were hoping that he (Rohit) would travel but he has informed the BCCI that he can't go now as he needs some more time. He will be flying to Australia for the pink-ball Test match, the second match, in Adelaide. There is a nine-day gap between the first and second Test matches, so Rohit will be able to be there on time," a BCCI official told Indian Express.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro of Team India, has commenced his preparations for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia. Kohli arrived in Perth on Sunday, ahead of his teammates, to kick-start his training regimen at the WACA training pitches.Kohli's early arrival underscores his commitment to acclimatizing to the Australian conditions and fine-tuning his game before the series opener. During Wednesday's training session, he displayed sharp focus and precision, particularly against short-pitched, high-speed deliveries. This preparation is crucial, given Australia's formidable pace attack.Kohli's previous experiences on Perth pitches provide him with both familiarity and a reminder of the challenges ahead. In his 2012 Perth Test debut, he showcased resilience with scores of 44 and 75. His 2018 return to Perth, as captain at Optus Stadium, saw him score a stunning 123, demonstrating his batting prowess against Australia's pace attack.Kohli's early arrival in Perth signals his intent to address the specific challenges posed by Australian pitches, particularly the short-of-length deliveries that they are known for. The first group of Indian players arrived in Perth on Sunday, while the remaining members, except for captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, joined them on Monday.Rohit's availability for the first Test remains uncertain, as Gambhir stated that a final decision will be made closer to the match date. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability, Kohli's commitment and early preparation set the tone for India's warm-up for what promises to be a fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar series.

Mohammed Shami's Comeback Delayed by Fresh Injury, Casting Doubt on Border-Gavaskar Series ParticipationIndia's premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. According to reliable sources, Shami has developed a side strain injury, further delaying his return to competitive cricket.Shami, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a knee injury, was not included in the Bengal squad for the next two rounds of the Ranji Trophy. The experienced pacer had previously expressed his readiness to return to action after recovering from his knee injury. However, his name was conspicuously absent when India announced a 15-man squad for the Test series against Australia."I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body. So we decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%," Shami had said at a promotional event last month.Despite bowling at full tilt in the nets during India's recent Test series against New Zealand, Shami's side strain injury has raised concerns about his fitness for the Australia tour. India captain Rohit Sharma had previously stated that the team did not want to risk an "undercooked Shami" in Australia.Shami's last competitive appearance came in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2022. His absence from the Border-Gavaskar series would be a significant blow to India's bowling attack, which is already missing Jasprit Bumrah due to a back injury.The extent of Shami's side strain injury and the timeline for his recovery remain unclear. However, the fresh setback casts doubt on his ability to regain full fitness in time for the Australia tour, which begins in February 2023.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia, former Indian cricketer M. S. K. Prasad has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to regain his form. Despite a challenging start to the decade in Test cricket, Prasad believes Kohli's love for Australian conditions will ignite his batting prowess.In 2024, Kohli's Test performance has been inconsistent, with an average of 27.22 in five Tests. However, in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, he has shown signs of improvement, scoring 556 runs at an average of 42.76.Prasad, who served as a BCCI selector, emphasized Kohli's affinity for Australian pitches. "Virat Kohli is like a duck getting into the water when he goes to Australia. He loves these conditions and probably he must be eagerly itching to just finish off this Wankhede Test match and then go and play in Australia because he loves that," Prasad said on Star Sports.The Border-Gavaskar series will commence on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.India's squad for the series includes Rohit Sharma as captain, Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain, and a mix of experienced and emerging players. Notably, Mohammed Shami was not included in the squad.

Mitchell Starc, Australia's premier fast bowler, made a triumphant return to first-class cricket on Monday, claiming six wickets for New South Wales against Victoria in Melbourne. Starc's impressive performance marks his successful re-entry into the game after a brief hiatus and bodes well for Australian cricket.During the second innings, Starc showcased his exceptional bowling skills, capturing six wickets for 81 runs in 17.5 overs. His victims included Ashley Chandrasinghe, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Elliott, Fergus O'Neill, and Todd Murphy.Starc's return to form is particularly significant as he prepares to face India's formidable batting lineup in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. The left-arm pacer is currently the third leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with 48 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 28.37.In the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Starc has taken four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, making him the joint third-highest wicket-taker alongside Pat Cummins. The leading bowlers in this WTC cycle are Ravichandran Ashwin with 59 wickets and Josh Hazlewood with 51 wickets.Starc's performance against Victoria is a testament to his unwavering determination and skill. He is now eyeing significant milestones in the upcoming Border Gavaskar series, including reaching 400 Test wickets and 700 international wickets. So far, he has claimed 358 wickets in 89 Test matches and a total of 678 wickets in 279 international matches.Starc's return to form is a major boost for Australia as they prepare to face India in a highly anticipated Test series. The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22, will be a crucial test for both teams as they aim to qualify for the World Test Championship final.