Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja's resurgence with the ball has come at an opportune moment for India, as they prepare for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The all-rounder's remarkable 10-wicket haul in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand has reignited hopes of a strong Indian performance Down Under.Prior to the Mumbai Test, Jadeja's wicket-taking prowess had waned, with only one five-wicket haul in his previous 26 innings. However, his spellbinding performance in Mumbai, where he spun a web around the Kiwi batsmen, has instilled confidence in the Indian camp.Jadeja's return to form is not limited to his bowling. He has also been a valuable contributor with the bat, amassing 431 runs in 2024 at an average of 28.73. His century and two fifties this year highlight his all-round abilities.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a stern test for India, but Jadeja's presence in the team provides a significant boost. His ability to take wickets and contribute with the bat makes him a crucial asset for the team.If Jadeja can replicate his Mumbai magic in Australia, India will be well-positioned to secure a series win and book a spot in the World Test Championship final. His experience, skill, and determination will be invaluable as India aims to conquer the Aussies on their home turf.

David Warner, the recently retired Australian opener, has expressed his concerns about the Indian batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India's recent 3-0 Test series loss to New Zealand has raised questions about their form, and Warner believes that the Australian bowlers could exploit their weaknesses."I'd be nervous if I'm in their batting order," Warner said to Fox Sports. "They've got three world class quicks and a world class spin bowler, and it's going to be a tough challenge for them."Warner highlighted the importance of India's top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who are all in the twilight of their careers. He believes that these players will be determined to perform well in Australia and finish their careers on a high note."They've got some older guys in their team who are in the back end of their careers," Warner said. "They'll want to come out here and score big runs, and I know they'll be so determined to do well."Warner also discussed the threat posed by Australia's pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. He believes that the Australian bowlers have the potential to dominate the Indian batsmen, especially if they can get through the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj."The Australian top order needs to make runs," Warner said. "If they can get through Bumrah and Siraj, there could be some big runs put on the board."Overall, Warner believes that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a closely contested series, but he gives Australia a slight edge due to their superior bowling attack.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a fierce rivalry in Test cricket, returns on November 22 in Perth, Australia. This five-Test series marks the first time the BGT will be played over such a long format, with a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) at stake.India, the current holders of the BGT, face an uphill battle after a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand. Their chances of qualifying for the WTC final now hinge on a successful defense of the BGT.India's batting lineup has been a major concern, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling for runs. Sharma scored only 91 runs in six innings against New Zealand, while Kohli managed just 93. Their poor form has sparked debate about their future in Test cricket, especially if India fails to qualify for the WTC final.Despite their recent struggles, India has a strong history in the BGT, having won their last two Test tours of Australia. However, the team coached by Gautam Gambhir has not had the ideal preparation this time, with repeated batting failures at home.Interestingly, six Indian legends have played their last Test matches in the BGT: Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and MS Dhoni. With several senior players in the current squad, including Ravichandran Ashwin (38), Rohit Sharma (37), Virat Kohli (35), and Ravindra Jadeja (35), it remains to be seen if any of them will join this illustrious list after this BGT.

India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand has raised concerns about the team's performance, particularly the struggles of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Former India pacer Karsan Ghavri believes it's crucial for these players to step up in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Ghavri expressed disappointment with India's batting performance against New Zealand, highlighting the lack of big partnerships and the inability to post competitive totals. He emphasized the need for top-order batters to occupy the crease and score substantial runs.Regarding Rohit and Kohli, Ghavri acknowledged their class but stressed the need for them to regain form. He believes their performances in Australia will determine their future in Test cricket. "If they don't perform, it's time for them to call a time on their Test careers," he said.Ghavri also raised concerns about India's pace attack, particularly the absence of Mohammed Shami. He believes Shami's experience and skill would have been invaluable in Australia. The former pacer expressed confidence in Jasprit Bumrah but acknowledged the added pressure he will face leading the bowling unit.Ghavri suggested that India could consider bringing back Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, given their experience and stability in the middle order. He believes their presence would have been beneficial in Australia.Regarding India's struggles against spin, Ghavri attributed it to poor shot selection and a lack of patience. He emphasized the need for batters to adapt to Test conditions and play with discipline.Overall, Ghavri expressed concern about India's chances in Australia, predicting a 60-40 advantage for the hosts. He believes the team needs to perform well, especially Rohit and Kohli, to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

India's Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has hinted at the possibility of missing the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to personal reasons. The series opener against Australia is scheduled to begin in Perth on November 22.Rohit expressed uncertainty about his participation, stating, "Not sure whether I will be going, fingers crossed." If he is unable to make it, Jasprit Bumrah, the vice-captain, will lead the team in the first Test.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has gained added significance as both India and Australia aim to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). India's recent 3-0 Test series loss to New Zealand at home has put pressure on the team to perform well in Australia.Rohit acknowledged the need to recover from the defeats and focus on the upcoming tour. "We will focus on (upcoming) Australia series, and not look too far ahead," he said.After the first Test in Perth, which concludes on November 26, there will be a 10-day break before the Adelaide game, which starts on December 6. During this break, India will play a two-day warm-up match in Canberra.Rohit's absence, if confirmed, would be a significant blow to India's chances in the series. The team will be hoping that he recovers in time to lead them in the crucial opening Test.

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 BCCI and Team India selector MSK Prasad has raised concerns over the selection of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reddy, who has played only 21 first-class matches, has been fast-tracked into the Test squad after impressing in IPL 2024 and in T20Is for India.Prasad believes that Reddy should not be expected to perform like Hardik Pandya, who is a more experienced all-rounder. "He is not Hardik, who bowls at 140. He just bowls at 125 to 130kmph," Prasad said.Prasad also expressed concern over Reddy's lack of experience in red-ball cricket. "I'm concerned because of the kind of role we gave to Hardik back then after whatever Test cricket he had played," Prasad added.Hardik's Test career lasted only 11 Tests, and he hasn't played a red-ball game in over six years. He has often been bogged down by injury and needed workload management.Prasad has similar worries about Reddy, who has only 708 runs and a solitary century in first-class cricket. "His batting numbers are far from brilliant," Prasad said.Despite his concerns, Prasad acknowledged that Reddy has taken 55 first-class wickets at a good average of 26.01. However, he believes that Reddy's selection is a gamble."It's a gamble. He's a talented player, but he's not ready for Test cricket yet," Prasad said. "I hope he proves me wrong, but I'm not convinced."

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that uncapped seamer Harshit Rana will not participate in the upcoming third Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai. Despite reports suggesting Rana's inclusion in the squad, Gambhir clarified that the rumors are unfounded.Rana, who has been a part of India's white-ball teams since his impressive performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has been brought to Mumbai to work with bowling coach Morne Morkel in preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy."Harshit Rana is not part of the squad. He has just come here to prepare for the Australia tour," Gambhir stated at the pre-match press conference. "We have a Test match here, and we want to use this time to prepare Rana for the BGT."Gambhir emphasized that Rana's presence in Mumbai is solely for training purposes and has no bearing on the Test squad. The team management aims to utilize this opportunity to enhance Rana's skills ahead of the crucial series against Australia.The third Test between India and New Zealand will commence on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the same venue where New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel achieved the remarkable feat of claiming 10 wickets in an innings.

India A's tour of Australia commenced with a disappointing start in Mackay on Thursday. The two uncapped players selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy, failed to make an impact on the opening day of their four-day match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.Australia A captain Alex Carey won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fruitful. Right-arm fast bowler Jordan Buckingham dismissed openers Easwaran and Ruturaj Gaikwad for 7 and a golden duck, respectively. Brendan Doggett then wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, claiming a five-wicket haul.Easwaran, who has been picked as a backup opener for the five-Test series against Australia, failed to justify his selection. Sai Sudharsan (21) showed some promise, but Doggett ended his innings. Ishan Kishan (9), who is vying for a spot in the Indian team, also fell victim to Doggett.Devdutt Padikkal (36) provided some stability, but he witnessed the dismissal of Baba Indrajith (9) to Australia's Test off-spinner Todd Murphy. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, had a forgettable outing, dismissed for a six-ball duck by Doggett.Padikkal's dismissal for 36 left India A reeling at 78 for 6. Doggett continued his dominance, claiming the wickets of Manav Suthar (1) and Rajat Patidar (1). At the time of writing, India A were struggling at 86 for 8, with only two wickets remaining.The match serves as a crucial test for the Indian players hoping to impress the selectors ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The performance of Easwaran and Reddy, in particular, will be closely scrutinized.