Cricket

Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will temporarily leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL auction in Saudi Arabia as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Test match begins on November 22, while the IPL auction will take place in Jeddah on November 24-25.Vettori's departure has raised concerns as he is one of the few coaches in world cricket who holds a permanent assistant role with an international team while also being the full-time head coach of an IPL franchise and a Hundred side. He has been Australia's bowling coach for all three formats since 2022, working under Andrew McDonald.Cricket Australia has expressed support for Vettori's role with Sunrisers Hyderabad, allowing him to complete final preparations for the first Test before attending the auction. He will then rejoin the team for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The prioritization of the IPL auction over a Test match highlights the growing influence of franchise cricket. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are employed as commentators with Channel Seven, will also miss part of the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori has previously missed certain series due to his franchise commitments, but this will be the first time he leaves midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction. CA is advertising for a new full-time national pace bowling coach to fill in for Vettori on future tours.On Monday, Vettori worked closely with Australia's bowling unit at their first day of training at the WACA ground. He also threw left-arm orthodox deliveries to the batters in preparation for facing Ravindra Jadeja in the Perth Test.Australia had two consultants working with their main coaching team on Monday: former Australia batter Michael Hussey and former Glamorgan allrounder Jim Allenby. Both men will be with the team all week in the lead-up to the Test match.Fielding coach Andre Borovec and stand-in T20 captain Josh Inglis will join the Test squad in Perth after the conclusion of the T20I series against Pakistan in Hobart. National development coach Lachlan Stevens will also provide additional support for the team when Vettori departs.

India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia includes three uncapped players, including seam-up all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy's rapid rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the cusp of a Test debut has raised eyebrows, but former India pacer Dodda Ganesh believes his fast-tracking "serves no purpose."Reddy, who was part of India's 'A' team in Australia before the Test squad's arrival, was selected for the BGT along with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Harshit Rana. Reddy's IPL exploits for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 earned him a call-up to India's T20 squad against Bangladesh. His impressive performance in the second match, with a 74-run knock and two wickets, further enhanced his reputation.In four innings of two unofficial Tests against Australia 'A' earlier this month, Reddy's highest score was 38, and he took only one wicket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has tipped Reddy to make his Test debut in Perth, citing his batting ability and seam-up bowling as potential assets to the team's balance.However, Ganesh believes that such a move would be premature. "This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose. He is still undercooked to be playing the longer format," Ganesh wrote on social media. He suggests that the Indian think-tank should opt for a specialist in the playing eleven, either a bowler or a batter.Shastri, on the other hand, believes that Reddy's versatility could be valuable in Perth's pacer-friendly conditions. He suggests that Reddy could play a similar role to Shardul Thakur as a fourth seamer who can also contribute with the bat.The Indian team management faces a dilemma in selecting the playing eleven for the opening Test. Reddy's inclusion would provide balance, but his lack of experience in the longer format raises concerns. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's assessment of the conditions and the opposition's strengths.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed concerns over India's decision to forgo a warm-up match ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Vaughan believes that the lack of match practice could hinder India's ability to get into a "competitive mindset" and adapt to the Australian conditions.India has opted to focus on center-wicket training at the WACA in Perth instead of playing an intra-squad game or a match against an Australian domestic side. The Indian think tank believes that the bounce of the WACA center strip closely mirrors that of the Perth Stadium pitch, making it more beneficial for the top-order batters to spend time in the middle.However, Vaughan argues that match practice is essential for players to get into the rhythm of competitive cricket. He points out that Australia has also skipped warm-up matches in recent Test tours, but their players have a different mindset and are accustomed to playing 12 months of the year.Vaughan believes that the modern player may not prioritize tour matches, relying instead on the volume of cricket they play throughout the year. However, he emphasizes the importance of winning and setting a marker in the first match of a series.India's decision to forgo a warm-up match has raised questions about their preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian think tank believes that center-wicket training is sufficient, Vaughan's concerns highlight the importance of match practice in getting players ready for the rigors of Test cricket.

India and Australia are set to clash in the highly anticipated opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth on November 22. The Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, is aiming for a historic third consecutive triumph on Australian soil.India has enjoyed recent success in Australia, securing back-to-back series wins in 2018-19 and 2020-21. To qualify directly for the World Test Championship final in 2025, India needs to win four Tests in this series.Australia, on the other hand, has not defeated India in a home Test series since 2014-15. The two teams also faced off in the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup final last year, with Australia emerging victorious in both.This series marks the first five-Test encounter between India and Australia in over 30 years. The weather forecast for Perth on November 22 predicts pleasant conditions with a partly sunny sky and a minimal chance of rain.India's squad includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. Australia's squad features Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top Test teams. India will be looking to continue their dominance in Australia, while the hosts will be eager to regain their home advantage.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. Ganguly believes that Ashwin's experience and skill make him the best choice for the role, despite his recent struggles in home conditions.Ashwin has been a subject of debate among cricket experts and fans, with some questioning his place in the team after being sidelined in crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final in 2023. However, Ganguly maintains that Ashwin remains India's premier spinner and should be an automatic selection."There is no debate. Ashwin must play. Your best spinner must play. In Test cricket, play specialists," Ganguly said. "Also, against the number of left-handers in the Australian line-up, Ashwin is certain to have an impact."Ganguly acknowledges the presence of other talented spinners in the Indian squad, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but believes that Ashwin's experience and ability to bowl to left-handers give him the edge."Yes, there is [Ravindra] Jadeja and Washington [Sundar] and both bat well, but you must go in with your best spinner in the first Test. Play with specialist batsmen and bowlers, and that's where Ashwin is my choice," he added.Ashwin's recent form in home Tests against New Zealand has been underwhelming, with the off-spinner failing to take a single wicket in two innings. However, Ganguly believes that Ashwin's overall record and his ability to adapt to different conditions make him the best choice for the Perth Test."He's a world-class spinner. He's got a lot of experience. He's bowled well in Australia before. So, I think he's the best choice for the first Test," Ganguly said.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting the playing XI for the Perth Test, with several players vying for spots in the batting and bowling departments. However, Ganguly's strong endorsement of Ashwin suggests that the veteran spinner is likely to be given the nod ahead of his younger rivals.

India Intensifies Preparations for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Morkel Praises SirajWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy just around the corner, the Indian cricket team has been engaged in rigorous training sessions to fine-tune their skills. Last week, the team underwent an intense training regimen at the WACA in Perth, Australia.In addition to net practice and drills, the players participated in simulation matches to simulate the challenges they will face in the upcoming series. The training sessions were not without their lighter moments, as bowling coach Morne Morkel was captured on camera showering praise and affection on premier pacer Mohammed Siraj.During a training session, Siraj playfully interrupted a conversation between Morkel and another player. Morkel, recognizing Siraj's presence, immediately engaged him in the discussion. He heaped praise on Siraj's bowling abilities, highlighting his aggressive mindset and leadership qualities."This man (Siraj) is a legend," Morkel exclaimed. "He's got a big heart, aggressive mindset, one of the leaders of the attack, and I am very excited to see how he goes in this tour. Last tour, he was the go-to man in tough situations, and we're excited to see more of that senior role coming out in him on a very important tour."However, the Indian team suffered a setback during practice when top-order batter Shubman Gill sustained a fracture while fielding. Gill has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth. The team received some positive news when injured opener KL Rahul, who had been sidelined with an elbow injury, returned to the nets on Sunday and is expected to play in the first Test.Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test due to a thumb injury but is expected to join the team ahead of the second game in Adelaide.

Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batsman, stands on the cusp of another significant milestone in his illustrious career. As India prepares to face Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on November 22, Kohli has the opportunity to surpass Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid in terms of runs scored against the Aussies.Kohli has amassed 2,042 runs against Australia in 25 Tests, averaging 47.48. He requires just 102 more runs to overtake Dravid, who scored 2,143 runs in 32 Tests against the Aussies. Kohli's record against Australia includes eight centuries and five half-centuries, showcasing his dominance against one of the world's top cricketing nations.Currently ranked fifth among Indian batters with the most runs against Australia, Kohli has the potential to move up the ladder and cement his place among the all-time greats. Cheteshwar Pujara, who is not part of India's squad for the upcoming series, occupies the fourth spot with 2,074 runs in 25 Tests.Former star VVS Laxman sits second on the list with 2,434 runs in 29 Tests at an average of 49.67. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart with a staggering 3,630 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 55. Tendulkar's record includes 11 centuries and 16 fifties, highlighting his exceptional dominance against Australia.Kohli's pursuit of Dravid's record is a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level. The Indian captain has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, and his ability to perform against Australia, one of the most formidable opponents in world cricket, is a testament to his class.As India embarks on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli will be eager to add to his tally against Australia and etch his name further into the annals of Indian cricket history.

India's decision to conduct closed-door practice sessions ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener in Perth has raised concerns among cricket experts. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes it reflects a lack of confidence within the Indian team.India has dominated the BGT for a decade, but their recent form has been inconsistent. They were whitewashed 0-3 in the home Test series against New Zealand and have struggled to find their rhythm in red-ball cricket. The absence of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who is expected to miss the first Test, has further compounded their problems.Basit Ali believes that India's closed-door practice sessions are a sign of their low confidence. "The Indian team's confidence at the moment is down," he said. "They are practicing behind closed doors, sorry to say that."He added that India should have played more warm-up matches to prepare for the Australian conditions. "The kind of preparation they should have had before the series is not there," he said. "They should have played (warm-up) matches and tackled their (Australian) bowling."Basit Ali also suggested that India should consider including wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the Perth Test. Jurel impressed with knocks of 80 and 68 in the unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne."My personal opinion is that Jurel, who is in form, should be included in the playing eleven," Basit said. "In Australia, whosoever is in form should be played...So what if he (usually) bats at No. 5 or 6! Push him to No. 3. He has guts, is a good player of the cut and pull shots. It might pay."Basit Ali also advised Virat Kohli to practice more against left-arm fast bowlers, especially Khaleel Ahmed. "Let me give one piece of advice," he said. "I think Khaleel (Ahmed) is there. Practice more against the left-arm (fast) bowler, especially Virat Kohli."The first Test of the BGT begins in Perth on November 22. India will be looking to defend their title and extend their dominance in the series.

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, faces a crucial test as he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The Australian soil has been a witness to Kohli's dominance in the past, but this time, he carries the burden of regaining form and securing his legacy in Test cricket.Kohli's recent performances have been far from his usual standards. In 19 international matches this year, he has managed only 488 runs at a dismal average of 20.33. His struggles in Tests have been particularly concerning, with just two centuries and nine fifties since 2020.Despite his current form, Kohli remains a formidable opponent in Australian conditions. Former Australian opener David Warner has warned his team about Kohli's potential to rise to the occasion. "Virat always steps up in Australia and embraces the challenge like no one else," Warner wrote. "I'm genuinely worried for the Australian cricket team that he's going to come out and pile on some runs."Kohli's peak form from 2016-2019 saw him amass 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an astonishing average of 66.79. During this period, he smashed seven double centuries, a record for a Test captain. However, since 2020, his average has dropped to 31.68.The upcoming tour of Australia presents Kohli with an opportunity to rediscover his form and silence his critics. A strong performance could not only boost his confidence but also secure his place in the Indian Test team amid potential transitions after the ICC World Test Championship cycle.Kohli's legacy in Test cricket is at stake. A successful tour of Australia could cement his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. However, a continued slump in form could raise questions about his future in the longest format of the game.