Cricket

Former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden have come to the defense of their teammate Ricky Ponting after India head coach Gautam Gambhir criticized Ponting's comments on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Gilchrist and Hayden emphasized the importance of open discussions and the role of commentary in cricket, countering Gambhir's assertion that Ponting should focus solely on Australian cricket."Punter can comment on anything he wants. I think he has earned the right to comment on most aspects of cricket. I love this, this is going to get the popcorn out for the rest of the summer," said Gilchrist on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.Hayden echoed Gilchrist's sentiments, stating that commentators are paid to provide their opinions and insights on the game. "We are paid to make an opinion, make a comment and make a call about the game we know and love," he said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the Indian batter struggling to score runs consistently. In 2024, he has managed just 488 runs in 25 innings across formats, averaging 20.33. His performances in home Tests have been particularly disappointing, with only one half-century in five matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.Rohit Sharma has also faced criticism for his inability to deliver under pressure in critical games. In the three-Test series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3, Sharma scored 91 runs, slightly outpacing Kohli's 93 runs.India's upcoming five-Test series against Australia, beginning on November 22, is crucial for their qualification hopes for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India is currently ranked second in the WTC points table, and strong performances in this series are essential to maintain their position.

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff, spearheading Bengal's thrilling 11-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy encounter. Shami's impressive performance, including a seven-wicket haul, bodes well for Team India ahead of their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.In the match, Bengal posted a competitive 228 runs in their first innings, with Shahbaz Ahmed's quickfire 92 leading the charge. Madhya Pradesh's bowlers, Aryan Pandey and Kulwant Khejroliya, claimed four wickets each.Shami's impact was immediate as he ripped through Madhya Pradesh's batting lineup, claiming four wickets for 54 runs in the first innings. His incisive bowling, coupled with contributions from Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Kaif, and Rohit Kumar, restricted Madhya Pradesh to 167 runs, giving Bengal a 61-run lead.In the second innings, Bengal capitalized on their advantage, posting a formidable 276 runs. Writtick Chatterjee and Wriddhiman Saha anchored the innings with half-centuries, while Shami's valuable 37-run cameo propelled Bengal to a challenging target of 338 runs.Madhya Pradesh's chase fell agonizingly short as they were bowled out for 326 runs. Skipper Shubham Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, and Subhranshu Senapati scored half-centuries, but Shami's 3/102 in 24.2 overs proved too much to overcome. Shahbaz Ahmed's all-round performance, including 4/48 with the ball, earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.Shami's return to domestic cricket is a significant milestone in his comeback journey. His sensational performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, showcased his exceptional talent. Despite missing the T20 World Cup due to injury, Shami's return to form is a welcome boost for Team India.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Shami's experience and proven track record in Australia will be invaluable. India's pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and promising talents like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, will benefit immensely from Shami's guidance and leadership.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma will miss the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Sharma and his wife Ritika welcomed a baby boy on Friday night, and the Indian captain has decided to stay back in Mumbai to spend time with his family.Sharma's absence from the first Test will be a significant blow to the Indian team, as he is one of the most experienced and successful batsmen in the world. He has scored over 15,000 runs in Test cricket, including 30 centuries, and is considered one of the best openers in the game.In Sharma's absence, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian team in the first Test. Bumrah is one of the world's leading fast bowlers, and he will be looking to make a statement as captain. KL Rahul is expected to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Shubman Gill is unlikely to feature due to a fractured thumb.The Indian team left for Perth in two batches on November 10 and 11, with Sharma staying back in Mumbai for the birth of his child. The team has been preparing for the Test series in Perth, and they will be hoping to start the series with a win.The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on December 17 in Perth. The series is expected to be closely contested, and Sharma's absence from the first Test will give Australia a slight advantage. However, the Indian team will be confident of winning the series, and they will be looking to make a strong start in Perth.

Team India's Woes Mount as Shubman Gill Suffers Finger InjuryAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India has been dealt another blow with the injury to star batter Shubman Gill. During a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, Gill sustained a finger injury while fielding in the slips.Sources close to the team have confirmed Gill's injury but have emphasized that it is premature to rule him out of the opening Test in Perth, scheduled to commence on November 22. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition."Yes, Shubman Gill is injured, but it is too early to rule him out of the opening Test. The medical team is keeping a close watch on him," said a well-placed source.This latest injury concern follows the news of KL Rahul being struck by a ball during practice, rendering him unable to continue. Virat Kohli, too, had been hampered by an injury concern but was later cleared after scans revealed no significant issues."Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there," a source told TimesofIndia.com.The Indian contingent in Perth has been engaged in intense net sessions and match simulations over the past two days. Initially, a practice match was planned, but the management opted for match simulations on the center wicket instead.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious four-match Test series between India and Australia. The first Test will be played at the Perth Stadium, followed by matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.Team India will be hoping for a positive update on Gill's injury as they aim to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2018-19.

Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricket team's star batter, has extended his best wishes to the team ahead of their challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia. The depth of talent in Indian cricket was on full display as Suryakumar led the Men in Blue to a 3-1 T20I series victory over New Zealand in the absence of key players.Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill were unavailable for the T20I series, focusing instead on the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins next week in Perth. The high-stakes Test series could play a decisive role in determining the fate of the World Test Championship final, scheduled for next year in London. India, coming off a historic series whitewash against New Zealand, will need to secure four wins out of five Tests to guarantee their spot in the final."For the squad in Australia, I wish them all the luck. I know they're well prepared going into the series, and I know it'll be a challenging one, but at the same time, I wish them all the luck," Suryakumar said during the post-match press conference.Meanwhile, India ramped up preparations for the grueling series with intra-squad match simulations, focusing on adapting to Perth's pace and bounce-friendly conditions. Reflecting on the young players' performances in the T20I series, Suryakumar emphasized the strength of India’s cricketing foundation."I think it says a lot about how strong the base of Indian cricket is. Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket going back home... that speaks a lot about their urge to go back, play for their state, and do well," he added.The Indian team is confident of putting up a strong performance in Australia, despite the absence of some key players. The team's depth and talent will be tested in the challenging conditions, but they are determined to make India proud.

Virat Kohli's recent batting struggles have become a major talking point ahead of India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. The former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the Australian pacers will target Kohli from the outset, given his lean patch in 2024.Kohli has managed only 488 runs in 25 innings across 19 international matches this year, averaging a meager 20.33. His Test numbers in the lead-up to the BGT have been equally dismal, with just 93 runs in three Tests against New Zealand and 99 runs in two Tests against Bangladesh.Manjrekar believes that the Australian bowlers will exploit Kohli's tendency to leave balls outside the off-stump and drive anything pitched up. They will also try to cramp him for room and attack his body, a tactic that New Zealand employed successfully."Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned," Manjrekar said. "They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. These days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that is pitched right up, he will look to drive.""Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one (plan) of landing a ball on the middle stump, which Josh Hazlewood would try," he added.Kohli's form will be crucial to India's chances of retaining the BGT and qualifying for the World Test Championship final. The visitors need to win four of the five Tests Down Under, a daunting task that will require a significant contribution from their star batsman.

Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, has revealed his predicted playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Perth. With regular captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the match, Shastri believes Shubman Gill should open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.Shastri also suggested that KL Rahul should bat at No. 3, followed by Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. Jurel, who impressed in the unofficial Tests against Australia A, could play as a specialist batter, according to Shastri.In the middle order, Shastri believes pushing Gill up the order would allow India to strengthen their batting lineup. He also suggested that Ravindra Jadeja should be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin as the lone spinner in Perth's bouncy conditions.Shastri further proposed that all-rounder Nitish Reddy could be included as the fourth fast bowler, giving India an additional seam-up option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj.Shastri emphasized the importance of the opening match in setting the tone for the series, which will be contested over five Tests for the first time. He believes that India should field their strongest possible team to secure a positive start.

Amidst concerns over his form, former India captain Virat Kohli took the field on Friday for a match simulation ahead of the 1st Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium. Just a day after undergoing scans, the legendary batter scored 15 runs in the first innings of the simulation match at the WACA Ground in Perth.According to a report in the Times of India, Kohli batted without any discomfort despite undergoing a scan on Thursday. However, the report couldn't clarify the reason behind Kohli's injury scare."Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there," the report quoted a source as saying.KL Rahul, who is tipped to open in Perth Test in the absence for captain Rohit Sharma, was hit by a ball in the match simulation and couldn't bat any further. However, the report added that "there are no major concerns there as well".After being dismissed, Kohli also took throwdowns on the sidelines of the simulation match. Not only that, he also came out to bat for the second time in the match, scoring an unbeaten 30 before leaving the field.The Indian batters, in general, struggled against the bowlers in the match simulation. Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy troubled the Indian batters, including Kohli and Rishabh Pant.While Kohli left the field unbeaten on 30, Pant was castled for the second time in the day.The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia kicks off on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, featuring the day-night format, will take place under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. Fans will then turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18.The traditional Boxing Day Test, scheduled from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, will mark the series' penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promising an exciting climax to a highly anticipated series.

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian batter, has arrived in Australia for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite his recent form struggles, the Australian media has accorded him a grand reception, recognizing his enduring status as a cricketing icon.Various Australian newspapers, including The West Australian and Sydney Morning Herald, have prominently featured Kohli on their front pages. However, their coverage has been a curious blend of admiration and scrutiny. While acknowledging Kohli's past brilliance, they have also highlighted his recent performance dip.The Sydney Morning Herald's front-page image of Kohli, captioned "A Heavy Crown," captures the duality of his current situation. The publication notes that Kohli's form has waned in recent years, particularly in Test cricket. Since 2020, he has averaged a modest 31.68, a far cry from his peak years between 2016 and 2019, when he averaged an astonishing 66.79.Kohli's struggles were evident in India's recent home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he managed only 192 runs in 10 innings. This poor performance saw him drop out of the ICC Men's Test batting rankings Top 20 for the first time in a decade.Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains a formidable force in Test cricket. His career average of 47.83 is a testament to his exceptional talent. Moreover, he has a remarkable record against Australia on their home turf, averaging 54.08 in 13 matches.The Australian media's intense focus on Kohli is a reflection of his enduring popularity and the high stakes of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli will be eager to prove that he is still a world-class batter, while Australia will be determined to exploit his recent vulnerabilities. The series promises to be a fascinating contest between one of the greatest batters of all time and a formidable Australian team.