Cricket

Australia's Haddin Warns India of Pace Attack Threat in Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has issued a stern warning to Indian batters ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, expressing doubts about their ability to withstand the formidable pace attack of the hosts.In a recent interview on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Haddin expressed concerns about India's batting lineup, particularly in the opening Test match at the bouncy Perth Stadium. "I don't think that the Indian batters are going to stand up to our quicks," Haddin said. "I know Jaiswal is a really good player, but he hasn't come out and seen Australia before, so I'm not sure whether he is going to handle the bounce. Opening in Perth is hard work."Haddin's comments stem from the fact that India's batting lineup has historically struggled against fast bowling in Australian conditions. In the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India's top order was repeatedly dismissed by the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that both sides' opening batsmen could face challenges against the opposing bowling attacks. "I think the key could be Alex Carey and Rishabh Pant, the two wicketkeepers are going to be so important," Finch said. "At one time or the other in the series, the top order will get knocked over. Both fast-bowling attacks are so good that they will get on a roll and knock over the top order."Finch highlighted the importance of the middle order, particularly the wicketkeepers, in providing stability and momentum to their respective teams. "Carey is aggressive, Rishabh is aggressive," Finch said. "The game is going to go one or two ways really quick. And I think that will be so important."The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth, is expected to be a fiercely contested series between two of the world's top cricketing nations. Australia will be looking to retain the trophy they won in India in 2017, while India will be eager to reclaim it on Australian soil.

Punjab Kings' (PBKS) IPL 2024 campaign came to an abrupt end after a disappointing 60-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Assistant coach Brad Haddin attributed the loss to a series of costly dropped catches in the field.PBKS endured a nightmare start, dropping three catches in the first five overs. Virat Kohli, who went on to score 92 runs, was dropped twice on 0 and 10, while Rajat Patidar, who scored 55, was also dropped on 0. These missed opportunities proved pivotal as both batsmen played key roles in RCB's massive total of 241/7.Chasing a daunting target, PBKS showed some fight with Rilee Rossouw's 27-ball 61 and Shashank Singh's 37 runs in 19 balls. However, a flurry of wickets in the middle overs derailed their chase, and they were eventually bowled out for 181."100 percent we lost the match because of dropped catches," Haddin admitted at the post-match presentation. "We dropped two guys on a duck, and both of them scored big runs. That was where the game was lost."Despite the disappointing result, Haddin emphasized the positives from the season and urged the team to finish on a high note. "It is disappointing, but it should not be tough work to motivate the boys," he said. "This is one of the premier competitions in the world. It's a great opportunity to show your skills."Haddin also revealed that Kagiso Rabada's absence from the playing XI was due to illness. Stand-in skipper Sam Curran echoed Haddin's sentiments, saying the team would focus on the positives and continue to work hard."A lot of positive signs throughout the season, but not enough to get over the line, unfortunately," Curran said. "We have to keep our heads up, keep learning, and keep becoming better."

Punjab Kings Eye Victory Against Gujarat Titans Amidst Dhawan's Injury ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL encounter against Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin addressed the team's strategy and provided updates on captain Shikhar Dhawan's injury.Dhawan's absence has left a significant void in the Punjab Kings lineup. "It's difficult to replace someone like Shikhar," Haddin acknowledged. "He's one of the most successful openers in the IPL and has been in great form this season."Despite the setback, Haddin expressed optimism about Dhawan's recovery. "He has started to progress well," he said. "We will decide on Sunday morning whether he's available for selection."In Dhawan's absence, Punjab Kings will rely on their bowlers, particularly their seamers. "Our fast bowlers have the most wickets in IPL 2024," Haddin noted. "If we can find the runs, our spinners and pacers could find some much-needed support."Haddin also highlighted the team's need to convert close matches into wins. "We have got to find a way to get a result in this game," he emphasized. "The last three games were very close."The Punjab Kings batsmen, including Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, have shown promise in recent matches. "The way they have been performing, we want to give them more time on the pitch," Haddin said.Facing Gujarat Titans presents a formidable challenge, but Haddin believes his team is up to the task. "We have a good team," he said. "We just need to find a way to put it all together and get a win."