Cricket

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India kicks off on Friday at Perth Stadium, with all eyes on the pitch prepared by 27-year-old curator Isaac McDonald. Known for producing some of the fastest and bounciest surfaces in world cricket, the Perth pitch is expected to challenge both batters and bowlers alike.McDonald has been carefully monitoring the conditions, especially with a forecast of up to 10mm of rain over the next few days. He is balancing the need to retain enough moisture to prevent excessive cracking with the risk of overwatering if more rain than expected arrives."In terms of pace and bounce, that [ODI] pitch was really good," McDonald said, referencing the recent ODI between Australia and Pakistan, where the surface provided explosive bounce but resulted in a low-scoring match with Australia bowled out for 140. "The Pakistan attack was quite skiddy, but when guys like [Australia's] Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson were really banging it into the wicket — not so much bowling short balls but hitting the surface a bit harder — that's when it was really coming through."McDonald believes the Test pitch will exhibit similar characteristics, explaining that moisture readings from the preparation process align closely with those from the ODI. "So far, I've done a few tests on the [Test] wicket's moisture content readings, and we're about similar," he noted. "So it's just whether or not the weather wants to play its part and I can hold it there or have to add a bit more moisture."The young curator admitted to feeling the pressure of his high-profile role but also expressed pride in preparing what is regarded as the fastest track in world cricket. "The hour before the first ball, it's horrible," McDonald confessed. "You just want it to start, to make sure it's all good and the ball gets through to the 'keeper nicely and the batters are playing some strokes. Then I can relax and start to enjoy the spectacle of what the Test match actually is."Despite his nerves, McDonald views them as a sign of his dedication to his craft. "I do get quite nervous, but I guess that means it matters because I care about the success of the game and about the facility as a whole. So maybe if I didn't get nervous, it might be a bad thing," he added with a smile.Fans and players alike will hope the Perth pitch lives up to its reputation, promising a thrilling contest between the world’s top two Test sides in the opening act of this prestigious series.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's recent social media post has sparked concerns among fans ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia. Kohli, who has been struggling for form in recent months, posted a cryptic message on social media that left many puzzled.In the post, Kohli reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his apparel brand, Wrogn. However, the wording of the post raised questions about his future in cricket. "Looking back, we've always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked," Kohli wrote.The post continued, "We've changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn't get it." Kohli's words have led to speculation that he may be considering retirement or a break from cricket.However, Kohli's post also expressed a sense of resilience and determination. "But honestly? We didn't care. We were busy figuring out who we are. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn't shake us," he wrote.Kohli's post has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some have expressed concern about his future in cricket, while others have praised him for his honesty and vulnerability.Ahead of the first Test against Australia, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed Kohli as a "superstar" of the game. "He's passionate about the way that he plays. He's passionate about his team. He wants to win and he plays with his heart on his sleeve," Ponting said.It remains to be seen whether Kohli's social media post is a sign of things to come. However, one thing is for sure: the Indian star remains one of the most talked-about and polarizing figures in world cricket.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has expressed his relief at not having to bowl to veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pujara has been a thorn in Australia's side in recent years, amassing 792 runs at an average of 56.57 in his last two Test series Down Under."I'm pretty happy that Puj isn't here (smiles)," Hazlewood said to reporters ahead of the opening Test in Perth. "He's obviously one that bats time, makes you really earn his wicket every time, has done really well in Australia on all these tours."Pujara's absence is a significant boost for Australia, who have struggled to dismiss him in the past. In the 2018-19 series, he scored three centuries and averaged 74.42, while in the 2020-21 tour, he scored 271 runs with three half-centuries.Hazlewood also acknowledged the depth of India's batting lineup, despite Pujara's absence. "There's always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team that they're under so much pressure to perform in the Indian team with with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time," he said. "Whoever they pick in that XI, they're unbelievable players. It doesn't really matter who they pick, they're all great players."Another challenge for India going into the first Test is the absence of Shubman Gill, who fractured his left thumb during a match simulation over the weekend. Gill is ruled out of the first Test, and his availability for the rest of the series is uncertain."Anytime you disrupt the top-six it's a bit of an issue," Hazlewood said. "But as I said the amount of talent in the Indian squad is quite unbelievable, the depth is phenomenal, better than any other country in the world. So whoever comes in has earned their stripes and no doubt will do well."

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India is highly anticipated, with Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting comparing the rivalry to the iconic Ashes series. Ponting believes these battles are among the most eagerly awaited in world cricket.The first Test of the series will commence at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 22. Ponting has emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive yet fair spirit throughout the series. He anticipates intense matches played on the edge, with both teams refusing to concede an inch."Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it's built up over a long period," Ponting said. "I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles. As a past player, as a commentator, I want to see these two teams go out there and play hard and fair and then see who is left standing at the end of the next five games."Ponting highlighted the significance of the rivalry, stating that it is now one of the biggest in world sport, not just cricket. He expects the matches to be played with a competitive edge, with both teams determined to emerge victorious.The series will feature a day-night Test in Adelaide from December 6 to 10, followed by Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The squads for the first Test have been announced, with Rohit Sharma leading India and Pat Cummins captaining Australia.Ponting's comments underscore the intense rivalry between Australia and India, which has produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to continue this tradition of thrilling and competitive matches.

As the Indian cricket team embarks on its grueling five-Test tour of Australia, coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are simultaneously charting a roadmap for the future of India's white-ball teams.Following India's disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, the need for transition has become increasingly evident. Agarkar has been tasked with staying in Australia throughout the tour to collaborate closely with Gambhir and assess the current state of each player's career.The primary objective is to ensure that Agarkar and Gambhir are in sync regarding the team's future direction. Recent speculations have hinted at a lack of alignment in selection and strategy."Both Agarkar and Gambhir recognize that such poor performance in India will inevitably draw criticism," said a BCCI source. "With the extended duration of the tour, they can engage in discussions about the team's future trajectory."A crucial aspect of their mission involves engaging with senior players about their long-term plans. Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are all approaching their late 30s."These senior players remain integral to the team," the source added. "However, there may be some challenging conversations. They will be informed about the selectors' and coach's vision and asked to share their career aspirations in the context of the upcoming World Test Championship cycle and the ODI World Cup."With the ICC Champions Trophy looming shortly after the Test series, the workload of Test players will be carefully considered. The selectors, Rohit, and Gambhir aim to identify a core group for the Champions Trophy.Gambhir is also advocating for a dedicated T20 team composed solely of T20 specialists, rather than multi-format players. This proposal is likely to spark debate, as India's multi-format players are often rested from bilateral T20I series."T20 cricket demands specialists," the source explained. "However, there are players like Bumrah, Pant, Jaiswal, and Gill who cannot be overlooked. Many T20I series are played against weaker opponents or teams that also rest their top players. Some believe that the younger players in the T20 team should not have to make way for Test players when they become available."

After a humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir faces immense pressure as the team embarks on a challenging five-Test tour of Australia. The honeymoon period for Gambhir has ended abruptly, raising questions about the direction of Indian cricket under his leadership.India's recent struggles have exposed tactical frailties and a lack of transition planning. The team's aging core, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, has shown signs of decline. Gambhir has defended his decision to retain these veterans, but he must also identify and nurture young talents to shape the future of Indian cricket.Gambhir's tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. After losing 27 wickets to spin in Sri Lanka, India prepared spin-friendly pitches for the New Zealand series. However, the strategy backfired as the team struggled against lesser-skilled bowlers. With Nathan Lyon looming in Australian conditions, India's spin woes could persist.Despite the setbacks, Gambhir remains determined to instill a fighting spirit in his players. He has promoted Washington Sundar and is considering introducing young talents like Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana. However, he must avoid tactical missteps and foster unity within the squad.The Australia tour will be a defining moment for Gambhir's tenure as head coach. It will test the team's technical and tactical preparedness, as well as its resilience. If India can overcome this tough phase, it will serve as a blueprint for how champions rise from the ashes of defeat.

India's Sarfaraz Khan Steals the Show with Hilarious Catch in Perth TrainingAs the Indian cricket team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a moment of levity emerged during a fielding drill in Perth. Sarfaraz Khan, India's middle-order batter, became the center of attention with an unconventional catch that left his teammates in stitches.In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Khan is seen fielding at short leg when a ball is hit towards him. Instead of taking a conventional catch, Khan uses his body to trap the ball between his legs, much to the amusement of his teammates.The video captures the lighthearted camaraderie within the Indian camp, with Virat Kohli, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant seen laughing uncontrollably at Khan's antics. The moment has provided a welcome respite from the intense training sessions as India gears up for the first Test in Perth on November 22.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated series between India and Australia, with both teams eager to claim victory. The series will consist of five Tests, with the remaining matches scheduled to be played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.India will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be determined to reclaim it on home soil. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting a wealth of talent and experience.

Jimmy Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, is set to make a remarkable return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 43. Despite not playing T20 cricket for over a decade, Anderson's exceptional skills and unwavering determination have earned him a spot in the upcoming season.Anderson's journey to the IPL is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport. Unlike the great West Indies fast bowlers, he lacked the raw ferocity but compensated with remarkable control over swing, even in challenging Indian conditions. His ability to generate reverse swing, which he learned from Zaheer Khan, further enhanced his effectiveness.Anderson's return to the IPL is not merely a nostalgic gesture. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that can inspire and guide younger players. His presence in the dressing room will foster a culture of excellence and a relentless pursuit of perfection.Anderson's signing is reminiscent of Shane Warne's impact on the inaugural Rajasthan Royals team. Warne's leadership, mentorship, and on-field brilliance transformed the team and had a profound influence on the format itself. Anderson has the potential to play a similar role, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and leaving an enduring legacy on the IPL.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Anderson is known for his obsessive dedication to the sport. He continues to play for his club Burnley and envisions himself playing pickup games in the park and bowling to his grandchildren in the future. This unwavering passion is a testament to his love for the game and his desire to share it with others.Anderson's return to the IPL is a reminder that age is just a number for true athletes. His determination to continue playing at the highest level is an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve greatness. As he prepares to don the IPL jersey once again, Anderson embodies the spirit of a true sportsman, driven by an unyielding passion for the game.

Rain dashed New Zealand's hopes of a consolation victory against Sri Lanka, washing out the third and final One Day International (ODI) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.Sri Lanka secured its fifth ODI series win at home this year after defeating the Black Caps in the first two rain-affected matches. New Zealand made a promising start in the series, reaching 112-1 in 21 overs before rain halted play. Will Young completed his half-century and remained unbeaten on 56, while Henry Nicholls finally found some form with an unbeaten 46.Both batters looked set to post a challenging total, sharing an 88-run stand off 106 balls. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka timed a spectacular leap to perfection at mid-off, taking a stunning catch over his head to dismiss Tim Robinson for 9 in the fourth over.Rain deprived Sri Lanka of testing its bench strength after the host made five changes. Seam bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe debuted but bowled only two overs for 14 runs. New Zealand brought in fast bowlers Zakary Foulkes, who made his ODI debut, and Adam Milne in place of Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Milne replaced Lockie Ferguson, who flew home after a calf injury during the preceding drawn Twenty20 series at Dambulla.The series served as preparation for New Zealand for next year's Champions Trophy, which Sri Lanka failed to qualify for by finishing ninth in last year's World Cup in India.