Cricket

Former Australian leg-spinner Kerry O'Keeffe has predicted that the Australian team will target Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Test series. O'Keeffe believes that Australia will try to unsettle Rohit, who is likely to miss the first Test due to the expected birth of his second child, and Kohli, who has been in a recent slump.O'Keeffe told Fox Sports, "Rohit Sharma may miss one or two Tests, but he is the captain, and Australia always tries to torpedo the visiting captain. It's been a tactic they've used forever, and I think they'll go very hard at Rohit Sharma."O'Keeffe also suggested that Kohli is "slightly weaker" due to his recent form and that the Australian team will try to exploit this. "Kohli, who has worried them (Australia) over the years, what a stunning player he's been; but in sport, if you sense that the king of the jungle is slightly weaker, you poke a bit of cheek at him," O'Keeffe said.However, O'Keeffe believes that Kohli's form could be the deciding factor in the outcome of the series. "I'm fascinated to see what Virat Kohli ends up with at the end of the summer. It could be the decisive point in the whole summer. If he has an absolutely blazing series, India could win."Rohit has managed 588 runs in 11 Tests at an average of just 29.40 this year, while Kohli has accumulated 250 runs in six Test at an average of 22.72.India's squad for Border-Gavaskar Series: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, expressed his sincere appreciation for captain Suryakumar Yadav after his remarkable century in the third T20I against South Africa. Varma's exceptional knock of 107 not out off 56 balls steered India to an 11-run triumph, securing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.Varma revealed how Suryakumar, fondly called 'SKY,' generously offered him the No. 3 batting spot for the match, paving the way for Varma's extraordinary performance. "When Suryakumar knocked on my hotel room door and told me I'd bat at No. 3, I was filled with gratitude. He said, ‘Go out there and express yourself. It's a good opportunity.’ I promised him that I wouldn't let him down," Varma said after the match.Staying true to his promise, Varma delivered a spectacular performance, reaching his century in just 51 balls, with his second fifty achieved in a mere 19 balls. His innings was highlighted by seven powerful sixes and eight fours, showcasing his batting prowess, particularly against his former Mumbai Indians teammate Gerald Coetzee, the fastest bowler of the day.Upon reaching his century, Varma acknowledged his captain's gesture by blowing a flying kiss toward the Indian dugout, recognizing the faith entrusted in him. "It was for 'SKY' because he gave me the chance to bat at number three. I love batting at that position, and I wanted to repay the trust he placed in me," he said.Varma's 107-run partnership with young talent Abhishek Sharma, who contributed a crucial half-century, played a pivotal role in India's impressive total of 219/6. Varma, the second-youngest Indian to score a century in T20I history, shared his experiences of battling injuries that led to him missing international tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier this year."It was frustrating to miss two series because of finger injuries, but I knew my time would come. I stayed patient, focused on my process, and worked hard. Today, that hard work paid off," Varma said.Recognized for his powerful batting, Varma is also diligently working on his off-spin, aiming to become a valuable all-rounder for the team. "I've worked hard on my bowling. The ball is coming out well, and I want to be seen as an all-rounder who can contribute to the team's success," he added.Varma's century is a testament to his talent and determination. With his exceptional performance, he has cemented his place in the Indian team and has emerged as a future star of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, faces immense pressure as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-Test series, the first of its kind since 1991-92, will be a crucial test for Kohli, who has struggled for form in recent times.Kohli's average of 22.72 in six matches in 2024 is the lowest of his career. He has managed just one fifty this year, a 70 against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Bengaluru. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Australians will target Kohli's weakness outside the off-stump. "They'll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is," Manjrekar said. "Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that's pitched right up, he'll look to drive."Manjrekar also expects the Aussies to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body. "Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much," Manjrekar said. "So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that."Kohli's poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 runs in three matches, will be a concern for India. The Aussies will be looking to exploit his vulnerability and keep his poor form going.Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in the two innings in January 2012 and scoring a century in 2018. India need to win four Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.

Team India Arrives in Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Eyes Historic VictoryNEW DELHI: The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, set to kick off in Perth on November 22. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious encounters in international cricket, and the excitement is building as Team India has officially arrived Down Under to begin their preparations.On Thursday, the Indian team took to Instagram to announce their arrival in Australia, sharing a video that showcased both the coaching staff and the players gearing up for the tough series ahead. The video, featuring visuals of India's intense net session, carried a voice-over stating, "There's pace. There's bounce. And there's the age-old rivalry. Australia, we have arrived!"In the clip, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were seen discussing the significance of the series. Nayar remarked on the challenges that Indian cricketers face when touring Australia, calling it "one of the toughest" assignments.Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel described the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a "showpiece on the international cricket calendar," emphasizing the fierce competition. "It’s going to be teams that won’t give anybody an inch or sniff. It’s going to be hard-fought sessions," Morkel noted.Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, took the time to chat with the younger members of the squad. The discussion focused on the challenges of playing in Australia and how these experiences have shaped the careers of previous Indian players."Gauti bhai had a chat with the boys just before we started, and some of the senior boys too. Rohit, Virat, Ash all having a chat with the guys - how first they came here as a youngster with a lot of seniors around. And how they sort of felt that once you finish the Australia series, you go back a better cricketer," Nayar shared.Ryan ten Doeschate, proud of India's recent success Down Under, said, "It becomes a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It’s a very proud moment that India won twice in the last two series here."The coaching staff expressed their optimism, with Morkel adding, "I am hopeful for the next five Test matches is hard. During the five days of cricket matches we sit after the day's play and you take off your shoes and say that I have given it all."With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on Perth as India look to continue their winning legacy in Australia. The upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.

South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, expressed pride in his team's performance despite their 11-run loss to India in the third T20I of the four-match series. Markram acknowledged the contributions of the lower order and emphasized the importance of executing their plans."We're proud of the effort to get that close," Markram said. "It was good to see the contributions from the lower order. We just need to execute what we discussed."India's victory was largely due to Tilak Varma's unbeaten century and Arshdeep Singh's three-wicket haul. Varma's 107 runs off 56 balls included eight fours and seven sixes, while Singh's 3/37 in four overs proved crucial in restricting South Africa's chase.Markram highlighted the challenges of chasing a high total at the SuperSport Park. "This is a ground where you can chase 220," he said. "It's almost an over-by-over thing. If you win those overs, you have a great chance."South Africa's bowlers, led by Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj, had earlier restricted India to 219/6. Abhishek Sharma's 50 off 25 balls and Varma's century were the standout performances for India.In the chase, Heinrich Klaasen (41 off 22) and Marco Jansen (54 off 17) kept South Africa in contention. However, Arshdeep's wickets in the death overs proved decisive.Markram expressed confidence in his team's ability to improve for the fourth and final match of the series. "We will see areas to improve for the next game," he said.

In a thrilling moment of deja vu, South African star batter David Miller's dismissal by Hardik Pandya during the 3rd T20I between India and South Africa on Wednesday evoked memories of the 2024 T20 World Cup final.Miller, attempting to pull a short delivery from Pandya in the 16th over, was caught spectacularly by Axar Patel at the boundary. This catch mirrored the iconic moment in the World Cup final where Miller was dismissed by Suryakumar Yadav in a similar fashion, sealing India's victory by seven runs.Pandya's bowling and fielding unit once again proved their mettle, with Axar's athleticism making up for an earlier dropped catch. His effort not only dismissed Miller but also curbed South Africa's scoring momentum.Pandya's impact as a game-changer shone through yet again as India won by a narrow margin of 11 runs, successfully defending their 219-run total. This win strengthened India's momentum on tour, giving them a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.The Men in Blue will take on the Proteas for the fourth and final T20I on Friday at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, aiming to seal the series victory.

England's T20 World Cup defense may have faltered in the Caribbean, but they have rebounded with a vengeance in the ongoing series against West Indies. After a dominant eight-wicket victory in the opening fixture, England has followed up with two more emphatic wins, putting them on the cusp of their second bilateral series triumph in two years.Phil Salt has been instrumental in England's success, scoring a century in the first match and a riotous 83 in the second. Captain Jos Buttler has also stepped up, hitting a blistering 83 in the second game. West Indies, on the other hand, have been hampered by lost tosses and internal disruptions, including the suspension of Alzarri Joseph and the injury to Andre Russell.England's all-rounders have been deployed effectively in the shorter format, with Sam Curran, Dan Mousley, and Jamie Overton waiting in the wings for their chance. The depth of their batting has yet to be fully tested, but the fact that they have options is a testament to their strength.West Indies' Rovman Powell has struggled for form, but he showed glimpses of his true self in the last match. Will Jacks, on the other hand, has failed to live up to expectations since earning a central contract.For the third match, West Indies have recalled Alzarri Joseph from suspension and added Shamar Springer as a replacement for Russell. England is unlikely to make significant changes, although Reece Topley may return from injury.The match will be played in St Lucia, where damp conditions could be a factor. West Indies have a 6-5 record in T20Is at the venue, but they have lost both previous encounters with England there.

Michael Burgess, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper for Warwickshire, has unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional cricket. Burgess, who joined Warwickshire in 2019 from Sussex, had a contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. However, he has decided to step away from the game and pursue other career opportunities in London.Burgess began his cricket journey with Surrey's age-group setup before pursuing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough. He made his first-class debut for the UCCE side in 2014 and later joined Leicestershire in 2015. After being released by Leicestershire, Burgess considered various options, including a city job in London and a position at Royal Hospital School in Ipswich. However, he eventually secured a trial at Sussex, which led to a permanent deal.In 2019, Burgess moved to Warwickshire, where he became a key member of the team. He scored over 3,000 runs in 65 first-class matches for Warwickshire, including a career-high 178 against Surrey in 2022. Burgess also played a crucial role in Warwickshire's County Championship title and Bob Willis Trophy double in 2021.Speaking about his retirement, Burgess said, "It's been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the club. But I've decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities."Warwickshire's performance director, Gavin Larsen, expressed disappointment at Burgess' departure but acknowledged that all players eventually reach the end of their careers. He praised Burgess' combativeness and toughness with the bat, as well as his exceptional wicketkeeping skills.Burgess' retirement leaves a void in Warwickshire's squad, which has already lost Will Rhodes and Chris Benjamin to Durham and Kent, respectively. The club has only signed one incoming player so far, seamer Ethan Bamber from Middlesex.

In a remarkable display of power-hitting, Tilak Varma etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I century against a top-10 team. The 22-year-old left-hander smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa in Centurion, guiding India to a challenging total of 219/6.Varma's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from his bat. He struck eight fours and seven sixes, showcasing his versatility across all areas of the ground. His century came off just 51 balls, highlighting his exceptional temperament and shot-making ability.Promoted to number three in the batting order, Varma displayed maturity beyond his years. He handled the high-pressure situation with aplomb, setting the tone for India's innings with his aggressive and composed knock. His century was a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place as one of India's most promising T20I batters.Varma's knock played a pivotal role in setting a challenging total for South Africa, pushing the team to fight for the win. His innings was a testament to his talent and potential, and it will undoubtedly boost his confidence going forward.With 496 runs in 19 T20Is at an average of 41.33, Varma has already established himself as a reliable performer for India. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease, coupled with his maturity in handling pressure situations, makes him a valuable asset to the team.