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."

Mitchell Marsh, Australia's in-form Test batter, has attributed his recent success to a significant shift in his mental approach to the game. Heading into the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Marsh has emphasized the importance of letting go of failures and focusing on preparation.Marsh's Test career has been marked by both highs and lows. From 2014 to 2019, he struggled to find consistency, averaging a mere 25.20 with only three centuries and six fifties in 55 innings. However, his return to the Test side in the Ashes series against England last year marked a turning point.Marsh's newfound mental resilience has been instrumental in his resurgence. He has learned to compartmentalize failures and focus on the present moment. "I have worked really hard on the mental side of my game, to be able to walk out there and get straight into my pre-ball routines, no matter how nervous I am," he said."For me, it is all about my preparation. If I prepare as well as I possibly can, I go into a game or an innings really confident, then if I fail, I can look at myself in the mirror and say that I have actually done all I can."Marsh's mental fortitude has also allowed him to enjoy the game more. "It does not guarantee me success, but it certainly allows me to enjoy the game a bit more, no matter what situation I find myself in. I feel as if I have got tools now to hopefully get me through," he said.Australia's recent struggles against India in Test cricket have provided additional motivation for the team. Marsh believes that the team's experience and the support of their fans will be crucial in overcoming this challenge."Since the last time they played here, we have grown a lot as a team. We have got a really experienced group now, and I think the fact that we have lost the last two series, our fans will be up and about for that and hopefully get right behind us," he said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top Test teams. Marsh's mental resilience and newfound consistency will be key factors in Australia's quest for victory.

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.

Rohit Sharma's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener remains uncertain despite the birth of his second child. Former cricketer Surinder Khanna has urged Rohit to prioritize the series opener, emphasizing the significance of his presence for India's chances.Rohit had previously informed the BCCI of his unavailability for the first Test due to the birth of his son. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the Indian team.Khanna, while extending his congratulations to Rohit and his family, stressed the importance of Rohit joining the squad for the high-stakes encounter. He recalled his own experience of returning to a match on the evening of his wedding reception, highlighting the commitment required from players.India's recent struggles in the New Zealand series have added to the complexities ahead of the Australia tour. The team suffered a 3-0 clean sweep, marking their first such defeat in a home Test series since 2000.The first Test against Australia begins on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is crucial for India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes, as they currently trail Australia in the standings.To qualify for the third successive WTC final, India must win at least four of the five Tests against Australia. The team will be looking to bounce back from their New Zealand debacle and secure a strong start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Champions Trophy 2025 host venue remains a mystery, with three options on the table: Pakistan, a hybrid model, or a complete relocation. The uncertainty stems from the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, the designated host nation.Pakistan has maintained a firm stance against a hybrid model, which would involve matches being played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue. Former Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar believes that back-channel talks are ongoing and that a solution is possible."We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution," Akhtar said. "It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI."Akhtar emphasized the importance of the Champions Trophy for Pakistan, as it could pave the way for hosting larger tournaments in the future. "Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events," he said.Sources close to the development have indicated that the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of the week. The ICC is reportedly in discussions with the PCB to address India's concerns.The decision on the host venue will have a significant impact on the tournament and on Pakistan's reputation as a host nation. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event, and its successful hosting would be a major boost for Pakistan cricket.

Mitchell Marsh Praises India's Spin Duo Ahead of Border-Gavaskar SeriesAustralian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has heaped praise on India's experienced spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. Marsh acknowledged the world-class abilities of the Indian duo, who have consistently troubled Australian batsmen in the past.Ashwin, in particular, has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests against them. His economy rate of 2.70 and ability to extract turn and bounce from Australian pitches have made him a formidable opponent. Jadeja, too, has a strong record against Australia, with 89 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive economy rate of 2.33.Marsh, who is expected to play a key role in Australia's batting lineup, expressed his admiration for the Indian spinners. "They're world-class bowlers," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge, but how much spin will play in Australia, we'll wait and see."While acknowledging the threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja, Marsh also highlighted India's capable pace attack. "They've got an outstanding fast-bowling attack," he said. "But there's no doubt they're world-class spinners, and I've got a lot of respect for them."Marsh, who has improved his batting against spin in recent years, expressed confidence in his ability to counter the Indian spinners. "I've grown a lot as a player, and I'll take a positive mindset into that battle," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be a major test for both India and Australia. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test being a day-night affair in Adelaide. The third Test will be played in Brisbane, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the final Test in Sydney.

The Indian blind cricket team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Pakistan has been denied by the Indian government due to security concerns. The team was scheduled to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, for the event, which is set to take place from November 23 to December 3.The Indian blind cricket team had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but was unable to obtain clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). According to Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), the team was unofficially informed that they would not be permitted to travel to Pakistan."We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Yadav said.Yadav expressed frustration over the late notice of the decision, stating that the team could have been informed earlier. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadav added.The Indian government's decision has drawn criticism from the blind cricket community. Former Indian blind cricket captain Ajay Reddy expressed his disappointment, saying that the team had been preparing for the World Cup for a long time. "We are very disappointed. We have been preparing for this World Cup for a long time. We had a good chance of winning the title. But now our dreams have been shattered," Reddy said.The Indian blind cricket team is one of the strongest in the world, having won the T20 World Cup twice in 2012 and 2017. The team was also the runner-up in the 2015 World Cup.The T20 World Cup for the Blind is an international cricket tournament for blind and visually impaired cricketers. The tournament is organized by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and is held every four years. The first T20 World Cup for the Blind was held in 2012 in India.

India's recent home defeat to New Zealand has raised questions about their confidence ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. However, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne believes that the visitors remain a formidable opponent despite their setback.Labuschagne acknowledged that India's loss to New Zealand could have dented their morale, especially considering it ended their 12-year unbeaten run at home. "They are probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory, losing to New Zealand 3-0," he said.However, Labuschagne emphasized that Australia would not underestimate India's capabilities. "They're a quality line-up and they're one of the best teams in the world. So you can never underestimate a team like that," he said.Labuschagne recalled India's remarkable comeback in Australia in 2020-21, when they won the series 2-1 despite missing several key players. "That's what happened in 2021 – the likes of (T) Natarajan played, (Mohammad) Siraj got his first crack in Australia, Washington Sundar played," he said.With India set to field a weakened team in the first Test due to injuries to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Labuschagne believes they still have ample talent to pose a challenge. "They're a quality line-up and they've showed that over a period of time. You can't ever underestimate the depth of Indian cricket," he said.Labuschagne's comments highlight the respect that Australia has for India's cricketing prowess. Despite their recent struggles, India remains a formidable opponent with a deep pool of talented players. The Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

South African pacer Gerald Coetzee has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent towards the umpire's decision during the fourth T20 International against India in Johannesburg. The incident occurred when Coetzee made an inappropriate comment after a delivery was called wide.According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, Coetzee breached Article 2.8, which prohibits "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match." As a result, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point added to his disciplinary record.Coetzee admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was leveled against the bowler by on-field umpires Allahudien Paleker and Stephen Harris, third umpire Lubabalo Gcuma, and fourth umpire Arno Jacobs.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.In the fourth T20I, India posted an imposing 283/1 batting first, with centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. South Africa was bowled out for 148, resulting in India's biggest win in terms of runs. The visitors won the match by 135 runs and claimed the four-match series 3-1.