Cricket

South Africa and India faced off in the third T20I of their series at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the series tied at 1-1. South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss for the third consecutive time and opted to chase, a decision that was met with approval from India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who would have also chosen to bat first on the pitch that promised runs.Both teams made changes to their lineups. South Africa brought in Lutho Sipamla, a top performer in the recent CSA domestic T20, to replace legspinner Nqaba Peter, leaving them with only one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to Ramandeep Singh, a hard-hitting all-rounder, in place of Avesh Khan.The weather conditions were favorable for play, with no rain expected until later in the evening.South Africa:1. Ryan Rickelton (wk)2. Reeza Hendricks3. Aiden Markram (capt)4. Tristan Stubbs5. Heinrich Klaasen6. David Miller7. Marco Jansen8. Andile Simelane9. Gerald Coetzee10. Keshav Maharaj11. Lutho SipamlaIndia:1. Sanju Samson (wk)2. Abhishek Sharma3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt)4. Tilak Varma5. Hardik Pandya6. Rinku Singh7. Ramandeep Singh8. Axar Patel9. Arshdeep Singh10. Ravi Bishnoi11. Varun Chakravarthy

India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour of Australia has become a crucial test for the team, according to former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. After a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India faces immense pressure to perform well in Australia.Basit believes that the Indian team must focus on silencing their critics with strong performances. He warns that if they fail to do so, several players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, could face the axe after the Champions Trophy."India needs to shut everyone up with their performance," Basit said in a YouTube video. "If they can't do that, I think three or four players will be dropped after the Champions Trophy, including Gautam Gambhir."India's batting lineup has been a major concern, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Basit emphasizes that the team must address these issues and find a way to perform consistently."India's batting has been a big problem," Basit said. "They need to find a way to score runs and put pressure on the Australian bowlers."India's chances of winning the BGT have been boosted by the absence of Australia's star batsman David Warner, who is serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. However, Basit warns that India cannot afford to take Australia lightly."Australia is still a strong team, even without Warner," Basit said. "India will need to play their best to win the series."India will begin their BGT campaign with the first Test in Perth on November 22. They will need to win four of the five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has expressed strong views on the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan in cricket. He believes that Pakistan should consider suspending all cricket matches against India and that the ICC should withhold hosting rights from both countries until their issues are resolved.Latif's comments come in the wake of the BCCI's refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The PCB has written to the ICC seeking written confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's inability to travel to Pakistan.Latif believes that Pakistan should take a strong stance against India's refusal to play in Pakistan. "If I would have been there, I would have taken this decision, and fought against the BCCI," he said.He also suggested that the ICC should stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan until their issues are resolved. "In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled," he said.Latif criticized the BCCI's stance regarding security concerns for the Indian team in Pakistan, saying that the ICC's security team had assessed the country and deemed it safe. "This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team is feeling threatened," he said.Latif expressed confidence that Pakistan cricket would not be hampered by a lack of matches with India. "We didn't play at home for 12 long years. What could be more painful than that? Pakistan will get the 34 million dollars in every eight-year time (from ICC), whether they play India or not. The boards that are rich will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money," he said.

India's humiliating 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand has cast a shadow over their World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations. To qualify directly for the WTC final at Lord's in June 2025, India must now win four Tests in Australia.As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-Test series against Australia, former batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and ex-cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar have expressed their views on India's chances.Gavaskar believes that India can turn the tables on Australia, as they have done in the past. He highlights the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the match-winning ability of Rishabh Pant. However, he acknowledges that beating Australia 4-0 is a distant dream.Manjrekar emphasizes the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli performing well in the series. He also points out that India's bowling, which has been their strength in recent years, will be tested in the absence of Mohammed Shami.India's pace attack for the series includes Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna, who will support Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed are in the reserves.The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins in Perth on November 22. India will need to overcome the challenges of facing a strong Australian team and the absence of Shami to achieve their goal of winning four Tests and qualifying for the WTC final.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated five-Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence on November 22. This edition marks several significant milestones and potential farewells for legendary players.Australia has historically been a challenging destination for visiting teams, but India has performed admirably in their recent tours. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who was part of the 2014-15 BGT squad, emphasizes the importance of character and aggression for success in Australia.Raina highlights the crucial role of Virat Kohli, who has been instrumental in India's past victories. Despite his recent struggles, Raina believes Kohli's experience and determination will be vital. However, he acknowledges that Kohli may face challenges against spinners on turning tracks at home.Rohit Sharma's absence due to personal reasons presents an opportunity for Jasprit Bumrah to lead the team. Raina praises Bumrah's leadership qualities and believes he has the potential to become a future leader in Test cricket.The embarrassing series whitewash against New Zealand has raised questions about coach Gautam Gambhir's performance. Raina defends Gambhir, citing his impressive record as a player and coach.With Rohit likely to miss the first Test, India faces a dilemma in finding an opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Raina suggests KL Rahul or Dhruv Jurel as potential options. He particularly praises Jurel's patience and defensive technique, which could prove valuable in Australia.Raina also expresses confidence in India's pace attack, despite its relative lack of experience. He highlights the potential of Prasidh Krishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep, who he believes can be effective with their line and length in Australia.

Usman Khawaja has dismissed the notion that Australia's Test batting lineup needs to score quickly at the top of the order, arguing that it's a "myth" that has no basis in reality. Khawaja's comments come as Australia prepares to debut Nathan McSweeney as an opening partner for the first Test against India in Perth.McSweeney, who typically bats at No. 3 for South Australia, will be stepping into unfamiliar territory at the top of the order. However, Khawaja believes that McSweeney's measured approach to batting is well-suited to the role."I don't know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well," Khawaja said. "You've got five days to do it...I don't know why you need to score fast."Khawaja pointed out that David Warner, who retired from Test cricket last summer, had a strike rate of 70.76 in first-class cricket, while McSweeney's strike rate is 41.92. Despite the difference in strike rates, Khawaja believes that McSweeney can be just as effective as Warner."Opening's as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb," Khawaja said. "Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn't do it [score fast] every time. He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well."Khawaja also emphasized that McSweeney shouldn't overthink the transition to opening the batting."There's no guarantees in cricket...but he doesn't have to do anything different," Khawaja said. "Just repeat the process. He's been able to handle the pressure at Shield level. When you look at his demeanor, the way he plays, you do kind of feel over a longer period of time he'll be able to handle the scrutiny, the pressure of Test cricket."In addition to discussing McSweeney's debut, Khawaja also announced plans to link his Usman Khawaja Foundation annually with the Gabba Test. The foundation aims to assist youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through cricket and educational programs.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the form of veteran players Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith likely to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.Ashwin, widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time, has been a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. In 22 Tests against the Aussies, he has claimed 114 wickets at an impressive average of 28.36. His ability to extract turn and bounce from even the most placid surfaces makes him a potent threat.Smith, on the other hand, is a batting maestro known for his unorthodox yet highly effective technique. He has amassed 2042 runs in 19 Tests against India, including nine centuries and five half-centuries. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart bowlers has made him one of the most prolific batsmen in contemporary cricket.Over the years, Ashwin and Smith have engaged in intriguing battles on the field. Ashwin has revealed that he has studied Smith's batting closely, identifying his strengths and weaknesses. He has devised specific strategies to counter Smith's unique technique, which has often proved successful."Steve Smith is someone that's fascinating as a player against spin," Ashwin said. "I have found ways and means to be able to break it down. His time at Delhi Capitals and RPSG gave me an insight into how he prepares and what he likes and doesn't like."Smith, known for his astute cricketing mind, has also acknowledged Ashwin's prowess. He has praised Ashwin's ability to read batsmen and set up dismissals."Ashwin is a very thinking cricketer," Smith said. "He wants to get one up on you all the time. But he's got very unique ways of practicing and battling out with you in the middle."The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence in Perth on November 22. India will need to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The outcome of the series will hinge on the performances of Ashwin and Smith, two of the most influential players in world cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced criticism for canceling a warm-up match against India A ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response to the poor form of Indian cricketers, the team has scheduled an intra-squad 3-day practice match behind closed doors.The intra-squad match at the WACA from Friday to Sunday will be held in lockdown conditions, with no public viewing allowed. This decision aims to keep internal matters private before the series begins.Indian players who arrived in Australia have commenced training sessions. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin missed the optional first session. However, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant participated in the nets.India must defeat Australia 4-0 in the 5-match series to secure their World Test Championship final qualification. After losing 0-3 to New Zealand, India dropped to second in the points table, with Australia leading.The form of key players like Kohli, Pant, Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma will be crucial. Sharma's participation in the first Test at Perth remains uncertain.The BCCI's decision to cancel the warm-up match has raised concerns about the team's preparation. However, the intra-squad match provides an opportunity for players to regain form and build confidence ahead of the high-stakes series.

Sanju Samson's recent scintillating form in T20 Internationals has solidified his position as India's go-to opener, according to former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik. Samson's promotion to the opening slot by India's new captain Suryakumar Yadav has proven to be a game-changer, with the wicketkeeper-batter delivering consistent performances at the top of the order.Karthik believes that Samson's recent success has cemented his spot as an opener, and that the duo of Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal could be India's opening combination for the foreseeable future in T20Is. "I think he [Samson] has cemented his spot as an opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal and him will be the openers at least for some time to come in the T20 format," Karthik stated.Former India pacer Zaheer Khan highlighted the fierce competition for spots in India's T20I top-order, which he referred to as a "traffic jam" of talented batters from positions 1 to 7. He noted that this depth is a positive sign for the team's future but added that consistent performances will be crucial for players to retain their spots."Performance speaks for itself. Now, from 1-7 there is a traffic jam. That's a very positive sign for Indian cricket in this format. So for anyone, it is going to be only and only about consistent performances. No one will be able to take their eyes off the ball. You've got to be focused through and through," Zaheer explained.Zaheer also pointed to a specific moment during Samson's recent knock of 107 against South Africa in Durban, where Samson played a remarkable shot off Keshav Maharaj, showcasing his skill and maturity as a top-order batter. "The shot he hit against Keshav Maharaj was something special. He was not in the best position to play it, he was way off, but he still managed to time it so well that it went all the way for six," Zaheer recalled.Karthik further analyzed the shot, emphasizing the evolution in Samson's game, especially in his ability to hit sixes. He explained how Samson's composure and technical adjustments have made him a standout performer."He has made a lot of technical changes, especially suited to this format. He focused a lot on six-hitting. Against Keshav Maharaj, he stepped out but missed the length of the ball. Maharaj did brilliantly to beat him in the air, but Sanju held his position and waited on the shot, hitting it over covers. That's a man who, even when he misses the length, doesn't panic and holds that extra second. That's a very tough skill to have, but he does it very well. That's what makes him very special," Karthik explained.With his recent performances, Samson seems to have found his groove as India's go-to opener in T20Is, further strengthening the team's options at the top.