Cricket

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.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) remains uncertain, but Australia is determined to target him relentlessly whenever he takes the field. Former Australian leg-spinner Kerry O'Keeffe believes that Australia's pace attack, led by Michael Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, will put Rohit under immense pressure.Rohit's recent Test form has been underwhelming, with just 133 runs in 10 innings leading up to the BGT. Despite India's 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh, Rohit acknowledged his subpar performance as captain during the embarrassing 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand.O'Keeffe emphasized Australia's historical strategy of targeting visiting captains, stating, "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."Along with Rohit, Virat Kohli, India's other star batsman, has also been under scrutiny due to his extended lean patch. In six Tests in 2024, Kohli has scored only 250 runs in 12 innings, including a solitary half-century.O'Keeffe believes that Australia should remain cautious of Kohli, who has been a formidable opponent for the Aussies in the past. He said, "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. 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," O'Keeffe added.The first Test of the BGT begins on November 22 in Perth, and the outcome of the series could hinge on the performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India's recent 0-3 Test series defeat at home to New Zealand has raised concerns about the team's preparation and approach. Former Australian pacer Brett Lee believes India underestimated their opponents, leading to their disappointing performance.Lee pointed out that India's batters struggled against New Zealand's spinners, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, who exploited the subcontinent's turning pitches. He suggested that India may have entered the series with overconfidence due to their strong home record."They went into the series thinking that we'll just whitewash the Kiwis, thinking that's going to be an easy series," Lee said on his YouTube channel. "And that's no disrespect to the Kiwis. It's just that India are so powerful, so strong on home soil. The Kiwis caught India off-guard."Lee also highlighted a concerning pattern in India's batting approach, which lacked patience. He suggested that India's aggressive mindset may have backfired as they forced their game against the disciplined Kiwi bowlers."They were trying to hit boundaries every ball," Lee said. "They weren't prepared to grind it out, to bat for long periods of time. And that's what the Kiwis did. They were prepared to bat for long periods of time, they were prepared to grind it out."With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, starting on November 22 in Perth, Lee remains confident that India can bounce back and prepare themselves for the crucial series against Australia."This is a great learning curve for all out there," Lee added. "They are going to come in strong. They would have got a kick up the backside from their coach, Gautam Gambhir. This is atrocious, the way they played but they are still a team of champions."Lee also weighed in on the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have struggled with the bat this year. He advised the duo to take time off, refresh, and focus on refining their techniques ahead of the Australian series."When you have a couple of bad runs back-to-back, that's when the pressure could set in," Lee said. "I guess the thing now is someone like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma just have to go back to the drawing board. Work on that technique, freshen up, get away from cricket as much as they can and then hit the ground running when they go to Australia."With a spot in the World Test Championship final up for grabs, Lee believes India will come back stronger and well-prepared for the upcoming series against Australia.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's pre-departure press conference ignited a verbal spat with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Gambhir defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent form, questioning Ponting's comments.Ponting, in response, labeled Gambhir as a "prickly character" and expressed surprise at his reaction. However, he clarified that his initial comments were not intended as a dig at Kohli."I actually followed it up by saying he's played well in Australia and he'll be keen to bounce back over here," Ponting said. "If you ask Virat, I'm sure he would be a little bit concerned that he hasn't been able to make the same amount of hundreds as he has in previous years."Kohli's form has been a concern, with the former India captain scoring just 488 runs in 25 innings across formats in 19 international matches this year.Gambhir, however, remains confident in Kohli and Sharma's abilities. "They (Kohli and Rohit) are incredibly tough men; they've achieved a lot for Indian cricket and are going to achieve a lot in future as well," he said.India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia is crucial for their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC). The team had their first practice session at the WACA stadium in Perth on Tuesday and will open the series at the Optus Stadium in the same city on November 22.

South Africa and India Face Off in Competitive T20I SeriesDespite fielding weakened teams, South Africa and India have engaged in a thrilling four-match T20I series that is poised for an exciting conclusion. The series has highlighted areas of concern for both sides, which they will aim to address in the remaining matches.South Africa's Wristspin WoesSouth Africa's batting has struggled against India's wristspinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. In 16 overs, they have conceded 91 runs and lost 12 wickets. This dominance echoes the impact of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in India's 2017-18 ODI tour of South Africa.India's Batting Depth IssueIndia's batting has shown a lack of depth, with their scoring seemingly stopping at No. 7. In the first T20I, they managed only 40 runs in the last six overs, while in the second, they failed to capitalize on Sanju Samson's century. This issue could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.Players in the SpotlightDavid Miller, who has been dismissed twice by Varun, will be eager to improve his performance against the wristspinner. Abhishek Sharma, on the other hand, has struggled to convert his aggressive approach into consistent runs. India's team management will need to support him and help him develop into a more well-rounded player.Team News and Pitch ConditionsLutho Sipamla has joined South Africa's squad for the remaining matches, potentially replacing Andile Simelane or Nqaba Peter. India has no immediate solutions for their batting depth issue but may consider experimenting with their lineup.Centurion, the venue for the third and fourth T20Is, is known for its high-scoring matches. The steep bounce could also favor fast bowlers if the surface provides assistance.Stats and Trivia* Centurion has the highest batting average (33.25) among South African grounds that have hosted at least three T20Is since 2010.* Miller has the most catches (81) by a non-wicketkeeper in T20Is.* Varun has a chance to break the Indian record for most wickets in a bilateral T20I series (9).* Arshdeep Singh has taken the most wickets (89) among Full Member players since his debut in July 2022.

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has arrived in Perth, Australia, to commence his training sessions ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the hosts. Pant is expected to make his return to action on Australian soil when India takes on Australia in the opening Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, commencing on November 22.Pant boasts an impressive record against Australia, particularly on their home turf. In seven Tests against the Aussies, he has amassed 624 runs in 12 innings at an exceptional average of 62.40 and a strike rate of 72.13. His highest score against Australia is 159, and he has registered one century and two half-centuries.Pant's previous series in Australia in 2020-21 proved to be a turning point in his career. Known for his fearless counter-attacking style, Pant emerged as India's leading Test batter, accumulating 274 runs in five innings at an average of 68.50, including two crucial fifties.Two of Pant's most memorable knocks in that series include a game-changing 97 during a 407-run chase at Sydney in the third Test, which ended in a draw, and an unbeaten 89* that led India to a historic 328-run chase at the Gabba, ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. These innings cemented Pant's reputation as one of India's premier Test players.Pant's arrival in Perth marks the beginning of India's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2020-21, and Pant's presence will be crucial to their chances of success.