Cricket

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in the team's preparedness for the upcoming Test series against Australia, dismissing concerns about the team being "undercooked." Ganguly believes that the team's recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia will favor India.Ganguly acknowledged the unexpected nature of India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand but emphasized the challenging nature of the pitches. He stressed the need for India to return to playing on balanced cricket tracks that foster both batting and bowling skills, suggesting that over-reliance on rank turners could hinder players' confidence and adaptability in different conditions.Despite the setback of Shubman Gill's thumb fracture, Ganguly remains confident in the team's ability and mental strength to move past their recent shock loss. He believes that other batters will step up in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Gill during the first Test.Ganguly also highlighted the importance of playing Nitish Kumar Reddy in conditions that suit his skill set, suggesting that he could provide a proper balance to the side. He also felt that Mohammed Shami should have traveled to Adelaide and played the second Test, which is a day/night game.Ganguly's confidence in the team stems from their recent Test experience and the nature of the pitches in Australia. He believes that the team has the ability to perform well and is confident that they will be competitive in the upcoming series.

Australia Prepares Green Pitch for India in Perth Test, Favoring Fast BowlersAustralia is reportedly preparing a green pitch for the first Test match against India at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The outfield and pitch are expected to be lush, providing an advantage to fast bowlers. This could pose a significant threat to India's batting lineup, especially in the absence of key players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.The green pitch conditions suggest that India may opt for a single spinner in their playing XI. Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin could be relegated to the bench, while pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are likely to make their Test debuts.Australia's famed pace bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins will be a formidable force on a green pitch. Their ability to generate pace and swing could prove challenging for India's batsmen.The conditions also favor India's pace bowlers, who will be eager to make an impact. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana are all vying for the two remaining pace bowling spots alongside Jasprit Bumrah.Bumrah will lead India in the first Test in Rohit Sharma's absence. He has previously captained India in one Test match, where they suffered a defeat.The first Test between Australia and India gets underway on Friday, November 22. The green pitch and the absence of key players will make for an intriguing contest.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a stern warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their opening Test against India in Perth on Friday. Watson highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit that Virat Kohli brings to the field, cautioning Australia to be prepared for his trademark aggression.The Aussies are set to face India in a highly-anticipated five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Kohli's form and leadership are likely to play a decisive role. Watson emphasized Australia's need to maintain composure against Kohli's fierce approach.Kohli's performance in Test cricket has been declining over recent years, with his struggles becoming increasingly apparent since 2020. The former Indian captain has been working diligently to recover his exceptional batting form in the traditional format of the game.In 34 Test matches spanning the past four years, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. With his prolonged period of modest performances continuing, there is mounting pressure on Kohli to deliver significant contributions across five Tests."The one thing that I know about Virat is because he's the fire burning so brightly and deeply inside of him, the intensity that he brings to every ball that he is engaging in a game has been superhuman. But there have been moments in his career when that fire started to go out because it is so hard to maintain that intensity," Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.Despite experiencing a period of reduced performance, Kohli's challenging phase has continued. However, Watson cautioned the Australian side, suggesting they should wish for the Indian stalwart to enter the series without his characteristic vigour. He emphasised that if Kohli regains his typical intensity, spectators worldwide would witness him at his finest form."That is where the Australian team needs to leave him alone, and hope that he doesn't bring that intensity. If he brings that, then that just shuts everything out, and that's when he will be at his very best. But if stuff is going on and that intensity is not there, then you see that not the best version of Virat," he added.

The Champions Trophy hosting saga continues to unfold, with Pakistan and India locked in a stalemate. Pakistan has rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, while India remains adamant about not playing in Pakistan.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the country will not accept a hybrid model, emphasizing that all participating nations have assured their participation. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali suggests that other teams may have given surety for the tournament but not necessarily for a hybrid model.Naqvi has expressed confidence in the ICC's credibility and expects the schedule to be announced soon. He has also highlighted that no cancellation notice has been received and that every other qualified team is ready to participate.Basit Ali, in his YouTube analysis, acknowledges India's power due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that no team will oppose them. He also points out that while other countries have agreed to participate, they have not explicitly rejected a hybrid model.Ali further suggests that the ICC is employing delay tactics, hoping for a resolution through telephone calls between India and Pakistan. However, he emphasizes that the broadcasters are pressuring the ICC for clarity, as they have suffered significant losses in recent tournaments.The PCB has proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore, allowing them to return home via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, India has not considered this option.The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2023. Pakistan has reportedly requested an explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to play in Pakistan, which has not visited the country since 2008.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to perform well in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Clarke highlighted Kohli's impressive record in Australia, where he has scored six centuries in 13 Tests.Clarke believes that the media hype and build-up surrounding Kohli will motivate him to perform. He also emphasized that Kohli's familiarity with the Australian conditions will be an advantage."Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia. He still has the game and will be hungry. The conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India," Clarke said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the batter averaging just 20.33 in 19 international matches this year. However, Clarke believes that Kohli can turn things around in Australia."If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series. He loves the fight and getting into the action. All of this will pump him up for sure," Clarke added.Kohli's struggles in Tests have been particularly noticeable since 2020. In 34 Tests since then, he has averaged just 31.68, with only two centuries.However, Kohli's record in Australia remains impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a major test for Kohli, who is facing increasing pressure to deliver.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively engaging in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to promote the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Sources reveal that ICC officials are emphasizing the advantages of the hybrid format and the importance of Indian participation in the tournament.The hybrid model involves hosting matches in multiple countries, with India's matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its disappointment over India's refusal to play in Pakistan, citing the precedent set by Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in India earlier this year.PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has stated that the board is awaiting a response from the ICC regarding India's stance. He has also urged the separation of sports and politics, emphasizing that all qualified teams, except India, are willing to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The ICC has conveyed to the PCB that India's decision is based on security concerns. The PCB has consulted with the Pakistan government and is preparing to present its position. The board believes that India should address its concerns directly with Pakistan to find a mutually acceptable solution.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in India in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy aims to balance security concerns with the desire to include all participating teams.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has made a remarkable start to his Test career with three daddy hundreds in just 14 matches. His impressive double centuries against England at home and a 171 on debut in the West Indies have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the world.However, Jaiswal's biggest challenge lies ahead as India prepare to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The challenging conditions Down Under will test his grit, determination, and mental toughness to the limits.Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Jaiswal has the potential to thrive in Australia and emerge as an even better player after the tour. "I think he'll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already, he’s world-class,” Shastri said.Shastri praised Jaiswal's freedom of play and his ability to score freely. He believes that once the youngster settles into the Australian conditions, he will be a force to reckon with. "If he can see that phase through, he will love these pitches. He scores freely and has the temperament to thrive in tough conditions,” Shastri added.Jaiswal will be playing his first-ever match in Australia when the BGT commences in Perth on November 22. He is likely to open the batting alongside KL Rahul in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The Indian team has been preparing diligently for the series, with extended net sessions and simulation matches at the WACA stadium in Perth. They had their first training session at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday, the venue of the first Test.Jaiswal's performance in Australia will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. If he can overcome the challenges posed by the bouncy Australian tracks and the formidable Australian bowling attack, he will cement his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.

Australia Stuns India to Clinch Record-Extending Sixth ODI World Cup TitleOn a fateful night in November 2023, the Australian cricket team defied all odds to defeat India in their own backyard and claim a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title. The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, adorned with a sea of blue and over 100,000 fervent Indian supporters, fell silent as Pat Cummins and his team shattered the dreams of a billion fans.India, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, faced a formidable challenge in the final. Batting first, they got off to a decent start but lost wickets at crucial intervals. Despite a valiant 66 from KL Rahul, India could only muster a modest total of 240.Australia's chase began disastrously, with three wickets falling within the first seven overs. However, opener Travis Head emerged as an unlikely hero, playing the innings of his life. His magnificent 137 off 120 deliveries, coupled with a solid 58 from Marnus Labuschagne, propelled Australia to a stunning six-wicket victory.The match showcased the incredible grit and determination of both teams, but it was Australia who held their nerve under immense pressure. Their victory not only extended their record as the most successful ODI World Cup team but also shattered the hearts of a nation that had pinned its hopes on a home triumph.

India's women's cricket team has undergone significant changes for its upcoming ODI series against Australia, with opener Shafali Verma being dropped due to poor form. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the recent home ODIs against New Zealand due to board exams, has returned to the squad.The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth includes several new faces. Batters Priya Punia and Harleen Deol, legspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu have all received call-ups.Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, remains unavailable. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is also absent. Other notable omissions include offspinner Shreyanka Patil, spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.Middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, legspinner Priya Mishra, and seamer Saima Thakor, who all made their debuts against New Zealand, have retained their spots to face Australia.The squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and includes experienced players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The team will be hoping to improve upon its recent performances, which have included a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.