Cricket

Nathan McSweeney, a 25-year-old debutant, has been entrusted with the responsibility of opening the batting for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite not being a specialist opener, McSweeney's impressive technique and ability to bat for extended periods have earned him the nod.David Warner, Australia's vice-captain, expressed confidence in McSweeney's abilities, stating that he possesses the necessary technique and patience to succeed at the highest level. Warner also highlighted the importance of being patient with young players like McSweeney, who will be facing a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.McSweeney's selection as an opener is a result of the absence of a clear contender to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order since Warner's retirement earlier this year. Steve Smith, who initially filled the role, has been moved back to his usual No. 4 position, while Marnus Labuschagne will bat at No. 3.Warner believes that McSweeney's partnership with Khawaja will be crucial for Australia's success. He emphasized the need for patience and support for the young opener, who will be making his debut in a high-pressure series.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his talent and the faith that the Australian selectors have in his abilities. With his technique and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and establish himself as a reliable opener for Australia in the years to come.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has urged Virat Kohli to rediscover his aggressive form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Shastri believes that facing the Aussies on their home turf could reignite Kohli's fire and help him regain his lost touch.Kohli has struggled for consistency in recent years, scoring only two centuries in his last 60 innings. His performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand were particularly disappointing, with the 36-year-old managing just 192 runs in 10 innings.Shastri, who coached India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, believes that Kohli needs to bring back his aggression to succeed Down Under. "You mellow with age, don't you? But I think at the start of the Test series, you might just see (Kohli) firing again. He needs to be, I'd like to see him (like that) again," said Shastri.Shastri also highlighted the importance of Steve Smith for Australia. "In the face, that's Kohli," said Shastri. "Come Australia, he'll get his juices going. It's (about) how he starts off, and for Australia, it's with Steve Smith. These guys, don't write them off – because if they get cracking in the first two or three innings, they'll have a good series."India will defend the BGT in a five-Test series, beginning with the tour opener in Perth on November 22. The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting world-class players.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, the tournament's schedule and fixtures remain shrouded in uncertainty, casting a shadow over the event's preparations. With less than 100 days to go, the ICC is facing pressure to finalize the details amid ongoing discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and concerns raised by India.India, one of the eight participating nations, has expressed reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to government restrictions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed its position to the ICC, leaving the PCB seeking an explanation for India's stance.The PCB, determined to host the event in Pakistan in its entirety, is reportedly considering escalating the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if a resolution is not reached. The board has resisted any compromise formula similar to those seen during the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, where India's matches were held in alternative venues.Amidst the uncertainty, the ICC has initiated the Trophy Tour for Champions Trophy 2025 to build excitement for the tournament. The tour began in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the iconic silverware was displayed at several landmarks. Cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar accompanied the trophy on its stops in the city.The ICC is working to resolve India's travel concerns, but a resolution remains uncertain. The political and logistical complexities surrounding the tournament could once again come into play, as they did during the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.The PCB remains firm in its position to host the event in Pakistan, while the ICC is seeking a solution that addresses India's concerns. With time running out, the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of this week.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has endured a dismal year in 2023, failing to cross the 100-run mark in six innings against New Zealand. As he embarks on a tour of Australia, a country where he has enjoyed success in the past, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain his form and lead the team to victory.Ganguly believes that this could be Kohli's last tour of Australia, given his age and the team's future plans. He emphasized the importance of this series for Kohli, who will be eager to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with."He is a champion batter," Ganguly said. "He has had success in Australia in the past. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli."Kohli's struggles in New Zealand have been attributed to the challenging pitches, which did not favor batting. Ganguly believes that the conditions in Australia will be more conducive to Kohli's style of play."In Australia, he will enjoy the conditions," Ganguly said. "There will be good pitches. I am backing Virat to deliver in Australia in this series."Kohli's record in Australia is impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. He will be hoping to add to that tally and help India secure a series victory Down Under.

India's recent loss to New Zealand at home has left a bitter taste in their mouths, and former captain and coach Ravi Shastri believes the team needs to start strong in the upcoming Test series against Australia to put that defeat behind them.Shastri pointed out that India was "caught unawares" by New Zealand, who ended India's unbeaten run at home that lasted over 12 years and 18 series. He believes that the team will be hurting after this defeat and will be eager to bounce back."The best way to bounce back from such a series is to start off another series in a good manner, so the first two Test matches become extremely crucial going ahead," Shastri said.He emphasized the importance of the coaching staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, in ensuring that the players are in a "good state of mind" going into the five-Test affair starting on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth."The most important thing will be to ensure that they start off well; they keep the players in a good state of mind. That will be the most important thing for the coach," he said.Shastri, who was India's head coach during their series wins Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21, urged India to draw confidence from those feats."It's playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can't go to the negatives. Think about the positives," he said."Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what (has) happened behind you. These are different conditions and some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat," Shastri said."I think it will be totally different, the conditions when they get out there," he added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eagerly awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February. The PCB has formally requested clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision, which was communicated to the ICC. The PCB has also sought a written response from the BCCI and the date when it informed the ICC of its stance.Despite the lack of a response, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains optimistic about the tournament, which will be Pakistan's first ICC event since 1996. "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had," Naqvi said. "We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's stance of not using a hybrid model for the tournament and expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the BCCI to resolve the impasse. "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come," he said. "Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."When asked about the possibility of a boycott if hosting rights are revoked, Naqvi emphasized the importance of Pakistan's pride. He also addressed the altered route of the trophy tour, which was initially scheduled to include Muzaffarabad but was modified after objections from the BCCI. "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies," Naqvi said. "And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."Naqvi expressed hope that the ICC would soon announce the tournament schedule to facilitate the PCB's preparations. He emphasized the importance of keeping sports and politics separate and urged the BCCI to engage in dialogue to address any concerns.

Australian cricketer Travis Head anticipates a formidable performance from Indian star batsman Virat Kohli throughout the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Head acknowledges Kohli's world-class batting abilities and emphasizes the importance of respecting his talent.Despite Kohli's recent dip in form, Head believes he will have his moments in the series. "He's a world-class player. Over the course of five Tests, he is going to play well at some stage. We have to understand and respect that," Head said.Head also expressed his understanding and support for Rohit Sharma's decision to prioritize family over the first Test match. "Hundred per cent, I support Rohit's decision. I would have done the same in the same situation," Head said.Despite Rohit's absence, Head cautioned against underestimating the Indian team. "If you look at our history, you would not rule out any Indian team. In the last two trips, they've had injuries and doubts, and people questioned them, but they pulled off incredible performances," Head said.Nathan Lyon, Australia's leading off-spinner, emphasized that the Australian bowling attack has strategies in place for every Indian batsman, not just Kohli. "We have got plans for each one of their guys. They have a side full of superstars, the batting lineup which is exciting, it is a massive challenge for us," Lyon said.Lyon expressed confidence in Australia's preparations and their anticipation for the series. "We are looking forward to that, we have some plans in store. Let's get cracking on Friday," Lyon said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India is set to commence on February 9th in Nagpur. The series will consist of four Test matches, with the second Test to be played in Delhi, the third in Dharamsala, and the fourth in Ahmedabad.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has unequivocally declared that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. He asserted that if India has any concerns, it should engage in dialogue with the PCB to resolve them."Pakistan's pride and respect are paramount. The Champions Trophy will take place in our country only. We will not accept a hybrid model. If India has any issues, they can approach us, and we will address them," Naqvi stated during a press conference outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Naqvi reiterated the PCB's unwavering stance against a hybrid model, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and India. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to announce the schedule promptly."We stand firm on our position that we will not consider a hybrid model. We are awaiting the ICC's announcement of the schedule as soon as possible," he added.Naqvi emphasized the importance of the ICC upholding its credibility as a governing body representing all cricket boards worldwide. He noted that the schedule had been revised but that no cancellation notice had been received."The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven't received any cancellation notice," he said.Naqvi also expressed his belief in keeping sports and politics separate, emphasizing that the two should not influence or interfere with each other."I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook," he said.The PCB chairman's firm stance comes amid speculation that India may boycott the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan due to security concerns. However, Naqvi has assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament and provide a safe environment for all participants.

Nathan McSweeney, the unheralded opener, is set to make his Test debut for Australia against India in Perth. The 25-year-old has endured a baptism of fire in his first training session, facing the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.McSweeney's selection has raised eyebrows, with some questioning his credentials. However, the South Australian has impressed with his form in the Sheffield Shield, earning the nod over more experienced openers.In his first session as a Test cricketer, McSweeney faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Cummins and Starc. He struggled initially, but showed signs of improvement as the session progressed."It was a good challenge," McSweeney said. "I got through it unscathed. Didn't put much pressure on them but they bowled really well and great preparation to face those guys who are quality bowlers."McSweeney also received praise from his teammates, including Nathan Lyon. "I think nothing but exceptional in my eyes," Lyon said. "I saw him up close and personal in that Shield game a couple of weeks ago and I thought we had to run him out to get him out in the game."McSweeney will also play a role in Australia's slip cordon, filling the void left by David Warner's retirement. He is comfortable fielding at both third slip and gully.Despite the challenges ahead, McSweeney is confident in his abilities. "I know what works and I feel very capable to go and do the job and I'm batting the best I ever have, I feel," he said.McSweeney will have plenty of support in Perth, with family and friends traveling from Brisbane to witness his debut. "Got a great supporter base and great family that's looked after me and sacrificed a lot," he said.