Cricket

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has expressed his belief that the 2018-19 Test series loss to India was more painful than the 2020-21 debacle under his leadership. Cummins believes that the home team was simply outplayed in the 2018-19 series, while the 2020-21 series was more closely fought.Under Virat Kohli's captaincy, India defeated Australia 2-1 in the 2018-19 rubber with the skipper and Cheteshwar Pujara playing a pivotal role in the historic triumph against the Tim Paine-led side. During the 2020-2021 series, a hugely depleted Indian side again bagged the series 2-1, defeating the hosts at their stronghold Gabba for the first time in a Test match in 32 years."I actually thought the series before (2018-19) was worse because we got completely beaten whereas that series (in 2020-21) was quite (keenly) fought. I thought they (India) played like fantastically well to win at the Gabba," Cummins told The Grade Cricketer podcast."That (defeat) was annoying, but I felt like the series before, where we were like completely outplayed, that would hurt more for me," he said.Cummins, who will again be leading in a five-match Test series against India starting November 22 in Perth, said that if he had his way, he would welcome India with green tops to make life difficult for the visitors."I wish if I had it my way I would be looking like those bushes behind you. Unfortunately, I don’t have any sway (on the preparation of wickets), so we’ll wait and see," said Cummins in response to the host’s question on the amount of grass he would like to see on the pitches for the crucial series.David Warner has offered to come out of retirement to help the side if need be, but Cummins indicated that the team has moved on."Dave we are very interested, we’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate just watch that phone," said Cummins in jest before adding, "Uh, we love Davey (Warner) but he’s retired, sorry."

India's batting woes have been laid bare in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, with two embarrassing collapses highlighting the team's struggles on challenging surfaces.In the series opener in Bengaluru, India were bundled out for a paltry 46 on an overcast morning, their lowest total on home soil in Tests. Captain Rohit Sharma admitted that the team "misread" the pitch, with the ball doing tricks in the air and off the surface. However, the batters showed little intent to battle it out, with five ducks and only two batters reaching double digits.The visitors would have felt at home in the Bengaluru setting, but the Indian batters lacked a plan and collapsed like a pack of cards. Even a fightback in the second innings couldn't cover up for the horror morning, and India found themselves 0-1 down in the three-Test series.In the second Test in Pune, India's batting woes continued. Despite the opposition winning the toss and opting to bat, the Indian spinners ran through the New Zealanders, making it India's day. However, the second morning in Pune was a different story.With the sun out in full glory, the Kiwi spinners spun into action and the Indian batters underwent another trial by spin. The mischief of the surface started the moment Tom Latham introduced spin, but it was the recklessness of the batters that came as a rude shock.Not one player trusted their defense and were shockingly wild in their shot-selection. They played across the line, off the backfoot, and slogged mindlessly, despite the pitch not being conducive to such shots.The batters' approach has come under scanner twice this series. Twice, India have capitulated in contrasting conditions, highlighting their struggles on challenging surfaces. With one more innings in Pune and one more Test before they head off to Australia for the five-match series, the batters need to up their game to avoid further embarrassment.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has criticized captain Rohit Sharma's tactics on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Pune. India were bowled out for 156 in the first innings, conceding a lead of 103 runs to the Kiwis, who consolidated their position by reaching 85/2 at tea in the second innings.Shastri, who was on commentary duty, felt Rohit didn't make aggressive field placements, especially with India already chasing New Zealand in the match after conceding a big lead. During the second session on Day 2, Shastri and former India spinner Murali Kartik had a detailed discussion on Rohit's tactics."New Zealand have managed to scatter away all the men around the bat," Kartik pointed out. "Also tells you, tactically how you should be thinking. India should be thinking how to bowl out New Zealand for 120. For that to happen, you need to think wickets, you need people in attacking positions. Yes, if the side gets to 60 for no loss, you can start to think differently. It also makes the bowl think that he wants wickets, not with a spread out field like this," Shastri responded.Tom Latham and Will Young batted with confidence in the second innings as New Zealand consolidated their position in the second Test, reaching 85/2 at tea to take an overall lead of 188 runs. Latham (37 not out) and Young (23) overcame the early hiccup of losing Devon Conway by stitching together a 42-run partnership after Kiwi spinner Mitchell Santner had demolished the Indian batting line-up for 156 in the first innings with career-best figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs.New Zealand had made 259 in the first innings. India started the day on a positive note with Shubman Gill (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) adding 49 for the second wicket before six wickets fell for the addition of 53 runs as the hosts were left tottering at 107 for 7 at lunch. Virat Kohli played the most forgettable shot of the morning to be clean bowled for 1. Santner then returned in the post-lunch session to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah cheaply.

India's dominance on home soil has been challenged in recent times, as visiting teams have exploited the spin-friendly conditions to their advantage. In the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, the hosts found themselves on the receiving end of Mitchell Santner's spin wizardry.After dismissing New Zealand for 259, India's batting lineup crumbled to a mere 156 runs, conceding a substantial 103-run lead. The dismissals of key players Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja highlighted India's vulnerability against spin.This is not an isolated incident. In the past, India has fallen into its own trap by preparing turning tracks for opponents. Here are some notable examples:India vs Australia, 3rd Test, 2023, Indore:Australia secured a nine-wicket victory on a spinning track at Indore's Holkar Stadium. Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann exploited the conditions, bowling India out for just 109 in their first innings. Despite a fightback from India's spinners, Lyon's eight wickets in the second innings sealed the match for Australia.India vs England, 1st Test, 2024, Hyderabad:England clinched a 28-run victory at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Tom Hartley's spin proved too much for India, who collapsed for just 202 runs in their chase. Earlier, Ollie Pope's brilliant 196 had set India a challenging target.India vs England, 1st Test, 2021, Chennai:England secured a comprehensive 227-run victory in Chennai. Joe Root's double-century helped England post a formidable 578 in their first innings. India's batting struggled against Dom Bess and Jack Leach, who spun the hosts out for 337 and 192 runs, respectively.These instances demonstrate that India's reliance on spin-friendly tracks can backfire. Opponents have adapted to the conditions and exploited India's weaknesses against spin. The team needs to find a balance between preparing pitches that favor their spinners while also ensuring that their batters can cope with the turning ball.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka LIVE Updates: India-Pakistan Final Looms in ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia CupThe stage is set for a potential India vs Pakistan final in the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup on Sunday. However, both teams must first overcome their respective semi-final opponents, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan, on Saturday.Pakistan Shaheens, the defending champions, will face Sri Lanka A in the first semi-final at the Al-Amerat Ground in Oman. The two teams have met twice in the tournament so far, with Pakistan winning both encounters.Sri Lanka A, led by Charith Asalanka, will be looking to avenge those defeats and reach their first final in the competition. They have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, winning four of their five matches.Pakistan Shaheens, captained by Mohammad Haris, will be confident of continuing their winning streak. They have a well-balanced team with a strong batting lineup and a potent bowling attack.The second semi-final will see India A take on Afghanistan. India A, led by Yash Dhull, have been the most dominant team in the tournament, winning all five of their matches. They will be the favorites to reach the final.Afghanistan, led by Noor Ahmad, will be hoping to cause an upset. They have shown glimpses of their potential in the tournament, but they will need to play their best cricket to beat India A.The winner of the two semi-finals will meet in the final on Sunday. A repeat of last year's final, when Pakistan beat India to win the Emerging Asia Cup title, is a possibility.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has jokingly revealed his excuses for a potential loss in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Cummins quipped, "I will find some (laughs). Cameron Green was going to open the batting and bowling."Green's absence due to back surgery has disrupted Australia's plans. The all-rounder was expected to bat at number four and provide pace bowling support. His injury has left a void in the team's balance, forcing the management to reconsider their strategy.Cummins acknowledged the importance of a balanced contest between bat and ball. "It feels like if someone has scored a hundred, they have batted the house down. Taken them a few sessions whereas my first couple of years, some of those wickets were so flat," he said.The skipper expressed his desire for wickets that challenge both batsmen and bowlers. "I think some of those Indian spinning wickets as well, I think that last tour, Delhi we should have won, it just get the teams close to each other if you get the wickets like that, but you do not listen to our players complaining about those types of wickets," he added.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 at Perth. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test in Adelaide played under lights. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Zealand's relentless bowling attack has put India on the back foot in the second Test in Mumbai, leaving the hosts with a daunting task to avoid a series defeat.On a challenging pitch that offered significant turn, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, claiming six wickets between them. Santner's persistent and accurate bowling proved too much for the Indian batsmen, while Phillips' variations kept them guessing.India's struggles began early on, with Shubman Gill falling to Santner in the 11th over. Virat Kohli's dismissal for 1, bowled by a full toss, further dented India's hopes. Phillips then dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, both caught behind, to leave India reeling at 57 for 4.The pressure continued to mount as Sarfaraz Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin also fell cheaply. With the pitch offering little respite, India's batsmen found it increasingly difficult to score runs.Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are now tasked with the unenviable task of rescuing India from a precarious position. However, with New Zealand's bowlers in such impressive form, the hosts face an uphill battle to avoid a series defeat.

Virat Kohli's Uncharacteristic Dismissal Stuns India in Pune TestIn a shocking turn of events, India's batting maestro Virat Kohli suffered an unexpected dismissal during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The incident occurred as Kohli attempted to negotiate a full toss from Mitchell Santner.Kohli, who had entered the crease following Shubman Gill's dismissal, misjudged the delivery and failed to connect with the ball. The ball slipped under his bat and crashed into the stumps, leaving Kohli visibly stunned and in disbelief.The dismissal marked a rare lapse in judgment for Kohli, who is renowned for his impeccable technique and shot selection. As he made his way back to the pavilion, his frustration was evident, clearly disappointed with the way his innings had ended.Kohli's dismissal came at a crucial juncture in the match, with India looking to build a solid foundation after losing the opening Test in Bengaluru. His departure left the team in a precarious position, with the middle order under pressure to deliver.The incident has raised questions about Kohli's form and focus, as he has struggled to find his rhythm in recent matches. In the opening Test, he managed scores of 0 and 70, failing to make a significant impact on the outcome.Kohli's dismissal has also highlighted the strength of New Zealand's bowling attack, which has consistently troubled the Indian batsmen throughout the series. Santner, in particular, has been a thorn in India's side, claiming the wickets of both Gill and Kohli in the second Test.As the series progresses, Kohli will be under immense pressure to regain his form and lead India to victory. His experience and leadership will be crucial if India is to level the series and avoid a humiliating defeat.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team's talismanic batter, is not only known for his aggressive batting but also for his lively on-field personality. His infectious energy and playful antics often steal the spotlight, adding an extra spark to the game.One such light-hearted moment occurred during the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. As Kohli walked onto the field, fully padded up, he was caught on camera doing a humorous mimicry, much to the delight of the crowd. A fan humorously commented that Kohli appeared to be imitating Shubman Gill's walk, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Kohli's playful antics are not limited to the field. He is also known for his witty remarks and playful banter with opponents. During the same match, Kohli was involved in a light-hearted exchange with New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson. After Williamson was dismissed, Kohli was seen playfully teasing him, saying, "You're not going to get a hundred today."Despite his playful nature, Kohli is a fierce competitor on the field. He is known for his aggressive batting and his determination to win. In the first Test against New Zealand, Kohli showcased his brilliance with the bat, scoring a solid 70. However, India eventually lost the match by eight wickets.Kohli's presence will be crucial for India as they head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22. India will be aiming for a historic hat-trick of series wins in the highly anticipated clash. With his form looking strong, Kohli will be one of the key players to watch in the upcoming series.