Cricket

Mitchell Marsh Praises India's Spin Duo Ahead of Border-Gavaskar SeriesAustralian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has heaped praise on India's experienced spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. Marsh acknowledged the world-class abilities of the Indian duo, who have consistently troubled Australian batsmen in the past.Ashwin, in particular, has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests against them. His economy rate of 2.70 and ability to extract turn and bounce from Australian pitches have made him a formidable opponent. Jadeja, too, has a strong record against Australia, with 89 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive economy rate of 2.33.Marsh, who is expected to play a key role in Australia's batting lineup, expressed his admiration for the Indian spinners. "They're world-class bowlers," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge, but how much spin will play in Australia, we'll wait and see."While acknowledging the threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja, Marsh also highlighted India's capable pace attack. "They've got an outstanding fast-bowling attack," he said. "But there's no doubt they're world-class spinners, and I've got a lot of respect for them."Marsh, who has improved his batting against spin in recent years, expressed confidence in his ability to counter the Indian spinners. "I've grown a lot as a player, and I'll take a positive mindset into that battle," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be a major test for both India and Australia. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test being a day-night affair in Adelaide. The third Test will be played in Brisbane, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the final Test in Sydney.

The Indian blind cricket team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Pakistan has been denied by the Indian government due to security concerns. The team was scheduled to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, for the event, which is set to take place from November 23 to December 3.The Indian blind cricket team had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but was unable to obtain clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). According to Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), the team was unofficially informed that they would not be permitted to travel to Pakistan."We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Yadav said.Yadav expressed frustration over the late notice of the decision, stating that the team could have been informed earlier. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadav added.The Indian government's decision has drawn criticism from the blind cricket community. Former Indian blind cricket captain Ajay Reddy expressed his disappointment, saying that the team had been preparing for the World Cup for a long time. "We are very disappointed. We have been preparing for this World Cup for a long time. We had a good chance of winning the title. But now our dreams have been shattered," Reddy said.The Indian blind cricket team is one of the strongest in the world, having won the T20 World Cup twice in 2012 and 2017. The team was also the runner-up in the 2015 World Cup.The T20 World Cup for the Blind is an international cricket tournament for blind and visually impaired cricketers. The tournament is organized by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and is held every four years. The first T20 World Cup for the Blind was held in 2012 in India.

India's recent home defeat to New Zealand has raised questions about their confidence ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. However, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne believes that the visitors remain a formidable opponent despite their setback.Labuschagne acknowledged that India's loss to New Zealand could have dented their morale, especially considering it ended their 12-year unbeaten run at home. "They are probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory, losing to New Zealand 3-0," he said.However, Labuschagne emphasized that Australia would not underestimate India's capabilities. "They're a quality line-up and they're one of the best teams in the world. So you can never underestimate a team like that," he said.Labuschagne recalled India's remarkable comeback in Australia in 2020-21, when they won the series 2-1 despite missing several key players. "That's what happened in 2021 – the likes of (T) Natarajan played, (Mohammad) Siraj got his first crack in Australia, Washington Sundar played," he said.With India set to field a weakened team in the first Test due to injuries to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Labuschagne believes they still have ample talent to pose a challenge. "They're a quality line-up and they've showed that over a period of time. You can't ever underestimate the depth of Indian cricket," he said.Labuschagne's comments highlight the respect that Australia has for India's cricketing prowess. Despite their recent struggles, India remains a formidable opponent with a deep pool of talented players. The Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

South African pacer Gerald Coetzee has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent towards the umpire's decision during the fourth T20 International against India in Johannesburg. The incident occurred when Coetzee made an inappropriate comment after a delivery was called wide.According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, Coetzee breached Article 2.8, which prohibits "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match." As a result, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point added to his disciplinary record.Coetzee admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was leveled against the bowler by on-field umpires Allahudien Paleker and Stephen Harris, third umpire Lubabalo Gcuma, and fourth umpire Arno Jacobs.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.In the fourth T20I, India posted an imposing 283/1 batting first, with centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. South Africa was bowled out for 148, resulting in India's biggest win in terms of runs. The visitors won the match by 135 runs and claimed the four-match series 3-1.

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.