Cricket

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has outlined his team's strategy to wear down India's bowlers by playing the "long game." Labuschagne, who was the highest run-getter in the 2020-21 BGT series, believes that by batting for extended periods, Australia can put pressure on the Indian bowlers and force them to bowl longer spells.This approach is similar to the one employed by Indian veteran Cheteshwar Pujara in the past two tours of Australia. Pujara's stubbornness and solid defense provided a wall-like protection for other batters, allowing them to attack the bowlers who would eventually tire.Labuschagne believes that Australia's batting lineup can exploit the relative inexperience of India's pace attack, which includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who will be supported by newer stars like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy."We understand that getting them back for their second and third spells, putting them under pressure and letting them come to us and us putting pressure back on them through overs in the field and time in the game, especially over a five-Test series, that is really important," said Labuschagne.Labuschagne has also hinted that he could be a valuable addition to Australia's bowling attack, having delivered medium pace during the Sheffield Shield season and practice sessions. With 13 Test wickets and 84 first-class scalps, he could provide some relief to the workload of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22, followed by the day-night Test in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, while the traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

India's Test captaincy conundrum has taken center stage ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia. With Rohit Sharma's availability uncertain due to the birth of his child, Jasprit Bumrah is poised to lead the team in Perth. However, former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh have expressed contrasting views on Bumrah's potential tenure as captain.Gavaskar advocates for Bumrah to helm the team throughout the series, arguing that continuity and stability are crucial. However, Harbhajan raises concerns about the potential for chaos if India wins under Bumrah's leadership. He believes that fans would clamor for Bumrah to remain as captain, while a loss would trigger calls for Rohit's return.Harbhajan emphasizes the fickle nature of public opinion, stating that "we change sides very quickly." He suggests that a single captain for the entire series would be preferable, as it would eliminate the potential for confusion and instability.Despite his reservations, Harbhajan acknowledges Bumrah's leadership qualities. He believes that Bumrah has the ability to lead the team effectively, but cautions against making any hasty decisions based on short-term results.The debate over India's Test captaincy is likely to continue until Rohit's availability is confirmed. In the meantime, Bumrah's performance as captain in the Perth Test will be closely scrutinized, with the potential to shape the team's leadership dynamics for the remainder of the series.

Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will temporarily leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL auction in Saudi Arabia as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Test match begins on November 22, while the IPL auction will take place in Jeddah on November 24-25.Vettori's departure has raised concerns as he is one of the few coaches in world cricket who holds a permanent assistant role with an international team while also being the full-time head coach of an IPL franchise and a Hundred side. He has been Australia's bowling coach for all three formats since 2022, working under Andrew McDonald.Cricket Australia has expressed support for Vettori's role with Sunrisers Hyderabad, allowing him to complete final preparations for the first Test before attending the auction. He will then rejoin the team for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The prioritization of the IPL auction over a Test match highlights the growing influence of franchise cricket. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are employed as commentators with Channel Seven, will also miss part of the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori has previously missed certain series due to his franchise commitments, but this will be the first time he leaves midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction. CA is advertising for a new full-time national pace bowling coach to fill in for Vettori on future tours.On Monday, Vettori worked closely with Australia's bowling unit at their first day of training at the WACA ground. He also threw left-arm orthodox deliveries to the batters in preparation for facing Ravindra Jadeja in the Perth Test.Australia had two consultants working with their main coaching team on Monday: former Australia batter Michael Hussey and former Glamorgan allrounder Jim Allenby. Both men will be with the team all week in the lead-up to the Test match.Fielding coach Andre Borovec and stand-in T20 captain Josh Inglis will join the Test squad in Perth after the conclusion of the T20I series against Pakistan in Hobart. National development coach Lachlan Stevens will also provide additional support for the team when Vettori departs.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has come to the defense of India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging patience and support ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir's tenure as coach has been met with mixed reactions, particularly after India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand and ODI defeat to Sri Lanka. However, Ganguly believes it's premature to judge Gambhir's performance, given his short time in the role."All I will say is let him be," Ganguly told Revsportz. "I saw some criticism of what he said in the press conference. It is the way he is. Just because he has lost three Test matches and a one-day series against Sri Lanka, the straight talk has not been looked at nicely. But that is the way he is. Let's give Gambhir a chance."Gambhir's outspoken nature has drawn attention, particularly his comments about Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting. Ponting had expressed concerns over Virat Kohli's Test form, prompting Gambhir to suggest that Ponting focus on his own team.Ganguly defended Gambhir's direct approach, arguing that it could be beneficial in the high-stakes series against Australia. "Ultimately, you have to go and play the game hard," he said. "That is the way it is and it has happened for ages against Australian cricket teams. That makes this series even more competitive and more followed by people."India needs a 4-0 series victory to directly qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's combative style could be an asset in this challenging endeavor."I think he is a good coach," Ganguly said. "He has got a good cricketing brain. He is a fighter. He is a winner. He has got a lot of experience. I think he will do well for India."

India's T20I team has found a new batting star in Tilak Varma, who has cemented his position as the team's No. 3 batter with back-to-back centuries in the recently concluded series against South Africa.Varma's rise to prominence has been a welcome sight for India, who have been searching for a consistent performer at the crucial No. 3 spot since Virat Kohli's departure. The 22-year-old Mumbai Indians all-rounder has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who sacrificed his own spot for Varma, has been full of praise for the youngster. "He just walked the talk," said Yadav. "The way he batted at SuperSport and here was incredible. Hope he continues, not only in T20s but in all formats."Varma's centuries have been instrumental in India's 3-1 series triumph over South Africa. In the fourth T20I, he smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 47 balls, while in the third T20I, he scored 106 not out off 56 deliveries.Together with opener Sanju Samson, who also scored a century in the fourth T20I, Varma formed a formidable partnership that propelled India to a massive 283 for 1, the fifth-highest total in men's T20Is.Varma's success has underlined India's new-found dominance in T20I cricket, even after the retirement of several senior players. It also speaks volumes about the strength and depth of Indian cricket, with young players eager to step up and make their mark.Yadav believes that Varma's emergence is a testament to the strong base of Indian cricket. "Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver, and keep that run," he said.Varma's success has also raised questions about the future of other players who have been tried at No. 3, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. Yadav, however, believes that the competition is healthy and will ultimately benefit the team."It's a good headache to have going forward," he said. "When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly (aram se). It will be tough, but it's a good headache to have."For Varma, his success is a dream come true. "I can't express my feelings right now. It's unbelievable. Can't imagine scoring back-to-back hundreds, that too in SA. Right now, I can't express my feelings," he said.As India looks ahead to the future, Tilak Varma is poised to play a key role in the team's success. His ability to anchor the innings, score runs at a rapid pace, and play under pressure makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has denied the existence of any back channel diplomacy with India regarding the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2023. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that there are no specific discussions with India on the tournament or bilateral cricket.Baloch emphasized that sports should not be politicized, reiterating Pakistan's stance on the matter. She referred inquiries about the tournament's arrangements and team participation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The BCCI has informed the ICC of its inability to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The ICC has requested a response from the PCB on the possibility of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, similar to the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is in contact with the ICC to discuss the arrangements, including team participation. Baloch stated that the PCB would provide further clarification on the issue.The Champions Trophy is a major international cricket tournament featuring the top eight ODI teams. Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights in 2018, but the tournament was postponed due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its commitment to hosting the event successfully and ensuring the safety of all participants.However, India's refusal to participate has cast a shadow over the tournament. The BCCI's decision is based on security concerns and the strained political relations between the two countries.The ICC is exploring alternative options to ensure the tournament's success. A hybrid model, with India's matches played in a neutral venue, is one possibility. The PCB has expressed its willingness to consider such arrangements to facilitate India's participation.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event in the cricket calendar, and its successful hosting in Pakistan would be a significant achievement. The PCB is working closely with the ICC to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has reignited his feud with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, taking a fresh dig at Gambhir's comments on Ponting's assessment of Virat Kohli's recent form.Ponting had expressed concern over Kohli's batting struggles ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, prompting Gambhir to advise Ponting to focus on Australian cricket. Ponting responded by calling Gambhir a "prickly character," and now he has suggested that Gambhir's reaction was influenced by India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand.Speaking on the podcast show "The Run Home with Joel & Fletch," Ponting clarified his remarks about Kohli but couldn't resist taking another jab at Gambhir."I'm not sure if I mentioned a couple of them, but I reckon he's just throwing me in the deep end, trying to find their two most experienced and make sure when they come out, they put that back on me," Ponting said.Ponting maintained that his comments were not presented in their entirety and believes Gambhir misinterpreted them, reacting after the loss against New Zealand."I was asked the other night if I was concerned about Virat Kohli's form. A day before, I had read his stats from the last five years, so it was clear in my mind. I think he made only two (three) centuries in the last five years. His average in India is now down to 30 from 90, during this period. So yes, I would be concerned. And I said if you ask him about his form, he would be concerned because it is nowhere near what it used to be. But then I said since he loves playing in Australia and has a great record here, so if there ever was a tour where he could turn things around, it would be this.""But they never talked about the second part. Then Gambhir went and faced the press having just lost against New Zealand. The hair on the back of his neck is already standing up. We got a bit of history as well, but he took a chance to fire back at me," he added.Ponting's comments have further escalated the ongoing feud between the two former cricketers, adding another layer to the rivalry between Australia and India.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended a warm invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Rizwan's remarks come amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the tournament, with reports suggesting that India may refuse to tour Pakistan due to security concerns."KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are welcome. Everyone who comes will be welcomed. And this isn't our decision; it's the PCB's decision. I hope that when they come, they will be welcomed," Rizwan stated ahead of Pakistan's T20I series against Australia.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing a formal query for the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stance. The ICC has yet to make a decision, but alternate options, including neutral venues in South Africa and the UAE, are reportedly being considered if India declines to play in Pakistan.The lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012 has intensified the stakes around ICC events, which have been the only stage where the two teams meet. Last year's Asia Cup, which was supposed to be hosted solely by Pakistan, was split into a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka.This arrangement allowed India to avoid travelling to Pakistan, while Pakistan maintained partial hosting rights. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, would mark the return of the tournament to the ICC calendar after seven years and remains a potentially historic occasion for cricket in Pakistan.The PCB is determined to host the tournament successfully and has expressed confidence in its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for all participating teams. However, the BCCI's decision will ultimately determine whether the Champions Trophy can be held in Pakistan as planned.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to request an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.According to sources, the PCB is drafting a questionnaire to seek clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied accepting a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue.The PCB's move comes amid reports that Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the tournament if it is moved out of the country. The ICC has the option of hosting the tournament in a different country, with South Africa and the UAE being potential candidates.The PCB's decision to seek an explanation from the ICC is seen as an attempt to resolve the issue and ensure Pakistan's participation in the tournament. The PCB believes that understanding India's reasons for refusing to tour Pakistan is crucial for determining the next steps.Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2012, although both nations continue to face off in ICC events. The most recent encounter between the two teams was at the T20 World Cup in 2022.Last year's Asia Cup, which Pakistan was originally scheduled to host exclusively, adopted a hybrid format due to India's stance against playing in Pakistan. India's matches were relocated to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.The Indian team last toured Pakistan in 2008. The PCB's request for an explanation from the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy and the strained cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.