Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence on November 22 in Perth. India, led by Rohit Sharma, aims to make a strong start, while Australia will seek to capitalize on their home advantage. The second Test, a day-night pink-ball match, will be held from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, presenting a unique challenge for both teams.Adelaide Oval's Test pitch is renowned for its reliable batting surface. Initially, it offers a firm and true surface with well-rolled grass, ideal for batsmen. Teams often prefer to bat first, as the conditions favor batsmen in the early days of the match. However, as the pitch deteriorates, spin bowlers gain an advantage due to widening footmarks and unpredictable bounce, making batting in the final innings difficult unless the target is low.The ground's oval shape makes straight sixes harder to hit, while shots square of the wicket are easier. Since 2000, India has played six Test matches at Adelaide Oval against Australia, with Australia winning three, India two, and one match ending in a draw.India's Test matches at Adelaide Oval have been marked by unforgettable moments. In 2003, Rahul Dravid scripted one of India's most iconic wins on Australian soil. Despite Ricky Ponting's powerful double century in the first innings, Dravid's equally dominant 233-run knock countered Australia's efforts. In a tense chase of 233 in the fourth innings, when batting became challenging, Ponting couldn't even open his account, but Dravid stood tall with a gritty 72*, leading India to a historic win.In 2008, both teams showcased their batting prowess, crossing 500 runs in their respective first innings. Australia saw centuries from Matthew Hayden, Ponting, and Michael Clarke, but India was kept alive by Sachin Tendulkar's 153. Despite a middle-order collapse, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh chipped in with crucial scores of 87 and 63. In the second innings, Virender Sehwag's 151 on a tough pitch was vital, as the next high scorer for India was MS Dhoni with 20 runs. The match ended in a draw, with no team able to force a result on Day 5.The third encounter, in 2012, was less memorable for India. The batting line up included Gautam Gambhir, Sehwag, Dravid, Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and a young Virat Kohli, who was still finding his place in the team. India lost the match by 298 runs, marking one of their most forgettable encounters. Ponting and Clarke both scored double centuries, helping Australia surpass 600 runs. Kohli’s century in the first innings saved India from the follow-on, but in the second innings, Australia set a target of 500 runs. Sehwag’s 62 was the highest score as India were bowled out for 201.In 2014, a new generation of Indian cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, was led by Virat Kohli, making his debut as Test captain. Kohli announced himself in style, scoring a century in both innings. Australia, powered by centuries from David Warner, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith, declared at 517. The young Indian batting line up responded with 444, showing resilience. In Australia's second innings, Warner struck another century, and they set India a challenging target of 364. Murali Vijay and Kohli led the chase, with Vijay getting out on 99 and Kohli making 141. However, Nathan Lyon’s seven-wicket haul spun India out, and Australia won by 48 runs.The 2018 Test marked a significant shift. For the first time in their Adelaide encounters, neither India nor Australia crossed 500 in their innings. Virat Kohli’s team, with a potent pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and the experienced Ishant Sharma, dominated. Cheteshwar Pujara stood tall with 121 in the first innings and a crucial 71 in the second. Australia, without Warner and Smith due to the ball-tampering scandal, struggled. India set a target of 323 for Australia, who fell short by 31 runs. India went on to win the series and become the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.The 2020 Test during the COVID-19 pandemic was a day-night affair with the pink ball, known for assisting swing. India posted 244 in their first innings, with Kohli scoring 74 before a crucial run-out, which some argue sparked his lean patch. Despite R. Ashwin’s 4-wicket haul, which helped bowl Australia out for 191, the match turned into a nightmare for India in their second innings. India was skittled for a shocking 36, their lowest-ever Test score, as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins tore through the batting. Australia chased the target of 90 comfortably, winning by 8 wickets.Among active players from the visiting nation, Virat Kohli tops the list of leading run-scorers with 509 runs in 8 innings, including 3 centuries and 1 half-century. India has displayed exceptional performances at Adelaide Oval throughout the years, notwithstanding some challenging defeats. Since 2000, India has emerged victorious in two out of six Test matches, with the triumphs in 2003 and 2018 being particularly unforgettable. These encounters highlighted India's tenacity, especially with outstanding contributions from Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara.Even in losses, India has demonstrated unwavering determination, as evidenced by the closely contested match in 2014. The pitch conditions at Adelaide Oval tend to favor India's adept batsmen and spinners, particularly in the later stages of the game, providing them with a competitive advantage. Considering their impressive track record and the indelible victories, it is reasonable to assert that Adelaide Oval could be regarded as India's home ground on Australian soil.

Sunil Gavaskar's infamous walkout during the 1981 Melbourne Test against Australia remains etched in cricket history as a moment of high drama and controversy. The incident unfolded during the third Test of India's tour of Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).Gavaskar, India's captain and opening batsman, was batting with Chetan Chauhan when he was controversially given out LBW (leg before wicket) by Australian umpire Rex Whitehead. The ball, bowled by Dennis Lillee, appeared to have hit Gavaskar's bat before striking his pads.Enraged by the decision, Gavaskar initially stood his ground, expressing his displeasure. However, after an animated exchange with Lillee, an incensed Gavaskar started walking off. In a moment of high tension, he gestured to his partner, Chauhan, to leave the field with him in protest against the umpire's decision.As Gavaskar and Chauhan began to walk off, the Indian team manager, Shahid Durrani, intervened, calming the situation and persuading Chauhan to continue playing. Gavaskar eventually left the field, but Chauhan returned to bat, avoiding a potential forfeit.India went on to win the match by 59 runs, thanks to a remarkable bowling performance by Kapil Dev, who took five wickets in Australia's second innings. The victory was only India's third Test win on Australian soil at that time.However, the walkout remains a controversial episode in Gavaskar's illustrious career, reflecting the intensity and pressure of international cricket during that era. Forty years later, Gavaskar revealed the real reason behind his walkout, stating that it was the Australian players' 'get lost' call, and not his LBW dismissal, that prompted him to walk off the ground with his opening partner.The incident highlights the challenges and controversies that can arise in the heat of international competition, where emotions run high and decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.

The legendary rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar, the batting maestro, and Shane Warne, the spin wizard, reached its zenith during India's 1998 home series against Australia. The series was billed as a battle between two titans, and it lived up to the hype.In preparation for the series, Tendulkar sought advice from Ravi Shastri, who had faced Warne in his debut Test. Shastri suggested that Tendulkar adopt an aggressive approach, as his shorter stature would make it difficult to counter Warne's spin defensively.Tendulkar then practiced extensively at the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai, working with former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan to develop a strategy to neutralize Warne's bowling.In the first Test at Chepauk, Warne dismissed Tendulkar in the first innings. However, in the second innings, Tendulkar showcased his mastery over Warne's spin. He used his sharp footwork to either play Warne on the full or rock back and cut the ball, neutralizing the spin.Tendulkar's unbeaten 155 in the second innings helped India secure a victory and set the tone for the series. His footwork and mastery over Warne's spin made headlines, and Warne later admitted that bowling to Tendulkar in that series was one of the most challenging experiences of his career.Tendulkar's strategy was clear: he used his sharp footwork to either play Warne on the full or rock back and cut the ball, neutralizing the spin. His ability to pick Warne's variations made him extremely effective against the leg-spinner.Tendulkar countered Warne's spin with ruthless precision, attacking the leg-spinner with aggression. He often stepped out of the crease to meet Warne's deliveries on the full, particularly targeting the rough outside leg stump.Tendulkar's unbeaten 155 in the second innings, not only helped India secure a victory but also set the tone for the series, as Tendulkar's footwork and mastery over Warne's spin made headlines.The rough patches on Indian pitches provided additional turn, but Tendulkar adapted superbly. Warne later admitted that bowling to Tendulkar in that series was one of the most challenging experiences of his career.After the series, Warne famously admitted that he had nightmares about bowling to Tendulkar, particularly after the Chennai Test. Warne was one of the finest spinners of all time, but Tendulkar seemed to have a mental edge over him, especially on the subcontinent pitches where the ball turned sharply.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the first five-Test series between the cricketing giants since 1991-92.Former Australia coach John Buchanan has tipped the home team as favorites, citing the lack of warm-up games for touring teams as a significant factor. India will play a two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister's XI before the day-night Test in Adelaide, but Buchanan believes it may not be sufficient preparation for the fast and bouncy conditions in Perth.Buchanan emphasized the importance of touring sides playing practice matches to adjust to local conditions, a trend that has declined in recent years due to the proliferation of lucrative T20 and T10 leagues. He believes this has contributed to the dominance of home teams in major series.The fate of India in the series could hinge on the performance of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed in domestic cricket but has yet to face the challenges of Australian wickets. Buchanan sees Jaiswal's ability to adapt to the pace and bounce as a potential barometer for India's overall success.The five-Test series will test the endurance of both teams, with Buchanan predicting a classic encounter. He also expressed his preference for Steve Smith to continue batting at No. 4, despite the opener's recent success at the top of the order.

India vs. Australia Test Series: Basit Ali Downplays Hype, Emphasizes India-Pakistan RivalryFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has dismissed the predictions of Indian and Australian experts that India will secure a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia. Ali believes that such statements are merely attempts to generate hype around the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Ali emphasized the unparalleled rivalry between India and Pakistan, asserting that it eclipses even the historic Ashes series between England and Australia. "The whole world knows that India vs. Pakistan is on one side and everything else is on the other side," he remarked.Ali argued that the excitement surrounding an India-Pakistan sports rivalry extends beyond cricket. He cited the potential buzz around a javelin throw contest between India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, referencing the Paris Olympics where Arshad outperformed Neeraj."When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full," Ali said.Ali suggested that a bilateral series of hockey, javelin, or kabaddi between India and Pakistan would generate more excitement than the India-Australia Test series. "Just conduct a bilateral series of hockey, javelin, or kabaddi between India and Pakistan in some other country, and you will know whether the India-Australia series is bigger or the India-Pakistan match is bigger," he said.Despite the significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ali believes it cannot match the intensity of an India-Pakistan contest. "They are trying to create hype," he said. "But nothing matches the India-Pakistan clash."

The India vs Australia T20 World Cup 2024 match at St Lucia will be etched in the annals of cricket history for Rohit Sharma's extraordinary batting display. In a Super Eight encounter, Rohit unleashed a barrage of boundaries against the Australian bowlers, amassing a blistering 92 runs off just 41 deliveries.Rohit's onslaught was particularly relentless against Mitchell Starc, the left-arm pacer brought into the Australian lineup to exploit the Indian captain's perceived weakness against left-armers. However, Rohit turned the tables on Starc, smashing him for four sixes and a four in the third over of India's innings. The over yielded a staggering 29 runs, including a wide.Rohit's first two sixes off Starc were exquisite aerial drives over extra cover, followed by a powerful blow into the cow corner region. The fourth maximum was a mishit that soared over the wicketkeeper's head.Starc, who has faced Rohit on numerous occasions, acknowledged the Indian's dominance in that match. "I've played a lot against him. He had a good tournament, especially in our game. I think he targeted that wind in St. Lucia as well. If you look at the runs from each end, one end went for a lot more than the other. I bowled from that end. I bowled five bad balls and he hit them all for six," Starc said on the LiSTNR Sport podcast.Australia had opted to field first, but Rohit's sublime knock, featuring seven fours and eight sixes, propelled India to a formidable total. The Indian captain also became the first player to score 200 sixes in T20 cricket.India ultimately emerged victorious by 24 runs, with Rohit's innings playing a pivotal role in their triumph. The match showcased the Indian captain's exceptional batting prowess and his ability to dominate even the most formidable bowlers.

India's revenge against Australia in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup was a resounding victory, marking a significant moment in the tournament. After a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's triumph in St Lucia was a sweet redemption.Rohit Sharma led the charge for India, scoring a blistering 92 off just 41 balls. His innings set the tone for India's formidable total of 206 runs. Travis Head and other Australian batters made a strong start, but they failed to maintain the momentum and were restricted to 181/7 in 20 overs.The match was not without its tense moments. Hardik Pandya survived an injury scare when a throw from Rishabh Pant hit his hand. Pandya's reaction and the frustration of Rohit Sharma highlighted the intensity of the contest.India's victory was a testament to their strategic brilliance and adaptability to challenging conditions. Arshdeep Singh, who dismissed David Warner in the first over, played a crucial role in India's bowling attack. His wickets of Tim David and Matthew Wade in the death overs were pivotal in stalling Australia's chase.Arshdeep credited Jasprit Bumrah for his success, acknowledging the pressure Bumrah's bowling put on the Australian batters. Rohit Sharma's electrifying innings and contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya helped India post a formidable total.India's victory not only avenged their loss in the ODI World Cup but also dealt a major blow to Australia's hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Afghanistan's victory over Bangladesh ultimately knocked Australia out of the tournament on points.

India vs Australia: Cummins on Team Morale, Aggressive Style, and ODI World Cup TriumphAs India and Australia prepare for their high-stakes T20 World Cup clash, Australian captain Pat Cummins has shared his insights on team morale, the team's aggressive style of play, and their journey to the ODI World Cup title last year.Team MoraleCummins emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs within the team. He believes that senior players play a crucial role in boosting morale, whether through humor or serious discussions.Aggressive StyleCummins refrains from defining the Australian brand of cricket, preferring to focus on playing to the team's strengths. He acknowledges that different players have different approaches, but the common goal is to be relentless and enjoy the game.ODI World Cup TriumphReflecting on the ODI World Cup final, Cummins highlights the challenges the team faced throughout the tournament, including injuries and form issues. He credits the team's ability to overcome adversity and find ways to win as key factors in their success.Captaincy ApproachCummins describes his captaincy style as people-oriented. He values building strong relationships with his teammates and providing them with support. He believes in collaboration and working together to achieve common goals.'The Test' Docu-SeriesCummins acknowledges the positive reception of the 'The Test' docu-series, which has drawn both cricket fans and non-fans to the sport. He believes the series has a responsibility to continue providing insights into the game and attracting new viewers.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is set for a thrilling clash between India and Australia, but the weather could play a crucial role in determining the fate of these two teams. With India on the verge of securing a semi-final berth, Australia's hopes hang in the balance after their unexpected defeat to Afghanistan.As Australia prepares for a do-or-die battle on Monday, the weather forecast paints a gloomy picture. Accuweather predicts heavy rainfall throughout the day in St. Lucia, with showers expected before and during the India vs Australia match, scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM local time. The chances of rain remain high at 70% throughout the day, making a washout or a reduced-overs game a likely scenario.The hourly weather report for St. Lucia on June 24 indicates a high probability of rain during the match:* 9:00 AM (6:30 PM IST): 64% chance of rain* 10:00 AM (7:30 PM IST): 40% chance of rain* 11:00 AM (8:30 PM IST): 34% chance of rain* 12:00 PM (9:30 PM IST): 37% chance of rain* 1:00 PM (10:30 PM IST): 47% chance of rain* 2:00 PM (11:30 PM IST): 51% chance of rain* 3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST): 51% chance of rainIf rain washes out the entire India vs Australia match, both teams will receive one point each. This outcome would secure India's place in the semi-finals, while Australia's progression would depend on the result of the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match. A Bangladesh victory would send Australia through, but an Afghanistan win would eliminate them from the tournament.The Group 1 standings in the Super 8s are poised for an exciting finish, with all four teams still in contention. India leads the pack with a 100% record and a healthy Net Run Rate of +2.425. Australia follows with one win in two matches and an NRR of +0.233. Afghanistan (-0.65) and Bangladesh (-2.489) complete the top four.