Cricket

India's Opening Test Dilemma: Padikkal and Jurel Set to Replace Rohit and GillWith just three days remaining before India's highly anticipated Test series against Australia commences in Perth, the tourists have been dealt a blow with the absence of key players. Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series opener due to the birth of his son, while Shubman Gill has fractured his thumb during a simulation game.To fill the void left by Rohit and Gill, India have a pool of reserves to choose from, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. However, recent practice sessions have hinted at the team management's preference for Padikkal and Jurel.During a practice session on Tuesday, Padikkal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were observed fielding in the slip cordon, while Jurel, a wicket-keeper batter, was spotted in the gully. These fielding positions suggest that Padikkal and Jurel are likely to be included in the playing XI for the Perth Test.Jurel has impressed in the practice games he has played in Australia, scoring two half-centuries while batting in the middle order. However, with Rishabh Pant set to keep wickets, Jurel will need to play as a specialist batter in Perth.The names of Gaikwad and Easwaran were also considered as potential replacements for Rohit and Gill. However, the team management appears to have settled on Padikkal and Jurel for the opening Test.India's top six for the Perth Test is likely to be:1. Padikkal2. Kohli3. Rahul4. Jaiswal5. Jurel6. Pant (WK)This lineup will face a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. India will be hoping that Padikkal and Jurel can provide a solid start and set the platform for a successful series opener.

T20 World Cup 2024: Controversial LBW Decision Sparks Debate in India vs. Australia MatchThe T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed a contentious LBW decision that sparked controversy during the match between India and Australia on Sunday. In the 17th over of Australia's innings, Phoebe Litchfield attempted a reverse sweep off Deepti Sharma's bowling but missed the ball completely. The on-field umpire initially ruled Litchfield out LBW, but the third umpire overturned the decision after determining that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump line.The Indian fielders, led by Smriti Mandhana, were visibly frustrated by the decision. They argued that Litchfield had changed her batting stance for the delivery and should have been treated as a right-hander, which would have meant the ball pitched on her leg stump.However, according to the official cricket rules, the definition of off and on sides does not change even if the batter alters their stance while playing a switch hit. As the ball pitched outside Litchfield's leg stump, she could not be dismissed LBW.The incident highlighted the complexities of the LBW rule and the challenges umpires face in making split-second decisions. The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the governing body of cricket, clarified that the off side of the wicket is determined by the batter's batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.The controversial decision ultimately had a significant impact on the match. India lost to defending champions Australia by nine runs in their last group match, putting their chances of qualifying for the semifinals in jeopardy.