Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence in Australia. This series holds immense significance as it impacts the qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.India, a consistent performer in the WTC, aims to reach the final for the third consecutive cycle. Australia, the defending champions, currently leads the WTC standings. The series outcome will significantly influence the qualification process.Historically, Australia has dominated the BGT at home, winning 14 of 27 matches. However, India has emerged victorious in four of the last six matches, winning the last two series with a 2-1 margin.As India prepares to play BGT in all five major Test venues in Australia for the first time, let's delve into their past performances at each venue:Adelaide:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India's first BGT match in Adelaide in 1999 resulted in a defeat. However, they have since registered two victories, in 2003 and 2018, which significantly impacted the series outcomes.Melbourne:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India initially struggled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing four consecutive matches. However, they have turned it around by winning the last two matches, contributing to their series victories Down Under.Sydney:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 0* Australia Wins: 3* Draws: 4Sydney Cricket Ground remains the only venue where India has yet to win a BGT match. They have suffered their biggest defeat Down Under at SCG, losing by an innings and 141 runs in 2000.Brisbane:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 1* Draws: 1India's results at The Gabba have been mixed. They drew the first encounter in 2003-04 but lost in 2014-15. However, their memorable three-wicket win in 2021, featuring Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89, secured the series victory.Perth:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 2* Draws: 0India won their first BGT match in Perth in 2008. However, they have since suffered two heavy defeats, including an innings and 37 runs loss in 2012.

Dhruv Jurel's Gritty Half-Century Rescues India A in Second Unofficial TestAt the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel once again showcased his impressive form in the ongoing second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. Jurel's crucial knock of 68 off 122 balls helped India A post a challenging target of 168 for Australia A.After trailing by 62 runs in the first innings, India A's top-order faltered in their second innings, losing half of their side for a mere 56 runs. However, Jurel, the 23-year-old keeper-batter, stood firm, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century.Jurel's resilience and determination were evident as he forged a crucial 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Nitish Reddy, who contributed 38 runs. This partnership stabilized India A's innings and gave them a much-needed boost.Jurel's back-to-back fifties have been a timely reminder of his excellent form ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on November 22. His contributions with the bat have been vital in what has been a low-scoring contest dominated by the bowlers at the MCG.The lower-order batters also stepped up in the second innings, with Tanush Kotian adding a valuable 44 and Prasidh Krishna chipping in with 29 to push India A's total past the 200-run mark. Their efforts ensured that India A set Australia A a competitive target of 168, which could prove difficult to chase on a pitch where bowlers have held the upper hand throughout the game.Jurel's gritty performance has not only rescued India A in this match but has also highlighted his potential as a reliable batsman in the upcoming Test series against Australia. His ability to play under pressure and contribute with the bat will be crucial for India's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Pakistan all-rounder Kamran Ghulam expressed his disappointment over not receiving his debut cap during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne. Ghulam, who made a century on his Test debut last month, was part of the playing XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, where Pakistan narrowly lost the series opener.Prior to his Test debut against England last month, where he replaced star batter Babar Azam, Ghulam had only played one international match. He made his ODI debut as a concussion substitute against New Zealand in Karachi on January 13, 2023, but did not get to bat or bowl.In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ghulam recalled the events leading up to the first ODI in Melbourne. He revealed that Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan informed him that he would not be receiving a cap as he had already made his ODI debut last year."I was eagerly waiting, hoping that I'd get my debut ODI cap. But, Rizwan told me that 'you've already made your debut, so you won't be getting a cap'. My debut was in a concussion situation, but I was neither a bowler nor a batter. Haris Sohail had a concussion, although he went on to bat after that. I fielded for 50 overs," Ghulam said.Meanwhile, Pakistan named an unchanged side for the second ODI in Adelaide, with fast bowler Naseem Shah declared fit after leaving the field during the first match with a cramp. Australia made one change, bringing in veteran Josh Hazlewood in place of Sean Abbott to join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short opened the batting for Australia in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. They will be keen to make an impact after falling cheaply in the opening match.