Cricket

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, both teams are grappling with batting concerns. India is worried about Virat Kohli's recent poor form, while Australia is facing a dilemma over Steve Smith's position in the batting order.Kohli, the former India captain, has struggled for runs in recent months, averaging just 26.50 in his last 10 Test innings. His poor form has raised questions about his place in the team, especially with the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav.Australia, on the other hand, is facing a different kind of batting dilemma. Steve Smith, one of the world's best batsmen, has been struggling to find his form as an opener. In his last 10 Test innings as an opener, Smith has averaged just 27.80.Smith's struggles have led to calls for him to move back to his preferred position at number four. However, Australia's selectors are reluctant to make a change, especially with David Warner retiring from Test cricket.The return of Cameron Green from injury has further complicated Australia's batting order. Green, who is a genuine all-rounder, has been in excellent form with the bat in recent months. He is likely to bat at number four, which would push Smith down to number five.Smith has admitted that he has struggled as an opener. He said, "Marnus (Labuschagne) and Uzzie (Khawaja), they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. So that was a big part of it."Despite his struggles, Smith remains a key player for Australia. He has a phenomenal record in Test cricket, averaging over 60. However, if his poor form continues, Australia may be forced to make a change in their batting order.India will be hoping to exploit Smith's weakness against spin bowling. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have dismissed Smith eight times each in Test cricket. Ashwin has said that he has "the wood" over Smith, and he will be looking to continue his dominance over the Australian batsman.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in the world. India and Australia are two of the best teams in the world, and the series is always fiercely contested. The outcome of the series could hinge on the performances of Kohli and Smith.

Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, is gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a renewed determination to conquer the spin wizardry of Ravichandran Ashwin. Smith, who has been dismissed by Ashwin on multiple occasions in recent encounters, is eager to turn the tables in the upcoming series.Ashwin's prowess as an off-spinner is undeniable, particularly on home soil, where he boasts an impressive average of 21.57. However, his record in Australia is significantly different, with an average of 42.15. Smith believes this disparity could work in his favor.To counter Ashwin's spin, Smith plans to adopt a proactive approach, disrupting the bowler's rhythm and preventing him from settling into a comfortable pattern. He aims to take the attack to Ashwin, forcing him to react rather than dictate the terms of engagement."I don't like getting out to off-spin in Australia. But he's also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans. There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me," Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald."But then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith made 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that's key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to."Ashwin, for his part, is confident in his ability to outsmart Smith. He claims to have "figured out" Smith's batting technique, implying an upper hand in their battles."I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I've had an edge over him. I've had the wood over him," Ashwin had told Channel Seven.Smith, however, downplays Ashwin's assertions, emphasizing the extended nature of a five-match series. He believes that even if one player gains an early advantage, the longer format allows for adjustments and shifts in momentum."Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of another player, they could have 10 innings against them.""So, you're facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, they will feel under pressure against that player. There's nowhere to hide in five games like there are in a two-game series," said the New South Wales man.Smith, who needs just 315 runs to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, will return to his preferred batting position at number four. He had experimented with opening the batting in four Tests earlier this year, but the move didn't yield the desired results."It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It's about not overthinking things. It's playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple.""When I'm playing my best, I'm not overthinking and I'm just playing what's in front of me. It's going to be a good battle," he explained.Smith is eager to make a strong start and carry that momentum throughout the series. He believes in keeping his approach simple, trusting his instincts, and playing each ball on its merit. The battle between Smith and Ashwin promises to be an enthralling contest within the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the form of veteran players Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith likely to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.Ashwin, widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time, has been a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. In 22 Tests against the Aussies, he has claimed 114 wickets at an impressive average of 28.36. His ability to extract turn and bounce from even the most placid surfaces makes him a potent threat.Smith, on the other hand, is a batting maestro known for his unorthodox yet highly effective technique. He has amassed 2042 runs in 19 Tests against India, including nine centuries and five half-centuries. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart bowlers has made him one of the most prolific batsmen in contemporary cricket.Over the years, Ashwin and Smith have engaged in intriguing battles on the field. Ashwin has revealed that he has studied Smith's batting closely, identifying his strengths and weaknesses. He has devised specific strategies to counter Smith's unique technique, which has often proved successful."Steve Smith is someone that's fascinating as a player against spin," Ashwin said. "I have found ways and means to be able to break it down. His time at Delhi Capitals and RPSG gave me an insight into how he prepares and what he likes and doesn't like."Smith, known for his astute cricketing mind, has also acknowledged Ashwin's prowess. He has praised Ashwin's ability to read batsmen and set up dismissals."Ashwin is a very thinking cricketer," Smith said. "He wants to get one up on you all the time. But he's got very unique ways of practicing and battling out with you in the middle."The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence in Perth on November 22. India will need to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The outcome of the series will hinge on the performances of Ashwin and Smith, two of the most influential players in world cricket.

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith is poised to reclaim his customary position at No. 4 in the batting order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. This move has sent shivers down the spines of the Indian team, as all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has issued a stern warning about Smith's formidable presence.Maxwell described Smith as a "scary proposition" for India, citing his exceptional form in the nets. "He looks really crisp with his footwork, timing, and movement," Maxwell said. "He's unfazed by anything thrown at him."Smith's return to No. 4 is a strategic move, as he has a remarkable average of over 65 against India in Tests. He has amassed over 2,000 runs in 19 Test matches against the subcontinent giants.Maxwell praised Smith's unwavering dedication to his craft. "He's never satisfied," Maxwell said. "He's always working on his technique, and it's a scary proposition for this summer."Smith's return to form is a major boost for Australia, who are eager to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series holds immense significance for both teams, as they are the top two contenders in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.Smith's experience and class will be crucial for Australia's success. He has scored 9,685 runs in 109 Tests and is on the cusp of reaching the 10,000-run milestone.

Steve Smith Hails Rohit Sharma as Opener in His World Test XI, Praises Aggressive StyleAustralian batting maestro Steve Smith has heaped praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, selecting him as the opener in his World Test XI. Smith lauded Sharma's aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers, making him a formidable force in the longest format of the game."He is so dangerous, takes the game on with the new ball," Smith said in an interview with Fox Cricket. "He plays his shots but also has solid defense when the situation demands it. He puts the bowler under a lot of pressure."Smith's comments come amidst India's recent Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. However, Sharma is set to lead India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.The 18-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) includes several fresh faces but also has key omissions due to injury concerns. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will miss the tour due to knee and groin issues, respectively.Despite the setbacks, Smith believes Sharma has the leadership and batting skills to prove his faith and maintain India's dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."He's a world-class player, there's no doubt about that," Smith added. "He's been in great form for a long time now, and I'm sure he'll be looking to continue that in Australia."Sharma's aggressive style and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a nightmare for bowlers. He has a wide range of shots and can score runs at a rapid pace, putting pressure on the opposition from the outset.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Sharma will be eager to lead India to victory and prove his status as one of the world's best batsmen.

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed the strategic decision to move Steve Smith back to his familiar batting position at number four in Tests. This shift comes after a brief experiment with Smith opening the batting, which yielded limited success.McDonald explained that the decision was made collectively by the leadership group, including captain Pat Cummins. They believed that Smith's return to number four would benefit the team's overall balance and performance."We felt it was best for the team for him to make that shift away from opening," McDonald said. "We've got different challenges this summer, and that was a collective decision."With Usman Khawaja set to open in Tests, the race for his opening partner is heating up. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw, and Sam Konstas will all be vying for the spot in the upcoming round of Sheffield Shield matches.McDonald emphasized that all four players are in contention for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, which begins on November 22. He noted that Konstas' impressive performance in the first Shield game has earned him a place in the Australia A squad."We've got a bit of an eye to the future in some of the (Australia A) selections, and a bit of an eye to here and now," McDonald said. "We've got some left-handed options, some right-handed options, and some guys that have piled on runs over a period of time."McDonald stressed that the decision will not be based solely on batting performance but will also consider other factors. "It's not a bat-off," he said. "We've got to reward what we see at that point in time."

Australia Braces for India's Dominance in Border-Gavaskar TrophyAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian cricket star Steve Smith has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by India. In a recent Star Sports promo, Smith expressed his respect for India's dominance, stating, "We know they are very difficult to beat."The upcoming five-match Test series, beginning on November 22, marks the first such encounter between Australia and India since the 1991/92 season. Australian skipper Pat Cummins is determined to make amends after losing to India in two consecutive series at home. "We have not been successful in the last two series here in Australia. So it's been a long time, hopefully time to make amends," Cummins said.Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon echoed Smith's sentiments, praising the Indian squad. "I've always said throughout my whole career I wanna compete against the best. When you look through the whole Indian line-up. The whole squad is absolutely superstars wherever you look in. You want to compete and challenge yourself against them and can't wait to have the Indian guys out here," Lyon said.India's recent Test series win against Bangladesh has solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With eight wins, two losses, and one draw, India has amassed 98 points and a points percentage of 74.24. If India defeats New Zealand 3-0 at home, they will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord's in June 2025 before even heading to Australia.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will thus be a contest of pride, with the world's No. 1 team aiming to retain the series. Australia, on the other hand, is determined to break India's dominance and prove their mettle on foreign soil.

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Australian cricketers have revealed their thoughts on who they find the most annoying or amusing from Team India.Steve Smith, the prolific Australian batter, singled out Ravindra Jadeja as the player who annoys him the most on the field. "He's a very good player," Smith explained. "He always finds a way to get in the battle, whether it's scoring runs, taking wickets, or making a great catch. It can be a bit annoying at times, but he's a very good player."Josh Hazlewood, Australia's pace bowler, echoed Smith's sentiments, saying, "Probably Jadeja again."Jadeja's impressive record against Australia supports these assessments. In 17 Tests, he has scored 570 runs at an average of 28.50 and taken 89 wickets.Marnus Labuschagne, another Australian batter, found someone else amusing from the Indian side. "The one I always find the most amusing is Rishabh Pant," Labuschagne said. "He's always funny, a great laugh, and plays the game in the right spirit."Pant has a fine record in Australia, scoring 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.Travis Head pointed to India's high-energy batsman Virat Kohli, adding, "I think a lot of people would say Virat, just because of how good he is. He's always getting runs, and his high energy is always there. He's always into you."Kohli's Test record in Australia is prolific, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests.Nathan Lyon, Australia's spinner, humorously commented, "I get triggered by all Indian players."The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams fielding talented and experienced players.

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli silenced the jeering crowd and earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.The backdrop of this moment lies in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018, which involved Australian batsman Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and resulted in a 12-month suspension for both players. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had been tarnished.During the India-Australia match, the crowd's hostility towards Smith was palpable. Every time he approached the boundary or appeared on the screen, sections of Indian supporters booed him relentlessly, reminding him of the ball-tampering incident. This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time.Despite the intense rivalry between India and Australia, Kohli's sense of fairness and respect for the game prevailed. In a moment of pure sportsmanship, he gestured to the crowd, urging them to cease their booing and instead show Smith some respect. He waved his hands towards the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt uncomfortable seeing Smith being treated in such a manner. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes in life and that it was important to let bygones be bygones. According to Kohli, Smith had served his punishment and deserved respect for his return to the sport.Kohli's unexpected act won him praise from fans, players, and commentators alike. Steve Smith later expressed his appreciation for Kohli's gesture, calling it a "kind and respectful" act. Kohli's intervention became one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing that even in the heat of intense competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect can shine through.