Cricket

Despite retiring in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar remains the undisputed king of Test cricket, holding the record for most runs scored in the format. With 15,921 runs to his name, Tendulkar's legacy continues to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide.Among active players, India's Virat Kohli, Australia's Steve Smith, and England's Joe Root stand as the top three batters with the most Test runs. Root leads the pack with 12,402 runs, followed by Smith (9685 runs) and Kohli (8871 runs).Kohli, Smith, and Root have been hailed as potential successors to Tendulkar's throne, with many experts predicting they could break his record. However, Smith and Kohli have recently experienced a significant dip in form.Former Australian star Brad Hogg has expressed doubts about Kohli's ability to reach Tendulkar's heights. "I just don't think Virat is going to get there," Hogg said. "He's lost his momentum, and he needs to turn it around in the next 10 Test matches or he's going to drop off."In contrast, Hogg believes Root has the potential to surpass Tendulkar's record. "Joe Root has 146 Test matches with 12,000 runs," Hogg said. "Sachin Tendulkar made nearly 16,000 runs in 200 Test matches. That's 4,000 runs in 66 Tests. I think Joe Root can go close to toppling that."Root's consistent performance in Test cricket has earned him widespread admiration. "Watch out, Joe Root is on the move to beat Sachin Tendulkar," Hogg added. "I think quietly he'll have that in the back of his mind to try and topple that little unique stat."

Steve Smith's 'Brain Fade' Moment: A Controversial Incident in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia was a highly anticipated event, marked by intense rivalry and thrilling matches. However, one incident during the second Test in Bengaluru overshadowed the sporting spectacle and sparked a major controversy.Steve Smith, the Australian captain at the time, found himself at the center of a storm after he was caught seeking guidance from the dressing room while considering a review of his dismissal. During Australia's second innings, Smith was given out leg before wicket off a delivery from Umesh Yadav. After a brief discussion with his batting partner, Peter Handscomb, Smith was seen glancing towards the dressing room for advice on whether to review the decision using the DRS (Decision Review System).This act of seeking external guidance is strictly prohibited under the rules of cricket, as players on the field are not allowed to consult with anyone outside the playing area for reviews. Indian captain Virat Kohli immediately protested, and the on-field umpires intervened, denying Smith the opportunity to review the decision.The incident sparked a heated exchange between Kohli and Smith, with Kohli accusing the Australian of abusing the DRS. Smith later admitted that his actions were a "brain fade," a momentary lapse in judgment. However, the incident cast a shadow over the match and added to the already tense atmosphere between the two teams.The controversy surrounding Smith's actions extended beyond the match itself. Kohli hinted that it might have been a recurring tactic by the Australians, although no further proof was provided. The incident raised questions about the ethics of using technology in cricket and the importance of upholding the spirit of the game.Despite the controversy, Smith remained a key figure in the series, finishing as the highest run-getter on either side with 499 runs, including three centuries. However, the 'brain fade' moment remains a defining moment in his career and a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and respecting the integrity of the sport.

Australian batsman Steve Smith has heaped praise on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging his exceptional skills across all formats of the game. Smith, who has faced Bumrah in 109 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 67 T20Is, described him as "arguably the best fast bowler across all three formats."Bumrah's versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions have impressed Smith. "He's a fantastic bowler, whether I'm up against him with the new ball, a slightly older ball, or even the old one," Smith said. "His skills with all types of deliveries are exceptional."The Indian team is set to embark on a challenging tour of Australia for a five-match Test series starting in November. The series kicks off with the first Test in Perth on November 22, followed by matches in Adelaide from December 6, Brisbane from December 14, the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from December 26, and concluding in Sydney on January 3.India's historic back-to-back victories in the Border-Gavaskar Series in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21 highlighted their resilience and dominance in Test cricket. The 2018-19 series win, led by Virat Kohli, marked India's first Test series triumph on Australian soil.The 2020-21 series was even more impressive, as a young and injury-plagued Indian team, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, staged a remarkable comeback after being bowled out for just 36 in Adelaide. India clinched the series 2-1 with a thrilling victory at the Gabba, ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at that venue.Now, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India aims for a hat-trick of Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises an enthralling battle between two of the modern era's greatest batters: Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Both players are renowned for their exceptional skills and dominance in the Test format.Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, believes that the head-to-head contest between Kohli and Smith will be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the series. "One of those two is going to make a lot of runs, if not both of them," Maxwell said. "It is going to be pretty exciting to watch the two of the finest players of our generation go head-to-head."Smith, with 9,685 runs in 109 Tests, boasts an impressive average of 56.97. He has scored 32 centuries and 41 fifties, with a highest score of 239. Kohli, on the other hand, has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 Tests, averaging 49.15. He has 29 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 254.Kohli's Test record in Australia is particularly impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four fifties. Smith, too, has a strong record in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having scored 1,887 runs in 18 matches at an average of 65.06.Beyond their individual brilliance, Kohli and Smith share a mutual respect and camaraderie. During the 2019 World Cup, Kohli intervened to stop the crowd from booing Smith over the "Sandpaper Gate" saga. Smith later expressed his gratitude for Kohli's gesture.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature five Tests, with the first match scheduled for November 22 in Perth. The second Test will be a day-night affair at Adelaide Oval, followed by matches at The Gabba, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Sydney Cricket Ground.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's best teams, with the individual battle between Kohli and Smith adding an extra layer of excitement.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has sparked a debate over Steve Smith's batting position in the Test team ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Smith has been promoted to the top of the order following David Warner's retirement, but his performance as an opener has been inconsistent.Khawaja believes that Smith should return to his previous position at No. 4, arguing that it is his "best spot" and that it provides the best balance for the team. He pointed out that Australia's scores have declined since the lineup change, with the team surpassing 300 runs only once in the eight innings following Warner's retirement."I feel like the best balance for our team is (Marnus) Labuschagne three, Smith four," Khawaja said. "I feel like that's his best spot."Smith's individual performance as an opener has also been underwhelming, with just one fifty in eight innings and an average of 28.50, compared to his impressive average of 61.51 at No. 4.Khawaja's comments have reignited the debate over Smith's ideal batting position. Some experts believe that he is best suited to the top of the order, where he can set the tone for the innings and take advantage of the new ball. Others argue that his experience and technique make him more valuable in the middle order, where he can anchor the innings and guide the younger players.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test will feature the exciting day-night format under the lights at Adelaide Oval, while the third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane. The customary Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the fifth and final Test will serve as the series climax at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has sparked speculation regarding Steve Smith's batting position in Tests ahead of the upcoming five-match series against India. Smith, who has been opening the innings with Usman Khawaja since David Warner's retirement, has struggled for consistency in the role.Smith's average as an opener stands at 28.50, significantly lower than his career average of 56.97. This has raised concerns within the team, prompting discussions about a potential change in his batting order."That's the question on everyone's lips, isn't it?" McDonald told SEN. "Whilst we've got an eye to it, we haven't made any firm decisions around that one. There's plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I'd be lying if I said the conversation wasn't happening."McDonald emphasized that Test captain Pat Cummins would play a key role in the decision-making process. "Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that," he said. "We've already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we're thinking for the summer."The coach also acknowledged the potential impact on other players if Smith's batting position changes. "If we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top," McDonald said. "We've seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making."The first Test between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22. The decision on Smith's batting position is expected to be made before the series begins.

Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batsman, has described Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, as "Australian in thoughts and action." Smith made this observation in a video posted by Star Sports on 'X', as per IANS.Smith's comments come ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will feature India and Australia facing off in a crucial five-match series in Perth, Adelaide (pink-ball game), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, respectively. India has won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy the last two times it has been contested in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21, respectively."I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into a battle, the way he gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition. He's probably the most Australian of the Indian players, I'd say," Smith said.Smith further claimed that the two players share messages often and expressed enthusiasm to meet Kohli in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting from November 22."We get on quite well, share messages every now and then and look, he's a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. It's going to be nice to come up against him again this summer," said Smith.Smith's comments highlight the mutual respect between two of the greatest batsmen of their generation. Kohli is known for his aggressive and competitive approach on the field, while Smith is admired for his resilience and determination.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's best cricket teams. With Kohli and Smith leading their respective sides, the series is sure to produce some memorable moments.

The modern era of cricket has been graced by four exceptional batters who have dominated the sport: Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. Known as "The Fab Four," these players have etched their names in cricket history with their remarkable performances. However, the debate over who stands as the greatest among them continues to ignite discussions.Recently, legendary Australian women's cricket star Alyssa Healy weighed in on the topic, offering her analytical perspective. While acknowledging the greatness of all four batters, Healy placed Virat Kohli at the bottom of her ranking."If I'm purely basing it on numbers, I'm going to put Kohli as fourth," Healy explained. "But I actually rate him as No. 1 in everything else."Healy's reasoning stems from the sheer volume of cricket Kohli plays and the immense pressure he faces. Despite his impressive statistics, Healy believes that Kohli's numbers are slightly diminished by the support he receives from his teammates.In contrast, Healy placed Kane Williamson at the top of her list. She highlighted Williamson's ability to carry the entire New Zealand team on his shoulders, playing a pivotal role in their success."Williamson has carried the whole New Zealand team," Healy said. "If he doesn't make those runs, New Zealand don't get anywhere near winning."Healy also ranked Joe Root third and Steve Smith second, citing their consistent performances and impact on their respective teams.The debate over who is the greatest among "The Fab Four" is likely to continue for years to come. However, Healy's analytical approach provides a fresh perspective on the topic, highlighting the unique strengths and contributions of each player.

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli and Australia's Steve Smith are poised to dominate the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, where runs will be "at a premium," according to Australian great Matthew Hayden.Hayden, considered one of the finest openers of his era, believes that both Kohli and Smith possess unique styles of dominance and will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of the series Down Under."Cricket is a game of momentum, and I'm sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricketing careers, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer," Hayden said."That's their nature. They do it in very different ways, very different styles, but certainly, they really are the key to the Australian summer."India and Australia will play a five-Test series for the first time since 1991-92, starting November 22 at Perth. Hayden emphasized that it's difficult to predict which team has the edge."You look at the lineups, and it's hard to really tell who has the edge. I sense that it's going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. Guys that are sure bets have retired like (Cheteshwar) Pujara was a sure bet in Australian conditions," he said."Was he exciting? No. Was he effective? Heck, yes. When you look back over the years, guys like Raul Dravid, VVS Laxman... they were really sure bets in our market. The best need to stand up in this series, runs are going to be at a premium," he added.Hayden believes that Australian players will be eager to end their barren run against India, having last won a bilateral series in 2014-15."We haven't had it (the trophy) in our hands for two series in Australia, which is kind of the coveted grounds. Not that's similar to the Steve Waugh era here in 2001, where this was the hallowed turf, this was a place where Australia really wanted to come and win," he said."And his great era didn't do it. There's always this fantastic opportunity for the No. 1 (and) No. 2 sides on the World Test Championship to go head to head, especially abroad in each other's camps and see who really has those kinds of final rights...""...to claim not only the possibility of playing the (World) Test Championship (final) but also who's the very best of the best, which you judge on how you tour, not so much how you play at home," he said.Hayden also commented on the upcoming battle between Nathan Lyon and young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal."Isn't it great that the series is shaping up the bare-heavyweight bout, someone like the GOAT (Lyon) going after (Jaiswal), what is in my opinion one of the key assets for Indian cricket. Yes he's certainly proving to be that," he said.Hayden acknowledged Jaiswal's exceptional ability to hit on the up through covers but cautioned that he may need to adjust to the length of the boundaries in Australia."Young Jaiswal is an exciting prospect to see how he'll play. He is a package. His ability in particular to get on the up through the covers is phenomenal. That'll also have its vulnerabilities," Hayden said."I'm looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks. We did notice in the IPL that he's a very hard hitter of the ball, pull shots in particular, but that'll be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they're all fit and on much bigger grounds.""It has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over (for a) six so you can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. They (all) have little adjustments that world-class players like Jazzy (Jaiswal) will make for sure," he added.Hayden also expressed his concerns about Australia's opening slot following David Warner's retirement from international cricket."For the first time, it (opening slot) doesn't feel as secure. David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He gave a service that was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic," he said."He really took that legacy that I'd created through the 2000s to a new level, strike rates in excess of 80, and gave great momentum to the top order, which otherwise is quite conservative. He's an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace him," Hayden added.Hayden expressed reservations about Smith emerging as a choice for the opener's slot, given his successful track record at No. 4."I was on record saying that I didn't like changing. I think it's crazy to think that you have the world's best-in-class batter in a certain position and then you change to a completely different position," he said.