Cricket

Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Shubman Gill ahead of the highly anticipated first Test against Australia in Perth, commencing on November 22. Gill sustained a left-hand injury while fielding in the slips during the intra-squad match and was unable to return to the field on the second day.Morkel expressed optimism about Gill's recovery, stating, "Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will make a decision on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed."In the simulation match, Gill scored 28 in the first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini's delivery. He later returned to bat, remaining unbeaten on 42*. The young batter is expected to play a crucial role in the Test series, emulating Cheteshwar Pujara's ability to tire Australian bowlers with a solid defensive approach.In 14 matches batting at number three, Gill has amassed 926 runs at an average of 42.09, with three centuries and three fifties, including a top score of 119*. This year, he has been in excellent form, scoring 806 runs in 19 innings at an average of 47.41, with three centuries and three fifties, his highest score also being 119*.The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval, is scheduled from December 6 to 10. The third Test will follow at The Gabba in Brisbane, from December 14 to 18.The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from December 26 to 30, will serve as the penultimate game, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This thrilling finale promises a fitting end to the high-stakes series.

As the Indian cricket team embarks on its grueling five-Test tour of Australia, coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are simultaneously charting a roadmap for the future of India's white-ball teams.Following India's disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, the need for transition has become increasingly evident. Agarkar has been tasked with staying in Australia throughout the tour to collaborate closely with Gambhir and assess the current state of each player's career.The primary objective is to ensure that Agarkar and Gambhir are in sync regarding the team's future direction. Recent speculations have hinted at a lack of alignment in selection and strategy."Both Agarkar and Gambhir recognize that such poor performance in India will inevitably draw criticism," said a BCCI source. "With the extended duration of the tour, they can engage in discussions about the team's future trajectory."A crucial aspect of their mission involves engaging with senior players about their long-term plans. Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are all approaching their late 30s."These senior players remain integral to the team," the source added. "However, there may be some challenging conversations. They will be informed about the selectors' and coach's vision and asked to share their career aspirations in the context of the upcoming World Test Championship cycle and the ODI World Cup."With the ICC Champions Trophy looming shortly after the Test series, the workload of Test players will be carefully considered. The selectors, Rohit, and Gambhir aim to identify a core group for the Champions Trophy.Gambhir is also advocating for a dedicated T20 team composed solely of T20 specialists, rather than multi-format players. This proposal is likely to spark debate, as India's multi-format players are often rested from bilateral T20I series."T20 cricket demands specialists," the source explained. "However, there are players like Bumrah, Pant, Jaiswal, and Gill who cannot be overlooked. Many T20I series are played against weaker opponents or teams that also rest their top players. Some believe that the younger players in the T20 team should not have to make way for Test players when they become available."

India's Sarfaraz Khan Steals the Show with Hilarious Catch in Perth TrainingAs the Indian cricket team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a moment of levity emerged during a fielding drill in Perth. Sarfaraz Khan, India's middle-order batter, became the center of attention with an unconventional catch that left his teammates in stitches.In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Khan is seen fielding at short leg when a ball is hit towards him. Instead of taking a conventional catch, Khan uses his body to trap the ball between his legs, much to the amusement of his teammates.The video captures the lighthearted camaraderie within the Indian camp, with Virat Kohli, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant seen laughing uncontrollably at Khan's antics. The moment has provided a welcome respite from the intense training sessions as India gears up for the first Test in Perth on November 22.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated series between India and Australia, with both teams eager to claim victory. The series will consist of five Tests, with the remaining matches scheduled to be played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.India will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be determined to reclaim it on home soil. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting a wealth of talent and experience.

India's Test XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth is shaping up to prioritize pace and bounce, given the conditions at Optus Stadium. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, KL Rahul is likely to return to the top of the order, while Devdutt Padikkal is expected at No. 3.Dhruv Jurel is a strong contender for the No. 6 spot, having impressed with his fielding and batting in the nets. Sarfaraz Khan, another contender, had a less impressive day.Nitish Kumar Reddy is being considered as a bowling all-rounder, capable of extending India's batting depth to No. 8. Ravindra Jadeja is likely to take the spin bowling spot, given Australia's left-handed batting lineup.The pace attack is still uncertain, with Harshit Rana gaining momentum after his performance in match simulations. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are also in contention, while Prasidh Krishna has shown promise in the nets.India's XI is likely to be inexperienced, with Jurel, Reddy, Rana, Prasidh, and Padikkal having played only seven Tests combined. However, the team is banking on their potential to adapt to the challenging conditions in Perth.

Mohammed Shami's Return Boosts India's Hopes for Border-Gavaskar TrophyWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has ignited excitement among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Shami, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury, made a remarkable comeback in the Ranji Trophy, sparking calls for his inclusion in the Test squad.Kirti Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes Shami should be part of the squad for the second Test in Adelaide, provided he is fully fit. "Mohammed Shami is the best seam bowler India has," Azad said. "He has excellent control, can swing both ways, and is a very sensible bowler."Shami's return to competitive cricket has been impressive. In his first match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, he claimed a seven-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. He also contributed with the bat, scoring a quickfire 37 runs.To gain more playing time, Shami will represent Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth, followed by a Day-Night encounter in Adelaide from December 6.Azad acknowledged the challenges of playing in Australia, particularly on the bouncy wickets of Perth and Melbourne. However, he expressed confidence in the Indian team's ability to adapt to any conditions. "The Indian team is capable of playing on any track," he said. "They have played against international bowlers and batters in IPL matches."Shami's return provides a significant boost to India's bowling attack. His experience, skill, and ability to swing the ball both ways will be crucial in the upcoming series. With Shami in the squad, India will have a more balanced and formidable bowling unit capable of challenging Australia's formidable batting lineup.

India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have suffered a setback with the news that opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hairline fracture on his left thumb. The injury occurred during a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, leaving Team India scrambling for a replacement in the playing XI.Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad has suggested that Virat Kohli should be considered as the ideal candidate to fill the void at No. 3 in Gill's absence. Azad believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him the best choice for the crucial position.However, Kohli's record at No. 3 in Test cricket has been inconsistent. In eight innings at the position since his debut, he has scored just 167 runs at an average of 23.85, with only one fifty to his name. His overall Test performance in 2024 has also been underwhelming, with 250 runs at an average of 22.72 across twelve innings.Despite Kohli's recent struggles, Azad remains confident that he can rediscover his form in Australia. "He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia," Azad said.Other potential candidates to replace Gill at No. 3 include Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Vihari has a solid Test record, averaging 32.61 in 16 matches, while Iyer has impressed in limited-overs cricket and has a first-class average of 52.18. Yadav, on the other hand, is a dynamic batter who has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting Gill's replacement. Kohli's experience and pedigree make him the favorite, but his recent form is a concern. Vihari and Iyer offer more stability, while Yadav brings a touch of flair and unpredictability.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia will be a crucial test for India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, according to former India pacer Harbhajan Singh. India suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in a Test series at home, and they need to bounce back in style against the mighty Aussies. The World Test Championship finale spot is also at stake.Gambhir's anger and patience will be tested, but he needs to stay calm if he wants Team India to perform better, said Harbhajan. "It is difficult to run big teams, everyone takes time. If the results were fine, everyone would have said 'see, Gautam is making the team win'. The series against Australia is important, a lot of things will be tested. Gautam Gambhir who will be sitting outside, his anger and patience will be tested," Harbhajan said on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel."He cannot control anything from the outside, big players get frustrated sitting on the sidelines. This Test, Gambhir needs to pass. The tour is very important for Gambhir. In this country, everyone has an opinion. Gautam Gambhir must be feeling low, he is on the radar. If the series doesn't go well, Gambhir will be at the receiving end. I want him to stay calm and for the team to perform well," he added.According to a report by the Indian Express, India skipper Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test match against Australia, and Jasprit Bumrah will serve as captain in his absence. The report claimed that Rohit has already informed the BCCI that he will be spending more time with wife Ritika Sajdeh following the birth of their second child."We were hoping that he (Rohit) would travel but he has informed the BCCI that he can't go now as he needs some more time. He will be flying to Australia for the pink-ball Test match, the second match, in Adelaide. There is a nine-day gap between the first and second Test matches, so Rohit will be able to be there on time," a BCCI official told Indian Express.

Virat Kohli's exceptional batting prowess in Australia is a testament to his remarkable skills as a batsman. In his 13 Test matches on Australian soil, he has amassed an impressive 1352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four half-centuries.Among his many memorable innings in Australia, one stands out as his most cherished, despite coming in a losing cause. During the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli produced a masterful 123-run performance in Perth, a venue renowned for its lightning-fast and bouncy pitch. His knock, which included 13 boundaries and one six, remains his finest achievement in Australia."My best knock in Australia will definitely be my 100 at Perth. 2018-19 series that we played. I thought that was the toughest pitch that I played on in Test cricket. It was great to get a hundred on that tour," Kohli said in a video uploaded by the BCCI titled "Ask the Next One".Despite Kohli's brilliant century, India suffered a 146-run defeat in that match. However, the series saw India, captained by Kohli, secure victory in the first Test by 31 runs, followed by the Perth loss. They bounced back to win in Melbourne by 137 runs and drew in Sydney, clinching the four-match series 2-1.This victory marked India's first-ever Test series win on Australian territory, a testament to Kohli's leadership and the team's resilience. Kohli's exceptional record in Australia is a reflection of his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and perform at the highest level. His 123-run knock in Perth stands as a shining example of his batting prowess and his unwavering determination to succeed.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has endured a lean patch in recent Test matches, averaging a mere 22.72 in six games this year. However, legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes that Kohli will bounce back with a vengeance in the upcoming Test series in Australia.Kohli has a remarkable track record in Australia, averaging an impressive 54.08. Gavaskar believes that this familiarity will give Kohli an edge against the formidable Australian bowling attack. "He's consistently performed at Adelaide, so it's a familiar ground for him," Gavaskar said. "And before Adelaide, it's Perth, where he played one of the finest Test centuries in 2018-19."Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar anticipates that Australia will target Kohli's off-stump line in the early stages of the series. "They'll start with that line outside the off stump and gauge what his mindset is," Manjrekar said. "Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward."Manjrekar also highlighted the effectiveness of New Zealand's strategy of bowling on the middle stump to Kohli. "If he's focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump," he said.Despite the challenges, Gavaskar remains confident in Kohli's ability to overcome adversity. "Because he hasn't got runs against New Zealand, he'll be very, very hungry," Gavaskar said. "If he gets off to a good start, he will get big runs."Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances of success in Australia. The team will need their star batter to lead the charge against a bowling attack that includes Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.