Cricket

Mitchell Marsh, Australia's in-form Test batter, has attributed his recent success to a significant shift in his mental approach to the game. Heading into the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Marsh has emphasized the importance of letting go of failures and focusing on preparation.Marsh's Test career has been marked by both highs and lows. From 2014 to 2019, he struggled to find consistency, averaging a mere 25.20 with only three centuries and six fifties in 55 innings. However, his return to the Test side in the Ashes series against England last year marked a turning point.Marsh's newfound mental resilience has been instrumental in his resurgence. He has learned to compartmentalize failures and focus on the present moment. "I have worked really hard on the mental side of my game, to be able to walk out there and get straight into my pre-ball routines, no matter how nervous I am," he said."For me, it is all about my preparation. If I prepare as well as I possibly can, I go into a game or an innings really confident, then if I fail, I can look at myself in the mirror and say that I have actually done all I can."Marsh's mental fortitude has also allowed him to enjoy the game more. "It does not guarantee me success, but it certainly allows me to enjoy the game a bit more, no matter what situation I find myself in. I feel as if I have got tools now to hopefully get me through," he said.Australia's recent struggles against India in Test cricket have provided additional motivation for the team. Marsh believes that the team's experience and the support of their fans will be crucial in overcoming this challenge."Since the last time they played here, we have grown a lot as a team. We have got a really experienced group now, and I think the fact that we have lost the last two series, our fans will be up and about for that and hopefully get right behind us," he said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top Test teams. Marsh's mental resilience and newfound consistency will be key factors in Australia's quest for victory.

Virat Kohli's immense popularity in Australia stems from his passionate and aggressive approach to cricket, particularly in Test matches. Despite recent challenges in his form, his prominence in Australia remains undiminished.Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting attributes Kohli's appeal to his competitive spirit and willingness to play with his heart on his sleeve. Australian supporters appreciate this emotional and aggressive style, which aligns with their sporting values.Kohli's Test performance in Australia is remarkable, with 1352 runs in 25 innings at 54.08, including six centuries. He led India to a historic victory in 2018/19, achieving the first Test series win by an Asian team in Australia.Ponting emphasizes that Kohli's recognition from Australian supporters is earned through performance. He notes that international cricket stars face varying pressures across different nations and cultures, but Kohli's leadership qualities and willingness to take responsibility for his team in challenging situations have earned him respect.Despite recent struggles in form, Kohli's historical success in Australia suggests that the upcoming tour could be a turning point. In 13 Tests in Australia, he has scored 1,352 runs at 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 at Perth, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. The series continues at The Gabba, Brisbane (December 14-18), followed by the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30). The final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3-7) concludes this significant series.

Rohit Sharma's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener remains uncertain despite the birth of his second child. Former cricketer Surinder Khanna has urged Rohit to prioritize the series opener, emphasizing the significance of his presence for India's chances.Rohit had previously informed the BCCI of his unavailability for the first Test due to the birth of his son. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the Indian team.Khanna, while extending his congratulations to Rohit and his family, stressed the importance of Rohit joining the squad for the high-stakes encounter. He recalled his own experience of returning to a match on the evening of his wedding reception, highlighting the commitment required from players.India's recent struggles in the New Zealand series have added to the complexities ahead of the Australia tour. The team suffered a 3-0 clean sweep, marking their first such defeat in a home Test series since 2000.The first Test against Australia begins on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is crucial for India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes, as they currently trail Australia in the standings.To qualify for the third successive WTC final, India must win at least four of the five Tests against Australia. The team will be looking to bounce back from their New Zealand debacle and secure a strong start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

South Africa's Test captain, Temba Bavuma, has made a timely recovery from an elbow injury and will lead his team in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Proteas have named a 14-man squad for the series, which also includes the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee to the Test fold.Bavuma's return is a significant boost for South Africa, who are chasing their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The Proteas need to win all four Tests at home - two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan that follow - to be assured of a place in the title round. They could still make it, based on results elsewhere, with three wins out of four."We've picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship final," said head coach Shukri Conrad. "It's great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team."Jansen and Coetzee have both worked hard during their conditioning programmes and are ready to contribute to the team. The trio of Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Wiaan Mulder will complete the pace-bowling options alongside Jansen and Coetzee.Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy are the two frontline spinners selected, while Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne provide batting depth.The two-Test series begins in Durban on November 27 before the teams move to Gqeberha for the second Test starting December 5.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His unique bowling action and exceptional skill have left both past and present Australian players in awe.On his previous Test tours of Australia, Bumrah has taken 32 wickets at an average of 21.25, including a match-winning 6/33 during the 2018 Boxing Day Test. Since the start of the 20th century, only two touring bowlers have taken more wickets in Australia at a lower average -- Richard Hadlee and Curtly Ambrose.Australian batters are unanimous about the pivotal role Bumrah can play for India in the upcoming five-match Test series. Travis Head described him as "impossible to face," while Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith acknowledged his ability to strike fear into the hearts of batsmen.Part of Bumrah's magic lies in his unconventional bowling action. Brett Lee, the former Australian pace legend, likened it to that of a "cat burglar." Khawaja admitted that he initially struggled to understand where the ball was coming from when facing Bumrah.Smith, who has an impressive record against Bumrah, still feels vulnerable against him early in his innings. He attributed this to Bumrah's awkward bowling rhythm, which takes some time to adjust to.Bumrah's exceptional skill and ability to unsettle batters make him a key player for India in the upcoming Test series. His presence will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to the Australian batting lineup.

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.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, returns to Perth, the city where his Test career took flight in 2012. Now, at the twilight of his career, Kohli seeks to reignite his brilliance in the land that forged his legacy.In 2012, a young and fiery Kohli faced intense scrutiny after a poor performance in Perth. However, he responded with a defiant 75 in the second innings, proving his mettle. Now, a decade later, Kohli is back at the WACA, where India is preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The Australian media has been effusive in their praise for Kohli, despite his recent struggles. They recognize his past achievements and believe he can still produce a masterpiece. Kohli's arrival in Australia has been met with glowing headlines and full-page write-ups.Despite his recent dip in form, Kohli remains a formidable batter. He has scored two centuries in the last five years, and his average has dropped to 47.83. However, his determination and passion remain unwavering.Kohli's journey in Australia has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In 2014, he led India to a spirited draw in Adelaide, scoring a century in each innings. His duels with Mitchell Johnson were legendary, showcasing his fiery spirit.In 2018, Kohli played a pivotal role in India's 2-1 series victory, scoring a gritty 123 in the second Test at Optus Stadium. He has also faced setbacks, such as the infamous 36 all-out in Adelaide in 2020.As Kohli enters the twilight of his career, he faces the challenge of reclaiming his aura in the land where he first earned it. With peers surpassing him in the quest for batting immortality, Kohli is determined to summon one last effort and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has endured a dismal year in 2023, failing to cross the 100-run mark in six innings against New Zealand. As he embarks on a tour of Australia, a country where he has enjoyed success in the past, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain his form and lead the team to victory.Ganguly believes that this could be Kohli's last tour of Australia, given his age and the team's future plans. He emphasized the importance of this series for Kohli, who will be eager to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with."He is a champion batter," Ganguly said. "He has had success in Australia in the past. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli."Kohli's struggles in New Zealand have been attributed to the challenging pitches, which did not favor batting. Ganguly believes that the conditions in Australia will be more conducive to Kohli's style of play."In Australia, he will enjoy the conditions," Ganguly said. "There will be good pitches. I am backing Virat to deliver in Australia in this series."Kohli's record in Australia is impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. He will be hoping to add to that tally and help India secure a series victory Down Under.

Alex Carey, Australia's incumbent wicketkeeper, is entering the Test series against India as a rejuvenated force. Despite the presence of Josh Inglis in the squad, Carey remains unfazed and confident in his abilities.After a six-month break from cricket, Carey has returned with a vengeance. He has posted impressive scores in both ODIs and Shield matches, showcasing his exceptional form with both bat and gloves. Carey attributes his resurgence to a minor technical tweak in his batting stance, which has improved his decision-making and overall performance.While Inglis's inclusion in the squad could potentially threaten Carey's position, the veteran wicketkeeper remains pragmatic. He understands the competitive nature of the role and is focused on performing to the best of his abilities. Carey's long-time teammate, Travis Head, believes he has never seen him bat better, highlighting his current form and potential impact on the team.Carey's relaxed demeanor and impressive performances have made him a key player for Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the team. As the Test series against India approaches, Carey is poised to play a significant role in Australia's quest for victory.