Cricket

In 1996, the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi, now known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium, hosted a historic Test match that marked the beginning of a legendary rivalry between India and Australia. The match, played as a one-off Test, was the first to be named the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, after Australian legend Allan Border and Indian icon Sunil Gavaskar.The series featured a plethora of debuts, including Brad Hogg and David Johnson for Australia and Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for India. However, it was Nayan Mongia who stole the show, scoring a magnificent 152 in his 14th Test for India.Mongia, who had previously been a middle-order batter, was elevated to the opening slot for this match. He played a gritty innings, batting for over eight hours and facing 366 balls. His century was instrumental in India's victory, as they chased down Australia's first-innings total of 182.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has since become one of the most prestigious rivalries in Test cricket. The series has been played 15 times, with Australia winning nine and India winning five. The upcoming five-match series, starting on November 22, will be the first time India has played a five-match Test series in Australia since 1991-92.Former Indian wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, who played a key role in India's victory in the inaugural Border-Gavaskar Trophy, believes that the rivalry has grown significantly over the years. "The main rivalry was India-Pakistan that time still. Australia (rivalry) was just growing up," he said. "Border-Gavaskar Trophy gave a platform to have such a huge rivalry."Mongia also expressed his concerns about India's batting form ahead of the upcoming series. "Playing against Australia in Australia is not going to be easy," he said. "But we have top-class bowlers as well. We will miss Mohammed Shami, there is no doubt about it. But we have other good bowlers who can step up leading from the front."

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has exuded confidence in his team's ability to conquer any type of wicket prepared by Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Gambhir asserted that the Indian Test squad possesses the versatility to counter any surface.India will embark on a five-match series against Australia, commencing on November 22 in Perth. Gambhir, who departed for Australia on Monday with the second batch of Indian players, emphasized that the team is well-equipped to handle any pitch conditions."We don't control the wickets, we are ready for any kind of wicket. It's their wish whatever they want to give. We are ready for any kind of condition and our bases are covered," Gambhir declared. "If we play cricket to our best potential, then we can beat them."India will arrive in Australia 10 days prior to the first Test, providing ample time for acclimatization and practice on the bouncy Perth pitches. The team has canceled its practice match against India A to maximize net time and will train at the WACA. The match will be held at the Optus Stadium."I think 10 days, if we can get good, proper preparation before the start of the series, I think we're going to be in really good shape. We've got a lot of experienced players who've been to Australia a lot many times. So their experience will come in handy for the young players as well," Gambhir said."I'm sure these 10 days are going to be very crucial. Come the 22nd morning, I think we should be absolutely ready and ready to fire from ball one," the head coach added.Despite a disappointing 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand and the recent struggles of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir remains optimistic about India's chances. He believes that the team's experience and versatility will be key to success.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batsman, has arrived in Perth, Australia, more than 10 days ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Kohli is the first player from the visiting team to land Down Under, with some of his teammates still in transit and others departing with coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday.India and Australia will face off in a five-Test series, with India being the current title-holders of the prestigious BGT. The Aussies, on the other hand, are eager to reclaim the trophy they haven't won since 2014.According to a report in 'The West Australian,' Kohli reached Perth on Sunday evening. The Indian squad is expected to begin training at the WACA Ground from Tuesday in preparation for the first Test. However, the venue is under lockdown to keep the Indian camp strictly behind closed doors.Kohli, 36, has been facing criticism for his prolonged poor form. He has had a forgettable 2024 so far, with only two international fifties to his name and a disappointing home Test season leading up to the Australia tour.His struggles against spinners have been evident in the 10 Test innings he played against Bangladesh and New Zealand. While India swept Bangladesh 2-0 in the Test series, Kohli could only manage 99 runs at an average of 33.00, with a highest score of 47.The New Zealand series was a disaster for India, as they suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home for the first time in a three-Test series. In his six innings against the Kiwis, Kohli's bat failed to make an impression, except for one innings where he scored 70. He could only accumulate 23 runs in the other five knocks, aggregating a mere 93 runs at an average of 15.50.While some have speculated that the Australia tour could be Kohli's last appearance in Tests, the batting icon will be determined to rediscover his form in red-ball cricket during the BGT, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has cast doubt over captain Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22. Addressing the media in Mumbai, Gambhir stated that there was no confirmation on Rohit's participation and that a decision would be made before the series.In the event of Rohit's absence, Gambhir indicated that Abhimanyu Easwaran or KL Rahul would be considered for the opening slot. Rohit's potential absence would be a significant blow to India, as his presence as captain and top-order batsman has been crucial in recent years.Rohit's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the 37-year-old averaging just 10.50 in the two Tests against Bangladesh and 15.16 in the three Tests against New Zealand. His poor run has also impacted his captaincy, as he admitted to not being at his best as a skipper.India's tour of Australia is crucial, as they need to win four Tests to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final in June 2025. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the team in the first Test.Gambhir emphasized that the team would select the best XI for the first Test and that a decision on Rohit's availability would be made before the match. India's hopes of a successful tour will hinge on the fitness and form of their key players, including Rohit Sharma.

Morne Morkel, the former South African pacer, has taken over as the bowling coach of the Indian Test team. His primary objective is to maintain the stability of the team's bowling unit, which has been a key factor in India's recent success in Test cricket.Morkel's appointment comes at a crucial time for India, as they prepare for a challenging five-Test series against Australia. The Indian pace attack has been severely handicapped by the absence of Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from heel surgery. Without Shami's experience and skill, India will need to rely heavily on the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the uncapped quartet of Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.Morkel's task is to ensure that these young bowlers are ready for the rigors of Test cricket in Australia. He will need to help them adjust to the different conditions, particularly the extra bounce and pace of Australian pitches. Morkel's own experience of bowling in Australia will be invaluable in this regard.In addition to technical guidance, Morkel will also need to provide mental support to his bowlers. The pressure of playing in Australia can be immense, and Morkel will need to help his charges stay focused and confident.Morkel's appointment has been met with optimism by the Indian cricket fraternity. He is widely respected as a bowling coach, and his experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Mushfiqur Rahim's absence from the Bangladesh Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies marks a significant shift in the team's composition. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who has been a mainstay of the side for over a decade, has been ruled out due to a finger injury.Mushfiqur's injury means that Bangladesh will field a Test team without any of its "big three" for the first time in 16 years. Shakib Al Hasan retired from the format in September, while Tamim Iqbal has not played a Test since last year.The absence of these experienced players places a heavy burden on the shoulders of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, Shanto will have a strong pace attack at his disposal, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department, which also includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.In the batting department, Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively.Mushfiqur's role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton Das back with the gloves and likely to bat at No. 7.Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn't been announced yet.

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has expressed his belief that Usman Khawaja can extend his international career for at least another two years, despite the left-handed batter turning 38 in December. Paine, who has witnessed Khawaja's recent resurgence firsthand, believes that the veteran opener's current form is a testament to his enduring quality.Since switching to the opening position at the conclusion of the 2021/22 Ashes series, Khawaja has been a revelation for Australia. He has averaged an impressive 54.04 as an opener, showcasing remarkable consistency and resilience. Paine, speaking on SEN Tassie, dismissed speculation surrounding Khawaja's retirement, stating that the left-hander has been "nearly the best player in the world" in recent times.Paine emphasized that age should not be a determining factor in assessing a player's ability, particularly in cricket, where experience often plays a crucial role. He pointed out that Khawaja's reflexes and eyesight remain sharp, and his batting technique is as polished as ever."With his age in cricket, in particular as a batter, is just a number," Paine said. "He doesn't look like he's lost reflex, his eyes are good and he's batting as well as he's ever batted. From what I'm seeing right now, I think Usman can play for another year or two at least."Khawaja's recent performances have silenced critics who questioned his longevity. He has been a key figure in Australia's batting lineup, providing stability and experience at the top of the order. His ability to adapt to the challenges of opening the batting has been particularly impressive, and he has shown no signs of slowing down.As Australia prepares for a busy international schedule in the coming months, Khawaja's experience and form will be invaluable. Paine's endorsement of his former teammate's longevity is a testament to the quality and determination that Khawaja continues to display.

Nathan McSweeney has been selected to open the batting for Australia in the first Test against India in Perth, partnering Usman Khawaja. The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for South Australia and Australia A, earning him the nod ahead of specialist openers like Marcus Harris.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his recent performances, which include two half-centuries against India A at the MCG. Despite failing to convert those starts into big scores, his technique and temperament have impressed the selectors."Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket," said chair of selectors George Bailey. "His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favor and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level."Josh Inglis has also been included in the 13-player squad as the reserve batter. The 27-year-old has been in excellent touch in the Sheffield Shield competition, scoring three centuries in his last five innings.Scott Boland has been named as the back-up quick bowler behind captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. The 33-year-old has been a reliable performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad.Marcus Harris, who scored a hard-fought 74 in the first innings against India A, has missed out on selection. Sam Konstas, who sealed victory in the match with a fine innings at No. 4, has also been overlooked, as has Cameron Bancroft, who has been in poor form.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, faces a crucial test as India prepares to take on Australia in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22nd. While Kohli's record against Australia remains formidable, his recent form has raised concerns about his ability to deliver on Australian soil.Kohli's Test performance has witnessed a significant decline since 2020. His average has plummeted to 31.68 from a commanding average exceeding 50 in the preceding years. This slump includes a meager two centuries in 34 Test matches, a statistic that even surprised former Australian captain Ricky Ponting."I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he has only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That did not seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that is a concern," Ponting told ICC. "There would not be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that has only scored two Test match hundreds in five years."Kohli's struggles are further highlighted by his Test average in 2024, plummeting to 22.72, his lowest since his debut year in 2011. This poor run of form has seen him drop out of the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings top 20 for the first time in a decade.Adding to the pressure, Kohli's recent home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand yielded a paltry 192 runs in 10 innings, averaging a meager 21.33. This performance stands in stark contrast to his career average of 47.48 against Australia, with a remarkable eight centuries and five fifties in 25 matches.Despite the concerning statistics, Ricky Ponting remains optimistic about Kohli's chances. "I have said it before about Virat, you do not ever question the greats of the game. There is no doubt, he is a great of the game," remarked Ponting. "He loves playing against Australia. In fact, I know he loves playing against Australia. And as I said, his record in Australia is very good. If there is a time for him to turn it around, it would be this series. So I would not be surprised to see Virat make runs in the first game."Kohli's past performance in Australia certainly supports Ponting's confidence. He boasts an average of 54.08 on Australian pitches, amassing 1,352 runs in 13 Tests, including six centuries.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy carries immense weight as it contributes to the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 qualification. India will be looking to Kohli to rediscover his form and lead the batting lineup against a formidable Australian bowling attack.