Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence in Australia. This series holds immense significance as it impacts the qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.India, a consistent performer in the WTC, aims to reach the final for the third consecutive cycle. Australia, the defending champions, currently leads the WTC standings. The series outcome will significantly influence the qualification process.Historically, Australia has dominated the BGT at home, winning 14 of 27 matches. However, India has emerged victorious in four of the last six matches, winning the last two series with a 2-1 margin.As India prepares to play BGT in all five major Test venues in Australia for the first time, let's delve into their past performances at each venue:Adelaide:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India's first BGT match in Adelaide in 1999 resulted in a defeat. However, they have since registered two victories, in 2003 and 2018, which significantly impacted the series outcomes.Melbourne:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India initially struggled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing four consecutive matches. However, they have turned it around by winning the last two matches, contributing to their series victories Down Under.Sydney:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 0* Australia Wins: 3* Draws: 4Sydney Cricket Ground remains the only venue where India has yet to win a BGT match. They have suffered their biggest defeat Down Under at SCG, losing by an innings and 141 runs in 2000.Brisbane:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 1* Draws: 1India's results at The Gabba have been mixed. They drew the first encounter in 2003-04 but lost in 2014-15. However, their memorable three-wicket win in 2021, featuring Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89, secured the series victory.Perth:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 2* Draws: 0India won their first BGT match in Perth in 2008. However, they have since suffered two heavy defeats, including an innings and 37 runs loss in 2012.

India's path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final has become more challenging after consecutive defeats against New Zealand. However, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar remains confident, emphasizing that the team is not dwelling on past results.Despite sitting atop the WTC standings with a 62.82-point percentage, India faces a daunting task. To reach the final in London next year, they must win their remaining six Tests, including five against Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Nayar acknowledged the difficulties ahead but stressed the importance of staying present and taking it one game at a time. "When you put on the Indian jersey, every game is critical," he said. "We have not been narrow-minded about the WTC. Our focus is on the game at Wankhede."If India can secure a victory in the third Test against New Zealand, they will be just three wins away from the final. However, the pathway is not straightforward.India's chances of reaching the final hinge on their ability to maintain their dominance. If they can win four of their remaining six games, they will have a 64.04% point percentage, assuming they avoid any penalties for slow over rates. This would guarantee their place in the final, regardless of other results.Nayar emphasized the team's determination to overcome the challenges ahead. "We need to stay in the present and take it day by day," he said. "If we can do that, we will be one step closer to where this team wants to be."

India's dominance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has been shaken after their loss to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. The defeat has cost India crucial percentage points, bringing Australia closer to them in the race for the WTC Final.Before the Bengaluru Test, India held a comfortable lead with a point percentage of 74.24. However, the loss has dropped their percentage to 68.06, while Australia (62.50 PCT) has closed the gap. Both teams have identical records of 8 wins and 3 losses in 12 games, but Australia's lower percentage points keep them behind India.The loss has major implications for India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final. Sri Lanka, currently third in the standings, is also a contender with 5 wins and 4 losses in 9 games. New Zealand's historic victory has propelled them to fourth place, with 4 wins and 5 losses in 9 matches.New Zealand's victory has given them a chance to qualify for the WTC Final. They have two more matches against India, followed by a three-match series against England. England, currently fifth in the standings, is also in contention with 9 wins and 8 defeats in 18 matches.India has two more Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai before embarking on a challenging five-match series in Australia later this year. The results of these matches will be crucial in determining India's fate in the WTC.

Australia's triumph in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India in June 2023 was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite India's formidable batting lineup, led by the legendary Virat Kohli, Australia emerged victorious by 209 runs at The Oval.The road to victory was not without its challenges. India, seeking their first ICC trophy in a decade, had reduced Australia to 164/3 at stumps on Day 4, needing 280 runs with Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease.However, the Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, staged a remarkable comeback on the final day. They dismissed Kohli for 63 and bundled out India for 234, denying them the coveted ICC trophy.Speaking on the third season of 'The Test,' a popular cricket documentary series on Amazon Prime Video, Australian cricketers expressed their admiration for Kohli's batting prowess."If you look at people chasing the total, Virat Kohli is up there with the best, if not the best," said Steve Smith."He's been a killer against Australia," added Justin Langer.Nathan Lyon praised Kohli's competitive spirit, saying, "He is super competitive and doesn't give you an inch. No one comes close to him."Despite the setback in the WTC final, India's batting lineup remains a force to be reckoned with. Travis Head, who won the Player of the Match award in the WTC final, believes that the seeds of Australia's success were sown during their hard-fought Test series in India in 2023."I think a lot of that has come from the Test tour last year, spending time here and working on things," said Head.With the ODI World Cup 2023 title also under their belt, Australia has established themselves as a dominant force in world cricket. Their victory in the WTC final is a testament to their unwavering spirit and the depth of their talent.