Cricket

Nathan McSweeney, the unheralded opener, is set to make his Test debut for Australia against India in Perth. The 25-year-old has endured a baptism of fire in his first training session, facing the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.McSweeney's selection has raised eyebrows, with some questioning his credentials. However, the South Australian has impressed with his form in the Sheffield Shield, earning the nod over more experienced openers.In his first session as a Test cricketer, McSweeney faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Cummins and Starc. He struggled initially, but showed signs of improvement as the session progressed."It was a good challenge," McSweeney said. "I got through it unscathed. Didn't put much pressure on them but they bowled really well and great preparation to face those guys who are quality bowlers."McSweeney also received praise from his teammates, including Nathan Lyon. "I think nothing but exceptional in my eyes," Lyon said. "I saw him up close and personal in that Shield game a couple of weeks ago and I thought we had to run him out to get him out in the game."McSweeney will also play a role in Australia's slip cordon, filling the void left by David Warner's retirement. He is comfortable fielding at both third slip and gully.Despite the challenges ahead, McSweeney is confident in his abilities. "I know what works and I feel very capable to go and do the job and I'm batting the best I ever have, I feel," he said.McSweeney will have plenty of support in Perth, with family and friends traveling from Brisbane to witness his debut. "Got a great supporter base and great family that's looked after me and sacrificed a lot," he said.

Pakistan Pacer Jahandad Khan's Wardrobe Malfunction Steals the Show in T20IIn a hilarious turn of events during the third T20I between Australia and Pakistan, Pakistan pacer Jahandad Khan became the center of attention for an unexpected wardrobe malfunction. The incident occurred as Khan chased down a boundary, leaving everyone in stitches.As Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk attempted a shot into the covers off Shaheen Afridi, the ball squirted through third man off a thick outside edge. Khan sprinted to prevent the firmly struck shot from crossing the ropes, but his dacks betrayed him, slipping down at the most inopportune moment.The incident, captured on camera, has since gone viral, turning the boundary chase into an unforgettable highlight. It serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, the lighter moments often steal the show.Khan's wardrobe malfunction has become a talking point among cricket fans, with many praising his ability to laugh at himself and take the incident in stride. The incident has also sparked a discussion about the importance of proper attire in sports, particularly for athletes who engage in strenuous activities.While the wardrobe malfunction may have been an embarrassing moment for Khan, it has also endeared him to fans who appreciate his sense of humor and ability to find the lighter side of even the most awkward situations. The incident has also provided a much-needed moment of levity in a sport that can often be intense and competitive.

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon believes that rival players often serve as the "best coaches", acknowledging that his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin has "taught" him a great deal through their faceoffs since 2011-12.Having made their Test debuts in the same year, Lyon and Ashwin will face each other for the eighth time in the longest format during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy five-Test series beginning in Perth on November 22."Ash (Ashwin) is an incredible bowler. I’ve gone head-to-head with him for basically my whole career, so I’ve learned a lot from Ash," Lyon told Fox Cricket."He’s an incredibly smart bowler, and he’s able to learn and adapt very quickly, and I think the best bowlers in the world are able to do that. He used his skills to benefit himself and his team.""So, you’ve got to give credit where credit’s due, he was the best bowler (in 2020/21), as he usually is. So, hats off to Ash."It will be Ashwin's fifth Test tour of Australia, where he has claimed 39 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 42.15.Lyon further admitted to having studied Ashwin's bowling closely, especially before Australia toured India in the last few years."He’s taught me a lot,” Lyon said. “I’m a big believer in the players that you play against are your best coaches that you eventually come across.""I’ve watched a lot of his footage heading over to India, the way he goes about it here in Australia, see if I can pick up anything."The way I look at cricket is that I’ve never met anyone who has conquered the game, never played against or with anyone who’s conquered the game.""There’s so much to learn in this great game, and there’s so much for me to learn from Ash. He’s a world-class bowler. He’s taken over 500 Test match wickets, and he should be extremely proud of that."Ashwin (21.76) outshines Lyon (30.81) in terms of having the best Test bowling average in Asia. However, the Australian has better bowling figures outside Asia — Lyon: 30.09, Ashwin: 33.14.Asked if they could face again post this tour, Lyon reckoned, “Spin bowling is a craft that the older you get, the better you get with age.”"There’s definitely no limit for me, and I don’t think there should be a limit for us as well. He’s absolutely world-class, and there’s a series in a couple of years’ time. So, who knows?"Asked about the secret of his success on non-spinning tracks, Lyon quipped: "I know Jadeja reads all of this stuff, so I can’t really share all my secrets."""My big thing is spinning up the back of the ball and getting bounce, but it’s a hard craft to be able to do that in Australia. Your size for error is extremely small,” he said.They may not have won a Test series against India in nearly a decade, but Lyon feels their World Test Championship final triumph last year would give them the edge."India’s got the wood over us in the past few series, but if you’re looking at the World Test Championship (final) in England, we were able to beat them there, and I know that should give us a bit of confidence heading into (this summer)," Lyon said."We understand that we’re coming up against a world-class side, but we can take a lot of confidence out of where we are at as an Australian cricket team.""I feel like we’re on the journey to becoming a great team. We’re not there yet. There’s a bit of work to do, but we have the opportunity to do something pretty special this summer."India are reeling from an unprecedented 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, a result Lyon believes will make the second-ranked team even more determined.“I think they’re extremely dangerous. They’re a class outfit, and they know their best preparation and how to come out here and perform. It’s going to be a cracking Test series.”"It’s been a long ten years since Australia’s held the trophy. There’s only a few of us that would probably be in the squad that’s actually held the trophy, so it’s time to bring it home," he concluded.

India's Test captaincy conundrum has taken center stage ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia. With Rohit Sharma's availability uncertain due to the birth of his child, Jasprit Bumrah is poised to lead the team in Perth. However, former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh have expressed contrasting views on Bumrah's potential tenure as captain.Gavaskar advocates for Bumrah to helm the team throughout the series, arguing that continuity and stability are crucial. However, Harbhajan raises concerns about the potential for chaos if India wins under Bumrah's leadership. He believes that fans would clamor for Bumrah to remain as captain, while a loss would trigger calls for Rohit's return.Harbhajan emphasizes the fickle nature of public opinion, stating that "we change sides very quickly." He suggests that a single captain for the entire series would be preferable, as it would eliminate the potential for confusion and instability.Despite his reservations, Harbhajan acknowledges Bumrah's leadership qualities. He believes that Bumrah has the ability to lead the team effectively, but cautions against making any hasty decisions based on short-term results.The debate over India's Test captaincy is likely to continue until Rohit's availability is confirmed. In the meantime, Bumrah's performance as captain in the Perth Test will be closely scrutinized, with the potential to shape the team's leadership dynamics for the remainder of the series.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed Rishabh Pant as the next-best red-ball batter after Virat Kohli, predicting a significant impact from the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Pant's aggressive approach, coupled with his exceptional talent, has made him a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. His fearless batting in the fourth Test in Brisbane in 2021 played a pivotal role in India's historic victory, earning him the moniker "Toota Hai Gabba Ka Ghamand."Ganguly, who has witnessed Pant's growth firsthand during their time together at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, believes the 25-year-old is a "generational talent" in red-ball cricket. "He is India's next-best red-ball batter after Kohli and could have a huge impact in the series," Ganguly said.Pant's recent performances in Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand have showcased his ability to score runs consistently. In five matches, he amassed 422 runs at an average of 46.88 and a strike rate of 86.47.In the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pant's scintillating 99, supported by Sarfaraz Khan, provided a glimmer of hope for India when they were struggling.Ganguly emphasized that while Pant still needs to improve his game in white-ball cricket, his talent in red-ball cricket is undeniable. "Look at the innings he has played in England, Australia, and South Africa, and you will know, he is a generational talent in red-ball cricket," Ganguly said.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on Friday in Perth, all eyes will be on Pant to continue his impressive form and make a significant contribution to India's quest for a third consecutive World Test Championship final appearance.

The Gabba Test of 2021, a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history, witnessed a remarkable triumph against all odds. Mohammed Siraj's exceptional bowling performance laid the foundation for India's historic victory, while Rishabh Pant's match-winning knock sealed the deal.Siraj, in only his third Test match, delivered a stunning spell of 5/73 in Australia's second innings. His maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket came at a crucial juncture, dismissing key players like Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade. These wickets played a pivotal role in restricting Australia to 294, setting India a challenging target of 328.Despite the absence of senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Siraj led the depleted Indian bowling attack with maturity and aggression. His performance was even more remarkable considering the personal tragedy he had endured during the tour, having lost his father.Pant's unbeaten 89-run knock in India's chase was equally crucial. His gritty innings anchored India's successful pursuit of the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba. The victory ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue, showcasing India's resilience and depth.The Gabba triumph highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Indian cricketers. Debutants like Washington Sundar and T. Natarajan, along with other inexperienced players, stepped up to the challenge and performed beyond expectations. This Test showcased the future of Indian cricket, with young players proving their mettle on the biggest stage.India's victory in Brisbane was a testament to their unwavering spirit and refusal to give up, even when faced with adversity. It became a story of triumph over adversity, inspiring fans worldwide. The Gabba Test win will be remembered as one of the most defining moments in the history of the sport, with Siraj and Pant playing pivotal roles.

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh PantAustralian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

New Zealand's historic Test series sweep in India has not only bolstered their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign but also added a historic feat to their resume. The last time India suffered a whitewash at home was in 2000, and Tom Latham's leadership ensured New Zealand capitalized on challenging conditions.Fresh off their triumph, Latham and former skipper Kane Williamson celebrated their victory in style by attending a Coldplay concert in Auckland. Williamson, who missed the entire India series due to a groin injury, shared a video of the concert on Instagram, captioning it, "What a gig! #coldplay."The series win has not only boosted New Zealand's WTC standing but also added a significant achievement to their cricketing history. Latham's leadership was instrumental in guiding the BlackCaps to their first-ever Test series clean sweep in India.As Williamson gears up for a potential comeback against England in the upcoming home series, all eyes will be on the star batter. The 34-year-old is tantalizingly close to achieving another milestone, needing just five runs to surpass 1,000 Test runs against England. He has already crossed the mark against Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, further solidifying his status as one of cricket's modern greats.Coldplay, the iconic British rock band, is currently on their global "Music of the Spheres" World Tour, attracting fans from all walks of life. Williamson and Latham aren't the only players to embrace the band’s magic. Recently, Australian captain Pat Cummins, bound to lead the team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22, was also spotted at a Coldplay concert.

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.