Cricket

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.

Virat Kohli's Mind Games with Nathan Lyon: A Battle of Wits and Federer ForehandsSledging and psychological warfare have long been synonymous with Australian cricket. However, there are certain players who the Aussies tend to leave alone, knowing that any attempt to unsettle them only fuels their determination. Virat Kohli is one such player, and his history against Australia is a testament to his ability to rise above the noise and perform at his best.Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon recalled a memorable encounter with Kohli during the 2014 Test at the Adelaide Oval. Lyon revealed that Kohli, while batting with ease, would repeatedly approach the non-striker's end and whisper "Federer.""I was like, 'Oh, okay, what's this?'" Lyon said. "He kept doing it, every time he'd come down there, he was like 'Federer, Federer.' And I said, 'Mate, I don't know if I'm wrong, but are we playing the wrong sport if you think you're Roger Federer?' And he goes, 'Nah, nah, I've got a beautiful forehand.'"Kohli's playful banter was a testament to his confidence and ability to stay focused amidst the pressure of a Test match. Despite Lyon's attempts to unsettle him, Kohli went on to score centuries in both innings, leading India to a narrow defeat by just 48 runs.Kohli's dominance in red-ball cricket in Australia is well-documented. He has scored six hundreds from 13 Tests, averaging 54.08. However, his form has dipped in recent times, with an average of just 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.After a disappointing 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, Kohli enters his seventh tour to Australia with a point to prove. He has scored just one fifty this year and his last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.India's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championships final rest heavily on their performance in Australia. They need to win four Tests to secure a direct berth in the final, which is scheduled to be held at Lord's in June 2025.Kohli's ability to rise above the sledging and perform at his best will be crucial to India's chances. His experience and determination will be tested once again as he faces the challenge of the Australian conditions and the relentless mind games of the home team.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a stern warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their opening Test against India in Perth on Friday. Watson highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit that Virat Kohli brings to the field, cautioning Australia to be prepared for his trademark aggression.The Aussies are set to face India in a highly-anticipated five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Kohli's form and leadership are likely to play a decisive role. Watson emphasized Australia's need to maintain composure against Kohli's fierce approach.Kohli's performance in Test cricket has been declining over recent years, with his struggles becoming increasingly apparent since 2020. The former Indian captain has been working diligently to recover his exceptional batting form in the traditional format of the game.In 34 Test matches spanning the past four years, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. With his prolonged period of modest performances continuing, there is mounting pressure on Kohli to deliver significant contributions across five Tests."The one thing that I know about Virat is because he's the fire burning so brightly and deeply inside of him, the intensity that he brings to every ball that he is engaging in a game has been superhuman. But there have been moments in his career when that fire started to go out because it is so hard to maintain that intensity," Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.Despite experiencing a period of reduced performance, Kohli's challenging phase has continued. However, Watson cautioned the Australian side, suggesting they should wish for the Indian stalwart to enter the series without his characteristic vigour. He emphasised that if Kohli regains his typical intensity, spectators worldwide would witness him at his finest form."That is where the Australian team needs to leave him alone, and hope that he doesn't bring that intensity. If he brings that, then that just shuts everything out, and that's when he will be at his very best. But if stuff is going on and that intensity is not there, then you see that not the best version of Virat," he added.

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, have opted to bat first in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. The Black Caps are looking to avoid a series sweep after losing the first two matches.Sri Lanka, who have already secured the series win, have made five changes to their lineup. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Asitha Fernando have all been dropped, while Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe have been brought in.New Zealand have also made two changes, with Zakary Foulkes and Adam Milne replacing Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Foulkes, who impressed in the T20 leg of the tour, will make his ODI debut.The weather forecast in Pallekele is not ideal, with rain expected at some point. However, conditions are currently hot and humid. The pitch is a new one and has more grass on it than the first two ODIs, which should favor the batters.Sri Lanka:1. Nishan Madushka2. Avishka Fernando3. Nuwanidu Fernando4. Sadeera Samarawickrama5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)6. Janith Liyanage7. Chamindu Wickramasinghe8. Maheesh Theekshana9. Jeffrey Vandersay10. Dilshan Madushanka11. Mohamed ShirazNew Zealand:1. Tim Robinson2. Will Young3. Henry Nicholls4. Mark Chapman5. Glenn Phillips6. Mitchell Hay (wk)7. Michael Bracewell8. Mitchell Santner (capt.)9. Zakary Foulkes10. Ish Sodhi11. Adam Milne

The Champions Trophy hosting saga continues to unfold, with Pakistan and India locked in a stalemate. Pakistan has rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, while India remains adamant about not playing in Pakistan.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the country will not accept a hybrid model, emphasizing that all participating nations have assured their participation. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali suggests that other teams may have given surety for the tournament but not necessarily for a hybrid model.Naqvi has expressed confidence in the ICC's credibility and expects the schedule to be announced soon. He has also highlighted that no cancellation notice has been received and that every other qualified team is ready to participate.Basit Ali, in his YouTube analysis, acknowledges India's power due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that no team will oppose them. He also points out that while other countries have agreed to participate, they have not explicitly rejected a hybrid model.Ali further suggests that the ICC is employing delay tactics, hoping for a resolution through telephone calls between India and Pakistan. However, he emphasizes that the broadcasters are pressuring the ICC for clarity, as they have suffered significant losses in recent tournaments.The PCB has proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore, allowing them to return home via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, India has not considered this option.The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2023. Pakistan has reportedly requested an explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to play in Pakistan, which has not visited the country since 2008.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand are set to face off in the third and final ODI of their series in Pallekele. The hosts, led by Charith Asalanka, are aiming for a 3-0 series sweep, while the visitors, captained by Mitchell Santner, are determined to end the series on a high note.Asalanka expressed his team's desire to win the series but also acknowledged the importance of giving opportunities to new players. Five changes have been made to the Sri Lankan playing XI, including the ODI debut of Chamindu Wickramasinghe.Santner, on the other hand, believes the wicket looks better for batting than in the previous game. He emphasized the need for his team to post a strong total and defend it effectively. New Zealand has also made two changes, with Zakary Foulkes and Adam Milne replacing Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy, respectively.Pitch expert Farveez Maharoof noted that the pitch has improved for batting due to reduced cracks. He suggested that chasing might be the preferred option due to the dew factor and potential rain.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to perform well in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Clarke highlighted Kohli's impressive record in Australia, where he has scored six centuries in 13 Tests.Clarke believes that the media hype and build-up surrounding Kohli will motivate him to perform. He also emphasized that Kohli's familiarity with the Australian conditions will be an advantage."Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia. He still has the game and will be hungry. The conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India," Clarke said.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the batter averaging just 20.33 in 19 international matches this year. However, Clarke believes that Kohli can turn things around in Australia."If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series. He loves the fight and getting into the action. All of this will pump him up for sure," Clarke added.Kohli's struggles in Tests have been particularly noticeable since 2020. In 34 Tests since then, he has averaged just 31.68, with only two centuries.However, Kohli's record in Australia remains impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six centuries and four fifties.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a major test for Kohli, who is facing increasing pressure to deliver.

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.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to exploit Virat Kohli's recent form slump and target his front pad with straighter impact balls. Healy believes that this strategy could put Kohli's forward defense to the test, as he has only averaged 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.Healy also suggests that the bowlers should consider body smashes if the first matchup fails, as Kohli is known for using hook and pull strokes to counter the bowling. Healy recommends bowling at the back armpit and having a short leg position right next to him on the leg side.Kohli has historically dominated red-ball cricket in Australia, scoring six hundreds from 13 Test matches and averaging 54.08. However, Healy believes that the Australian pace trio has the potential to unsettle Kohli and put him under pressure.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22. Healy's advice to the Australian bowlers could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.