Cricket

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.

Ajit Agarkar's Adelaide Heroics: A Pivotal Moment in Indian Cricket HistoryIn the annals of Indian cricket, Ajit Agarkar's performance in Adelaide in 2003 stands as a testament to his skill and the indomitable spirit of the Indian team. During the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played from December 12-16, 2003, Agarkar delivered a spell that would forever be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.Facing a formidable Australian batting lineup that included the likes of Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Adam Gilchrist, Agarkar rose to the occasion. In Australia's second innings, he unleashed a devastating spell, claiming six wickets for just 41 runs. His victims included key batsmen Langer, Ponting, Simon Katich, and Gilchrist.Agarkar's spell played a pivotal role in bowling out Australia for a mere 196 runs, setting up a manageable target of 230 for India. This was a remarkable feat considering Australia's mammoth first-innings score of 556, with Ponting scoring a double century.India responded with a strong batting performance, scoring 523 thanks to centuries from Rahul Dravid (233) and VVS Laxman (148). Dravid's composed unbeaten 72 guided India to a four-wicket victory.This victory was significant for several reasons. It was one of India's rare Test victories on Australian soil, a testament to their growing competitiveness overseas. It also underlined the team's determination and teamwork, which would become a hallmark of the memorable 2003-04 series in Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw.Agarkar's spell in Adelaide 2003 is celebrated as a pivotal moment in one of India's most famous overseas Test victories. Known more for his contributions as an all-rounder, this was one of Agarkar's finest performances with the ball in Test cricket. It silenced critics who questioned his ability to deliver as a strike bowler and showcased his potential to perform under pressure.Winning a Test in Australia was a rare feat for India at the time, and Agarkar's performance played a decisive role in achieving this victory. The victory in Adelaide remains one of India's most cherished overseas Test wins, and Agarkar's spell is remembered as one of the cornerstones of this success.This performance cemented Agarkar's place in Indian cricket history as a hero of that iconic Test. It also highlighted the importance of team contributions beyond just the usual stars, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Indian team.

Alice Capsey has been called up to England Women's T20I squad for their tour of South Africa, replacing an injured player. Capsey was initially omitted from the touring party due to a recent batting slump, but her impressive performances in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have earned her a belated recall.Capsey's inclusion in the squad is a testament to her all-round abilities. Despite her struggles with the bat in recent months, she has been a standout performer with the ball in the WBBL, taking 13 wickets in eight innings. Her economy rate of 7.21 and best figures of 5 for 25 against the Perth Scorchers highlight her effectiveness as a bowler.England's decision to recall Capsey is also a reflection of the team's injury concerns. While the team has not disclosed the nature of the injuries, they have confirmed that several players are experiencing "minor niggles." Capsey's versatility as a batter and bowler makes her a valuable addition to the squad, providing cover for any potential absences.Capsey's recall is a boost for England, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The team failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, and Capsey's struggles with the bat were a contributing factor. However, her recent form in the WBBL suggests that she has regained her confidence and is ready to make a significant contribution to the team.England will face South Africa in three T20Is, three ODIs, and a Test match during their tour. The T20I series begins on November 24 in East London, and Capsey will be hoping to make an immediate impact on her return to the international stage.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unwavering Resilience: A Tale of Courage and DeterminationFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared an inspiring anecdote about the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination.During the 2003 World Cup, India, led by Ganguly, reached the final against Australia. Tendulkar, known as the "Master Blaster," emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer with an impressive 673 runs.In a recent event, Ganguly was asked to name a living person he most admires. Without hesitation, he named Tendulkar. Ganguly then recounted an incident that showcased Tendulkar's remarkable toughness."I have seen him close and I have seen him get hit in the rib cage by Shoaib Akhtar," Ganguly revealed. "He did not make any noise, got runs, and the next morning, he had a double fracture."Ganguly's account left fans awestruck. Tendulkar's ability to endure pain and continue playing despite a serious injury is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game."I heard a sound and I went on to ask him, 'Are you okay?' He said, 'Yeah, fine.' Next morning, he had two fractures but he scored runs for India," Ganguly added.Tendulkar's resilience extended beyond physical injuries. In 2003, he was wrongly given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) by umpire Steve Bucknor in a crucial match against Australia. Despite the setback, Tendulkar remained focused and continued to perform at the highest level.Tendulkar's unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity have made him an inspiration to countless cricket fans around the world. His legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is not only due to his exceptional batting skills but also his indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.

Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will temporarily leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL auction in Saudi Arabia as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Test match begins on November 22, while the IPL auction will take place in Jeddah on November 24-25.Vettori's departure has raised concerns as he is one of the few coaches in world cricket who holds a permanent assistant role with an international team while also being the full-time head coach of an IPL franchise and a Hundred side. He has been Australia's bowling coach for all three formats since 2022, working under Andrew McDonald.Cricket Australia has expressed support for Vettori's role with Sunrisers Hyderabad, allowing him to complete final preparations for the first Test before attending the auction. He will then rejoin the team for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The prioritization of the IPL auction over a Test match highlights the growing influence of franchise cricket. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are employed as commentators with Channel Seven, will also miss part of the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori has previously missed certain series due to his franchise commitments, but this will be the first time he leaves midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction. CA is advertising for a new full-time national pace bowling coach to fill in for Vettori on future tours.On Monday, Vettori worked closely with Australia's bowling unit at their first day of training at the WACA ground. He also threw left-arm orthodox deliveries to the batters in preparation for facing Ravindra Jadeja in the Perth Test.Australia had two consultants working with their main coaching team on Monday: former Australia batter Michael Hussey and former Glamorgan allrounder Jim Allenby. Both men will be with the team all week in the lead-up to the Test match.Fielding coach Andre Borovec and stand-in T20 captain Josh Inglis will join the Test squad in Perth after the conclusion of the T20I series against Pakistan in Hobart. National development coach Lachlan Stevens will also provide additional support for the team when Vettori departs.

Doug Bracewell, the seasoned New Zealand seamer, has faced a one-month suspension from the country's Sports Tribunal for violating anti-doping regulations. The suspension stems from the detection of cocaine and its metabolite in his system during an in-competition test conducted on January 13, 2023.Initially, Bracewell maintained that his cocaine use occurred out-of-competition, unrelated to his sporting performance. However, the Sport Integrity Commission contested this claim, arguing that the substance must have been consumed during the competition.Following the submission of expert evidence from both parties, the Commission reconsidered its position and accepted Bracewell's account. As a result, a three-month ineligibility period was agreed upon, which was subsequently reduced to one month due to Bracewell's successful completion of a Substance of Abuse treatment program.The tribunal imposed the one-month ineligibility period, effective from April 11, 2023, the date of Bracewell's provisional suspension. The 34-year-old has represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is since his international debut in 2011.Bracewell, a long-time Central Districts player, recently opted out of his contract with the club to pursue a freelance career. He is expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi T20 league as part of the New York Strikers and the SA20 as a member of the Joburg Super Kings.

India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia includes three uncapped players, including seam-up all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy's rapid rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the cusp of a Test debut has raised eyebrows, but former India pacer Dodda Ganesh believes his fast-tracking "serves no purpose."Reddy, who was part of India's 'A' team in Australia before the Test squad's arrival, was selected for the BGT along with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Harshit Rana. Reddy's IPL exploits for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 earned him a call-up to India's T20 squad against Bangladesh. His impressive performance in the second match, with a 74-run knock and two wickets, further enhanced his reputation.In four innings of two unofficial Tests against Australia 'A' earlier this month, Reddy's highest score was 38, and he took only one wicket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has tipped Reddy to make his Test debut in Perth, citing his batting ability and seam-up bowling as potential assets to the team's balance.However, Ganesh believes that such a move would be premature. "This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose. He is still undercooked to be playing the longer format," Ganesh wrote on social media. He suggests that the Indian think-tank should opt for a specialist in the playing eleven, either a bowler or a batter.Shastri, on the other hand, believes that Reddy's versatility could be valuable in Perth's pacer-friendly conditions. He suggests that Reddy could play a similar role to Shardul Thakur as a fourth seamer who can also contribute with the bat.The Indian team management faces a dilemma in selecting the playing eleven for the opening Test. Reddy's inclusion would provide balance, but his lack of experience in the longer format raises concerns. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's assessment of the conditions and the opposition's strengths.

Queensland's Sheffield Shield woes continued as they were forced to settle for a draw against Tasmania at Allan Border Field. Despite a valiant effort from Ben McDermott and Jimmy Peirson, the hosts were unable to overcome Tasmania's dominant performance.Tasmania, led by Jake Weatherald's superb 186, posted a mammoth 461 in their first innings. Queensland's response was hampered by the weather, with most of day two lost to rain. Resuming on 274 for 7, they were quickly bundled out for 291, falling 20 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.Mitchell Owen and Riley Meredith picked up early wickets in Queensland's second innings, leaving them teetering at 126 for 5. However, McDermott and Peirson combined for an unbroken 99-run stand to salvage a draw.Queensland captain Mitchell Swepson acknowledged Tasmania's dominance, stating, "We play Shield cricket to win and unfortunately we haven't been able to get into positions to win." He added, "Tassie were driving the game from the first day when we weren't quite on with the ball."Queensland's winless streak in Brisbane now stands at six games, comprising four losses and two draws. They will face top-of-the-table Victoria in a day-night clash at the Gabba on Sunday, a match they must win to revive their season.Tasmania, meanwhile, will travel to Sydney to face New South Wales, also seeking their first victory of the summer.

Kane Williamson has hailed the "incredible" career of his close friend Tim Southee after the pace bowler announced his retirement from Tests following the England series.Williamson and Southee's careers have been intertwined since their junior and Under-19 days, through domestic cricket, and into all formats for New Zealand. The pair played their 100th Tests together against Australia earlier this year, with Williamson making his debut two-and-a-half years after Southee.Williamson, New Zealand's leading run-scorer in Test history, praised Southee's longevity and achievements. "To do it as long as Tim has is incredible as a fast bowler," Williamson said. "There's not many in the history of the game who have been able to achieve what he has."Southee's retirement marks the latest departure from an era of successful New Zealand players, including Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, and Neil Wagner. Trent Boult has also stepped away from Tests and T20Is.Williamson acknowledged the changing landscape of the team but emphasized the excitement for the future. "It's life, isn't it," he said. "You do realize you are closer towards the end than the start."Williamson, who will return from a groin injury against England, also discussed his own career and the challenges of managing his body in the latter stages. "It's not major, which is good," he said. "But I've certainly had a few reminders that I'm not invincible."Despite missing the historic 3-0 victory in India, Williamson praised the team's performance. "To go over and play the way they did, so special, one of our all-time cricketing memories," he said.