Cricket

KL Rahul Returns to Practice, Boosting India's Hopes Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyNEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team received a much-needed boost on Sunday as star batter KL Rahul returned to practice after recovering from an elbow injury. Rahul had sustained a blow to his elbow during a simulation match on Friday and had left the field, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.However, Rahul's return to practice on Sunday has eased those concerns. The 32-year-old batted for nearly an hour at the center wicket, facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He also had a net session with both old and new balls.Rahul's return is particularly crucial given the recent injury to Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb on Saturday and is set to miss the first Test match. In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahul is expected to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.Rahul's return to form is also a welcome sign for the Indian team, which has been struggling in recent months. The team lost a 3-0 home series to New Zealand, with Rahul scoring just 12 runs over two innings.The Indian Test team has been practicing match simulations against a side comprising India A squad members and fringe players at the WACA ground in Perth. The first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22.

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia draws near, the Indian team's three-day practice game against India A has provided valuable insights into their preparations.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released snippets from the practice game, which was closed to fans. The footage reveals that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were in impressive form, troubling the India A batters with their pace and accuracy. Harshit Rana, who is yet to make his India debut, also showcased his bowling prowess.On the batting front, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad were among those spotted in the video. India's fielding was also sharp, with some fine catches taken in the slips. Gaikwad reportedly impressed with his batting on Day 2 of the practice game.However, the most surprising moment came when opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen bowling leg-spin. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the opening Test in Perth, Jaiswal's part-time spin bowling could be an option for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.India enter the series on the back of a disappointing 0-3 home sweep against New Zealand. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin struggled to perform, leading to a humbling defeat. While Rohit is unlikely to play in the first Test against Australia, India will also miss Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb during the practice game. KL Rahul, who sustained an elbow injury in the same match, has resumed net practice ahead of the series opener.

Brisbane Heat's 18-year-old sensation Lucy Hamilton etched her name into WBBL history on Sunday, becoming the youngest player to claim a five-wicket haul. The Bundaberg native, who skipped schoolies' week to join her team, played a pivotal role in Heat's crucial six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars.Hamilton's remarkable performance began in the first over, where she dismissed both Annabel Sutherland and Yastika Bhatia. Her impressive spell continued as she trapped Meg Lanning lbw and had Tess Flintoff caught driving on the up. The left-armer completed her historic haul by trapping Deepti Sharma lbw, becoming the first Heat bowler to achieve the feat in the WBBL.Hamilton's figures of 5 for 8 are the equal-second best in the competition's 10-year history, trailing only Megan Schutt's 6 for 19. Her performance was all the more impressive considering she had not taken a wicket in her previous eight WBBL matches."All my mates are at schoolies at the moment, on the Goldy living it up," said Hamilton after the match. "Going out there today I was just trying to back myself. Getting my first wicket and getting 5-fa, all the girls were getting around me. It was really exciting. I've had to be patient, played a few games, and it finally came and was really thrilling."Heat's batters made light work of the chase, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Charlie Knott leading the way. Rodrigues smashed 45 from 31, including two big sixes, before being deceived by a Sutherland slower ball. Heat reached the target with 15 balls to spare, moving back up into third on the ladder.The win was Heat's third straight, while Stars' season is now almost over with just two wins from seven matches. Hamilton's performance was a major highlight for Heat, who will be hoping to continue their winning ways in the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand will clash in the second ODI of their three-match series on Sunday, November 17, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The hosts, Sri Lanka, hold a 1-0 lead after securing a 45-run victory in the series opener.In the first ODI, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 324-5 in 49.2 overs, thanks to Kusal Mendis' career-best 143 and Avishka Fernando's 100. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 221 off 27 overs due to rain, fell short at 175-9.New Zealand will be eager to level the series and will look to their experienced players, including captain Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Trent Boult, to lead the charge. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a series victory.The match will begin at 02:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 02:00 PM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website, as well as the FanCode app and website.Sri Lanka's victory in the first ODI was a significant boost for the team, which has struggled in recent months. Mendis and Fernando's centuries were crucial in setting up the win, while the bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, performed admirably.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance in the first match. They will need to improve their batting and bowling if they want to level the series.The second ODI promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. Sri Lanka will be confident after their victory in the first match, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

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.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence in Perth next week, and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes a strong start is crucial for India's chances of retaining the trophy.Despite a disappointing 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, Harbhajan remains optimistic about India's batting lineup. He attributes the poor performance against New Zealand to the contrasting home conditions, which will be vastly different from the bouncy pitches in Australia."I am not considering the cricket India played recently because conditions were different," Harbhajan said. "Australia will have good conditions. Pitches will be good."Harbhajan believes India has a 50-50 chance of retaining the trophy, with the batters expected to perform well on the Australian surfaces. He emphasizes the need for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara, who can grind down the opposition bowlers.However, Harbhajan warns that a loss in the series opener could create problems and increase pressure on India. "The first Test will be very important. If India start well in Perth, then the team will give a solid fight in the series. If India doesn't start well, then problems will escalate for India."Harbhajan also backs KL Rahul to shine in Australia, despite his struggles in the home season. "KL Rahul has been criticized so much. He is a class player."After the Perth Test, India will have a 10-day break before the day-night Test in Adelaide. The third Test will be held in Brisbane, followed by the Boxing-Day match in Melbourne. The New Year's Test will start from January 3 in Sydney.

With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has expressed unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver despite recent struggles. Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent form during the New Zealand tour, but Thakur believes Kohli's stellar record and experience in Australia will prove invaluable.Thakur acknowledges the immense pressure on Kohli, emphasizing the high expectations surrounding the star batter. "When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed," Thakur said. However, he highlights Kohli's impressive record, noting that he is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of centuries scored worldwide.Thakur also points to Kohli's outstanding performances in Australia, where he has accumulated over 600 runs in 13 Tests at an average exceeding 50. "Everyone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything - whether it's technique or the right approach - to succeed on the Australian tour," Thakur asserted.Reflecting on his own recovery journey, Thakur admits to initial hesitation after surgery. However, he has regained full fitness and is confident in his bowling abilities. "In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm," he said.Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule ahead. "My fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime," he said.Thakur's confidence in Kohli and his own determination to improve highlight the resilience and optimism within the Indian team as they prepare for the challenging series against Australia.

Virat Kohli Faces Pressure in Upcoming Test Series Against AustraliaFormer Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath believes that the upcoming Test series against Australia could put significant pressure on Indian batsman Virat Kohli. India and Australia will face off in a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22nd in Perth. India enters the series having won the last four encounters, but a recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand raises questions about their current form.Kohli, a linchpin of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade, has experienced a recent dip in form, averaging just 22.72 in six Test matches this year. With injuries potentially sidelining key batsmen Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Kohli's performance.McGrath suggests that Australia will be looking to exploit any vulnerability, stating, "So put the pressure on them and see if they're up for it." While Kohli boasts an impressive average of 54.08 in his previous four tours of Australia, McGrath believes the Indian batsman's emotional nature could be a factor in the upcoming series."I think he's probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he's quite an emotional player. When he's up, he's up, and when he's down, he sort of struggles a little bit," McGrath added.Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern for Indian fans, and McGrath's comments will only add to the pressure on the star batsman. India will need Kohli to be at his best if they are to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Virat Kohli Urges Fans to Embrace Positivity on Social MediaIn the era of social media, where fame and popularity come at a price, cricketers like Virat Kohli have faced unwarranted criticism and negativity online. However, in a recent video message, Kohli has appealed to fans to use social media for good and maintain a positive mindset."Use all your gadgets and use them positively," Kohli said. "You all have access to social media, use it for good things and keep a good positive mindset. Your gadgets give you access to gather information, but look at the world with a positive mindset. There should be no trolling, no negativity, no making fun of people, don't feed off negative things and if you keep a positive mindset, you will be rewarded accordingly."Kohli's message comes amidst his ongoing struggles with form. The former India captain has averaged a mere 22.72 in six matches in 2024, the lowest in his career. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.As India prepares for the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22, Kohli will be hoping to rediscover his batting prowess. He has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in 2012 and becoming the first batsman to score a Test hundred at the new Perth stadium in 2018.India needs to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances of achieving this goal.