Cricket

Fox Cricket Poster Controversy: Rohit Sharma Snubbed, Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis Earn Test CallsAustralian media channel Fox Cricket has sparked a social media storm with its poster for the upcoming Test series between India and Australia. The poster, featuring Pat Cummins and Virat Kohli, has drawn criticism for omitting Indian captain Rohit Sharma.Social media users were quick to point out the absence of Sharma, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time. Many accused Fox Cricket of disrespecting the Indian skipper and questioned the decision to feature Kohli instead.The controversy has overshadowed the announcement of Australia's Test squad for the series opener in Perth on November 22. Uncapped Nathan McSweeney has been handed a surprise call-up to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, while Josh Inglis has been named as backup wicketkeeper to Alex Carrey.McSweeney, 25, has impressed with his consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield and his leadership qualities as captain of South Australia. Inglis, who moved to Perth from England at the age of 14, has also been rewarded for his strong domestic form.The pace unit will be led by skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, with Scott Boland as the reserve quick. Nathan Lyon remains the lone specialist spin option.The Test series between India and Australia is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. The two teams have a long and storied rivalry, and the upcoming series promises to be another thrilling contest.However, the controversy surrounding Fox Cricket's poster has cast a shadow over the build-up to the series. The channel has been accused of bias and disrespect, and it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved.

Pakistan's Haris Rauf Mimics Hardik Pandya's Celebration in ODI Triumph Over AustraliaPakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf showcased a confident celebration reminiscent of India's Hardik Pandya during the third ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. After claiming the wicket of Matthew Short, Rauf performed a "shoulder shrug" gesture, similar to Pandya's celebration after dismissing Shadab Khan in the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.Rauf's celebration came after he delivered a short-pitched delivery outside off stump, which Short attempted to pull. However, Irfan Khan at deep square leg completed the catch successfully. Pakistan went on to secure an eight-wicket victory, their first ODI series triumph in Australia in 22 years.Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) led Pakistan's chase of 140, while Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rauf starred with the ball. Despite losing the opening match in Melbourne, Pakistan bounced back with a convincing nine-wicket win in Adelaide.Rauf's celebration drew attention to the growing influence of Indian cricket on the global stage. Pandya's "shoulder shrug" gesture has become iconic, and Rauf's imitation highlights the respect and admiration that Pakistani players have for their Indian counterparts.The victory in Perth was a significant achievement for Pakistan, who have struggled in recent years to maintain consistency in ODI cricket. The team's ability to adapt to Australian conditions and overcome the loss of key players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman is a testament to their resilience and determination.As Pakistan looks ahead to the upcoming World Cup in India, the team will be hoping to build on their success in Australia. With a talented squad and a growing belief in their abilities, Pakistan will be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey has raised concerns over the decision to field Nathan McSweeney as an opener in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. McSweeney, a South Australian batter, was selected based on his impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield and recent knocks against India A. However, Hussey believes that the management should have opted for a specialist opener, given the challenges of facing India's potent seam attack in the high-stakes series.Speaking on Fox Cricket during Australia's third ODI against Pakistan, Hussey said, "I think it's a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn't opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash."Hussey emphasized that while some past Australian players like Simon Katich and Shane Watson successfully transitioned from the middle-order to opening, they did so after playing numerous Test matches. "It's not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from the middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move. It's a tough ask and, personally, I would (prefer a specialist opener), but I think the Australian selectors' philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we'll figure the order out after that," Hussey added.Australia's chief selector George Bailey defended McSweeney's inclusion, insisting that the batter has significant experience facing the new ball, even though he primarily bats at number three for South Australia. "I don't think it's a huge adjustment to go from three to opening. I think in the 15 or so games that he's been batting at three for South Australia, I think he's been in before the 10th over about 20 times. He's had plenty of experience. I think his game and the way he plays, I don't think the adjustment will be too much," Bailey explained.The Border-Gavaskar series, which will begin on November 22 in Perth, is highly anticipated, with Australia looking to regain the trophy from India. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting strong lineups.

Pakistan's historic ODI series victory against Australia in Perth marked a significant milestone for the team. The 2-1 series triumph was Pakistan's first ODI series win on Australian soil since 2002.Australia, prioritizing their upcoming Test series against India, fielded a less experienced lineup. Pakistan, opting to field first, capitalized on this opportunity. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the pace attack, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain also contributed with crucial wickets, bowling Australia out for a mere 140 runs.Pakistan's chase was clinical and controlled. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique laid the foundation with an 84-run partnership. Despite Lance Morris's brief resistance, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam guided Pakistan to a comfortable victory, reaching the target with eight wickets in hand.This dominant performance serves as a confidence booster for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming T20 series against Australia. The team's impressive pace attack and solid batting lineup have set the stage for an exciting series.

Catches Win Matches: Motie's Spectacular Catch Stuns Buttler in T20I OpenerIn the thrilling first T20I between West Indies and England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, a breathtaking catch by Gudakesh Motie turned the tide of the match. England captain Jos Buttler, returning from a four-month injury layoff, was the unfortunate victim of Motie's brilliance.After winning the toss and electing to bat first, West Indies posted a competitive 182/9, thanks to Saqib Mahmood's 4/34 and Adil Rashid's 3/32. England's chase got off to a solid start, with Buttler looking in good touch.However, in the seventh over, Motie produced a moment of magic. Facing a short, slower delivery from Romario Shepherd, Buttler cut the ball towards third-man. Motie, positioned slightly wide, reacted with lightning speed, sprinting to his left and extending his left hand.In a gravity-defying moment, Motie snatched the ball out of thin air, inches from the boundary ropes. The official broadcaster captured the stunning catch on video, showcasing Motie's athleticism and quick reflexes.Buttler's dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match. Despite Philip Salt's unbeaten 103 and Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 58, England were unable to maintain the momentum. The Windies bowlers kept the pressure on, and England eventually fell short by 8 wickets.Motie's catch not only showcased his exceptional fielding skills but also highlighted the importance of fielding in modern cricket. With fitness levels at an all-time high, fielders are now capable of making spectacular saves and catches that can change the course of a match.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has vehemently dismissed rumors suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir could be ousted if the team fails to perform in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. These rumors emerged after India's humiliating whitewash at home by New Zealand, marking their first Test series loss on home soil in nearly 12 years.A report in Dainik Jagran had claimed that Gambhir could be removed from his role in Test cricket if India fails to impress in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22. The report also speculated that former India batter and current National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman could be asked to take over.However, Chopra has strongly refuted this narrative, labeling it as "malicious intent." He emphasized that it is premature to consider such drastic measures after Gambhir's recent appointment as head coach."I feel it is an absolute rumor. This news seems absolutely baseless that if Team India doesn't perform well in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, then change the coach. Have different coaches for different formats. I'd say it's a little too soon. I see this rumor being floated around with malicious intent. Gambhir has just been made the head coach. It does not happen like this that if players are not performing, fire the coach. This is not the way. I do not agree with this thinking at all. I am discarding this kind of report," Chopra stated in a video on his YouTube channel.Nevertheless, Chopra acknowledged that Gambhir should be held accountable for the team's recent performance, given that the BCCI had granted all his requests, including the appointment of his own coaching staff."Whatever Gautam asked for, the BCCI gave him. Publicly, Gautam had said in the past that Team India should have Indian coaches but when he asked for Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, the board agreed. When Gautam asked for senior players in Sri Lanka, the board said yes to it. Liberty was given in making pitches as well. When so much happens, then accountability is obvious," he added.India's tour of Australia will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22. The team will be eager to redeem themselves after their disappointing home series against New Zealand.

Saurashtra's Ranji Trophy campaign has hit a roadblock, with the team drawing and losing two games each in their first four outings. Despite the disappointing start, captain Jaydev Unadkat remains optimistic, attributing the setbacks to a necessary period of transition.Unadkat, who has led Saurashtra to three Ranji Trophy finals and two titles in the past five seasons, acknowledges the need for a changing of the guard. Senior players like Sheldon Jackson, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Arpit Vasavada are nearing the end of their careers, and Unadkat is keen on grooming young talent.This season, Saurashtra has already handed debuts to three players: pace bowlers Navneet Vora and Hiten Kanbi, and batter Parswaraj Rana. While Vora and Kanbi have shown promise, Rana has struggled to make an impact.Unadkat believes that providing opportunities to youngsters is crucial for the team's long-term success. "We want young players to come forward, and we want them to be given maximum opportunities," he said. "I want young players to settle in our team during my captaincy."Despite the team's struggles, Unadkat remains focused on guiding Saurashtra to victory in every match. "When I wake up in the morning, the first thought that comes to my mind is how our team will win, and how it will become better," he said.Unadkat is also preparing for the upcoming IPL auction, where he is among the 1574 players who have registered. While he hopes to return to Sunrisers Hyderabad, he is open to joining any team that values his bowling skills."I am definitely very excited about the auction," he said. "Mega auction is a big opportunity, but whatever the results of the auction, I am fully prepared to accept it... If I get my bowling role and I get to play, I will be satisfied."

Sydney Thunder emerged victorious in the first derby clash of the season, defeating Sydney Sixers by 18 runs at the SCG. The triumph was orchestrated by the impressive performances of Heather Knight and Samantha Bates.Knight, continuing her stellar form, anchored the Thunder's innings with a fluent 50 off 31 deliveries. Her knock, coupled with Chamari Athapaththu's solid foundation, propelled Thunder to a competitive total of 158 for 6.The Thunder's bowling attack proved equally formidable, restricting the Sixers to 140. Bates, in particular, was exceptional, claiming 3-22 and moving to the top of the season's wicket-taking charts. Shabnim Ismail, despite not taking any wickets, played a crucial role with her economical bowling and superb fielding, securing four catches.The Sixers' chase was hampered by a shaky start, with the team losing five wickets for 63 runs in the first 10 overs. Ash Gardner provided a glimmer of hope with a timely return to form, scoring 49. However, her dismissal by Bates with 28 runs required off 14 balls effectively ended the Sixers' hopes.The victory consolidates Thunder's position at the top of the table, while the Sixers remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. With five games remaining, the race for the home grand final intensifies.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia has emerged as a formidable rivalry in the cricketing world, rivaling the legendary Ashes series between Australia and England. While the Ashes boasts a rich history dating back to 1882, the BGT, established in 1996, has quickly gained prominence as one of the most fiercely contested and closely followed encounters in the sport.Historical Perspective: BGT vs Ashes (Since 1996)Since the inception of the BGT, India has emerged as a dominant force, winning 10 of the 16 series played. Australia has secured five victories, while one series ended in a draw. Notably, India has achieved two historic away series wins in Australia (2018-19, 2020-21) and is aiming for a third consecutive triumph on foreign soil.In contrast, the Ashes has been dominated by Australia, who have won eight of the 15 series played since 1996. England has secured five victories, and two series have ended in draws. Australia's traditional dominance in the Ashes remains evident.Match Statistics: BGT vs AshesThe Ashes has a significant advantage in terms of matches played due to its long history. However, the BGT has witnessed a remarkable 56 Tests since 1996, with India winning 24 matches and Australia claiming 20 victories. India's recent dominance reflects their evolution as a formidable force in Test cricket.Recent Trends: The Last Five SeriesIn the last decade, India has established a clear dominance in the BGT, winning four consecutive series (2016-17, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2022-23). Australia's last series win came in 2014-15 on home soil.The Ashes have been more evenly contested in recent years. Australia has won two of the last five series (2017-18, 2021-22), while two ended in draws (2019, 2023). Australia has retained the urn due to their dominance in home conditions.Dominance in Away SeriesAway victories are a testament to a team's strength and resilience. India's two away series wins in Australia (2018-19, 2020-21) are significant achievements. Australia, on the other hand, has won only one away series in India, in 2004-05.In the Ashes, Australia has not won a series in England since 2001. England has also struggled in Australia, with their last win there coming in 2010-11. Australia's hold over the Ashes urn has been strengthened by their dominance in home conditions.BGT's Rising StatureWhile the Ashes remains iconic due to its deep-rooted history, the BGT has risen to prominence as one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in world cricket. India's dominance in the BGT, especially with back-to-back series wins in Australia, has led some to argue that the BGT now rivals or even surpasses the Ashes in terms of competitiveness and importance.For Australia, the upcoming BGT series presents a chance to reclaim the trophy at home, while for India, the series is a crucial step towards securing a spot in the World Test Championship final.