Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has made a remarkable start to his Test career with three daddy hundreds in just 14 matches. His impressive double centuries against England at home and a 171 on debut in the West Indies have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the world.However, Jaiswal's biggest challenge lies ahead as India prepare to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The challenging conditions Down Under will test his grit, determination, and mental toughness to the limits.Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Jaiswal has the potential to thrive in Australia and emerge as an even better player after the tour. "I think he'll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already, he’s world-class,” Shastri said.Shastri praised Jaiswal's freedom of play and his ability to score freely. He believes that once the youngster settles into the Australian conditions, he will be a force to reckon with. "If he can see that phase through, he will love these pitches. He scores freely and has the temperament to thrive in tough conditions,” Shastri added.Jaiswal will be playing his first-ever match in Australia when the BGT commences in Perth on November 22. He is likely to open the batting alongside KL Rahul in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The Indian team has been preparing diligently for the series, with extended net sessions and simulation matches at the WACA stadium in Perth. They had their first training session at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday, the venue of the first Test.Jaiswal's performance in Australia will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. If he can overcome the challenges posed by the bouncy Australian tracks and the formidable Australian bowling attack, he will cement his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.

India's Opening Test Dilemma: Padikkal and Jurel Set to Replace Rohit and GillWith just three days remaining before India's highly anticipated Test series against Australia commences in Perth, the tourists have been dealt a blow with the absence of key players. Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series opener due to the birth of his son, while Shubman Gill has fractured his thumb during a simulation game.To fill the void left by Rohit and Gill, India have a pool of reserves to choose from, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. However, recent practice sessions have hinted at the team management's preference for Padikkal and Jurel.During a practice session on Tuesday, Padikkal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were observed fielding in the slip cordon, while Jurel, a wicket-keeper batter, was spotted in the gully. These fielding positions suggest that Padikkal and Jurel are likely to be included in the playing XI for the Perth Test.Jurel has impressed in the practice games he has played in Australia, scoring two half-centuries while batting in the middle order. However, with Rishabh Pant set to keep wickets, Jurel will need to play as a specialist batter in Perth.The names of Gaikwad and Easwaran were also considered as potential replacements for Rohit and Gill. However, the team management appears to have settled on Padikkal and Jurel for the opening Test.India's top six for the Perth Test is likely to be:1. Padikkal2. Kohli3. Rahul4. Jaiswal5. Jurel6. Pant (WK)This lineup will face a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. India will be hoping that Padikkal and Jurel can provide a solid start and set the platform for a successful series opener.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, both teams are grappling with batting concerns. India is worried about Virat Kohli's recent poor form, while Australia is facing a dilemma over Steve Smith's position in the batting order.Kohli, the former India captain, has struggled for runs in recent months, averaging just 26.50 in his last 10 Test innings. His poor form has raised questions about his place in the team, especially with the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav.Australia, on the other hand, is facing a different kind of batting dilemma. Steve Smith, one of the world's best batsmen, has been struggling to find his form as an opener. In his last 10 Test innings as an opener, Smith has averaged just 27.80.Smith's struggles have led to calls for him to move back to his preferred position at number four. However, Australia's selectors are reluctant to make a change, especially with David Warner retiring from Test cricket.The return of Cameron Green from injury has further complicated Australia's batting order. Green, who is a genuine all-rounder, has been in excellent form with the bat in recent months. He is likely to bat at number four, which would push Smith down to number five.Smith has admitted that he has struggled as an opener. He said, "Marnus (Labuschagne) and Uzzie (Khawaja), they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. So that was a big part of it."Despite his struggles, Smith remains a key player for Australia. He has a phenomenal record in Test cricket, averaging over 60. However, if his poor form continues, Australia may be forced to make a change in their batting order.India will be hoping to exploit Smith's weakness against spin bowling. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have dismissed Smith eight times each in Test cricket. Ashwin has said that he has "the wood" over Smith, and he will be looking to continue his dominance over the Australian batsman.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in the world. India and Australia are two of the best teams in the world, and the series is always fiercely contested. The outcome of the series could hinge on the performances of Kohli and Smith.

Prithvi Shaw, India's prodigious young opener, has been hailed as the "New King" by Australian media ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His coach, Jwala Singh, has taken the prediction a step further, declaring that Shaw has the potential to become the "next legend" of Indian cricket.Shaw, 22, is set to make his debut on Australian soil in the upcoming Test series. Despite the formidable challenge, Singh is confident in his student's abilities. "I think that in four or five years, yes, he can become the next legend of Indian cricket," Singh told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.Since his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies, Shaw has amassed 1407 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 56.28. His tally includes three centuries, two of which were converted into double hundreds, and eight half-centuries.Singh's unwavering belief in Shaw stems from his discovery of the young batsman a decade ago. At the time, Shaw was just 12 years old and struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai. "That small boy came out from the nets, and he just removed his helmet, and I asked him...'Where are you living? Where are you from?' He said, 'I am from Uttar Pradesh, I live in a tent...and I'm staying here alone for cricket," Singh recalled.Singh was moved by Shaw's determination and promised himself that he would help him fulfill his dreams. "Psychologically, he was very down. His fitness was not that great because he had a knee injury. So if I tell you frankly, it was my passion to make him my (first) India player," Singh said.Shaw's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and resilience. Despite facing challenges both on and off the field, he has remained focused on his goal of becoming a legendary cricketer. With his exceptional talent and the unwavering support of his coach, Shaw is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy and beyond.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand cricket captain, made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a two-month absence due to a groin injury. Playing for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield match against Auckland, Williamson scored a solid 60 runs, demonstrating his unwavering determination and skill.Auckland won the toss and elected to field, giving Northern Districts the opportunity to bat first. Williamson entered the crease after the fall of the first wicket and played a patient and composed innings. He faced 122 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries during his nearly three-hour stay at the crease.Williamson formed a crucial partnership with Robert O'Donnell, adding 52 runs for the fourth wicket. He also shared a 36-run stand with Brett Hampton before being dismissed lbw by Jordan Sussex.This match marked Williamson's first appearance in the Plunket Shield in five years, having last played in the competition in October 2019. Despite his extended absence, Williamson expressed his deep connection to Northern Districts, stating, "You always feel like an ND man, whether you are here or not."Williamson's return to competitive cricket is a significant boost for New Zealand ahead of their upcoming Test series against England. He missed the Test tour of India and the white-ball series in Sri Lanka due to his injury, but his inclusion in the squad for the England series is a testament to his importance to the team.The first Test against England will commence on November 28 in Christchurch, followed by matches in Wellington and Hamilton. This series will also mark the final Test appearances for Williamson's long-time teammate, Tim Southee, unless New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final next year.

Australia Stuns India to Clinch Record-Extending Sixth ODI World Cup TitleOn a fateful night in November 2023, the Australian cricket team defied all odds to defeat India in their own backyard and claim a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title. The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, adorned with a sea of blue and over 100,000 fervent Indian supporters, fell silent as Pat Cummins and his team shattered the dreams of a billion fans.India, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, faced a formidable challenge in the final. Batting first, they got off to a decent start but lost wickets at crucial intervals. Despite a valiant 66 from KL Rahul, India could only muster a modest total of 240.Australia's chase began disastrously, with three wickets falling within the first seven overs. However, opener Travis Head emerged as an unlikely hero, playing the innings of his life. His magnificent 137 off 120 deliveries, coupled with a solid 58 from Marnus Labuschagne, propelled Australia to a stunning six-wicket victory.The match showcased the incredible grit and determination of both teams, but it was Australia who held their nerve under immense pressure. Their victory not only extended their record as the most successful ODI World Cup team but also shattered the hearts of a nation that had pinned its hopes on a home triumph.

India's women's cricket team has undergone significant changes for its upcoming ODI series against Australia, with opener Shafali Verma being dropped due to poor form. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the recent home ODIs against New Zealand due to board exams, has returned to the squad.The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth includes several new faces. Batters Priya Punia and Harleen Deol, legspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu have all received call-ups.Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, remains unavailable. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is also absent. Other notable omissions include offspinner Shreyanka Patil, spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.Middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, legspinner Priya Mishra, and seamer Saima Thakor, who all made their debuts against New Zealand, have retained their spots to face Australia.The squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and includes experienced players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The team will be hoping to improve upon its recent performances, which have included a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.

Nathan McSweeney, a 25-year-old debutant, has been entrusted with the responsibility of opening the batting for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite not being a specialist opener, McSweeney's impressive technique and ability to bat for extended periods have earned him the nod.David Warner, Australia's vice-captain, expressed confidence in McSweeney's abilities, stating that he possesses the necessary technique and patience to succeed at the highest level. Warner also highlighted the importance of being patient with young players like McSweeney, who will be facing a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.McSweeney's selection as an opener is a result of the absence of a clear contender to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order since Warner's retirement earlier this year. Steve Smith, who initially filled the role, has been moved back to his usual No. 4 position, while Marnus Labuschagne will bat at No. 3.Warner believes that McSweeney's partnership with Khawaja will be crucial for Australia's success. He emphasized the need for patience and support for the young opener, who will be making his debut in a high-pressure series.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his talent and the faith that the Australian selectors have in his abilities. With his technique and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and establish himself as a reliable opener for Australia in the years to come.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has urged Virat Kohli to rediscover his aggressive form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Shastri believes that facing the Aussies on their home turf could reignite Kohli's fire and help him regain his lost touch.Kohli has struggled for consistency in recent years, scoring only two centuries in his last 60 innings. His performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand were particularly disappointing, with the 36-year-old managing just 192 runs in 10 innings.Shastri, who coached India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, believes that Kohli needs to bring back his aggression to succeed Down Under. "You mellow with age, don't you? But I think at the start of the Test series, you might just see (Kohli) firing again. He needs to be, I'd like to see him (like that) again," said Shastri.Shastri also highlighted the importance of Steve Smith for Australia. "In the face, that's Kohli," said Shastri. "Come Australia, he'll get his juices going. It's (about) how he starts off, and for Australia, it's with Steve Smith. These guys, don't write them off – because if they get cracking in the first two or three innings, they'll have a good series."India will defend the BGT in a five-Test series, beginning with the tour opener in Perth on November 22. The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting world-class players.