India's Historic Comeback in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s Historic Comeback in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian cricket team. Despite facing adversity at every turn, the team emerged victorious in a series that will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history.

The series began with a humiliating defeat in Adelaide, where India was bowled out for a paltry 36 runs. However, the team refused to be disheartened and fought back valiantly. In the second Test in Melbourne, India defied all odds to draw the match, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in Sydney.

The third Test in Sydney was a battle of attrition, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in the draw, batting for over four hours with an aching back alongside Hanuma Vihari.

As the series reached its climax in Brisbane, Australia captain Tim Paine resorted to sledging in an attempt to unsettle Ashwin. Paine’s tactics failed, as Ashwin remained unfazed and India went on to win the series 2-1.

Paine has since defended his sledging, claiming that he was simply trying to unsettle Ashwin, who had been “annoying” him by getting his wicket frequently. However, Ashwin has hit back, saying that Paine’s sledging was aimed at him personally and that he pulled out of the Brisbane Test due to a genuine back injury.

The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be remembered for its thrilling matches, intense rivalry, and the remarkable resilience of the Indian cricket team. It is a series that will inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Hayden Predicts Australian Victory in BGT, but Warns of Indian Challenge

Hayden Predicts Australian Victory in BGT, but Warns of Indian Challenge

Matthew Hayden Predicts Australian Victory in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but Cautions of Indian Threat

Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has predicted a home victory for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India. However, he emphasized that the visiting Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will pose a formidable challenge.

India has emerged victorious in their last two Test tours of Australia, and they will aim to defend the BGT title in a five-match series starting with the first Test in Perth on November 24.

Hayden believes that Australia’s home advantage has diminished due to the widespread use of drop-in pitches by Cricket Australia. Of the five venues hosting the BGT, three will feature drop-in pitches: Perth, Adelaide, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

“I feel like there’s less home advantage given the nature of the drop-in wickets than what had been previously there,” Hayden said. “There are three drop-in venues — Perth, Adelaide, and the MCG.”

Adelaide will host the day-night second Test from December 6, while the MCG will stage the fourth Test, beginning on Boxing Day (December 26). The fifth Test in Sydney will commence on January 3, 2025.

“So you’ve got your two home venues in Brisbane and Sydney; those just happen to be the third and fifth Test match, which is a very different combination to any series that’s been played there,” Hayden added. “I feel like at the moment there is probably not that much home advantage in the Australian summer anymore due to the wicket conditions.”

Before the start of the series, India will participate in a three-day warm-up match against India A, who will be touring Australia concurrently.

Warner's Retirement Offer a Joke, Says Paine

Warner’s Retirement Offer a Joke, Says Paine

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has revealed that David Warner’s offer to come out of retirement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was merely a joke. Warner had suggested his availability if Australia struggled to find an opening partner for Usman Khawaja, but Paine believes it was all in jest.

“He was not dead serious, that is Davey. How do I know? Because I spoke to him, that is how. Is that good enough for the people?” Paine told SEN.

Warner’s retirement from international cricket came after Australia’s disappointing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup in the Super Eight stage. In his illustrious career, he amassed 8,786 runs in 112 Tests, 6,932 runs in 161 ODIs, and 3,277 runs in 110 T20Is.

Warner’s absence has left a significant void in Australia’s batting lineup, particularly in the opening position. With Steve Smith moving down to number four and Cameron Green sidelined with a back injury, the team has been searching for a suitable partner for Khawaja.

However, Paine’s revelation suggests that Warner is not seriously considering a return. “He said, ‘I got them good, haha’. Of course, that’s Davey’s thing. People say, ‘You’re not serious’, I am dead serious, but he is not (about returning to cricket),” Paine added.

Warner’s retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket. He was a key member of the teams that won the 2015 and 2023 ICC Cricket World Cups, the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and the ICC World Test Championship 2023. His aggressive batting style and exceptional fielding made him one of the most feared and respected players in the world.

Paine Defends Sledging Ashwin, Questions Injury

Paine Defends Sledging Ashwin, Questions Injury

In the third Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Australia captain Tim Paine engaged in a verbal altercation with Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Paine’s sledging stemmed from his frustration with Ashwin’s consistent dismissals of him.

Despite India’s eventual 2-1 series victory, Paine’s comments have sparked controversy. In a recent podcast, Paine defended his actions, stating that he was not targeting the Indian team as a whole but rather Ashwin specifically.

“I wasn’t talking to the Indians, I was talking to him,” Paine said. “I said we cannot wait to get you to the Gabba…because he was annoying us, fair to say.”

Ashwin responded to Paine’s sledging in kind, saying: “Just like we wanna get you to India. That will be your last series.”

Paine acknowledged that his comments were directed solely at Ashwin, who ultimately withdrew from the fourth Test due to a back spasm. However, Paine questioned the severity of Ashwin’s injury, noting that he had been seen jogging laps on the first day of the Test.

“Did I had a great game in that match? No, but I fronted up,” Paine said. “Actually day one of the Test match he (Ashwin) was jogging laps. Those back spasms couldn’t have been that bad.”

Paine’s sledging has reignited the debate over the role of verbal aggression in cricket. While some argue that it can be a legitimate tactic to unsettle opponents, others believe it crosses the line of sportsmanship.

Regardless of one’s stance on sledging, it is clear that Paine’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to the already intense rivalry between Australia and India.

Kohli's Form Concerns Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Kohli’s Form Concerns Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat Kohli’s recent form has raised concerns among cricket experts, particularly ahead of India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite his impressive record against the Aussies, Kohli has struggled in recent matches, failing to score a century in his last 10 innings.

Former BCCI selection committee chief MSK Prasad expressed his concern, stating that India will miss the stability provided by Cheteshwar Pujara in Australia. Prasad highlighted the complementary roles played by Kohli and Pujara in the 2018 series, with Kohli providing aggression and Pujara anchoring the innings.

Kohli’s poor form is a cause for concern, especially considering India’s World Test Championship qualification chances. The team needs to perform well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to secure a place in the final.

Kohli’s return to form is crucial for India’s success in Australia. His ability to score runs consistently and inspire his teammates is essential for the team’s chances of victory.

In addition to Kohli’s form, the article also discusses the importance of Pujara’s role in the Indian batting lineup. Pujara’s ability to occupy the crease and grind out runs provides a solid foundation for the team.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for Kohli to regain his form and for India to find a way to replace Pujara’s contributions in Australia.

India's WTC Hopes in Jeopardy as Home Season Nears End

India’s WTC Hopes in Jeopardy as Home Season Nears End

India’s five-Test home season, once billed as a golden opportunity to secure a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has taken a dramatic turn. With just a week remaining in the home leg, India’s WTC final hopes are hanging by a thread after consecutive defeats to New Zealand.

The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, now faces a daunting task of salvaging the home season with a resounding victory at the Wankhede Stadium during the festive week. Failure to do so could result in a prolonged and challenging tour of Australia.

Rohit, who will be leading India for the first time in a Test series Down Under, is aware of the magnitude of the task ahead. He has emphasized the importance of providing support and guidance to the relatively inexperienced group of players, many of whom will be making their Test debuts in Australia.

“It is crucial that we provide the support and guidance that we ourselves craved when we were in their shoes,” Rohit said after India’s loss in the second Test against New Zealand. “That is what I intend to do with the many players who have not yet toured Australia or will be playing their first or second Test there.”

Rohit stressed the need to maintain a positive and supportive environment within the team, regardless of the recent setbacks. “We cannot afford to overreact to what has happened,” he said. “We need to have quiet chats with certain individuals and let them know where they stand and what the team expects from them.”

The Indian management is determined to avoid dwelling on the broken 12-year unbeaten streak at home. “I am not going to overreact to what has happened here,” Rohit said. “We need to have a quiet chat with certain individuals and let them know where they are and what, as a team, we require from them.”

As India prepares for the upcoming challenges, Rohit and the management will need to find a way to restore confidence and belief within the team. The Wankhede Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate crowd, could provide the perfect setting for a turnaround.

Josh Inglis in Contention for Test Debut as Specialist Batter

Josh Inglis in Contention for Test Debut as Specialist Batter

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is in contention to make his Test debut as a specialist batter in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, according to chief selector George Bailey.

Inglis has been in red-hot form in domestic cricket, scoring four centuries in his last seven Sheffield Shield matches. While he is Australia’s incumbent keeper in ODIs and T20Is, his impressive batting performances have put him in the mix for a Test call-up.

“There’s no doubt that the form is really fantastic at the moment… the ability to jump back into domestic cricket and dominate has been fantastic,” Bailey said. “I think in different series at different times of the year, he would firmly come into the mix purely as a batter the way he’s been going.”

However, with Australian Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey also in rich form, Inglis is unlikely to be considered for the wicketkeeping role. Instead, he is being eyed as a specialist middle-order batter.

“If the right opportunity opened up throughout the summer, in the spots where we think he’s most capable of performing, I think he’d be firmly in that conversation as well,” Bailey added.

Inglis’s emergence as a specialist batter comes at a time when Australia is looking to fill the vacant opening slot following David Warner’s retirement. However, Bailey ruled out Inglis for the opener’s role, saying that he is not being considered for that position in the short term.

“I’ve spoken to Josh on this. Not in the short term, I don’t think that he’s someone that we would be looking to place at the top of the order,” Bailey said.

Inglis is also a contender to lead Australia’s T20I side in the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan. However, all-format players, including regular T20 skipper Mitchell Marsh, are sitting out of the Pakistan series to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Delhi's Rana Celebrates India Call-Up with Five-Wicket Haul, Half-Century

Delhi’s Rana Celebrates India Call-Up with Five-Wicket Haul, Half-Century

Delhi’s Harshit Rana Shines with Bat and Ball, Earns Maiden India Call-Up

Delhi all-rounder Harshit Rana celebrated his maiden India call-up for the upcoming tour of Australia with an impressive performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Assam.

Rana, who was named in India’s 18-member squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcased his versatility with a five-wicket haul followed by a half-century for Delhi.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Delhi restricted Assam to 330, thanks in large part to Rana’s bowling brilliance. The 22-year-old spinner claimed 5 for 80 in 19.3 overs, including the crucial wicket of wicketkeeper-batsman Sumit Ghadigaonkar, who scored a valiant 162.

In reply, Delhi found themselves in a spot of bother at 182 for 6 on day three. However, Rana joined forces with Pranav Rajuvanshi to revive the innings. Rana played a pivotal role in Delhi’s recovery, scoring a fluent half-century off just 66 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

At the time of writing, Rana and Rajuvanshi had added 87 runs for the seventh wicket, taking Delhi to 269 for 6. Rana’s performance has further cemented his place in the Indian squad for the tour of Australia, where he will be eager to make his Test debut.

Rana’s selection is a testament to his consistent performances in domestic cricket. He has been a key member of the Delhi team for several seasons, contributing with both bat and ball. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.

Rana’s dream of playing Test cricket against England at Lord’s may have to wait, but he is thrilled to have been selected for the tour of Australia. He believes that his competitive spirit and aggressive style of play will suit the Australian conditions.

India's Test Failures Expose Batting Grammar Deficiency

India’s Test Failures Expose Batting Grammar Deficiency

India’s recent Test failures in Bengaluru and Pune have exposed a fundamental flaw in their batting approach: a lack of understanding of the grammar of Test match batting. The team’s reliance on white-ball cricket, where explosiveness is prioritized over technique and patience, has left them ill-prepared for the rigors of Test cricket.

The absence of key players from domestic first-class cricket has exacerbated this issue. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the team’s batting stalwarts, have not played a first-class game this season. While their reasons may be genuine, their lack of match practice has hindered their ability to hone their defensive techniques and increase their capacity to bat for extended periods.

This lack of match readiness was evident in India’s batting collapses in Bengaluru and Pune. The team’s inability to read the pitch conditions and adjust their batting strategies accordingly led to their downfall. Rohit Sharma’s incorrect assessment of the Bengaluru pitch and his decision to remove pacers from the game in Pune’s second innings highlighted the team’s tactical deficiencies.

The Indian skipper’s acknowledgment of the team’s batting shortcomings is a positive sign. However, it remains to be seen whether the team can address these issues in time for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. The troika of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul is expected to provide stability to the batting lineup, but their recent form and manner of dismissals raise concerns.

To their credit, Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir have not shied away from acknowledging the team’s shortcomings. They have emphasized the need for patience, technique, and the ability to handle pressure and bat out sessions consistently. This optimism is crucial for India’s chances of success in Australia and qualification for the World Test Championship.

Steve Smith Selects Rohit Sharma as Opener in World Test XI, Praises Aggressive Style

Steve Smith Selects Rohit Sharma as Opener in World Test XI, Praises Aggressive Style

Steve Smith Hails Rohit Sharma as Opener in His World Test XI, Praises Aggressive Style

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has heaped praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, selecting him as the opener in his World Test XI. Smith lauded Sharma’s aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers, making him a formidable force in the longest format of the game.

“He is so dangerous, takes the game on with the new ball,” Smith said in an interview with Fox Cricket. “He plays his shots but also has solid defense when the situation demands it. He puts the bowler under a lot of pressure.”

Smith’s comments come amidst India’s recent Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. However, Sharma is set to lead India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.

The 18-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) includes several fresh faces but also has key omissions due to injury concerns. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will miss the tour due to knee and groin issues, respectively.

Despite the setbacks, Smith believes Sharma has the leadership and batting skills to prove his faith and maintain India’s dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“He’s a world-class player, there’s no doubt about that,” Smith added. “He’s been in great form for a long time now, and I’m sure he’ll be looking to continue that in Australia.”

Sharma’s aggressive style and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a nightmare for bowlers. He has a wide range of shots and can score runs at a rapid pace, putting pressure on the opposition from the outset.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Sharma will be eager to lead India to victory and prove his status as one of the world’s best batsmen.

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