David Warner Offers to Return to Test Cricket for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

David Warner Offers to Return to Test Cricket for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian opener David Warner has expressed his willingness to return to Test cricket, offering to fill the crucial opening slot for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Warner, who stepped away from the longest format earlier this year, has stated that he is ready to make a comeback and provide experience at the top of the order.

Australia’s opening position has been under scrutiny, with the team struggling to find a consistent pair. Warner’s return could be a timely solution ahead of the high-stakes series against India. Known for his aggressive style and extensive experience in Aussie conditions, Warner’s inclusion could bolster the home team’s chances in the challenging five Test matches.

Warner has emphasized the sincerity of his proposal, rejecting any notion that his statements were intended as a joke or made in a lighthearted manner. “I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone,” Warner told Code Sports. “I’m always dead serious. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play.”

Warner, considered one of Australia’s finest opening batsmen, stepped away from the game earlier this year. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 8,786 runs and 26 centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 335.

As the Australian team faces challenges such as Cameron Green’s injury and Steve Smith’s return to his usual position at No. 4 after a short stint as an opener, the 37-year-old cricketer suggests that the team may need to re-evaluate their choices for the opening slots.

“I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. But my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that,” Warner said, adding that he had cheekily messaged both Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey about the situation.

“I’ve spoken to Torch (McDonald) and his answer back to me was, ‘you retired,'” Warner laughed. “I don’t think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying, ‘can you come back?'”

Warner’s potential return to the Test team would add depth to Australia’s lineup and provide a much-needed boost of experience. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly could be a valuable asset in the upcoming series against India.

Cummins Targets Pant as India's 'X-Factor' in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Cummins Targets Pant as India’s ‘X-Factor’ in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has identified Rishabh Pant as India’s “X-factor” in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Cummins acknowledged Pant’s exceptional performance in Australia during the previous series, highlighting his unpredictable nature and ability to entertain with his on-field antics.

Cummins expressed his determination to rectify Australia’s recent setbacks against India, having lost four consecutive Test series. He emphasized the team’s high expectations when playing at home and their desire to make amends for the disappointing results in the past.

The Australian captain also praised the young Indian talents Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, acknowledging their impressive performances in various formats. However, he admitted that the team had not yet devised specific plans to counter them.

Cummins lamented the absence of Cameron Green, a key all-rounder who will miss the series due to a lower back stress fracture. He described Green as a significant loss, not only for his batting but also for his exceptional fielding and bowling abilities.

Prior to the Test series, Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the first five-match Test series between Australia and India since 1992.

Cummins Vows to Reclaim Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India

Cummins Vows to Reclaim Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is determined to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India in the upcoming five-match Test series, which begins on November 22 in Perth. Cummins acknowledges that Australia has struggled against India in recent Test series, but he is confident that his team can turn things around on home soil.

“We haven’t had a lot of luck against India over the last few Test series, but we always pride ourselves on playing well here in Australia,” Cummins said. “We have really high expectations when we play Test cricket in Australia, so anytime we don’t win down here, of course, you look at those series a bit more closely.”

The last Test series between Australia and India in Australia was a particularly tough one for the hosts, with India winning 2-1. Rishabh Pant’s heroics in the final Test at the Gabba sealed a historic three-wicket win for India.

“The last series, in particular, was a really tough one,” Cummins said. “It went right down to that last session at the Gabba, and unfortunately, we couldn’t pull it off. A lot of the guys in the team are the same as those who played in that series, and we’re here to make amends.”

Cummins identified Pant as India’s “X-factor,” but stressed that his team is focused on rectifying the setbacks from four consecutive series defeats to India.

“Rishabh had a great series here in Australia last time,” Cummins said. “He’s always a bit of that X-factor in the middle order. You never quite know what you’re going to get, which is exciting, even as the opposition.”

Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball series before the much-anticipated Test series against India. It will be the first Test series between India and Australia comprising five matches since 1992.

Mohammed Shami Pain-Free, Set to Return for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami Pain-Free, Set to Return for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is back in action after undergoing heel surgery earlier this year. The 34-year-old has been pain-free since the procedure and is eager to regain his sharpness ahead of the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia.

Shami has not played for the national team since the 2019 World Cup final against Australia. He had almost returned to full fitness before being ruled out of the ongoing three-test series against New Zealand due to a separate knee injury.

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy approaching, India is keen to have Shami back in their ranks. The pace bowler has been bowling during practice and is confident of being ready for the five-test series in Australia next month.

“I’m 100% pain-free,” Shami said. “It felt great yesterday because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can’t put too much stress on my body.”

Shami is aware of the importance of the upcoming series and is determined to be at his best. “I know what kind of an attack we want for that test series (against Australia), so it’s better I spend some more time on the ground before going,” he said.

The fast bowler is also considering playing a couple of domestic matches to improve his sharpness. “If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it’s better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia,” he added.

India’s tour of Australia begins in Perth on November 22. Shami’s return to the team will be a major boost for India’s chances of success in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Mohammed Shami Confirms Knee Recovery, Targets Australia Series

Mohammed Shami Confirms Knee Recovery, Targets Australia Series

India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand serves as a crucial preparation for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. The five-match Test series in Australia, commencing on November 22, will pose significant challenges for the Indian team. However, Rohit Sharma and his squad remain confident, buoyed by India’s previous victories in the BGT.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited series, fans eagerly anticipate the return of star pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami’s last international appearance was in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Since then, he has undergone knee surgery and has been recovering.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that Shami had suffered a knee swelling during a practice session, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the Tests against Australia. However, in a recent interview with NDTV, Shami confirmed that his knee is now fully recovered and he is eager to return to domestic cricket.

“I have repeatedly stated that I have not sustained any new injuries. There may be occasional setbacks, but it’s unfair to blame anyone. Out of 365 days, one day can go wrong,” Shami told NDTV.

“It’s crucial to have faith in the team and our abilities. I hope to play at least one domestic match and be fully fit for the Australia series. That’s my goal,” he added.

In a separate interview with ANI, Shami reflected on India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final.

“We should have won the final. We shouldn’t blame anyone or question anything. From a batting perspective, it’s not that we didn’t try to score runs,” Shami told ANI.

“Our target was not limited. As bowlers, we gave our all. They had some luck on their side. We were almost unbeaten. We were determined to win. The entire nation supported us, but we fell short in the final. It wasn’t our day,” he added.

Mohammad Shami Hails Mayank Yadav as Future of Indian Bowling

Mohammad Shami Hails Mayank Yadav as Future of Indian Bowling

Indian pace spearhead Mohammad Shami has hailed young pace sensation Mayank Yadav as the future of Indian bowling, highlighting the depth and talent within the team’s pace attack.

Shami, who has recently declared himself fully fit and ready to bowl, believes that youngsters like Yadav and Harshit Rana possess the potential to carry forward the legacy of Indian pace bowling. The 34-year-old, who played the 2023 ODI World Cup with an injury, was instrumental in India’s runner-up finish, taking 24 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.70.

“The best thing that has happened for Indian cricket is that our pace bowling strength has really gone up,” Shami said at an event organized by Eugenix Hair Sciences in Gurugram. “Earlier, we used to have only a few bowlers who used to bowl 140-145 km/h, but now even those bowlers who are on the bench are bowling above 145. One of the names that have really impressed me in pace bowling is Mayank Yadav. He is really impressive, he is someone who will carry the baton of Indian pace bowling in the future.”

Shami’s praise for Yadav is a testament to the young pacer’s impressive performances in recent times. Yadav, who made his international debut in 2022, has quickly established himself as a reliable option for the Indian team, showcasing his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate good pace.

Shami’s return to full fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, especially with the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on the horizon. The veteran pacer has been working diligently on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after undergoing surgery in February in London.

“I have worked as a unit since 2014,” Shami said. “India never had three bowlers at a time who could bowl over 140kph. Now we have some on the bench who can bowl 145kph. This generation knows how to fight back, and we’ve shown that overseas.”

Shami’s return to action will provide the Indian team with a much-needed boost, as they look to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from Australia. The pacer’s experience and skill will be invaluable in the challenging conditions of Australia, where the ball often swings and seams.

Pujara's Timely Ton Sends Message to India Selectors Ahead of Australia Tour

Pujara’s Timely Ton Sends Message to India Selectors Ahead of Australia Tour

Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batter, has sent a resounding message to the national selectors with a masterful century for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. The 36-year-old’s timely ton serves as a reminder of his enduring class and unwavering determination ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Pujara’s 66th First Class century, a testament to his prolific run-scoring prowess, saw him surpass West Indies legend Brian Lara for the most hundreds in the format. It was also his 25th in Ranji cricket, placing him second among active players.

The veteran batter’s century came after Chhattisgarh amassed a formidable 578 for 7 (declared) in their first innings. Undeterred, Pujara anchored Saurashtra’s response with a composed and elegant knock. His 198-ball innings was adorned with 11 boundaries, showcasing his impeccable timing and shot selection.

This century marks Pujara’s first in the ongoing Ranji season, following a modest start against Tamil Nadu. However, it comes on the heels of a successful County stint in England, where he amassed 501 runs for Sussex, including two centuries.

Pujara’s resurgence is particularly timely given India’s recent batting struggles in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. With the tour Down Under looming, the veteran has thrown his hat in the ring for selection, eager to prove his worth on the biggest stage.

Pujara’s last Test appearance for India came in the World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2023. The top-order batter, who has played 103 Tests for his country, boasts an impressive tally of 19 centuries in the traditional format.

As the Indian team prepares for the challenges of the Australian tour, Pujara’s century serves as a timely reminder of his resilience, experience, and unwavering commitment to the game.

Mohammed Shami Races Against Time for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami Races Against Time for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is diligently working towards regaining full fitness ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The five-match Test series is scheduled to take place between November 2024 and January 2025 in Australia.

Shami’s return to action has been eagerly anticipated after a prolonged absence. His last appearance for India was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19. Since then, he has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.

The pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year. Despite the setback, there is optimism that Shami may regain full fitness before the team’s departure for Australia.

Recently, Shami was spotted bowling at full tilt on the same pitch where India lost the opening Test to New Zealand in Bengaluru. The session was closely monitored by India bowling coach Morne Morkel. A video of the session has gone viral on social media, showcasing Shami’s progress.

However, India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed reservations about including Shami in the Test squad for Australia, even if he regains fitness. Sharma cited Shami’s lack of match practice as a concern.

“To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He’s at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don’t want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” Sharma said.

Despite the captain’s reservations, Shami remains determined to prove his fitness and earn a place in the Test squad. The pacer’s experience and skill would be invaluable to India’s chances of success in Australia.

Sarfaraz Khan Embarks on Fitness Mission Ahead of Australia Test Series

Sarfaraz Khan Embarks on Fitness Mission Ahead of Australia Test Series

Indian cricket sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been on a remarkable run of form, captivating fans and experts alike. However, concerns have been raised about his fitness, with some suggesting it could jeopardize his place in the playing XI.

To address these concerns, Sarfaraz has embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen, guided by the Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has recommended a chef to assist Sarfaraz in improving his nutrition.

“Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food,” revealed Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with Indian Express. “The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in a better shape.”

Despite his perceived fitness issues, Sarfaraz’s batting prowess remains undeniable. “His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill,” Yadav emphasized.

Sarfaraz’s dedication to his craft is evident in his unwavering practice routine. “I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day,” Yadav added. “If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again.”

After scoring his maiden century for India against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz expressed his elation. “It felt amazing to get my first century for India,” he said. “But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did.”

Sarfaraz’s fitness journey is a testament to his determination to overcome any obstacles that may hinder his cricketing aspirations. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on his physical well-being, he aims to silence his critics and cement his place as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli's Resurgence Ignites Hope for India in Test Cricket

Virat Kohli’s Resurgence Ignites Hope for India in Test Cricket

Virat Kohli’s return to form in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has ignited hope among Indian cricket fans. After a prolonged slump, Kohli’s well-crafted 70-run knock marked a significant milestone in his Test career.

Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket had become a major concern, with his last fifty coming in 2022. His inability to counter outside-off deliveries from pacers and off-spinners had been a recurring issue. However, against New Zealand, Kohli showcased his vintage form, executing flawless cover drives and displaying impeccable timing.

The knock was crucial not only for Kohli’s personal confidence but also for India’s match situation. After being dismissed cheaply in the first innings, Kohli’s contribution in the second innings helped India build a substantial lead.

Kohli’s resurgence is a timely boost for India, who have a busy Test schedule ahead. The team will face New Zealand in the remaining two Tests before embarking on a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Kohli’s impressive record against Australia on their home turf bodes well for India’s chances.

Despite his recent form, Kohli’s overall numbers in Test cricket since the launch of the World Test Championship in 2019 have been underwhelming. He ranks 13th on the list of most runs scored, with an average of 38.77. However, his performance in the current ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 has been more encouraging, with an average of 48.90.

As India aims to secure their maiden WTC title, Kohli’s continued form will be crucial. His experience and ability to score runs in challenging conditions will be invaluable for the team.

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