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Tag: Border Gavaskar Trophy

  • Jasprit Bumrah discloses remark he made about Sam Konstas’ mother during on-field clash

    Jasprit Bumrah discloses remark he made about Sam Konstas’ mother during on-field clash

    In a recent development that has generated significant buzz in the cricket world, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has clarified the controversial remarks he made about Australian cricketer Sam Konstas’ mother during a heated exchange at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This incident took place during the intense fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

    Background of the incident

    The confrontation took place on the first day of the decisive Test match. The tension began when Australian batsman Usman Khawaja delayed one of Bumrah’s deliveries, leading Konstas to step in. Bumrah was seen questioning, “Is everything okay? How’s your mother? Is everything fine at home?” Konstas responded affirmatively, but the words appeared to be misinterpreted, causing a heated moment on the field.

    Jasprit Bumrah’s clarification

    At a recent promotional event, Bumrah addressed the incident, emphasizing that his intention was purely positive. “I don’t know what you guys are thinking, but I mainly asked him, ‘Is everything okay? Is your mother fine? Is everything at home fine?’” he shared. Bumrah suggested that his words might have been misconstrued due to cultural differences or the competitive environment, leading to an unnecessary escalation.

    Also READ: MS Dhoni’s shocking outburst – CSK batting coach Michael Hussey opens up on a tense IPL 2018 moment

    Context of the match

    The Test match was in a critical phase, with India working hard to recover from a 1-2 deficit in the series. With Rohit Sharma absent, Bumrah had stepped up as the team’s leader, adding to the pressure on the field. Despite the charged atmosphere, Bumrah managed to conclude the day by dismissing Khawaja, underscoring the intense competition between the two cricketing nations.

    While Bumrah’s intention was innocent, the situation was perceived differently by Konstas and the Australian cricket community. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense pressure and emotions involved in international cricket, where even seemingly innocuous comments can be misinterpreted and escalate into heated exchanges.

    Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand

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  • Travis Head, Test bowlers OUT of BBL 2024-25; Smith, Labuschagne given limited clearance

    Travis Head, Test bowlers OUT of BBL 2024-25; Smith, Labuschagne given limited clearance

    Cricket Australia (CA) has put restrictions on their star cricketers Steve Smith and Travis Head for the ongoing season of the Big Bash League. While Smith will play three matches of the prestigious tournament, Head has been ruled out of the whole season.

    The restrictions have been put by CA due to Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka where they will play a two-match Test series. Both the players are important players of the team and also form the backbone of their strong middle order.

    Also read: Big blow! Team India slips behind Australia, and South Africa in ICC Test Rankings after BGT disaster

    Restrictions on Travis Head and Steve Smith

    Travis Head recently suffered an injury scare during the Melbourne Test between Australia and India and was in some doubt for the final Test in Sydney. However, he recovered in time and played in the fifth Test match at SCG.

    Travis Head has ruled out of the upcoming BBL as he has been asked to rest before the important subcontinent tour. At No. 5, he is one of the most important and in-form players of the team. He also emerged as the highest run-getter in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 448 runs in five Tests with 2 hundreds and a fifty.

    Meanwhile, Steve Smith too has shown great form recently. He started the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with some low scores but struck hundreds in Brisbane and Melbourne to announce his return to form. He scored 314 runs in five Tests with 2 hundreds.

    Steve Smith will miss the match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars at the MCG but will be available to play Sydney Sixers’ match against Perth Scorchers at the SCG on Saturday. His last two games will be against Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder on January 15 and 17 respectively.

    What about Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labushagne?

    Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will be available for just one match. Both will play Brisbane Heat’s home match against Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba on January 16. They won’t be available for the last match against Melbourne Renegades on January 18 as the team is set to depart for Sri Lanka the next day.

    Other Australian players like Alex Carey, Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Mitchell Marsh, and Jhye Richardson will be available for the rest of the season. Carey played all games in the recent Test series while Konstas played in the last two matches at MCG and SCG.

    Mitchell Marsh was dropped from the final Test and Beau Webster took the opportunity with both hands and has almost sealed his place for the Sri Lanka tour. Jhye Richardson was in reserves and didn’t get to play any game in the home Tests.

    Bowlers given a rest

    Offspinner Nathan Lyon has also been rested for the rest of the BBL season. Lyon had a light workload in the recent Test series against India and didn’t have a big role to play. However, he will have a bigger workload in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

    All the other fast bowlers like Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have also been asked to rest ahead of a grueling Test tour. All these players are contracted BBL players.

    Australia will announce a 16-man touring squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. The squad will initially depart to the UAE for a camp on January 19-20. This rules them out of the BBL’s final stage which will be played from January 21 to 27.

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  • Travis Head rubs salt on India’s WTC and ODI WC agony with an Instagram story after Australia’s BGT victory

    Travis Head rubs salt on India’s WTC and ODI WC agony with an Instagram story after Australia’s BGT victory

    The recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series saw Australia reclaim a title that had eluded them for nearly a decade, with Travis Head emerging as a standout performer. His contributions were pivotal in securing a 3-1 series victory over India, a team that had previously dominated their encounters. However, Head’s celebratory antics following the win have drawn significant backlash on social media, as he seemingly rubbed salt into the wounds of Indian cricket fans still reeling from multiple recent defeats.

    A series to remember for Travis Head

    The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. Australia, after suffering a heavy 295-run defeat in the opening Test in Perth, rebounded spectacularly. They won the next three Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, showcasing their resilience and determination. Head was instrumental in this turnaround, finishing as the series’ leading run-scorer with an impressive 448 runs, including two centuries. His performances not only helped Australia regain the trophy but also secured their place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

    Head’s aggressive batting style was on full display throughout the series. After his initial setback, he scored a magnificent 140 in Adelaide and followed it up with a remarkable 152 in Brisbane. His ability to dominate Indian bowlers became a recurring theme, earning him accolades and further solidifying his status as a nemesis for India.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Cricket Australia accepts mistake after Sunil Gavaskar robbed off presenting BGT Trophy to the winning team

    Mockery or celebration from Head?

    Following Australia’s victory, Head took to social media to share his triumph. He posted an Instagram reel that included highlights of Australia’s recent wins over India in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup, captioning it with “It feels right”—a remark that many interpreted as mocking. Additionally, he shared an image of himself with his finger in juice, a gesture reminiscent of an earlier controversy involving Rishabh Pant during the Boxing Day Test. This prompted outrage among Indian fans who felt that Head’s actions were disrespectful and insensitive given the context of their team’s struggles.

    The backlash was swift and severe. Social media platforms were flooded with comments criticizing Head for his perceived arrogance and lack of sportsmanship. Fans pointed out that while celebrating victories is part of sports culture, mocking opponents—especially those who have faced recent defeats—crosses a line. The sentiment echoed through various discussions online, highlighting how competitive spirit can sometimes be overshadowed by unsportsmanlike behaviour.

    The bigger picture

    Head’s antics have reignited discussions about sportsmanship in cricket. While celebrating victories is natural for athletes, it is crucial to maintain respect for opponents who are also striving for excellence. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series not only showcased Australia’s resurgence but also reflected on India’s struggles, which included failing to qualify for the World Test Championship final due to this series loss.

    Also READ: Here’s how Australia have performed against each cricketing nation in their recent Test encounters



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  • AUS vs IND: Australia head coach opens up on Sam Konstas’ fiery on-field altercation with Indian players in the Sydney Test

    AUS vs IND: Australia head coach opens up on Sam Konstas’ fiery on-field altercation with Indian players in the Sydney Test

    The intense atmosphere surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was palpable at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Indian players and Australia’s Sam Konstas found themselves at the center of a fiery exchange. Following a heated confrontation between Konstas and Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah, along with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Amid the escalating on-field drama, Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, was quick to address the incident in a post-match comment.

    Australia head coach seeks clarification over Indian players’ stance on Sam Konstas

    Australia’s head coach, McDonald, stated that since no charges, fines, or punishments were imposed on the Indian team, their behavior is considered acceptable. He added that it is up to the match referee to decide whether the behavior is acceptable.

    “Considering there has been no charges on Indian team, clearly it’s acceptable behaviour because there was no fines or punishments. It’s upto match referee, if this is acceptable behaviour or not,” McDonald was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

    McDonald, mentioned that he spoke with Konstas to check on him after the intimidating Indian celebration, where the team surrounded him. McDonald wanted to ensure Konstas was okay.

    “My conversation with Sam was about checking in with him. Clearly the Indian celebration was intimidating, with all of them Swarming in. So just wanted to make sure he’s okay,” said the Australian head coach.

    Also WATCH: Sam Konstas hits an audacious reverse ramp against Jasprit Bumrah on Day 2 of the SCG Test

    Sam Konstas’ dismissal in the Sydney Test

    In the 12th over of Australia’s innings when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Konstas in a thrilling moment. Konstas, who had made a solid start, was caught by Jaiswal at gully after playing an ill-advised drive to a full ball outside off stump. The Indian team erupted in jubilation as Jaiswal claimed the catch, flinging the ball high into the air in celebration. The Indian players gathered around, and the noise from the crowd reflected the intensity of the moment. However, the Australian crowd responded with boos, signaling their disapproval of the dismissal and the exuberant celebration that followed.

    Konstas, who had been playing with determination, was dismissed for 23 runs off 38 balls, with three boundaries to his name. The departure of the Australian debutant brought a wave of mixed emotions, as the Indian players celebrated fiercely.

    Also WATCH: ‘Oye Konstas’ – Yashasvi Jaiswal sledges Sam Konstas on Day 2 of SCG Test

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  • WATCH: Rishabh Pant shows his grit by taking body blows in Sydney Test, video goes viral

    WATCH: Rishabh Pant shows his grit by taking body blows in Sydney Test, video goes viral

    The fifth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant take multiple blows on his body for the nation. The visitors who entered the SCG Test following a defeat in Melbourne were trailing 2-1 in the series.

    Notably, Rohit Sharma dropped himself from the playing XI with Jasprit Bumrah taking up the captaincy duties. Batting first, India struggled early, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill falling cheaply. Rishabh Pant walked to the crease after lunch to steady the wobbling ship.

    Rishabh Pant took on the Australian bowling attack and absorbed multiple body blows, reminiscent of Cheteshwar Pujara’s determination. Starc’s short-pitched deliveries struck Pant on the bicep, helmet, and shoulder. In the 35th over a sharp delivery struck his arm, causing immediate bruising and requiring on-field treatment.

    Also Read: Watch: Washington Sundar dejected after contentious DRS dismissal in Sydney Test

    Despite the discomfort, Pant stayed at the crease and continued his innings. He smashed the debutant Beau Webster for a six and executed a backcut off Nathan Lyon. His innings of 40 off 98 balls included three boundaries and one six. Pant’s knock came to an end against Boland, whose short-pitched delivery hit the batter’s toe end giving Pat Cummins an easy catch at short cover. His dismissal left India precariously placed at 120/6.

    Check out Rishabh Pant’s grit here:

    India bowled out cheaply in first innings of Sydney Test

    The tourist’s innings came to an end after 72.2 overs and managing to put 185 runs on the board. Pant was India’s only batter to score more than 30, with next best being Ravindra Jadeja’s 26.  For the Aussies, Boland was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a four-wicket haul, along with Starc and Cummins sharing five wickets between them.

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  • Breakdown of Mitchell Marsh’s IPL salary since debut

    Breakdown of Mitchell Marsh’s IPL salary since debut

    Australian selectors have excluded all-rounder Mitchell Marsh from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The match, commencing on January 3, marks a disappointing turn for the reigning Allan Border Medal winner after a lackluster series.

    Mitchell Marsh’s struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

    Marsh endured a challenging series, scoring just 73 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.42. His highest score was 47 in the first Test in Perth, with his performance declining significantly in subsequent matches. Adding to his woes, Marsh bowled only 13 overs across the last three Tests without claiming a single wicket, prompting widespread criticism from fans and pundits.

    Career highlights and IPL statistics

    Despite these struggles, Marsh’s talent and contributions to cricket remain undeniable, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has built a unique legacy. Marsh’s IPL career has spanned 42 matches, yielding 665 runs, including three half-centuries, and 37 wickets. Despite injuries hampering his consistency, his performances have showcased glimpses of brilliance, particularly during his time with Delhi Capitals.

    Also READ: No Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s playing XI for the SCG Test against India; replacement announced

    Marsh’s salary in the Indian Premier League

    1. Deccan Chargers (2010)

    At just 19 years old, Marsh began his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers before making his international debut. He played three matches, scoring 28 runs and taking two wickets.

    Salary

    2. Pune Warriors (2011-13)

    Marsh joined Pune Warriors in 2011, where he played five matches, scoring 50 runs and taking seven wickets. After missing the 2012 season due to a back injury, he returned in 2013, playing nine matches, scoring 140 runs, and claiming seven wickets.

    Salary

    • 2011: INR 1,33,40,000
    • 2012: INR 14,578,300
    • 2013: INR 1,54,48,300

    3. Rising Pune Supergiants (2016-17)

    In 2016, Marsh played for Rising Pune Supergiants but managed only three matches, scoring seven runs and taking four wickets.

    Salary

    • 2016: INR 4,80,00,000
    • 2017: INR 4,80,00,000

    4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (2020-21)

    Marsh joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2020 but played only one match before an injury sidelined him. He did not score any runs or take wickets. He opted out of the 2021 season.

    Salary

    • 2020: INR 2,00,00,000
    • 2021: Opted out

    5. Delhi Capitals (2022-24)

    Marsh enjoyed a resurgence with Delhi Capitals, delivering standout performances. In 2022, he scored 251 runs, including two half-centuries, and took four wickets. In 2023, he was DC’s leading bowler, taking 12 wickets in nine matches while scoring 128 runs. However, injuries returned in 2024, limiting him to four matches, 61 runs, and one wicket.

    Salary

    • 2022: INR 6,50,00,000
    • 2023: INR 6,50,00,000
    • 2024: INR 6,50,00,000

    6. Lucknow Super Giants (2025)

    In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Marsh was snapped up by the Lucknow Super Giants. Fans are optimistic about his potential role as an opener, leveraging his all-round abilities to boost the team’s prospects.

    Salary

    Also READ: Gujarat Titans to remove Shubman Gill from captaincy? GT’s New Year post featuring Rashid Khan sparks speculation ahead of IPL 2025

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  • “Virat Kohli wants to pick up a fight”- RCB teammate levels serious allegations

    “Virat Kohli wants to pick up a fight”- RCB teammate levels serious allegations

    India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli is not having a great series with the bat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy but has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. In the last Test at Melbourne, Kohli was involved in a physical altercation with the youngster Sam Konstas.

    Kohli has been severely targeted by the Australian media who even called him a ‘clown’ for his antics. With so much happening around him, former Australia captain Aaron Finch has opened up on Kohli’s behavior in this series.

    Finch spoke about Kohli’s shoulder barge with Sam Konstas at MCG and claimed that the Indian veteran is trying to pick up a fight by doing such things which can fire him up to give his best.

    Also read: Gautam Gambhir issues an official statement after India’s Dressing Room chat leaks

    Virat Kohli is “trying to be antagonistic” – Aaron Finch

    Aaron Finch was speaking on the podcast ‘Around the Wicket’ after India’s loss to Australia in Melbourne. Finch spoke about Kohli’s behavior and claimed that Kohli is trying to be an antagonist to give his best performance.

    “Virat’s (Kohli) someone who’s always thrived on pressure and he’s thrived when his back is against the wall. It just feels like at this stage, he is trying to put his own back against the wall.,” Finch noted.

    “He’s trying to be antagonistic, he’s trying to almost pick a fight because that’s when he plays when he feels like someone’s coming at him. That’s when he puts all his skills on show,” he added.

    Virat Kohli was involved in a shoulder barge with Australia’s latest debutant Sam Konstas during the first day of the Melbourne Test. After the end of the 10th over, Kohli suddenly seemed to walk past Konstas and barge his shoulder into him.

    He looked back and both the players shot a few verbal volleys at each other before the non-striker Usman Khawaja had to calm them down. The matter was resolved and Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fees.

    Aaron Finch on Virat Kohli’s knock at MCG

    Further speaking on Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch reckoned that Virat Kohli is pushing people towards a fight so that he has the motivation to perform well. He praised Kohli’s first innings knock in Melbourne in which he was dismissed after getting set.

    “It just feels like he’s pushing other people to make him feel like that and we’ve not seen the best of him in this series yet. He looked beautiful in the first innings at Melbourne and looked like he wasn’t going to get out but Australia have bowled well,” the former Australia opener said.

    Kohli scored a patient 36 off 86 balls in the first innings of Melbourne Test. The 36-year-old left the ball exceptionally well at the start of his innings which made the Australian bowlers work hard. However, he lost his concentration and finally edged the ball behind to be caught easily by Alex Carey.

    Virat Kohli’s recent numbers

    After the hundred in Perth, Virat Kohli has struggled for runs in this series. The veteran India batter has scored 167 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.83. He has been constantly tested by the balls outside the off stump as the Australian bowlers have persisted on a particular plan for him so far.

    Kohli has struggled to overcome his weakness and is under immense pressure to perform in Sydney. Not only the ongoing series, Kohli’s poor form has continued since India’s home Test season where he aggregated 192 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.83.

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  • WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s eye-catching send-off after dismissing Sam Konstas on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test

    WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s eye-catching send-off after dismissing Sam Konstas on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test

    In a match filled with moments of high drama and skill, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, delivered not only a devastating ball but also an animated send-off to young Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

    Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Sam Konstas with a beauty

    The incident occurred early on the fourth day of the Test when Bumrah, known for his precision and often subdued celebrations, bowled an inswinger that shattered Konstas’s middle stump. Konstas, who had shown remarkable aggression against Bumrah during Australia’s first innings, was dismissed for just eight runs in the second essay.

    The delivery was a masterclass in seam bowling; it pitched on a good length, jagged back sharply between Konstas’s bat and pad, and clipped the top of the middle stump. This dismissal was a stark contrast to Konstas’s first innings performance where he had scored a brisk 60 off 65 balls, including two sixes off Bumrah, becoming the first in nearly four years to hit a six off the Indian in Test cricket.

    A duel of antics: The Bumrah-Konstas rivalry at MCG

    After the ball made its way through Konstas’s defense, Bumrah, typically reserved, erupted in celebration. He turned to the crowd, urging them to roar in approval with a dramatic gesture, mimicking the crowd-engaging celebrations Konstas himself had performed during India’s innings. This send-off was seen as a direct response to Konstas’s antics on day three when he had rallied the crowd while fielding near the boundary rope, a gesture Bumrah evidently had not forgotten.

    Here is the video:

    Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Jasprit Bumrah castles Alex Carey with a peach on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test

    Bumrah’s performance in this series has been stellar, showcasing his pivotal role in India’s bowling attack. His ability to adapt his bowling to different conditions and opponents has been on full display, particularly against a young and fearless Konstas who has been making waves since his Test debut.

    Also WATCH: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father touches Sunil Gavaskar’s feet in emotional moment at MCG – AUS vs IND



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  • First time in 147 years: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar script historic record in MCG Test – AUS vs IND

    First time in 147 years: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar script historic record in MCG Test – AUS vs IND

    In an unprecedented display of resilience and skill, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have carved their names into cricket history books during the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

    Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant maiden century

    Nitish, the 21-year-old all-rounder, walked into bat when India were in a precarious position at 191/6, still trailing Australia significantly. His determination and technique were on full display as he not only anchored the innings but also scored his maiden Test century, becoming the first Indian at number eight to achieve this feat Down Under.

    Washington Sundar’s crucial role in a record partnership

    Nitish’s knock was a mixture of patience and aggression, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. Alongside Reddy, Washington, known for his off-spin bowling, played an equally crucial role. Together, they formed a partnership that not only frustrated the Australian bowling attack but also broke records.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans go wild as Nitish Reddy hits maiden century on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG

    Breaking records: A partnership for the ages

    Their stand for the eighth wicket was not just about the runs but about the number of deliveries faced, with both players reaching over 150 balls in their innings – an achievement never before seen by batters at these positions in Test matches. Their partnership has achieved what no other pair from numbers eight and nine in the batting order has done in 147 years of Test cricket history for India. The duo’s resilience was evident as they faced 210 deliveries together, setting a new benchmark for endurance and skill at the MCG, one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

    India fightback on the bank of Nitish and Washington’s batting heroics

    Nitish’s innings was nothing short of spectacular, with him remaining unbeaten on 105 runs off 176 balls, including 10 fours and a six. His father’s emotional reaction to his son’s achievement, captured on camera, added a heartwarming human element to the sporting spectacle. Washington, on the other hand, played a more measured innings, scoring a half-century off 146 balls, providing the perfect foil to Reddy’s more aggressive approach.

    The partnership was crucial in reducing India’s deficit to 116 runs by the end of Day 3, giving India a glimmer of hope in what seemed like a lost cause earlier in the day. The duo’s effort was not just about personal milestones but about team survival, showcasing the depth and quality of Indian cricket’s lower order.

    Also READ: Twitter reactions: Nitish Kumar Reddy leads India’s fightback against Australia with stellar ton on Day 3 of MCG Test

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  • Key Australian batter misses net session, needs to prove fitness ahead of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test: Reports

    Key Australian batter misses net session, needs to prove fitness ahead of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test: Reports

    The fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test between Australia and India is set to unfold on Thursday, December 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ahead of the upcoming Test, hosts Australia had an optional training session on Monday (December 23).

    However, a key player of their side was missing from the net session on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the player who was absent from the net session is none other than Travis Head.

    There have been talks about the hard-hitting batter being doubtful for the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test right after the conclusion of the third Test at The Gabba. Head was seen limping while batting in the second innings of the previous Test and did not come out to field later as well. The left-hander, however, had earlier stated that he was just a little sore and would be fine before the Melbourne Test.

    According to the Syndey Morning Herald, a spokesperson from the Australian team said that the training session on Monday was optional. However, the hosts will have their main training session on Tuesday (December 24). The spokesperson stated that Head will have to prove his fitness in the main practise session ahead of the BGT 2024-25 fourth Test.

    Therefore, it still remains to be seen whether Travis Head will be available for the upcoming Test or the hosts will have to make do without one of their best players in the series so far.

    Travis Head’s exclusion could be a huge blow for Australia in the BGT 2024-25

    While India won the opening Test of the BGT 2024-25 in Perth by 295 runs, Australia bounced back with a dominating 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane was drawn and the series hangs in the balance (1-1) at the moment.

    Australia, who are keen to regain the BGT as it has eluded them for quite some time now, will certainly not want Travis Head to miss out. Not only has he been their key performer but is also the highest run-getter in the series so far.

    Head has already smashed 409 runs from three games and five innings at an average of 81.80 with a couple of hundreds and a half-century. He is in great form and has been a consistent performer throughout the series. The left-hander has proven to be tough nut for India to crack and should he miss out for the remainder of the series, or even just the Melbourne Test, it could come as a huge blow for the hosts.