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Tag: India vs Australia

  • Jasprit Bumrah crowned like a King by Australian captain; given the highest cricketing honour

    Jasprit Bumrah crowned like a King by Australian captain; given the highest cricketing honour

    Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best all-format fast bowler in history following his outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, overlooking his former teammate and pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath.

    Jasprit Bumrah claimed 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, showcasing his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series and clinching the Player of the Series award. However, the Indian pacer’s tournament came to an unfortunate halt when he sustained an injury during Australia’s first innings in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

    Michael Clarke hails Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest all-format bowler, overlooking legends like Glenn McGrath

    Bumrah finished just two wickets shy of equalling Sydney Barnes’ record of 34 wickets in a Test series by a touring pace bowler to Australia, set back in 1911-12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke has praised Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler ever across all three formats of the game, overlooking legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.

    Read Also: Michael Clarke blasts ‘extreme’ and ‘worst’ Sydney pitch as ICC delivers controversial verdict

    Reflecting on Bumrah’s remarkable performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional, but they didn’t play T20 cricket, and that’s why he feels Bumrah is much better than the former Australia and West Indies legends.

    According to the former Australian skipper, Bumrah stands out for his ability to dominate in all three formats of the game, regardless of the conditions, and called him a “freak” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats make him a unique talent, and that’s why Clarke honored the Indian pacer as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

    This guy’s a freak: Michael Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah

    Michael Clarke said on ESPN’s Around The Wicket: “The thing I’ve thought about Bumrah after the series finished and I was sitting and thinking about his performances, I actually think he’s the best fast bowler ever across all three formats.

    I know a lot of great fast bowlers, Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath; they didn’t get to play T20 cricket, so I’m not talking about those guys, but in regards to anyone who has played all three formats, I think he might be the best ever. He’s actually that good in any conditions; that’s what makes him great: any conditions, any format—this guy’s a freak.”

    Meanwhile, India was bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings, and Australia chased down the 162-run target in just 27 overs to win the New Year’s Test by six wickets at the SCG and lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. However, Bumrah could bowl during Australia’s chase.

    Read Also: “Don’t kill golden goose”: Jasprit Bumrah blocked from India captaincy as Ajit Agarkar warned

    Michael Clarke says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence cost India the Sydney Test

    However, Michael Clarke believes that India fell short by about 20 runs in Sydney, saying with a 180-run lead and Jasprit Bumrah in the team, India would have likely won the final Test. He called Bumrah a game-changer, who could have turned the table in the New Year’s Test at the SCG against Australia.

    Clarke signed off by saying, “I reckon India was probably 20 runs short [in Sydney]. I reckon a 180 lead, with Bumrah in the team, I think India is home. I think Bumrah is that good… He’s so much better than the other bowlers they had in the team.”

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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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  • Sanjay Manjrekar EXPOSES Rohit Sharma’s real motive behind explosive SCG interview

    Sanjay Manjrekar EXPOSES Rohit Sharma’s real motive behind explosive SCG interview

    Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar praised Rohit Sharma for openly admitting his struggles with the bat during a candid interview during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney.

    Rohit Sharma had opted out of the New Year’s Test against Australia at the SCG because he was out of form, and the Indian skipper’s honesty about his poor form with the bat was hailed by Sanjay Manjrekar.

    Sanjay Manjrekar praises Rohit Sharma’s honesty but questions Sydney’s interview timing

    However, Manjrekar also raised questions about whether there was another reason behind Rohit’s decision to speak with the broadcasters midway through such a crucial SCG Test. Indian skipper’s interview on Day 2 of the Sydney Test left many stunned, especially since he wasn’t part of the 15-member squad for the match against Australia.

    Read Also: “Would he have given another chance to…”: Sunil Gavaskar questions Rohit Sharma’s Test future in brutal attack

    During the interview, the Indian captain addressed rumors about his future in Test cricket and denied claims that he had been dropped for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Well, Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledged Rohit’s transparency but pointed out that Gautam Gambhir was another reason behind his decision to give an interview during the Sydney Test.

    The cricket pundit hinted that Rohit might have wanted to clear the air and set the record straight, especially as Gautam Gambhir had been getting credit for the decision to leave him out of the playing XI.

    Gautam Gambhir was getting all the credit, and that’s why Rohit Sharma decided to set the record straight: Sanjay Manjrekar

    Sanjay Manjrekar while speaking on Star Sports said, “But there was also another reason why he was doing that interview. To clear the air. Somewhere I think Gambhir was getting all the credit for a brave call by leaving Rohit Sharma out. He wanted to set the record straight. Let’s be honest.”

    Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar slammed Rohit Sharma’s comments about his future in the Indian Test team. The commentator said that retirement is a personal decision, but he stressed that decisions regarding a player’s place in the squad and playing XI will be made by the national selectors. He noted that the chairman of selectors must determine the player’s future.

    Read Also: Rohit Sharma disrespected with ‘stand-up comedian’ statement and warning by Simon Katich

    Manjrekar further explained his point of view, “I loved that interview. That first bit where he said I couldn’t have another out-of-form batter in the XI, and that’s why he opted out. But there were some other emotions too. One thing that a lot of players say is that ‘I will decide my future.’ I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain. That’s the chairman of selectors.”

    The cricket pundit signed off by saying, “You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not.”

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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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  • Rohit Sharma accused of ‘shattering India’s confidence’ and ‘disturbing line-up’ with selfish act

    Rohit Sharma accused of ‘shattering India’s confidence’ and ‘disturbing line-up’ with selfish act

    Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has put all the blame on Rohit Sharma for India’s crushing 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne with a stunning yet logical statement.

    Rohit Sharma made the decision to return to his familiar opening position in the fourth Test against Australia after struggling to find form at number six in the second and third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

    Basit Ali slams Rohit Sharma’s poor decisions after Australia wins MCG Test

    However, the change didn’t bring the results he hoped for. Instead, it disrupted India’s batting lineup and affected their confidence, according to Basit Ali, and it eventually led to their defeat at the MCG.

    Read Also: “Take harsh decisions”: Rohit Sharma told to drop himself and Virat Kohli for Sydney Test

    Rohit was dismissed for just 3 and 9 runs by Pat Cummins in both innings of the recent Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The Indian skipper has so far amassed a disappointing 31 from five innings, averaging only 6.20 in the ongoing BGT 2024-25.

    This is the lowest average for any visiting captain in Australia. If he fails to perform in the upcoming fifth and final Test against Australia scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3, 2025, it could set a new low, even worse than former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh’s average of 7.75.

    Basit Ali blames Rohit Sharma for India’s 184-run defeat in Boxing Day Test

    Meanwhile, Basit Ali questioned whether India became overconfident after winning the first Test in Perth. The former Pakistani cricketer also slammed Rohit Sharma, saying his decision to open shattered Team India’s confidence in the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.

    The former Pakistan selector also highlighted how KL Rahul, who had been performing well, was put under the pressure of moving him down the order, leading to his poor scores of 24 and 0 at number three during India’s 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.

    Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Did India get overconfident after winning the first Test (in Perth)? Ek faisla – ke nahi, mai open karunga. Rohit is not in form, and the one who was scoring runs, (KL) Rahul, you put him under pressure as well. Aapne team ka confidence bilkul shatter kar diya (You shattered the confidence of the team).”

    Read Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy to oust Hardik Pandya from the Indian team completely? Legend drops ‘definitely better’ verdict

    He further noted that Shubman Gill, who was dropped for Washington Sundar, should have played in the Boxing Day Test, even if he scored a zero in both innings against Australia. Basit added, “But just because of Rohit’s position, you disturbed the lineup of the entire team.”

    Basit Ali wants Jasprit Bumrah to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain

    Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Rohit Sharma, and the former Pakistan cricketer believes that it’s time for a change in leadership. In a bold statement, Basit Ali suggested that Rohit should step down as captain, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping up to lead India in the final Test.

    Basit noted, “I think the time has come for Rohit to step down; (Jasprit) Bumrah should be made captain for the last Test. You have served India a lot, but your body is not supporting you now.”

    He was also disappointed with Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, as Basit signed off by saying, “Mera khayal hai Dravid ki yaad aayegi (I think former coach Rahul Dravid will be missed).”

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  • Ajit Agarkar directly told to back Virat Kohli and drop Rohit Sharma from Test team

    Ajit Agarkar directly told to back Virat Kohli and drop Rohit Sharma from Test team

    Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his views on the ongoing debate surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performances in Test cricket. The cricket pundit has suggested that it’s unfair to judge Kohli and Rohit by the same standard, given their Test records.

    Kohli and Rohit’s horrific form continued in the crucial Boxing Day Test, where Team India suffered a 184-run defeat to the hosts, Australia, who are now leading the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a 2-1 margin, with the final Test scheduled for Sydney from January 3.

    Sanjay Manjrekar says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shouldn’t be judged by the same standards

    In the fourth Test against Australia, Rohit made a solid start but was dismissed for just 9 after facing 40 balls, while Kohli fell cheaply again for 5, continuing his struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump. Both batters have struggled in 2024, with averages just above 24 in Test cricket.

    Read Also: Watch: “I stand where I’m standing” – Rohit Sharma’s hilarious reply to a reporter after India’s MCG Test defeat

    The Indian skipper has two centuries and two half-centuries this year, while Kohli has one ton and one fifty to his name in Test cricket in 2024. Fans and many experts have been suggesting that the Indian batting icons must consider retiring from Tests after their consistently poor scores in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

    However, Sanjay Manjrekar feels Kohli should be given more chances and hailed the dashing right-hander as one of the greatest Test batters, but he also questioned India’s batting coach Abhishek Nayar’s role, as the latter continues to get out in the same fashion.

    Sanjay Manjrekar defends Virat Kohli, questions role of India’s batting coach

    The former Indian batter has also strongly said that there is no comparison between Rohit and Virat as Test batters. He slammed Abhishek Nayar for Kohli’s recurring issues while insisting enough has been said about the former Indian skipper and that it’s time to leave him alone.

    Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports: “I must say there is no comparison between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Test batters. Kohli is right up there. He’s a great Test batter, and Rohit is a good Test batter. Rohit’s white-ball batting is great. So, Virat obviously deserves a longer rope.

    It’s not so much about Virat Kohli. I want to know what the batting coach of India is doing. We can’t solve the obvious problem of such a fine player. Enough has been said about Virat Kohli; we just have to leave him alone.”

    Read Also: “The King is dead”: Virat Kohli shredded by Ex-Australia star in scathing attack

    Sanjay Manjrekar urges Indian cricket team management and Ajit Agarkar to act on Rohit Sharma’s Test future

    Manjrekar also urged the Indian cricket team management not to wait for Rohit Sharma to take a call on his Test future but rather to take action by themselves. The commentator noted that the Indian chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has enough power to make decisions for Indian cricket.

    He emphasized that it is now Ajit Agarkar’s responsibility to decide the future, not Rohit Sharma, but reiterated that Virat Kohli’s situation is a very different matter. Manjrekar further explained, “It’s not really up to Rohit Sharma. If you look at how the protocol and the hierarchy of team selection are, the chairman of selectors has the decision to make.”

    Manjrekar signed off by saying, “He has the power to do what’s best for Indian cricket, so it’s not so much about Rohit Sharma himself, you know, deciding what should be the future. The chairman of the selector has that power. That’s with Rohit, and he does look down in the doldrums. Virat Kohli is a different issue altogether.”

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  • PUMA attacks Sanjay Manjrekar over criticism on Nitish Kumar Reddy post-MCG heroics

    PUMA attacks Sanjay Manjrekar over criticism on Nitish Kumar Reddy post-MCG heroics

    India’s rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a statement performance on Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia, as he silenced his critics with his maiden Test century at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28.

    The 21-year-old showcased his talent and composure under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 105 at stumps. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant knock was instrumental in India reaching 385/9 at the stumps on Day 3 in response to Australia’s first-innings total of 474 in the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

    Nitish Kumar Reddy’s stunning century silences critics in style at the MCG

    He was also involved in a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who chipped in with a gritty fifty in Melbourne. Sundar and Reddy’s stand for the eighth wicket helped stabilize India’s innings after a shaky start and gave the visitors a fighting chance in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

    Read Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s MCG ton declared one of the greatest by Sunil Gavaskar but with a huge warning

    The record-breaking century holds even greater significance for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been impressive since the first Test with the bat, as it came in the wake of criticism from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who had questioned his place in Team India.

    Can we get 120 from somebody who bats at no. 8? Sanjay Manjrekar questions Reddy’s ability

    Before the start of the Boxing Day Test, Sanjay Manjrekar had expressed doubts about Reddy being considered an all-rounder, as he felt it was too early to label. However, Reddy’s exceptional performance at the MCG proved his mettle and justified his inclusion in the playing XI.

    Sanjay Manjrekar had said during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo: “See, there is no doubting the potential he has and how good he has played. But can we get 120 from somebody who bats at no. 8? He is clearly not a bowler who can get you a seven-wicket haul like Shardul Thakur. Is he, at this stage, good enough to be pushed up the order and played as a pure batter by dropping someone out of form? Then you can add an extra bowler. His bowling is not good enough to play him as a bowling all-rounder. It is too early to consider him as a batting all-rounder.”

    PUMA trolls Sanjay Manjrekar as Nitish Kumar Reddy’s knock speaks louder than words

    Now, following his stunning maiden Test century at the MCG, PUMA decided to give Sanjay Manjrekar a taste of his own medicine publicly for underestimating Nitish Kumar Reddy and questioning his place in the Test XI.

    Read Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy dedicates maiden Test ton to his father, posts hilarious message for Mohammed Siraj

    Notably, Reddy is sponsored by PUMA, and the brand didn’t miss the chance to back their star player, but they are even too cool in taking revenge. On social media platform X, PUMA Cricket trolled Manjrekar by replying to one of the former Indian batter and commentator’s old tweets about Reddy.

    PUMA posted a picture from an official photoshoot where Nitish Reddy is seen making a ‘shushing’ gesture to take a brutal dig at Manjrekar following the all-rounder’s incredible century that silenced many critics.

    Notably, Indian selectors had made a bold call by picking Reddy, who was averaging 21 after 21 first-class matches, for the high-profile BGT 2024-25, but he justified his selection with his remarkable performances in his maiden Test series. He is currently India’s leading run scorer in the ongoing five-match Test series with 284 runs in four innings so far.



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  • Ravi Shastri predicts last Test match for Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 7 after MCG heroics

    Ravi Shastri predicts last Test match for Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 7 after MCG heroics

    Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made a bold demand about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role, as he felt that his time at number 7 in the ongoing fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test will be the last time in that position in Test cricket.

    Nitish Kumar Reddy’s delightful maiden Test century in the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has won the heart of Ravi Shastri, who believes that the young Indian all-rounder should move up the batting order to the top 6.

    Ravi Shastri calls for Nitish Kumar Reddy’s move to the Top 6 following a historic century in the Boxing Day Test at MCG

    Ravi Shastri has emphasized that Nitish batting in the top 6 would provide better balance to the Indian cricket team and allow the team to include an additional bowler in Test cricket.

    While Reddy has been solid with the bat, the former Indian captain has pointed out that the young all-rounder has not made the same impact with the ball during his debut Test series in Australia.

    Read Also: MSK Prasad denies calling Nitish Kumar Reddy ‘neither complete bowler nor complete batter’ after MCG ton

    Reddy’s resilience in the ongoing Boxing Day Test has been crucial for India. His 105* runs from 176 balls helped India reach 358/9 by the end of Day 3, although they still trail Australia by 116 runs.

    With Mohammed Siraj at the other end, Reddy will look to continue his aggressive play in the first session of Day 4, aiming to add some quick runs and bring India closer to Australia’s total.

    Ravi Shastri in awe of Nitish Reddy’s batting heroics at the MCG

    Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri has suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s MCG heroics will mark the last time he bats at number 7. The commentator believes that Reddy’s remarkable ability with the bat should propel him into the top 6, where his skills would provide better balance to India’s lineup.

    By moving Reddy up, the Indian cricket team could include a fifth bowler, which would give India the edge in taking all 20 wickets. Reddy’s shift to a higher batting position is seen as a game-changer, and Shastri feels this change would not only strengthen India’s batting but also enable the team to field a more well-rounded playing XI for the New Year’s Test.

    Read Also: ‘Nitish Kumar Reddy has got every shot in the book’: Scott Boland’s ultimate praise

    You go to Sydney Test with Reddy batting in the top 6, and you’re playing five bowlers: Ravi Shastri

    Ravi Shastri said on-air at the MCG: “I feel that the way he’s batted, this is the last time he will bat at 7. To get the balance of the side, you need him to go higher up the order, either 5 or 6 and then you have the opportunity of playing 5 bowlers to take the 20 wickets.

    And he’s given that kind of confidence to the selectors and the team management and the captain. Reddy is fully capable of batting in the top 6. Then it changes the whole balance of the game. You go to Sydney with him batting in the top 6, and you’re playing five bowlers.”

    Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy made history in the ongoing fourth Test, becoming the first visiting batter to score a Test century at the MCG while batting at No. 8. He also became the sixth number 8 batter to achieve this feat against Australia.

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  • Sunil Gavaskar blocks Gautam Gambhir from dropping Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy

    Sunil Gavaskar blocks Gautam Gambhir from dropping Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy

    There are a lot of speculations about the changes in India’s playing XI for the must-win Boxing Day Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, starting on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

    As the teams gear up for the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team faces a significant selection dilemma about their lineup, especially due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket after the drawn Gabba Test.

    With the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tied 1-1, changes in India’s XI are definitely on the cards, and it is even being said that the young pace bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy can be dropped from the team to bring back second spin all-rounder Washington Sundar.

    Sunil Gavaskar backs Nitish Kumar Reddy to retain spot for Boxing Day Test

    Media reports claimed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both will play in the Boxing Day Test; thus, Nitish Kumar Reddy will have to make way for the Tamil Nadu star, but the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels it will be a big blunder if the team management takes this call.

    Read Also: Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden reveal ultimate plan to solve India’s batting crisis

    The former Indian captain strongly believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy should be in India’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Gavaskar believes that Reddy, as the fourth seamer, is crucial to the Indian cricket team’s balance and cannot be dropped from the XI.

    The legendary Indian batter has also emphasized that India cannot afford to go into the must-win Test match of the ongoing five-match Test series with only two pacers, predicting that the Gabba Test lineup should remain unchanged for the Melbourne encounter.

    They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunil Gavaskar

    Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports ahead of the fourth Test the MCG: “They can’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. He is the fourth seamer. I can’t see India going in with just two pacers and Nitish. For me, it is pretty much this XI that plays in Melbourne.”

    Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar also rejected the idea of replacing Akash Deep with Harshit Rana for the crucial fourth Test against Australia at the MCG.

    Read Also: Australia badly missing David Warner in BGT 2024-25, claims Ravi Shastri

    However, Akash Deep’s bowling in Brisbane was not remarkable, with figures of 3/123, but his 31 runs from 44 balls at No. 11 were crucial in helping India avoid the follow-on and pull off a draw against Australia in the third Test at The Gabba.

    Unlikely that Harshit Rana will replace Akash Deep: Sunil Gavaskar

    The legendary batter feels it’s unlikely Harshit Rana will replace Akash Deep, especially after the pacer played a key role in the follow-on. He reckoned that dropping Akash wouldn’t make sense. Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Unlikely that Harshit will replace Akash Deep. Why would you drop a man who has saved your team from follow-on?”

    Additionally, the Indian team is also considering changes to the top order for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Rohit Sharma might return to open, and KL Rahul could move to No. 3, with Shubman Gill facing axing, having been struggling with the bat Down Under.

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  • Rohit Sharma given time till Sydney!! Swords Hanging over Virat Kohli if India fail WTC final qualification

    Rohit Sharma given time till Sydney!! Swords Hanging over Virat Kohli if India fail WTC final qualification

    The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 could be the last series for India’s big four in Test cricket. After Ravichandran Ashwin, three more senior players could retire at the end of this series if things don’t go their way.

    The three senior players are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. All these players, alongside Ashwin, have served Indian cricket for more than a decade now. But recently, their form has been under the scanner.

    While Jadeja played a vital knock with the bat in the last Test at Gabba, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been going through one of the worst phases of their career. Both of them have been troubled by Australian bowlers throughout the series so far.

    Also read: Inside details of Virat Kohli’s fight with Australian Media at Airport leaked

    Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja to retire after BGT 2024-25?

    According to Dainik Jagran, Rohit Sharma needs to bat exceptionally well in the remaining innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If he doesn’t score runs in the last two Tests, he is likely to hang up his boots.

    Meanwhile, the report also claimed that the trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja will retire after the fifth Test of the series at Sydney if India doesn’t make it to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final next year.

    Constant failures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

    Rohit Sharma missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah led the team and took India to an emphatic win with an exceptional performance with the ball.

    Rohit became available from the second Test but demoted himself to the No. 6 spot from his usual opening position. However, he still looked woefully out of form. In two Tests of the series so far, he has scored just 19 runs at an average of 6.33.

    Meanwhile, Virat Kohli too hasn’t been in great form with the bat. The 36-year-old has scored just 126 runs in three Tests so far at an average of 31.50. He scored a brilliant hundred in the second innings of the Perth Test but has otherwise looked all at sea to the ball at the fourth and fifth stump.

    Pressure on Ravindra Jadeja after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement

    Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja has played just one Test so far and is likely to keep his place for the Boxing Day Test as well. Jadeja scored 77 runs in the only innings he batted but was not penetrative enough with the ball returning figures of 0-95 in 23 overs.

    With the retirement of his long-time spin bowling partner Ravichandran Ashwin, the pressure will be on Jadeja as well. Team India is going through a transition period and Washington Sundar is knocking on the door hard to become India’s first-choice spinner in Tests.



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