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Tag: Melbourne

  • Poppa masterstroke as exiled star fires; wake-up call behind forgotten prodigy’s return: Talking Pts

    Poppa masterstroke as exiled star fires; wake-up call behind forgotten prodigy’s return: Talking Pts

    The Socceroos might’ve finished 5-1 winners against Indonesia in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Sydney and taken a giant step towards automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America, but coach Tony Popovic made it clear there’s still plenty of room for his side to improve describing the performance as “solid but it wasn’t great.”

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    Goals to Martin Boyle, Nishan Velupillay, Lewis Miller and a double from Jackson Irvine send Australia to China with three vital points in the bag and full of confidence, but all too aware that its job half done when it comes to jumping the hurdles this international window presented.

    The mental resilience the side showed to escape unscathed – albeit with some fortune – from a tricky 15-minute opening period is also a sign of growth as is a welcome surge in the way chances were finally converted into goals. This result bloats Australia’s goal difference column too and that could be one less thing to worry about come the final matchday of round three in June.

    It wasn’t all good news though with Martin Boyle and Adam Taggart coming off at halftime. Popovic revealing post-game that both have fitness concerns.

    OMINOUS SIGN BEFORE A BALL WAS KICKED

    A crowd of 35,241 packed into the Sydney Football Stadium and the Indonesian fans not only made their presence felt but had the decibel reader reaching its upper limits.

    The Indonesian national anthem was greeted with full voice by those in red and more than one Socceroos player turned to look at the raucous away end. It did not sound,

    look or feel like a Socceroos home game until the goals started flying in.

    Remarkably, the Team Garuda faithful were still chanting at 5-1 down in the second half.

    “It’s part of football and it’s what we love about it, that teams can come away from home and bring that energy and atmosphere,” midfielder Jackson Irvine said.

    “I thought our fans were equally brilliant and pushed us in the key moments of the game and gave us that extra leg up probably when we needed it.”

    A TALE OF TWO PENALTIES

    Perspective is in the eye of what colour jersey you were wearing.

    The decision to award Indonesia a penalty in the seventh minute after the Brisbane Roar’s Rafael Struick was ruled to have been fouled by the recalled Kye Rowles was

    contentious through an Australians lens, but while it was on the softer side it was the right call.

    Kevin Diks dulled the debate by hitting the woodwork. A sprawling Mat Ryan guessed the right way in any case and might’ve saved it.

    Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert, in his first match in charge, believed his side struggled to shrug off that setback.

    “If you shoot the penalty in it would be a totally different match of course,” Kluivert said.

    “From that moment we changed something in our minds.

    “We had a grip of the game. I think that we played better than Australia.

    “If you score 1-0, I’m sure it will be a totally different game.”

    10-minutes later Australia was sent to the spot after Nathan Tjoe-A-On pulled off a tackle on Lewis Miller in the box that looked more like something James Tedesco would execute on this ground in a Roosters jersey. Boyle did the honours from the spot.

    The goal helped calm the nerves after the Socceroos were let off the hook just moments prior. The side looked far more settled from that point and Australia led 3-0 at the break thanks to two more goals from Velupillay and Irvine.

    “It’s the hardest I’ve been pressed in a home game in a long time,” Irvine said.

    “There was absolutely no time on the ball in the middle of the park.

    “Once we broke that pressure it looked like we were going to score every time we went through.”

    3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31

    POPPA PULLS THE RIGHT SELECTION CALLS

    This was not an easy squad to pick.

    Six regular starters were missing through injury and Popovic had key calls to make when it came to his starting wingers and striker.

    As Velupillay wheeled away to celebrate with the fans in the 20th minute he had fellow winger Martin Boyle and striker Adam Taggart to thank for the opportunity.

    Boyle’s pass found Taggart whose lunging effort resulted in Velupillay being able to run onto the ball and calmly slot Australia’s second.

    “It’s a special moment for the boy,” Popovic said.

    “Starting your first game, pressure, a stadium that’s full. It doesn’t come bigger than that.

    “When he looks back, he should be really proud of that.”

    This was the first time Boyle had seen minutes under Popovic after failing to get on the pitch in the November window against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 14-goals and 9

    assists in 36 games for Hibernian in Scotland made a compelling case for selection.

    Velupillay is working his way back into form after a nasty ankle injury suffered against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. To start him in a game of this magnitude was bold. Taggart deserved his spot after five goals in his last 11-games for Perth Glory in the A-League but hadn’t even been picked in a squad by Popovic yet before this window.

    For a goal that released the pressure valve in this campaign to be created by two players who’d never featured under this manager and scored by one still not quite at

    top form domestically must be applauded.

    Unfortunately, Taggart and Boyle were both substituted at half time with potential fitness issues. Taggart appeared to feel for his groin multiple times just before the break. Asked if there was anything amiss with both players Popovic said “there could be.”

    “They both had a bit of a niggle, maybe Adam a little bit more than Martin Boyle.”

    “Adam was definitely coming off and Martin was a bit of a precaution.”

    IRVINE GOAL A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

    Jackson Irvine is the heartbeat of the Socceroos midfield. His goals in the 34th and 90th minutes were the 12th and 13th of his international career and came on the same

    ground where he scored his first ever for Australia in 2017.

    “From a personal point of view a special night,” he said.

    “I never take it for granted being here and I haven’t played in this stadium since that night.”

    THE RETURN OF DANIEL ARZANI

    Arzani replaced Velupillay in the 72nd minute and was greeted by warm applause. It was his first appearance for Australia since a 26-minute spell in a World Cup qualifier

    against Bangladesh in June last year.

    His last minutes prior to that came against Kuwait in a friendly match in 2018. That was just before the anterior cruciate ligament tear on debut at Celtic that would change the trajectory of his then skyrocketing career.

    It took just two minutes for Popovic to call Arzani to the sideline for a chat after his introduction, but generally he worked hard in defence and looked lively in attack.

    All of this after Popovic told Arzani his effort in camp during the October international window last year “wasn’t good enough” and that his “level was really poor in

    training.”

    It appears to have been the wake-up call the 26-year-old – once dubbed the next big thing in Australian football – needed.

    Five months on from that camp and Arzani has impressed his mentor this time around. Popovic does not give out easy minutes even with Australia 4-0 up at the time.

    It was an impressive response from a player who can only enhance the fortunes of himself and his country with similar application.

    Socceroos calm ahead of crucial clashes | 01:56

    STATE OF THE PITCH

    There’d been concerns about the state of the Sydney Football Stadium pitch in the days prior to kick-off and those fears weren’t alleviated once the game got underway.

    Several players lost their footing or looked unsure on the ball. It was not ideal and hampered the fluidity of the game.

    “Tough pitch for the players,” Popovic said.

    “Very hard underneath and slippery on top. The players were in two minds. Half the players wore studs, and half the players had moulds. It was a difficult one for them tonight. It took a lot out of them.”

    MAT RYAN BACK TO HIS BEST ON AN HISTORIC NIGHT

    Lost in the euphoria of scoring five goals was the three incredible saves Mat Ryan pulled off between the sticks.

    On a night where the goalkeeper became the third most capped player in Socceroos history with 97, moving ahead of another former skipper in Lucas Neill and now only

    behind Mark Schwarzer with 109 and Tim Cahill on 108 appearances, Ryan was immense.

    He stopped Jay Idzes’ header from a freekick in the 5th minute, made a superb diving save to his left in the 53rd minute and another clutch reflex save down low to his right

    in the 84th minute.

    “I have to say I’m not surprised after seeing him when he came into camp,” Popovic said.

    “Just a different demeanour and that comes from playing.

    “You can see he’s full of confidence and he showed that when he came in. He was a real presence around the group and tonight he stood tall.”

    The fact the captain was dropped to the bench for the first three games of Popovic’s tenure now seems a distant memory. His move to Lens in France from Roma in Italy

    has been a masterstroke.

    Davidson hoping to re-ignite Roos career | 02:26

    ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT THE BACK

    Australia’s backline was hardest hit by the current run of injuries between November and March.

    Popovic picked Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles and Aziz Behich.

    Geria, Burgess and Rowles formed the central trio of that combination, and the coach made it clear there was plenty to work on. Indonesia’s goal was well taken, but the lead-up was scrappy.

    “The goal they scored probably summarised how we defended,” Popovic said.

    “They didn’t create, we gave them chances, we gave them the penalty, we gave them the goal as well.

    “Defensively we weren’t great, we were a little bit on edge, a little bit sloppy in our defending.”

    WHERE ARE THE SOCCEROOS AT WITH PROJECT POPPA AND WHAT’S NEXT?

    Project Poppa is progressing, but it’s far from the finished article. That’s not a bad thing, but just the reality of only being in the job for six-months.

    “I aim quite high,” Popovic said with a smile when asked how far along the side is when it comes to implementing his game style.

    “They’re not where we want to be, but that’s not a negative that’s a positive. They’ve taken strides forward and it’s not easy to do what they did tonight.”

    Popovic pointed to decision making as an area that needs work.

    “How do we identify quicker what is happening on the field?” he said.

    “That will happen with more games together.

    “I felt that this camp or this window of the first game is the first time I’ve felt in training and just around the hotel that this group is now starting to build into something.”

    Now, it’s off to China for their next qualifier on Tuesday night.

    Australia remains second in group C and in control of its own fate when it comes to securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.

    That goal could be a maximum of three games away.

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  • World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has made 10 changes to his squad for two must win World Cup qualifiers this month against Indonesia and China, headlined by the omission of veteran striker Mitch Duke.

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    The extended 26-player squad features six uncapped players in Scotland based midfielder Nectarios Triantis, Melbourne Victory midfielder Ryan Teague, Melbourne City defender Kai Trewin, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Thomas Glover, fellow shot stopper Paul Izzo and Sydney FC defender Alex Grant. It’s the first time Triantis, Teague, Grant and Trewin have earned a senior national team call-up.

    Popovic has also turned to two players, Jason Davidson and Fran Karacic, who haven’t been a part of the Socceroos’ set-up for some time. Davidson, a 33-year-old left back who plays for Panserraikos F.C in the Greek Super League, hasn’t featured for Australia since a friendly against Jordan in 2022. Before that, the 2015 Asian Cup winner’s last appearance was in a World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in November that year. Karacic’s last involvement for the Socceroos was during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The right back, who now calls NK Lokomotiva in Croatia home, was part of the squad for all four games and featured in the group stage win against Tunisia and the 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.

    A raft of injuries to first choice players made picking this squad a tricky task. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci (hip), defenders Hayden Matthews (ankle), Harry Souttar (achilles), and Jordy Bos (hamstring) are all missing while Riley McGree (knock) continues to struggle with his fitness at Middlesbrough. Alessandro Circati is also a long-term absentee as the 21-year-old Parama defender continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The only two bits of good news from the frequent medical reports came in the form of striker Kusini Yengi returning to action for Portsmouth in the Championship three weeks ago after the 26-year-old hurt his knee in the Socceroos last match against Bahrain in late November while giant defender Cameron Burgess has seemingly shrugged off a calf complaint suffered in Ipswich Town’s fifth round FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 4.

    Mitchell Duke celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup match between Tunisia and Australia.Source: AFP

    The rest of the squad is a mix of potential, young stars ready for their chance and one veteran who probably thought his time had passed.

    Melbourne Victory’s Daniel Arzani gets another chance to impress after Popovic blasted the talented winger during an interview with reporters in January. The coach said Arzani “wasn’t good enough” when he came into camp in October last year and that his “level was really poor in training.” Arzani, once dubbed “the next big thing” in Australian football, missed selection for the November window and has been left in no doubt as to what Popovic wants to see from him. Marco Tilio’s impressive comeback for Melbourne City from a two-and-a-half-month stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury has also caught Popovic’s eye. Those two will be fighting to fill the inverted winger role with Ajdin Hrustic not selected. Hrustic has played just 16-minutes for Italian second division side US Salernitana in 2025.

    Triantis made himself almost impossible to ignore after a stunning run of form for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League where he has featured as a ball-winning midfielder. Melbourne Victory’s Ryan Teague adds depth to the fight for that deeper lying role in the centre of the park. Speculation had recently linked him to the Chinese national team if his exploits had seen him overlooked for Australia again.

    Triantis and Teague were picked over Max Balard and Patrick Yazbek. Balard has been a regular starter for NAC Breda in the Dutch top flight and was called into the Socceroos squad for the November window, but didn’t get on the field.

    Defender Alex Grant gets his reward for a solid run of games with Sydney FC since signing a short-term deal with the Sky Blues in February. Grant is hugely experienced and has an Asian Champions League final appearance and a Korean Cup winners medal on his resume from his time with Pohang Steelers. At 6 foot 3 inches, the 31-year-old goes some way to filling the giant voids left by the injured Souttar and Matthews.

    “It was a whirlwind start to the beginning of my tenure with the national team, and since November we’ve had the chance to review and assess all facets of our program ahead of these Qualifiers,” Popovic said.

    “We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group’s automatic qualifying positions.”

    Australian coach Tony Popovic.Source: News Corp Australia

    The biggest surprise is Duke missing selection. The striker has been a regular in green and gold since late 2019, but despite a huge work rate without the ball, hasn’t found the back of the net with the type of regularity the Socceroos have needed to smooth their path at or on the road to, major tournaments. Duke has found the back of the net just four times in 24-games at international level since the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 34-year-old has also played 45-minutes for J-League side Machida Zelvia this season. Goals will now need to come from the boots of Yengi, Adam Taggart and Brandon Borrello.

    There also wasn’t room for Nestory Irankunda once again despite the 19-year-old being named the Swiss Super League’s Player of the Month for February after his move from Bayern Munich to Grasshoppers.

    The games against Indonesia on Thursday in Sydney and China in Hangzhou on Tuesday shape as crucial to Australia’s hopes of sealing direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. The Socceroos currently sit in second spot in Group C with four games left in the third round. If they stay there, they’ll earn an automatic berth to the game’s global showpiece. It makes two wins from these next two fixtures vital with Japan at home and Saudi Arabia away to come in June. Just one-point separates second placed Australia from last placed China.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium,” Popovic added.

    Extended 26 player Socceroos squad:

    Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Thomas Glover (GK), Craig Goodwin, Alex Grant, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo (GK), Fran Karacic, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi

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  • Liverpool set to play friendly in Australia days after end of Premier League

    Liverpool set to play friendly in Australia days after end of Premier League

    Liverpool are set to jet off to Australia for a one-off friendly just days after the Premier League season comes to an end.

    The Reds are expected to take on an A-League All-Stars team in front of 100,000 fans at Melbourne Cricket Ground following a gruelling campaign, where they can still clinch two major trophies despite their Champions League heartbreak.

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    Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty
    Slot's side will now travel to Australia as they won't be in the Champions League

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    Slot’s side will now travel to Australia as they won’t be in the Champions LeagueCredit: Offside via Getty

    The Reds’ recent elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain has cleared the way for a post-season trip Down Under following their final league fixture against Crystal Palace on May 25.

    Should Arne Slot’s side lift the Premier League title, as many expect they will, a victory parade could be held in the streets of Liverpool on Monday May 26.

    Their match against the All-Stars is set to take place just days later, coinciding with the A-League’s grand final festivities, which will end in the championship decider on the weekend of 31 May – the same weekend as the Champions League final.

    Discussions between the Australian Professional Leagues and the Victorian government had explored the possibility of multiple European heavyweights coming to Melbourne.

    However, scheduling around the Champions League final – which will be played at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31 – proved a challenge.

    Liverpool, the Premier League’s most-watched club in 2023/24 with a staggering 471million cumulative viewers, has always been the preferred option.

    The club has a history of drawing massive crowds in Australia. A sold-out MCG crowd of 95,000 witnessed their 2-0 victory over Melbourne Victory in 2013.

    In 2015, Liverpool played in front of 50,000 and 53,000 fans against Brisbane Roar – who were formerly managed by Anfield legend Robbie Fowler – and Adelaide United.

    Their 2017 visit saw them defeat Sydney FC 3-0 in front of nearly 73,000 spectators at Stadium Australia.

    Last year, the MCG hosted an exhibition match between Newcastle and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, attracting 78,419 fans.

    Newcastle played an exhibition match against the A-League All Stars in May

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    Newcastle played an exhibition match against the A-League All Stars in May

    Newcastle triumphed in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

    Two nights later, a youthful Newcastle side, featuring Socceroo Garang Kuol, suffered an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of the A-League All-Stars, coached by Patrick Kisnorbo.

    This time, Liverpool is only expected to play a single match against the All-Stars.

    With three Victorian clubs currently in the A-League’s top six, there’s also a strong chance that the league’s grand final will take place in Melbourne.

    Liverpool are currently dominating the Premier League title race, sitting 15 points clear of Arsenal.

    Their star-studded squad features Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, and world-class Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker – all of which are global names for football fans.

    Jason Cundy claims Liverpool ‘had it coming’ after crashing out of the Champions League Vs PSG

    Despite their penalty shoot-out defeat to PSG bringing an end to their Champions League run, the Merseysiders are still in strong contention for two trophies this season.

    Initially, a quadruple was on the cards with the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup all looking hopeful.

    However, now it seems as though the league title is all but theirs, and the League Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday brings them their first chance at silverware.

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  • BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Glenn Maxwell propels Melbourne Stars into the playoffs with victory over Hobart Hurricanes

    BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Glenn Maxwell propels Melbourne Stars into the playoffs with victory over Hobart Hurricanes

    The Melbourne Stars secured their place in the playoffs of the Big Bash League 2024/25 with a comprehensive 40-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes. Glenn Maxwell was named Player of the Match for his astonishing knock of 76 not out.

    Table toppers Hobart Hurricanes faced defeat 

    After electing to bat first, the Stars posted a formidable 219/5 in their 20 overs, powered by Beau Webster’s aggressive 51 off 31 deliveries and contributions from Maxwell, who top-scored with an unbeaten 76 off 32 balls. The Stars showcased their depth in batting, with Hilton Cartwright and Marcus Stoinis also chipping in with crucial runs. In response, the Hurricanes struggled to chase down the target, falling short at 179/10 in 19.3 overs. Mark Steketee was the chief destroyer for the Stars, picking up four wickets for just 24 runs, supported by Usama Mir and Tom Curran who bagged two wickets each. Despite Tim David’s quickfire 40 off 22 balls, the Hurricanes failed to maintain the required run-rate, losing wickets at regular intervals, which led to their downfall.

    BBL 14 journey ends for Perth Scorchers

    This victory not only propelled Stars to the fourth spot on the points table but also kept their unbeaten streak intact, with five consecutive wins that have now secured a playoff berth. The Hurricanes, despite the loss, remain at the top of the table with 15 points but missed the opportunity to extend their lead. This result not only highlights the Stars’ resurgence in the league but also marks a significant setback for the Hurricanes, who will now look to regroup ahead of the playoffs. With this win, the Stars now face Sydney Thunder in the ‘Knockout’ round on January 22, determined to extend their journey further in the competition. Meanwhile Perth Scorchers journey ended in the tournament with the defeat of Hurricanes.

    Also WATCH: Marcus Stoinis pulls off an extraordinary backward-running catch in the BBL 2024-25

    Melbourne Stars’ all-round performance proves too much for Hurricanes

    In the 40th match of BBL 14 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Stars put on a stellar display with both bat and ball, setting a daunting target of 220 runs for the Hurricanes to chase. Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers laid a solid foundation early on, putting the Stars on track with a steady 30-run partnership. However, it was Webster who accelerated the innings, hitting boundaries at will and amassing 51 off just 31 balls to inject momentum into the Stars’ innings.

    Maxwell’s calm and composed innings at the end further stabilized the innings, allowing the Stars to post a massive 219/5. His masterful 76 not out from just 32 deliveries, punctuated with five boundaries and six sixes, exhibited his class and proved to be the game-changer. The Stars’ middle and lower order provided just enough firepower to set a daunting target for the Hurricanes.

    On the bowling front, the Stars kept the pressure on from the start, with Steketee wreaking havoc in the powerplay, dismissing key batters Caleb Jewell and Ben McDermott. Steketee’s four-wicket haul was instrumental in derailing the Hurricanes’ chase, as they never truly recovered from those early setbacks.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Usman Khawaja light-heartedly pokes fun at wife Rachel Khwaja during BBL|14



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  • AUS vs IND: Indian captain Rohit Sharma comes under fire for shifting blame on youngsters following MCG Test loss

    AUS vs IND: Indian captain Rohit Sharma comes under fire for shifting blame on youngsters following MCG Test loss

    In the aftermath of India‘s disappointing 184-run defeat to Australia in the Melbourne Test, captain Rohit Sharma has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism. His comments during the post-match press conference, particularly regarding the performance of younger players, have sparked outrage among fans and cricket analysts alike. As India trail 1-2 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the pressure is mounting on Rohit to lead both on and off the field.

    The weight of leadership on Rohit Sharma

    Rohit’s remarks in the press conference after the MCG Test, suggesting that the young players “will learn as they keep playing,” have been interpreted by many as an attempt to deflect responsibility from himself and his senior teammates.

    “We got plenty of chances to win or even draw the game. But there are many guys who scored runs, but could have played a big innings. The guys are new and they will learn as they keep playing,” Rohit stated, emphasizing that new players need to convert their starts into significant scores

    This statement has not only frustrated fans but has also drawn sharp criticism from former players who believe that Rohit should take accountability for the team’s failures.

    Also READ: Top 5 most wickets by an Indian bowler in a calendar year ft. Jasprit Bumrah

    The fallout from Melbourne

    The loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was not just another defeat; it marked a significant setback for India, who were aiming for a historic hat-trick of Test series victories on Australian soil. After bowling Australia out in their second innings, India had a golden opportunity to chase down a target of 340 runs. However, they crumbled under pressure, losing their last seven wickets for just 34 runs. Rohit admitted that his team failed to capitalize on favourable conditions, calling it “mentally disturbing” and expressing disappointment over their inability to fight back.

    Criticism from all corners

    The backlash against Rohit has been swift and severe. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out that Rohit’s current form is underwhelming, suggesting that had he not been captain, he might not even be in the playing XI.

    “If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI. But because he is the captain, and you want to win the next match to draw the series, he stays in the team,” Pathan said on a Star Sports’ post match show.

    Fans took to social media to voice their discontent, with many accusing him of “throwing youngsters under the bus” instead of taking responsibility for his own batting failures and leadership decisions. This sentiment was echoed by cricket pundits who argue that as captain, Rohit should shoulder more blame rather than shifting it onto less experienced players.

    Rishabh Pant’s struggles with form and temperament

    Rohit also addressed Rishabh Pant‘s performance, particularly criticizing his rash shot selection during crucial moments. Pant’s dismissal in both innings raised eyebrows, leading Rohit to state that Pant must understand what is required of him in high-pressure situations. While acknowledging Pant’s potential, Rohit emphasized that it is essential for him to adapt his game according to the match context.

    “It [Pant’s dismissal] just happened, there hasn’t been any discussion about today. Obviously we’ve lost the game, everybody is disappointed about how things panned out … But again, look, Rishabh Pant obviously he needs to understand what is required from himself. More than any one of us telling him, it’s about him understanding and figuring out what’s the right way to go about it. In the past, he has given us lot of success doing what he does. As a captain, there’s a kind of mixed reaction to that,” Indian skipper concluded.

    With this, India will now prepare for the final Test in Sydney on January 3, the focus will be on how Rohit can rally his team and address these criticisms head-on. With Australia aiming to seal their spot in the World Test Championship final with a victory, India must regroup and find a way to level the series. The upcoming match will not only test Rohit’s leadership but also determine whether he can inspire confidence in his young squad amid mounting pressure.

    Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Team India’s loss against Australia in the Boxing Day Test

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  • WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s bail-switching ritual brings good fortune for Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

    WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s bail-switching ritual brings good fortune for Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

    Cricket has always been a sport rich in tradition and superstition, and Day 1 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was no exception. An intriguing moment unfolded when Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj flipped the bails off the stumps while Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was on strike, a ritual believed by some in the cricketing world to bring good luck and wickets for bowlers.

    Mohammed Siraj’s superstition: Bail-switching at play

    In the 43rd over of the Australian innings, Siraj approached the stumps and deliberately switched the bails, an act that caught the attention of onlookers. Labuschagne, unfazed, simply walked away. This was not the first time such an incident had occurred between the two players. A similar moment at the Gabba saw Labuschagne reversing the change and subsequently losing his wicket shortly after. Siraj even playfully informed Labuschagne about his actions, adding an air of levity to the tense match. However, on this occasion, Siraj’s ritual did not immediately bear fruit.

    While Siraj’s superstition didn’t work for him, it appeared to pave the way for teammate Jasprit Bumrah. In the 45th over, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja in a dramatic turn of events. Khawaja, who was well-set on 57 runs off 121 balls, attempted a pull shot against a short-of-length delivery but mistimed it. The ball found its way to KL Rahul at short mid-wicket, leaving Khawaja walking back with a rueful smile. This breakthrough was crucial for India as Bumrah continued to demonstrate his prowess as a match-winner.

    Here is the video:

    Also READ: WATCH: Steve Smith gets hit in the groin area by Akash Deep; Australian star reacts comically

    Labuschagne, who had looked solid at the crease with a composed 72 off 145 balls, eventually fell in the 66th over. Washington Sundar, introduced into the attack, enticed the batter into an expansive shot. Labuschagne, failing to get to the pitch of the ball, mistimed his shot and was caught by Indian skipper Virat Kohli at mid-off. This dismissal, coming right after the drinks break, was a significant moment for the Indian side as they sought to regain control.

    Australia ends Day 1 strong but not unscathed

    At stumps, Australia had posted a formidable 311 runs for the loss of six wickets. Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 68, showcasing his class with five boundaries and a six. Bumrah emerged as the standout performer for India, claiming three wickets and providing critical breakthroughs. While the day belonged largely to Australia, India’s disciplined bowling ensured the game remained finely poised. As both teams prepare for Day 2, the focus will be on whether India’s bowlers can capitalize on the momentum or if Australia’s lower order will stretch their advantage.

    Also WATCH: Ricky Ponting’s double standards criticizing Virat Kohli while ignoring his own past in the 4th Test | AUS vs IND



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  • WATCH: Commentators go gaga over Sam Konstas’ stunning reverse scoop six off Jasprit Bumrah in AUS vs IND 4th Test

    WATCH: Commentators go gaga over Sam Konstas’ stunning reverse scoop six off Jasprit Bumrah in AUS vs IND 4th Test

    In a thrilling display of youthful exuberance, 19-year-old Australia batter Sam Konstas made headlines during his Test debut at the Boxing Day Test against India. Facing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showcased a bold T20-style approach in his blistering knock of 60 runs that left commentators and fans alike in awe.

    The stage was set at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Konstas walked out to open the innings. The young debutant faced an uphill battle against Bumrah, who has long been regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. After a cautious start, where he struggled to connect with two attempted ramp shots, Konstas finally found his rhythm in the seventh over. He executed a brilliant reverse ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for four runs, followed by an audacious six that sent shockwaves through the stadium.

    Commentators were left speechless by his audacity. Mark Waugh exclaimed, “I cannot believe this,” while Ravi Shastri remarked on how Konstas had effectively unsettled Bumrah, a strategy that seemed to pay off handsomely. “He has done well to unsettle Bumrah and so far it has worked for Konstas”, Shastri said.

    The crowd erupted in cheers as Konstas continued to attack, finishing the over with two boundaries and a total of 16 runs – Bumrah’s highest concession in recent memory.

    Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test

    Here’s the video:

    A historic moment for Konstas

    Konstas’ achievement was not just about runs; it was historic in nature. By hitting Bumrah for a six, he became the first batter since Cameron Green in 2021 to achieve this feat against the Indian pacer, who had gone an astonishing 4483 deliveries without conceding a six in Test matches. This remarkable statistic underscores the significance of Konstas’ performance and positions him as a player to watch in future matches.

    The debutant’s fearless approach has drawn comparisons to the “Bazball” style of cricket popularized by England under coach Brendon McCullum. Waugh noted that Konstas had clearly formulated a plan against Bumrah, despite initially keeping it under wraps.

    The reactions from seasoned commentators were telling of the impact Konstas made with the bat. Adam Gilchrist praised his ability to take on one of the world’s best bowlers with such confidence at such a young age.

    “He had said that he has got a plan against Jasprit Bumrah, but didn’t reveal it. This might be his way of taking down Bumrah,” Gilchrist concluded. The consensus among experts was clear: Konstas’ performance was not merely an anomaly but rather indicative of a new generation of cricketers who are unafraid to challenge traditional norms.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill not playing Boxing Day Test match against Australia



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  • Virat Kohli loses cool at journalist upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport, video goes viral

    Virat Kohli loses cool at journalist upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport, video goes viral

    In a heated incident that has garnered significant media attention, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli lost his cool at a journalist upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test against Australia. The confrontation, which took place on Thursday (December 19) was captured on camera and quickly went viral, sparking discussions about privacy and celebrity treatment in public spaces.

    The incident unfolds

    Kohli arrived in Melbourne with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, after the conclusion of the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw. As he made his way through the airport, he noticed that cameras were focused on him and his family. Reports indicate that a journalist from Channel 7 was filming them without prior consent, prompting Kohli to confront the media personnel.

    In a video shared by various news outlets, Kohli can be heard expressing his frustration, saying, “With my kids, I need some privacy, yeah? You can’t film without asking me.” His remarks highlighted the tension between public interest and personal privacy, especially when it comes to families of high-profile cricketers.

    Also READ: Fact Check: Did Anil Kumble lash out at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their failures in the Gabba Test?

    The incident drew mixed reactions from fans and media alike. Some supported Kohli’s stance on protecting his family’s privacy, while others criticized him for his aggressive response. A reporter from Channel 7 later clarified that Kohli’s anger stemmed from a misunderstanding; he believed the media was filming his children when they were actually focused on interviewing Australian player Scott Boland nearby.

    After the initial confrontation, Kohli reportedly calmed down and shook hands with the camera operator before leaving the scene. However, the moment had already sparked widespread discussion online, with many fans expressing their support for Kohli’s right to privacy.

    Context of the confrontation

    This incident comes at a time when Kohli has been under scrutiny for his performances during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite starting strong with a century in Perth, he has struggled to maintain form in subsequent matches, accumulating just 26 runs across four innings since then. The pressure of performing well in Australia, coupled with media attention on his personal life, may have contributed to his heightened emotions during this encounter.

    Under Australian law, there are no specific restrictions on filming celebrities in public spaces, which complicates matters for high-profile Indian cricketers like Kohli. This incident raises important questions about the boundaries of media coverage and the rights of individuals to maintain their privacy in public settings.

    Also READ: 3 ways how Virat Kohli can regain his prime form in Test cricket



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  • Kerr question lingers amid crucial Matildas change; ‘ideal’ new coach revealed: Talking Pts

    Kerr question lingers amid crucial Matildas change; ‘ideal’ new coach revealed: Talking Pts

    There won’t be an international window like the one the Matildas have just experienced until after the World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

    Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

    Results from the two games against the South American champions and the pair of fixtures against Chinese Taipei were both everything and, at the same time, completely irrelevant compared to other objectives.

    Impressive crowds followed the team from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and on to Victoria and winning for those who paid their hard-earned money will always be the goal. However, with continental and global silverware up for grabs over the next two and a half years, those games will be the last where player selections, formations and form won’t be scrutinised heavily for some time.

    Stylish Tillies crush Chinese Taipei | 03:08

    THE SELL OUT CROWD STREAK

    The Matildas streak of selling out stadiums on home soil stopped at 16.

    47,501 packed into Suncorp Stadium and 25,297 rocked up on the Gold Coast for the games against Brazil.

    The 26,795 in attendance at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first match against Chinese Taipei fell just shy of ensuring the house full sign went up.

    The teams who featured on the sellout list make the length of the streak even more impressive.

    It started with 50,629 packing into Marvel Stadium for the last fixture the side played before the Women’s World Cup, against France, in 2023.

    By the time the full-time whistle went in their third-placed play-off defeat to Sweden in Brisbane the streak sat at eight.

    The wave of enthusiasm didn’t wane after the World Cup.

    59,155 were at Optus Stadium in Perth for an Olympic qualifier against the Philippines. That fixture was wedged either side of sellouts at HBF Park against Iran and Chinese Taipei.

    54,120 against Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne saw them seal qualification for the games in Paris while 76,798 were in attendance at Accor Stadium in Sydney for a clash with China. It doubled as a farewell match for the side prior to the ill-fated Olympic campaign and veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ final game on home soil before retirement.

    That figure is almost unheard of for a Monday night in Sydney and it came off the back of 52,912 at Adelaide Oval for the first game against China.

    Those are remarkable numbers.

    THE COACH SEARCH

    When will Football Australia settle on Tony Gustavsson’s replacement as Matildas coach?

    All the governing body will confirm is that the search is ongoing.

    It’s been ongoing since August and is likely to continue into 2025.

    There are six international windows next year as the side prepares for the Asian Cup on home soil in March of 2026. The side will head to America in the first of those windows in February for the SheBelieves Cup. They’ll take on Japan, the USA and Colombia and it’s unclear, at this stage, if the search for a coach would’ve concluded by then.

    Players, former players and pundits have all aired their opinions over the last few weeks on the qualities the new coach should possess.

    The man currently filling the void, Tom Sermanni, also had some thoughts.

    “Somebody young,” the 70-year-old quipped when asked.

    “Ideally its someone that has to be here; that has to be invested in the game here, that has to take greater responsibility than just a one singular national team.

    “That would be the ideal role.”

    That would require any foreign candidate to relocate and immerse themselves in pathways programs.

    In the meantime, Sermanni has turned his attention to the SheBelieves Cup.

    “I’m in here as a coach. I haven’t thought about it as if I’m just here in the interim. What I’ve tried to do is do what I would’ve done had I come in here under a two, three or a four-year contract.”

    Incredible story behind Tillies new star | 01:12

    THE YOUNG AND THE RETURNING

    The experience of Sermanni – this is his third stint as coach of the Matildas – perhaps explains why Football Australia feel like they’ve got time to settle on the right coaching candidate.

    He’s already set about building depth in the squad. Sermanni created headlines – something the affable Scot is not prone to doing – by saying depth building was something the program hadn’t done well enough. It was seen as a shot at Gustavsson and was widely reported as such. He was at pains to clarify on Friday that he meant it was a decade old problem that Football Australia needs to address.

    Either way, it’s a valid point on the road to the Asian Cup and World Cup.

    His solution, so far, has been to not just name generation next in the squad, but actually give them game time.

    Bryleeh Henry, Daniela Galic, Winonah Heatley, Sharn Freier, Natasha Prior and Leah Davidson all got minutes at stages, and none looked out of place at international level.

    Freier is the most established of those players and looks increasingly dangerous with every appearance.

    “I think the first thing that we learned is that some players have come in and really stepped up to the level that we’re playing at,” Sermanni said.

    “We actually have some talent around that we need to try to utilise a little bit better.”

    More established players like Emily Gielnik, Chloe Logarzo and Remy Siemsen, who missed the profile boom of World Cup induced Matildas-mania, have also returned to the fold.

    A mix of the young and the returning will be required for the side to get its hands on silverware.

    CLARITY ON SAM KERR

    Sam Kerr has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury since suffering the setback at a Chelsea training camp in January.

    Hard details around her recovery have been difficult to come by since.

    Now, new Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has provided a ballpark timeframe for Kerr’s return.

    “We are looking to have her back with us in February, March, not before that,” Bompastor said.

    “She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.”

    That means the SheBelieves Cup will, most likely, come too soon and Chelsea would surely hold reservations about Kerr departing for international duty if she was only just back on the park.

    Having Kerr fit and firing for the Asian Cup in 2026 and the World Cup in 2027 must be the goal after an injury interrupted run at the last edition before missing the Olympics in Paris completely.

    Tillies snap losing streak with 3-1 win | 01:34

    THE HARDEST MOMENT TO WATCH

    Chloe Logarzo made her first appearance for the Matildas since October 2022 in the game at AAMI Park against Chinese Taipei.

    After a lively first half-hour spent cleverly linking up with the strike pairing of Emily Gielnik and Michelle Heyman, a head clash while competing for a ball saw her night come to an end.

    The next day she was ruled out of the second match in Geelong.

    “She has got the old egg on the side of her head at the moment,” Sermanni said after the AAMI Park game.

    “She is devastated at having to go off. She waited quite a long time to get back in the team.”

    It’s not hard to understand why Logarzo was pleading for the medical staff to let her continue.

    The 29-year-old has had a horror run with injuries.

    The midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during a friendly against Ireland in September of 2021.

    Issues with her foot followed the completion of rehabilitation on her knee.

    Logarzo wasn’t fit enough for the World Cup and turned television pundit for the tournament instead.

    The Western United star will be desperate to be on the pitch instead of in a TV studio when the Asian Cup rolls around.

    The tears that followed her substitution in Melbourne were a raw and honest expression of how cruel professional sport can be.

    THE BEST MOMENT OF THE FOUR MATCHES

    Clare Polkinghorne take a bow.

    You know you’ve made it when you enter the Australian consciousness just by your nickname.

    “Polks” got a celebration game against Brazil in-front of family and friends in her home state in Queensland and then a farewell game against Chinese Taipei in Geelong.

    The defender made her international debut in 2006 against China in Shanghai as a 16-year-old and went on to be picked for five World Cups, five Asian Cups and three Olympic Games.

    The 35-year-old exits the game with 169 appearances for the Matildas to her name that saw her go from playing in-front of small crowds to selling out stadiums.

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  • LIVE: Matildas cruising to victory against Asian foe in veteran star’s last international

    LIVE: Matildas cruising to victory against Asian foe in veteran star’s last international

    The Matildas are cruising to victory over Chinese Taipei and hold a 4-0 lead in the second half in veteran Clare Polkinghorne’s final international appearance.

    Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

    Leah Davidson opened the scoring with a sharp header that found the woodwork and then the back of the net in the sixth minute.

    Tameka Yallop then doubled the lead with a left-foot strike that found the bottom right corner of the goal in Geelong.

    Emily Gielnik then used her body well to get in position and head home in the 40th minute to complete the first-half rout.

    Australia’s 36-year-old striker Michelle Heyman picked up where things left off in the second half when she tapped in from close range.

    MATCH PREVIEW

    After a triumphant result at AAMI Park on Wednesday, the Matildas are looking to make it two from two against Chinese Taipei when the sides meet on Saturday night in Geelong.

    Having missed the 3-1 win midweek, interim Matildas manager Tom Sermanni confirmed Queensland native Clare Polkinghorne would start on Saturday night for her final international appearance.

    “Does it get any better than that for a Queenslander?” Sermanni joked at his press conference.

    With regards to the rest of Saturday’s line-up, Sermanni confirmed changes would be made, saying: “We’ve got certain conditions around these games that limit us a little bit, but we will (make changes).”

    The 70-year-old veteran explained the approach the Australians would take to their second matchup with their Asian opponent.

    “One of the key things I’ve learned over many years of us being in Asia is that if you play and conform to the same tempo that the Asian teams like to play at, then they do it better than us,” Sermanni said.

    “So, it was really important for us to have a tempo of the game that was high, to have a really aggressive approach to the game … and to actually use our physically, which is a big asset for us.

    “We try to blend all of those things together. I think, generally, I thought the players did it really well (on Wednesday).”

    The Matildas meet Chinese Taipei for the second time on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30pm AEDT at GMHBA Stadium. The match will be broadcast on 10 and 10 Bold.

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