As per cricket.com.au, the Nagpur pitch is dry and has loose cracks which means that the pitch will definitely aid the spinners.
While Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli did play the sweep shot, Cheteshwar Pujara was more intent on negating the off-breaks with a big forward stride during practice ahead of the first Test against Australia in Nagpur.
There is a temptation to play 3 spinners: KL Rahul
NAGPUR : Indias Test vice-captain KL Rahul feels its never easy to predict the nature of a track but there is a temptation to play three spinners in the first Test against Australia, beginning here on Thursday. With less than 48 hours left for the Border Gavaskar Trophy to begin, Rahul didnt provide any definitive answers about three key slots in the team -- the wicketkeeper, the third spinner and the number five in the batting order. With skipper Rohit Sharma back in the mix, Rahul was asked if he would like to bat in the middle-order where he had started his Test career back in 2014. If it arises, then Im more than happy to do that. Whatever little cricket Ive played for the country, Ive always done that. Whatever the team has asked me to do, I try and prepare that way and try and do my best for the team, and if that is something that the team wants me to do here, Ill be more than happy to do it, Rahul said, although it is unlikely that he would come down the order. Rahul said: We still havent decided on the final XI. Its going to be a tough decision to make. There are guys who have performed exceedingly well and there are a few spots open so there are a few discussions going on and the players are being spoken to. The VCA track is expected to assist spinners from day one itself but Rahul doesnt want to be a soothsayer when it comes to reading the 22-yard strip. Yes, we did see it (the pitch), but its still too early to really know what the pitch is going to do. Rahul feels with the quality in the Australian bowling line-up, reverse swing in the dry and abrasive conditions can play a huge role.It always plays a huge role in India. We have seen that historically as well. Any team that has quality fast bowlers who can exploit reverse swing will be dangerous on pitches like these. Thats something that we have tried to prepare for over the last week, 10 days We need to come here on the day of the match to know how its really going to play, he told reporters. We can only look at it and assume its going to play a certain way, but you never know with pitches. Yes, there is the temptation to play three spinners because were playing in India. Well take that call on the day of the game or the day before the game, the stylish right-hander said. Dravid predicts a sweep for Gill, domestic players dominate the nets Ind Vs Aus: When Team India's cricketer did not obey head coach Shastri's order
Dravid predicts a sweep for Gill, domestic players dominate the nets
NAGPUR : The majority of Indian batters committed to double shifts in the nets against slow bowlers before the series opening since there is a strong chance that the plan to train rank turners for annihilating Australia will fail. The misunderstood Australian cricketer Steve O'Keefe had one notable performance against India in Pune six summers ago when a snake pit of a 22-yard delivery boomeranged horribly on the hosts, giving the left-arm spinner 12 of his 35 Test wickets in a single match. As if that weren't enough, Lyon questioned a lot during the subsequent test in Bangalore. The Indian team boasted nine specialist spinners on Tuesday: four from the core squad, five from within India, and one from abroad. The hitters are being helped by fringes. The majority of the work was done by the off-spinners Pulkit Narang and Jayant Yadav, as well as the leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, left-arm orthodox Ravisrinivas Sai Kishore, and Saurabh Kumar, while Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav would like to save their energies for the big five days. When Narang and India's Jayant, who neither rank among the top 10 domestic wicket-takers, are asked to simulate, it is very clear that domestic cricket lacks effective off-break bowlers. The continued disregard for Jalaj Saxena while Jayant is present indicates that Lyon is still very much on India's mind. Playing spin is something we have definitely practised, and we are aware of how the pitches will behave in India. We've gotten good at playing spin while keeping that in mind KL Rahul, the team's vice captain, provided a sneak peak into their pregame planning. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli both attempted to make sweep shots, but Cheteshwar Pujara focused more on blocking off-breaks with a strong forward stride. Everybody has their own unique plans. Everyone has their own preferred style of play that they have discussed with the coaches, or everyone wants to play a certain way. In an effort to improve our spin play, the batting group and I have talked about this said the vice captain of India. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, actually spent a lot of time with Gill and explained how to use some shadow batting to hold the sweep at bay. When a strong turn is being offered, he was observed demonstrating to Gill how to prevent offering a catch to a front short leg or leg gully. Later, Gill could be seen practising close-range catching with fielding coach T. Dileep while standing at the forward short leg. Although the squad lineup hasn't been revealed, it appears like Rahul will replace Gill at the top, who is currently going through a strong period. A good wicketkeeper will be required at all times because of the dry area on one side of the track, which means the ball will start contributing from the first game. Ind Vs Aus: When Team India's cricketer did not obey head coach Shastri's order Vinod Kambli's wife filed complaint against him for domestic violence Ex-Pak star Abdul Razzaq stuns with unexpected take on BCCI vs PCB row
Team India and Australia are all set to lock horns in the first Test on February 9 in Nagpur.
Live Cricket Updates, Wednesday: Follow us to keep up to date with the latest developments from the world of cricket today including but not limited to the Border Gavaskar Trophy, WPL 2023, WPL, Zimbabwe vs West Indies 2023 and more
The race is between Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill to bat at number 5 in the opening Test against Australia in Nagpur.
Former Australia captain Steve Smith felt thatthe pitch is dry and sports loose cracks just two days before the match, which will surely make both sides consider filling their playing XI with plenty of spin bowling options.
Work begins on two multi-level car parking plazas in Nagpur
The Nagpur Municipal Corporations (NMC) special purpose vehicle NSSCDCL has started work on two automated, multi-level car and bike parking plazas at two market places, with two more such plazas planned. The four plazas will have capacity to park 148 four-wheelers and 660 two-wheelers.
IND vs AUS: On the surface, story gets same spin
With World Test Championship final berth at stake, hosts seem keen to make most of the conditions at Nagpur; Australia, too, may opt for spin-heavy line-up
India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma and Co Look All Charged Up in Photoshoot Ahead of Nagpur Test
The first Test match between India and Australia will be played on February 9 in Nagpur.
IND vs AUS: KL Rahul Seeks Sai Baba's Blessing Ahead Of First Test Against Australia
KL Rahul was spotted visiting the iconic Sai Baba Mandir in Nagpur
IND vs AUS: KL Rahul admits India tempted to play three spinners in 1st Test
The first Test of the four-match Test series between India and Australia will be played from February 9 in Nagpur. Ahead of the series opener, team Indias star batter KL Rahul spilled beans on his teams selection strategy for 1st Test. He said the India will be for sure tempted to play three spinners in [] The post IND vs AUS: KL Rahul admits India tempted to play three spinners in 1st Test appeared first on Pragativadi .
'Besharam Rang: Memes Galore As Smith Inspects Pitch Ahead Of India Test
The first Test between India and Australia will take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Nagpur
Sunil Joshi slammed for picking Suryakumar over Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara has been India's batting mainstay in Test cricket and there is no iota of doubt that the batter will be a part of the playing eleven in the Test series against Australia starting Thursday in Nagpur.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Promises 10 % Reservation for Unani Doctors
Nagpur: While thanking Unani physicians for their services during the deadly Covid epidemic, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde promised that a 10% reservation quota will be fixed in the states public hospitals and primary healthcare facilities for Unani doctors. He also promised that a government-run Unani medical college will be sanctioned shortly. He made these [] The post Maharashtra Chief Minister Promises 10 % Reservation for Unani Doctors first appeared on .
Nagpur Test: Will India play three spinners vs Aus?
Rahul didn't provide any definitive answers about three key slots in the team -- the wicketkeeper, the third spinner and the number five in the batting order.
Steve Smith also talked about the spin challenge against India and the pitch for the opening Test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
'I'll be more than happy to do it': Rahul on batting in middle order
KL Rahul has been a regular feature in the opening slot along with skipper Rohit Sharma in Test cricket but his struggle with the bat in the recent past has cast doubts over his role in the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia starting Thursday in Nagpur.
Super Women & Super Heroes Awards 2022 Season 3 took place at Hotel Marriott Jaipur by FSIA
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], February 3: A large celebration honouring Super Women from several categories was held in Jaipur on December 19. For the first time, the renowned army majors and colonels exclusively declared the winners at a special event sponsored by Forever Star India at the Hotel Marriott Jaipur. Rajesh Agarwal, the event's organizer, said that there was a tremendous reaction from all sectors as the event preparations got underway. We began the nomination and registration procedure for the recipients, and very quickly, we were flooded with thousands of applications on our digital platform. The requirements for participants were established earlier, and individuals from many categories of the nation who have accomplished remarkable work are eligible to compete. Super Women & Super Heroes Awardees List is given below:- * Real Super Women: - Mohita Tiwari, Thane, Maharashtra, Yoga Trainer - Saranya Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, Author - Chaithra Udupi, Karnataka, Yoga Trainer - Joshita Sharma, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Artist - Tvara Mehta, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat, Art & Culture - Kanchan Mahendra Gohane, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Actress - Shailza Chauhan, Sonepat, Haryana, Business Woman - Aruna Tandon, Nainital, Uttarakhand, Best Artist - Neha Sarah, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Multi Talent - Hema Vijay Kumar Thakur, Nashik, Maharashtra, Artist - Dr. Roopal Patel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Fitness Model - Pooja Garg, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Multi Talent - Isha Agarwal, Kolkata, West Bengal, Fashion Designer - Bina Dhakan, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Business Woman - Meenakshi Singhbhum, Jharkhand, Fitness Coach - Sangeetha Jayaprakash, Erode, Tamil Nadu, Banker - Aakriti Thapliyal, Delhi, Tarot Card Reader - Puja Newar Kampani, Surat, Gujarat, Human Resources - Radhika Mohite Patil, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Enterpreneur - Rashmi Agarwal, Araria, Bihar, Principal - Yogita Warde, Vadodara, Gujarat, Author - Dr. Nidhi C. Viroliya, Rajkot, Gujarat, Doctor - Heena Gosain, Faridabad, Haryana, Fashion Stylist - Dr. Apeksha Thakre, Hyderabad City, Telangana, Doctor - Subhash Rani, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Motivational Speaker - Sonali Gupta, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Chef - Sanchari Chakroborty, Kolkata, West Bengal, Advocate - Ilma Nathani, Kolkata, West Bengal, Academic - Dr Janvi Jain, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat, Dermatologist - Alka Mittal, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Business Woman - Vetriselvi Senguttuvan, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Author & Writer - Padma Somnani, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, Teacher - Kunjan Paul, Thane, Maharashtra, Yoga Trainer - Alka Bhargava, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Business Woman - Vidhi Shailesh Patel, Mahesana, Gujarat, Art & Culture - Dr. Sangita Manoj Biyani, Bhusawal, Maharashtra, Business Woman - Dr. Abhilasha Magar, Thane, Maharashtra, Author - Dr Queen Gogoi, Sonitpur, Assam, Doctor - Anandmai, New Delhi, Delhi, Life Coach - Dr Anju Sharma, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Doctor - Shabina Sayyed, Bardoli, Gujarat, Makeup Artist - Aliya Durafshan, Delhi, Advocate - Dimple Himanshu, Boriawala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Teaching - Dr. K. Ramadevi, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Counsellor - Richu Karan Garg, Firozpur, Punjab, Writer - Dr. Mamta Mohan Singh, New Delhi, Delhi, Social Activist - Kavitha Lakshminarasaiah, Bengaluru South, Karnataka, IT Expert - Karishma N Shah, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Reiki & Crystal Healing - Babli Mukherjee, Krishnanagar, West Bengal, Social Worker - Kajal Rajput, Delhi, Astrologer - Twinkle Kalia, Delhi, Social Worker - Dr. Binal Ghanshyam Limbasiya, Surat, Gujarat Doctor - Puja Kumari, Katihar, Bihar, Model - Anjali Prakash Dalwadi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Medical - Deepanshi Nandi, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Entrepreneur - Vishruta Trivedi, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat, Astrologer - Soma Nandi, Kolkata, West Bengal, Singer - Saachi Agarwal, Alipurduar, West Bengal, Student - Ms Uma Duggal, Delhi, Health Care - Nisha Rijish, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Fashion Stylist - Rashhmi S Sarraf, Kolkata, West Bengal, Astrologer - Himali Acharya, Vadodara West, Gujarat, Business Woman - Neeloopher Aucharaj, Mauritius, Makeup Artist - Arti Khandelwal, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Motivational Speaker - Swathi Nahar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Artist - Sakshi Raj Narang, Thane, Maharashtra, Tarot Card Reader - Leena Khanna Jalandhar, Punjab, Business Woman - Dr. Deepshikha Pande Katare, Delhi, Doctor - Aanchal Verma, Delhi, Makeup Artist * Real Super Heroes: - Satyendra Rajvanshi, Bikaner, Rajasthan, Journalism - Bimal Hansda, Birbhum, West Bengal, Lyricist - Adv Madhur Sikhwal, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Advocate The show's directors, Jaya Chauhan and Khushi Sabu, as well as the event's organizer, Rajesh Agarwal, all noted that this was the third season of the award. Given the huge success of the previous two seasons, we decided to organize a ceremony on a grand scale, and we were successful in managing the entire production. The entire management team's work is appreciated, and we are thankful to everyone for the love & support! It is for the very first time that the reputed Army Majors and the Colonels were given the chance to award the Super Women 2022 Awards. Event Organizer Rajesh Agarwal believes it is a great honour for the winners to receive awards from such decorated hands. It was an astounding gesture to have reputable Army Majors and Colonels on stage. More than 100 awardees from 40 different categories, including business, entrepreneurship, sports, education, medicine, fashion, beauty, wellness, art, culture, social work, and literature, were awarded for receiving this award from all over India. The Show was streamed live on both the FSIA's YouTube page and the official FSIA app. The team also provided each candidate separate access to a social media platform so that they could connect and share various experiences of their life or achievements. Kalyugi son kills his mother by hitting a rod on head after she refused to buy Bullet Actor Ravi Kishans Elder Brother died of Heart Attack, Another Death in his family within a year Watch Samantha Ruth Prabhus look from Russo Brothers Citadel is out
Australia's vice-captain said that the team will have to wait for the decision on Green's inclusion in the playing XI, though it's unlikely that he will be able to play.
Border Gavaskar Trophy: What will be team India's playing XI against Australia? Know here
New Delhi: The countdown for the final XI of the Nagpur Test between India and Australia has begun. Both teams have started preparing before the match. Also in creating that game plan, an important part of which is the final XI. Before the Nagpur Test, a big disclosure has been made about India's playing XI. And, this has been revealed by opener KL Rahul. During a conversation with reporters in Nagpur, KL Rahul said something that probably should have remained within the team. But, Rahul has revealed theteam India's combination in front of the media. KL Rahul has given a big indication about the team's bowling combination during the press conference. Along with this, he also gave hints about whether he would play or not. Rahul said these things when he was talking to reporters in Nagpur.He said that three spinners can be included in the team for the Nagpur Test. Rahul was also asked a question about Team India's batting order, in response to which he said that if the management wantsheis ready to bat even in the middle order. Hehas no problem playing on any number. Rahul's statement has led to speculation about him playing in the first Test. KL Rahul definitely mentioned the theory of 3 spinners in the press conference, but who will be those 3 spinners? Did not disclosed names. Nor did hescrutinize to confirm that 3 spinners will play against Australia. He said that there are still many places left to be filled in the playing XI. Let us tell you that the first match of the 4 Test series between India and Australia will be played from 9 February. Indias Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C),Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (VC/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj. Australia's star batsman Aaron Finch announces retirement ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Ind Vs Aus: When Team India's cricketer did not obey head coach Shastri's order Vinod Kambli's wife filed complaint against him for domestic violence
Smith on the Ashwin threat ahead of Nagpur Test: We are not overthinking
Smith on the Ashwin threat ahead of Nagpur Test We are not overthinking
India vs Australia Test series: Fixtures, squads, head to head
The much anticipated four-Test series between India and Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on February 9 in Nagpur. Here's an appetizing view on one of the fiercest rivalry in Test cricket.
BGT: Temptation to play 3 spinners in Nagpur Test but nothing decided, says Rahul
BGT: Temptation to play 3 spinners in Nagpur Test but nothing decided, says Rahul
Cameron Green unlikely to play 1st Test match at Nagpur, says Steve Smith
Cameron Green unlikely to play 1st Test match at Nagpur, says Steve Smith
It will be interesting the Indian team combination for the series opener Nagpur considering the expectations that the teams may have to deal with a rank turner
Warner, Smith 'Get Down To Business' As First Pic of Nagpur Pitch Surfaces
Historically, Australia have struggled to overcome conditions in India, with their last series win in the sub-continent nation coming in 2004
Ahead of the Test series, KL Rahul, who has been struggling for form after a forgettable series against Bangladesh, turned to spiritual help like Virat Kohli. Rahul visited the famous Sai Baba Mandir in Nagpur ahead of the series.
Three key battles in India vs Australia Test series
India host Australia in a hotly anticipated four-match Test series starting on Thursday in Nagpur. AFP Sport looks at three key battles that could decide who comes out on top in a clash between the world's two top cricket teams.
Air India continues network optimisation, three airports to be served by Air Asia India
In addition, Air India will also enhance connections from Delhi and/or Mumbai to Ahmedabad (AMD), Cochin (COK), Trivandrum (TRV), Visakhapatnam (VTZ) and Nagpur (NAG) to enable seamless, two-way domestic-international-connectivity with long-haul international flights operating from the two metros.
Cameron Green is recovering from an injury he picked during the South Africa Test series at home
'I Will Lay Out The Same Wicket': Curator Says 'No Regrets' For 2004 Nagpur Test Pitch
The Nagpur Test resulted in Australia taking an unassailable 2-0 lead during the 2004 tour of India
Rohit, Kohli Gear Up For The Aussies!
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli took to the nets during India's training session at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Ind vs Aus Test: Been there, won that!
Three Mumbai cricketersNilesh Kulkarni, Sameer Dighe and Sairaj Bahutulewho were part of the series-winning Chennai Test of the 2000-01 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, believe Team India will be grinners at the end of the forthcoming four-match Test battle, which opens in Nagpur on Thursday
Anil Deshmukh gets nod to visit Nagpur, Delhi
Deshmukhs plea for visiting Nagpur and New Delhi was allowed by both the courts
Ashwin is a sure-shot selection while Jadeja is likely to be the next option in the fray. However, there is a fight for the third spinner's slot between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel
Given a chance I'll again prepare the same wicket: 2004 Nagpur Test curator Kishore Pradhan
Man who dished out 'green top' the last time Australia won a Test series in India has no regrets about his role, says there were no demons on surface
IND vs AUS: Australian cricket team arrives in Nagpur for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
IND vs AUS: Australian cricket team arrives in Nagpur for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
New Delhi, Feb 6, With the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Nagpur on Thursday, former India fielding coach R Sridhar recalled how the then head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff encouraged Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari when they were batting during the third Test of the 2020/21 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On day five of the SCG Test, Ashwin and Vihari, despite nursing back and hamstring injuries respectively, shared an unbroken 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket, lasting 42.2 overs, to force an epic draw for India. Equally satisfying, if not more, was what happened on the final day of the Sydney Test in January 2021. We needed to bat out more than 45 overs when Ashwin joined Vihari in the middle at the fall of the fifth wicket. Jadeja was injured and would only bat if desperately needed to do so, and only the pacers were left otherwise, so in effect, this pair was our best and perhaps last bet to salvage a draw. When we arrived at the Sydney Cricket Ground on the final morning, we were two down with 98 overs to negotiate (Rohit and Shubman were dismissed the previous evening). Soon, as we entered the dressing room, one of the locals looking after our requirements bustled across and asked us if we wanted the lunch served at the ground itself, or if we'd rather they sent it across to our hotel. His not-so-subtle message was that we wouldn't last till lunch! I laughed at that well-placed salvo, which was typical Australian, typical of how they come at you, wrote Sridhar in his book 'Coaching Beyond: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team'. Before the staunch resistance by Ashwin and Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant had lifted the Indian spirits with a crucial 148-run partnership off 264 balls. But tension gripped the Indian dressing room when the duo fell in quick succession. Anyway, we were still afloat at lunch, thanks to Pujara and Rishabh. After a grand partnership of 148 that threatened to turn the match on its head, they both got out within 25 runs of each other, leaving Vihari and Ashwin holding the baby. I could sense the tension and nervousness in the very small dressing room at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If we lost the game, we could kiss our chances of making the WTC final goodbye. We could forget about thinking of another series win in Australia. But, sitting beside each other, the members of the support staff told one another that we would not let anyone know how we were feeling. 'Let's keep encouraging these two guys every ball, no matter what happens,' was our mantra. Ravi bought into the idea, and believe me, for the duration of that partnership-nearly-260 deliveries-he would scream his lungs out after every ball, screaming 'shabash' loudly enough each time for all 15 gentlemen in the middle to hear clearly. If the situation weren't so dire, it would have been hilarious, further wrote Sridhar. In that match, Vihari finished unbeaten on 23 off 161 balls while Ashwin was unconquered on 39 off 128 deliveries. Sridhar went on to describe how Shastri had sent a message to the duo through substitute Shardul Thakur. Vihari and Ashwin came in at tea, and while we converged to congratulate and encourage them, a tactical call was also made. Vihari had pulled his hamstring and was not able to play Lyon convincingly because his movements were restricted. He couldn't put in the good, long stride. Ashwin, meanwhile, was being subjected to a bouncer barrage from the quicks. So, it was decided that Ashwin, at home against Lyon, would take on the off-spinner and Vihari would negotiate the three-pronged pace attack. After having stuck to their respective ends of the bargain, for some strange reason, they took a single, which exposed Vihari to Lyon and Ashwin to the fast men. A couple of singles later, the situation was unaltered and Ravi was starting to lose his shirt. He summoned substitute Shardul Thakur and told him, 'Listen to me very carefully and repeat this to them: 'No matter what happens, Vihari will handle the fast bowlers, Ashwin will play Lyon. No singles, no change of ends, period'. Got it?' Shardul smiled coyly and said, 'Yes, sir', and charged to the middle with a bottle of water for Ashwin. After exchanging a few words with the two batters, he ran back in. 'Did you pass on my message?' Ravi growled. 'Yes, sir, of course', Shardul replied. Sridhar then revealed that Shardul had lied to Shastri about his message to the on-field batters. It was only much, much later, after we had pulled the fat out of the fire and escaped with one of the greatest draws, that the real story came out. It seems when Shardul went in, Ashwin asked him what was being said in the dressing room. Shardul replied, 'They are saying many things, but you guys don't worry. You are batting well, just continue doing the same things'. He didn't pass on Ravi's message; instead, he told the batters exactly what they wanted to hear at that time. Perhaps he sized up that passing on the instructions, however, steeped in logic they might be, could disrupt the flow of the batters and the zone they were in, so he passed on a message he thought was the best under the circumstances. Hats off to him! In a direct way, that is linked to the kind of empowerment we gave the players, and which they learnt to use judiciously. He didn't pass on Ravi's message; instead, he told the batters exactly what they wanted to hear at that time. Perhaps he sized up that passing on the instructions, however, steeped in logic they might be, could disrupt the flow of the batters and the zone they were in, so he passed on a message he thought was the best under the circumstances. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
'Want the Ball to Turn From Day 1': Ex-India Head Coach Ravi Shastri Ahead of Nagpur Test
India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21
Watch: 'Test series win in India bigger than Ashes'
Terming series victory in India bigger than winning the Ashes is certainly a big statement coming straight from the Australian players few days before the start of the high-profile four-match Test series, starting in Nagpur on February 9, for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India hold the edge over Australia since 1996
With the 16th edition of the Border-Gavaskar series set to get underway, India will be looking to extend their winning record over Australia. The first Test of the four-match series will be played at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on February 9.
If Ashwin fires with bat and ball, could well decide outcome of series: Ravi Shastri
Cricket At the same time, Shastri cautioned Ashwin about overthinking his plans while bowling to the Australian batters. Facebook With the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy around the corner, spin bowling will undoubtedly play a huge role throughout the four-match series starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri thinks if ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gets going with both bat and ball, he could well decide the outcome of the series.At the same time, Shastri cautioned Ashwin about overthinking his plans while bowling to the Australian batters. With Ashwin, who's picked 89 wickets against Australia in Tests apart from making 457 runs against them, looming as a large threat, the visitors' had been practising in Alur against Baroda off-spinner Mahesh Pithiya, who has an eerie resemblance to the bowling action of Ashwin. Moreover, 226 out of 449 wickets taken by Ashwin in Test cricket are left-handed batters.One thing you don't want for him is to over-plan. He is good enough doing what he is - sticking to that. He is a really crucial player here. His form might well decide the series. Ashwin is a package not just with the ball, he will get you some important runs as well (with the bat).\If he is on fire in both departments, that might well decide the outcome of the series. He is world-class in most conditions. But in Indian conditions, he can be lethal. If the ball is spinning and biting the dust, he has enough up his sleeves to trouble the Australian batters.\But you don't want him to over-think and try too many things because just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest as it does enough in India, said Shastri in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Asked if Australia batters are thinking a bit too much about Ashwin, former Australia captain Ian Chappell remarked it's better if the visitors themselves replied to this query and added that they have to be at their proactive best against the off-spinner.Why is Ashwin likely to be a threat, because he's a smart cricketer. Ashwin sees what's happening with the pitch, and the batsmen and bowls accordingly. If you are going to let Ashwin bowl the way he wants to, then you are in trouble. He will be a threat to Australia throughout and you have to be proactive against Ravichandran Ashwin.\If you want to know how the Australian players are thinking about Ashwin, ask the Australian players. I've got no idea what they are thinking about Ashwin. You've obviously got to think particularly about a good opponent like Ashwin, but you've got to think about being proactive.\If you are not the one who is basically dictating terms -- that doesn't mean you are hitting him for fours and sixes. Sometimes, just getting regular singles off a bowler will frustrate him more than hitting him for four or six. If you are getting singles on a regular basis, he's having to change who he bowls to. With Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja set to be the first two spin options for India, there is a fight for the third spinner's slot between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Shastri believes Kuldeep being a left-arm wrist-spinner gives him the edge over Axar, who is very similar in skillsets to Jadeja.As far as the other spinner goes, I would like to see Kuldeep playing, straightaway. You have got Ravindra Jadeja, Axar and him are pretty similar while Kuldeep is different. Also, if you lose the toss and want the ball to spin then. if there is anyone who can spin the ball on day one it will be Kuldeep.\If the track has not too much to offer, he can come into play. Also, roughs will be created and that will come into play with the Australian and Indian pacers' bowling. A wrist spinner can bring out that bit further and get it to spin both ways. He can take advantage and is crucial. India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21. Australia, on the other hand, are aiming to win a Test series in India after having done so last time in 2004.
A series victory in India is bigger than Ashes win: Australia players
India and Australia are up against each other in a high-profile four-match Test series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Nagpur on February 9, 2023
Out On Bail, Maharashtra Ex Minister Allowed To Travel To Nagpur, Delhi
The special courts in Mumbai on Monday allowed former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh's plea to travel to Nagpur and New Delhi for four weeks.
Bigger Than Ashes...: Steve Smith On Winning Test Series In India
India and Australia are up against each other in a high-profile four-match Test series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Nagpur on Thursday.
If Ashwin Is On Fire In Both Departments, Might Well Decide Outcome Of The Series: Ravi Shastri
With the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy around the corner, spin bowling will undoubtedly play a huge role throughout the four-match series starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri thinks if ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gets going with both bat and ball, he could well decide the outcome of the series. At the same time, Shastri cautioned Ashwin about overthinking his plans while bowling to the Australian batters. With Ashwin, who's picked 89 wickets against Australia in Tests apart from making 457 runs against them, looming as a large threat, the visitors' had been practising in Alur against Baroda off-spinner Mahesh Pithiya, who has an eerie resemblance to the bowling action of Ashwin. Moreover, 226 out of 449 wickets taken by Ashwin in Test cricket are left-handed batters. One thing you don't want for him is to over-plan. He is good enough doing what he is - sticking to that. He is a really crucial player here. His form might well decide the series. Ashwin is a package not just with the ball, he will get you some important runs as well (with the bat). If he is on fire in both departments, that might well decide the outcome of the series. He is world-class in most conditions. But in Indian conditions, he can be lethal. If the ball is spinning and biting the dust, he has enough up his sleeves to trouble the Australian batters. But you don't want him to over-think and try too many things because just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest as it does enough in India, said Shastri in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Asked if Australia batters are thinking a bit too much about Ashwin, former Australia captain Ian Chappell remarked it's better if the visitors themselves replied to this query and added that they have to be at their proactive best against the off-spinner. Why is Ashwin likely to be a threat, because he's a smart cricketer. Ashwin sees what's happening with the pitch, and the batsmen and bowls accordingly. If you are going to let Ashwin bowl the way he wants to, then you are in trouble. He will be a threat to Australia throughout and you have to be proactive against Ravichandran Ashwin. If you want to know how the Australian players are thinking about Ashwin, ask the Australian players. I've got no idea what they are thinking about Ashwin. You've obviously got to think particularly about a good opponent like Ashwin, but you've got to think about being proactive. If you are not the one who is basically dictating terms -- that doesn't mean you are hitting him for fours and sixes. Sometimes, just getting regular singles off a bowler will frustrate him more than hitting him for four or six. If you are getting singles on a regular basis, he's having to change who he bowls to. With Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja set to be the first two spin options for India, there is a fight for the third spinner's slot between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Shastri believes Kuldeep being a left-arm wrist-spinner gives him the edge over Axar, who is very similar in skillsets to Jadeja. As far as the other spinner goes, I would like to see Kuldeep playing, straightaway. You have got Ravindra Jadeja, Axar and him are pretty similar while Kuldeep is different. Also, if you lose the toss and want the ball to spin then. if there is anyone who can spin the ball on day one it will be Kuldeep. If the track has not too much to offer, he can come into play. Also, roughs will be created and that will come into play with the Australian and Indian pacers' bowling. A wrist spinner can bring out that bit further and get it to spin both ways. He can take advantage and is crucial. As far as the other spinner goes, I would like to see Kuldeep playing, straightaway. You have got Ravindra Jadeja, Axar and him are pretty similar while Kuldeep is different. Also, if you lose the toss and want the ball to spin then. if there is anyone who can spin the ball on day one it will be Kuldeep. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Stone pelting damages Vande Bharat Express in Chhattisgarhs Dadhapara
Another Vande Bharat train has come under attack once again. This time, stones were hurled at Vande Bharat train in Chhattisgarhs Dadhapara. Lots of such instances where stones were pelted at the newly launched Vande Bharat Express were reported from states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc. In the latest episode, the Vande Bharat express from Nagpur to Bilaspur was targeted. In the incident, the glass window was damaged.
With Rishabh Pant ruled out of an indefinite period due to injuries suffered in a horrific car accident, India have to make a choice between two uncapped wicketkeepers in Bharat and Ishan ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been the second keeper in the Test squad for almost three years apart from being a regular fixture in India A matches, while Kishan is more of a like-for-like replacement for Pant. When it comes to the two people out there, Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat, I think what you will have to do is what the pitch is going to play like. I would see if it's going to turn, then I would look for the better keeper and that's a decision the team management will have to make. The better keeper is because guys like (Ravindra) Jadeja, Kuldeep (Yadav), (Ravichandran) Ashwin, Axar (Patel), they will need a good keeper behind the stumps because that will get the confidence going of the keeper as well. That will be a tough choice on who is your better keeper. Whoever he is, he will be my first choice, said Shastri while responding to a question from in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian team management and fans wonder over who will be the wicketkeeper for the hosts' in the first Test and possibly, the whole series, one can't ignore the huge void left by Pant's absence from the team. From 33 Test matches, Pant has amassed 2,271 runs, averaging 43.67 and effected 133 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. Now that's a really tough call. That's how important Rishabh Pant is. He ticks both the boxes like, behind the stumps. Not only has his keeping improved drastically, but he can also get under the skin of the batters. That's one very important thing that he has when he keeps. But as a batsman, he's so dangerous that he can turn a game on its head. In fact, he's played more match winning innings than top five Indian batsmen in the last two-three years when it mattered the most. That's a big blow, added Shastri. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia in the format. In the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he made 350 runs from four matches, including an unbeaten 159 at Sydney, averaging 58.33 and took 20 catches. In the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant scored 274 runs from three matches at an average of 68.50 apart from taking eight catches. He had enthralled fans all over the world with his knocks of 97 at Sydney and 89 not out at Brisbane, leading the chase of 328 to secure an unforgettable 2-1 series victory for the second straight time in Australia. India are really going to miss Rishabh Pant and I think where the Australians will be happy with him not being there is in his approach to the game. He's a counter-attacker and speaking as a captain, he scores really quickly and can change the match in one session. Rishabh Pant is that sort of player and he's now one player which Australians don't have to worry about and they will be delighted by that, stated former Australia captain Ian Chappell. Australia and India, currently ranked number one and two respectively in both ICC Men's Test Team Rankings and the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023 cycle, will meet in a highly-anticipated four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in Nagpur (February 9-13), New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13). Rishabh Pant is that sort of player and he's now one player which Australians don't have to worry about and they will be delighted by that, stated former Australia captain Ian Chappell. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ashwin `biggest threat` for Australia, reckons Khawaja
Having enjoyed fair degree of success in past couple of years, Australia opener Usman Khawaja termed facing the Ravichandran Ashwin-led Indian spin attack as the hardest challenge of the four match series beginning in Nagpur on February 9
Jayawardene predicts winner of India vs Aus Tests...
Mahela Jayawardene believes Australia have a chance of beating India in their own backyard in the four-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series, which begins in Nagpur from Thursday.
Indians Wouldn't Be Fearing...: Johnson's Honest Take On Australia Squad
India played their last Test against Australia in Nagpur back in 2008, where Johnson could manage to get only a single wicket
Ravichandran Ashwin Is Very Skilful, He's Got A Lot Of Tricky Little Variations: Usman Khawaja
New Delhi, Feb 6, A lot of talk has been around ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's battles against Australia's batters, especially the left-handed ones. It is seen from Ashwin's 226 scalps out of 449 wickets in Test cricket being of left-handed batters. Australia's in-form left-handed opener Usman Khawaja, who recently won the Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year Award in Australian Cricket Awards, is aware that his battle against Ashwin will be one of the most decisive match-ups in the series starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Ashwin is a gun. He's very skilful, he's got a lot of tricky little variations, he uses the crease quite well too. If you asked me the same question when I was younger, I probably wouldn't have been able to answer a lot of things because I didn't really learn about how to face what off-spinners are doing. But it's one of those really good challenges. The wicket's going to turn here at some point, whether day one, day three or day four, and he's going to be in the game and bowl a lot of overs. So it's all about figuring out how I'm going to play against him, how I'm going to score runs against him, what he might do. If you bat a long time against him, he's going to change his game plans against you, Khwaja was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald' on Monday. Khawaja, who scored 1020 runs in 2022 at an average of 78.46, including three centuries, is eager to see how he fares in his first outing in Indian conditions. Khawaja had been a member of Australia's Test squads on tour of India in 2013 and 2017, but did not get a game. He's not the kind of guy who'll do the same thing over and over, he's going to try to work you out. So I'm looking forward to it. Four Test matches is a long time, so hopefully I can do alright and score runs for my team, but you know what, it's always fun. Subcontinent, playing against spin is some of the most fun you'll have in terms of finding a way to get in and score runs, it's quite rewarding. Khawaja was razor-sharp in pointing out that the Indian spinners would be more difficult to face when they bowl with the new ball on a turning pitch. If it's a good wicket, the new ball is probably the easiest time to bat. But as soon as the wicket deteriorates in India and you've got spinners bowling with a new ball, that's probably the hardest time to bat anywhere. When we train, the new ball on spinning wickets is always the hardest time. People assume opening the batting is the best time to bat in the subcontinent, it is when it's flat, but it's not when it's spinning when there's so much variation with that new ball. Once it softens up it gets easier to predict what it's going to do. Khawaja was razor-sharp in pointing out that the Indian spinners would be more difficult to face when they bowl with the new ball on a turning pitch. If it's a good wicket, the new ball is probably the easiest time to bat. But as soon as the wicket deteriorates in India and you've got spinners bowling with a new ball, that's probably the hardest time to bat anywhere. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
When Ishant stopped Virat from having a chat with Bumrah
Ahead of the first India vs Australia Test which begins on February 9 in Nagpur, Ishant Sharma, who had been an intrinsic part of India's pace battery for many years, talks about what happened when Virat Kohli told him that he wants to have an on-field chat with Jasprit Bumrah after a below-par first spell in a Test match in Australia.
IND vs AUS: 5 Player Battles To Look Out For In The Upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Team India is set to host Australia for the 4-match Test series, commencing on February 9th in Nagpur. The Test series promises to display world-class players clashing against each other. Let's take a look at the top 5 player battles we will get to witness in the crucial Test series between India and Australia. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has listed these 5 battles to watch out for in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon Ace Indian batter and former skipper Virat Kohli has gained his form, and his performance against Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon can prove crucial. Kohli has been struggling against spin for quite some time now, Nathan Lyon can exploit the Indian conditions to trouble the Indian stalwart. Lyon has dismissed Kohli 7 times in Test Cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara vs Josh Hazlewood The wall of the Indian team, Cheteshwar Pujara will once again be in front of ace Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood once said that bowling to Pujara is his most 'frustrating experience', and the pacer has managed to dismiss the Indian #3 six times in Test Cricket. Pujara on the other hand refuses to give in against the Aussies, playing 1,258 deliveries in the 2018-19 BGT and 928 deliveries in 2020-21. Ravichandran Ashwin vs David Warner Ashwin has been ruling the Australian minds ever since they landed in India for the series, hiring an Ashwin impersonator to prepare for the wise spinner. David Warner, who has been a superb opener for the Aussies, has been struggling to find form and would face difficulties against Ashwin in Indian conditions. Ashwin has dismissed Warner 10 times in Test cricket. In 8 Tests, Warner has an ordinary average of 24.25 against Ashwin. Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins Indian skipper Rohit Sharma recently ended his century drought and looks ready for his first big Test series as regular captain. However, the opener will face a challenge from Australian skipper and ace pacer Pat Cummins. Cummins has managed to dismiss the Indian skipper twice in Test cricket, and these two will hold the key to winning the series for their respective teams. Ravindra Jadeja vs Steve Smith Also Read: Cricket Tales Steve Smith is an absolute beast when it comes to Test cricket, where he averages 60.89. The right-handed batter takes a liking to India in the opposition and averages 72.58 against India inTests. However, #1 Test all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to return inthe Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a long time out due to injury. Jadeja has dismissed Smith 4 times in Test cricket and with Indian pitches being spin-friendly, the left-arm bowler can have an edge over Australia's consistent right-handed batter.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin in Nagpur from Thursday, former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson urged the Pat Cummins-led side to bat first and get good totals to put pressure on the Indian team. If the Aussies can bat first a couple of times early in the series, at venues which are expected to take a fair bit of spin, and get good first-innings totals on the board that will put a bit of pressure back onto India. Batting on a crumbling pitch in the fourth innings does not present the same threat to the home team as it does to the tourists, wrote Johnson in his column for 'The West Australian'. After playing the first Test at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur, India and Australia will play the next three Tests in New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13). Talking about what will be the conditions in Nagpur, Johnson wrote, Australia will play a Test in Nagpur this week for the first time since 2008, when Jason Krejza took 12 wickets. Expect a pitch that is very flat early and without any grass. There won't be much swing either and it will be very tough work for the quicks. Johnson also talked about how crucial the role of fast-bowlers will be in Nagpur, as Australia will be without Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and potentially Cameron Green. The fast bowlers will still need to play an important role by creating footmarks for the spinners and the absence of left-armer Mitchell Starc, and the fact all-rounder Cam Green is not expected to be ready to bowl, are significant blows. Lyon with his ability to find extra bounce should like bowling in a Test in Nagpur for the first time. But Australia may need to find a way to play three quicks alongside two spinners to help create those important footmarks. In terms of spinners, Johnson doesn't see Indian batters fearing in playing against Lyon in the four-match series. The Aussies have taken over four spinners and while the Indians would respect Nathan Lyon's experience and Test record, they wouldn't be fearing any of them. Indian batsmen use their feet well and hit spin very correctly. Johnson signed off by saying playing Test cricket in India is the ultimate test for an Australian cricketer. There is no form of cricket that tests players like a Test match and there is no venue that challenges visiting players more than India. But that's the beauty of going there and why it's regarded as the toughest challenge in world cricket. Worryingly, the Aussies were not really tested at all during this home summer. Playing cricket in India is a test of commitment as much as skill and that means committing for very long periods and grinding your way through tough phases - because there's plenty of them. But that's the beauty of going there and why it's regarded as the toughest challenge in world cricket. Worryingly, the Aussies were not really tested at all during this home summer. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Experts back KS Bharat to be India's preferred wicket-keeping option for Tests vs Aus
Cricket The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Ians With Rishabh Pant ruled out of cricketing action for an indefinite period, India is without the belligerent left-handed batter who would rescue the side from troubling situations through his counterattacking knocks and have an effective yet cheerful presence while on keeping duties. The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been an understudy to Saha and then Pant in the Test team since 2019 apart from being a regular in India A side. Kishan kept wickets for the Indian team in this year's white-ball games against New Zealand and Sri Lanka (barring ODIs). He also kept wickets for India A in two unofficial four-day matches on the tour of South Africa in 2021. MSK Prasad, former chairman of the senior men's selection committee, opined Bharat must be given a chance as he has been groomed for the Test spot, especially when keeping wickets in home conditions in mind.You need to have a keeper who can keep wickets well and then who can contribute with the bat in the tried and tested Indian conditions time and again, especially when you have bowlers like Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar. So, I think it's a fair call to start off with KS Bharat and give him some opportunities as for the last two-three years, he's been waiting in the wings for this spot, he said to IANS. Bharat had given an excellent account of his wicket-keeping skills during the Kanpur Test against New Zealand in 2021. Coming in as a substitute keeper due to Wriddhiman Saha having a stiff neck, Bharat took a good low catch to dismiss a well-set Will Young off Ravichandran Ashwin and took a lovely catch of Ross Taylor off Axar Patel. He showed good alertness and athleticism to stump Tom Latham short of his crease off Axar's bowling. Prasad, who played six Tests and 19 ODIs for India, remembers the time when he saw Bharat as an 11-year-old kid while playing for Andhra. As a wicketkeeper, he always had a very good and soft pair of hands, very similar to Wriddhiman Saha. Whenever we used to play Ranji Trophy matches in Visakhapatnam, I used to see this small kid keeping wickets. I ensured he would keep wickets in my nets and since then, I have been seeing him. But it is Bharat's development as a batter which makes Prasad believe he can be a good fit in the Test team. In 86 first-class matches, Bharat has made 4707 runs, averaging 37.95 and holds the distinction of being the first player to score a triple century in the Ranji Trophy as a wicketkeeper, apart from taking 296 catches and effecting 35 stumpings.He's been a very good keeper and subsequently, developed himself as a very good batsman and even got a triple hundred in domestic cricket (308 against Goa in 2015). He has scored quite a few centuries for India A against Australia A, South Africa A. This is exactly what he was groomed for, especially in the Test format. He fits in very well and with opportunities coming his way, it is up to him how he grabs it with both hands. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta thinks Bharat should be the preferred keeper-batter for Tests against Australia while expressing confidence in the abilities of Kishan. To start off with Bharat, as he's been an understudy for a while now. I think Bharat is a good enough batter and Ishan is also a good enough keeper.\I don't think that is what I am thinking of (better keeper v better batter) while deciding because I have confidence in both these guys. One has maybe a little bit of edge in a certain facet. But I don't think that's the deal-breaker for me.\What I feel is important is the plans which have been in place for a good six months, which is KS Bharat in red-ball cricket, who is your second in line after Rishabh, who is not available. If that's the plan, you got to stick with the plan because what's the point of the plan if you don't stick with it, he said to IANS. Prasad feels Kishan, who has amassed 2985 runs in 48 first-class matches and averages 38.76 apart from 99 catches and 11 stumpings, will have to wait for his chance in Tests. Even Ishan has got a good pair of hands and is a very aggressive batter too. But I understand that as far as white-ball cricket is concerned. In domestic red-ball cricket, he even hit 280 or 300 also (273 against Delhi in 2016).\He has to keep waiting for his opportunity, just like how KS Bharat has waited for his opportunities when he's been a deputy to Saha or Pant. There's no doubt that Ishan is a good wicketkeeper-batsman, but he has to wait for his opportunities. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia.Very unfortunate (his absence). We know how important Rishabh Pant is, especially against the Australians, both at home and in Australia. We saw his exploits and heroics; it's a big loss for us from team and country point of view and also, individually from Rishabh's point of view. It's a huge loss, as we know Australians get a little worried about what Rishabh can do in the middle, added Prasad.He's one of the biggest match-winners, at least in this format across the world. I can't think of too many guys who can do what he does in terms of winning games. So, undoubtedly, that's a huge blow, concluded Dasgupta.
Khawaja feels handling the 'skillful & tricky' Ashwin will be key
Australia opener Usman Khawaja is preparing himself for the challenge India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will present in the four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning in Nagpur on February 9.
'Need to figure out ways to counter them': Cheteshwar Pujara on Australian bowlers ahead of Nagpur Test
Mahela Jayawardene expects fascinating series between India, Australia
New Delhi: Ex-Captain of Sri Lanka, Mahela Jayawardene, is expecting a fascinating series between India and Australia and forecast that the Baggy Greens can break the deadlock during the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On the ICC Men's Test Rankings, Australia and India are presently holding the top two positions. The two passionate rivals are also in a great position to go to the final as they currently lead the ICC World Test Championship standings. Since 2004, the Australian team has failed to win on Indian soil; nevertheless, Jayawardene is optimistic that Pat Cummins' team would succeed this time. I believe the series will always be fantastic. I believe that the Indian conditions, how the Australian batsmen approach them, and how the Indian batsmen approach them are all important factors. It depends on how each side performs in the first game of the series and who is gaining momentum. In the most recent episode of The ICC Review, Jayawardene observed, But it will be fascinating.Although it's hard to forecast, as a Sri Lankan, I'm rooting for Australia to win. It will be difficult, but I think Australia will win 2-1, he said. India has benefited greatly from Shubhman Gill's outstanding performance in white-ball cricket in the shorter formats, and Jayawardene thought the young batsman may have an even greater influence in the red-ball game. He has been quite effective, is technically sound, and plays with good pace, the man remarked. It will always be difficult, but it will be a really good series. That'll maintain him in good stead against that Australian attack. He is currently in excellent form, and if he can translate that into red-ball cricket while maintaining that tempo, maturity, and awareness of the scenarios and surroundings, he will be a valuable addition to India's starting lineup. He does provide them with those strong beginnings at a good speed to put the pressure on the other bowling attacks, the Sri Lankan said. The first Test of Australia's four-match tour of India is scheduled to take place at Nagpur on February 9. He is currently in excellent form, and if he can translate that into red-ball cricket while maintaining that tempo, maturity, and awareness of the scenarios and surroundings, he will be a valuable addition to India's starting lineup. He does provide them with those strong beginnings at a good speed to put the pressure on the other bowling attacks, the Sri Lankan said. Ind Vs Aus: When Team India's cricketer did not obey head coach Shastri's order Bhuvneshwar Kumar's birthday today, know how he became first bowler to dismiss Tendulkar Vinod Kambli's wife filed complaint against him for domestic violence
Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene is expecting a fascinating series between India and Australia and predicted that the Baggy Greens can break the deadlock during the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia and India are currently on hold top two spots on the ICC Men's Test Rankings. Also, the two fierce rivals also sit on top of the ICC World Test Championship standings and are in the box seat to qualify for the final. The Australian team has not managed to triumph on Indian soil since 2004, but Jayawardene is hoping that Pat Cummins' side could go all the way this time. I think it's always going to be a great series. I think Indian conditions and how the Australian batsmen tackle that, they do have a really good bowling unit and how do the Indian batsmen tackle that... It depends on how each team starts the series and who's got that momentum. But it will be fascinating, Jayawardene said in the latest episode of The ICC Review. It's difficult to predict, but being a Sri Lankan, I'm hoping that Australia can go all the way. Probably a 2-1 win for Australia, but it's going to be a tough one, he added. Shubhman Gill's stunning form in white-ball cricket has been a huge fillip to India in the shorter formats and Jayawardene believed that the youngster could make a similar level of impact in the red-ball game. He's been very good, he's technically very sound and he's a good player of pace, he said. That'll keep him in good stead against that Australian attack, but it's always going to be tough and it will be a very good series. He is in great form at the moment and if he converts that into red-ball cricket and have that tempo, maturity, understanding of the situations and conditions, he'd be a great asset at the top of the line-up for India. He does give them those good starts at a good tempo to put opposition bowling attacks under pressure, the Sri Lankan added. Australia's four-Test tour of India begins on February 9 with the first Test slated to take place in Nagpur. He is in great form at the moment and if he converts that into red-ball cricket and have that tempo, maturity, understanding of the situations and conditions, he'd be a great asset at the top of the line-up for India. He does give them those good starts at a good tempo to put opposition bowling attacks under pressure, the Sri Lankan added. Also Read: Cricket Tales bc/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play against Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is set to begin from February 9 in Nagpur.
Experts Back KS Bharat To Be India's Preferred Wicket-keeping Option For Tests Against Australia
The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been an understudy to Saha and then Pant in the Test team since 2019 apart from being a regular in India A side. Kishan kept wickets for the Indian team in this year's white-ball games against New Zealand and Sri Lanka (barring ODIs). He also kept wickets for India A in two unofficial four-day matches on the tour of South Africa in 2021. MSK Prasad, former chairman of the senior men's selection committee, opined Bharat must be given a chance as he has been groomed for the Test spot, especially when keeping wickets in home conditions in mind. You need to have a keeper who can keep wickets well and then who can contribute with the bat in the tried and tested Indian conditions time and again, especially when you have bowlers like Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar. So, I think it's a fair call to start off with KS Bharat and give him some opportunities as for the last two-three years, he's been waiting in the wings for this spot, he said to IANS. Bharat had given an excellent account of his wicket-keeping skills during the Kanpur Test against New Zealand in 2021. Coming in as a substitute keeper due to Wriddhiman Saha having a stiff neck, Bharat took a good low catch to dismiss a well-set Will Young off Ravichandran Ashwin and took a lovely catch of Ross Taylor off Axar Patel. He showed good alertness and athleticism to stump Tom Latham short of his crease off Axar's bowling. Prasad, who played six Tests and 19 ODIs for India, remembers the time when he saw Bharat as an 11-year-old kid while playing for Andhra. As a wicketkeeper, he always had a very good and soft pair of hands, very similar to Wriddhiman Saha. Whenever we used to play Ranji Trophy matches in Visakhapatnam, I used to see this small kid keeping wickets. I ensured he would keep wickets in my nets and since then, I have been seeing him. But it is Bharat's development as a batter which makes Prasad believe he can be a good fit in the Test team. In 86 first-class matches, Bharat has made 4707 runs, averaging 37.95 and holds the distinction of being the first player to score a triple century in the Ranji Trophy as a wicketkeeper, apart from taking 296 catches and effecting 35 stumpings. He's been a very good keeper and subsequently, developed himself as a very good batsman and even got a triple hundred in domestic cricket (308 against Goa in 2015). He has scored quite a few centuries for India A against Australia A, South Africa A. This is exactly what he was groomed for, especially in the Test format. He fits in very well and with opportunities coming his way, it is up to him how he grabs it with both hands. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta thinks Bharat should be the preferred keeper-batter for Tests against Australia while expressing confidence in the abilities of Kishan. To start off with Bharat, as he's been an understudy for a while now. I think Bharat is a good enough batter and Ishan is also a good enough keeper. I don't think that is what I am thinking of (better keeper v better batter) while deciding because I have confidence in both these guys. One has maybe a little bit of edge in a certain facet. But I don't think that's the deal-breaker for me. What I feel is important is the plans which have been in place for a good six months, which is KS Bharat in red-ball cricket, who is your second in line after Rishabh, who is not available. If that's the plan, you got to stick with the plan because what's the point of the plan if you don't stick with it, he said to IANS. Prasad feels Kishan, who has amassed 2985 runs in 48 first-class matches and averages 38.76 apart from 99 catches and 11 stumpings, will have to wait for his chance in Tests. Even Ishan has got a good pair of hands and is a very aggressive batter too. But I understand that as far as white-ball cricket is concerned. In domestic red-ball cricket, he even hit 280 or 300 also (273 against Delhi in 2016). He has to keep waiting for his opportunity, just like how KS Bharat has waited for his opportunities when he's been a deputy to Saha or Pant. There's no doubt that Ishan is a good wicketkeeper-batsman, but he has to wait for his opportunities. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia. Very unfortunate (his absence). We know how important Rishabh Pant is, especially against the Australians, both at home and in Australia. We saw his exploits and heroics; it's a big loss for us from team and country point of view and also, individually from Rishabh's point of view. It's a huge loss, as we know Australians get a little worried about what Rishabh can do in the middle, added Prasad. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Injured Josh Hazlewood set to miss first Test; doubtful for second game too
Second one is obviously straight after as well. So, well play it by ear over the next week and next few days and hopefully Tuesday goes well, added the pacer, who is likely to have his first bowl in Nagpur on Tuesday
Johnson advises Australia ahead of 1st Test vs India: Expect a flat pitch in Nagpur
Johnson advises Australia ahead of 1st Test vs India: Expect a flat pitch in Nagpur
Nagpur Improvement Trust official contradicts chiefs in HC
The current chairman of Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi, and his predecessor Sheetal Teli-Ugale had in letters sent to the urban development department (UDD) and order respectively had said the state government not permitted direct allotment of plots to 16 persons in Harpur plots case, and stressed the need for permission.
Will Scott Boland rise to the occasion in India?
If Boland gets a chance to play the first Test in Nagpur, he would probably like to walk the talk as he said in episode No. 2 of 'Test'.
Very Blessed That I Am Getting A Chance To Play For India Again: Ravindra Jadeja
Ahead of the first Test against Australia, which begins on February 9 in Nagpur, left-arm spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja expressed he was very blessed to get a chance again to play for the national team. Jadeja had been out of action after undergoing surgery in his right knee in September 2022 and had to midway pull out of Asia Cup in the UAE. Very excited and feels really great that after more than five months, I am wearing an Indian jersey and I've been very blessed that I am getting a chance to play for India again. The journey was a bit of up and down one as if you are out of cricket for five months, then it becomes a little bit. I was eagerly awaiting that when I will get fit and get to play for India, said Jadeja in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media handles. The rescheduled fifth Test against England at Birmingham in July 2022 was the last time Jadeja played a Test match. He then explained the decision to undergo the surgery on his right knee. Somewhere I was struggling with the knee and had to undergo surgery. But I had to take a decision on whether I had to do it before or after the (T20) World Cup. The doctor had also advised me to do it before the World Cup because there was very less chance to play the World Cup if I hadn't gone under the knife. I then made up my mind to go for the surgery, but the period after that was very tough as rehab and training there, you have to do it constantly. The right knee surgery meant Jadeja missed out on the Men's T20 World Cup, tours of New Zealand and Bangladesh as well as home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. For the Bangladesh tour, he was named in the squads, but it was subject to fitness and was subsequently ruled out. Jadeja gave a peek into thoughts during the rehab phase and how physiotherapists as well as trainers at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) helped him get back to full fitness. At times, you get thoughts in your mind like 'when will I be fit or when I would not be fit'. When you watch a match on TV, like the (T20) World Cup, then it started to make me realise I wish I was there'. So, all of those thoughts come into the mind, but those small things also motivate you that you have to do the rehab well to get back into the side, go through your training and strengthen the knee to get back into the side as soon as possible. Physios and the trainers at the NCA worked a lot on my knee. They gave me so much time and even if it was off on Sundays at the NCA, they would especially come and treat me. They have worked a lot on me. Like, for two, three weeks, I used to be in Bangalore, then I would go back home to freshen up my mind. I was like that I have to be as much in Bangalore as possible so that it helps me in my faster recovery. But two months post the injury was very tough as I wasn't able to walk or go somewhere. So, that time was very critical and in this phase, my friends, and family were always there for me. The physios and trainers at the NCA were boosting my confidence too. Like, I used to say that there is some pain or discomfort to me, they would say 'Do it for the country, do it for you'. They used to say all these talks to motivate me and I felt really good that they were very serious about my knee, and wanted me to get fit and play for the team as quickly as possible and win matches for them. Jadeja's comeback to competitive cricket came when he played for Saurashtra in their final group-stage Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu in Chennai. In that match, Jadeja bowled 41.1 overs and bagged a seven-for in the second innings, which resulted in him getting back the confidence he needed as a player after spending a long time on the sidelines, away from the game. The first day I went to the ground, I felt a little awkward as I hadn't gone into the sun for five months as it was indoor training and gym all the time. I had doubts that whether I will be able to sustain myself with my body in 90 hours of play. But the first day was very tough and Chennai's heat is known to all. Jadeja's comeback to competitive cricket came when he played for Saurashtra in their final group-stage Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu in Chennai. In that match, Jadeja bowled 41.1 overs and bagged a seven-for in the second innings, which resulted in him getting back the confidence he needed as a player after spending a long time on the sidelines, away from the game. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
'I Wonder Who Has Done This': Ashiwn Shares His Hilarious Edited Bio
New Delhi, Feb 5, With the anticipation growing over the Border-Gavaskar trophy against Australia, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest spinners in the world, has been the central talking point. First, the visiting Australians bring a spinner, who has an uncanny resemblance to the Indian star, in order to prepare themselves for the threat that Ashwin possesses. And now, the spinner has shared an 'edited bio' of himself on Twitter and wondering who would have done this. The veteran spinner on Sunday shared a snip of his edited bio, with a caption: My morning coffee came with this and I wonder who has done this. In the screenshot, Ashiwn's bowling style was labelled as both right-arm off-spin?/right-arm leg-spin. Reacting to Ashwin's post, his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Rajasthan Royals said: Hello and welcome to Day 1 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin has a variety of variations in his bowling style including the leg break and carrom ball in his arsenal that he can use to dismantle the Australian batting when the two sides meet in a highly-anticipated four-match series to be held in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamshala and Ahmedabad. A 4-0 series win for India would help them attain a points percentage of 68.06, which is likely to be enough for a crucial top-two finish in the WTC standings. Ashwin has a variety of variations in his bowling style including the leg break and carrom ball in his arsenal that he can use to dismantle the Australian batting when the two sides meet in a highly-anticipated four-match series to be held in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamshala and Ahmedabad. Also Read: Cricket Tales bc/bsk This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Ex-fielding Coach R. Sridhar Recounts How Ashwin Outclassed Warner In 2017
Ahead of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 starting from Nagpur on Thursday, former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar recounted a sequence during the 2017 edition of the marquee series where ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin outclassed Australia opener David Warner in the second Test at Bengaluru. We had lost the first Test in Pune by a wide margin and were under the pump in the next game in Bengaluru. We were bowled out for 189 on day one and Australia had got off to an excellent start, 40 without loss, with David Warner looking in ominously good touch. As we were headed for our rooms that evening, Ashwin suddenly got this idea of going over the stumps to Warner to exploit the rough outside his leg stump and bowl him round his legs, wrote Sridhar in his book 'Coaching Beyond: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', published by Rupa Publications. Going into that match, India were 1-0 behind and needed a win in Bengaluru to square the four-game series. Ashwin's theory was soundeven if he didn't manage to immediately get Warner out, that line of attack would serve the additional purpose of stopping the score board from moving rapidly. At the time, Warner was a very explosive player. He was threatening to take the game away from us. All Ashwin wanted was to target the rough, dry up the runs and hopefully get one to turn sharply to bowl Warner behind his legs or across his body, added Sridhar. Sridhar then wrote about Ashwin going to then-captain Virat Kohli after the end of day one's play to work on the plan to dismiss Warner in the way he had visualised. He wanted to use the same spots from where Lyon had got the ball to turn on day one. Ashwin felt that while the ball off stump to the right-handed batter was turning from outside (or from outside leg to a left-hander like Warner), nothing was happening from the middle of the surface, when it was pitched on the stump line. After giving it much thought, Ashwin darted across to Virat's room in the night for a frank discussion on his plans and why he thought they would work. Convinced about Ashwin's line of reasoning, Virat engaged his ace off-spinner in a long conversation, they went to the drawing board, worked out the field according to their plans and executed those plans to perfection the following morning. On day two, in the first ball of 22nd over, Ashwin struck by taking out Warner through using the rough outside leg. He had Warner caught in two minds about an outside leg delivery which went towards the stumps. The left-handed opener was to pad up, but on seeing the extravagant turn, he tried to chase the ball with his hands. But the ball spun past the bat to hit the off stump. Almost magically, Warner was dismissed by a ball that pitched outside leg and spun across him. He tried to pad the ball away but was defeated by the sharp turn, and though he tried to follow the ball with his hands, it did enough to curl away from him and hit the off stump. That was a great example of the kind of communication processes we had facilitated within the group, encouraging players to speak to us or to each other freely and without inhibitions. When something like this comes off, there is a great deal of satisfaction at not just the coming to fruition of smart planning and perfect implementation but also at the success of a process we had striven diligently to put in place, wrote Sridhar. The 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see the return of the battle between Ashwin and Warner, where the off-spinner has dismissed the left-handed opener 10 times in Tests, with five of these dismissals coming in India. That was a great example of the kind of communication processes we had facilitated within the group, encouraging players to speak to us or to each other freely and without inhibitions. When something like this comes off, there is a great deal of satisfaction at not just the coming to fruition of smart planning and perfect implementation but also at the success of a process we had striven diligently to put in place, wrote Sridhar. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first India Test
Bengaluru, Feb 5 Australias injury concerns continue to mount ahead of the first Test against India with key pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening match in Nagpur. Hazelwood has been battling an Achilles problem he picked up during Australias home Test against South Africa last month and has failed to bowl during training []
Apart from the Nagpur Test, Australia and India, currently ranked No.1 and 2 respectively in both the ICC men's Test Team Rankings and the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, will also play in New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamsala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13).
Setback for Australia as Hazlewood to miss 1st Test
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of next week's opener in Nagpur, which begins on Thursday.
Nagpur, Feb 5, India head coach Rahul Dravid stated that in the side's preparatory camp ahead of the four-match Test series against Australia, there has been an emphasis on fielding and close-in catching, something he feels will be very important during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. Everyone looks in really good shape. It's nice to get the Test team together again. We had a lot of white-ball cricket over the last month or so. Some of those boys, shifting from white-ball to red-ball, it's nice for them to just have that extended period in the nets. The surfaces have been really good as well. Fielding side of things as well, that has been really important as well. The close in catching which we think is going to become a really important part of the series. There's a lot of emphasis and focus on close in catching, slip fielding, things like that when you are on the road all the time and don't get time to build on those things, said Dravid in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts. India are currently practicing at the VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur ahead of the first Test against Australia, set to happen at VCA Jamtha Stadium from Thursday. Dravid further stated that it was great to have one week for the Test side to prepare for an important series at home. It has been a really good couple of days we have had. We have had a couple really long sessions. I think it's really exciting as a coaching staff because you don't actually get times like this due to the amount of cricket we play. You don't get time actually to do a camp or you can get an extended period of time where you get to work with players and build up towards the Test series. Just to be able to get this week has been really exciting for us and we as a coaching staff have been planning and preparing for this for almost a month or so on what we will do in these four-five days. I'm glad it has all come together really well. After Nagpur, India and Australia will face off in matches at New Delhi, Dharamshala and Ahmedabad. Dravid signed off by saying though the camp is turning out to be productive, it is still a short one as per his standards. Even though this is a short one by my standards, I like to have longer camps where we can work with people. But even then, we're happy to get five days or six days here in Nagpur. It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can get there. India are the current holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21, while Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004. Even though this is a short one by my standards, I like to have longer camps where we can work with people. But even then, we're happy to get five days or six days here in Nagpur. It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can get there. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 Could Be India's X-factor Against Australia
But a much improved and confident version of the left-arm wrist spinner with his mojo back is now ready to become India's trump card and X-factor against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Test series starting February 9. After a five-wicket haul in Sydney in 2019, then head coach Ravi Shastri had termed Kuldeep as India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions, but it didn't translate in him getting regular chances. Overseas conditions were understandable, but the duo of Virat Kohli and Shastri lost faith in his abilities, even on rank turners in India. The UP-born Chinaman continued to be in the shadow of star spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. As far as white ball cricket is concerned, the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy and even young Ravi Bishnoi went ahead of Kuldeep in the pecking order among spinners in India. As expected, Kuldeep was low on confidence, lost his wicket-taking potency and his ordinary outings for KKR in IPL wasn't helping his case either, which was disheartening for his fans. In between, he also underwent a surgery in September 2021 and looked all over the place and was out of contention for an India spot. But as they say, nothing lasts forever, so was Kuldeep's bad patch. Kuldeep reinvented himself with a vigour in his action that helped him get more drift and dip. Under new Indian team management of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, he slowly but steadily came back in the scheme of things. He also found a new IPL team in Delhi Capitals, where he succeeded under the young captain Rishabh Pant. However, after a fruitful IPL 2022, where he picked up 21 wickets in 14 matches, the spinner was once again sidelined due to injury. A hairline fracture in his wrist forced him out of India's T20I series against South Africa in June last year, as well for the white-ball tours of Ireland and England that followed, and even after getting fit, he couldn't make it to India's T20 World Cup squad. The time away from the game helped Kuldeep work on his rhythm, variations and made him come back stronger. Earlier, his action was much more open-chested and his right hand was falling away from the point of target, but now Kuldeep has made the adjustment and his non-bowling arm goes towards the batters, which is helping him get a better trajectory. Kuldeep has also worked on the arm speed, which was a bit slower. His run-up has become smoother and his body is going towards the batsman in the follow-through. As a result, the line of attack he is bowling has got better. According to cricket experts, the improved version of Kuldeep is far more lethal. If he can just figure out whether he should bowl round the stumps or come over the wicket against the left-handers, the spinner can put more pressure on batters and can pick up wickets at any point of time. With all his improvements, Kuldeep bagged the player of the match award for his five-for in the only Test he played in the series in Bangladesh in December last year. However, he didn't find a place in the playing Xi for the second Test, which has been the case with Kuldeep for many years. Leaving that non-selection behind, Kuldeep produced match-winning spells in the ODI series at home against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and forced his way into the India squad for the first two Tests against Australia, starting in Nagpur next week. Given their track record at home, seniors spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are sure shot starters for India. Left-arm spinner Axar can also contribute well with the bat, so Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid might face the dilemma in picking between him and Kuldeep. No doubt that the runs scored by Axar lower down the order becomes crucial, but Kuldeep can be an X-factor for India. Meanwhile, Australia have roped in Baroda tweaker Maheesh Pithiya, who has a strong resemblance to Ashwin in terms of bowling action, as a strategy to tackle India's star off-spinner. But Kuldeep belongs to a rare breed of spinners, who can trouble the Aussie batters even on a good batting track. He is in red-hot form and the Indian team management should cash in on that opportunity and let Kuldeep play a major part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia have roped in Baroda tweaker Maheesh Pithiya, who has a strong resemblance to Ashwin in terms of bowling action, as a strategy to tackle India's star off-spinner. Also Read: Cricket Tales ak/arm This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Fast Bowler Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of Australia's First Test Against India
Bengaluru, Feb 5, Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of Australia's first Test against India, starting from February 9 in Nagpur, due to a left Achilles niggle. Hazlewood now joins Mitchell Starc (missing the first Test due to a finger injury) and all rounder Cameron Green (unlikely to bowl due to an injured finger) in Australia's injury list. The short three-day gap between the first two Tests means Hazlewood is also a doubtful starter for the second match in New Delhi from February 17-21. His injury means pacer Scott Boland is in pole position to play his first Test abroad, with uncapped tearaway quick Lance Morris also an option. Hazlewood was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au that said soggy patches in the outfield of the Sydney Cricket Ground while running in to bowl against the South Africa batters had caused the niggle and added that he will only resume bowling two days before the start of Nagpur Test. It's still lingering from the (Sydney) Test match. We obviously bowled after a lot of rain and the jump-offs were quite soft, where we were taking off from and they ended up replacing them as well. It sort of worked to a degree, but just that extra load jumping off a soft ground to bowl and again the first Test match (back from injury) your body is not used to that sort of workload as well. I was bowling a fair bit leading into the (India) tour at home and sort of just pushing up against it. It probably wasn't recovering as well as I would have liked between each session. So thought we'd give it a few days here straight of the bat and try and get over the hump and have a bowl from Tuesday and hope it goes well. Boland has played six Tests for Australia since his debut in the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes at the MCG and has picked 28 wickets at an average of 12.21 and strike rate of 33.2. All of those Tests have come at home and in all likelihood, Nagpur will be his first Test outside of Australia. Scotty has bowled plenty at the MCG when it was a flat wicket, it probably wasn't swinging or reverse swinging so he knows how to work hard for a long period of time. You've got Lance Morris who has worked hard on reverse swing for the last month and then a nice lead in here with a few sessions. The guys are excited first of all to play in the subcontinent, they both haven't yet, but they're very well qualified to do so, added Hazlewood. Australia will finish their preparatory camp at Alur, Bengaluru on Sunday, and will fly to Nagpur on Monday ahead of the first Test starting from Thursday. India are the current holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21, while Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004. Scotty has bowled plenty at the MCG when it was a flat wicket, it probably wasn't swinging or reverse swinging so he knows how to work hard for a long period of time. You've got Lance Morris who has worked hard on reverse swing for the last month and then a nice lead in here with a few sessions. The guys are excited first of all to play in the subcontinent, they both haven't yet, but they're very well qualified to do so, added Hazlewood. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Scott Boland, who has played only 6 Tests and all of them in Australia, is likely to replace Hazlewood in the first Test playing 11 at Nagpur. Read more details inside
Injured Josh Hazlewood Set To Miss First Test; Doubtful For Second Game
Recovering from an achilles injury, Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the opening Test against India in Nagpur and also remains a doubtful starter for the second game in Delhi.
More injury concern for Australia as pace spearhead ruled out
Australia's injury concerns continue to mount ahead of the first Test against India with key pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening match in Nagpur.
'India Will Win'-Staunch Critic Gives Predictions Ahead of Border Gavaskar Trophy
India will be up against Australia in the opening Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur. Ahead of the series opener former England skipper gave out his predictions.
Nagpur pitch will decide our playing XI: Aus captain Cummins
The latest episode for the Border Gavaskar Trophy is billed as a Test by fire as the four-Test series begins in Nagpur next Thursday, and Australia have left no stone unturned in their preparations.
Jayant Yadav, Pulkit Narang added to India's squad as net bowlers ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Indian team will have an off-day on Sunday and the camp will move to the new VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur, which will be the venue for the Test
Green's 'surprise' progress leaves McDonald hopeful
Australia coach Andrew McDonald remains hopeful Cameron Green can feature against India when the first Test between the nations begins in Nagpur on Thursday after the all-rounder's finger injury made significant improvement.
Ahead of the first India vs Australia Test at Nagpur, Australians have started prep to play Ashwin, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja on dry pitches in India and former Indian cricketers feel that it is a sign of their low confidence against the turning ball
VLF aims to make Nagpur top destination for literary events
