Border Gavaskar Trophy Archives

How can India qualify for WTC final after Melbourne Test defeat against Australia?

MELBOURNE: India suffered a major blow to their chances of qualifying for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) after suffering a thumping defeat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia here on Monday.

India bundled for 155 with just 12.5 overs left in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia claimed a thrilling 184-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.

Despite the heavy defeat, India are still in contention for a spot in the WTC final next year at Lord’s. Currently ranked No. 3 on the points table, India holds a Percentage of Points (PCT%) of 52.78, leaving them with a glimmer of hope.

To secure their qualification, India must triumph over Australia in the crucial fifth Test match, which is set to commence on January 3, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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However, India will also need Sri Lanka to achieve victory over Australia in their two-match Test series, scheduled to begin on January 29, 2025, in Galle. A series win for Sri Lanka by either 2-0 or 1-0 would be essential for India’s chances.

If everything falls into place, India could conclude the WTC 2023-25 cycle with a PCT% of 55.26. In this scenario, Australia’s maximum PCT% could rise to 53.51, while Sri Lanka could finish with a maximum of 53.85 PCT%.

However, if India fails to secure a win in the fifth Test against Australia, they would be out of the race for the WTC final, even in case of a draw.

Furthermore, if India manages to overcome Australia in Sydney yet Australia still manages to win at least one Test in their series against Sri Lanka, India would still fall short of qualification.

Meanwhile, South Africa have made history on Sunday by clinching their first-ever place in the WTC final. This achievement came after a thrilling victory over Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series in Centurion.

READ: Mohammad Abbas achieves historic feat after heroics in first South Africa Test

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Melbourne Test sets new attendance record

MELBOURNE: The blockbuster fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India on Monday became the best attended Test in the country’s history as fans flocked to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the final day.

Day five of the fourth Test attracted a bumper crowd of 74,362, swelling the total number of spectators since the start of the match on Boxing Day to 373,691.

That beat the previous record of 350,534 at the same ground during the 1936-37 Ashes series against England, when Donald Bradman ruled the sport and Tests were played over six days.

“Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made,” Cricket Australia tweeted.

In terms of Boxing Day Tests, the previous record was 271,865 during the 2013-14 Ashes.

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“I think what’s been particularly special about this series is the number of India fans, from not just India but all around the world,” Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley told reporters during the Test.

“I have met fans from the UK, from Canada, from the US.

“Obviously it is a fantastic time of year but it talks to the MCG has almost got this spiritual place in cricketing folklore.”

It’s worth noting that Australia ripped out seven wickets in the final session of the fourth Test to win a thriller by 184 runs and go 2-1 up in the five-match series.

India crumbled to 155 all out with just 12.5 overs left in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and will need to win the final Test starting in Sydney on Friday to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

READ: Australia win Test thriller to lead series after late India collapse

Australia tailenders take lead to 333 after Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell

MELBOURNE: India seamer Jasprit Bumrah unleashed more destructive bowling but Australia stubbornly battled back to reach 228-9 on Sunday, leading by 333 runs in an absorbing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Bumrah scythed through the middle order on day four in Melbourne to record figures of 4-56 off 24 overs and hand India an outside chance of victory in a match the home side have mostly dominated.

However, India’s hopes were diminished by a stubborn, unbeaten final-wicket stand of 55 from 17.5 overs.

Nathan Lyon was at the crease on 41 while number 11 Scott Boland had seen off 65 balls to be 10 not out at the close.

Up by 105 runs on the first innings, Australia were rocked by losing four wickets for 11 midway through the second session to slump to 91-6.

Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins responded with a vital partnership of 57, taking the steam out of Bumrah’s assault.

A charmed Labuschagne scored 70, to back up his first-innings 72, while Cummins produced a captain’s knock of 41 — giving him a career-high combined 90 runs for the Test.

Australia and India are both seeking to go 2-1 up in the series and heading into the fifth and final Test in Sydney. But, Australia remain in the stronger position on a pitch showing signs of variable bounce.

The conditions were exploited brilliantly by Jasprit Bumrah, who continued his dominance across a series in which he has claimed 29 wickets.

The 31-year-old powered past 200 Test victims and he boasts the lowest average at 19.45 of all 85 bowlers to have reached that milestone.

Labuschagne was beaten on numerous occasions by Bumrah’s jagging deliveries but kept his nerve in a 139-ball knock.

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The Australian number three was fortunate, on 46, to survive a straightforward dropped chance in the slips by Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Jaiswal also couldn’t grasp a sharp chance under the helmet offered by Cummins in the final over before tea.

Labuschagne was trapped lbw by lively seamer Mohammed Siraj before Mitchell Starc was run out for five.

Spinner Ravindra Jadeja had Cummins caught behind, heralding the 10th-wicket stand which could yet prove pivotal to the outcome.

Siraj, who took 3-66, sparked the earlier collapse, dismissing first innings centurion Steve Smith for 13.

Jasprit Bumrah was at his best when removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey cheaply in rapid-fire fashion.

All-rounder Marsh was caught behind without scoring, continuing a series in which he has made little meaningful contribution.

Australia lost both openers before going to lunch at 53-2 against a spirited India. Teenage opener Sam Konstas was unable to match the fearless deeds from his debut first innings of 60, this time bowled for eight by Bumrah.

Usman Khawaja was bowled for 21 by Siraj, having been dropped early on by the butter-fingered Jaiswal at leg gully.

India were earlier dismissed for 369 in reply to Australia’s first innings 474, after adding 11 to their overnight score, with maiden centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy the last man out, caught in the deep for 114.

Reddy, playing just his fourth Test, finished with the highest Test score in Melbourne for any player batting at number eight or lower.

READ: Babar Azam nominated for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award

India lose five after Steve Smith put Australia in charge of Melbourne Test

Pace bowlers wreaked havoc on Friday to keep Australia in the driving seat of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India after Steve Smith set up a daunting first-innings total on the back of his 34th Test hundred.

The visitors were 164-5 at the close on day two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) on the crease.

India are trailing by 310 runs after Australia were bowled out for 474 soon after lunch, buoyed by Smith’s stylish 140.

Australian bowlers picked up three wickets in the final half-hour to halt India’s momentum after they were 153-2.

Scott Boland and skipper Pat Cummins grabbed two wickets each.

Skipper Rohit Sharma reverted to his usual role as opener after dropping to six in the past two Tests.

But it did nothing to help his woeful recent form and he was out for three, spooning an attempted pull shot off Cummins to Boland at mid-on for a simple catch.

Cummins pounced again to remove the in-form KL Rahul with the last ball before tea, bowling him for 24.

But opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stood firm with a high-quality innings, crunching a series of stylish boundaries in his 82.

The 22-year-old, who scored 161 in the first Test at Perth, looked destined for another century but threw his wicket away in a comical mix-up with Virat Kohli.

Jaiswal set off for a quick single off Boland but his teammate said no, leaving the youngster stranded, ending a dangerous 102-run stand.

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Kohli was caught behind by Alex Carey for 36 off Boland, who then removed nightwatchman Akash Deep without scoring.

The hosts resumed on 311-6 after a dominant opening day and plundered another 163 runs, with the composed Smith slamming 13 fours and three sixes.

Steve Smith padded up again on 68, with Cummins alongside him on eight. They took 15 off one Deep over before Smith hooked Jasprit Bumrah for six to rub salt in the wounds, with India’s body language showing their frustration.

Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, which came on the back of a return to form in the last Test in Brisbane where he made 101.

It was a patient innings from the 35-year-old and moved him alongside four other players on the all-time list of century-makers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.

Only six men have scored more, led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 51.

With the landmark out of the way, both men began swinging the bat and Cummins paid the price, caught for a fine 49 by Reddy in the deep off Jadeja to end a 112-run stand.

Starc was bowled by Jadeja for 15 in the first over after lunch, with Smith following in bizarre fashion.

Facing Deep, he danced down the wicket looking to drive but got an inside edge, with the ball bouncing off his pads and trickling onto the leg stump.

Nathan Lyon (13) was the final wicket to fall, lbw to Bumrah who ended with 4-99.

The five-match series is locked at 1-1 after India won by 295 runs in Perth before Australia bounced back to win the second Test by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane was drawn.

READ: Babar Azam joins Virat Kohli in elusive club during Boxing Day Test

Virat Kohli penalised for on-field altercation with Sam Konstas

DUBAI: India batter Virat Kohli has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his on-field altercation with young Australia batter Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian veteran made forceful contact with the 19-year-old debutant, who kicked off his international career in style, at the conclusion of the 10th over.

As the over came to a close, Kohli, clearly displaying his frustration, strode past Konstas and intentionally collided with him shoulder to shoulder, which was followed by a heated exchange of words between the two players.

Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ fellow opener, and umpire Michael Gough quickly stepped in to defuse the tension and restore order on the field.

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The incident was categorized as a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct, leading to Virat Kohli being fined 20% of his match fee and receiving a demerit point for his conduct during the match.

Sam Konstas, undeterred by the incident, belted Indian bowlers around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on his way to a blistering 60 off 65 balls.

During the post-match news conference, Konstas played down the incident, calling it a part of the game.

“I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that’s just cricket, the tension,” said the teenager, Australia’s youngest-ever opener.

READ: Australia’s top order fires to take charge of Boxing Day Test against India

Australia’s top order fires to take charge of Boxing Day Test against India

MELBOURNE: The top four batters slammed half-centuries on Thursday to help Australia take a firm grip on day one of the fourth Test against India, with fearless teenage opener Sam Konstas stealing the show.

Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss on a steamy day, the hosts reached 311-6 by the close in front of more than 87,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia took advantage of some inconsistent early bowling by India as well as a flying start from Konstas. The 19-year-old blasted a hugely entertaining 60 off 65 balls in a debut to remember, pounding 18 off one Jasprit Bumrah over.

At the close, Steve Smith was not out 68 and Pat Cummins was eight. Marnus Labuschagne made 72 and Usman Khawaja 57.

All the bowlers of India were punished but they rallied with four wickets in the final session, including dangerman Travis Head for a duck, to haul themselves back into the contest. Bumrah led the charge, ending with 3-75.

With Konstas in for the axed Nathan McSweeney, he and Khawaja shared an 89-run opening partnership — the hosts’ best of the series — before the teenager was undone by the spin of Ravindra Jadeja.

Australia’s youngest-ever opener faced the first over from a menacing Bumrah and survived despite the Indian spearhead repeatedly beating his bat.

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Sam Konstas said before the match he had a plan to combat Bumrah, and as he got his eye in he incredibly reverse-ramped him for two fours and a six in one over, bringing the crowd alive.

A frustrated Kohli forcefully bumped shoulders with him at one point and they exchanged words, which could see both players in trouble if the match referee takes the matter further.

He was unfazed and slammed 18 off the next Bumrah over, including another six. His half-century came off just 52 balls — the third-fastest on debut for Australia.

At the other end Khawaja, twice the age of his opening partner, was content to be the support act, grinding his way to a 27th Test 50 in a welcome return to form.

Bumrah finally removed him after a 121-ball stay with Khawaja’s pull shot going only as far as KL Rahul at midwicket, leaving Labuschagne and Smith to see them to tea.

Smith survived three lbw appeals from Akash Deep when they returned before India finally earned a reward when spinner Washington Sundar, in the side for Shubman Gill, tempted Labuschagne into a drive that was collected by Kohli.

The dangerous Head marched to the crease after plundering centuries in both Adelaide and Brisbane but only lasted seven balls.

Bumrah did the damage, with the Australian leaving a delivery that clattered into his off stump before the Indian star accounted for Mitchell Marsh (4) and Alex Carey (31) fell to Deep.

Smith kept plugging away to reach a 42nd Test 50 as he targets a second century of the series.

READ: Basit Ali hails Babar Azam for helping young batters in South Africa

India face major blow as key pacer ruled out of Australia Tests

India suffered a blow on Monday when pacer Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the final two Test matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Shami has missed the first three matches of the series but was expected to join the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Boxing Day Test.

The right-arm pacer has been on the road to recovery and has played a few domestic matches since his right heel surgery, which kept him away from international cricket for months.

“However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload,” Devajit Saikia of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement on Monday.

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The fans of Team India expected Mohammed Shami to join Bumrah, rated as one of the best fast bowlers of this generation, for the final two games against Australia, but their hopes were dashed on Monday.

Bumrah has stood out for his match-turning performances in Australia but critics have argued that he has lacked support from the other end in Shami’s absence.

“Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his (Shami’s) knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads,” Saikia added.

“Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”

READ: PCB reveals schedule of West Indies’ tour of Pakistan

Nathan McSweeney dropped from Australia squad for fourth India Test

Cricket Australia (CA) has included uncapped teenager Sam Konstas in the squad for the fourth Test against India, replacing opening batter Nathan McSweeney on Friday.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson was also included in the 15-man lineup to give the team more options with Josh Hazlewood sidelined by a right calf injury.

The two sides are locked at 1-1 in the five-Test series with India needing one more win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

McSweeney had played in all three Tests so far after winning the race to replace the retired David Warner at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja.

But the 25-year-old, who is not a specialist opener, struggled to assert himself, particularly against Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His highest score was 39 and he was dismissed for nine and four in the third Test at Brisbane.

In contrast, 19-year-old Sam Konstas has been in sizzling domestic form with calls mounting to bring him into the international fold.

Earlier this season, he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match. He also slammed a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.

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His inclusion does not necessarily mean he will play, with reserve batsman Josh Inglis also a potential opening partner for Khawaja.

“Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We remain confident Nathan [McSweeney] has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.

“It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different lineup for the next two matches.”

Despite Richardson returning to the squad after a wretched run with injuries, Scott Boland is widely expected to replace Hazlewood in the starting XI alongside fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space,” said Bailey. “It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer.”

Australia squad for the fourth Test against India: Pat Cummins (capt), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

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Rohit Sharma provides update on Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in remaining Australia Tests

India captain Rohit Sharma has discussed the possibility of calling up pace bowler Mohammed Shami for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Shami was not selected for the tour of Australia because of an ankle surgery that sidelined him for nearly a year.

He underwent the surgery in February and was on track to return to the national team. However, he aggravated a knee issue during his rehabilitation, which further delayed his comeback.

The right-handed pacer achieved match fitness last month and returned to action for his domestic team Bengal, under the monitoring of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

During the post-match press conference after the drawn third Test, Rohit Sharma was asked if Shami could make a comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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However, the Indian captain emphasized that the team management would consider Mohammed Shami only after receiving full assurance from the NCA.

“About Shami, I think it’s high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing,” Rohit said. “Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update.”

“I understand he’s playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well.

“So, look, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens.

“So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we’re not going to take any risk.

“But yeah, as I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we’ll be happy to have him.”

READ: South Africa name two uncapped players in squad for Pakistan Tests

Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket effective immediately after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Brisbane.

He announced his decision during the post-match press conference after the rain-affected third Test concluded in a draw, expressing gratitude for his journey with the Indian cricket team.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin said.

“I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India].

“I’ve had a lot of fun. I must say I have created a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my other teammates, even though I have lost some of them [to retirements] over the last few years.

“We’re the last bunch of OGs if we can say that, left out in the dressing room, and. I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level.

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“Obviously there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and my fellow team-mates. Several of them.

“I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been part of the journey. Most importantly, Rohit, Virat [Kohli], Ajinkya [Rahane], [Cheteshwar] Pujara, who have taken those splendid catches around the bat to give me the number of wickets I’ve managed to get over the years.”

Ravichandran Ashwin will go down in history as one of the greatest bowlers to play for India, having represented the country in 106 Test matches and taking 537 wickets at an average of 24.

He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, only behind legendary Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests.

Moreover, Ashwin has also scored 3503 runs with six centuries and 14 half-centuries in Test cricket. He is one of 11 all-rounders with more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets.

During his 14-year-long international career, he has also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 and 72 wickets in the two formats respectively.

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