#Australia wins WTC Finals 2023

[thenewsfactsnow]

WTC 2023: Australia Triumph, Indian Team's Time for Introspection: 5 Key Factors for Downfall

WTC 2023 Outcome and Retrospection for Team India: The Indian Cricket Team lost the WTC 2023 Finals to Australia by 209 runs on Sunday. The loss was a heartbreaking one for the Indian team, who had been unbeaten in the tournament until the final. India’s wait for an elusive ICC title extended as they were humbled by Pat Cummins and Co. by 209 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at…

[pitchperspective-23]

Ind vs Pakistan 2023 Asia Cup Super 4

  Cricket Journals

An account of Virat Kohli’s 77th century :

India vs Pakistan, what is it, it is an emotion attached to all the cricket supporters around the world, be it India, Pakistan, England, or Australia, it is cherished and remembered all over the world. And what does it feel like when your favorite player scores a century in that match, well it feels delighted, a moment to cherish, celebrate and to remember all your lifetime and let me tell you one interesting story of such kind of an event. It was 2023, an amazing year for all cricket fans in the world because we have the ODI World Cup, Asia Cup, WTC Final and many more series such as The Ashes, Ind vs South Africa and many more. But there is one more thing that is wanted by all cricket fans and we have it three times and who knows four times this year. The cherish able, always remembered, India vs Pakistan. Two times in the Asia cup and one time in the ODI World cup, we will witness this amazing rivalry even more this year. September 2023, and the awaited month has arrived. The Asia Cup kicked off with its initial matches. It was happening in Pakistan and Sri Lanka both as India refused to play because of political issues and many more issues which both country’s government crib about. On 2 September, we had the match in Colombo, meaning India vs Pakistan in Colombo. The match started, surprisingly according to the weather forecast, there was no signs of rain in the starting. But that match did not finish because till the finishing of India’s innings which was the first innings, there was rain, drama, and lots of sadness in every spectator’s mind because firstly India had not played well and secondly due to that rain match was abandoned and both teams shared one point each. Well, as I told there were two games so we had the fixture again on 10th September as part of the super four stage. There was rain, drama, and lots of delightfulness in this match because this match was completed and it also witnessed the run machine’s 77th century and he also completed 13,000 runs in ODI cricket. Do you know who I am referring to ?, yes Virat Kohli, my favorite player and the charm of every Indian spectator watching that game. He came in to play and replenishing all his mistakes that led to his dismissal in the last game, he smashed a well driven 122* of 94 deliveries with KL Rahul also scoring a century. They both stitched a 233-run partnership and stretched India’s score to 357 for just the loss of 2 wickets. It was an easy defend for India and dismissed the whole of Pakistan in just 128 runs and in the bowling unit, Kuldeep Yadav also took 5 wickets and bowled an excellent spell dismissing some of their key batters.

We all got the gift from Kohli, we all wanted and deserved. He played as a well accumulator and in the end accelerating to his hundred. It was a classic Kohli innings and a classic Indian win. As expected, Virat received the Man of the Match and that is all we could ask by him in the match of one of the most cherished rivalries of all time.

[icnewss]

Temba Bavuma Turns Savage, Destroys Accusations of SA Having Easy Path to WTC Final

WTC 2025: Temba Bavuma's South Africa had become the first team to seal a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final with a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion last year. Later, Australia defeated India in the home Test series to join South Africa in the WTC Final 2025 in London.

After finishing fifth in the first WTC cycle, South Africa made a strong comeback in the 2021-2023 cycle, but they failed to make it to the summit clash, as their journey finished at the third spot.

Read Also: BAN-W vs MAL-W Match Predictions

South Africa secures WTC Final 2025 spot with 7 straight wins

However, the Proteas have now earned a spot in the WTC Final 2025 with seven consecutive wins. But some fans and cricket experts, especially former England cricketers, have been questioning whether South Africa truly deserves to be in the final.

Actually, the South African side played a relatively low number of matches in the WTC 2023-25 cycle—just 11 Tests, while other teams like England (22), India (18), and Australia (16) have played more games.

Despite playing fewer Tests, South Africa still managed to top the table with a points percentage of 66.67%. But their qualification has sparked criticism, with many questioning the Proteas team’s place in the WTC Final 2025, while some felt they played a lower-ranked side, and it helped them to reach the summit clash.

Read Also: BAN W vs THA Women Dream11 Predictions

Temba Bavuma unfazed by criticism over South Africa's qualification for WTC Final 2025

However, Temba Bavuma remains unfazed despite the criticism. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said that their place in the final is the only and best answer, ignoring the naysayers. South Africa has proved their worth by securing a top spot, and Bavuma has noted that is all the response the critics are getting now.

Temba Bavuma was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times: “No, I wouldn't like to respond to it. We are in the final; that's the only response that I have.”

The South African captain has called for a more balanced and competitive series in the World Test Championship (WTC) format. Bavuma wants all teams to play at least a three-match series. Temba Bavuma noted, “Yes, please. We'd love to play more in South Africa. We'd love to be able to test our skills a lot more. We'd also like to be able to test our mettle a lot more.”

Read Also: BAN vs NED Dream11 Prediction T20 World Cup

Temba Bavuma calls for a three-match Test series to determine the best team

Reflecting on South Africa’s recent two-match series with India, he felt that it didn't determine the true better team. The skipper added, “I think of the India series we played here at home, which ended 1-1. It was only a two-match series, and I think the end of that series was a bit of an anticlimax. You know, you always play to know who's the best. And there, you kind of didn't know who that was or who the best was.”

Bavuma also highlighted the disparity in the number of Tests played by different teams, with England playing far more than South Africa, as he feels everyone deserves a chance to test with the best. He signed off by saying, “So yeah, maybe they can institute those minimum amounts of tests. I think England played about 22 Tests last year. We played 12; that's almost 50 percent. So, you know, hopefully, you don't really get those types of disparities.”

Read Also: BAN W vs ENG W Dream11 Prediction Womens T20 WC

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India’s WTC Aspirations What’s Next After New Zealand Defeat

India’s shocking 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home, capped by a narrow 25-run loss in Mumbai, has sent ripples through the cricketing world. This unexpected outcome not only dents India’s confidence but also poses significant challenges to their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 aspirations. Falling to second place in the WTC standings, India faces a daunting task to qualify for the final at Lord’s next summer. /
Impact of the New Zealand Defeat on WTC Standings Before the series, India seemed poised to comfortably secure a spot in the WTC final. However, the 0-3 whitewash caused their Points Percentage (PCT) to dip to 58.33%, trailing Australia, who now lead with a PCT of 62.50%. The latest WTC standings underscore the intensity of the competition: India’s once-commanding position has been overtaken, leaving little margin for error as the team gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Path to WTC Final Qualification: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy India’s upcoming five-Test series against Australia has now become a do-or-die contest. For India to qualify without relying on other teams: Win at Least Four Matches A 4-1 series victory would push India’s PCT above 65%, likely guaranteeing a spot in the WTC final. This would also restore their reputation after the New Zealand series loss and serve as a significant morale booster. Adapt to Australian Conditions Historically, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a test of grit and adaptability. India must prepare to face Australia’s formidable pace attack and counter the challenges posed by bouncy pitches. Key Players Must Perform Skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, and frontline bowler Jasprit Bumrah will need to lead from the front. Young talents like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj will also have critical roles in ensuring India’s success.
Reliance on Other Teams’ Results If India fails to secure the required victories in Australia, their fate will depend on outcomes from other WTC fixtures, such as: Sri Lanka vs. Australia/South Africa These series could significantly alter standings, especially if Sri Lanka performs well and increases their PCT. New Zealand’s Remaining Matches As the defending champions, New Zealand could upset the balance if they maintain a winning streak. India must remain vigilant, as the WTC standings are dynamic, and every match could potentially influence their qualification chances.
What Must India Do to Turn Things Around? Address Weaknesses Analyze the New Zealand defeat and rectify vulnerabilities, particularly in batting collapses and inconsistent bowling performances. Strategic Gameplay Leverage past experiences from successful tours, such as the historic series win in Australia (2020-21), to build a robust strategy. Focus on Team Unity and Resilience With pressure mounting, India must stay mentally resilient and foster a team culture that thrives under challenging circumstances. Monitor Competition Keep a close eye on the performance of other WTC contenders to understand the qualification landscape better.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead India’s qualification for the WTC 2023-2025 Final is still within reach, but the journey will be challenging. Success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is non-negotiable, and every match will be crucial for their aspirations. With a blend of experience, strategy, and resilience, India can overcome these setbacks and march toward Lord’s. For more detailed match predictions and insights, visit cricinfo.cc and stay updated with the latest analysis, stats, and expert opinions.

More: https://cricinfo.cc/indias-wtc-aspirations-whats-next-after-new-zealand-defeat/

[cryptoto]

Ravichandran Ashwin pinpoints the match winner for Australia in Test series win against India

IndiaA trip to find a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals 2023-2025 ended when they were defeated by Australia in Sydney earlier this month. The defeat sealed the result 1-3 in favor of the hosts, which also shows Australia's success in winning. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Adding to India's woes, the defeat followed a 3-0 defeat new Zealandjeopardizing their WTC…

[hamsdd]

Ravichandran Ashwin pinpoints the match winner for Australia in Test series win against India

IndiaA trip to find a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals 2023-2025 ended when they were defeated by Australia in Sydney earlier this month. The defeat sealed the result 1-3 in favor of the hosts, which also shows Australia's success in winning. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Adding to India's woes, the defeat followed a 3-0 defeat new Zealandjeopardizing their WTC…

[newsmatik]

Temba Bavuma turns nasty, destroying any suspicions of SA having an easy path to the WTC final

Temba Bavuma’s South Africa became the first team to seal a place in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) with a two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion last year. Later, Australia beat India in the home Test series to qualify for South Africa’s 2025 WTC Finals in London. After finishing fifth in the first WTC cycle, South Africa returned in the 2021-2023 cycle, but failed to reach the…

[cricketbazaar]

TOP 5 players who might be leading run scorer in ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy will start in Pakistan and UAE from February 19. The Champions Trophy is also known as the Mini World Cup, where the top 8 teams of the world take on each other. Last year, there were some top players in the 2023 World Cup who were recognized for their performance. Rachin Ravindra of the New Zealand team, Gerald Coetzee of South Africa were among them. Virat Kohli broke the record for most runs in the history of the Cricket World Cup while Rohit Sharma was the top scorer in the T20 World Cup 2024. Once again, these batsmen will be desperate to leave their mark with their bat in the Champions Trophy. Today we will tell you the 5 batsmen who can become the top scorers in the Champions Trophy. 

1) Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Rachin Ravindra scored 578 runs in the Cricket World Cup 2023. He introduced his name to world cricket by scoring 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries in that tournament. He would like to do the same feat in the Champions Trophy as well. He is quite comfortable in Asian conditions and is a strong contender to become the highest run-scorer again.

2. Travis Head (Australia)

Australia opener Travis Head is in very good form at present. He was also the highest run-scorer in the 2023 WTC Final, World Cup Final and Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. He would definitely want to continue this form and add another ICC trophy to the Australian team's cabinet.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

The biggest name in world cricket is now Virat Kohli. He was the highest run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup. His form is definitely a matter of concern these days. But Virat is adept at playing in Asian conditions and he knows how to get out of bad form. In the 50-over format, we can never make a list of highest run-scorers without him. He would like to regain his lost form and there is no better stage for him than the Champions Trophy. In 2013 and 2017, Virat scored 176 runs and 258 runs respectively. He would definitely like to repeat this and once again put the ICC trophy in India's bag.

4. Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Pakistan's star batsman Babar Azam has finally found his lost form after 3 years. He has recently scored runs in all three formats against South Africa. Now he will prepare for the Test series against West Indies and then he wants to maintain his form in the Champions Trophy as well. Babar would definitely want to do something big in his home conditions.

5. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma's Test form is quite worrying for Team India but his ODI form is excellent. He played only 3 ODIs last year and was the highest run scorer for Team India. He even scored 597 runs in the Cricket World Cup 2023 and 258 runs in the T20 World Cup. He wants to maintain his form in ICC upcoming matches​ as well and will also be responsible for helping India win an ICC trophy once again. The whole world knows that no matter how much Rohit is out of form, he stands out in ICC tournaments. 

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Can India reach the WTC 2023-25 final? Here’s how standings look after Australia’s Melbourne Test win | masr356.com

Australia staged a commanding performance to defeat India by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The victory not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a significant blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025…

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Can India reach the WTC 2023-25 final? Here’s how standings look after Australia’s Melbourne Test win

Australia staged a commanding performance to defeat India by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The victory not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a significant blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025…

[shreyashhexa]

World Test Championship

The World Test Championship (WTC) represents a significant evolution in the landscape of Test cricket, introducing a competitive league format that culminates in a final to determine the world champion. This blog will delve into the intricacies of the WTC, its current standings, and what lies ahead for the participating teams. For detailed insights on the current points table and standings, visit Hexahome's World Test Championship Points Table.

Introduction to the World Test Championship

The WTC was established by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide context to Test series played between nations. Launched in 2019, it aims to enhance the relevance of Test cricket in an era dominated by limited-overs formats. The ongoing cycle began in June 2023 and will conclude with the final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Nine teams are competing, and each match contributes to their standings on the WTC points table.

Understanding Points Allocation

Points in the WTC are awarded based on match outcomes:

12 points for a win

4 points for a draw

6 points for a tie

0 points for a loss

Teams can also incur penalties for slow over rates, losing one point for each over they fall short of the required rate during a match. The Points Percentage (PCT) system ranks teams based on their performance relative to total points contested, ensuring fairness across varying numbers of matches played.

Current Standings and Key Teams

As of December 18, 2024, the standings reflect intense competition: Pos Team Matches Played Wins Losses Draws Points PCT (%) 1 South Africa 10 6 3 1 120 63.33 2 Australia 15 9 4 2 180 58.88 3 India 17 9 6 2 114 55.88 4 New Zealand 14 7 7 0 81 48.21

South Africa currently leads with strong performances, while Australia and India remain formidable contenders. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining which teams secure a spot in the final.

India's Journey in the WTC

India's performance has been under scrutiny due to their rich history in Test cricket. Their chances of qualifying depend heavily on their remaining matches against Australia. A strong finish could see them accumulate up to 138 points, significantly improving their PCT and qualification chances.

Recent Matches Impact

India's recent draw with Australia at Gabba was pivotal. If they win both remaining matches against Australia, they could solidify their position; however, drawing or losing could jeopardize their chances if other teams perform well.

Australia's Dominance

Australia has shown consistent dominance throughout this cycle, with nine wins from fifteen matches. Their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka will be critical as they aim to maintain their position near the top of the table.

Fan Engagement and Future Prospects

The WTC has successfully increased fan engagement with Test cricket through heightened interest and viewership. Fans are closely following each match, creating an electrifying atmosphere around the tournament.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As we approach the final stages of this WTC cycle, every match will significantly impact standings and qualification scenarios. Teams like India and Australia must perform exceptionally well to secure their places in the final. The journey toward ultimate Test cricket glory continues as fans eagerly await crucial upcoming fixtures.

For more insights into software development and services, visit Hexadecimal Software, where you can also explore their blog for expert articles on various topics Hexadecimal Blog.

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Title: The World Test Championship: A Journey Through Cricket's Pinnacle

The World Test Championship (WTC) is revolutionizing Test cricket! With its league format culminating in a final to crown the world champion, it brings excitement and context back to this classic format. As we progress through the ongoing cycle (2023-2025), teams like South Africa, Australia, and India are battling fiercely for a spot in the final.

Check out our detailed analysis of current standings and what lies ahead: Hexahome's World Test Championship Points Table.

Stay tuned as we follow this thrilling journey toward ultimate cricket glory! 🏏✨

For insights into software development and expert services, explore Hexadecimal Software and check out their blog for more informative articles Hexadecimal Blog.

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Australia’s Qualification Scenarios Can They Secure Their Spot in the WTC 2025 Final

As the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 intensifies, Australia has positioned itself as the frontrunner, climbing to the top of the table with a 62.50% points percentage (PCT). However, with five critical matches against India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the battle for a spot in the WTC Final at Lord’s promises to be fierce and unpredictable.
India’s Setback and the Changing Dynamics India, previously dominating the standings, suffered a shocking 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, marking their first home series defeat in over two decades. This loss saw their PCT dip to 58.33%, pushing them to second place and leaving their path to the WTC Final precariously narrow. India now needs to win at least four out of five matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to reclaim their footing and ensure a top-two finish. Australia’s Path to Qualification The series against India is equally pivotal for Australia. Their qualification scenarios hinge on how they perform in the five-Test series: Scenario 1: A Dominant 4-0 or 5-0 Series Win Outcome: Australia’s PCT would soar above 65%, virtually securing their spot in the final. Implications: This result would force other contenders, such as South Africa and Sri Lanka, to win all their remaining matches to challenge Australia’s lead. Scenario 2: A 4-1 Series Win Outcome: Australia’s PCT would stand at 64.1%. Challenges: In this case, their position could still be threatened if: South Africa achieves a PCT of 69.4% by winning all their games. Sri Lanka climbs to 69.2% under similar conditions. New Zealand reaches 64.3% by maintaining consistent victories. Scenario 3: A 2-3 Series Loss to India Outcome: India would surpass Australia in the standings, finishing ahead even if they lose their subsequent two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Consequences: Australia’s qualification chances would rely heavily on other results, with at least one of South Africa, Sri Lanka, or New Zealand likely overtaking them in the standings. High-Stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy The five-Test series between India and Australia has become the ultimate battleground: India: Must win four matches to keep their championship dreams alive. Australia: Needs at least a strong series victory to secure their position. Impact of Australia’s Performance For Australia, the stakes are monumental. Every victory edges them closer to the WTC Final, while any slip-ups leave their fate in the hands of competing teams. With fierce competition from South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, even minor setbacks could derail their campaign. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy thus becomes more than a series—it’s a defining chapter in the WTC narrative, with each match potentially rewriting the standings. For more detailed match predictions and insights, visit cricinfo.cc and stay updated with the latest analysis, stats, and expert opinions.

More：https://cricinfo.cc/australias-qualification-scenarios-can-they-secure-their-spot-in-the-wtc-2025-final/

Jornalismo esportivo profissional:https://brg365.com/tag/multicanais-futebol/

[cryptoto]

Temba Bavuma goes wild, destroys accusations that SA would have an easy road to the WTC final

Temba Bavuma's South Africa became the first team to seal a place in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) final with a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion last year. Australia later beat India in the home Test series to join South Africa in the WTC 2025 final in London. After finishing fifth in the first WTC cycle, South Africa bounced back strongly in the 2021-2023 cycle…

[hamsdd]

Temba Bavuma goes wild, destroys accusations that SA would have an easy road to the WTC final

Temba Bavuma's South Africa became the first team to seal a place in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) final with a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion last year. Australia later beat India in the home Test series to join South Africa in the WTC 2025 final in London. After finishing fifth in the first WTC cycle, South Africa bounced back strongly in the 2021-2023 cycle…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah at the trophy unveiling on the eve of the first Test between India and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. Photo: Debasis Sen/RevSportz   Subhayan Chakraborty at the Optus Stadium “5-0 to Australia,” said one local fan outside the Optus Stadium in Perth as the Indian team bus carrying a few players and coaching staff left the venue on the eve of the opening Test between the two top sides. “It could be reversed,” cheekily quipped an Indian fan waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian players. The banter and anticipation is there to be seen. Not only among the fans, but it could get quite fiery between the two teams when play begins, and why not? The long-standing and storied rivalry between India and Australia is set to reach new heights as the two cricketing powerhouses face off in the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting Friday. It is a rare return to a series of this length between the sides, last seen more than three decades ago, and the stakes could not be higher. With the World No. 1 Test ranking, World Test Championship (WTC) standings, and legacies on the line, this clash promises to rewrite cricket books. India, the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have enjoyed a golden run in the rivalry, winning the last four series. This includes landmark back-to-back series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, the latter secured with a depleted squad in what many regard as one of the greatest comebacks in cricketing history. However, the visitors arrive in Perth bruised after an uncharacteristic 0-3 Test series defeat at home to New Zealand—a result that ended more than a decade of dominance on home soil. Australia, meanwhile, have been in imperious form. The World Test champions enter the series on the back of a stellar 2023 campaign, highlighted by victories over India in both the WTC Final and the 50-over World Cup. Boasting a formidable squad and an enviable record at home, Pat Cummins’ men are firm favourites, especially at the pace-friendly Optus Stadium, where they have won all four Tests played since the venue opened in 2018. India’s Challenges India’s preparations have been hampered by injuries and absences, starting with captain Rohit Sharma, who will miss the opener following the birth of his second child. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is unavailable as he continues his recovery, while opener Shubman Gill, arguably one of India’s most consistent batters in recent times, is set to miss the Test with a thumb injury. These absentees have forced India to rejig their line-up. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, will lead the side in Rohit’s absence. KL Rahul is set to return to the opening slot despite his patchy form, partnering the exciting Yashasvi Jaiswal. DevduttPadikkal is expected to step into the pivotal No. 3 role, while the in-form Dhruv Jurel is poised to bat at No. 6 after impressive performances for India A against Australia A. It could be a double-edged sword for India. While the youngsters, in the recent times, have played some brave cricket, taking down the Aussies in their home is a different ball game altogether. The Indian bowling attack remains potent. Bumrah, backed by Mohammed Siraj, forms a lethal seam-bowling duo, with either of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin providing spin and control in the middle overs. While the batting lineup appears fragile, India’s bowlers have the ability to dictate terms, especially if they can make early inroads against Australia’s top order. Whether the exciting Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna can make a name for themselves in pace-friendly Australian conditions, with the Kookaburra, remains to be seen. Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21 year old with barely any experience in red-ball cricket, is set to debut as India’s only pace-bowling all-rounder option. “We are very well prepared,”Bumrah said in the pre-match press conference. “We came here early, got some time at the WACA Ground, and a lot of the youngsters were coming here for the first time.

When we came here for the first time as well, we got less time than this, and we still ended up winning the series. I love the responsibility. I wanted to do the tough job ever since I was a child. Always wanted to be in the thick of things. I have a lot of faith in my instincts and gut. As for fast-bowling captains, Pat (Cummins) has done a phenomenal job.In the past for India, Kapil Dev did a fabulous job.” Australia’s Confidence Australia, in contrast, enjoys the luxury of a settled line-up. Nathan McSweeney, who has been in sublime form in the Sheffield Shield, will debut as opener alongside Usman Khawaja. The middle order, anchored by the prolific Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, looks as solid as ever. Smith, in particular, thrives against India, averaging an extraordinary 83.23 in home Tests against them. The hosts’ bowling attack, spearheaded by captain Cummins, is well-suited to the Perth conditions. Cummins is ably supported by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, with the ever-reliable Nathan Lyon offering spin options. Lyon’s record against India at home—60 wickets—makes him a key figure in breaking partnerships on what is likely to be a hard and bouncy wicket.Mitchell Marsh is set to be Australia’s medium-pace option, along with Marnus Labuschagne, who has switched to medium-pace bowling this season. “For about half in the change room, we haven’t won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, so it’s one of the last things to tick off,” said Cummins. “With every challenge that was thrown at us over the last few years, we have stepped up and done well. We know India is right up there with one of the best teams in the world, so we are excited. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been very tight every series.Five Test-match series gets really attritional, it’s a big one really. There will always be pressure when you are playing at home. India are a very talented side and it will be a good challenge. But we are not looking too far ahead.” Key Battles to Watch Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah: Smith’s record against India (2,042 runs at 65.87) underscores his dominance, but Bumrah has troubled him with pace and movement in the past. This battle could define the series. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins: Kohli, one of India’s finest batters in Australian conditions, will look to lead from the front. However, Cummins, who boasts 152 wickets at 19.69 in home Tests, will be eager to exploit any weaknesses. Australian openers vs Indian seamers: McSweeney and Khawaja must withstand the fiery opening spells of Bumrah and Siraj. Success here could lay the foundation for big totals. The Perth Factor Optus Stadium has become a fortress for Australia. Their last four wins here—by margins of 146, 296, 164, and 360 runs—highlight the challenge awaiting India. The pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, favouring the quick bowlers, but the recent rain in Perth may prevent significant deterioration, making it a fairer contest for batters. It is going to be ‘Fast and Furious’, as per Western Australia head curator Isaac McDonald. Weather Forecast The weather in Perth may cause some early jitters, with a 25% chance of light morning showers on Day 1. However, interruptions are unlikely, and the pitch is expected to remain conducive to high-quality cricket throughout the match. Head-to-Head and Historical Context India and Australia have faced off in 107 Tests, with Australia holding the upper hand with 45 wins to India’s 32. On Australian soil, the disparity is more pronounced: Australia have won 30 of the 52 matches, with India claiming just nine victories. However, India’s recent record Down Under—winning the last two series—will give them confidence despite the odds. Players to Watch Virat Kohli: With 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests in Australia, Kohli’s performances could be pivotal in anchoring India’s batting. While his form has dipped in recent years, he remains capable of match-winning knocks. Marnus Labuschagne: Labuschagne’s consistency at home (2,623 runs at 62.

45) makes him a key player. His ability to adapt and build long innings could frustrate India’s bowlers. Nathan Lyon: With 259 wickets in 67 home Tests, Lyon’s role cannot be understated. His record against India, particularly in the middle overs, will be crucial in maintaining pressure. Who has the edge? On paper, Australia. A settled line-up, excellent form, and familiarity with home conditions makes them favourites, especially in Perth, where they have dominated. India, however, have a knack of defying expectations, as seen in their epic comeback in 2020/21. If Bumrah and Siraj can exploit the conditions early and Kohli or Rahul can produce a standout innings, India might challenge the hosts. But with their top order in transition and missing key players, the visitors face an uphill battle. Also watch:  Bharat Arun Exclusive “Jasprit Bumrah and the bowling unit just need to stick to their strengths,” says Bharat Arun on the potential of Indian bowlers ahead of the series Down Under. On Harshit Rana: “He is confident in his own abilities.” Arun also reflects on the… pic.twitter.com/wI55qTU4YC — RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 21, 2024 For more sports content: RevSportz The post Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Legacies on the line as India-Australia set for fiery Perth challenge appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link