Dates and Locations

The series will begin on November 22 and will be held across five cities:

• Perth (Optus Stadium)
• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Sydney

These cities have witnessed some of the most intense cricketing moments in the past, and they are expected to deliver yet another exciting chapter in the India vs Australia saga.

First Test Match Details

• Dates: November 22-26
• Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Start Time: 7:50 AM IST (on November 22)

Fans can catch the live action of the first Test match between India and Australia on Star Sports Network or stream it on the Disney+ Hotstar platform.

India’s Path to the WTC Final

For India, this series is crucial not only for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also for securing their place in the 2025 World Test Championship final. To qualify, India must win 4-0, a daunting but not impossible task, especially after their dominant performances in the last two tours. However, the pressure is immense, and every match counts.

Historical Performance

Out of the 16 Test series played between the two teams, India has won 10 series, while Australia has won 5. Only one series has ended in a draw. The history of this rivalry shows India’s growing dominance in recent years, and they will be eager to extend their streak of victories on Australian soil.

India Squad for the First Test

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
• Batsmen: Yasavi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul
• Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruva Jurel
• All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
• Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Akashdeep, Pardish Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khalil Ahmed

Australia Squad for the First Test

• Captain: Pat Cummins
• Batsmen: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney
• Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
• All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh
• Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

The Stakes for Both Teams

The upcoming series is not just a battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but also an intense contest for World Test Championship points. Both India and Australia will need to field their best teams, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

The series promises plenty of fireworks, with experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Rohit Sharma leading their respective sides. This is one cricketing contest you don’t want to miss!

The post India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: Key Details, Teams, and What to Expect appeared first on Vizag One.

Crucial Series for India

This series holds immense importance for Team India as they aim to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final. With high stakes and stiff competition against a formidable Australian side, the team is under pressure to perform. However, the pre-series injury setbacks have heightened the pressure on the selection committee and players.

Injury Updates: Key Players in Doubt

1. Shubman Gill
   • The star batsman sustained a finger injury while attempting a slip catch during a practice match against India A in Perth. Medical evaluations suggest the injury is serious, casting doubt over his participation in the opening Test. Gill’s absence would be a major blow to India’s top-order stability.
2. K.L. Rahul
   • On November 15, Rahul injured his right elbow during a practice session involving a center-wicket simulation. Experiencing severe pain, he had to abandon his batting session midway. His condition remains under observation, and his availability is uncertain.
3. Sarfaraz Khan
   • The young batsman suffered an elbow injury on November 14 during a warm-up match at the WACA. While the injury is not deemed severe, his fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the Perth Test.
4. Virat Kohli
   • Kohli gave a scare earlier when he was taken to the hospital for scans after sustaining an injury. Thankfully, the reports cleared him of any major concerns, bringing some relief to the selectors.

Rohit Sharma’s Uncertain Availability

Adding to these challenges is the uncertainty surrounding captain Rohit Sharma. If Rohit is unable to play, it would create a leadership vacuum and disrupt the batting order. K.L. Rahul might be tasked with opening in his absence, with Shubman Gill likely to take the No. 3 position—if fit.

Selection Dilemmas

The injuries have posed a significant headache for the Indian selection committee, who must now consider backup options. With such critical players under question, the team will need to rely on its depth to stand strong against a formidable Australian side.

A Ray of Hope

While these injuries have cast a shadow over Team India’s preparation, fans and selectors alike are hopeful for a swift recovery of the affected players. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating series.

The post Injury Concerns Loom Over Team India Ahead of Test Series Against Australia appeared first on Vizag One.

Hazlewood, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, remarked that the defeat could “awaken a sleeping giant,” and it’s expected that India will come out fighting when they meet Australia in the Test series. The loss has not only dented India’s confidence but also their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The series sweep saw India lose their top spot in the WTC standings to Australia, putting pressure on them to win at least four of their five remaining matches against the Australians to secure a third consecutive WTC final berth.

Despite the loss, Hazlewood acknowledged the incredible feat by New Zealand, who achieved an unprecedented 3-0 win in India, calling it “unbelievable” and a remarkable achievement in the history of Test cricket. “To win 3-0 in India is unbelievable. It’s hard enough to win one game there, let alone every match of the series,” Hazlewood said.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on November 22 in Perth, Hazlewood believes the upcoming series will be huge, with massive crowds expected and high TV ratings. “Every time we play India, it’s right up there with the Ashes,” Hazlewood added.

In another significant development, the IPL mega auction for the 2025 season is scheduled to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. This is the second consecutive year the auction will take place overseas, after Dubai hosted the auction ahead of IPL 2024. With 1,574 cricketers registered, including 320 capped players, the auction is expected to be a spectacle, especially as it coincides with the India-Australia Test series. This year’s auction will include top Indian stars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, with the 10 IPL franchises collectively having a budget of 641.5 crore to bid for 204 available slots.

Hazlewood, who is gearing up for the Test series after playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, is optimistic about his form heading into the series. “Body felt surprisingly good. The longer I went, I think the better I felt, and the rhythm was there,” Hazlewood said.

The post Josh Hazlewood Anticipates India’s Comeback in Border-Gavaskar Trophy; IPL 2025 Mega Auction Heads to Jeddah appeared first on Vizag One.

The 0-3 series loss has raised alarms within the board, especially given that many senior players did not perform to expectations. As a result, there is speculation that some veterans may be left out of the Test format moving forward. The BCCI is said to be contemplating a major overhaul after the upcoming series against Australia, with sources indicating that the careers of certain senior players could be nearing their end in the Test arena.

Names such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly on the chopping block. It is rumored that at least two of these star players may play their final Test series against Australia. With their international careers in the latter stages, and following their retirement from T20 format, the BCCI is poised to inject fresh talent into the squad ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

Informal discussions are said to have taken place among BCCI officials, Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Captain Rohit Sharma regarding the future of senior players. The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Australia on November 10, heightening the urgency for decisions regarding the squad.

The recent performance of Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin has been underwhelming, prompting the BCCI to consider younger talents like Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal as potential replacements. Following the Australia series, discussions around Ashwin’s future with the team are anticipated, especially after his disappointing outing in New Zealand. Conversely, Washington Sundar’s impressive form could position him as a longer-term option for the side.

As for Jadeja, his all-round capabilities on foreign pitches may afford him a longer tenure with the Test squad, provided he maintains his fitness. The upcoming series against Australia promises to be pivotal, not just for the team’s immediate success but also for the future direction of Indian cricket.

The post BCCI’s Major Shakeup Looms After Test Series Defeat Against New Zealand appeared first on Vizag One.

Match Overview

In what has been a gripping series, India has managed to restrict New Zealand to 143 runs for 9 wickets, showcasing resilience on a pitch that has proven difficult, with 29 wickets falling in just two days of play. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant shone with the bat, scoring 90 and 60 runs, respectively, to keep India’s hopes alive. However, Washington Sundar’s contribution of 38 runs off 36 balls proved to be crucial but ultimately insufficient to establish a comfortable position.

A Critical Challenge Ahead

As we move into the third day, excitement and tension build among cricket fans. New Zealand leads with 143 runs, but the challenge for India is steep; historically, achieving a score of 150 runs on this Wankhede pitch has not been an easy task. In fact, South Africa holds the record for the highest successful chase at the venue, needing only 164 runs against India back in 2000.

Stakes of the Match

The stakes are high for India in this match, not just for the pride of the series but also for their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC). A loss here would jeopardize India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC finals, making this match not only a test of skill but a crucial battle for their future in the championship.

Historical Context of Run Chases at Wankhede

Wankhede Stadium has witnessed some historic chases, but the numbers indicate the difficulty teams have faced in achieving even modest totals. Here are a few notable performances:

• South Africa: 164/6 vs India (2000)
• England: 98/0 vs India (1980)
• England: 58/0 vs India (2012)
• India: 51/2 vs England (1984)
• Australia: 47/0 vs India (2001)

Team Line-ups

India’s Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (captain)
• Yashaswi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Rishabh Pant
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Washington Sundar
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Mohammad Siraj
• Akash Deep

New Zealand’s Playing XI:

• Tom Latham (captain)
• Dwayne Conway
• Will Young
• Rachin Ravindra
• Daryl Mitchell
• Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper)
• Glenn Phillips
• Ish Sodhi
• Matt Henry
• Ajaz Patel
• William O’Rourke

Conclusion

As the sun rises on the third day of this enthralling Test match, all eyes will be on India as they attempt to overcome a formidable challenge. Can they muster the strength to chase down the runs and keep their WTC hopes alive? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the cricketing drama at Wankhede is far from over.

The post Thrilling Showdown at Wankhede: India Faces Tough Challenge Against New Zealand appeared first on Vizag One.

A Tough Time for Indian Cricket

As the nation prepares for the vibrant celebrations of Diwali, filled with lights, lamps, and fireworks, the mood within the Indian cricket camp is far from festive. The team had hoped to enter the festival with a winning momentum against New Zealand, but instead, they are grappling with the reality of two consecutive losses at home—marking the first time in 12 years that India has lost a Test series on home soil.

New Zealand’s remarkable performance has not only surprised Team India but has also sent shockwaves through the world of cricket. Their victory in the first two matches has broken a long-standing record, and as the series heads into its final leg, Team India is under immense pressure to respond.

The Significance of the Mumbai Test

The upcoming Mumbai Test is critical not only for India’s pride but also for their ambitions in the World Test Championship (WTC). A win in this match is essential for keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the WTC final. After the Mumbai Test, India faces a grueling schedule with five Test matches in Australia over the next two months. To secure a place in the WTC final, India must aim to win at least four out of six Tests. Given the formidable nature of Australian conditions, achieving this will be a daunting challenge.

Road Ahead

Team India understands the weight of the moment. Winning the Mumbai Test will not only halt the losing streak but also boost their morale ahead of the tough Australian series. A victory here could serve as a springboard, helping the players regain confidence and momentum.

As the country prepares to celebrate Diwali, fans will be hoping for a glimmer of joy in the form of a much-needed victory. The Indian team has the talent and resilience to turn the tide, but they must channel their focus and determination to come out on top.

The post India Faces Crucial Test Against New Zealand Post-Diwali: Can They Save Their Honor? appeared first on Vizag One.

A Devastating Collapse

The Bangalore Test saw Team India falter dramatically, bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings. In the second innings, facing a challenging turning pitch, the Indian batsmen managed only 156 runs, falling short of the 245 runs needed to stay competitive in the match. The performance was marked by a lack of resilience, as the batsmen struggled to handle New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, who wreaked havoc on the Indian lineup.

Despite a commendable half-century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rest of the batting order, including seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Sarfaraz Khan, left fans disappointed. The match ended with New Zealand winning by a commanding 113 runs, highlighting the Kiwis’ dominance in this series.

Santner’s Bowling Brilliance

Mitchell Santner emerged as the star of the match, taking a remarkable 13 wickets across both innings. He was well supported by fellow spinners, with Phillips claiming three wickets and Ajaz Patel taking two. The recent struggles of Indian batsmen against spin bowling were evident, as they failed to replicate their earlier successes against Bangladesh’s spinners.

Looking Ahead

With the series loss to New Zealand, Team India now faces a crucial juncture in their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. They have six matches remaining, with one more Test against New Zealand and five against the formidable Australian side. To keep their hopes of reaching the WTC final alive, India must secure victories in at least four of these six matches.

This series loss serves as a wake-up call for the Indian team, who must regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward. As they prepare for the upcoming matches, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this unprecedented challenge.

In conclusion, New Zealand’s triumph not only disrupts India’s home dominance but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the World Test Championship. The coming weeks will be critical for Team India as they aim to bounce back and reclaim their position as one of the world’s leading cricket teams.

The post New Zealand Stuns India: A Historic Test Series Upset appeared first on Vizag One.

A Game-Changing Series

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has traditionally been a battle of wits and endurance, but this year’s 5-match series promises an added level of competition. India, currently competing against New Zealand in a home Test series, sees this upcoming series as essential for securing points in the WTC standings. The series schedule is as follows:

• First Match: November 22 to 26 – Perth
• Second Match: December 6 to 10 – Adelaide Oval (Day-Night Test)
• Third Match: December 14 to 18 – Gabba, Brisbane
• Fourth Match: December 26 to 30 – Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Fifth Match: January 3 to 7 – Sydney Cricket Ground

Team India’s Squad for the Australia Tour

Rohit Sharma will lead a robust Indian squad, while Jasprit Bumrah serves as vice-captain. Star batsmen Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul bolster the batting lineup, alongside wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Telugu sensation Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in the recent T20 series against Bangladesh, joins the Test squad for the first time, adding excitement for Indian fans. However, pacer Mohammad Shami’s absence due to injury leaves a gap, but young talents like Harshit Rana, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Washington Sundar bring renewed energy to the team.

Main Squad:

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
• Yashaswi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasad Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar

Reserve Players:

• Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khalil Ahmed

Significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for India

With India already having reached the WTC final twice, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series could potentially secure their spot in the finals for the third time. The 5-match series is crucial for racking up valuable WTC points and testing the team’s resilience in Australian conditions. Australia’s strong home advantage and India’s ambition to maintain their dominance promise an intense battle.

Challenges Ahead and Key Players to Watch

The absence of experienced pacer Mohammad Shami could impact the bowling lineup, but Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep are expected to lead India’s fast-bowling attack. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will bring their spin mastery to Australia’s wickets, while youngsters like Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana add versatility. Fans eagerly anticipate the performances of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, alongside debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who represents a bright future for Indian cricket.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Border-Gavaskar Rivalry

This year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to be a landmark series for both teams, with India poised to defend its stronghold and Australia seeking to make a comeback on home soil. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this battle, as the Indian team looks to make history by advancing to yet another WTC final. This series will not only test India’s skills but also showcase emerging talents ready to take on the world stage.

The post Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: India-Australia Series Expands to 5 Tests as India Eyes World Test Championship Final appeared first on Vizag One.

Key Areas for Improvement

1. Assessing Pitch and Weather Conditions: The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been tailored for Indian conditions, featuring black clay and minimal grass. Unlike the bounce seen in Bengaluru, the New Zealand bowlers, including William O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee, are expected to face challenges on this surface. India must learn from past experiences; in 2015, Australia defeated India by 333 runs on a turning wicket at the same venue. Proper assessment of the pitch and conditions will be critical for success.
2. Choosing the Right Playing XI: A balanced team selection is paramount for India to turn the series around. Shubman Gill is set to return, which means either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan will have to make way. Head coach Gautam Gambhir leans towards keeping Rahul, but Sarfaraz, who scored a resilient 150 in the second innings in Bangalore, has made a compelling case for selection. The right balance of experience and form will be essential in this must-win match.
3. Senior Players Stepping Up: India will rely heavily on senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to deliver substantial innings. Kohli’s record of an unbeaten 254 runs against South Africa at this venue during the 2019-20 season serves as inspiration. Despite recent struggles, the seasoned players need to rise to the occasion to guide India to victory. While the management may favor Rahul, his recent performances have not been up to par, making the call for Sarfaraz more pressing.
4. Addressing Bowling Weaknesses: India’s bowling attack has faced scrutiny, particularly the inconsistent performances of Mohammad Siraj. The team management may consider giving Akashdeep a chance to shine in this Test. With a pitch that could favor spin, bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja need to capitalize on any assistance. The inclusion of Washington Sundar could bolster both the bowling and batting departments, providing greater depth to the team.

Conclusion

As India gears up for the second Test against New Zealand, the focus will be on rectifying past mistakes and making tactical adjustments. With the World Test Championship at stake and a challenging series against Australia on the horizon, a victory in Pune is crucial for the team’s momentum. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if India can rise to the occasion and reclaim their position as a dominant force in Test cricket.

The post India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Key Areas for India to Address for a Strong Comeback appeared first on Vizag One.

The Stakes Are High: Team India enters this series needing to win at least three out of their remaining seven matches, excluding the Bangalore Test, to secure a position in the WTC final. As they gear up for this challenge, they must also keep a keen eye on the performance of other competing teams.

The implications of a drawn match in Bangalore are significant. In the WTC format, teams earn 12 points for a win, 6 points each for a tie, and just 4 points each in the event of a draw. Thus, if the rain affects play and results in a draw, Team India will only gain 4 points, which could set back their pursuit of a final spot.

Current Standing and Future Matches: In this edition of the WTC, India has played a total of 11 Test matches, achieving 8 victories, 2 losses, and 1 draw, resulting in an impressive points percentage of 74.24%. Australia trails with a winning percentage of 62.50%, while Sri Lanka and England follow with 55.56% and 45.59%, respectively.

To maintain their chances of reaching the WTC finals for the third consecutive time, Rohit Sharma’s team needs to emerge victorious in four of the remaining matches. With two matches against New Zealand and five against Australia at home, the path is laid out clearly: win all four matches to assure their place in the final.

Monitoring Competitors: India’s immediate challenge is not only to focus on their performance but also to watch their competitors closely. Currently, Sri Lanka ranks third in the standings and will soon face South Africa. Given Sri Lanka’s form, securing victories in that series could further complicate India’s path. Additionally, England has shown promise against Pakistan, and their potential success poses another hurdle for Team India.

As the series unfolds, the pressure mounts. With rain potentially disrupting play, Rohit Sharma’s squad must capitalize on every opportunity they have. The next few matches will be pivotal not just for their aspirations but for solidifying their place in cricket history.

The post WTC Final Aspirations: India Eyes Victory Against New Zealand Amid Rainy Challenges appeared first on Vizag One.