BGT 2024-25 https://www.cricketwinner.com BGT 2024-25 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:24:21 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA["India Would Have Won the Series If..." – R. Ashwin Opens Up on India's BGT 2024-25 Series Loss]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-would-have-won-the-series-if-r-ashwin-opens-up-on-india-s-bgt-2024-25-series-loss/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-would-have-won-the-series-if-r-ashwin-opens-up-on-india-s-bgt-2024-25-series-loss/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:55 GMT

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 proved to be a disappointing outing for India, as they suffered a 3-1 series defeat to Australia despite a promising start. India’s commanding victory in the first Test in Perth had raised hopes for a successful campaign. However, the team struggled to maintain momentum and failed to win any of the remaining matches, ultimately conceding the series to Australia.

Also Read: 3 Big Changes India Needs to Make in Test Cricket to Avoid Agonizing Defeats

Following the rain-affected draw in the third Test in Brisbane, R. Ashwin shocked fans by announcing his retirement from Test cricket and all forms of the game, leaving the tour midway. Watching the final two matches from home, Ashwin has now opened up about the series loss, discussing the factors that led to India’s struggles and shedding light on the pivotal role played by Australia’s standout performer, Scott Boland.

 

Ashwin on Scott Boland’s Game-Changing Impact

R. Ashwin praised Scott Boland’s exceptional performance, calling him the key factor behind Australia’s success. Ashwin said,

“Everyone said Pat Cummins had a great series, but he struggled against left-handers. Australia was lucky that Scott Boland came into the team. If Boland hadn't played, India would have won the series.”

Ashwin added,

“No offense to Josh Hazlewood; he's a fantastic bowler. But if they had continued with the same attack, we would have won. Boland's round-the-wicket deliveries to our left-handers were a major factor.”

Scott Boland came into the team as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood after the first Test in Perth. He played the second Test in Adelaide, a day-night match, where Australia leveled the series 1-1 with Boland playing a crucial role. Although Boland was benched for the third Test in Brisbane, he returned to the playing XI after Hazlewood was officially ruled out due to injury. Boland’s performance in the last two Tests, especially in Sydney where he took 5 wickets, helped Australia clinch the series.

Also Read: Captain Rohit Sharma Travels to Pakistan?

Scott Boland: The Unsung Hero

In the three matches he played during the series, Boland bowled 101.4 overs and took an impressive 21 wickets. His consistency and ability to trouble India’s left-handed batters were game-changing. Boland’s Test career has been short but remarkable, with 13 matches, 56 wickets, and an incredible bowling average of 17.66. Despite not being a first-choice bowler in Australia’s pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Boland has always delivered whenever given a chance. At 35 years old, Boland continues to prove his worth.

 

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<![CDATA[Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy Climbs the Stairs of Tirupati After Returning Home]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/nitish-kumar-reddy-climbs-the-stairs-of-tirupati-after-returning-home/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/nitish-kumar-reddy-climbs-the-stairs-of-tirupati-after-returning-home/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:42:41 GMT

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old Indian cricketer, has caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide with his incredible performances. He recently showcased his talent in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia. Despite India losing the series 3-1, Reddy stood out as a promising all-rounder. His maiden Test century in the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) made him the second-highest run-scorer for India in the series. Facing one of the best Australian bowling attacks on their home soil, Reddy's composure and skills earned him widespread praise.

Read Also: 3 Big Changes India Needs to Make in Test Cricket to Avoid Agonizing Defeats

Following his remarkable performance, Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to India and chose to express his gratitude by visiting the sacred Tirupati Temple. In a heartfelt gesture of devotion, he climbed the temple stairs on his knees, a tradition followed by many devotees. Sharing the moment with his fans, he posted a video on Instagram, which quickly went viral.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has quickly impressed everyone with his performances in all formats of cricket. Before his amazing display in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he made a strong debut in a home T20 series against Bangladesh, showing his ability to win matches.

Even before his international debut, he caught attention in the IPL 2024 with excellent performances that marked him as a future star.Australian legend Shane Watson praised him during a live broadcast, calling him his "favorite player" and saying he could be the "next big thing in Indian cricket." Though he has played only a few matches, Reddy has already shown great promise and talent, exciting fans and experts alike.

Reddy’s visit to Tirupati Temple after a career-high moment reflects his grounded personality, leaving a positive impact on his admirers.

Read Also: Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain 

Interestingly, Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t the only cricketer to seek spiritual guidance during pivotal moments. Virat Kohli recently visited Vrindavan with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay. Kohli attended a spiritual discourse by Premanand Ji Maharaj, showcasing his faith and spirituality. This was his second visit to Vrindavan, the first being during a lean patch in his career two years ago when he hit his 70th international century.

 

 

 

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<![CDATA[Devdutt Padikkal’s Heartwarming Gesture for a Young Cricket Fan]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/devdutt-padikkal-s-heartwarming-gesture-for-a-young-cricket-fan/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/devdutt-padikkal-s-heartwarming-gesture-for-a-young-cricket-fan/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:25:49 GMT

Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal, who was part of the squad in the recently held Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, witnessed India losing the series 3-1. After the series, Padikkal decided to spend some days in Australia to relax and enjoy a holiday. During one of his outings, he visited a cricket store, where he had a heartwarming encounter with a young boy, which led to a touching moment.

Read Also: Usman Khawaja Praises Yashasvi Jaiswal After His Great Performance in BGT 24-25

Padikkal noticed the boy excitedly searching for a new bat and cricket gear with his mother. The scene reminded him of his own childhood visits to cricket stores. Inspired by the memory, Padikkal decided to make the boy’s day even more special.

In a post on Instagram, Padikkal shared the story. He wrote, “Saw this little kid at the cricket store today with his mom, all excited, looking for a new bat and other gear. Reminded me of my childhood and how special these days at the store used to be. Offered to give him whatever he wanted on the day, hoping to make his day a little bit more special. Simple joys.”

In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal played in the first Test match in Perth, where India won. He replaced Shubman Gill at number 3 in the batting order due to Gill's injury. Although Padikkal was part of the team, he was benched for the next match in Adelaide when Gill returned. Padikkal did not get a chance to play in the next four matches.

In his first innings at Perth, Padikkal was out for a duck after facing 23 balls. However, in the second innings, he looked much better, scoring 25 runs before getting out. Padikkal made his Test debut on March 7, 2024, in Dharamsala against England during India's home series. In his debut innings, he impressed everyone by scoring 65 runs.

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<![CDATA[Usman Khawaja Praises Yashasvi Jaiswal After His Great Performance in BGT 2024-25]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/usman-khawaja-praises-yashasvi-jaiswal-after-his-great-performance-in-bgt-2024-25/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/usman-khawaja-praises-yashasvi-jaiswal-after-his-great-performance-in-bgt-2024-25/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:24:08 GMT

Yashasvi Jaiswal is being celebrated as a future star of the cricketing world, not just for Indian cricket. Despite having a short career so far, he has shown tremendous class and temperament. In just 19 Test matches, Jaiswal has an impressive average of 52, with 4 centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Playing in the toughest format, Test cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his potential during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). He finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the series with 391 runs and was second overall, just behind Australia’s Travis Head.

Read Also: Yashasvi Jaiswal Considered as First Choice Opener for England Series

What made his performances even more remarkable was his consistency on foreign soil. In the same series, several senior Indian players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, struggled to make an impact.

This was Jaiswal’s first Test series in Australia, yet he looked confident and composed. At just 23 years old, he has impressed not only his teammates but also the opposition. Although India lost the series 3-1, Jaiswal’s performances were a big positive for the team.

After the series, Jaiswal shared an Instagram post, reflecting on the learnings from the tour and promising to come back stronger. He thanked everyone for their support, showing humility and determination in his message.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvijaisw

Khawaja and Vaughan Praise Yashasvi Jaiswal for His Impressive Performance Against Australia

Australian opener Usman Khawaja commented on Jaiswal's Instagram post, saying, “Love your work, brother,” showing his appreciation for Jaiswal’s performances as an opponent.

Even former English cricketers and commentators, including Michael Vaughan, who was part of the commentary panel on Fox Cricket during the series, praised Jaiswal. Vaughan described him as "a joy to watch," highlighting his impressive skills and temperament on the field.

Such compliments from international players and experts show how much Jaiswal has made an impact early in his career, earning respect from across the cricketing world.

 

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<![CDATA[3 Big Changes India Needs to Make in Test Cricket to Avoid Agonizing Defeats]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/3-big-changes-india-needs-to-make-in-test-cricket-to-avoid-agonizing-defeats/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/3-big-changes-india-needs-to-make-in-test-cricket-to-avoid-agonizing-defeats/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:42:25 GMT

India’s dream of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final has come to an end. After reaching the finals in 2021 and 2023, they hoped for a third consecutive appearance, but things did not go as planned. In 2021, India lost to New Zealand in the final, and in 2023, Australia won. Now, with the 2027 WTC cycle set to begin with the England tour in June 2025, India is struggling in Test cricket.

India suffered heavy defeats in both home and away series. They were clean-swept by New Zealand at home, and on the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia, they lost 3-1. These poor performances show that India needs to make some big changes to avoid future defeats and make a strong comeback in the upcoming WTC cycle.

Here are three big changes India must make:

 Pick Performers Over Big Names

India has long relied on star players, but it’s time to focus on current form, not past reputations. Even legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been pillars of the team, need to be evaluated on their recent performances.

Sanjay Manjrekar has urged Virat Kohi and Rohit Sharma to play county cricket after BGT flop show.

  • Virat Kohli’s Dip: Kohli, once known for his incredible consistency, has seen his Test average drop from 57 in 2019 to 46 in 2024-25. While his past achievements are remarkable, India can’t afford to carry players who are no longer at their best.

  • Rohit Sharma’s Struggles: As captain, Rohit struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 31 runs in 3 matches at an average of 6. He even benched himself in Sydney, understanding the issue, but tough decisions are needed moving forward.

Players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also need to prove their worth. Gill averages in the mid-30s after 35 Tests and has not scored a century overseas. Rahul, with a decade of experience, has only 8 Test centuries.

India should prioritize players based on form, not reputation. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy should be groomed to replace senior players, but they too must perform consistently. Senior players nearing retirement should be phased out while helping guide younger players during the transition.

Play with 5 specialist bowlers

India’s current strategy of playing 3 bowlers and using all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy as backup bowlers is not working. Test cricket needs a strong bowling unit to take 20 wickets in a match, which is key to winning.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the only consistent bowlers, but the team lacked a reliable third pacer. Using all-rounders in key bowling roles weakened the attack and allowed the opposition to score freely.

IND vs AUS: Everything Gautam Gambhir said after BGT loss - on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli future and Jasprit Bumrah’s absence

What India Should Do:

  • Play 5 specialist bowlers in every Test match.

  • Have at least one all-rounder who can support the bowling attack without compromising its strength.

  • Train and groom new pacers like Prasidh Krishna to build a strong bowling lineup.

Read Also: .Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain for Transition Phase and Desires to Play Till 2027

Build a Strong Batting Unit

India’s batting problems were clear in the last eight Tests (3 against New Zealand and 5 in Australia). In these 16 innings, the team only managed to score over 300 runs three times, which is crucial in modern Test cricket.

SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers series of blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch

Key Issues:

  • India has become too reliant on a few players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Rishabh Pant. While they have shown potential, more consistent contributions are needed from others.

  • There is also a lack of partnerships, with players failing to convert their starts into big scores. A solid partnership is key to building a competitive total, but this has been missing in recent matches.

  • Poor performances from senior players and inconsistency in the middle order have made it harder to maintain a strong batting lineup, leading to failures in crucial moments.

The Solution:

  • India needs to develop a batting lineup where every player takes responsibility for the team’s success. Players should work together to ensure consistent performance rather than relying on a few individuals.

  • Emerging talent should be nurtured. Players like Jaiswal and Reddy have shown promise but need support and opportunities to grow.

  • Emphasizing partnerships is crucial. Batters should be trained to work together, building up runs and helping the team post competitive totals, especially in challenging conditions.

  • Improving batting techniques, particularly for overseas conditions, is essential. Indian batsmen need to adapt better when playing outside of India, where they have struggled in recent matches.

Read Also: Gautam Gambhir Likely to Step Down as India Head Coach Due to Poor Team Performance and Player Concerns

India’s recent defeats in Test cricket show the need for big changes. Picking players based on performance, strengthening the bowling attack, and fixing the batting problems are all crucial steps.

Test cricket is a team game. To succeed, everyone needs to contribute, and the team needs better planning. If these changes are made, India can bounce back, dominate Test cricket again, and have a strong run in the WTC 2025.

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<![CDATA[Top 3 Indian players who can retire from Test cricket after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/top-3-indian-players-who-can-retire-from-test-cricket-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/top-3-indian-players-who-can-retire-from-test-cricket-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:09:23 GMT

After a shockingly poor performance in the three-match home Test series against New Zealand, where the hosts suffered a 3-0 series defeat, India lost their decade-long Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing the five-match Test series against the hosts Australia by 3-1, despite winning the Test series opener at Perth Stadium under the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah.

At the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, we are talking about three names who can take retirement for Test cricket. 

See Also: Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh IN as India announce their ODI squad against England before CT 2025

Rohit Sharma

Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s place in the Test team is completely doubtful. In the last South Africa and Australia tour, Rohit scored 5, 0, 39, 16 not out, 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9. During the last England tour of India in 2024, Rohit scored two centuries and one half-century in the last three Tests, but his next home Tests scores against Bangladesh and New Zealand were 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11. In the last 15 Test innings, the right-handed batter has managed an average of just less than 11.

Moreover, Rohit is also under pressure as a Test captain as his defensive strategies aren’t working, rather than these are backfiring for the Indian team. 

While Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are returning to their familiar batting form, their valuable experiences are required in the forthcoming England tour, which will be played after the IPL 2025. 

As Jasprit Bumrah has impressed as a captain, under pressure Kohli has better captaincy experiences outside India, and a lot of Indian talented cricketers are on the line for future leadership roles, India aren’t going to miss Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. 

Virat Kohli 

To remove his name from this list, Virat Kohli has to prove himself faster. The former Indian captain knows his issue very well and is desperate to resolve it, but somehow, he is failing again and again. Apart from one century, Kohli scored 90 runs in the other eight innings in the recently concluded Australia tour with only three double-digit scores, including only one 20+ score. Most importantly, the right-handed batter can’t avoid his long-term issue of failing to handle the fourth or fifth stump deliveries. 

Before the Australia tour, Kohli was also disappointed in the home Test season, where the right-handed batter scored 20+ runs only thrice out of 10 innings, including the knock of one 70 runs and another 47. Also, his recent running between the wickets is another major concern for the team.

Well, Kohli is now getting a much-needed break from his bad form. While he is still important in the Test team, he has to work hard to bring his familiar form. Although Indian cricket fans are still hopeful, Kohli surely has very limited time.  

Ishant Sharma

Although the tall right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is active in all formats of domestic cricket, he last served for the Indian Test team in November 2021 during the New Zealand tour of India.

While the Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are dominating in all formats, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, etc. have impressed in their early international career, the 36-year-old Ishant Sharma is unlikely to return to Test cricket. 

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<![CDATA[Virat Kohli Reminds Everyone of the Sandpaper Gate Incident at the Sydney Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/virat-kohli-reminds-everyone-of-the-sandpaper-gate-incident-at-the-sydney-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/virat-kohli-reminds-everyone-of-the-sandpaper-gate-incident-at-the-sydney-test/ Sun, 05 Jan 2025 04:57:28 GMT

The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) had an unexpected twist. Rohit Sharma, India’s regular captain, decided not to play in this match. Jasprit Bumrah was named captain for the game. But on Day 2, while bowling during Australia’s first innings, Bumrah had back pain. He left the field for scans, and doctors found that he had back spasms.

With Bumrah unable to continue, Virat Kohli took charge as captain for the rest of Day 2 and Day 3. Kohli, known for his energy and strong personality, brought life to the game. He gave fans a memorable moment on Day 3. In the 10th over of Australia’s innings, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Steven Smith. Kohli celebrated the wicket in his usual fiery style, showing his passion for the game.

Read Also: Virat Kohli’s Aggression That Backfires on Team India

However, the Australian crowd at the SCG didn’t like this. They tried to mock Kohli after his celebration. In reply, Kohli gave them a bold and cheeky response—he pointed to his empty pockets and tugged at his trousers. This action reminded everyone of the "Sandpaper Gate" scandal in 2018. During that incident, Australian players were caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper hidden in their pockets and undergarments. Kohli’s reaction seemed to be a playful reminder of this past controversy.

Even with Kohli’s spirited leadership, India struggled in the series. Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a 3-1 victory. This ended India’s winning streak in the series that had started under Kohli’s captaincy in 2017-18. Kohli had led India to a historic victory back then, but this time the results didn’t go in his favor.

For Kohli, this series was not a good one with the bat. He scored only one century and couldn’t play big innings like he used to. Fans and cricket experts criticized him for his poor performances throughout the series. While many admitted that he was not in his peak form, some loyal fans refused to give up on him and believed he could bounce back stronger.

Read Also: Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain for Transition Phase and Desires to Play Till 2027

Still, Kohli’s energy and passion stood out. His response to the SCG crowd showed his fearless attitude and strong character. Despite his struggles with form, Kohli’s aura remained the same.

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<![CDATA[Sydney Test, Day 3: Australia end their decade-long wait to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sydney-test-day-3-australia-end-their-decade-long-wait-to-win-border-gavaskar-trophy/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sydney-test-day-3-australia-end-their-decade-long-wait-to-win-border-gavaskar-trophy/ Sun, 05 Jan 2025 03:38:21 GMT

Hosts Australia finally end their decade-long wait to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, as they lifted the 2024-25 trophy after beating the visitors by six wickets in the Sydney Test. The baggy greens have won the five-match home Test series by 3-1.

Starting day three at 142/6, the visitors India were bundled out for only 157 runs, setting the target of 162 runs. Overnight batters Ravindra Jadeja (13) and Washington Sundar (12) were dismissed cheaply. Although the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah batted and scored a duck, he wasn't available for bowling.  

See Also: Rishabh Pant shatters fastest Test fifty record by visitors in Australia

Scott Boland recorded his first 10-wicket haul

Scott Boland and Pat Cummins both picked two wickets each on the third day to bundle out the visitors for a cheap third innings total. Boland recorded his second Test fifer and finished with bowling figures of 16.5-5-45-6. By claiming six wickets in the third innings, Boland recorded his maiden Test ten-wicket haul, as the right-arm fast bowler also took four wickets in the first innings. Meanwhile, the Aussie skipper Cummins completed the innings with the bowling figures of 15-4-44-3, as he became the first bowler to record 200 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship history. 

Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled hard but the situation became tougher without Bumrah. Initially, Australia were struggling at 58/3, where Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steven Smith (4) were dismissed cheaply after the opener Sam Konstas (22), as Krishna took all those three wickets. 

Usman Khawaja played important role before Head-Webster's safe guidence

Experienced opener Usman Khawaja, who struggled in the entire series, controlled the hosts innings in the tricky period and guided to the safe zone with Travis Head. Khawaja scored 41 off 45 balls with the help of four fours before Mohammed Siraj dismissed him to complete his 100th Test wicket. While the experienced opener was out, the hosts were still 58 runs away from the target. 

Once again the Test debutant Beau Webster impressed with the bat as he had an unbroken 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket to secure the match as well as the series. While Head was not out for 34 runs, Webster scored 39 not out. 

Scott Boland won the Player of the Match award, while the leading wicket-taker of the series, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah won the Player of the Series award for picking up 32 wickets. After winning all the previous four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, India ultimately lost the trophy. Australia previously won the trophy in the 2014-15 season at home.  

While India won the five-match Test series opener by 295 runs in Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma started his leadership in the Test series from the second Test. Australia won the only day-night pink-ball Test match of the series at Adelaide Oval by 10 wickets, while the Brisbane Test had a draw result due to massive rain disturbance. Australia won the fourth Test in Melbourne by 184 runs and won the Test series after a six-wicket win against Bumrah-led India in Sydney. 

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<![CDATA[Sydney Test cricket history: Fourth innings records]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sydney-test-cricket-history-fourth-innings-records/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sydney-test-cricket-history-fourth-innings-records/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:44:12 GMT

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia is set for an exciting finale. The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is hosting the last game of the five-match Test series, where we are experiencing a low-scoring contest with a pace-bowling dominance.

The hosts Australia are leading the Test series by 2-1, as they can win the series and the trophy by only avoiding a defeat in the Test series finale. Australia last time won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2014-15 season at home. 

Meanwhile, it is the must-win game for India to end this overseas tour with a 2-2 scoreline and retain the trophy, which they won the previous four times (twice in Australia and twice in India). 

2025 Sydney Test, Australia vs India: 26 wickets in first two days

The first two days of the 2025 Sydney Test experienced very unusual scenes as the pace bowlers from both sides completely dominated. While the opening day of the Test match experienced 11 wickets falling, the second day experienced another 15 dismissals. 

See Also: Rishabh Pant shatters fastest Test fifty record by visitors in Australia

2025 Sydney Test, Australia vs India: Both teams scored 180+ totals in first innings

After the Indian stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first in the ongoing Sydney Test, the visitors scored 185 runs, while the hosts Australia replied with 181 runs. 

Starting their second innings with a four-run lead, India scored 141/6 at the stumps on the second day of the Test match with a lead of 145 runs. Surely, we are going to see a possible low-scoring thriller chase or defense in the unforgettable Test series finale. 

Here are some historic fourth innings stats in the Sydney Test history. 

Highest fourth innings target set: 735 by Australia vs West Indies in 1969 (Australia won by 382 runs)

Highest fourth innings target set with a draw result: 460 by Australia vs England in 1983 (England scored 314/7)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 287 by Australia vs South Africa in 2006 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 111 by England vs Australia in 1887 (England won by 13 runs)

Fourth innings target successfully chases:

200 or more runs: 6 out of 49 times (11 draws)

175-199 runs: 3 out of 5 times (0 draws)

150-174 runs: 4 out of 8 times (2 draws)

149 or lesser runs: 20 out of 22 times (0 draws)

Since the 2000s

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 176 by Australia vs Pakistan in 2010 (Australia won by 36 runs)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 287 by Australia vs South Africa in 2006 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Fourth innings target successfully chases:

200 or more runs: 1 out of 12 times (4 draws)

199 or lesser runs: 7 out of 8 times (0 draws)

Since 2010s

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 176 by Australia vs Pakistan in 2010 (Australia won by 36 runs)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 141 by Australia vs Sri Lanka in 2013 (Australia won by five wickets)

Fourth innings target chases successfully:

200 or more runs: 0 out of 6 times (3 draws)

199 or lesser runs: 2 out of 3 times (0 draws)

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<![CDATA['Aaj Rohit ko support ki zarurat hai, par hum log use niche gira rahe hain': Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj Singh speaks out on Rohit Sharma.]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/aaj-rohit-ko-support-ki-zarurat-hai-par-hum-log-use-niche-gira-rahe-hain-yuvraj-singh-s-father-yograj-singh-speaks-out-on-rohit-sharma/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/aaj-rohit-ko-support-ki-zarurat-hai-par-hum-log-use-niche-gira-rahe-hain-yuvraj-singh-s-father-yograj-singh-speaks-out-on-rohit-sharma/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 09:43:36 GMT

Yuvraj Singh's father and former cricketer, Yograj Singh, is well-known for his bold personality and outspoken nature. He has never hesitated to share his thoughts on cricket and its players, often offering strong opinions. Recently, Yograj spoke out about the current situation of the Indian cricket team, particularly focusing on the performances of senior players and the overall poor form of the team.

The focus of much of the discussion has been on Rohit Sharma, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 final and the fifth Test in Sydney. Despite being the captain of the team, Rohit Sharma made the difficult decision to step down from the playing XI due to his poor form. In five innings, Rohit scored only 31 runs, which led many to believe that the coach and selectors had forced him to make the decision. However, Rohit later clarified in an interview that he was not dropped by anyone. Instead, he chose to step aside for the betterment of the team, wanting to give others a chance to perform.

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This decision sparked a lot of debate, with many questioning whether it was time for Rohit to be dropped from the team or even retire. Amid these discussions, Yograj Singh came forward to express his support for Rohit. When a reporter asked if it was time for Rohit to say goodbye to cricket, Yograj strongly opposed the idea. He firmly believed that it is wrong to let down players when they are struggling. Instead, he argued, players need support, especially during difficult times.

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Yograj pointed out that in Indian cricket culture, players are often praised when they perform well, but as soon as they go through a tough phase, they are criticized and let down. He gave the example of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who also went through rough patches in his career but fought back and proved his worth. Yograj stressed that rather than criticizing players when they are facing difficulties, it is important to support them and show faith in their abilities.

Yograj Singh, who played six ODIs and one Test for India as a fast bowler, has always been known for his bold opinions and fearless statements. However, in this instance, his message was one of belief and encouragement for the Indian cricket team. He expressed hope for the team’s future, despite their current struggles in Australia.

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