Team India's stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah on Thursday said that the team has moved past their surprising 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home and is focusing on the challenging Test series against Australia. Bumrah replaced Rohit Sharma as skipper for the series opener as Rohit missed the test due to the birth of his baby boy. We don't see bowlers taking up the captaincy role, Bumrah feels they are 'tactically better' than batters, and hence, should be given leadership responsibilities more often.

"It is an honour. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different. and I have my own way. It is a privilege. I don't take it as a position. I love taking responsibility. I spoke with Rohit earlier. But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here," Bumrah said in the press conference on the eve of the start of the Perth Test.

See Also:- “Pacers leading teams should happen more”: Pat Cummins

The Pacer further added while speaking about bowlers leading the team, "I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully a start of a new tradition."

 

 

 

 

 

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"When you win you start from zero but when you lose, then also you also start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage from India. Yes, we have our learnings from the New Zealand series but those were different conditions and our results here have been different" said Bumrah who will lead the side in the opening Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma who is currently on Paternity leave.

Bumrah also said that the Team has finalised their Playing XI but he will reveal it at the toss.

Skipper Rohit Sharma is preparing to head to Australia in the next few days. He will join the Team in Perth on November 24, the third day of the First Test at Optus Stadium. His departure was delayed due to the birth of his second child.

Team India left for Australia in three batches between November 10 and 11 but Rohit Sharma stayed back for the birth of his second child. Skipper Rohit Sharma was blessed with a baby boy on November 15 and still, his travel plans to Australia were uncertain.

See Also:- Ashwin set for Test debut in Perth after 5 tours

Although some reports claimed that Rohit Sharma would arrive in Perth well ahead of the first Test on Friday (November 22) morning, it was always evident that he would postpone his travel. But now it is being confirmed that he has informed the concerned authorities Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he would join the squad on Sunday.

Team India will play the two-day pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister's XI before the day-night Test in Adelaide which starts on December 6.

One of the most awaited series begins. India taking on Australia in Australia. A lot of narratives come in but to start, we will be seeing two fast bowlers at the top of their games leading their sides at Perth. India will be hurting after getting whitewashed by New Zealand at home and they know that their hopes of getting to the WTC Finals is now very slim. While the required margin of 4-0 in Australia is a next-to-impossible task for India to achieve against Australia, they will be hoping to get some results to keep themselves in and about the top two. Can they though? Their line-up possess so many questions.

Firstly their opening issue with Rohit Sharma out and their number three Shubman Gill injured as well. The next question they will face is the inclusion of their spinners. While Perth generally offers very little for spin early on, the cracks opening up does tend to bring spinners in as Nathan Lyon once spun India to defeat in 2018. India has Ashwin, Jadeja and Washington Sundar. In the past they have looked at Jadeja as the sole spinner overseas but Ashwin did really well last time in Australia and the lefties in the line-up could push him in the reckoning as well. Furthermore, while Ashwin is a little off rhythm, both Ashwin and Jadeja have in the past shown that the duo can both find space in the eleven with Jadeja in particular contributing spectacularly with the bat. Their pace attack is another question given they are short on experience. The biggest concern though will be Virat Kohli who is due a big score. Can Australia bring the best out of him?

Australia has a more settled line-up, fortunately. The return of Smith to number four though left an opening spot vacant and that is where Nathan McSweeny will get his opportunity. Australia are likely to start with their big three pacers and Nathan Lyon but they will remember the importance of rotation given their pacers were tired by the time India came to the Gabba last time around. Australia will be eager to get the cup back to them after last winning the Border Gavaskar in 2014. With India short on experience and form this is their best chance. They will look to silence Virat Kohli and in turn find ways to get him thinking about his future as well.

AUS vs IND Match Details

Date: November 22nd, 2024

Time:  7:50 AM IST

Venue: Perth Stadium

AUS vs IND Weather Report

The weather is clear for the Test with some heat coming in towards the back end. 

AUS vs IND Pitch Report

Batting first generally remains a better option in most Australian grounds. With rain in the lead-up to the Test match though the pitch could have some extra moisture which prevents the cracks from opening up as easily.

AUS vs IND Head to Head

AUS vs IND Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

IND Playing XI

Yashashvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan/ Dhruv Jurel/ Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja/ Harshit Rana, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna 

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

AUS vs IND Key Players

Ravichandran Ashwin

The spotlight has been on Virat Kohli's form but another legend who didn't have a good time at home against New Zealand was Ravichandran Ashwin. While Ashwin still has it in him and is bowling well, his rhythm has been off. Like Kohli though, he loves the competition and challenge and will be waiting to get going at the Aussies. He has a strong chance of making the eleven with his head to head against Smith and the presence of a good number of lefties in the Aussie side. Overall though Ashwin will be waiting to get in and find form very soon.

Marnus Labuschagne

While the talk generally is about Steve Smith's mammoth scores against India in the past and Travis Head's recent love for the Indian bowlers, Marnus Labuschagne is one to silently watch. On the last tour to Australia, Labuschagne was consistent in making crucial fifties, and a hundred as well, batting out time and silently irritating the Indian bowlers.

AUS vs IND Match Tips

India's confidence would have taken a huge beating after their last series against New Zealand and Australia is one of the toughest places to visit when low on confidence. While the Indian players are capable of getting back to form, Australia are likely to start favorites given their own strength at home.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win The Match

Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will leave the team during the First Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL Auction in Saudi Arabia as Sunrisers Hyderabad Coach.

The Test will start on 22 November at Optus Stadium in Perth meanwhile, IPL Auction is scheduled on November 24-25 in Jeddah which has caused conflict for the three IPL coaches - Vettori, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, who are in Perth for coaching or commentary roles.

Daniel Vettori is one of the few cricket coaches who holds multiple key roles simultaneously. He holds a permanent assistant role with the International team. He is also the full-time head coach of the IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad and the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.

Vettori has been working as Australia's bowling coach for all three formats since 2022 working under Head Coach Andrew McDonald. Cricket Australia values Daniel Vettori highly and allows him to take on franchise coaching roles alongside his commitments with the men's national team.

Cricket Australia supports Daniel Vettori holding multiple coaching roles at a time

Australia team spokesperson said, "We are very supportive of Dan's role as Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dan will complete the final preparation for the first Test before attending the IPL auction. He will then be with the team for the remainder of the Border Gavaskar Trophy."

Prioritizing the IPL auction over a Test match, along with scheduling it in Saudi Arabia during an Australia-India Test, reflects the changing priorities in modern cricket. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer who work as commentators for Channel Seven, will also miss the First Test match to attend the IPL auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.

See Also:- Pakistan’s woeful run in T20I cricket continues as Hardie claims 3-21

Vettori has missed certain series in recent years due to his franchise commitments with temporary coaches brought in to assist the team. This will be the first time Vettori leaves midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction. Last year, he managed to fulfill his duties with Australia against Pakistan before flying to India for the auction between matches.

CA is also looking to hire a full-time national pace bowling coach who will be able to handle the team when Vettori misses some tours.

Daniel Vettori performed his coaching duties before heading to the IPL Auction

Vettori was on deck with Australia's squad on their first day of training at the WACA ground on Monday. He worked with the bowling unit and then bowled left-arm orthodox deliveries to the batters to make them prepare to face Ravindra Jadeja in the Perth Test.

On Monday, Australia had two consultants working with their main coaching team: former Australia batter Michael Hussey and former allrounder Jim Allenby, who has ties with Glamorgan, Leicestershire, and Somerset and is based in Perth. Both worked with the team ahead of last summer's first Test against Pakistan and will stay with the squad throughout the week leading up to the upcoming Test match.

Australia's fielding coach Andre Borovec is currently in charge of the T20I side that is playing the three-match series against Pakistan which will conclude on Monday night. Both he and Josh Inglis, the stand-in T20 captain, will fly from Hobart to Perth tomorrow to join the Test squad.

When Vettori leaves, Cricket Australia's national development coach, Lachlan Stevens, who previously coached Australia A against India A and works with the Under-19 team, will fly into Perth to provide additional support for the squad.

Team India Skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the First Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Rohit Sharma stayed back in India for the birth of his second child and will join the India Squad ahead of the Second Test in Adelaide a day-night match starting on December 4.

Rohit had communicated with BCCI and National Selectors in advance that he might miss the Perth Test. He had left the possibility of last-minute travel open, depending on the timing of the child's birth. Rohit and his wife welcomed their second child on Friday, a week before the first Test, raising the chance that he might travel to Perth. However, Rohit has communicated to BCCI that he will be available to play the two-day pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister's XI before the day-night Test in Adelaide.

See Also:- India vs India A match simulation update

Vice Captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Bumrah has led India in one Test previously, the fifth Test of their two-part 2021-22 tour of England at Edgbaston, when Rohit had tested positive for Covid-19. India lost that Test match by 7 wickets and the 5-match Series was tied at 2-2 with the first test being drawn at Nottingham.

India will begin their Test series with two key members missing from their top order, with Shubman Gill also set to miss the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb. KL Rahul and the uncapped Abhimanyu Easwaran were the top contenders to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Rohit's absence, but now there’s a possibility that both might play.

There is still no clarity about Skipper Rohit Sharma's plans to travel to Australia. His wife recently delivered a baby so it is expected that he will leave soon and the exact date is still to be known. Thus it is most likely that he will also miss the series opener and Pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no immediate plans to send Mohammed Shami to Australia.

Mohammed Shami makes a solid comeback to competitive cricket

The Team India Pacer Mohammed Shami made his return to competitive cricket almost after a year, he played a Ranji trophy game between Madhya Pradesh and Bengal in Indore. Pacer scalped four wickets in the first innings and three wickets in the second innings. Eventually, Bengal won the game by 11 runs. Meanwhile, Team Management suggests that Shami should play more domestic games before being included in the team again. This indicates that Shami might play for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, which starts in about a week.

See Also:- Watch: Fan hit by Sanju's six gets a surprise later

The India A Team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to return to India in the next 24 hours. However, Devdutt Padikkal will not accompany them as Team India Management has decided to retain the batter for the senior team, which will compete in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia over the next 50 days.

This decision has to be taken due to injuries and the unavailability of two key players. Top Order batter Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the series opener as he fractured his thumb during a simulation match at WACA. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who stayed back in India for the birth of his second child is also unlikely to be available for the First Test. KL Rahul also had an injury concern after being hit on the elbow, however, some good news from the camp is that KL Rahul batted during the Three-Day match simulation at  WACA on Sunday (17 November).

Devdutt Padikkal showed some resilience against Australia A

Padikkal recorded scores of 36, 88, 26, and 1 in his four recent innings against the Australia A team. Although these performances might not normally earn him a place in the senior national team, the management thinks his experience and knowledge of Australian conditions make him a good choice as a backup batter. Padikkal has been featured in the only Test against England this year. He has featured in T20Is as well.

While the 34-year-old right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami just returned to the game in an incredible way, there is a new update growing in Indian cricket.

Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. He shined in the tournament with 24 wickets after seven games, as he last played an international match on November 15, 2023, where India lost the final against Australia. 

After the ODI WC 2023, Shami was struggling with an ankle injury. Last February, he underwent surgery in London. His recovery period became longer. 

Recently, Shami was seen to bowl in the nets in full rhythm. In the ongoing fifth round of the Ranji Trophy 2024/25 Elite group stages, Shami finally made his comeback in a competitive match. 

SEE ALSO: Shami makes stunning comeback, takes four wickets for Bengal in Ranji Trophy

Mohammed Shami took four wickets on his comeback

Serving for Bengal, Shami impressed with his incredible bowling performance against the hosts Madhya Pradesh. After Bengal were all out for 228 runs in the first innings, Shami and his brother, Mohammed Kaif, and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal dominated the hosts and bundled them out for 167 runs. After returning to the game for almost a year, Shami picked up four wickets, including the last three wickets.

Shami ended that innings with the bowling figures 19-4-54-4. Jaiswal (2/35) and Shami’s brother Kaif (2/41) took two wickets each. Their bowling provided Bengal with a crucial 61-run lead. 

After Shami’s latest performance, the talk about his potential presence on the Australia tour for the five-match Test series (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) is only rising. 

A good chance Shami will be boarding the flight to Australia

According to a PTI journalist, if Shami maintains his fitness in the second innings of the ongoing Ranji match against the hosts Madhya Pradesh, and there are no post-match issues, like swelling or pain, the Indian pacer can be considered for the Australia tour.

While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 will begin on November 22 at Perth, Shami’s presence is doubtful for the Test series opener. However, he can play from the second Test of the five-match series, as Adelaide will host the second Test from December 6, which will also be a day/night Test.   

Some #CricketUpdates
If Mohammed Shami goes without any fitness hiccup during MP 2nd Innings and if there is no post-match swelling or pain, there is more than a good chance he will be boarding the flight to Australia. Might not be Perth bound but could certainly be Adelaide…

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) November 14, 2024

Excellent comeback 💥@MdShami11 bowled an impressive spell of 4/54 on his comeback, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the #RanjiTrophy match in Indore 👌👌

Watch 📽️ highlights of his spell in the first innings 🔽@IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard: https://t.co/54IeDz9fWu pic.twitter.com/sxKktrQJbL

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 14, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s cricket legends, recently shared an amusing and rare anecdote about his long-standing rivalry with Australian cricket great Allan Border. As the namesake of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the series has become one of the most iconic and intense rivalries in world cricket. Speaking to 7Cricket, Gavaskar recounted a memorable moment involving Border, blending humor and nostalgia as he reflected on the competitive spirit that has characterized India-Australia clashes over the years.

An unexpected rivalry: Gavaskar vs. Border on the bowling front

Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border are widely celebrated for their batting prowess and are recognized as two of the finest batsmen of their generation. However, as Gavaskar humorously revealed in a recent interview with 7Cricket, his rivalry with Border also included a memorable moment when Border dismissed him—a rare feat for the Australian, who was far better known for his batting than his bowling.

With a grin, Gavaskar recalled the unexpected incident: "The problem is, Allan Border got me out. Can you imagine that? He actually got me out, and I never got a chance to bowl to him!” Gavaskar admitted that if he had bowled to Border and taken his wicket, perhaps things would feel different today. But the fact that Border managed to get a ball to turn, catching Gavaskar off guard and edging out his wicket, remains a humorous yet slightly stinging memory for the Indian legend.

In his 20 Test matches against India, Border took only four wickets, one of which was Gavaskar’s prized scalp. Reminiscing about the incident, Gavaskar shared how Border playfully teases him about the dismissal whenever they meet. “Every time I bump into him, he says, ‘Hello Bunny, how are you?’” Gavaskar laughed, hinting at the friendly rivalry and camaraderie that exists between the two legends.

Maybe the origins of naming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started 45 years ago.

Because of Allan Border's three career Test wickets v India, one of those was ... Sunil Gavaskar.

From 1979 to now, Sunny still can't get over it - due to AB reminding him all the time 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BYcjtYL6oL

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 14, 2024

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Symbolizing a legacy of fierce competition

The India-Australia Test series was officially named the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 1996, honoring the legacy and sportsmanship of Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border. The series has since become a fixture in world cricket, renowned for thrilling matches, legendary battles, and moments that have shaped the careers of numerous players. From Sachin Tendulkar’s face-off with Shane Warne to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s iconic partnership at the 2001 Kolkata Test, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has delivered unforgettable memories.

In recent years, India has emerged victorious in their past two series in Australia and now aims to secure a third consecutive series win Down Under. Gavaskar’s reflections on his rivalry with Border come at a time when the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has gained even greater significance, symbolizing not only individual competition but also the larger narrative of India and Australia’s cricketing battles.

See Also: Shami makes stunning comeback, takes four wickets for Bengal in Ranji Trophy

The two cricketers share more than just a trophy named in their honor. Both Gavaskar and Border were the first two players in the world to reach the landmark of 10,000 Test runs. Gavaskar achieved this in 1987, followed by Border in 1993, cementing their places in cricket history. With their legacies intertwined through the trophy, Gavaskar’s story reveals how the competitive spirit between India and Australia has transcended generations, while still retaining the humorous and personal touch that only legends of the game can appreciate.

As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming India-Australia series, Gavaskar’s tale serves as a reminder of the rich history and camaraderie that underpins one of the most celebrated rivalries in world cricket. The series, starting November 22, promises to add yet another chapter to this storied rivalry, with new heroes waiting to make their mark.

Mohammed Shami marked his Ranji Trophy comeback with a superb four-wicket haul for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, a performance that has reignited hopes of his inclusion in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Shami's fiery spell helped Bengal restrict MP to a modest first-innings score of 167, giving Bengal a crucial 61-run lead on Day 2. With his pace, movement, and trademark accuracy, Shami made a strong case for his potential return to the Indian lineup ahead of the high-stakes series.

Shami’s four-wicket burst powers Bengal to first Innings advantage

Returning to the domestic stage with a point to prove, India’s pace ace Mohammed Shami unleashed his signature seam and swing to dismantle Madhya Pradesh’s lineup in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match. Shami’s impressive figures of 4/54 in 19 overs highlighted his ability to extract both movement and pace, a critical factor in restricting MP to just 167 runs in their first innings. Bengal gained a 61-run lead by lunch on Day 2, thanks to Shami’s fiery spell, which featured well-placed bouncers, searing yorkers, and disciplined line and length, keeping the opposition on the back foot throughout.

Shami’s accuracy and control left MP’s top and middle order in shambles. He delivered a consistent pace attack with a remarkable economy of just 2.80, proving his ability to handle high-pressure situations even after a period away from the international spotlight. While Bengal’s bowlers capitalized on Shami’s breakthrough performance, the veteran pacer’s potential return to the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could add further depth to India’s pace attack, especially on Australia’s fast, bouncy tracks.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes rest on Shami’s impressive Ranji show

Shami’s availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia remains a pressing question for the Indian team. Initially omitted from the BGT squad due to fitness concerns, Shami’s selection was withheld to ensure that he would be fully prepared for the challenging Australian conditions. Team India captain Rohit Sharma had commented on this decision, saying they wanted a fully fit Shami, avoiding any risk with an “undercooked” bowler in a critical series.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy slated to begin on November 22 in Perth, a venue known for its pace-friendly pitch, Shami’s form and fitness become even more crucial. The Indian team has relied heavily on its pace arsenal in recent years, and Shami’s experience in handling high-bounce wickets makes him an asset that could complement India’s lineup alongside other frontline seamers.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has publicly stated that Shami’s bowling style is well-suited for Australia’s conditions, especially in Perth and Adelaide, where his ability to exploit the pace and bounce could be invaluable. Shami’s Ranji performance has sparked conversations about a possible call-up, and his inclusion could address a potential gap in India’s pace lineup for the high-stakes series against Australia.

India’s supporters and cricket pundits alike will be watching Shami’s domestic performances with keen interest, as his potential return could boost India’s campaign in Australia, where the team will face one of its most challenging tours. If Shami proves his form and resilience in this Ranji match, he might just find himself on a flight to Australia, ready to take on the world’s best in the iconic Border-Gavaskar series.