Australia's middle-order batter Travis Head is doubtful for the Boxing Day Test due to a tight quad. Head was adjudged as Player of the Match for his knock of 152(160) in the first innings, putting the hosts on top. Head also scored a century in the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide. He has been such a headache for the Indian side as consistently performing against them.

Travis Head didn't take on the field and also looked uncomfortable while batting. Ravi Shastri asked him during the post-match presentation about his fitness and he replied, "Just a little sore but I should be fine (before the next game)."

🗣️ "Trav, he'll be fine. It's a bit of a tight quad, he'll be fine for Melbourne."

- Pat Cummins on Travis Head's status #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/3Xa1cDaH4l

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024

Pat Cummins provides an update regarding Head's availability

Skipper Pat Cummins provided an update about Head's availability for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Cummins said, "Trav, he'll be fine. It's a bit of a tight quad, he'll be fine for Melbourne." It will be a huge blow for the hosts if Travis Head misses out on the Melbourne Test or even the Sydney Test. The in-form batter is a crucial part of the host's power batting unit. So, the hosts will be hoping that Travis Head will recover within a week to feature in the Melbourne Test.

See Also:- Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket

Rain ends the game in a Draw and BGT moves to Melbourne at 1-1

Rain had the final say in the Brisbane Test as both teams had to settle it for a draw. After being dismissed for 260 by the hosts hosts had 185-run lead. Australia was able to score 89-7 in the 2nd innings to give visitors the target of 275 in 54 overs remaining on Day 5. But rain poured continuously and then they had to settle it for a draw. BGT 2024-25 now moves to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test with the series tied at 1-1.

The third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba has begun, but rain is already affecting the game. India won the toss and chose to bowl first. Many experts questioned this decision, but captain Rohit Sharma likely considered the weather, with moisture on the surface that would help the bowlers get movement with the ball in the warm conditions. This strategy seemed to be aimed at taking advantage of these conditions for the bowlers. And, in the short period of play, India's bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep—found good swing and troubled the Australian batsmen, but Australia managed to stay at 28/0 after 13.2 overs.

At stumps on Day 1, Australia was still 28/0, with no wickets lost. However, rain interrupted the game, washing out both the second and third sessions for the day. The first session also saw a short delay due to light drizzle, but the second bout of heavy rain ended the day’s play with very little action. Now, the question is—what about tomorrow or the days after? Let’s take a look at the weather forecast for the next few days in Brisbane to see how it might impact the rest of the match.

Rainy Weather Ahead:

Here’s the weather forecast for the next few days in Brisbane:

Sunday, December 15: Cloudy
Monday, December 16: Showers
Tuesday, December 17: Thunderstorms
Wednesday, December 18: Thunderstorms

Rain has already disrupted play on Day 1, with only 13.2 overs bowled. If rain comes again after Day 1, the game could face more delays, adding to the ongoing challenge. The wet outfield caused long delays, making it difficult for the ground staff to prepare the field.

Also Read: Brisbane Test, Day 1: Rain frustrates opening day

How Rain Can Impact this Test Match at Gabba AUS vs IND:

If the rain continues over the next few days, many game sessions might be lost. Even with extra playing time, it will be difficult to complete the full match. This increases the chances of the game ending in a draw.

What This Means for this Border Gavaskar Trophy Series:

The series is currently tied at 1–1. If this Test ends in a draw, the winner of the series will depend on the last two matches. Both teams need to win the remaining games to claim the series victory.

This match at the Gabba is crucial for both teams, but the weather might ruin their chances of getting a result. Let’s hope the rain stays away so we can enjoy some great cricket.

The Gabba in Brisbane has long been regarded as Australia's stronghold, a place where the home team has always prevailed. For India, this field has been a source of both frustration and glory, capturing the highs and lows of cricket struggles in Australia, as they had just one but significant victory on Brisbane soil.

As India prepares for their next and crucial third Test match at this legendary venue on December 14, 2024, here are the top five most memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) matches played at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the on-field rivalries fans wait to watch. Over the years, the series witnessed several controversial moments, including India's tour Down Under in 2008-09. This particular series is also remembered for the controversial Sydney Test, involving veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh and the late Andrew Symonds as well.

“There were a lot of edges but Bucknor saab didn’t give anything out" - Harbhajan Singh

The 'Monkeygate' incident involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds made headlines, where all the umpires involved came under the scanner for giving several controversial calls as well. And, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has now recalled memories from that Test, saying that umpire Steve Bucknor made his debut for Australia in that series. He had given Symonds not out when he had clearly edged the ball to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni as well.

“There were a lot of edges but Bucknor saab didn’t give anything out. There were edges, there were appeals, and at one point Ricky Ponting caught one and gave it out himself," Harbhajan Singh said while doing Hindi commentary for Star Sports. "In that series, Bucknor made his debut for Australia. He played so well in that match for them. The only thing he was interested in was being the 12th man," he added.

SEE ALSO: Pat Cummins slams commentators for creating headlines using Josh Hazlewood

Steve Bucknor had opened up on making umpiring errors

During the Sydney Test way back in 2008, Steve Bucknor also did not refer a stumping call to the third umpire as well. However, replays clearly showed that the then wicketkeeper MS Dhoni took off the bails in time to catch Andrew Symonds out of the crease as well. However, there were several other umpiring errors in the Sydney Test. Moreover, Mark Benson had given Ricky Ponting not out when he had edged Sourav Ganguly's delivery down the legside as well.

On the other hand, veteran Australian batter Michael Clarke also took a low catch of Sourav Ganguly in the final innings, but the replays showed that the Australian had touched the ball on the ground. And, veteran Ricky Ponting had famously raised his finger back then, asking the umpire to give it out.

Earlier, in 2020, Steve Bucknor had given away a couple of errors he had made in that Test as well.

“I made two mistakes in the Sydney Test in 2008,” he told Mid-Day. “Mistake one, which happened when India were doing well, allowed an Australian batsman to get a hundred. Mistake two, on day five, might have cost India the game. But still, they are two mistakes over five days. Was I the first umpire to make two mistakes in a Test? Still, those two mistakes seem to have haunted me," he added.

However, Steve Bucknor was eventually removed from umpiring the third Test in Perth by ICC. The umpiring howlers had shown India losing the Sydney Test by 122 runs as well.

India, under the leadership of stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, floored the mighty Australian in Perth to gain an early unassailable 1-0 lead in the first Test of the five-match BGT 2024-25 series. With the attention now turning to Adelaide for the second Test, visuals of India's in-famous 36-10 loom large.

Despite conceding a sizeable first-innings lead, Australian quicks came all guns blazing to skittle India cheaply for 36, which remains to be the lowest-ever score achieved by a full-member nation in Test cricket's 147-year-long history. 

See also: 'We're still no.1' Cummins refutes rift claims despite a brutal 295-run hammering at Perth

Damian Hough's thoughts on the Adelaide pitch

As the countdown for the all-important pink-ball Test approaches its fag end, Adelaide Oval pitch curator Damian Hough makes a bold claim. Hough anticipates the pitch to behave evenly offering ample assistance to both the batters and the bowlers alike. However, he refrained from picking his favorite side. 

"No, I don’t know who has the upper hand. May the best team win. But yeah, look, we’re just trying to produce a typical Adelaide Oval pitch, so hopefully, there’s something in it for everyone. Since 2015, we’ve probably tried to prepare the same style and characteristics of pitches for all longer formats of cricket, whether it’s Test matches or first-class cricket."

Hough further stressed that since the advent of day-night Test matches in 2015, he has had to remodel his strategy and do away with drop-in pitches which at the time was seen as a prevalent concept. 

A peek into the day-night Test record of India & Australia

Australia are arguably the most successful team in day-night Test cricket having a near-invincible win record of nearly 92%. In 12 D/N Tests, Australia have managed to win 11 while their sole defeat came against West Indies at the Gabba earlier this year.

India, on the other hand, have played four and won three so far with their biggest defeat being at the Adelaide four years ago. On the backdrop of a famous win in Perth, it is highly unlikely that we will see such a disastrous show from them again but given India's stance in the WTC points table, the stakes are high and the visitors can't afford to lower their guard against a side who are now seeking an imminent revenge.

India enters the second Test against Australia in Adelaide with an advantage, having won the previous game in Perth by a massive 295 runs in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Notably, the second BGT Test will be played using the pink ball during the day and at night. 

The notion of day-night Tests was introduced in 2015 to add intrigue to the game's most extended format, and it will be witnessed again by many from the 6th of December against the best teams in Adelaide Oval. That being stated, here are the five most memorable India-Australia clashes from the BGT timeline at the grounds of Adelaide Oval. 

1. 2003, 2nd Test: India won by four wickets

India's triumph in the 2003 Adelaide Test is regarded as one of their most impressive foreign accomplishments. India struggled against a dominating Australian squad, which struck a mammoth 556 in their first innings, headed by Ricky Ponting's 242. When India's innings began, they were immediately reduced to 85 for 4, but Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman saved the day with a match-winning 303-run stand.

Dravid's massive 233 and Laxman's 148 almost equalled Australia's total, setting up an exciting end. In the second innings, Ajit Agarkar bowled an outstanding spell, taking 6 for 41 and dismissing Australia for 196. Dravid led India's chase with an unbeaten 72, sealing the four-wicket victory with a spectacular boundary. 

2. 2020, 1st Test: Australia won by eight wickets

India would like to forget the Test, but it is impossible for two reasons. In the second innings, they scored their lowest Test score ever, 36. Two, what transpired following this Test was something that no one expected as an injury-struck. Adelaide must be recognised as the beginning place for a historical excursion of that tour for the away side. India scored 244 in the first innings before bowling out the Aussies for 191 to grab a comfortable lead.

But then the unexpected happened: India was knocked out for just 36 in the second innings. Australia chased down the tiny target on only the third day to win and take a comprehensive 1-0 lead. Post that, a Virat Kohli-less India, headed by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated the Australians at the MCG, tied at the SCG, and then triumphed again at the Gabba to win the series for the third consecutive time.

3. 1985, 1st Test: Match drawn

The 1985 Adelaide Test was a usual high-scoring drawn Test match that many people witnessed. However, the game's highlight was then-India captain Kapil Dev's eight-wicket haul in Australia's first innings. Kapil used bouncers and swinging deliveries to take the following five wickets while conceding only seven runs. Kapil's 8/106 is the most incredible bowling figure in an innings by any bowler in an India-Australia Test match in Australia.

This helped India bowl out Australia for 381. India reacted by reaching a massive 520 runs count, with Sunil Gavaskar getting an unbeaten 166 in the Indian first innings, Kris Srikanth and Chetan Sharma scoring fifties, and the lower order making valuable contributions. The Australian second innings concluded on 17/0, with the match ending in a draw.

See Also: India vs Australia 2nd Test Match 2024 Live updates - Playing 11 likely lineups for Adelaide test and who will win 2nd test ?

4. 2012, 4th Test: Australia won by 298 runs

During India's fourth and last Test tour of Australia in January 2012, Virat Kohli batted brilliantly, scoring 116 runs off 213 deliveries at Adelaide Oval. In the first innings, a young Virat demonstrated skill, devotion, and poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a positive mentality, counterattacking when necessary and defending effectively when required.

Kohli's century in Adelaide was his maiden Test century, and it was notable because he displayed excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, allowing him to score runs effortlessly. Although India finally lost the match, the youngster's innings left an unforgettable impression and laid the framework for his future successes. Nonetheless, all was in vain, as the Australians won by 298 runs. But indeed, it deserves to be on this list, as it was the start of a batting era that redefined modern cricket.

5. 2014, 1st Test: Australia won by 48 runs

In the 2014 BGT series, the Adelaide clash didn't go India's way but saw a momentous batting feat being made by the King, Virat Kohli. Australia declared at 517/7 in their first innings, with hundreds from David Warner, Clarke, and Steve Smith. India responded impressively, scoring 444, with Kohli providing 115. In their second innings, the hosts declared for 290/5, setting a target of 364 runs for Team India.

Kohli once again struck a superb tonne (141), and Murali Vijay supplied a vital 99. However, their efforts were insufficient, and India lost the match by 48 runs, getting all out for 315. Nathan Lyon, an off-spinner, was named Man of the Match after taking 12 wickets and helping Australia win. But Kohli's dual-inning century was the match's USP.

Who Will Win the 2nd Test? Predicted Playing XI for Adelaide Pink-Ball Test

The second Test of the thrilling five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia kicks off on December 6 at the iconic Adelaide Oval. As a pink-ball Test, the game is set to bring unique challenges, particularly during the twilight hours when the ball tends to swing more, adding intrigue to this crucial clash.

Both teams are expected to make lineup adjustments to tackle the conditions. While Australia is likely to tweak their side with one change, Team India could introduce two new faces to strengthen their playing XI. Here's everything you need to know about the predicted playing XI and what could decide who will win the 2nd Test match at the Adelaide Oval. Stay tuned as we dive into the likely XI for the Adelaide Test and analyze how each team stacks up under the lights.

Team India left the hosts on 3/12 on Day 3 in Perth. Indian bowlers were right on the money to capitalise on the situation and restrict Aussies as much as they could.

Tons from Jaiswal and Kohli give India a lead of 533 Runs

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his 4th Test ton and first on Australian soil and led Team India's batting foundation on Day 3 as well. He was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh for 161. Virat Kohli made his comeback in style and scored his 30th Ton in Perth. He has been off form so far and it's a huge boost for Team India that Kohli is back in form. Team India declared their innings on 487-6 with a mammoth lead of 533 runs. It was Kohli's 81st ton in International cricket.

At one time India were 5 down for 321 as the wickets of set batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel fell in quick succession. Virat Kohli stood firm from one end and he got the support of Washington Sundar which was much needed. The pair stitched an 89-run partnership for the 6th wicket and steadied India's innings. Washington Sundar fell prey to Nathan Lyon as he missed his delivery completely and hit on the stumps. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy came and accelerated very well as he scored 38* off 27 which included three fours and two sixes as well.

See Also:- King Kohli’s 7th Australian Test ton powers India in Perth

Virat Kohli completed his hundred with a boundary by sweeping away to the leg side. It took him 16 innings to end the hundred drought in this format. Kohli also scored a hundred here in the 2018/19 tour and repeated the same heroics today when it was much needed for his side.

Skipper Bumrah leads India's bowling attack again

Team India declared immediately after Virat Kohli completed his hundred. India were leading by 533 runs and then the hosts have to bat there for some 5-7 overs which was a hard task for them. Indian pacers took advantage of this perfectly as they capitalized and left them in shambles as Day 3 play ended on Australia being 12 for loss of three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah got rid of Nathan McSweeney on the 4th ball by a plumb LBW. Ball kept low and McSweeney wasn't able to defend it.

Skipper Pat Cummins took on the responsibility as Night Watchman to protect Marnus' wicket but he didn't last longer as Siraj got him caught in slips. Marnus Labuschagne walked out to bat with almost nine minutes left. But Bumrah got him by LBW as the ball kept low again. This Perth wicket has misbehaved again. Labuschagne did review it but it couldn't do anything better as Richard Gaffaney wasn't able to reverse the decision. It was a huge blow for the hosts.

Pacer Harshit Rana who is 22-year-old but he has been waiting since long time to begin his International career. On Instagram, he shared a picture of himself wearing the India cap and wrote, "13 years ago, my dad and I dreamed of this moment. Today, it came true. This is for you, Dad."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by RANA (@harshit_rana_06)

Former KKR Coach Gautam Gambhir backed Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana revealed that the advice from his Dad and Coach Gambhir to stay focused and calm and not to worry helped him a lot. Harshit during a post-day press meet said, "It was difficult for me to wait (for my debut), but Gauti bhai was saying to keep my patience and do well whenever my chance comes. He always gives me confidence. He was telling me to keep everything aside and think that you are representing the whole country."

Rana was nervous and seen in tears during the cap representation speech

Harshit Rana expressed what he was going through the night before making his Test debut. He said, "I wasn't going to get a lot of sleep that night and I went to sleep quite late. I didn't listen to anything special, just followed my regular routine. I had nervous feelings the day before the match. I had seen Australia vs India only on TV, waking up early and watching with my dad. So this is a huge deal for me."

See Also:- Watch: Virat Kohli appreciates openers after dominant display

Rana was a crucial member of the KKR Squad in their IPL  Winning Campaign. He looked to be specific for white-ball with his bowling styles. But when he played the simulation match at WACA against India A which showed his potential in playing red ball as well. He shined in his debut with figures of 3-48 and helped restrict Australia to a total of 104 and get his team the lead of 46 runs. His maiden Test wicket was Travis Head as he missed the outside edge and the ball hit the top of the off stump. He was overwhelmed after his Maiden Test wicket. He was happy with his and the team performance as well.

"We get extra bounce when we come here and play on these wickets but we have to make sure we don't get carried away. If we focus on bowling those good lines and lengths, it will help us. So that was the focus, to not get carried away", the pacer further added.

Rana also spoke about Skipper Bumrah's influence on them as he said, "Whether you talk about batting or bowling, when someone gives you a start like Jassi bhaiyya did yesterday, it creates an atmosphere where everyone is very charged up. Everyone starts thinking 'if he is doing it, we will too". So that was a big thing that they were three wickets down when I came on to bowl.

Team India ended the dominant display on 172-0, leading by 218 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal 90*(193) and KL Rahul 62*(153) made Australia toil hard in the afternoon and evening session. The last time an Indian pair before Jaiswal & Rahul to bat out two successive sessions in a SENA Test were Pujara and Kohli at the MCG in 2018.

Team India restricted Australia to 104 which was their second-lowest total against India at home, after the 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981. t is also Australia's third-lowest total in home Tests since 1985 and their fourth-lowest total in the format against India.

See Also:- BGT 2024-25: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul take a healthy lead for India on Day 2 in Perth

Yashasvi Jaiswal shined in the second innings after being dismissed for an 8-ball duck in the first innings. His knock of unbeaten 90 included seven fours and two sixes. Jaiswal also set the record of hitting the Most Sixes in a calendar year in Tests as he raised the tally to 33. He has impressed everybody with such a batting performance as it's his first Australia tour since he made his Test debut.

Jaiswal reveals about Kohli's message to him ahead of BGT

"When I started playing like senior cricket, I did speak to Virat Paji that how he managed himself. Paji has said to me that if I want to play all that cricket, then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines and follow the process. So I have seen him doing the stuff consistently day by day. Actually, seeing him, it motivates me a lot to put in the work and do something and make a difference in my habits, which is really important for me. I feel like I will be better day by day," Jaiswal said in a video posted by BCCI.

His batting partner KL Rahul also showed some resilience and he is currently unbeaten on 62 off 153 balls. KL Rahul looked in good touch in the first innings. He ensured that they kept strike rotation on as well to add some valuable runs. Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been involved in 100+ opening partnerships in SENA countries since 2000 thrice. He achieved this feat with three different partners with Yashasvi Jaiswal being the latest addition.

Virat Kohli was seen practicing immediately after the end of the day's play. He appreciated the openers for their dominant display through those two sessions.

Virat Kohli immediately came out for practice after the day's play and appreciated Jaiswal and KL Rahul #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kvG1caIUXp

— Robin 𝕏 (@SledgeVK18) November 23, 2024

Team India looks in full control on this Test with leading by 218 runs heading into Day 3. They are still left with 10 wickets in hand and will look to set Aussies the higher target.