South Africa 615 (Rickelton, Bavuma 106, Verreynne 100; Abbas 3-94) and 61 for no loss (Bedingham 47*) defeated Pakistan 194 (Babar 58; Rabada 3-55) and 478 (Masood 145, Babar 81; Rabada 3-115) by ten wickets.

South Africa moved to the WTC final after an easy ten-wicket win against Pakistan, which was their seventh win in a row. The win took about two and a half days, mainly because of good ball throwing, finally getting Pakistan out for 478 in their third round of hitting. Pakistan's leader, Shan Masood, hit 145 runs, helped by Babar Azam's 81, but even with several good hits, they had to bat again after being down by a large amount. South Africa needed just 58 runs to win and easily obtained those in 7.1 rounds.

South Africa complete a comprehensive win in Cape Town to take the series 2-0 👏#WTC25 #SAvPAK 📝: https://t.co/L7gnQUIBxW pic.twitter.com/AP8ME53iOT

— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2025

However, Pakistan made South Africa wait longer than imagined. When South Africa made Pakistan bat again, being ahead by 421 on Sunday, they thought they would not have to throw many more balls. Instead they threw for 122.1 more rounds. Masood, with 102 overnight, kept hitting well with Babar for a 205 run start.

South Africa felt annoyance that day, particularly with an 88-run partnership. But Keshav Maharaj found a way to break through and South Africa kept taking players out for the rest of the evening. Earlier, Marco Jansen got the night hitter, Khurram Shahzad, out soon and Kagiso Rabada took out Kamran Ghulam. Maharaj threw the ball for almost the entire session, with a break when he changed which side he threw from.

His different speeds and throwing styles, along with a spinning ball, were tough for the hitters to successfully deal with. In theory but not necessarily in fact the ways Maharaj bowled made sense but the wickets came from fast throwing. Let us engage in observing that this outcome, like the next final result, is possibly, but by no means probably, due to Maharaj. Shahzad finished his part but wasn't proficient at staying at the plate for long. A throw from Jansen became higher than he expected, and Shahzad weakly hit the ball to Maharaj who was near third base. Ghulam, not calm, made the men in close look nervous during his time batting. He was actually lucky to still be batting, since he swung hard at a faraway throw from Rabada and the ball flew right through the hands of David Bedingham who was near first base.

ALSO READ: Watson Believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Will Shine in Champions Trophy Despite Test Struggles

The wicket was always imminent. Kagiso Rabada's growing frustration from his lack of wickets and general indiscipline—having bowled another four no-balls this morning—was evident. Just after overstepping, he bowled a beauty that nipped back off the seam into Kamran Ghulam, cleanly bowled him out off middle and off stumps. It was a fitting way to bring up his 50th Test wicket at Newlands, and the roar that followed highlighted how much it meant to him. Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood made South Africa work hard for every wicket, but the hosts could have had one more before lunch. Kwena Maphaka bowled a lovely delivery that squared up Shakeel and hit his pad, but South Africa chose not to review it. Hawk-Eye later revealed the ball would have hit leg stump.

Maphaka then ended Masood's long vigil at the crease with a delivery that shaped away off the seam and kept low, hitting the batter's front pad. Umpire Nitin Menon thought it was missing off stump, but when South Africa reviewed, Hawk-Eye confirmed it was hitting, leading to a furious response from Masood. His protests continued as he slowly walked off the field and into the dressing room. This marked a strong start for South Africa after lunch. Shakeel was dismissed shortly after the resumption in similar fashion to the first innings: caught in the slips off a drive at Rabada. With Masood gone, there was a looming threat that Pakistan might collapse, as they have done recently.

Six years ago, at the same ground, Pakistan's third innings ended on the third evening, with South Africa needing just 41 runs to secure the series victory. The game concluded on the fourth morning after stumps were called.

Player of the match: Ryan Rickelton

Player of the series: Marco Jansen

This time, however, the South African openers ensured the match didn’t stretch into the next day. David Bedingham provided a quick boost with a scintillating unbeaten knock of 47 off 30 balls. His efforts helped South Africa wrap up the win in just 43 balls, making what had been a long wait in the field culminate in a routine and efficient victory.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

After losing the Melbourne Test, India are in danger of losing their hope for qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final for the ongoing cycle (2023-2025). The Melbourne Test defeat has raised the question of whether India have any more chance to reach the WTC Final for the third straight time.

If India drew the Melbourne Test, they could have a better chance to qualify for the upcoming WTC Final. As they suffered a defeat, India are in a tricky situation for the WTC Final qualification chance.

Australia are leading the five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 2-1 with the last Test yet to be played. Sydney will host the last Test of the series, starting on December 3. It will be the must-win game for India to only level the Test series by 2-2. 

See Also: Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant: Balancing Flair with Responsibility

WTC Final Qualification: Sydney Test will be the must-win game for India

Forget about losing the Sydney Test, India will be straight out of the WTC Final contention if they even draw the last Test of the series. In this case, India will have only 51.75 percentage points.

So, India must have to win the Sydney Test to only stay in the WTC Final contention. By winning the series decider, India will earn 55.26 percentage points. 

South Africa qualify for the WTC Final

By winning the thrilling home Test series opener against Pakistan, South Africa have already confirmed their place in the upcoming WTC Final. They already have 66.67 percentage points and can’t lose their place in the WTC Final even after losing the second or last Test of the series. 

Only Sydney Test draw result can be helpful for Sri Lanka

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are hoping for only a draw result in the Sydney Test, as the Lankans can only stay in contention for the WTC Final with that result. After the Sydney Test draw result, which will make India’s points percentage 51.75, Sri Lanka must have to win both of the two-match home Test series against Australia. Only these combined results will help Sri Lanka reach their maiden WTC Final, as Sri Lanka (53.85) will be slightly ahead of Australia (53.51) to grab second place in the percentage points table.

Sydney Test win will be enough for the defending champions Australia

In the meantime, a Sydney Test victory will be enough for the baggy greens to advance to the WTC Final, even if they then lose a 2-0 away Test series against Sri Lanka. In the case of a draw result in the Sydney Test, India will be out, and Sri Lanka will remain in the contest for the WTC Final, but the defending champions Australia will secure their place for their second consecutive WTC Final with only one draw result in the two-match Test series against the hosts Sri Lanka. 

India's only WTC Final qualification: Australia can't win a Test in Sri Lanka after losing Sydney Test

If Australia lose the Sydney Test, they need to win at least one Test in Sri Lanka. In Australia’s Sydney Test defeat scenario, if they lose both Tests or draw both Tests or lose a Test and draw the other Test in Sri Lanka, only India will advance to the WTC Final for the straight third time.

WTC Final

Lord's will host the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final from June 11, 2025. 

Agarkar's Mission in Melbourne: Deciding Rohit Sharma's Test Cricket Future

Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne on a crucial mission to address one of Indian cricket’s most pressing questions—Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. As India's Test captain faces scrutiny over his form and leadership, Agarkar’s visit underscores the urgency of charting a clear path forward for the team.

🚨 REPORTS 🚨

The Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar, is currently in Melbourne and is likely to have a discussion with Rohit Sharma regarding his future in Test cricket.

If India doesn’t qualify for the WTC 2025 Final, the fifth Test in Sydney could mark the end of Rohit… pic.twitter.com/a1IwmhPu7a

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) December 27, 2024

India's WTC Scenario

India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 hang in the balance. Currently locked at 1-1 in the five-match series against Australia, India must win at least two remaining matches to secure a berth in the final. Failure to do so could jeopardize India’s WTC aspirations and mark a significant transition in team leadership and structure.

ALSO WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal Run Out on 82 After Costly Mix-Up

Rohit Sharma's Struggles

Rohit Sharma, 37, has faced a decline in his Test performances over the past year. With an average of just 11.07 in his last eight innings, his role as a consistent run-scorer has come under scrutiny. Critics and former players have called attention to his dismissals, particularly in high-stakes moments, as indicative of a lapse in focus or waning form. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Sharma dismissed for just 3 runs, sparking renewed debates about his future.

Rohit Sharma's Future in Test Cricket Hinges on WTC Qualification

India's cricketing fraternity is abuzz with speculation about captain Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. The 37-year-old veteran is reportedly considering retirement from the longest format if India fails to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025. This pivotal decision could mark the end of an illustrious Test career that began in 2013 and saw Sharma evolve into a dependable opener and a leader for India.

Breaking 🚨 🚨 🚨 #RohitSharma𓃵 to retire from International Cricket post , MCG test ....

It was a wonderful career from a local mumbai boy ...

( Source : 2 Sloggers yt chanel + Eminent journalists) #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/EWvUDeCFzt

— 𝔸𝕃𝕎𝔸𝕐𝕊𝔽𝔸𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ (@harsh_hpt) December 27, 2024

Series Against Australia: A Decisive Moment

India is currently engaged in a five-match Test series against Australia, crucial for determining their WTC standing. To secure a place in the 2025 WTC Final, India must win at least four Tests in this series. With the series tied 1-1 after three matches, the final two Tests will determine not only India's fate in the WTC but also Sharma's future in the red-ball format.

Decline in Form

Sharma's recent performances in Tests have drawn criticism. In his last eight innings, he has managed just 155 runs at a disappointing average of 11.07. This slump in form has intensified scrutiny over his position in the team. During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sharma was dismissed for just 3 runs, fueling conversations about his declining effectiveness in the format.

Here is the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table as of December 27, 2024:

India's qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 depends on their performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia and the outcomes of other teams' matches. Here’s how India can secure their spot:

Avoid Draws and Losses:
Key Points for Qualification:
Win at Least Two Tests Against Australia:

India needs to win at least two out of the remaining three Tests in the series against Australia.
A win in two matches would significantly boost their PCT (Points Percentage) above 60%, keeping them in contention.
Avoid Draws and Losses:

Draws or losses will reduce India’s PCT, making it harder to stay ahead of competitors like South Africa, England, and Australia.

AUS vs IND Match Preview

With the five-match series hanging on the balance, Australia will face India in the fourth Test on Boxing Day. Both teams hope to gain an insurmountable advantage. The match begins on Thursday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

AUS vs IND Match Details

Australia vs India – 4th Match, Test Match

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Richmond

Date & Time: 26th December 2024 at 05:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs IND Venue Stats

AUS vs IND Pitch Report

The Melbourne offers a flat, hard surface. The pitch is true, with good pace and bounce, as well as the bowlers will have a lot of movement in the new ball. Bowlers will also notice good seam movement, especially with the new ball in play.

AUS vs IND Weather Report

The climate in Richmond is likely to be cloudy, with some rain on the following two days.

AUS vs IND Last Five Matches

AUS vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: SunRisers Hyderabad's fresh signee named to Sri Lankan ODI squad for New Zealand tour

AUS vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh/Beau Webster, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(C), Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma(C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(WK), Nitish Reddy, R Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Topmost Picks for AUS vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – Virat Kohli hasn't been in the best of form this season, averaging slightly more than 25 in the 9 games played in 2024.
• Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the series with 12 scalps at an average of just 11.25.

Top Picks – Australia

• Usman Khawaja – Khawaja has an impressive record at the MCG, where he averages more than 42 runs.
• Scott Boland – Scott Boland’s 51 wickets against India at an average of 26.94 make him a potent weapon.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul(VC), Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head(C), Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc(VC), R Jadeja, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah(C), Mohammed Siraj

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Jasprit Bumrah

Vice-captain – KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc

Wicketkeeper – KL Rahul

AUS vs IND Probable Winners:

Australia and India were close competitors in this series, as evidenced by the 1-1 tie. However, despite a strong start, India has struggled to maintain a competitive advantage. Australia was hampered by the weather in Brisbane but appeared to be the superior team. India's dependence on Jasprit Bumrah is obvious, as are the cracks in both teams' batting lineups. A close contest is likely, but Australia possesses more weapons at its disposal. It is also expected to win a toss soon! Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

The third Test between India and Australia may have ended in a draw, but it represents a significant win for India in the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and the World Test Championship (WTC). Here’s why this result is a positive outcome for India:

The Series Is Still Level at 1–1

By avoiding a loss in this Test, India has kept the series alive at 1–1. With two matches remaining, the team has a great opportunity to capitalize on venues like Melbourne and Sydney, where they have a strong record. The draw ensures that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains within reach, with everything to play for in the remaining matches.

Strategic Advantage at Friendly Venues

India’s success at Melbourne and Sydney provides a significant psychological edge. Melbourne, in particular, has been a favorable venue for India in recent years. Since the 2010–11 tour, India has not lost a single match at Melbourne, consistently securing either a win or a draw. This record makes the upcoming fourth Test a critical opportunity for India to take the lead in the series.

See Also: Travis Head doubtful for Melbourne Test? Cummins gives crucial update

Keeps WTC Final Hopes Alive

The draw has secured crucial points for India in the WTC standings, keeping their hopes for the final alive. The possible outcomes for India’s WTC journey are as follows:

• If India Wins the Series 3–1
  A 3–1 series victory will confirm India’s spot in the WTC final without needing to rely on other results.
• If the Series Ends 2–2
  In this case, India’s fate will depend on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka. To keep India’s chances alive, Sri Lanka must win at least one match against Australia.
• If India Loses or Draws Both Remaining Matches
  A 2–1 or 1–1 series result would likely eliminate India from the WTC race, as they would require multiple favorable results in other series to stay in contention.

What Lies Ahead?

The focus now shifts to the fourth Test at Melbourne, which could be a pivotal moment for India in both the BGT and WTC races. A victory there would put immense pressure on Australia heading into the final Test in Sydney, a venue historically known for drawn matches.

Although the third Test did not produce a definitive result, it has set the stage for an exciting finale to the series. For India, this draw is an opportunity to regroup and push for a series victory that could also secure their place in the WTC final. The race is far from over, and India is firmly in control of their destiny.

While the race for the final two spots in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table is becoming a thriller as time progresses, New Zealand have recently received two huge blows. After losing their first game in a three-match home Test series against England, they now received another blow in the points table. 

Christchurch hosted the Test series opener between New Zealand and England, where England won by eight wickets. While New Zealand climbed to a challenging position in the ongoing WTC cycle points table after their historic whitewash against the hosts India in the three-match Test series, the Christchurch defeat was a blow for the Blackcaps, who are battling for the next WTC final. 

See Also: Bangladesh ODI squad announced for West Indies tour without major senior names

England and New Zealand suffer three-point deduction

For maintaining a slow over-rate in the Christchurch Test, both England and New Zealand have been handed a deduction of three points each in the WTC points table and penalised 15 percent of the match fees from all players of the match. 

During the Christchurch Test, both teams were three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. New Zealand captain Tom Latham and England captain Ben Stokes both have accepted the proposed sanction, which means that there is no need for a formal hearing. 

Despite the Christchurch Test win, England are out of contention for the next WTC final. They have earned 102 points in 20 games in this WTC cycle, while they also faced a total of 22 points deduction due to slow over rate. Their latest points percentage is 42.50, and they are standing in sixth place, just below New Zealand. 

After losing the Christchurch Test, the inaugural WTC winners New Zealand were struggling in joint fourth place with 72 points after 12 Tests, and the points percentage was 50.00, similar to Sri Lanka. Due to the latest deduction of three points, the Blackcaps slipped to fifth place with a points percentage of 47.92 (69 points).

India, South Africa, and Australia are the present top three

India are leading the ongoing WTC cycle points table with 110 points after 15 Tests with a points percentage of 61.11. South Africa have climbed to second place with a points percentage of 59.26 (64 points) after winning the Durban Test against Sri Lanka by 233 runs. Meanwhile, the defending champions Australia, are in third place with a points percentage of 57.69 (90 points).

The 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship has been running interestingly from the early period of this competition cycle. We have already experienced many historic results that make this WTC cycle stunning in Test cricket history.

New Zealand tour of Bangladesh 2023/24

• The Test series started with Bangladesh’s 150-run win in the Sylhet Test. While it was the second Test win for Bangladesh against New Zealand, it was also their first home Test win against New Zealand. Previously, Bangladesh drew three home Tests and lost three home Tests against New Zealand. However, New Zealand levelled the series by winning the second or last Test by four wickets. 

Freedom Trophy 2023/24: India tour of South Africa 

• It was a two-match Test series. After South Africa won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs at Centurion, India levelled the series by winning the last Test by seven wickets at Cape Town. It was India’s first Test win at Newlands, Cape Town, after previously recording two draws and four defeats. 

• In the meantime, it was the second time when India drew or didn’t lose a Test series in South Africa. Their previous Test series draw in South Africa was recorded in the 2010/11 season, where the three-match Test series ended by 1-1. India lost all other five Test series in South Africa.  

Frank Worrell Trophy 2023/24: West Indies tour of Australia

• It was a two-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors West Indies. Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series after winning the first Test at Adelaide by 10 wickets. The Gabba, Brisbane, hosted the second Test of the series, where Australia lost only one Test (against India in 2021) since 1989. It was also a day/night pink ball Test match, where West Indies surprised everyone by winning the Test by eight runs. It was West Indies' first Test win against Australia after the 2003 St. John’s Test victory and the first Test win in Australia after the 1997 Perth Test victory. Meanwhile, West Indies previously won a Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane, in 1988.

• The Brisbane day/night pink-ball Test defeat was also Australia’s first day/night pink-ball Test defeat. Before that shocking defeat, Australia won all their previous 11 day/night pink-ball Tests. 

• After the 1999 home Test series draw, West Indies lost nine consecutive Test series against Australia before the latest Test series draw in Australia. On the other hand, after winning the 1992 Test series in Australia, West Indies lost six straight Test series in Australia before their latest away Test series draw.  
  

Anthony de Mello Trophy 2023/24: England tour of India

• It was the five-match Test series between the hosts India and the visitors England. England won the first Test by 28 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. It was India’s first Test defeat at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, while they previously won four Tests and drew one Test at this venue. However, India won the Test series by 4-1 after winning all the next four Tests. 

Tangiwai Shield 2023/24: South Africa tour of New Zealand 

• It was a two-match Test series between the hosts New Zealand and the visitors South Africa. Mount Maunganui and Hamilton hosted the Test matches, where the hosts New Zealand won by 281 runs and seven wickets, respectively. While New Zealand won the Test series by 2-0, it was their first Test series win against South Africa. Previously, South Africa won 13 Test series against New Zealand and drew four Test series. 

Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2024

• Before this Test series, Bangladesh never won a Test match against Pakistan. In 13 previous Test matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh lost 12 and drew once. However, Bangladesh won both the Test matches against Pakistan in the two-match Test series at Rawalpindi. After winning the first Test by 10 wickets, the visitors won the second Test by six wickets. 

• Bangladesh not only created history by winning a Test match in the series, but they also won the Test series by 2-0. After losing six consecutive Test series against Pakistan, Bangladesh finally recorded their first Test series win against Pakistan. 

England tour of Pakistan 2024/25  

• It was the three-match Test series between the hosts Pakistan and the visitors England. After England won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs at Multan, Pakistan won the second Test by 152 runs at Multan. It was Pakistan’s first home Test win since March 2022. Before that Test victory, Pakistan lost seven Tests and drew four Tests at home. 

• Rawalpindi hosted the last Test of the series, and Pakistan won the Test series by 2-1. It was the first time that Pakistan won a home Test series after trailing.

• Also, it was the second time that Pakistan won a Test series after trailing̣. During their Zimbabwe tour in 1994/95, Pakistan won the Test series by 2-1 after losing the Test series opener. 

New Zealand tour of India 2024/25

• It was the three-match Test series between the hosts India and the visitors New Zealand. New Zealand won the first Test of the series by eight wickets at Bengaluru. It was New Zealand’s first Test win in India since December 1988. Before this win, New Zealand drew nine Tests and lost 10 Tests in India. 

• By winning the second Test by 113 runs at Pune, New Zealand recorded their first Test series win in India. New Zealand recorded their maiden Test series victory after 10 Test series defeats and two Test series draws in India. 

• It was India’s first Test series defeat since March 2022. During this period, India recorded six Test series wins and one Test series draw.

• It was India’s first Test series defeat at home since 2013. After losing the home Test series against England in late 2012, India won 18 successive home Test series before losing the latest home Test series against New Zealand. 

• India lost the three-match home Test series by 3-0. It was India’s first whitewash suffer in the home Test series with three or more Tests. Previously, India suffered a home Test series whitewash with two matches only once during the two-match home Test series against South Africa in 2000. 

New Zealand's inspiring 2-0 victory in the three-match Test series has put India's 24-year-long record in jeopardy. India are in real danger of conceding a rare 0-3 series defeat against the Black Caps. It is also the first time New Zealand have been able to manage a Test series win against India at home. With 0-2 down in the series, there is every possibility to consider that India may be on the brink of an embarrassing test series defeat.

India's last clean sweep in Test cricket at home came in the year 2000 against South Africa when they were hammered left, right, and center by a margin of 2-0. Since then, India has been rock solid at home and after 2012, the Indian soil turned out to be a graveyard for the visiting teams. But the shocking Test series defeat against New Zealand has through the Indian side under the bus. Latham and his men are on the verge of becoming the first team to whitewash India at home in a Test series after 24 long years.

India's woes ahead of the final NZ Test

New Zealand could be the first team after South Africa to hand a brutal test series whitewash to India since the year 2000. The big guns of India have failed to fire. Bumrah has failed to replicate the magic with the ball that he is so famously renowned for in both Tests. Moreover, Rohit and Virat's performance has been under the scanner and it has sure been a matter of concern ahead of the Australian tour. 

Washington Sundar's bowling performance in Pune offered a degree of relief, and it will be interesting to observe how the all-rounder performs in the final Test, should he be given the opportunity. The embarrassing Test series defeat at home has also put India's WTC qualification scenario in jeopardy. India will now have to win four out of their last six matches, five of them would be against Australia down under. What could have been a smooth ride is now turning out to be a huge nightmare for the Men in Blue. Rohit & Co. have their backs against the wall and will need to stage a comeback of sorts to end the series 1-2. 

Following the exit of Gary Kirsten, the door is left ajar for Aaqib Javed to assume the coaching responsibilities of the Pakistan cricket team as a head coach. Aaqib expressed his willingness to operate as a head coach for Pakistan in the white-ball arena recently. The 52-year-old is currently engaged with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a national selector. 

Kirsten handed his resignation on Monday due to growing unease and a difference of opinion between him and the PCB. It has been reported that the World Cup-winning coach spent very little time in Pakistan and had very limited on-ground involvement well below the contractually allowed 30 days of vacation. Now that the board has parted ways with Kirsten, Aaqib now has his ambitions set on securing a significant coaching role in the team

A surprise U-turn from Aaqib Javed  

As per sources, reports are now trickling through which suggests that Aaqib is not really interested in becoming the head coach but wants to mentor the budding players. There is a growing possibility that the national board may recruit him as the Director of High Performance in days to come. Aaqib had been at odds with Misbah-ul-Haq when he served as the selector and coach of the national team across all formats. Aaquib used to be a vocal critic of him and it is understood that it is due to this reason Aaib wants to stay away from the head coach position.

A senior Pakistani journalist named Saleem Khaliq confirmed these claims as he took to his X handle to state the same in Urdu. 

عاقب جاوید کو کوچ بننے میں ولچسپی نہیں ہے، ماضی میں جب مصباح الحق نے سلیکٹر اور کوچ کی دہری ذمہ داری سنبھالی تھی تب عاقب ان کے بڑے ناقدین میں شامل تھے،وہ نئے کھلاڑیوں کی رہنمائی کرنا چاہتے ہیں، پی سی بی آئندہ چند روز میں انھیں ڈائریکٹر ہائی پرفارمنس کی ذمہ داری سونپ سکتا ہے

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 29, 2024

A recent report from PTI suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq are under consideration as possible successors to Gary Kirsten for the position of head coach for white-ball formats. According to an insider, Azhar Mahmood is expected to serve as interim head coach but that can change when Aaqib or Saqlain get appointed to the role.

Previously Aaqib successfully coached the Lankan team as a fast bowling coach earlier this year and has served as Lahore Qalandars' head coach in the PSL since 2017, leading them to successive titles in 2022 and 2023.