The Indian women's cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana, takes on Ireland in the first ODI of a three-match series. With the hosts coming off a series sweep against the West Indies, Mandhana and her team will look to continue their dominant form. However, Ireland's Prendergast brings valuable experience from playing in Australia and could prove to be a key player for the visitors in this highly-anticipated match.
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant returned to form with an impressive 33-ball 61 in India's first innings against Australia in the first Test held on Saturday, January 4. Pant's quickfire knock broke multiple records, including the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests. With the help of this innings, India managed to recover from a collapse and will be looking to extend their lead to 200 in the third innings. Meanwhile, the uncertainty over fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's back injury continues.
Day 2 of the 5th Test between Australia and India was full of excitement as 15 wickets fell and the lead shifted between the two sides. India's bowlers continued their good work from Day 1, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj taking crucial wickets. However, Rishabh Pant's explosive style of batting ensured that India ended the day leading by 145 runs with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding the fort at the crease. Australia will have to put up a tough fight on Day 3 if they want to avoid defeat.
As India continues to struggle in the ongoing test match against Australia, the spotlight is on Jasprit Bumrah who is on the verge of entering the record books. With one more wicket, the 28-year-old could surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record of most wickets taken by an Indian in a Test series played in Australia. Bumrah's remarkable rise in the past 5 years has made him one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, and he will be looking to add to his already impressive tally of 22 wickets in the series.
During Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney, India's Rishabh Pant broke multiple records with his explosive 33-ball fifty. Pant's knock, which included six fours and four sixes, is now the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests in Australia, behind David Warner's 2017 innings. He also set a new record for the fastest fifty by a visiting batter in Australia, surpassing West Indies' Roy Fredericks' 1975 knock in just 29 balls. Pant now holds the record for the two fastest fifties by Indians in Tests, following his 28-ball half-century against Sri Lanka in 2022. With his blazing batting, Pant has cemented his place as one of the most lethal and exciting players in international cricket.
India's bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj took control on day two against Australia, testing the batters early and picking up crucial wickets. However, Steve Smith managed to survive and counter India's bowling options until he was caught at second slip, falling short of the milestone of 10000 Test runs. Australia, currently at 101/5, trail India by 84 runs as they look to make a comeback in the third Test match.
Bumrah's aggressive delivery dismissed Usman Khawaja, further fuelling India's momentum on Day 2 of the 5th Test against Australia. Despite Australia's lead, India hopes to bounce back after a lacklustre performance by the Indian top-order on the first day. Social media reacts to Bumrah's aggression and the heated exchange between him and Aussie player Sam Konstas, who was praised by some but criticized by others. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri predicts a packed crowd for the following day.
After India's defeat in the 2-1 series against Australia, the decision to rest captain Rohit Sharma for the final Test has sparked speculation about his future. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant called it an 'emotional decision' made by the management, but the real reason behind it remains unclear. Despite a mature knock by Pant, India was unable to perform well as a team, raising doubts about the team's performance in the final game. But with a strong start from stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah and a promising pitch, there may be a chance for India to turn things around.
Despite being the poster boy of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli continues to struggle with his batting form during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With his recent dismissal off an outside-off delivery, Kohli has now recorded the second-lowest average in Test cricket among mainstream batters since 2024. In contrast, the top three spots in this list are occupied by bowlers, raising questions about Kohli's technique and form.
Under-fire Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once again threw away a good start, falling for 40 on day one of the final Test against Australia in Sydney. Despite taking multiple heavy hits to the body, Pant couldn't resist his attacking instincts and was dismissed by pacer Scott Boland. India's opening session was plagued by regular skipper Rohit Sharma opting to rest and top-order woes, with only 50 runs scored in 25 overs.