In a thrilling start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah took the wicket of Australian batsman Steve Smith for a golden duck. Smith was dismissed for only the second time in his Test career by a massive in-swinging delivery from Bumrah. This dismissal adds to the intense rivalry between the two teams and raises the stakes for the rest of the series.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia has produced some of the most thrilling and iconic moments in cricket since its inception in 1996. From epic performances by Steve Smith to career-defining battles between greats, this rivalry is known for its pure cricket skill and star power. As we gear up for the 2020-21 series, let's take a journey through some of the unforgettable moments that have cemented this rivalry as a fan favorite in the world of sports.
Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke criticizes the team management for not taking the recent ODI series loss against Pakistan seriously. The Aussies were beaten by the Mohammad Rizwan-led squad by 1-2 in a three-match ODI series. Clarke questions the decision to rest five players, including the captain, as 'non-caring' towards the series. He suggests that players expected to compete in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy should have played the final ODI against Pakistan, noting that their absence would also impact their training. With Australia resting key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith during series decider, Clarke argues that the team management's priorities are misplaced.
England's star batter Joe Root made history on day three of the first Test against Pakistan, becoming his country's leading run scorer in Test cricket and surpassing his former captain Alastair Cook. Root's 35th century puts him at fifth on the all-time list, with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs as the ultimate target. Former captain Cook predicts that at just 33, Root has the potential to overtake Tendulkar and become the all-time leading Test runs scorer.
Recent slump in form has put Virat Kohli under harsh criticism, especially after his poor showing in the first Test against Bangladesh. But former Indian opener Parthiv Patel has come to the captain's defense, stating that the pressure of expectations and high standards set by Kohli are the reasons for his poor run. Ahead of the second Test, Patel believes Kohli's average in Tests is at an eight-year low, but points out that his standards are still much higher than most other players in the world.
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah once again proved himself as one of the top bowlers in world cricket with a 4-wicket haul in the first Test against Bangladesh. His consistency and skill have not gone unnoticed, with Australian batsman Steve Smith calling him the best bowler across all formats. Bumrah and Smith will face off in the much-awaited Test series between India and Australia, where Bumrah will aim to continue his impressive performance in the country. With Smith's record against India, it is sure to be a thrilling battle between the two players. Stay tuned for the start of the series on November 22 in Perth.
England captain Joe Root's brilliant innings of 143 helped his team recover from a difficult position to reach 358/7 on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. Root's century, his 33rd in Tests, ties him with Alastair Cook for the most Test centuries at Lord's by an England player. He also becomes the active player with the most Test centuries, going past Steve Smith and Kane Williamson. Root's elegant cover drive after reaching his century was a highlight of his innings, which helped England get out of a spot of bother and take control of the match.
Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stirred up controversy with his current favourite World Test XI. Picking seven Indian players, Bangar included retired legend Rahul Dravid but left out England's Joe Root and Australia's Steve Smith. With India dominating the squad, Bangar's choices have raised eyebrows, leaving out the top three run-scorers in World Test Championship history.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes that Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Australian batsman Steve Smith will be looking to dominate the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series and make their mark as their careers wind down. With both players known for their aggressive styles, Hayden believes they will be the key to determining the outcome of the series. As the two teams prepare for their first five-Test series since 1991-92, it will be hard to predict who has the advantage, but runs are expected to be the deciding factor in the series.
The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Nepal had a controversial moment when Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali signaled for a review after the umpire's decision was already given. This has sparked criticism on social media, with many accusing the Bangladesh batters of seeking outside assistance. This incident is being compared to the infamous 'brain fade' incident involving Steve Smith in 2017.