CRICKET
‘Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test’ – Star commentator lashes out at Pakistan Playing XI for third Test against Australia
Pakistan has opted to rest their key players, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Imam-ul-Haq, for the upcoming third and final Test against Australia. The match is scheduled to commence on Wednesday. The playing XI for the New Year’s Test was announced on Tuesday and will feature the inclusion of 21-year-old Saim Ayub and 30-year-old Sajid Khan.
In addition to it, Saim Ayub, who made his T20 international debut in March of the previous year enters the Test lineup with a strong List A performance for Karachi. Despite being new to Test cricket, Saim has showcased his skills in eight T20I matches. He has scored 123 runs at an average of 17.57. After an absence of nearly two years, Sajid Khan makes a comeback to the Test team. His last appearance was against Australia during their tour of Pakistan in March 2022. Sajid boasts a commendable record, having secured 22 wickets in seven Test matches.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle offered an intriguing perspective on the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi.
“Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan’s key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but look a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I’ve heard a lot about him,” Afridi wrote on X.
Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan's key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but looks a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I've heard a lot about him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 2, 2024
Australia also announced their team for the third Test
Earlier today, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins announced an unchanged playing XI for the third and final Test match of the series against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), set to commence on Wednesday. Despite expectations of one of their primary quicks receiving a rest, Cummins clarified that all of them have recovered well and are prepared for the match.
The spotlight will be on veteran opener David Warner, bidding farewell to the longest format in front of his home fans at the SCG. To provide the seasoned opener with an ideal send-off, Australia is expected to be ready for the challenge against Pakistan in Sydney, with Warner leaving as Australia’s fifth-highest run-scorer in the format.
CRICKET
Virat Kohli’s Selection for England Tour
Virat Kohli’s selection for the England tour has become a hot topic in Indian cricket. The star batter, known for his unmatched legacy, now faces questions about his form and consistency. Selectors must make a tough call before finalizing the squad.
Kohli remains determined to represent India and has ruled out retirement. Despite this, his recent performances in crucial matches have left much to be desired. Many experts believe the England tour will demand players in peak form, making the decision regarding Kohli’s inclusion more complicated.
The selectors’ challenge lies in balancing experience with performance. Kohli’s presence provides leadership and confidence to the younger players. However, the team also needs reliable contributions from all members, especially in challenging overseas conditions like England.
Transition words make discussions about Kohli’s selection even more nuanced. His iconic performances in the past earned him the tag of a match-winner, yet cricket is a game of the present. Younger players vying for opportunities might bring the energy and hunger required in such critical tours.
Fans and cricket experts remain divided. Some urge the selectors to back Kohli, believing he can regain his form. Others feel it’s time for India to focus on the next generation of cricketers. Regardless, the decision will significantly impact India’s preparation for the England series and beyond.
Virat Kohli’s selection remains central to Indian cricket discussions, as the world watches how selectors balance sentiment and strategy.
BGT
Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ends India’s WTC Final Hopes
Australia wins BGT! Australia defeated India in the fourth Test at Sydney, winning the series 3-1 and reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The victory also ended India’s hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
India entered the match under immense pressure, needing a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling and steady batting dashed India’s aspirations.
After choosing to bat first, Australia posted a challenging total of 394, with contributions from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. India struggled to counter Australia’s bowling attack, collapsing for 198 in their first innings. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling effort with sharp spells.
With a 196-run lead, Australia opted to bat again and declared at 201/6. Steve Smith’s half-century provided a solid foundation. Chasing 398, India faltered again, bowling for 215 on the fourth day. Despite Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking fifty, the hosts failed to build partnerships.
Nathan Lyon emerged as the star performer, finishing with match figures 10/78. His exceptional spin bowling proved too much for India’s batters to handle. Australia’s dominance throughout the series highlighted their all-around superiority.
This series win marks a significant achievement for Australia, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a ten-year wait. It also secured their spot in the WTC final, setting up a potential clash with South Africa or Sri Lanka. Australia wins BGT!
India’s campaign revealed several weaknesses, particularly in their middle-order batting and bowling consistency. Questions about team selection and strategy also surfaced, with calls for introspection ahead of future tours.
The result concludes a hard-fought series, where Australia showcased resilience and strategic brilliance. While India will reflect on their missed opportunities, Australia celebrates a long-awaited triumph.
CRICKET
Rohit Sharma Silences Retirement Rumors Amid Criticism, Receives Support from Farhan Akhtar
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has addressed the rising speculation about his retirement, silencing the rumors with a firm statement. The talk gained momentum after Rohit voluntarily sat out the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. His decision came amid a lean phase, as his form drew criticism from fans and analysts alike. Across five innings in the series, Rohit managed just 31 runs, averaging a mere 6.20.
Farhan Akhtar Extends Support
Amidst the backlash, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar stepped forward to defend Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket. In a heartfelt post, Farhan lauded Rohit’s selflessness and leadership qualities.
“This guy has done so much for Indian cricket and captained the team incredibly well over the years. Yes, every cricketer faces lean phases, even the greatest. But here’s a captain putting his team’s chances ahead of his own glory, and instead of applause, he’s being torn down,” Farhan wrote.
He concluded by calling Rohit a superstar and commended his strength, saying, “You put the team before yourself, and only the strongest of heart can do that.”
Rohit Sharma Responds to Retirement Speculations
During the lunch break on Day 2, Rohit clarified his stance in an interview with Star Sports.
“I wasn’t dropped or opted out. I stepped aside voluntarily. We need in-form players for such a crucial game. It’s simple—out-of-form players can’t carry the team right now,” he explained.
When asked about his future, Rohit ended with humor, saying, “I’m not going anywhere.”
His decision highlights his commitment to the team, showcasing why he remains a respected leader despite challenges.
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