AFG vs NZ Test: The most awaited contest for Afghanistan, the one-off test against New Zealand for the first time in the history of Afghanistan Cricket has just fallen prey to the rain and poor drainage system of Greater Noida Sports Complex. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#afg-vs-nz-test-abondoned">AFG vs NZ Test Abondoned</a></li><li class=""><a href="#impact-on-world-test-championship">AFG vs NZ Test Impact on World Test Championship?</a></li></ul></nav></div>



Afghanistan, a country that have hardly played 10 test matches in their history and none against the SENA countries. This was a great opportunity for them to face off against a strong New Zealand side but it all gone waste at the Greater Noida Sports Complex. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="afg-vs-nz-test-abondoned">AFG vs NZ Test Abondoned</h2>



It was the first time in 91 years that a test match was called off without even a TOSS due to rain. The Afghanistan Cricket Board updated with the news and said, "It is still raining in Greater Noida and due to frequent rains, the 5th and final day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand test has also been?called off?by the match officials."



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/AFG-vs-NZ-Test-Series-2024_-New-Zealand-Announced-Squad-for-Tests-against-Afghanistan-and-Sri-Lanka-1024x532.jpg" alt="AFG vs NZ Test Series 2024: New Zealand Announced Squad for Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka" class="wp-image-145537" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AFG vs NZ test</figcaption></figure>



For New Zealand, this rain-affected Test would have been an ideal opportunity to gear up for their upcoming World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka and India in the subcontinent. Playing in similar conditions could have helped them adjust to the challenges of spin, slower wickets, and the subtleties of playing in the heat and humidity. Losing that chance could mean they head into those crucial fixtures less prepared than they would have hoped.



On the other hand, Afghanistan had a rare opportunity to establish their presence in the Test arena. Being a newer team in the longest format, every match is vital for their growth and exposure. Going up against a strong side like New Zealand could have provided them with valuable experience and a chance to prove their abilities on a larger stage.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/09/AFGHANISTAN-1.jpg" alt="AFG vs NZ Test Schedule, Venue, Timing, Full Squads, and More Details | Afghanistan vs New Zealand 2024" class="wp-image-146630" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AFGHANISTAN CRICKET TEAM</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and both sides are left feeling frustrated. The cancellation not only affected immediate preparations but also robbed Afghanistan of a significant chance to showcase their potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="impact-on-world-test-championship">AFG vs NZ Test Impact on World Test Championship?</h2>



The lone test match of Afghanistan against New Zealand was not the part of the ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle. Among the 12 Test-playing nations, only nine are currently part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe remain excluded. 



Afghanistan's absence from the WTC is largely due to their relatively recent arrival in the Test cricket arena. Since gaining Test status in 2017, Afghanistan has participated in just nine Test matches across different venues, with the fixture against New Zealand marking their tenth.



Hence, there is no change in the ICC WTC Points table After the AFG vs NZ Test. Take a look at the WTC Points table:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><td>Pos</td><td>Team</td><td>Mat</td><td>Won</td><td>Lost</td><td>Drawn</td><td>NR</td><td>Points</td><td>PCT</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>India</td><td>9</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>74</td><td>68.52</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Australia</td><td>12</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>90</td><td>62.5</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>New Zealand</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>36</td><td>50.0</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>33</td><td>45.83</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>36</td><td>42.86</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>England</td><td>16</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>81</td><td>42.19</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>South Africa</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>28</td><td>38.89</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>7</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>16</td><td>19.05</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>West Indies</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>20</td><td>18.52</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/england-vs-australia-2nd-t20i-weather-report-of-sophia-gardens-cardiff/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/england-vs-australia-2nd-t20i-weather-report-of-sophia-gardens-cardiff/">England vs Australia 2nd T20I: Weather Report of Sophia Gardens, Cardiff</a><div></div><div class="tdb-author-name-wrap" style="align-items: baseline"></div><div></div>



SOURCE- <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/standings">ICC OFFICIAL</a>

AFG vs NZ Test: Match Abandoned Without Toss! Was The Match Part WTC 2023-25? Check Out!

afg-vs-nz-test-match-abandoned-without-toss-was-the-match-part-wtc-2023-25-check-out

India had a hard-fought draw at the Gabba in Brisbane, which has helped them to enter the fourth test with the series poised at 1-1. The fourth test between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will start on December 26. It will be the Boxing Day Test, which is the showpiece of this summer.
This game is very important for both teams because whoever wins this can't lose the series. If India wins this game, they will retain their Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and their chances to qualify for the World Test Championship final will increase. 
India will be confident heading into this game as they have won the last two tests played at the MCG against Australia. But this could be different as India are struggling with the form. So, can they get over the line in the Boxing Day test? Here we will check about this unique test and India's record in it.
<h2>IND vs AUS: What is Boxing Day Test match? </h2>
The Boxing Day test is always a showcase of any test series that is being played between December and January. It is referred to as a test match that starts after Christmas (December 25). It is generally conducted mainly in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Test match earned its name since it is usual in churches to open boxes of gifts after Christmas Eve.
<h2>IND vs AUS: India's overall record in the Boxing Day Test Match?</h2>
India played their first-ever Boxing Day test against Australia back in 1985. That ended in a draw. Overall, India have played nine Boxing Day test matches so far in Australia. Australia have been pretty successful and have won five matches overall. India have secured two wins while two games have ended in a draw. Below you can see India's record in the Boxing Day Test overall, which includes matches at home against all opposition.
<ul>
<li>1967: Australia beat India by 146 runs in Adelaide.</li>
<li>1979: India vs. Pakistan in Kanpur ended in a draw.</li>
<li>1981: India vs. England in Delhi ended in a draw.</li>
<li>1983: India vs. West Indies in Chennai ended in a draw.</li>
<li>1987: India vs. West Indies in Kolkata ended in a draw.</li>
<li>1985: India vs. Australia in Melbourne ended in a draw.</li>
<li>1991: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 8 wickets.</li>
<li>1992 South Africa beat India by 9 wickets in Gqeberha.</li>
<li>1996: South Africa beat India in Durban by 328 runs.</li>
<li>1998: New Zealand beat India in Wellington by 4 wickets. </li>
<li>1999: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 180 runs.</li>
<li>2003 Australia beat India in Melbourne by 9 wickets.</li>
<li>2006: South Africa beat India in Durban by 174 runs.</li>
<li>2007 Australia beat India in Melbourne by 337 runs.</li>
<li>2010: India beat South Africa in Durban by 87 runs.</li>
<li>2011: Australia beat India in Melbourne by 122 runs.</li>
<li>2013: South Africa beat India in Durban by 10 wickets.</li>
<li>2014: India vs. Australia in Melbourne ended in a draw.</li>
<li>2018: India beat Australia in Melbourne by 137 runs.</li>
<li>2020: India beat Australia in Melbourne by 8 wickets.</li>
<li>2021: India beat South Africa in Centurion by 113 runs.</li>
<li>2023 South Africa beat India in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs.</li>
</ul>
India have won the last two tests at MCG, and they will look to make a hat trick of it. Ravichandran Ashwin made a shocking retirement after the third test, and India have not announced his replacement in the squad for the final two games yet.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/stats-preview-india-s-record-at-the-mcg-in-test-cricket-ahead-of-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test/">Stats Preview: India's Record at the MCG in Test Cricket Ahead of the Fourth IND vs AUS Test</a>

India and Australia will lock horns in the Boxing Day Test match on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series is tied at 1-1.

What is Boxing Day Test? Check out India's overall record in Boxing Day Test Matches

what-is-boxing-day-test-check-out-india-s-overall-record-in-boxing-day-test-matches

In what has been the latest development as per the former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif, India vs Pakistan series might be around the corner. His comments came following the ICC announcement that India and Pakistan won't be travelling to each other's country till 2027. 
Rashid Latif claimed that both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) are set to organize the tournament that will benefit both the BCCI as well as PCB. This is because ICC, BCCI, PCB and ACB are all set to face financial loss after the recent decision made on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
However, to compensate for that, a new formula has come into the mind and has got serious consideration. According to this, India and Pakistan will be playing each other at neutral venues. But it won't be only the two arch-rivals playing in the series. 
The reports added that it will be a tri-series type tournament that will involve India, Pakistan, who will be getting the majority of its income shared, and one more high-ranking team. This will also help broadcasters recover from the loss that they will be facing from India and Pakistan not visiting each other's country. 
This comes as massive news for the fans as both India and Pakistan last played each other in the bilateral series in 2012. After that, the two teams have been playing against each other only in the ICC and ACC events. If this happens, it could be the biggest thing in world cricket. 
<h2>India and Pakistan will be locking horns with each other next in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
India and Pakistan will be locking horns with each other next in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The official schedule of the tournament will be coming soon, and it is expected that two arch-rivals will be playing at the Dubai in the event, which will be played in a hybrid model. 
The last time India and Pakistan played was in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. It saw India winning the game from the jaws of defeat and it remains to be seen what will be the result this time around when they two play each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-australia-announce-their-squad-for-the-melbourne-and-sydney-tests-this-pacer-makes-his-return-after-a-gap-of-3-years/">IND vs AUS: Australia announce their squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, this pacer makes his return after a gap of 3 years</a>

In what has been the latest development as per the former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif, India vs Pakistan series might be around the corner.

India vs Pakistan bilateral series all set to resume? Massive update comes

india-vs-pakistan-bilateral-series-all-set-to-resume-massive-update-comes-

There is so far no clarity related to Mohammed Shami's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, the fast bowler was recently named in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 and was expected to play the opening game of the tournament. 
However, Mohammed Shami has been rested for the Bengal’s Vijay Hazare Trophy opener against Delhi on Saturday in Hyderabad. The development was confirmed by the Cricket Association of Bengal and it sparks rumours about another injury for the fast bowler. 
Mohammed Shami, who has been out of action since the ICC World Cup 2023, recently made a comeback to cricket during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and also featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25. He picked 9 wickets in the T20 tournament and took his team to knockouts. 
It was expected that Mohammed Shami after that Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy would fly out to Australia but the fast bowler didn't go and was asked to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. But him being rested now raises quite a few eyebrows about his fitness with important games ahead. 
<h2>There have been some complaints about his knee - Mohammed Shami</h2>
The speculations about Mohammed Shami's injury got more intense when Rohit Sharma, after the Gabba Test, mentioned that the fast bowler had some issues with his knee. He had said: 
“I think it’s high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing… Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update." 
“I understand he’s playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. We won’t take any risks unless we are 200% sure about his fitness." 
It remains to be seen when will Mohammed Shami make his comeback for India. There are fewer chances that he might play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and he is now expected to make a comeback in the ODI series against England, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/jasprit-ends-the-career-of-nathan-mcsweeny-as-australia-set-to-hand-a-debut-to-/">Jasprit ends the career of Nathan Mcsweeny as Australia set to hand a debut to…</a>

There is so far no clarity related to Mohammed Shami's participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Fresh injury scare for Mohammed Shami? Pacer being rested for VHT game fuels rumours

fresh-injury-scare-for-mohammed-shami-pacer-being-rested-for-vht-game-fuels-rumours-

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has proved to be the game-changer for his team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, no doubt. But this time around, he has almost ended the International career of young Australian opener Nathan McSweeney, who made his debut in Perth. 
Nathan McSweeney, who has been a consistent performer in the Australian domestic circuit, became a bunny of Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler had his number each time they faced in the ongoing series. 
Jasprit Bumrah removed him 4 times in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and didn't let the batter score freely. He removed him twice in Perth, once in Adelaide and once in Gabba and put his team at the top right from the start. 
<h2>Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney in the Australian team </h2>
Amid his struggles against Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the Australia team for the last two squads of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. In his place, the team has added Sam Konstas for the Melbourne and Sydney tests. 
As per the reports in Code Sports, it is learned that Sam Konstas will be playing the Melbourne Test. The batter will be making his debut for the team and would be keen to grab the opportunity with Nathan McSweeney now being dropped from the team for the last two games. 
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has been right on the money with his bowling in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler is the leading wicket-taker in the series and has been looking threatening with the ball so far in the three games that he has played. 
Jasprit Bumrah has picked 21 wickets in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The pacer has 7 wickets more than Mitchell Starc, who is the second-leading wicket-taker in the series. The India pacer would be looking to carry on his form and help his team win the last two games.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-australia-announce-their-squad-for-the-melbourne-and-sydney-tests-this-pacer-makes-his-return-after-a-gap-of-3-years/">IND vs AUS: Australia announce their squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, this pacer makes his return after a gap of 3 years</a>

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has proved to be the game-changer for his team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Jasprit ends the career of Nathan Mcsweeny as Australia set to hand a debut to…

jasprit-ends-the-career-of-nathan-mcsweeny-as-australia-set-to-hand-a-debut-to-

The Indian Cricket Team is preparing itself for a massive overhaul. Reports have emerged that more players are gonna follow suit after the retirement of Ravi Ashwin. Ashwin's unexpected decision of retiring came immediately after the Gabba Test-Match ended in a draw. There are indications which suggest that the Indian team management asked the off-spinner, who will ne turning 39 years old soon, to consider retiring and that's why the CSK spinner decided to hang up his Cricketing boots midway through the 2024 BGT series with two contests still remaining. 
Rumours say that Virat Kohli might retire from tests following the conclusion of the ongoing 2024 Border Gavaskar Trophy series but this claim has been completely rubbished by Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma. He said that the former Indian skipper will carry on with Team India for the next five years. 
<blockquote>
"He (Virat) is a player who loves playing the sport of Cricket. He always gives his best for the Indian Team and excels in crucial situations. He can surely go on to score two more hundreds in the ongoing series versus the Australians and Fans will surely see Virat in the squad of Team India for 2027 ODI World Cup," Rajkumar said.
</blockquote>
Virat and skipper Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 Internationals following the conclusion of the 2024 T20i World Cup, are struggling to play well in the BGT series. More senior players are anticipated to announce their retirements from the longest format of the game before the beginning of the Tour of England in June-July of next year. 
With the Men in Blue's next Test-Series set to take place in June of next year after the end of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit's performance with the bat in the remaining two Test-Matches versus the Aussies will play an important role in extending his career in the longest format of the game. 
Kohli on the other hand, has performed in a decent manner in Test Cricket in the last five years and despite going on to score a century in the Perth Test-Match, him getting dismissed constantly outside the off-stump, have seen criticisms from Indian fans and experts. There are also chances that the duo of Virat &amp; Rohit are likely to call time on their One Day International careers after the end of the 2025 Champions Trophy in February.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-confirms-hybrid-model-for-champions-trophy-2025-pcb-gets-women-s-t20-world-cup-2028-hosting-rights-in-compensation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC confirms 'Hybrid' model for Champions Trophy 2025; PCB gets Women's T20 World Cup 2028 hosting rights in compensation</a>

Virat Kohli of India didn't have a good outing with the bat in the Adelaide Test-Match versus the Australians | Image: Getty Images

A massive update has been provided on Virat Kohli's future with the Indian Cricket Team by his childhood coach. Kohli has struggled to perform well with the bat in the longest format of the game since the last five years and many reports have emerged that he may retire from Test Cricket post the end of the 2024 BGT series.

Kohli will continue to play! He will play for atleast five more years for India; Childhood coach provides a massive update

kohli-will-continue-to-play-he-will-play-for-atleast-five-more-years-for-india-childhood-coach-provides-a-massive-update

India Cricket Team is all set to undergo a massive overhaul in Test cricket ahead of the next Test series in England in the coming summer of 2025. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement is the first one in the ongoing tour, and more are likely to follow. 
The India off-spinner, after the Test match against Australia, which was the third in the series at Brisbane, decided to retire. This decision surprised many because it came in the middle of the series; also, there have been reports that he was conveyed about the future of the team, and they are seeing him as the third-choice spinner after Sundar and Jadeja. 
The reports added that the BCCI is following the same template as they did in 2008. During that time, senior players retired in quick succession as they were conveyed by the BCCI that they wanted to set the stage for the transition. And it won't be a surprise if something similar follows this time too. 
If the reports are to be believed then it is likely that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and  Ravindra Jadeja might be on the radar. There were earlier reports ahead of the BGT, which claimed that if the big four of the team failed to get going, they might be dropped. 
<h2>Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement might be the panic door for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja</h2>
Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement might be the panic door for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. In the ongoing series, the two senior batters have come under massive scanner for their poor batting, and hence, something big might be on the way. 
The last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be a massive game for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. If they fail to score, there might be a chance that they might not board flight to England for the tour. Also, with WTC Final place online, the two games will be more than just the games. 
The Australia tour over the years has gained a reputation for bringing cricketing careers to an end. Several stalwarts have faced the same over the years, and it won't be a surprise if something follows again.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rohit-sharma-becoming-a-burden-on-team-captain-makes-massive-statement-amid-criticism/">Rohit Sharma becoming a burden on team? Captain makes massive statement amid criticism</a>

India Cricket Team is all set to undergo a massive overhaul in Test cricket ahead of the next Test series in England in the coming summer of 2025

After Ashwin, a few more retirements are on the way as India set to undergo a massive overhaul

after-ashwin-a-few-more-retirements-are-on-the-way-as-india-set-to-undergo-a-massive-overhaul-

India captain Rohit Sharma has been under a lot of scanner for his poor returns in Test cricket. The skipper hasn't been at his best with the bat in the longest format of the game, and this has seen him facing a lot of flak, with many calling him a burden on the team. 
Things have turned bad to worse for Rohit Sharma in the ongoing Australia tour as he has failed terribly with the bat in the two games that he has played. The batter missed the first game due to the birth of his child and joined the team in Adelaide, where the pink-ball Test was played. 
Rohit Sharma sacrificed his batting position for KL Rahul as he moved down the order but didn't have the kind of outing he would've wanted. The premier batter failed to set the stage in Adelaide as he was back in the hut for low scores in both innings and faced a lot of criticism. 
The same fate unfolded for him in the next game in Gabba. The India captain managed just 10 runs in the third Test and it saw more criticism for him. There emerged a lot of calls related to his retirement as well. But the skipper has now made a massive statement. 
<h2>As long as my mind, my body, and my feet are moving well, I'm happy - Rohit Sharma </h2>
Rohit Sharma admitted that there is no harm in accepting that he has failed, but he is preparing well, and in his mind, he has ticked all the boxes. He said that as long as his mind, body, and feet are moving well, he will continue playing. Speaking during press-conference, he explained: 
"I have not batted well. There's no harm in accepting that. But I know what's in my mind, how I'm preparing myself. All those boxes are very much ticked. It's just about spending as much time as possible, which I'm pretty sure I'm just there. As long as my mind, my body, and my feet are moving well, I'm pretty happy with how things are planning out for me."
Rohit Sharma admitted that his preparations are right on track, and he believes that a big score is around the corner. He admitted that although his runs haven't come he his is feeling good. He elaborated: 
"Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it's been a while since he's got big runs. But for a person like me, I think it's all about how I feel in my mind, what kind of prep I'm having before each game, and how I'm feeling about myself. That's the most important thing. And I'm feeling good about myself, to be honest. Runs are obviously not showing that, but inside it's a different feeling."
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-final-scenario-here-s-how-india-can-qualify-for-the-world-test-championship-final-after-the-gabba-draw/">WTC Final Scenario: Here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship final after the Gabba draw</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma has been under a lot of scanner for his poor returns in Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma becoming a burden on team? Captain makes massive statement amid criticism

rohit-sharma-becoming-a-burden-on-team-captain-makes-massive-statement-amid-criticism

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a blockbuster announcement after the Gabba Test against Australia ended. The veteran all-rounder announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday (18th December). 
Ravichandran Ashwin played his last Test for India in Adelaide, which was a pink-ball Test. However, he was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja in the Brisbane Test, and as the game concluded, it marked an end to an era in Indian cricket with off-spinner calling time on his career. 
Ravichandran Ashwin retiring out of nowhere and in the middle of the series surprised many, and it raised many speculations as to why the all-rounder took the decision in the middle of the series, especially with the series on the line and two more games to go. 
However, reports in Indian Express made a massive revelation. It is learned that although Ravichandran Ashwin had not decided to retire before boarding flight for Perth. But the all-rounder had told his family that he is thinking about retirement because of the long-term injury that has been bothering him. 
His family, too, was on the same page with him as they also told him to consider retiring. The off-spinner had decided that he would make the decision after the end of the tour, but his getting dropped from the team for the Brisbane Test forced him to take the decision early.
<h2>Ravichandran Ashwin had already decided to call time on his career after the home series against New Zealand</h2>
The other section of reports in PTI claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin had already decided to call time on his career after the home series against New Zealand. He also had conveyed to the team management, asking about his assurance in the playing XI for the Australia tour. 
The reports claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin had told management that if they won't be playing him in the Australia series then he would prefer staying at home and would not travel. 
Ravichandran Ashwin will now be heading home. He will be going as one of the best players in the game. He ended his career as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, ending with with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). 
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-final-scenario-here-s-how-india-can-qualify-for-the-world-test-championship-final-after-the-gabba-draw/">WTC Final Scenario: Here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship final after the Gabba draw</a>

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a blockbuster announcement after the Gabba Test against Australia ended

Who forced Ravichandran Ashwin to retire? Reports make a massive revelation

who-forced-ravichandran-ashwin-to-retire-reports-make-a-massive-revelation-

The Indian tailenders showed a fighting spirit, which helped the visitors end the third test against Australia at the Gabba in a draw. It has left the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at 1-1 with two matches left to play. Now, these two teams will lock horns in the fourth match at the MCG on December 26, which will be the Boxing Day Test.
India were under so much pressure, but the lower order helped India to avoid the follow-on, which made a big effect on the result. Australia made a bold declaration on Day 5, but the rain had something different to offer.
The bad light and rain had the last laugh, and the game ended with a draw. It must be a confidence booster result for the Indians after the way their top order failed in the first innings. This draw has certainly helped India to stay in the race for the World Test Championship 2023-25. But still, the way to the final is very difficult.
<h2>WTC Final 2023-25: Here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship Final after the Gabba Draw</h2>
India would accept the result of the third test because at one stage they were on the way to losing the game. That would have been the end of roads for Rohit Sharma and his men for the WTC final. But after this draw, India have two more games left in this cycle. They will play two matches against Australia in Melbourne and Sydney.
After this draw, India have retained their third position on the WTC cycle with a percentage of 55.89. South Africa (63.33) are at the top while Australia (58.89) are on the table. The final fight is between these two teams. If India can sneak past Australia in the last two games and win those matches. They will take their percentage to 60.52, and Australia will be out even if they win against Sri Lanka 2-0.
That means India and South Africa will qualify for the WTC final. However, if India win one and draw one, they will jump to the second place above Australia. In that case, India need Sri Lanka to draw one of two tests against Australia.
But if India lose one of two remaining matches, then Sri Lanka beating Australia 2-0 will be the only way for India to reach. Meanwhile, South Africa have two tests against Pakistan. If they win one game, they will qualify. But if they lose both matches, then India need one win against Australia to qualify.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-playing-at-no-5-hurting-rohit-sharmas-game-cheteshwar-pujara-reveals-reason-behind-rohits-struggles-150339/">Is playing at no. 5 hurting Rohit Sharma's game? Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles</a>

The third test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw after the rain on the final day of the game. Both teams will now play the fourth match on December 26 at the MCG.

WTC Final Scenario: Here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship final after the Gabba draw

wtc-final-scenario-here-s-how-india-can-qualify-for-the-world-test-championship-final-after-the-gabba-draw

Elite Indian off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from International Cricket on Wednesday, 18th of December. The 38-year-old is the second highest wicket-taker of Team India in the longest format of the game and International Cricket as well. 
Ashwin made his Test-debut for the Men in Blue on the 6th of November, 2011 and since his debut, the veteran spinner has gone on to take part in 106 five-day Cricket matches and has dismissed opposition batters 537 times. Only the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets) has picked up more wickets for Team India in the longest format of the game. 
The 38-year-old also participated in 41 WTC contests for the Men in Blue and has 195 scalps next to his name, the highest by any player for now. 
The off-spinner's retirement comes at a time when the entire world of Cricket were focussed on the Gabba Test-Match between India and Australia and post the conclusion of that match, Ashwin announced his decision to hang his Cricketing boots. 
He was spotted getting involved in a lengthy chat with former Indian skipper and elite batsman Virat Kohli in the dressing-room during the rain-break after the Tea-Session on the 5th day of the Gabba Test-Match, following which they shared an emotional hug with each other. 
<img alt="Image" draggable="true" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GfDmjIaaMAAFvBi?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" class="css-9pa8cd" width="588" height="331" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<blockquote>
<h3>"This is my last day as a player of Team India in International Cricket. I still feel that I have a lot to offer as a cricketer and I will be doing that in Club-Level Cricket. So this is my final day as a player in International Cricket. I have had a tremendous amount of fun since my debut in 2011 and I have created a lot of fun and enjoyable memories along side our captain Rohit (Sharma), Virat Kohli and several other team-mates, "Ashwin said in the post match presentation of the Gabba Test-Match. </h3>
</blockquote>
Let us remind you that the veteran off-spinner has announced his retirement from just International Cricket and he will continue to take part in T20 leagues like the IPL and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). 
Five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured the services of Ashwin in the 2025 IPL Mega-Auction and he will be making his much awaited comeback in the yellow jersey of the franchise. It's highly likely that he will be calling time on his Cricket career alongside the legendary MS Dhoni.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/bgt-2-players-have-come-close-to-this-great-record-of-sachin-tendulkar-will-the-record-get-broken-in-this-series-/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BGT: 2 Players have come close to this great record of Sachin Tendulkar, will the record get broken in this series?</a>

R Ashwin of India celebrates a wicket in the Bangladesh Test-Series | Image: BCCI