PAK vs WI 1st Test: Pakistan are all set to host West Indies in a two-match Test series and the first of the two tests is going to start today at Multan Cricket Stadium. This series is also a part of the WTC cycle 2023-25. With both sides languishing near the bottom of the WTC standings, this contest may not hold significant weight in the larger tournament context but offers an opportunity for redemption and experimentation.
The upcoming two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies marks the final chapter for both teams in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. 
<h2>The WTC Struggles of Both Teams</h2>
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Pakistan, currently ranked eighth in the WTC standings, has endured a topsy-tuvry campaign, winning only four out of twelve matches. Their previous series against South Africa resulted in a demoralizing whitewash, with their batting order struggling to cope with quality opposition. The Shan Masood-led side has introduced fresh faces like Muhammad Hurraira and Sajid Khan, hoping these changes will revitalize their performance.
West Indies, placed at the bottom of the table with two wins in 11 matches, faced a similar fortune. Despite a memorable victory against Australia in Brisbane earlier in the cycle, inconsistency has dumped their campaign. A 1-1 series draw against Bangladesh in their most recent outing underlined their inability to maintain momentum. However, they see this series as a chance to end the cycle on a positive note.
<h2>A Historic Return to Pakistan </h2>
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This series marks West Indies' first Test appearance in Pakistan in over 18 years. The Multan Cricket Stadium, known for its spin-friendly conditions, will be a crucial factor. Pakistan has actively sought to create pitches favoring spin, a strategy that proved successful against England. The preparation of such surfaces in Multan involves modern techniques like the use of heaters and greenhouses to achieve desired conditions.
<h2>Battle of the Spin Attacks</h2>
Spin is expected to dominate this series, with both teams equipped with bowlers suited to the conditions. Pakistan will rely on their trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed. West Indies, on the other hand, bring Gudakesh Motie, whose impressive bowling average poses a challenge. Motie's skill set, combined with his height, makes him a formidable weapon on slow-turning tracks.
<h2>Pakistan’s Batting Adjustments</h2>
Pakistan's batting line-up has undergone significant changes, with Abdullah Shafique's dip in form and Saim Ayub's injury opening the door for debutant Muhammad Hurraira. Saud Shakeel, a standout performer in spin-friendly environments, is expected to play a pivotal role. Despite his preference for faster pitches, Shakeel’s consistency at Multan suggests he could anchor Pakistan's innings in a potentially low-scoring series.
<h2>West Indies’ Quest for Stability</h2>
For the visitors, batting remains a concern. Kraigg Brathwaite’s leadership will be tested as the team navigates Pakistan's challenging conditions. The exclusion of vice-captain Joshua Da Silva due to poor form signals West Indies' intent to revamp their approach. A collective effort from their batting unit, rather than reliance on individual brilliance, will be key to their success.
<h2>Head-to-head Records</h2>
Pakistan and West Indies have faced each other in 54 Test matches, with Pakistan holding a slight advantage. Pakistan has emerged victorious in 21 matches, while West Indies have claimed 18 wins and 15 matches have ended in a draw. 
Notably, Pakistan has dominated this rivalry in the 21st century, winning 11 of the 17 Tests played during this period, with West Indies securing five wins. On home soil, Pakistan has been particularly strong, recording nine wins and only four losses, alongside eight draws. The two teams last met for a Test match in Pakistan in 2006, adding a historic element to their upcoming clash.
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Total matches played - 54
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Pakistan won - 21
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West Indies won - 18
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Draw - 15
<h2>Recent Form of Pakistan and West Indies in Test</h2>
In the last five Tests, Pakistan have won just two and lost three. Two of those losses came against South Africa. West Indies, on the other hand, also lost three but won just one with one ending in a draw.  
READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pak-vs-wi-1st-test-dream11-prediction-grand-league-team-probable-playing11s-and-more/"> PAK vs WI 1st Test Dream11 Prediction, Grand League Team, Probable Playing11s and More</a> 
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Pakistan and West Indies, both struggling in Test cricket, face off in a two-match series. Pakistan holds a slight historical edge, but recent performances show inconsistency for both teams.

Pakistan and West Indies aim for redemption in a Test series, showcasing historical rivalry and recent struggles in cricketing form.

PAK vs WI 1st Test Preview, Head-to-head Records and Recent Forms of Teams

pak-vs-wi-1st-test-preview-head-to-head-records-and-recent-forms-of-teams

West Indies Tour Of Pakistan 2025: The West Indies Cricket team is set to tour Pakistan after 18 years and this historic tour of West Indies in Pakistan is scheduled to feature a red ball series starting January 17, 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the schedule for the West Indies cricket team's tour of Pakistan. The team left the Caribbean on January 2 and landed in Islamabad on January 6. They spent a few days training before gearing up for a warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens from January 10-12 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
As the West Indies squad has landed, Pakistan are yet to announce the official squad for the test series. The Pakistan A–led by Imam-Ul-Haq is currently playing against West Indies in the Warmup match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 
The upcoming Test series marks West Indies' first visit to Pakistan for red-ball cricket in 18 years. Their last Test tour in the country was back in November 2006, when they played a three-match series. More recently, in October 2016, the two teams clashed in an away series held in the UAE.
In that UAE series, Pakistan emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. The Men in Green claimed the first two matches, but West Indies finished strong, securing a win in the final Test. Since then, Pakistan has toured the Caribbean twice, but this series brings the West Indies back to Pakistani soil after nearly two decades.
Let's Take a look at the PAK vs WI 2025 Schedule, Full Squads and More Updates on the bilateral Series:
<h2>PAK vs WI 2025 Schedule</h2>
Pakistan will host the West Indies for an exciting two-match Test series, part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The opening Test is scheduled from January 17 to 21, while the second match will follow shortly after, running from January 25 to 29. Both games will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Due to renovation work at the stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi in preparation for February’s Champions Trophy, Multan was chosen as the sole venue for this series. Cricket fans can look forward to an intense battle between the home side and the visitors in this much-anticipated Test showdown.
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<tr>
<td>Date</td>
<td>Match</td>
<td>Venue</td>
<td>Time</td>
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<tr>
<td>17 Jan- 21 Jan</td>
<td>PAK vs WI, 1st Test</td>
<td>Multan Cricket Stadium</td>
<td>10:00 AM</td>
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<tr>
<td>25 Jan- 29 Jan</td>
<td>PAK vs WI, 2nd Test</td>
<td>Multan Cricket Stadium</td>
<td>10:00 AM</td>
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<h2>PAK vs WI 2025 Squad</h2>
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.
Pakistan Squad: Yet To be announced!
**Squad will be updated here as soon as they are announced!
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pcb-subtly-destroys-bcci-for-tarnishing-their-image-dismisses-rumours-of-champions-trophy-moving-out-of-pakistan-/">PCB subtly destroys BCCI for tarnishing their image, dismisses rumours of Champions Trophy moving out of Pakistan</a>

West Indies Tour of Pakistan 2025 (Getty Images)

West Indies returns to Pakistan for a red-ball Test series after 18 years, starting January 17, 2025, featuring warm-up matches in Rawalpindi.

The West Indies cricket team tours Pakistan after nearly two decades, marking a historic red-ball series following extensive preparations in Islamabad.

PAK vs WI 2025 Schedule, Full Squads, Venues and More on West Indies Tour OF Pakistan 2025

pak-vs-wi-2025-schedule-full-squads-venues-and-more-on-west-indies-tour-of-pakistan-2025

ICC Men's Test Team Rankings: After a series of what we would say was a disaster for Team India in Australia and for Team Pakistan in South Africa, the International Cricket Council has come up with the latest updated ICC Men's Test Team Rankings where India slipped past South Africa. 
Two big teams from Asia toured two different countries in December.  The positive of the Pakistan Tour of South Africa was that they are the only nation to whitewash South Africa in the ODI format in South Africa. The end result of the test series is disappointing for both nations as they failed to deliver the best. Let's take a look at both tours in brief.
<h2>Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25</h2>
India’s struggles in Test cricket continued as they suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This marked the second consecutive Test series loss for the team, adding to the earlier 3-0 drubbing against New Zealand at home. Despite starting the series with high hopes, Rohit Sharma’s leadership failed to inspire consistency, allowing Australia to dominate and reclaim the trophy after a decade.
The series began on a promising note for India with a commanding 295-run victory in Perth, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah. However, that early success turned out to be the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
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Australia roared back with a 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide, while the rain-affected draw in Brisbane did little to shift the momentum. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Australia crush India by 184 runs, leaving the visitors on the back foot heading into the series finale.
India entered the decisive fifth Test in Sydney needing a win to salvage the series and avoid their first defeat to Australia since 2014-15. Unfortunately, their performance faltered once again, and the hosts sealed a comfortable six-wicket victory. With this win, Australia not only secured the series 3-1 but also ended India’s recent dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delivering a strong statement in world cricket.
<h2>Pakistan Tour of South Africa 2024/25</h2>
South Africa clinched a 2-0 series win against Pakistan, securing their place in the World Test Championship final. The first Test at SuperSport Park was a nail-biting affair, with South Africa chasing 148 and narrowly winning by two wickets after a dramatic collapse, thanks to their lower-order resilience. Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard but couldn’t break South Africa’s eight-match losing streak in the country.
The second Test in Cape Town saw South Africa dominate with a 10-wicket victory. The proteas, batting first put up 600+ runs on the board, already winning the pressure game. Despite following on, Pakistan put up a spirited fight with a strong second-innings total of 478. However, South Africa's bowlers limited the target to just 58, which the hosts chased with ease, sealing the series in just four days.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677de4a3187ba.jpg" alt="">
This series highlighted South Africa’s consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. Their strong bowling attack and solid team performance throughout ensured they remained unbeaten in the 2024/25 season. With this victory, South Africa carries significant momentum heading into the WTC final at Lord’s.
After these two series, here is the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings updated recently:
<h2>ICC Men's Test Team Rankings</h2>
India were leading the ICC Test Team Rankings a couple of months back in the time. The home series loss against New Zealand put them in a 121 rating and India slipped to the second spot. The Australia tour was also disappointing for the Indian team as they lost 3 matches which further damaged their rating and India are now ranked third with a 109 rating.
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.5" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pos</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Team</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Matches</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.07" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pts</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rating</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=71.89" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">01</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.84" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AUSTRALIA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.98" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">36</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.98" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4531</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">126</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.39" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SOUTH AFRICA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">30</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.75" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3355</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=91.51" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">03</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">INDIA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">39</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4248</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">109</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=93.03" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">04</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.64" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ENGLAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">46</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4815</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=83.5" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">05</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NEW ZEALAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">33</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3216</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=79.98" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">06</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.59" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SRI LANKA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">28</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2436</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=87.86" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">07</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=80.77" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PAKISTAN</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">27</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2237</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.64" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=81.49" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">08</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.77" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WEST INDIES</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">29</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2184</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=77.44" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">09</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.72" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">BANGLADESH</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">29</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.47" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1884</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.56" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=64.23" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">IRELAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.56" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">131</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=84.32" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">11</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=56.91" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AFGHANISTAN</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">112</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=72.44" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">12</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.09" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ZIMBABWE</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.31" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">0</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.18" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

India dropped to third in the ICC Test Rankings after series losses against New Zealand and Australia. South Africa’s dominant 2-0 win over Pakistan secured their spot in the World Test Championship final.

India’s Test struggles continue as South Africa overtakes them in rankings following dominant performances against Pakistan and Australia.

ICC Men's Test Team Rankings Latest Updated After BGT 2024/25 and SA vs PAK Test Series

icc-men-s-test-team-rankings-latest-updated-after-bgt-2024-25-and-sa-vs-pak-test-series

Former England player Michael Vaughan picked his combined playing XI from the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. What caught the attention of many was the cricketer-turned-commentator didn't name Nitish Kumar Reddy, who set the stage on fire in the series. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy was the shinning light for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He made his debut in the first game at Perth and showed great promise and went on to slam ton in 4th Test in Melbourne. He ended the series with 298 runs with the bat and also went on to pick 5 wickets.
Michael Vaughan went on to pick five Indian players in his combined XI. Yashasvi Jaiswal will be opening the innings for the team along with the young Australian batter Sam Konstas. Both the batters were exceptional with the bat in the series and played a vital role for their teams. 
India batter KL Rahul, who opened the innings for India, will be batting at No.3 in Michael Vaughan's innings. Along with him, Steve Smith has been named at No.4 as the Australia batter returned to form and slammed two centuries in the series. 
Travis Head, who was the leading run-getter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, will be batting at No.5. The batter slammed over 500 runs in the series and was one of the main reasons why Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by the margin of 3-1. 
India duo of Rishabh Pant, who will be keeping the innings, and Ravindra Jadeja will be two players who will form the lower order in the series. The duo did a decent job for India with the bat and were the main reasons why the team fought hard in the series. 
The pacer battery picked by Michael Vaughan in his combined Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 included the Australia pace trio of Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. Also, Jasprit Bumrah features in the team picked by the former England cricketer. 
<h2>Michael Vaughan picks his combined XI from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 </h2>
Here's the Michael Vaughan picks his combined XI from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 
Sam Konstas, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Scott Boland
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-youngster-will-maintain-a-batting-average-of-25-30-virat-kohli-asked-to-leave-team-india-/#google_vignette">"Youngster will maintain a batting average of 25-30"- Virat Kohli asked to leave Team India</a>

Former England player Michael Vaughan picked his combined playing XI from the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

No place for Nitish Reddy! Michael Vaughan names his combined BGT XI

no-place-for-nitish-reddy-michael-vaughan-names-his-combined-bgt-xi-

The Australian Men's Cricket Team defeated Team India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series by a margin of 3-1 and this series victory helped them to qualify for their 2nd successive World Test Championship (WTC) final. While thier final qualification is already secured, the Kangaroos are scheduled to take part in one more Test-Series in the ongoing WTC cycle. 
They will be travelling to Sri Lank to take part in a two-match Test-Series and their Test Skipper Pat Cummins will not be a part of this tour as he will be away on paternal duty. Moreover, the Kangaroos will also be travelling without ace seamer Josh Hazlewood who injured himself in the India Test-Series. 
According to a news report of the Sydney Herald, since the Aussies have already confirmed their WTC final spot, they don't want to take any kind of risks with Hazlewood.The 33-year-old who hurt his calf in the Gabba Test-Match versus the Men in Blue got ruled out of the remainder of the BGT series and he had previously said that he was aiming to make a comeback to Australia's first Test-Series versus the Sri Lankans since 2022.
<h2>The trio of Starc, Boland and Abbott will go on the tour of Sri Lanka</h2>
According to some sources of the Sydney Morning Herald, since Josh won't get the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka as the selectors don't want to risk him, the duo of Sean Abbot and the in-form Scott Boland will be travelling as the seamers alongside Mitchell Starc. 
Boland was in red hot form in the BGT series versus the Indians, dismissing 21 batters in just six innings with a mind blowing average of 13.19. He also picked up an important fifer in the series and his performance with the ball were crucial in his team's success in the five-match Series. 
Abbot on the other hand was called up to the squad but he didn't get a chance to feature in any of the matches. With Cummins and Hazlewood missing the Sri Lanka series, there are high chances of Abbott playing versus the Island nation. 
<h2>What's the news about Australian skipper Pat Cummins</h2>
The selectors will meet on Wednesday of this week to finalise their squad. 16 players can be selected for the tour and The team is expected to be announced on Thursday, 9th of January
Captain Pat Cummins has indicated that he will not be available for part or all of the tour as he awaits the birth of his 2nd child. It will also have to be seen how he recovers from fatigue after playing five consecutive Test matches against India. Cummins and Starc were selected as Australia's only two frontline fast bowlers for the Sri Lanka tour three years ago, which was tied 1-1.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-rohit-sharma-s-career-under-danger-bcci-wants-yashasvi-jaiswal-in-the-squad-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma's career under danger! BCCI wants Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad</a>

The selection woes of Australia have increased following the injury of Hazlewood and it's reported that he won't be travelling to Sri Lanka for taking part in the two-match Test-Series

SL vs AUS: Another Headache for Australia, this fast bowler will miss the Sri Lanka tour

sl-vs-aus-another-headache-for-australia-this-fast-bowler-will-miss-the-sri-lanka-tour

The 5th &amp; Final Test-Match in Sydney between Fierce-Rivals Australia and India ended today and the home team secured an easy six-wicket win and this win allowed them to secure the series by 3-1.This win of the Aussies has also made some significant changes in the overall standings of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. 
Talking about the contest, the Jasprit Bumrah-led team were at 124-4 in their 2nd inning and they were looking set to set a big target for the Pat Cummins-led team. However, the Australian bowlers were in deadly mood as their perfect bowling display led to Team India suffering a batting collapse and they lost wickets in quick succession and eventually got bundled out for a mere score of 157 runs. 
Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant fought the lone warrior's battle as he played an impressive inning of 61 runs in just 33 deliveries but he didn't get any kind of support from his fellow batters at the other end and the Kangaroos took full advantage of this and eventually the game turned in the favour of the Defending Champions. 
For the Australian team, Scott Boland took 6 wickets while giving away 45 runs while skipper Pat Cummins also played a good hand with figures of 3-44 next to his name. 
The Aussies were given a target of 162 runs to win the Sydney Test-Match but they lost wickets unnecessarily as Sam Konstas (22 runs in 17 deliveries), Marnus Labuschagne (6 runs in 20 deliveries), and Steve Smith (4 runs in 9 balls) went back to the pavilion cheaply, leaving the Australian team suddenly in a dire position of 58/3.
Next, opening batter Usman Khawaja played a good knock of 41 runs in 45 deliveries which allowed his team to initiate a comeback in the contest. If Bumrah wouldn't have got injured, then Khawaja wouldn't even get the chance to go past the 10 runs mark. 
Without the availability of Bumrah, the Aussie batters started to play their shots freely and theu began creating a lot of pressure on the Indian bowling unit. While Prasidh Krishna did his best to help his team stay alive in the contest, he began to falter and this worked in the favour of the Australians. 
As a result, the duo of Beau Webster &amp; Travis Head got involved in a strong partnership for thethe fifth wicket and added 58 runs in just 53 balls and this turned out to be winning factor. They helped their team reach a score of 162-4 and the Kangaroos won the encounter by a margin of six wickets.
<h2>WTC Final Chance:</h2>
Pat Cummins-led Aussies have successfully qualified for the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) Final after securing the BGT series 3-1. Temba Bavuma-led South Africa have already secured their tickets for the Final after defeating Pakistan in the first Test-Match. 
Keeping the statistics in mind, Team India have failed to qualify for the WTC Final for the first time since 2021. They are ranked third in the overall Standings with a PCT of 50. South Africa are the table toppers with a PCT of 66.67 while the Kangaroos are ranked 2nd with 63.73 PCT next to their name. They are followed by the likes of New Zealand (48.21) and Sri Lanka (45.45) respectively.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-pakistan-will-the-two-rivals-play-a-test-match-versus-each-other-this-english-legend-wants-them-to-play-in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India vs Pakistan: Will the two rivals play a test match versus each other? This English legend wants them to play in</a>

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma couldn't really have a say in the way things panned out in the Sydney Test-Match| Image: Getty Images

Can Team India still qualify for the WTC Final after suffering an embarrassing defeat in the Sydney Test-Match Or have they been eliminated completely?

Team India lost the Sydney Test Match, do they have any chances of qualifying for the WTC Final? Explained!

team-india-lost-the-sydney-test-match-do-they-have-any-chances-of-qualifying-for-the-wtc-final-explained-

The Test series between India and Australia result has significantly impacted the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings and the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Standings. The South Africa National Cricket team secured a spot in the WTC final after their victory in the first Test match against Pakistan, while Australia holds the second spot with 118 points.

<h3>ICC Men's Test Team Rankings Table</h3>
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
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Australia maintains its top spot in the ICC Test Rankings with a rating of 124, while India remains in the second position with a rating of 111. However, in the WTC points table, India slips down to 3rd place.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 42.8249%; height: 280px; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 0px;"><caption>ICC Team Rinking [TEST]</caption>
<thead>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<th style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Position</th>
<th style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Team</th>
<th style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Matches</th>
<th style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Points</th>
<th style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Rating</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Australia</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">30</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3715</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">124</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">India</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">33</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3654</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">111</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">27</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2947</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">109</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">England</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">50</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">5303</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">106</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 40px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 40px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 40px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 40px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">37</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 40px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3536</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 40px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">96</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">28</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2436</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">87</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Pakistan</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">24</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2060</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">86</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">West Indies</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">29</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2184</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">75</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Bangladesh</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">29</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">1884</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">65</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Ireland</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">131</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Zimbabwe</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 14.3432%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">12</td>
<td style="width: 21.4286%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Afghanistan</td>
<td style="width: 14.5529%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 11.1134%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 11.3129%; height: 20px; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Standings Table</h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 94.1035%; border-width: 1px; border-spacing: 0px;"><caption>WTC Points table</caption>
<thead>
<tr>
<th style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Position</th>
<th style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Team</th>
<th style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Matches Played</th>
<th style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Won</th>
<th style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Lost</th>
<th style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Draw</th>
<th style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Points Deduction</th>
<th style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Points</th>
<th style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Points Percentage (PCT)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">88</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">66.67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Australia</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">16</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">118</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">61.46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">India</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">18</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">114</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">52.78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">14</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">81</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">48.21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">60</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">45.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">England</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">22</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">22</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">114</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">43.18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Bangladesh</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">12</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">45</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">31.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">Pakistan</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">40</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">30.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 9.70235%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 12.3054%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">West Indies</td>
<td style="width: 13.7253%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 6.38935%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 6.98096%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 15.0268%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 8.04585%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">32</td>
<td style="width: 21.4162%; border-width: 1px; padding: 10px;">24.24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Points System in WTC
<ul>
<li>Win: 12 points</li>
<li>Tie: 6 points</li>
<li>Draw: 4 points</li>
<li>Penalty: Points deducted for slow over rates</li>
</ul>
Check ICC Latest ranking on the ICC officla website <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/standings" title="WTC Standing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.icc-cricket.com</a>

Latest ICC Men's Test Team Rankings and ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Find out which teams are leading the charts, their matches played, points, and ratings as they compete for a place in the WTC Final at Lord’s in 2025.

ICC Team Ranking After India vs Australia Test Series 4th Match - ICC WTC Standings

icc-team-ranking-after-india-vs-australia-test-series-4th-match-icc-wtc-standings

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian Cricket Team is set to take the big decision of retiring from Test Cricket following the conclusion of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus the Australians. According to a media report, Rohit will be taking a big decision regarding his career after the conclusion of the ongoing series. 
Let us tell you that the Men in Blue have failed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, a series which the Indians have won on the previous four occasions. On the other hand, the personal performance of the 37-year-old with the bat have been poor too, managing to score just 31 runs in five innings versus the Aussies in the current edition of the BGT. 
According to the news report of Times of India, the top officials of thr BCCI and the National Team selectors have already talked to Rohit and it looks like the 'Hitman' will not be changing his decision of retiring. While the date of his retirement has not been revealed yet, some news reports suggest that the 37-year-old will be taking the tough decision after the conclusion of the Sydney Test-Match. 
If the two time WTC runners-up manage to qualify for the 2023-25 WTC Final, then Rohit can carry on as the captain of the team for some more time and he will most likely have a discussion with the selectors regarding staying on as the skipper. 
Following the team's defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test, the Indian captain was deeply hurt by the defeat. On one hand, elite seamer Jasprit Bumrah has single handedly dismissed Australian batters 30 times in the ongoing series while Rohit on the other hand, has managed to amass just 31 runs. It's possible that the retirement of the 'Hitman' is not that far but he won't be moving away from Red-ball Cricket without fighting back in the Sydney Test-Match.
<h2>What did Indian Captain Rohit Sharma say following the team's embarrassing defeat in Melbourne? </h2>
The Indian Team fell to an embarrassing 184 runs defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match versus the Australians and this defeat meant that the home team have taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After the defeat, Skipper Rohit Sharma that there are many things that are not happening according to his wishes. He also said that this defeat is mentally disturbing. 
"It's evident that we have had a few unfavorable-outcomes, and as captain, I find this disheartening. Many of the things I'm attempting to do as a batter are not working out and it's upsetting to the mind," the Indian captain said.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mitchell-starc-ruled-out-of-sydney-test-australian-coach-makes-a-big-revelation-ahead-of-5th-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mitchell Starc ruled out of Sydney Test? Australian coach makes a big revelation ahead of 5th Test</a>

A dejected Rohit Sharma walks back to the dugout after getting dismissed for yet another low score in the BGT 2024 series | Image: Associated Press

Reportedly, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has decided to retire from Test Cricket and the announcement is likely to be made by the BCCI after the end of the Sydney Test-Match versus the Australians.

Team India: Captain Rohit Sharma decides to retire from Tests, BCCI likely to make an announcement soon

team-india-captain-rohit-sharma-decides-to-retire-from-tests-bcci-likely-to-make-an-announcement-soon

The finalists of both World Test Championship cycles in the history of Test cricket—once the number-one ranked team for a long time before the home series against New Zealand and a side brimming with some of the finest red-ball cricketing talent—have suffered as many as 11 batting collapses in their last 14 innings.
If we set aside a few individual performances from these 14 innings, the overall display as a unit reveals two more poor performances. Not to mention, India managed to win just one Test out of those seven, and that too only when the entire top order fired up and put up substantial runs.
The most disheartening aspect is that India faltered against New Zealand at home, on pitches they themselves had chosen to play on. New Zealand, on the other hand, executed their plans and tactics flawlessly, adapting brilliantly to subcontinent conditions. They not only outplayed India but also delivered a resounding statement by securing a 3-0 whitewash in the Test series on Indian soil.
Following the home humiliation, India embarked on their tour of Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and started on a high note, winning the first Test in Perth. Despite being bowled out for just 150 in the first innings, a brilliant 161 from Jaiswal and an unbeaten century from Kohli (100*) secured a memorable victory for India.
While Indian bowling, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has delivered consistently and performed satisfactorily, the same cannot be said for the batting lineup, which continues to struggle with inconsistency.

The second innings at Perth was the last time Indian batting displayed solidity. In the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, the team suffered a double collapse, resulting in a defeat. At Brisbane, KL Rahul, Jadeja, and Akash Deep were the only players to score above 20, highlighting the lack of form and consistency within the batting order.
The latest disappointment came in Melbourne, where the story was no different. Despite promising starts, the batters threw away their wickets, leading to yet another collapse. Jaiswal, however, continued his excellent form and proved to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting performance, fully deserving the bit of luck that came his way.
<h2>Things Going Wrong With Indian Batting</h2>
<h3>Out of Form Captain</h3>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67738a0a1ea8d.jpg" alt="">
Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test Captain, is just out of the knick and it looks like he is out of the mindset he used to have. If we talk on his numbers in the Border Gavaskar trophy 2024-25, he has scored only 31 runs in the three tests of the series. His total runs in the series are just one more than Jasprit Bumrah's wickets in the series.
The runs simply aren’t coming. While the statistics might provide material for laughs and social media memes, on a serious note, they paint a grim picture of Rohit as a batter. Not only has he struggled with his form, but his performance as a Test captain has also been far from tactically sound or proactive. The prolonged lean patch has seemingly further impacted his decision-making, compounding the issues for both himself and the team
<h3>Virat and the fifth Stump Love Affair</h3>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67738a0bddf09.jpg" alt="">
‘Modern-day greats will figure out their way… you know… path,’ Rohit Sharma said with a smile when asked about Kohli's tendency to chase the fifth-stump ball ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Ironically, in both innings at the MCG, Kohli was dismissed chasing deliveries outside the off-stump, proving that the issue remains unresolved.
There seems to be a clear pattern emerging for both Kohli and Rohit, and opposing teams now know exactly how to send them back to the pavilion. The Australians, in particular, are enjoying testing Virat Kohli's patience, and it hasn’t taken much effort to reap the rewards. At this point, even someone like Mitch Marsh could dismiss Kohli by consistently bowling on the fourth or fifth stump line.
This issue needs to be addressed urgently. Kohli has earned his place among the greats over the years, but now it’s time for him to show how he can adapt and overcome this persistent fifth-stump vulnerability.
<h3>Rishabh Pant Being Over Aggressive </h3>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67738a0dba404.jpg" alt="">
Pant, known for his fearless and attacking style, has played key roles in many of India's victories. Yet, his tendency to go for high-risk shots has led to untimely dismissals, one of the most notable being a poor judgment call during the Melbourne Cricket Ground match, where he attempted an ill-conceived scoop shot.
Pant is putting in significant effort to get those valuable starts, and he’s been successful in doing so. But his aggressive instincts often take over, causing his well-earned starts to end in unfortunate dismissals.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/on-this-day-in-2014-the-legendary-ms-dhoni-played-his-final-test-and-retired-from-the-longest-format-of-the-game/">On this day in 2014, the legendary MS Dhoni played his final test and retired from the longest format of the game</a>

India’s recent struggles in Test cricket reflect inconsistent batting, with key players like Kohli and Rohit failing to find form. Despite strong individual performances, persistent issues, especially against Australia, remain unresolved.

India’s Test cricket woes continue with inconsistent batting and decision-making, despite individual brilliance, especially against Australia’s relentless pressure.

What's Wrong With India's Batting in Recent Times? Indepth Analysis Featuring Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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The Indian Cricket Team, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, suffered a humiliating 184 runs defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match and after this defeat, their road to qualifying for the 2023-25 WTC Final has become even more difficult. In this article, we will find out how the Men in Blue can still qualify for the WTC final despite suffering a defeat in Melbourne
Let us tell you that Temba Bavuma-led South Africa have already booked their ticket for the 2023-25 WTC Final in Lord's. The Indian Team are competing with the Mighty Australians to secure the second vacant final spot. While the Men in Blue are currently sitting at the third position in the overall WTC standings following their defeat in Melbourne, the Kangaroos on the other hand have occupied the second spot. 
<h2>How can the Indian Team qualify for the WTC Final after suffering a defeat in the Melbourne Test-Match?</h2>
Following their defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, the first thing which the Indian team needs to do is defeat the Mighty Australians by any means possible in the fifth and highly important Test-Match in Sydney of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Sydney Test-Match is going to be the Rohit Sharma-led team's final fixture of the current WTC cycle which makes it mandatory for them to secure a victory there. 
If they suffer a defeat in the Sydney Test-Match, then all of their hopes of qualifying for the final will get crushed. Securing a win in the final BGT Test will allow Rohit Sharma and his men to snatch the second position away from the Kangaroos in the overall standings. 
This will only be possible though if the Pat Cummins-led team lose the two-match Test-Series versus Sri Lanka by a margin of 1-0 or 2-0. If the Kangaroos lose the Sydney Test but end up winning the Test-Series versus the Sri Lankans by a margin of 2-0, then in this situation, the Men in Blue will get eliminated from the race of the final. 
<h2>The Proteas have qualified for the WTC Final for the first time</h2>
The Proteas have qualified for the WTC Final for the first time ever in their Cricketing history and they will be looking to go all out in search of their first ever ICC Trophy. The Final of the previous edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) was played between Fierce-Rivals Australia and India where the the Kangaroos managed to reign supreme. The Final of the Inaugural edition of the event took place between New Zealand and the Indians in 2021 where the Kane Williamson-led team crossed the finish line successfully.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Rohit, thank you for your service' - Massive statement comes on India retirement</a>

Australia celebrate after dismissing the final Indian batter in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test | Image: ICC

The Indian Team suffered a humiliating defeat in the Boxing-Day Test and this defeat has made their chances of qualifying for the WTC 2023-25 cycle Final even harder.

Can Team India still qualify for the WTC Final despite suffering a defeat in Melbourne versus Australia?

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The International Cricket Council's (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) is a prestigious tournament that brings together the world's top cricket teams in a two-year-long competition. The WTC aims to promote and elevate the importance of Test cricket, the oldest and most traditional form of the game. Here you will get latest update on ICC WTC

World Test Championship (WTC)

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in RevSportz, it is learned that India fast bowler Mohammed Shami will be missing part of the ongoing T20I series against England. The reports claimed that the pacer will be missing at least two more games in the series. 
India Cricket Team has been mulling over the fitness of Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler was included in the team as he was all set to make his comeback after the long injury. However, when he wasn't named in the XI for the first T20I, which raised speculations about his injury. 
Mohammed Shami reportedly faced some discomfort while climbing the steps. Rest, everything looked fine, and hence, BCCI won't want to rush him as they want him to be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The pacer has been training hard with the team for the last few days. 
<h2>Mohammed Shami has been bowling in full throttle for the team in the nets </h2>
Mohammed Shami has been bowling in full throttle for the team in the nets. The fast bowler has his knee strapped but that isn't bothering him much. But with the main target being the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, BCCI is likely to be cautious with the way they make him play. 
The reports in RevSportz claimed that Mohammed Shami will be missing the next two games of the series as well. There are chances that he might be back in the team for the fourth T20I. After that, he will be playing in the ODI series as well for the team.
Mohammed Shami's last appearance for India came during the ICC World Cup 2023. After that, the fast bowler has been out of action. He was expected to make the comeback during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 but then was sidelined due to the knee injury that he faced while playing domestic cricket. 
The wait to see Mohammed Shami in action continues. With Jasprit Bumrah having a niggle, he will be extremely important for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE from 19th February to 9th March.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/exclusive-india-announce-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-2025-shubman-gill-back-as-vice-captain-bumrah-and-shami-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exclusive: India announce squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025; Shubman Gill back as vice-captain; Bumrah and Shami return</a>

Mohammed Shami reportedly faced some discomfort while climbing the steps.

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in RevSportz, it is learned that India fast bowler Mohammed Shami will be missing part of the ongoing T20I series against England.

Mohammed Shami RULED OUT of England T20Is...

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India is currently locking horns with each other in the ongoing T20I series against England. Both the teams are scheduled to play a five-match series, out of which the opening game has been played. The match took place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (22nd January). 
India were off to a flying start with bat in the series as they won the game by the massive margin of 7 wickets. It was a magnificent outing with the bat and ball as they bundled out England for 132 runs and then chased the target inside 13 overs to take the lead. 
India ticked almost every box right, and it's fair to say that they wouldn't want to change the winning combination. But considering how Gautam Gambhir has been dealing as a head coach, it's fair to say that the team might make a few changes going into the second match of the series, which will be played on 25th January. 
<h2>Let's take a look at 2 changes India can make for second IND vs ENG T20I</h2>
Mohammed Shami in for Ravi Bishnoi 
India played with just one seamer in the XI for the first T20I. It was reported that Mohammed Shami wasn't fit, and hence, India had to go with three spinners. However, if the fast bowler will be fit for the second game, it's a no-brainer that he will be back in the XI straightaway for the second game of the series. 
If he is deemed fit then it is likely that he will be replacing Ravi Bishnoi in the team. The leg-spinner didn't pick a wicket in the first T20I, and with the kind of performances that Varun Chakravarthy has been putting, it is likely that he will be preferred ahead of him. Hence Shami will be there if he is fit. 
Washington Sundar in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy 
Another change that India might be tempted to make is bringing Washington Sundar in the XI. Since the match is set to be played in Chennai, it is likely that India would want to add a spinner to the team. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who didn't get to bat and ball in the match, is likely to make way for Sundar if the team wants to add another spinner in the team. 
Washington Sundar has been a regular member of the team in all three formats of the game. The all-rounder has been making vital contributions for the team with bat and bat and it remains to be seen if he makes it into the XI of the next game or not.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/exclusive-india-announce-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-2025-shubman-gill-back-as-vice-captain-bumrah-and-shami-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exclusive: India announce squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025; Shubman Gill back as vice-captain; Bumrah and Shami return</a>

India is currently locking horns with each other in the ongoing T20I series against England

India were off to a flying start with bat in the series opener of IND vs ENG  as they won the game by the massive margin of 7 wickets.

IND vs ENG: Will Gautam Gambhir change the winning combination? Check 2 changes India can make for the second T20I

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The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy is set to commence from the 19th of February, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the first match of the tournament. But everyone will be eagerly waiting for the high-voltage contest between Fierce-Rivals Pakistan &amp; India on the 23rd of February. The two Fierce-Rivals will be locking horns versus each other in the Group-A clash and this encounter will be played in the city of Dubai. 
The India-Pakistan games always bring entertainment and have been full of excitement and something similar is expected to happen this time around too. The ticket prices for the high-voltage clash have not been revealed yet but according to some news reports, despite the game being played in the city of Dubai, the Pakistan-India contest is going to provide massive benefits to the PCB. 
<h2>How will the PCB benefit from Team India's Champions Trophy matches in Dubai? </h2>
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security reasons and that's the reason why the Men in Blue will be playing all of their matches in Dubai as the ICC decided to implement the Hybrid-Model policy specially for the 2013 winners. 
Since Pakistan are the hosts of this year's marquee event, the question that arises is, who will benefit from the matches of the Indian Team in Dubai? According to some news reports, discussions in the PCB are going on that all the ticket money from the matches to be held in Dubai and the earnings from the Food &amp; Beverage facilities should go to them. The reports are also claiming that the PCB might also go on to stake it's claim over the earnings of the India versus Pakistan encounter.
Quoting a renowned media organization operating from Dubai, a source said, "The Emirates Cricket Board will obviously talk to ICC and PCB officials regarding the matches to be held in Dubai. In this, decisions can be taken regarding ticket prices and other arrangements."
Let us tell you that recently, the ticket prices of the Champions Trophy matches to be played in Pakistan were revealed and the rates were dead cheap. The minimum price of the tickets start from 1000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) and the most expensive one was priced at 25,000 Pakistani Rupees (7,756 Indian Rupees).
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ravindra-jadeja-shuts-down-critics-takes-stunning-fifer-on-his-ranji-return/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja shuts down critics; takes stunning Fifer on his Ranji Return</a>

Rohit Sharma of India and Babar Azam of Pakistan look on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between India and Pakistan at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 09, 2024 in New York | Image: Getty Images

Team India will be playing their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai and the Pakistan Cricket Board is set to receive massive benefits from those games as the ticket sales are likely to go to the PCB

Pakistan set to receive huge benefits from India's Champions Trophy matches in Dubai as they are apparently planning to keep the money of the ticket sales with them

Pakistan set to receive huge benefits from India's Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, PCB will get the profit from ticket-sales

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CSK bid on someone and he might not be a special it is not possible.
Andre Siddharth… remember this name because he is the superstar of the future. Yes, Chennai Super Kings have bet on this 18-year-old player and now this player has proved his talent. Andre Siddharth scored a brilliant century against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy match. Siddharth played a brilliant innings of 106 runs. Siddharth's century is special because he played this innings at a time when his team was in big trouble.

After the dismissal of players like Jagdishan, Vijay Shankar, Chennai's team had lost 4 wickets for 126 runs. After this Andre Siddharth stepped on the crease and this player batted openly and took the Chandigarh bowlers to task. Andre Siddharth adopted the strategy of total attack and scored the first century of his first class career. On the basis of Siddharth's innings, Tamil Nadu's score could cross 300 runs.

Andre Siddharth has made his first class debut this season and he has scored 478 runs at an average of 95.6. Siddharth has made a great contribution in every innings of his. He has scored 4 half-centuries and a century in the last 7 innings. Once he even missed a century against Assam. This player was out after scoring 94 runs. Andre Siddharth also played the Under 19 Asia Cup in December last year where he could not play any big innings but despite this Chennai Super Kings bid on him in the IPL auction. This player was sold at a base price of Rs 30 lakh.


Let see and hope that Andre Siddharth will get chance to play for Chennai Super Kings And will continue his performance

CSK's Teen Batsman Hit His Maiden Ranji Trophy Century

Andre Sidharth who is going to play for CSK this year in IPL hits is maiden century in Ranji trophy Match

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It could intersting to see that who could the next captain for Delhi Capitals what does the experts says let check it out.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his views on the ongoing debate regarding the captaincy of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC). With Rishabh Pant's departure to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the choice of leadership has reportedly narrowed down to two contendersâ€”India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Axar Patel.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra delved into the merits of both candidates. Chopra highlighted that KL Rahul’s appointment as captain could significantly enhance the brand value of DC. As a seasoned leader with captaincy experience for LSG and Punjab Kings, Rahul brings a wealth of strategic insights and a proven track record of managing high-pressure IPL matches.

You might be thinking who will be Delhi's captain. Since we get all sources-led news these days, a lot of reports say that Axar Patel, who has become the Indian team's vice-captain recently, could be the captain there," Aakash Chopra said.
However, Chopra also acknowledged Axar Patel as a strong contender. Axar, retained by DC for Rs 16.50 crore before the auction, has been an integral part of the franchise. He remains the sole player from the core squad that reached the IPL 2020 final. Known for his consistency and calm demeanour, Axar has been a pillar for DC in recent years

The decision between the experienced KL Rahul and the loyal Axar Patel represents a defining moment for DC as they aim to build a competitive squad for IPL 2025. Both players bring distinct strengths, and the final choice could shape the team’s future trajectory in the league. Fans now eagerly await the franchise’s official announcement.

former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik - mentor for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - may have revealed that Rahul will not be entrusted the captaincy in IPL 2025.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik let in a hint that it will be all-rounder Axar Patel, and not KL Rahul, who will lead Delhi Capitals.
<img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_870x_67924fe6758da.jpg" alt="">
"For Axar Patel, all the very best. A good opportunity for him. Heard he's going to be the Delhi Capitals captain as well. Here is a good opportunity for him to lead and show the way, he's been doing that for Gujarat as well. Wish him all the luck," Karthik said

Now from mainly the reports and expert prediction says that the Axar patel is going to be the captain of Delhi capitals.
Regarding to more updates go through icccricketschedule.com

Delhi Capitals has not reveals his captain name till now,and Delhi who have option of KL Rahul and Axar Patel for captain, Experts Suggest this name that could be captain

Delhi Capitals has not reveals his captain name till now,and Delhi who have option of KL Rahul and Axar Patel for captain, Experts reveals this name that could be captain, delhi captains upcomming match, comming ipl 2025, new captain's of  delhi capitals