IND vs SA 2nd T20I: Indian stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav has become the joint-fastest Indian player to reach a landmark of 2000 T20I runs after he scored a fine half-century against South Africa in the 2nd T20I held in Gqeberha in the ongoing three-match T20I series between India and South Africa.



Suryakumar Yadav, widely known for his brisk cameos late in the innings, has gone past the T20I greats to ink his name in the history books by becoming one of the fastest batters to score 2000 T20I runs in just 56 innings.



Notably, he equalled Virat Kohli, who also completed his 2000 T20I runs in 56 innings, with a knock of 56 runs off 36 deliveries aided by five fours and three sixes in the 2nd T20I. 



However, to stand apart from the rest, Suryakumar Yadav shattered the records of Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell to score 2000 runs in T20Is in terms of balls faced. While Yadav has only taken 1163 deliveries, Aaron Finch took 1283 balls and Glenn Maxwell 1304 balls to amass 2000 runs in the T20Is.



The list of fastest batters to 2000 T20I runs feature the Pakistani duo of wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Babar Azam. Both the batters completed 2000 T20I runs in a record 52 deliveries, the least among the active players.



The second spot was held individually by Virat Kohli before India's 2nd T20I contest against South Africa. Now Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli jointly hold the second spot. 



KL Rahul has held fourth spot in the elite list by plundering 2000 T20I runs in 58 innings followed by former Australian captain Aaron Finch, who took 62 innings to go past the magic figure.



Below is the list of players who have been fastest to 2000 T20I runs:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fastest Players to 2000 T20I runs:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>No</td><td>Player</td><td>Country</td><td>Innings</td><td>Matches</td></tr><tr><td>01</td><td>Babar Azam</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>52</td><td>54</td></tr><tr><td>=</td><td>Mohammad Rizwan</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>52</td><td>63</td></tr><tr><td>03</td><td>Virat Kohli</td><td>India</td><td>56</td><td>60</td></tr><tr><td>=</td><td>Suryakumar Yadav</td><td>India</td><td>56</td><td>59</td></tr><tr><td>05</td><td>KL Rahul</td><td>India</td><td>58</td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>06</td><td>Aaron Finch</td><td>Australia</td><td>62</td><td>62</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*As of December 12, 2023, after IND vs SA 2nd T20I.</figcaption></figure>



Fastest Players to 2000 T20I runs (in terms of balls faced): 



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>No</td><td>Player</td><td>Country</td><td>Balls Faced</td></tr><tr><td>01</td><td>Suryakumar Yadav</td><td>India</td><td>1163</td></tr><tr><td>02</td><td>Aaron Finch</td><td>Australia</td><td>1283</td></tr><tr><td>03</td><td>Glenn Maxwell</td><td>Australia</td><td>1304</td></tr><tr><td>04</td><td>David Miller</td><td>South Africa</td><td>1398</td></tr><tr><td>05</td><td>KL Rahul</td><td>India</td><td>1415</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-to-play-against-south-africa-and-afghanistan-before-t20-world-cup-2024-team-india-schedule/#google_vignette">India to play against South Africa and Afghanistan before T20 World Cup 2024 | Team India Schedule</a>



For more, head to the official website:?<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BCCI</a>

IND vs SA 2nd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav equals Virat Kohli's record of fastest Indian to 2000 T20I runs

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In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India

Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne is hosting the Boxing Day Test between the teams. 
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj made sure that they gave the Australian team a taste of their own medicine. The duo were seen continuously going into the head of the opposition batters, in particular Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne. 
As they were all over the Australia batters, Mohammed Siraj had a light conversation with Marnus Labuschagne. It was then that Virat Kohli ordered the pacer to keep the intensity high and told him not to laugh. The batter was passing inputs to the pacer, and it was caught on the stump mic. 
Virat Kohli was heard telling pacer Mohammed Siraj, "Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Don't smile while talking to them)," However, after when Mohammed Siraj  exchanged words with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. You can watch the video below: 
<h2>Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high</h2>
Coming to the match, Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high. The hosts had a great day with the bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. They were off to a brutal start with the bat, thanks to debutant Sam Konstas (60). 
The 19-year-old took the attack to the Indian bowlers, in particular Jasprit Bumrah, from the start and raced away to his half-century. He, along with Usman Khawaja (57), added 89 runs for the opening partnership before Marnus Labuschagne (72) joined Khawaja, and the duo put on 65 runs. 
Steve Smith (68*) also slammed a vital half-century and kept batting till the end. India made a slight comeback after the wicket of Marnus as they picked quick wickets. Alex Carey (31) also came up with a handy effort as Australia ended day one with Smith and skipper Pat Cummins at 311 for six crease.
<h2>"Has ke baat nahi karna inse - Virat KOhli to Mohammed Siraj</h2>

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Watch: "Has ke baat nahi karna inse"- Virat Kohli orders Mohammed Siraj to go hard at MCG

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India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Rohit Sharma was left pretty frustrated in the first two sessions of the match as Australia had a great time with the bat. The Pat Cummins-led side came up with a magical batting effort, especially from the top four batters Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who all slammed half-centuries. 
Rohit Sharma tried different things, but nothing seemed to be going his way as Australia's batters kept smashing runs. This also saw India's captain going hard at his players, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was at the receiving end of the thrashing. 
It happened during Ravindra Jadeja's over when the all-rounder was bowling to Steve Smith. The Australian batter defended the ball, which went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was standing near the wicket at the square leg region. He came up with a bizarre effort, and this didn't go well with Rohit Sharma. 
 <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
As the ball went towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, instead of fielding, he jumped and saved himself. This made Rohit Sharma angry as he was seen telling the batter: "Ay Jaisu, Gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi. Niche baith ke reh." You can see the video below: 
However, after the first session, India made a strong comeback as they picked up a few quick wickets and brought themselves back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah, who was taken for cleaners in the first session, picked three wickets and brought some hope for relief for fans. 
Australia at stumps were 311 for six. Steve Smith was unbeaten at 68. India and captain Rohit Sharma will be hoping that they pick early wickets on Day 2 and come up with a better performance with the bat.
Also Read: Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>
<h2>Watch: Rohit Sharma scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal </h2>

India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: Rohit Sharma attacks Yashasvi Jaiswal with "Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?"

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Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. He said that he was doing his gloves and the senior batter accidentally bumped him. 
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia started on a high note as day one of the game witnessed an enthralling day of cricket. Not only this, the tensions were high as well as Indian players had their go at the Australian players, and it lifted the crowds. 
One of the highlights of Day 1 came between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. The two were engaged in a heated argument in the first session of the day. It was then the Australian debutant started taking attacks on the Indian bowlers and slammed them all over the park. 
Sam Konstas, in particular, slammed Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. He played unorthodox shots and reversed-scooped him for six. While the battle between pacers and batter was going high, Virat Kohli was having a go at a batter behind the stumps. 
But the tensions flared up after the 10th over of the innings. After the over ended, Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters. 
<h2>"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me - Sam Konstas on fight with Virat Kohli</h2>
This became a massive headline, but Australia batter Sam Konstas has now opened up about the entire incident. He said that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped him but mentioned that he, too, was trying to get into the contest. 
Sam Konstas revealed that he was trying to bring out the best version of himself. He feels that things getting heated up brought the best out of him, and he wants to carry on the confidence in the second innings. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension. For me, I was just trying to get into the contest. 
"I was just trying to bring the best version of myself against whoever I was facing. It got heated at times, but that's good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings.". 
Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls, which ensured Australia got off to a brutal start with the bat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India.

"It carries on in the next innings" - Sam Konstas breaks silence on fight with Virat Kohli

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India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia, which is taking place in Melbourne. He mentioned that the batter isn't dropped but couldn't find way in the combination. 
The fourth Test between India and Australia commenced on Thursday (26th December). It is a Boxing-day Test, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne and saw the enthralling day of cricket on Day 1 of the match. 
India's team made a massive change going into the game as young batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the team. In his place, the Rohit Sharma-led side included all-rounder, Washington Sundar, looking at the conditions, which looked pretty flat on Day 1 of the match. 
Shubman Gill getting dropped didn't go well with many fans and experts as they lashed out at the Indian team management for their poor decision. This is because the right-hander is the second-leading run-getter for the team in the longest format of the game this year, with over 800 runs. 
<h2> I feel for Shubman but he understands - Abhishek Nayar </h2>
But, Abhishek Nayar, Indian assistant coach, confirmed that Shubman isn't dropped. He said that he felt that Washington Sundar could be handy on the wicket along with Ravindra Jadeja. While mentioning that he feels for the young batter, Nayar said the batter was on the same page with the Team. Speaking to reporters, he said: 
"Looking at the pitch, we felt Washi could give solidarity along with Jaddu. I feel for Shubman but he understands. He’s not really dropped, just couldn’t find his way in the combination." 
Not only this, Abhishek Nayar also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings for the team. This means that KL Rahul will walk out to bat at No.3 and the team management would be hoping that the move pays off and India wins the game. 
Coming to the match, Australia had a great day with the bat after opting to bat first. They piled up a massive total of 311 runs, with the top four batters slamming half-centuries and putting India bowlers under pressure. It remains to be seen what will be India's response on Day 2.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia

Abhishek Nayar opens up about why Shubman Gill was dropped! Reveals where will Rohit Sharma bat at MCG

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In the currently ongoing fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India in Melbourne, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. A video of this incident is going viral on social media platforms. 
A heated argument took place between the two players on the field and the umpires were forced to intervene and cool down the situation. But the question which arises is, will the ICC suspend Kohli from participating in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match? In this article, we will be taking a look at the ICC rule under which the former Indian skipper can be proven guilty. 
<h2>What exactly happened on the field in Melbourne? </h2>
First of all, let's know what exactly happened on the field. Indian vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was bowling the 11th over of the match and debutant Sam Konstas was hitting big shots constantly off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj and even Bumrah himself. 
Watch the full video here- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
In such a situation, during the 11th over while cleaning the ball, Kohli was moving towards Konstas and at that point of time, both of them collided with each other as the former Indian skipper clashed his shoulder with the youngster. On watching the video carefully, it can be seen that Virat did the shoulder clash on purpose with the 19-year-old.
<h2>What do the rules of ICC say? </h2>
According to the rulebook of the ICC, article 2.1 states that a player can be punished if he gets involved in inappropriate physical-contact with a opposition player, support staff of the players, match-referee, umpires or any other person on the Cricket field. 
Such incidents have happened before in the past and considering the history of such incidents, Virat will not be getting harsh punishment like a one-match suspension or ban. However, the match-referee can definitely give the 35-year-old a demerit point and a deduction in his match-fee as a punishment. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">. </a>

Sam Konstas (L) of Australia and Virat Kohli (R) of Indian exchanging words with each other in the Boxing-Day Test-Match in Melbourne as Ravindra Jadeja of India (C) watches | Image: Getty Images

In ongoing Boxing-Day Test between Australia and India, a heated moment took place on the field as experienced Indian player Virat Kohli got involved in a shoulder clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. We will take a look at whether ICC can suspend Kohli or not for this incident.

Will ICC suspend Virat Kohli from playing in the final BGT Test match for clashing with Sam Konstas in Melbourne?

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VIRAT Kohli Vs SAM Konstat: The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground turned fiery during the morning session as Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas found themselves in a mid-pitch showdown. The clash unfolded in the 10th over when Kohli, with the ball in hand, and Konstas, walking from the crease, bumped shoulders unexpectedly.
Both players stopped in their tracks, turning back to exchange sharp words. It wasn’t long before Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ opening partner, stepped in to defuse the tension, putting a calming arm around Kohli. Although the argument didn’t last long, it was enough to set the tone for a charged session.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321">CLICK HERE</a>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676ce4a4c251e.jpg" alt="">
Replays added layers to the drama, revealing Kohli straying far from his position on the field and walking into Konstas’ path. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting didn't hold back, providing commentary on Channel 7. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind,” he remarked, suggesting Kohli deliberately sought the encounter.
Sam Konstas, later reflecting on the incident with Channel 7, dismissed it as a heat-of-the-moment scuffle. “I didn’t even realize it was happening at first,” said the 19-year-old. “I was adjusting my gloves, and then there was this shoulder bump. These things happen in cricket, though.”
The fiery exchange also drew comments from umpiring legend Simon Taufel, who pointed out that the collision might fall under “inappropriate physical contact” as per the ICC Code of Conduct. “Virat clearly changed his line and entered Sam’s personal space. This will likely be reviewed after play,” Taufel explained.
Even Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar weighed in, saying, “These things are avoidable. It’s like walking down a crowded street—you see someone coming, and you just sidestep. It doesn’t make you any smaller. We don’t want this on the cricket field.” Gavaskar also speculated that fines could be in order, depending on how the match officials interpreted the footage.
Despite the confrontation, Konstas made a memorable Test debut. After a slow start, he unleashed a dazzling counterattack, reverse-scooping Jasprit Bumrah for a six over slips and later pulling off a more traditional scoop for four. His audacity shook the Indian bowling attack, and he raced to 60 runs off just 65 balls before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw before lunch.
As tensions simmered on and off the field, the incident between Kohli and Konstas became the highlight of the day’s play. While debates raged over whether Kohli crossed the line, the focus ultimately shifted back to the young Australian, who showed remarkable poise and skill under pressure, making his mark in one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/watch-virat-vs-sam-konstas-on-field-heated-exchange-sunil-gavaskar-not-impressed/">Shocking! Pakistan drops Abdullah Shafique as they announce XI for the Boxing-day Test against SA</a>

Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas clashed mid-pitch during the Boxing Day Test, sparking debates over sportsmanship. Despite the altercation, Konstas shone with a bold 60-run knock, impressing on his Test debut.

Kohli's heated encounter with debutant Konstas added drama to the MCG Test, but Konstas stole the show with his fearless batting.

WATCH Virat vs Sam Konstas on-field Heated Exchange! Sunil Gavaskar NOT Impressed

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The fourth Test and the Boxing-Day Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India kicks off from tomorrow. The series is currently level at 1-1 as the third Test-Match in Brisbane ended in a draw. The upcoming Boxing-Day Test will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and this proves to be a major boost to the confidence of the Indian Team. 
The MCG is a ground where the Men in Blue have created a lot of records. In the last 76 years, the Indians have participated in 14 Test-Matches in Melbourne and have managed to win four of them
<h2>Face to face</h2>
The Blue Army have not lost a single match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since the the Boxing-Day Test-Match in December of 2011. They have secured victories in one contest and two encounters have ended as draws. Overall, Team India has managed to reign supreme in four contests out of 14, suffering defeats in the other eight games. Two games have ended as draws. 
<h3>Team India at the MCG</h3>
The Men in Blue secured a comfortable win in the 2021-22 Boxing-Day Test-Match versus the Mighty Aussies even without Virat Kohli. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant knock of 112 runs were crucial in the team's victory. 
In the BGT series of 2018-19, the Indians secured yet another victory which was also their first at the MCG since 2011, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara's 106 runs knock and the nine wickets taken by Jasprit Bumrah. The 2014-15 MCG Boxing-Day Test-Match between Australia and India ended in a draw. 
The Men in Blue played their 1st test at the MCG in 1948 and it was the third match of the five-match Test-Series versus the Kangaroos. The Australians ended up winning that match by a comfortable margin of 233 runs. The main highlight of that contest was two back-to-back centuries by the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Vinoo Mankad also slammed a hundred for the Indian Team. 
The Men in Blue won their first ever Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the year 1977 thanks to Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's 12-wicket haul and a century by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar in the third inning of that contest. The team won that encounter by a margin of 222 runs. 
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-getter for India at the MCG with 449 runs at an average of 44.9. The most wickets are taken by Anil Kumble and Jasprit Bumrah. Both have taken 15 wickets each. India's highest score at the venue is 465, scored in 2014-15. Kohli has scored 316 runs at the MCG at an average of 52.66. That is why Indian fans are eagerly waiting for the Kohli-Bumrah partnership.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-smith-and-cummins-eye-huge-milestones-in-boxing-day-test-versus-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS: Smith and Cummins eye huge milestones in Boxing Day Test versus India</a>

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill of India celebrating a wicket with Mohammed Siraj in the Gabba Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Team haven't lost a single match at the MCG since 2011 and this ground has proven to be a lucky one for them. They have played 14 Tests in Melbourne in the last 76 years, winning four of them.

BGT: Team India hasn't lost a single game in Melbourne since 2011! Know the Men in Blue's record at their lucky stadium

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India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has touched another feather of greatness following his heroics with the ball in Test cricket. The vice-captain of the Indian Test team now has the joint highest rating by an Indian bowler in Test ranking, equalling Ravichandran Ashwin with 904 rating points. 
Jasprit Bumrah also becomes the first fast bowler from India to reach 904 ratings in the ICC Test rankings. The premier fast bowler achieved the feat after his sensational performance with the ball in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which took place at the Gabba in Brisbane. 
Jasprit Bumrah picked 6 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a three-wicket haul in the second innings. The vice-captain of the Indian Test team will now have a great chance to go past Ravichandran Ashwin's tally of 904 rating points as there are still two games left in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah, who is the No.1 ranked Test bowler, is also the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler has taken 21 wickets in the three games that he has played in the series and has troubled the opposition pacers. 
Jasprit Bumrah has looked in golden touch in the ongoing series against Australia. The fast bowler will be extremely crucial for the Indian team in the last two games of the series. He will be the key for India and would want to carry on his golden form with bat. 
If India has to fancy their chances of winning the last two series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Jasprit Bumrah surely will have to bring his A game. The premier pacer also would want some support from the other players in the team as they looked to seal the series. 
The Test series between India and Australia is levelled at 1-1. If the Rohit Sharma-led manage to win even one game in the series, they will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Also, they need to win two games to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-mcg/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has touched another feather of greatness following his heroics with the ball in Test cricket

Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravichandran Ashwin's massive record and becomes the first Indian pacer to...

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The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia is just a sleep away from now. The match between the teams is all set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne from Thursday (26th December). 
India has been training hard to prepare for the Boxing Day Test and has almost ticked every box right. But as per the various reports, it is learned that the Rohit Sharma-led side is expected to make a few changes in the team going into the game, looking at conditions. 
<h2>There is a lot of debate going around Shubman Gill's batting ahead of the MCG Test </h2>
One of the biggest changes that is expected on the cards is that skipper Rohit Sharma will be taking his opening spot and will walk out to bat at the start with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Not only this, KL Rahul, who has done a great job as an opener, will be asked to bat at No.3 in the MCG Test. 
With Rohit Sharma moving to top and KL Rahul at No.3, the situation becomes tricky for Shubman Gill. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that there is a lot of debate going around his batting ahead of the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Shubman Gill, who hasn't scored a Test half-century outside India since 2021, might even get dropped. This is because the reports suggest that they might look to add another spinner in the team in Washington Sundar, and to fit him in the XI, Gill or Nitish Reddy might have to make way.
By removing Shubman Gill, India will be having an extra bowling action and they might be tempted to do that. This is because Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown great promise as a batter in the series and has also been decent with the ball as well in the series. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-mcg/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG</a>
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test in Perth, hasn't been able to make valuable contributions to the team. He had starts in Adelaide but failed to get going and in Gabba, he got out while playing rash shot. The batter has scored just 60 runs in the three innings.

With Rohit Sharma moving to top and KL Rahul at No.3, the situation becomes tricky for Shubman Gill.