<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=AUS+vs+PAK" rel="nofollow">AUS vs PAK</a> Dream11 Prediction 3rd Test 2024, Dream11 Team | Australia vs Pakistan Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report:?Australia and Pakistan will be playing the last and third test match of the three-match test series at Sydney Cricket Ground. Currently, Australia is leading the test series by 2-0 and the third test is expected to be a close contest between both teams. The Third Test Match will start from January 03 to 07, 2024 at 5:00 AM.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Australia" rel="nofollow">Australia </a>played fantastic cricket throughout this series and they are expected to win this series by 3-0. Pat Cummins and co. have performed phenomenally against the strong bowling unit of Pakistan. David Warner will be playing his last match in International Test Cricket at Sydney Cricket Ground as the Australian Team announced an unchanged squad for the upcoming test.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Pakistan" rel="nofollow">Pakistan </a>need to play collective cricket and their key player have to perform in important series and tournaments to win the matches. They have already lost the first and second test match but still, they can create history if they defeat Australia in the third test match. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Imam-ul-Haq will be not playing the third Test match against Australia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction:</h2>



Australia will be playing the third test match against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground, which is known for its batting-friendly wickets. So, Try to Pick more batters in your fantasy team, especially from the Australian side whereas don't forget to pick pacers because they get lots of wickets in the Australian Conditions as we have seen in the last match. Pick Mitchell Marsh as captain whereas Pat Cummins as Nathan Lyon as vice-captain for your Dream11 Team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Must-Have Picks:</h2>



Mitchell Marsh, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Mohd. Rizwan, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Captain &amp; Vice Captain:</h2>



Mitchell Marsh, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, David Warner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Differential Picks:</h2>



Nathan Lyon, Travis Head, Agha Salman, Steve Smith.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Grand League:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/AUS-vs-PAK-Dream11-Team-3rd-Test-2024-606x1024.jpg" alt="AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 3rd Test 2024, Dream11 Team | Australia vs Pakistan Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report" class="wp-image-124789" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dream11 Team</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Dream11 Team:</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/AUS-vs-PAK-Dream11-Team-2-3rd-Test-2024-592x1024.jpg" alt="AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 3rd Test 2024, Dream11 Team | Australia vs Pakistan Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report" class="wp-image-124790" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dream11 Team</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report:</h2>



The Pitch at Sydney Cricket Ground is known for its balanced wicket, which favours both batters and bowlers however, spinners will also be effective later in the match as the pitch gets drier. The Pacers will be more effective than spinners whereas Batters will be more dominating than the Pacers in the third test match at SCG. The Average per-inning score at SCG in Test Cricket is around 320 runs.



Read This Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-dream11-prediction-dream11-team-india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-dream11-team/" rel="nofollow">?IND vs SA 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction, Dream11 Team | India vs South Africa 2nd Test Dream11 Team</a>



For More, Check The Official Site:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;ICC</a>

AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 3rd Test 2024, Dream11 Team | Australia vs Pakistan Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report

aus-vs-pak-dream11-prediction-3rd-test-2024-dream11-team-australia-vs-pakistan-sydney-cricket-ground-pitch-report

AUS vs PAK Day 2: Pakistan would have been in big trouble if their Number 9 hadn't put up a brilliant batting show but they are in a much better place. However, a third fifer from Pat Cummins in the consecutive third innings sets the tone of the Test Match on Day 1 and proceedings will now be on Day 2 where the weather conditions aren't looking that good. We brought to you the AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney for the third Test.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#aus-vs-pak-day-2-weather-forecast">AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast</a></li><li class=""><a href="#aus-vs-pak-day-2-pitch-report">AUS vs PAK Day 2 Pitch Report</a></li></ul></nav></div>



The Australia vs Pakistan third test is going to be the last international red-ball match for David Warner as he has announced his retirement from the Test and ODI format. And on his last Test, Australia has already made the strong ground.



It was a good toss to win and Pakistan opted to bat first. Siam Ayub and Abdullah Shafique opened the innings for Pakistan but both went back duck. Masood and Babar took charge then but Cummins managed to get rid of Babar and Saud Shakeel to the end of the first session. Rizwan and Salman combined their powers to make Pakistan bounce back.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/Australia-vs-Pakistan-1.jpg" alt="Australia vs Pakistan: Pat Cummins picks up his third consecutive five-wicket haul in the third test against Pakistan" class="wp-image-124832" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Australia vs Pakistan | Pic:: X ( Australia Cricket)</figcaption></figure>



Rizwan missed his century by 12 runs and Pakistan were nine wickets down for 227 runs. Aamer Jamal got the job then to put Pakistan in a safer place when he scored 80-odd runs with Hamza at the other end. Pakistan posted 313 runs at the end and still time for one over was left. Warner was the batter to face the balls and he did it safely.



Now, Australia are trailing by 307 runs when they will enter the ground tomorrow morning. Down below is the AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney for the third Test:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="aus-vs-pak-day-2-weather-forecast">AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast</h2>



Australia vs Pakistan (Pakistan tour of Australia) | Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test match is being played at?Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney?(Australia) from January 3 to January 7 starting at 10:30 AM Local and?4:30 AM IST.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/01/sydney.png" alt="AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney| Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test" class="wp-image-124859" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (<a href="https://weather.com/en-IN/weather/hourbyhour/l/34c38d6112987dd6f8cd84bb3b059a39d2dad52a02ce94f26ca405520bf6cf93" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather.com</a>)</figcaption></figure>



ACC TO WEATHER.COM, the weather is predicted to be overcast and windy throughout the day. As the weather websites show there are moderate chances of rain for Day 2. A ~10-20% chance of rain is predicted earlier in the day and rises to ~60% later in the day. It might drizzle in the afternoon but hopefully ain?t going to interrupt the match for too long. The Temperature in the morning is expected to be around 25? C and remain the same in the evening.



Strong Winds with a speed of around 30-40KMPH will gust towards the South. Humidity will also stay at the higher range of 75%. So, the possibilities of rain are there but we can hope for a pretty healthy and decent AUS vs PAK Day 2 of the 3rd test match.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="aus-vs-pak-day-2-pitch-report">AUS vs PAK Day 2 Pitch Report</h2>



As was mentioned before the game, on Day 1 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, bowlers and hitters found an even playing field. Here, Pakistan reached the average score in the first innings, which was around 310-320. The field now appears firm and quick bowlers are certain to get some assistance. 



As the ball becomes old, batters have also fired huge scores here. Fans should anticipate a run-fest in David Warner's final Test match at SCG since four of the previous five games have ended in draws.



READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-w-vs-aus-w-2024-t20i-schedule-squad-india-women-vs-australia-women-t20i-series-fixtures-match-list-venues-and-live-streaming-details/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> IND-W vs AUS-W 2024: T20I Schedule, Squad | India-Women vs Australia-Women T20I series Fixtures, Match List, Venues and Live Streaming Details</a>



For More, Check The Official Site:<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;ICC</a>



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AUS vs PAK Day 2 Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney| Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test

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AUS vs PAK: Australia announce 14-member squad for the One-Day International series versus Pakistan; Cummins returns while Stoinis replaces Green: The Mighty Australians have announced their One Day International squad for the upcoming series versus Pakistan and both fans and commentators are quite excited about the return of skipper Pat Cummins. The three-match One-Day International series which kicks off from the 4th of November, will be acting as a preparatory ground for next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pat Cummins returns to captain the Australians</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/gettyimages-627972412-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148510" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pat Cummins of Australia celebrates after taking the wicket of Martin Guptill of New Zealand during game two of the One Day International series between Australia and New Zealand at Manuka Oval on December 6, 2016 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Cummins, who missed the recent England tour, has returned to lead the team. His captaincy skills will be vital as the Kangaroos look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Alongside Pat Cummins, 35-year-old All-Rounder Marcus Stoinis has also been handed a recall to the ODI team after missing the series versus England due to injury.



Meanwhile, the most notable absentees from the squad include the duo of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head as they miss out due to paternity leaves. The absence of Marsh and Head opens up opportunities for the likes of Jake-Fraser-McGurk and Cooper Connolly to step up and make their case for selection in next year's Champions Trophy squad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cameron Green misses out due to a back-injury</h2>



The absence of Batting All-Rounder Cameron Green is a huge blow for the Pat Cummins-led outfit. He has been ruled out for a period of six months due to the back-injury he sustained during the England tour.



Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, stressed that this series versus Pakistan will be crucial in evaluating the form of the players and balance of the team ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
In his official statement, Bailey stated, ? This series versus Pakistan is our final One-Day International series before next year's Champions Trophy and the squad's balance was focused on that in addition to continuing to focus on individual preparation for the upcoming busy Test-summer.?
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Australia?s squad for the three-match One-Day International series versus Pakistan</h2>



Pat Cummins (Captain), Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, Josh Hazelwood, Adam Zampa, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-dropped-their-3-big-stars-ahead-of-the-upcoming-tests-against-england-ft-babar-azam/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-dropped-their-3-big-stars-ahead-of-the-upcoming-tests-against-england-ft-babar-azam/">Pakistan dropped their 3 big stars ahead of the upcoming tests against England ft. Babar Azam</a>



For more information, visit the official website of <a href="https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4148536/australia-odi-squad-pakistan-series-india-a-selections-fraser-mcgurk-cummins-starc-hazlewood-hardie-stoinis">Cricket Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/big-guns-return-as-australia-name-odi-squad-to-play-pakistan">ICC</a>

AUS vs PAK: Australia announce 14-member squad for the One-Day International series versus Pakistan; Cummins returns while Stoinis replaces Green

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Pakistan: After suffering an embarrassing group-stage exit from this year's T20 International World Cup, Pakistan will be looking to make a strong comeback when they travel to Australia to take part in six white-ball contests.



Keeping in mind the National Team's recent abysmal form, the nation's Cricket Governing Body, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering making some drastic-changes to the team's limited-overs setup.



According to some emerging news-reports, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to take over the limited-overs leadership duties of Pakistan from Babar Azam. The 32-year-old has performed well for the Shaheens on a regular basis and he can help the team turn around their fortunes with his game awareness and tactical-skills.



As per the report of Cricket Pakistan, the experienced duo of Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman might get dropped from the Shaheens? squad for the T20i and ODI series versus Australia. While Zaman is not on good terms with the PCB following the support he showed towards Babar Azam, Shadab will likely not get a chance to feature in the squads due to his lengthy poor run of form with the ball.



The news-report also claims that the Pakistani selectors are thinking of dropping Iftikhar Ahmed, their main finisher in limited-overs Cricket. In such a scenario, the One Day International and T20 International squads of the Green Shirts are likely to feature a lot of new faces.



Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-3-key-reasons-why-hardik-pandya-should-continue-as-the-captains-of-mumbai-indians/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-3-key-reasons-why-hardik-pandya-should-continue-as-the-captains-of-mumbai-indians/">IPL 2025: 3 key-reasons why Hardik Pandya should continue as the captains of Mumbai Indians</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam And Naseem Shah To Return?</h2>



In what proved to be a dramatic and bold move, the PCB decided to exclude the trip of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam &amp; Naseem Shah from their Test-Squad midway through the test-series versus England, citing the players will be rested keeping in mind the upcoming Australian tour in November.



So it's highly likely that these three experienced players will make their comebacks in the One-Day International series versus Australia and the duo of Shaheen &amp; Babar will also be featuring in the T20 International squad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Developing Young Players The Sole Focus of PCB Ahead of Australian tour</h2>



If the news-reports are to be beloved, then it's likely that the Pakistani Cricket Team selectors are keen on giving chances to promising youngsters and will be including several young guns in the T20 International and One Day International squads for the tour of Australia.



While the spin bowling duo of Mehran Mumtaz and Sufiyaan Muqeem are likely to be handed their maiden-call-ups to the national squad, the likes of Qasim Akram, Yasir Khan, Kamran Ghulam and Arafat Minhas are likely to be given chances to prove themselves on the International stage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan?s predicted squad for the T20 International series versus Australia</h2>



Babar Azam, Zaman Khan, Abbas Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqueem, Mohammad Rizwan (Captain &amp; WK), Arafat Minhas, Yasir Khan, Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan and Qasim Akram.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan?s Predicted Squad for the One-Day International Series versus Australia</h2>



Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (Captain &amp; WK), Abdullaah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Mehran Mumtaz and Haris Rauf. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pcb-set-to-drop-fakhar-zaman-from-odi-squad-vs-australia-following-his-support-towards-babar-azam-report/">PCB set to drop Fakhar Zaman from ODI Squad vs Australia following his support towards Babar Azam ? Report</a>



For more information, visit the official website of <a href="https://www.pcb.com.pk/">Pakistan Cricket</a>

Pakistan's Predicted Squad for the upcoming Tour of Australia | Babar in, Rizwan as captain?

pakistans-predicted-squad-for-the-upcoming-tour-of-australia-babar-in-rizwan-as-captain

Things are not at all going right for the Indian team currently at the moment in Test cricket. Amid all this, a fresh set of reports has emerged in the media, which has suggested that Virat Kohli might be back at the helm of things as a leader in Test cricket. 
Virat Kohli, who is the most successful Test captain of India, has expressed his desire to take over the Test captaincy of India. As per the reports in RevSportz, it is learned that the senior batter wants to continue playing till 2027 as he wants to give his best for the team and help them. 
There were reports in Indian Express, which claimed that one senior batter in the team, ahead of the series, had made his thought that he would be eyeing the captaincy and had mentioned at the start that he would be doing something special in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Virat Kohli, who is expected to be that senior player, feels that he can help the team in the transition phase. He has touted himself as the ‘Mr Fix-It’, and he believes that no youngster so far is ready to take the charge and wants to take over the captaincy on an interim basis. 
<h2>Virat Kohli expressing his desire to take over the leadership role means that Rohit Sharma's tenure as the captain of the team is all set to end</h2>
Virat Kohli expressing his desire to take over the leadership role means that Rohit Sharma's tenure as the captain of the team is all set to end. The skipper of the team has come under massive scrutiny following his poor efforts in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
His poor performances with the bat, too, haven't helped his cause, as the captain has scored around 30 runs in the series. There have been several reports that have stated that Rohit Sharma might announce his retirement after the Sydney Test, which will be the last game of the series. 
Things are also not going right in the Indian dressing room. It is learned that senior players of the team aren't on the same page with Gautam Gambhir, and the head coach, too, hasn't been amazed by the way the players have played in the series so far. 
The Sydney Test will be a great opportunity for the entire team to reply to all the criticism. The match will be played from 3rd January and winning there will help the Rohit Sharma-led side to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-crushes-ravichandran-ashwin-to-become-the-first-india-bowler-to-/">Jasprit Bumrah crushes Ravichandran Ashwin to become the first India bowler to...</a>

Virat Kohli, who is the most successful Test captain of India, has expressed his desire to take over the Test captaincy of India

Virat Kohli wants India Test captaincy again, as he doesn't trust...

virat-kohli-wants-india-test-captaincy-again-as-he-doesn-t-trust-

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under massive scanner for his poor performances as the coach of the Indian team. But things are turning worse for him because of the team's disappointing effort in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Gautam Gambhir has come under massive scrutiny as the things in the Indian dressing room are great. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the senior players of the team and the head coach are not on the same page related to the decisions in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
The reports added that some of the players of the team haven't shown their confidence in Gautam Gambhir. This is because of his experiments of playing 11 and the way he handled Shubman Gill, who was dropped from the team for the fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Some of the senior players are not feeling good with Gautam Gambhir. This is because they believe that communication isn't as good as it used to be during the time of Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. This has come under the notice of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 
<h2>If the performance doesn't improve, even Gautam Gambhir's position wouldn't be safe - BCCI source</h2>
The BCCI source said that Gautam Gambhir's position as a head coach isn't safe. He said that if results don't come good in the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 along with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 then he is likely to be sacked. Speaking to PTI, he said: 
"There is a Test match to be played and then there is Champions Trophy. If the performance doesn't improve, even Gautam Gambhir's position wouldn't be safe." 
The source, while calling Gautam Gambhir a "compromise", said that he wasn't even first choice for the role. He mentioned that VVS Laxman and other foreign coaches didn't want to take the role and hence he was given the opportunity. He added: 
"He was never BCCI's first choice (it was VVS Laxman) and some of the well-known overseas names didn't want to coach all three formats, so he was a compromise. Some other compulsions were also there." 
It remains to be seen how Gautam Gambhir bounces back from this situation. The India team will be next seen in action on 3rd January when they will be playing the next match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-for-all-the-ups-downs-rohit-sharma-bids-adieu-to-/">"For all the ups &amp; downs" - Rohit Sharma bids adieu to.....</a>

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under massive scanner for his poor performances as the coach of the Indian team.

Gautam Gambhir to be sacked as reports of his poor equation with senior players puts him under gun

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Team India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma are currently taking part in the five-match 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus the Australiana on Australian soil. The fourth Test-Match of this series ended on the 30th of December in Melbourne where the Indian Team suffered an embarrassing 184-runs defeat. 
The win in Melbourne allowed the home side to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Let us tell you that the Men in Blue had been given a target of 340 runs to secure the win, but they got all-out for just 155 runs. Following this defeat, a lot of weaknesses of the Rohit Sharma-led team have been exposed. 
The two teams will now travel to Sydney where they will be squaring off versus each other in the fifth &amp; the final Test-Match of the series. The forthcoming contest will commence from the 3rd of January, 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
If the Men in Blue want to save the series, then they have to win the Sydney Test-Match by any means possible and they have to find solutions to their five problems which got exposed in Melbourne. Let's take a look at five reasons why the Indian Team lost the Melbourne Test-Match. 
<h2>Five Reasons why Team India lost the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match versus Australia</h2>
<h3>5. The flop performance of the Top order</h3>
If we exclude the Perth Test-Match, then the performance of the top order of the Indian Team has not been good in the other three tests. They have failed to create a big partnership for the Men in Blue. The opening duo of KL Rahul &amp; Yashasvi Jaiswal got involved in a magnificent 201 run partnership for the first wicket. 
But since that match, the Indian Team in every other contest of the BGT Series have struggled to create big partnerships for the first and second wickets. In this case, the team management of Team India needs to make the players prepare in a special manner otherwise their chances of winning in Sydney will reduce.

<h3>4. Poor fielding display, many catches got dropped</h3>
In the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, the Indian team showcased a lackluster fielding performance, where they dropped four catches in the 2nd inning of the contest and these dropped catches proved to be very costly. Yashasvi Jaiswal alone dropped three catches while the other one was dropped by Siraj. If Rohit Sharma &amp; CO want to finish out on top in the Sydney Test-Match, then they have to show improvisations in the fielding.

<h3>3. Poor performance with the bat of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma</h3>
The below par performance of the duo of Virat Kohli and Captain Rohit Sharma with the bat have proven to be a major reason behind Team India's lackluster performance in the ongoing BGT 2024-25 series. Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is currently the highest run getter for the Men in Blue in the ongoing BGT series having amassed 359 runs in four contests. 
Kohli is at the fourth position in the list of Team India's highest run getters, having scored 167 runs in seven innings. He scored an incredible century in the Perth test but besides that, he hasn't done much and his bat has stayed silent in the other three matches. 
Talking about Rohit Sharma, his condition is even more worse in terms of batting performance. The 37-year-old has hit the Australian bowlers for just 31 runs in five innings in three BGT tests. He is currently averaging just 6.20, which is considered as miserable when you take into consideration the standards which the skipper has set for himself. 
The Indian fast bowlers have scored more runs than the skipper, which makes it even more embarrassing for the Indian skipper. Seamer Akash Deep has scored 38 runs in three innings in the ongoing BGT series. If the two time WTC runners-up want to have any chances of winning in Sydney, then both Kohli and Rohit will have to start firing with the bat. 

<h3>2. Weak Captaincy of Rohit Sharma</h3>
The Men in Blue have won just a single contest in the ongoing series, where they secured a dominant victory in Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah. The seamer led the team in the absence of Rohit as he missed the opening test due to being on a paternity-leave. 
However, ever since he returned to lead the team in Adelaide, things started to go all wrong for India. The team wasn't able to win a single match and now they are on the verge of losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. 
Somewhere down the line, the leadership of Rohit Sharma has proven to be weak. An example of this can be seen in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match where in the 2nd inning, the Indian bowlers had dismissed six Australian batters for a mere score of 91 runs and the situation was looking really good for the team. 
However, after this Rohit looked very relax and took things lightly that the last four wickets fell after the hosts had reached the score of 234 runs. Post the fall of six wickets, the Indian skipper was supposed to implement a tight fielding setup in order to create pressure on the lower order of the Aussies. 
Instead, he implemented a spread out fielding setup which allowed the lower middle order Australian batters to take easy doubles and singles and they got involved in big partnerships which helped their team to get in a strong position.The duo of skipper Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne stiched a 57 run partnership for the 7th wicket and tailenders Scott Boland &amp; Nathan Lyon got involved in a partnership of 61 runs for the final wicket which caused issues for the Indian team. 
The 37-year-old will have to showcase strong captaincy in the Sydney Test-Match if the Men in Blue want to save the BGT series.

<h3>1. Complete dependency on Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
If we look at it closely, Team India has been heavily dependent on vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in the entire BGT 2024-25 series. This dependency has been the highest in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match. You can guess this from the fact that the 29-year-old is the highest wicket taker in the current series as he has dismissed batters 30 times in four encounters. 
Australian skipper Pat Cummins is the 2nd highest wicket getter of the series, with 20 scalps next to his name. While in terms of Indian bowlers, Siraj has dismissed 16 Australian batters, Akash Deep has five scalps and Harshit Rana has taken just four wickets in two matches and Jadeja has also taken the same number of scalps too. 
In this way, these four bowlers have dismissed a combined number of 29 batters in comparison to the 30 scalps of Bumrah. These stats show how dependent Team India has been on Bumrah alone and the other bowlers have to start taking the initiative if they want to help the Rohit Sharma-led retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/virat-kohli-wants-india-test-captaincy-again-as-he-doesn-t-trust-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli wants India Test captaincy again, as he doesn't trust...</a>

Jasprit Bumrah of India walks back after getting dismissed in the Melbourne Test-Match | Image: X(CriccrazyJohns)

The Indian Team suffered an embarrassing defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match and that defeat exposed many problems of the Men in Blue. We will take a look at those problems in this article.

5 Reasons why Team India lost the Melbourne Test match versus Australia

5-reasons-why-team-india-lost-the-melbourne-test-match-versus-australia

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dethroned Ravichandran Ashwin to become the highest-ever ranked bowler in the history of the Test rankings of ICC. The fast bowler achieved a rating point of 907, which no ever bowler from a has achieved. 
Jasprit Bumrah surpassed Ravichandran Ashwin's rating points of 904 to become the highest-ranked Indian bowler in the ICC rankings. The former Indian off-spinner achieved 904 rating points in December 2016 and scripted history, highlighting the legacy that he created. 
Jasprit Bumrah achieved the feat after his incredible performances with the ball in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. The fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between the teams took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, and it saw the hosts winning the match. 
Jasprit Bumrah picked 9 wickets in the match with a fifer in the second innings. Ahead of the match, the fast bowler had a rating of 904, and his exceptional performance saw him getting at the top of the list in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers in the longest format of the game. 
<h2>List of the highest rank Indian bowlers </h2>
Here's the list of the highest rank Indian bowlers 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Name
</td>
<td valign="top">
Rating
</td>
<td valign="top">
Date
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Jasprit Bumrah
</td>
<td valign="top">
907
</td>
<td valign="top">
31 Dec 2024
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
R Ashwin
</td>
<td valign="top">
904
</td>
<td valign="top">
12 Dec 2016
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Ravindra Jadeja
</td>
<td valign="top">
899
</td>
<td valign="top">
20 Mar 2017
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Kapil Dev
</td>
<td valign="top">
877
</td>
<td valign="top">
19 Jan 1980
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Anil Kumble
</td>
<td valign="top">
859
</td>
<td valign="top">
30 Jan 1994
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Vinoo Mankad
</td>
<td valign="top">
811
</td>
<td valign="top">
17 Nov 1952
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Subhash Gupte
</td>
<td valign="top">
806
</td>
<td valign="top">
10 Jan 1956
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Bishan Singh Bedi
</td>
<td valign="top">
804
</td>
<td valign="top">
20 Dec 1977
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Dilip Doshi
</td>
<td valign="top">
794
</td>
<td valign="top">
3 Feb 1982
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Mohammed Shami
</td>
<td valign="top">
790
</td>
<td valign="top">
16 Nov 2019
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Jasprit Bumrah has been nothing short of exceptional in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has been a major reason behind the team fighting hard in the series. The premier fast bowler has been single-handedly carrying the bowling lineup of the team. 
Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The pacer has picked 30 wickets in the 4 games, and with one more match remaining in the series, he is expected to take a few more wickets for the team.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-for-all-the-ups-downs-rohit-sharma-bids-adieu-to-/">"For all the ups &amp; downs" - Rohit Sharma bids adieu to.....</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dethroned Ravichandran Ashwin to become the highest-ever ranked bowler in the history of the Test rankings of ICC.

Jasprit Bumrah crushes Ravichandran Ashwin to become the first India bowler to...

jasprit-bumrah-crushes-ravichandran-ashwin-to-become-the-first-india-bowler-to-

Team India have been going through a transition period at the moment. They have found themselves on the receiving end in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and are on the verge of getting eliminated from the World Test Championship final race.
India have retained the BGT trophy for ten years, and it looks like Australia will end that drought and regain the trophy as they are leading by 2-1 with one game left to play. Not just the performance; some reports are also claiming a rift in the Indian camp.
Team India have struggled badly in the series with the bat. The form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has not scored runs as they would have liked. That's where India would have liked a solid batter like Cheteshwar Pujara, who has had immense success on previous Australian tours and played a crucial role in India's BGT triumphs in the last two tours.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Ajit Agarkar declined Gautam Gambhir's request to pick Cheteshwar Pujara for BGT series - Reports</h2>
According to some media reports, the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir wanted to include veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara in the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but Ajit Agarkar and his team declined his request. Pujara has done a great job on Australian soil and is one of the leading scorers in the BGT history. He knows the conditions well and has done well against the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.
Notably, Pujara scored the most runs in the BGT 2018-19 and finished the tournament with 521 runs at an average of 74.42 with three hundreds and one fifty when India won the first-ever test series on Australian soil. Then again, he scored 271 runs in the BGT 2020-21 and played crucial innings in Sydney and the historic Gabba win.
In Australia, the 36-year-old has played 11 tests and scored 993 runs at an average of 47.28. It has been learned that Gambhir even talked about Pujara's inclusion after India won the first test in Perth. But the Indian selection committee didn't approve his request.
Pujara played his last test match for India during the World Test Championship final 2023 at the Oval. His form declined after that but he has done well at the domestic level. Team India are currently struggling to score runs and they need a sound performance to level the series with a win at the SCG.
Also Read<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-reasons-why-resting-virat-and-rohit-from-england-odis-can-be-blunder-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025/#google_vignette">: 3 Reasons why Resting Virat and Rohit from England ODIs can be blunder ahead of Champions Trophy 2025</a>

Cheteshwar Pujara scored the most runs for India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 for India when India won the test series in Australia.

Gambhir vs Agarkar? Selection Committee declined Head Coach's request of Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion for BGT 2024-25: Reports

gambhir-vs-agarkar-selection-committee-declined-head-coach-s-request-of-cheteshwar-pujara-s-inclusion-for-bgt-2024-25-reports

IND vs AUS 5th Test: India lost at Melbourne Cricket Ground on the boxing day test even after they were considered the better side at the MCG. Now, after conceding a massive 184-run loss in the fourth test, India and Australia are set to take a bout at Sydney Cricket Ground for the last time in the series and the first time in the year 2025.
The defeat at the MCG was a key moment in the series. Big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failed to shine, and the middle order fell apart when the team needed them most. Australia’s star bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, made life difficult for India, showing their weakness in overseas conditions. This loss sparked heated discussions about India’s plans and preparation for away games.
The result shook Indian cricket, raising serious questions about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and Virat Kohli’s form. Fans and experts began calling for changes, suggesting new players should get a chance to step up. With young talent waiting in the wings, all eyes were on the senior players to prove they could still perform under pressure.
With a scoreline of 2-1, Australia is dominating and is a high favorite for the trophy. The only hope for Indian side is that the last test is set to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
<h2>India's history at the SCG</h2>
The Indian cricket team’s last Test loss at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) came in January 2008 during the heated 2007–08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia won by 122 runs in a game packed with drama, including the infamous "Monkeygate" controversy between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds. That defeat became a turning point for India, building the team’s resilience and setting the stage for stronger performances at the SCG in the years to come.
Since that 2008 loss, India hasn’t lost a Test at the SCG. A standout moment was the thrilling draw in January 2021, where Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari battled through injuries to save the match. Their gutsy effort helped India hold their ground and ultimately secure a historic series victory in Australia, earning widespread admiration.
India’s overall Test record at the SCG stands at 1 win, 5 losses, and 7 draws, with their only win dating back to 1978. The SCG holds a special place in India’s cricketing journey, filled with moments of struggle and triumph. From the heartbreak of 2008 to remarkable comebacks, India’s performances at the SCG showcase the team’s growth and determination in world cricket.
Match Played- 13 India Won- 01 Australia Won- 05 Draw- 07
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/">Indian Cricket: Team India's full Test Cricket schedule in 2025, they will face these teams</a>

With immense pressure now on India, the history of Sydney gives some hope to the Indian team. The SCG journey reflects growth, from the controversial 2008 loss to unbeaten performances, including a heroic 2021 draw, showcasing resilience and evolving strength in overseas cricket.

India's SCG journey highlights resilience, overcoming setbacks like the 2008 loss and achieving iconic moments like the 2021 draw.  

India's Record at Sydney Cricket Ground Before the IND vs AUS 5th Test

india-s-record-at-sydney-cricket-ground-before-the-ind-vs-aus-5th-test

India captain Rohit Sharma bid adieu to 2024 in a staggering Instagram post. The senior batter posted a video on Instagram on Tuesday, December 31, of his best and worst moments of 2024. This comes amid the talks related to his retirement. 
Rohit Sharma had a roller coaster ride in 2024 as the captain had his best and worst part of his career. The India captain started the year on high as under him India won the Test match at Centurion and went on to draw the series. After that, he was at his best in the Test series against England. 
Rohit Sharma with the team full of youngsters won the Test series against England. Under his leadership, India won the five-match series by a massive margin of 4-1. He led from the front and also slammed two centuries in the series, helping the team win. 
After that, Rohit Sharma was at his best in the IPL as he was amongst the highest run-getters for Mumbai Indians. He also slammed the century there. He also returns to the T20Is before the Tests as slammed a century there as well. 
<h2>The best moment for Rohit Sharma was in June when under his leadership India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.</h2>
The best moment for Rohit Sharma was in June when under his leadership India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He was the leading run-getter for the team in the tournament as he top-scored and helped the India team end their ICC title drought. 
Things didn't go well for Rohit Sharma after that. Since then has been going through a rough patch in the Tests. The India captain has failed to get going and under his leadership team faced the whitewash first time at home as they lost the series to New Zealand by the margin of 3-0. 
He is currently in Australia but things have been poor for him as well. The batter has scored just 31 runs in the three games and also under him India is behind in the series by 2-1. He has registered scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 and following this, there have been a lot of talks related to his retirement as well. 
He posted the video with caption: "For all the ups &amp; downs, and everything in between, Thank you 2024."
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEPoz8Ah2oV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">You can watch video here: </a>
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-changes-india-must-make-to-win-the-scg-test-to-retain-the-border-gavaskar-trophy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 changes India must make to win the SCG Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

"For all the ups & downs" - Rohit Sharma bids adieu to.....

-for-all-the-ups-downs-rohit-sharma-bids-adieu-to-

India is all set to lock horns with England in the three-match ODI series. This will be the only series for the Men in Blue before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and it will be extremely important for the team as they would want to look at their combination for the tournament. 
The ODI series between England and India will get underway from 6th February at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The second game of the series is scheduled to take place on 9th February in Cuttack, followed by the last match to be played on 12th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 
There have been several reports that have claimed that India will be playing the series in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. This is because BCCI wants their premier players to be rested and fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2024, which will be a crucial event for the team. 
If the reports emerge to be true, then it will be a massive problem for the Indian team that they will be playing without their captain. This has raised speculations about who will be leading the team in the three-match ODI series against the full-strength England team at home. 
<h2>Who will captain India in the absence of Rohit Sharma during England ODIs </h2>
With Rohit Sharma being rested for the three-match ODI series, it is expected that Shubman Gill will be captaining the team against England. The young batter was recently appointed as the vice-captain of the team in the white-ball format after the team went through the transition. 
It is expected that the squad for the England series will be similar to what India will be named for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Therefore, it will be a great opportunity for the young players who will be picked to make their case strong for the tournament. 
Shubman Gill, since the last few years, has been the best batter for India in the ODIs. He has shown his real class with the bat and would want to carry on the same form. He also was captain of the team during the T20I series against Zimbabwe and will be keen to replicate the same performance.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-changes-india-must-make-to-win-the-scg-test-to-retain-the-border-gavaskar-trophy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 changes India must make to win the SCG Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

There have been several reports that have claimed that India will be playing the series in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah

Who will captain India if Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli will be rested for England ODIs

who-will-captain-india-if-rohit-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-and-virat-kohli-will-be-rested-for-england-odis-

Team India are currently in Australia for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The fifth and final test will end on January 7; after that, India will play three T20Is and three ODIs against England at home between January 22 and February 12.
This will be the last three ODIs for India ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, and India will look to prepare for the upcoming mega event. However, there has been news that India might rest Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
Being India's premier pacer, Bumrah has been doing too much in Australia, but resting out-of-form Virat and Rohit might not be ideal. Hence, we will talk about three reasons why India should not rest Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from England ODIs.
<h2>Three reasons why India should not drop Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from England ODIs ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
1. Form of both players
Dropping a player who is struggling with form might not do good for the team. Both Virat and Rohit have struggled in Australia, and they are searching for runs badly. Consistent failures must have hurt their confidence as well. Hence, at home on Indian batting pitches, it can be ideal to get back to form. But if India rest them, they won't have the time to get back to form and will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after a string of low scores.
2. Only ODIs to prepare for Champions Trophy 2025
Since the ODI World Cup 2023 at home, Rohit and Virat have only played three ODI matches. Though they have played test cricket consistently, ODI format is a different game altogether. Hence, to get back into rhythm, the upcoming ODI series against England can be perfect. At least England are going with the same team that will feature in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. That is why India must need to do and give the game time to their main batters whom you expect to fire in the mega event.
3. Managing Replacement
The form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is under scrutiny, and many questions have been raised about their position in tests. However, ODI cricket is a totally different format. But loss of form can sometimes hurt the confidence, and it can affect other formats as well. Hence, India should play them in England ODIs because if they fail, then they can pick the backup batters for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. That means if these two don't score runs against England, then India can take some hard decisions and pick other players as replacements.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-changes-india-must-make-to-win-the-scg-test-to-retain-the-border-gavaskar-trophy/">3 changes India must make to win the SCG Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

The Indian management is looking to rest Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from England ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

3 Reasons why Resting Virat and Rohit from England ODIs can be blunder ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

3-reasons-why-resting-virat-and-rohit-from-england-odis-can-be-blunder-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led should keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer for the red-ball cricket as he can be handy for the team. 
India hasn't been blessed with as many fast-bowling all-rounders as they would've wanted. After Kapil Dev, it was Hardik Pandya who took the mantle and has been doing a staggering job for the team in the white-ball cricket but his fitness hasn't supported him at all. 
Hardik Pandya played a few Tests for India but couldn't carry on in the format. The all-rounder last played in 2018 and, after that, has been focusing on white-ball cricket after that, India tried Shardul Thakur, and although he did a decent job, the quality wasn't there, and he was dropped. 
India now has included Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team and the all-rounder has been doing a great job in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has shown great promise with the bat as he also slammed a magnificent century and helped the team tackle the trouble. 
But it's fair to say that the quality of the ball still has been lacking. Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn't been the best with the ball and hasn't bowled well, which has put an extra burden on Jasprit Bumrah, who has bowled around 140 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat - Sunil Gavaskar</h2>
Amid the debate around all-rounder, Sunil Gavaskar has suggested the name of Venkatesh Iyer, claiming that he can be a fine all-rounder for the team. He also pointed out that he played in the county. Writing in his column, he explained: 
"India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat. His bowling too can do with some work, but he has played in England and can be a very good option to have there," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. 
Venkatesh Iyer has already made his India debut, having played two ODIs and nine T20Is. He also played for Lancashire in the England summer earlier this year.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette">Indian Cricket: Team India's full Test Cricket schedule in 2025, they will face these teams</a>

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket.