The Border Gavaskar Trophy begins on February 9, 2023. Both teams will be looking to give their best in this test. The Australian cricket team is coming off an elite WTC cycle. Their cycle started with the Ashes, where they washed away the England cricket team. Further, they visited a few nations and crushed them to defeat. not that they will be hosted by India. In the past 10 years, India has lost only 2 test matches in the country. One of them is the Pune Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2017. So, Australia has been a tough contender. Here is a look at the 3 players' battles to watch out for:&nbsp;



<h2>David Warner VS Ravichandran Ashwin will be a Key Battle in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023:&nbsp;</h2>



Ravichandra Ashwin has a feast over the left-handers. One of the top left-handers on the planet is David Warner. Ravichandran Ashwin has enjoyed decent success against Warner. He has managed to get the wicket of the ?Pocket-Size Dynamite? 10&nbsp;times in international cricket. Here is a look at the batsmen who have been dismissed by Ashwin the greatest number of times. We notice that the ones at the top are all left-handers:&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Batter Name&nbsp;</td><td>Country&nbsp;</td><td>Number of Dismissals&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Ben Stokes&nbsp;</td><td>England&nbsp;</td><td>11&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>David Warner&nbsp;</td><td>Australia&nbsp;</td><td>10&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Alastair Cook&nbsp;</td><td>England&nbsp;</td><td>9&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Ed Cowan&nbsp;</td><td>Australia&nbsp;</td><td>7&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>James Anderson&nbsp;</td><td>England&nbsp;</td><td>7&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



But Warner?s trike rate has improved in the past few years and his skill to negotiate with off-spinners has also improved. Hence it will be great to see the battle between one of the best openers on the planet and one of the best off-spinners that the game has ever witnessed. The Border Gavaskar Trophy will be graced with this contest.



<h2>Virat Kohli VS Pat Cummins will be a Key Battle in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023:&nbsp;</h2>



Pat Cummins has made Virat Kohli look very mediocre in front of him. He has got his wicket quite a few times now. Every cricket fan awaits a contest between Stac and Kohli and it is Cummins who comes like an out-of-syllabus question. Pat Cummins has dismissed Kohli 9 times in international cricket. It is always that one delivery outside of off-stump that bothers Virat Kohli. At the same time, Kohli?s strike rate against Pat revolves around 90-95 against Pat. This number is pretty impressive in the context to test cricket. The Border Gavaskar Trophy will be graced with this contest.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/King-1.jpg" alt="Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023" class="wp-image-100982"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">King Kohli celebrating his 73rd International century (Twitter)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rohit Sharma VS Mitchell Starc:&nbsp;</h2>



Rohit Sharma going up against Mitchell Starc will be a real contest. It will be a bit difficult for Sharma as he has difficulty facing a left-arm pacer. Here are the stats of Rohit Sharma against left-arm pace since 2019:&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Stat&nbsp;</td><td>Value&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Matches&nbsp;</td><td>24&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Dismissals&nbsp;</td><td>6&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Strike Rate&nbsp;</td><td>85&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Average &nbsp;</td><td>24.3&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



But Rohit Sharma has something that neutralizes Starc?s biggest weapon. Starc?s biggest weapon is his chin music. When he bowls short balls, it becomes lethal. But Rohit is known for his pull shot. His game against fast short balls is elite. It is so good that Rohit sends the ball to the deep square leg or fine leg from the front foot itself. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rohit-Sharma-min.jpg" alt="Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023" class="wp-image-100870"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharma will be keen on neutralizing Mitchell Starc. IMG SRC: BCCI</figcaption></figure>



To know more go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-indian-squad-announced-for-the-first-two-tests-suryakumar-yadav-and-ishan-kishan-included/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-indian-squad-announced-for-the-first-two-tests-suryakumar-yadav-and-ishan-kishan-included/" rel="noreferrer noopener">India VS Australia 2023: Indian Squad Announced for the First Two Tests. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan Included.</a>



Read more such articles at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sa20-league-x-factor-players-from-each-team-best-players-in-sa20-league/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sa20-league-x-factor-players-from-each-team-best-players-in-sa20-league/" rel="noreferrer noopener">SA20 League: X-Factor Players from Each Team. Best Players in SA20 League.</a>



To know more go to the<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.bcci.tv/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> official website of the BCCI</a>. &nbsp;

Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023: Top 3 Key Battles to Watch Out for in India VS Australia Test Matches. ?

border-gavaskar-trophy-2023-top-3-key-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-australia-test-matches

Star batsman Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are traveling&nbsp;for spirituality. Since the focus of the entire Indian team is only on the ODI World Cup to be held this year, all the big players, including Virat Kohli, have been rested. Kohli and Anushka traveled&nbsp;to Rishikesh. They both arrived at&nbsp;Swami Dayanand Saraswati's ashram at this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received spiritual guidance from Swami Dayanand. 



Prime Minister Modi's spiritual mentor was Swami Dayanand. In order to meet with Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the PM personally traveled to his ashram in Sheesham Jhari, Rishikesh. Kohli and Anushka initially visit Dayanand Saraswati's grave before arriving at his ashram, they also spent 20 minutes in meditation.



Later, Swami Sakshatkrita Nand Maharaj, the head of the Dayanand Ashram, bestowed his blessings on Kohli and Anushka as well. He will spend the night in the ashram. Apart from that, all three consumed food that was made in the ashram kitchen. All three of them ate bread, vegetables, khichdi, and curries throughout this time.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1620306169188483072
</div></figure>



Prior to the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli also went on a visit to Vrindavan with Anushka and Vamika. All three of them received Shri Parmanand ji's blessings at Vrindavan during this time. Kohli put on an incredible performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka after his return from Vrindavan. He will now take part in the Australian Test series.



<h2>India's squad for the first two Tests against Australia</h2>



Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), R.K. Ashwin, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.



<h2>Schedule of Border Gavaskar Trophy</h2>



<ul>
<li>First Test: February 9 to 13, Nagpur</li>



<li>Second Test: February 17 to 21, Delhi</li>



<li>Third Test: March 1 to 5, Dharamsala</li>



<li>Fourth Test: March 9 to 13, Ahmedabad</li>
</ul>



Don't Miss: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-schedule-test-odi-team-time-table-squad-matches-live-streaming-complete-details/">India vs Australia 2023 Schedule Test &amp; ODI, Team, Time Table, Squad, Matches, Live Streaming Complete Details</a>.

IND vs AUS: Kohli-Anushka reached Rishikesh before the Border Gavaskar Trophy

ind-vs-aus-kohli-anushka-reached-rishikesh-before-the-border-gavaskar-trophy

Every time Ishan Kishan walks out to bat, the commentators seem to pull out a few familiar phrases out of their vocabularies: "Pocket-sized Dynamite", "Explosive Opener", "Dangerous Batter" etc. Though clich?d and grossly overused, there is a reason why the left hander is described using those particular expressions. 



Anybody who's watched an Ishan Kishan special - like <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-bangladesh-3rd-odi-match-report-ishan-kishans-phenomenal-double-century-helps-india-get-a-consolation-win/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this one recently</a> in Bangladesh - knows how menacing he can be. Yet, when you look at his numbers, they paint an image that is the complete opposite. Having said that, Team India seems to have put an immense amount of faith in the wicketkeeper-batsman. Kishan has been a regular in the T20 team for a while now. After his double century against Bangladesh, he is undoubtedly expected to be given a rope in the ODIs. And with <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-ruled-out-from-cricket-for-most-of-2023-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rishabh Pant missing</a>, he's also got a <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-indian-squad-announced-for-the-first-two-tests-suryakumar-yadav-and-ishan-kishan-included/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">call-up for the Test team</a>.



He is young, left-handed, can bat anywhere in the order and keep wickets. Furthermore, he has also been a successful captain at the U19 level. It's a package that, despite India's bountiful resources of talent, is not easily available. However, are we looking at more smoke than fire?



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#has-ishan-kishan-been-overvalued-by-team-india">Has Ishan Kishan been overvalued by team India?</a></li><li class=""><a href="#kishan-in-t-20-is-a-em-not-so-explosive-em-opener">Kishan in T20Is: A 'not so explosive' opener</a></li><li class=""><a href="#kishan-in-od-is-satisfactory-or-skewed-by-one-innings">Kishan in ODIs: Satisfactory or skewed by one innings?</a></li><li class=""><a href="#kishans-selection-in-the-test-squad">Kishan's selection in the Test squad</a></li><li class=""><a href="#so-is-kishan-being-overrated-by-team-india">So, Is Kishan being overrated by team India?</a></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 id="has-ishan-kishan-been-overvalued-by-team-india">Has Ishan Kishan been overvalued by team India?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"All that glitters is not gold."
<cite>- Popular Saying</cite></blockquote>



He is into just the second year of his international career and a few times already, he's sparkled. But with a talent pool as big as India's, putting on a show once in a while isn't good enough. The loud inconsistency depicted by his numbers begs the question, "Is he actually gold or just glitter?"



Here is a look at Kishan's performances across formats:-



<h2 id="kishan-in-t-20-is-a-em-not-so-explosive-em-opener">Kishan in T20Is: A 'not so explosive' opener</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_1280,q_80/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/349400/349440.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A strike rate of just 113.62 in the powerplay tells you that Kishan is a slow starter. (<a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ishan-kishan-720471/photos">Image Source</a>) ? Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Ishan Kishan's overall record in T20Is:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"> 27</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">653</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">25.11</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">122.74</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">100s/50s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0/4</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest Score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">89 (56)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan's overall record in T20I</figcaption></figure>



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While there should be no complains about a batter averaging 25 in T20Is, it's the strike rate that is disappointing. An "explosive opener" is expected to make the most of the powerplay, which Kishan clearly hasn't been able to. In fact, his strike rate in the power play plummets to 113.62. Here's a look at his numbers in the powerplay:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">26</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">392</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Balls Faced</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">345</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dot Ball%</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">52.46%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">113.62</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">4s/6s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">47/14</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan in powerplay in T20Is</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



That tells you that more often than not Kishan starts sedately and makes up for it afterwards. However, for a long time now, he hasn't quite been able to notch up a big innings. His last fifty was 15 matches ago and this is how his record looks like since:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">14</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">200</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">14.28</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">105.26</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest Score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">37(29)</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">4s/6s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">19/9</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan since his last T20I fifty</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Surely those numbers aren't good enough to keep your place in the side, let alone with openers like Shaw and keepers like Samson and Jitesh waiting in the wings.



<h2 id="kishan-in-od-is-satisfactory-or-skewed-by-one-innings">Kishan in ODIs: Satisfactory or skewed by one innings?</h2>



Ishan Kishan's ODI record:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">12</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">507</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">46.09</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">107.18</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">100s/50s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">1/3</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest Score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">210(131)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan's overall record in ODIs</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



His ODI record looks far more handsome. The fact that he's been floated up and down the order as per team's requirements, makes it even prettier. But how much of it is skewed by that one mammoth innings against Bangladesh? What happens when we take that innings out? This is how his record looks without the double century knock:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">11</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">297</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">29.70</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">86.84</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">100s/50s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">0/3</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">93(84)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan's ODI record without the double century innings</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



As you can see, the record plummets to fairly ordinary numbers. Although one can argue that the sample size is not huge; and after all, this is after we've cherry-picked and taken out his best innings. Yet, there is a counter argument to that. And that is Kishan's List A record.



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">90</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">3056</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">38.20</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">94.00</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">100s/50s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">5/15</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest Score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">210(131)</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan's List A record</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Again, a modest record without anything remarkable really. And as a matter of fact, 90 games is a huge sample size even if the first of those was played back when he was a 15 year old. 



<h2 id="kishans-selection-in-the-test-squad">Kishan's selection in the Test squad</h2>



Even with his numbers imploring that inconsistency is consistent with Kishan, you understand why teams tend to rate him well in white ball cricket. It is because when he gets going he can single-handedly obliterate opposition's attacks and win you matches. However, his selection in the Test team against Australia is bewildering and unfathomable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_1280,q_80/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/351000/351000.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan has played just 4 Ranji Trophy matches over last 3 seasons. He didn't keep wickets in the 2022/23 season. ?PTI</figcaption></figure>



With Rishabh Pant unavailable, KS Bharat - who is largely considered the best gloveman in the country - is expected to take his spot. Bharat, pretty much like Wridhimann Saha, is not the best batter who can keep wickets, but purely the best wicketkeeper. And it makes sense to pick him. After all, you need a skilled keeper on turning tracks and the fact that Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar can bat will allow India to include him in the XI. 



Yet, it's hard to understand why would you pick Ishan Kishan as his backup? Here is a look at Kishan's first-class record:-



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Innings</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">82</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Runs</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2985</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Average</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">38.76</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Strike Rate</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">69.80</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">100s/50s</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">6/16</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Highest Score</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">273</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ishan Kishan's first class record</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Neither is Kishan the best keeper in the country, nor is his batting record worth turning heads. In fact, the Jharkhand southpaw has only played a total of 4 Ranji Trophy matches across last 3 seasons: Two in 2019/20, none in 2021/22 and again two in 2022/23. Moreover, in the two matches he played this season, he didn't even keep wickets. 



Now compare that to, say, Akshay Wadkar who averages 53.31 across 60 first class innings and has been Vidarbha's first choice keeper. (Not to forget the first Test is at Nagpur, Vidarbha's home ground). Or Sheldon Jackson, who averages 48.79 with the bat and is a far superior gloveman. 



Perhaps, the selectors wanted a player in the mould of Pant: left handed dasher who can take the game on and turn it on its head. Howbeit, there is the difference of day and night in the first class records of Pant and Kishan.



<h2 id="so-is-kishan-being-overrated-by-team-india">So, Is Kishan being overrated by team India?</h2>



Sports can be funny at times. I am pretty sure, a lot of articles along the same lines were written for Rohit Sharma as well as Ravindra Jadeja at the beginning of the last decade. Both of them, metamorphosed into players who can walk into any international XI today. Similarly, there is little doubt about Kishan's talent and potential. Albeit, it would not be wrong to say that he hasn't quite delivered as per expectations yet. In the upcoming months, he will have the opportunities to set that right. Though, with many people biting at his heels, those opportunities will diminish fast.

Is Ishan Kishan being overrated? Should he play all 3 formats for India?

is-ishan-kishan-being-overrated

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

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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.....

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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

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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

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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.

Not Hardik Pandya or Nitish Reddy, Sunil Gavaskar wants this fast-bowling all-rounder for Tests

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After the end of the 2025 IPL Mega-Auction, a lot of teams have strengthened their respective batting units. The dominance of the batters is going to increase even more this time around in the Biggest T20 tournament in the entire world and it's going to be really interesting to see which teams walks out on to the field with the strongest batting unit. 
Every year, the batsmen create new records in the IPL and now the runs figure of 250 is looking pretty common these days. Not just this, scoring centuries has also become pretty common for the batters. In such a situation, let's take a look at 3 teams who have the strongest batting-unit in IPL 2025
<h3>Three IPL Teams who have the strongest batting-unit in IPL 2025:</h3>
<h3>1. Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad will once again walk out on the field in the IPL with the strongest batting unit. The likes of Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen are a part of the squad of SRH and these players have the potential in them to dominate any opposition bowling unit. 
While Kishan is a new addition, the other four players were a part of the Hyderabad team in the previous edition of the tournament too and they wrecked havoc in the 2024 edition of the IPL as they crossed the 260 run mark twice verus the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and five time winners Mumbai Indians (MI).The presence of these four players and the addition of hard hitting Indian batter Ishan Kishan makes the IPL 2024 runners-up a force to reckon with. 

<h3>2. Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
IPL 2024 winners and reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are blessed to have a solid and a strong batting unit ahead of IPL 2025. The presence of the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock and Ajinkya Rahane can target any bowler from the word go. The aggressive batting nature of Gurbaz, De Kock, Narine and Venky Iyer along with the solid middle order presence of the duo of Russell and Rinku make the team of KKR look like a complete and a really formidable one. The Reigning Champs are surely going to be a dangerous side to bowl against.

<h4>3. Delhi Capitals </h4>
After the conclusion of the 2025 IPL Mega-Auction, the Delhi Capitals managed to include some really incredible batters in their squad which consists of the likes of KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Jack Fraser McGurk and Harry Brook. Besides them, the presence of experienced all-rounder Axar Patel provides a lot of stability to their middle-order. This time around, the Delhi franchise have set up themselves as a batting-heavy team, which will create a lot of difficulties for the opposition bowlers.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-csk-s-strongest-playing-11-if-conway-and-ravindra-miss-the-start-of-ipl-2025/">IPL: CSK's strongest Playing 11 if Conway and Ravindra miss the start of IPL 2025</a>

Many IPL teams have strengthened their squads after the end of the 2025 Mega-Auction and three teams have the strongest batting-unit ahead of IPL 2025. We will be taking a look at those three teams in this article.

IPL 2025: 3 Teams who have the strongest batting unit, they can blow away any bowling attack

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It has been a great year for India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, as he has been at the top of his game and has proved it in all three formats. The ace pacer played a big role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, winning the Player of the Tournament award. Bumrah has taken the most wickets in 2024 across all three formats.
But his best came in the red-ball cricket, where he has taken most wickets in 2024. That is why Cricket Australia (CA) has honored him and picked him as the captain of the Test XI of 2024. Interestingly, CA has not picked Pat Cummins and has picked Bumrah to lead the team.
CA has picked three English players, two each from Australia, India, and New Zealand, and a player each from South Africa and Sri Lanka. Apart from Bumrah, the Indian opener Yashavi Jaiswal also features in the exclusive Best Test XI by Cricket Australia.
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah picked as captain to lead Best Test XI of 2024 by Cricket Australia</h2>
Indian ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah led India in the first game of the ongoing BGT series in Perth and played a crucial role in winning. Hence, CA has picked Bumrah to lead this exclusive Test XI. The 31-year-old has taken 71 wickets in just 13 games at an average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.16, with five fifers.
Jaiswal and Ben Duckett have been picked to open the innings. Both left-handers had a tremendous year. Jaiswal has scored 1478 runs and is the second-highest scorer in 2024, while Duckett has scored 1149 and is below Jaiswal at three for this year. Former English captain Joe Root, who is leading the run scoring chart with 1556 runs in 17 tests, is picked to bat at no. 3.
<h2>Harry Brook to lead the middle-order batting in the Best Test XI by Cricket Australia</h2>
The middle order is filled with some exceptional performers. Harry Brook, who was the No. 1 ranked test batter, has scored 1100 runs this year in just 12 games with four centuries, including a triple hundred, and is at No. 4. He is followed by New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, who has 984 runs in 12 tests.
At no. 6, Sri Lanka's emerging star Kamindu Mendis, who became one of the fastest to reach 1000 test runs. Mendis has scored 1049 runs in just nine tests, with five centuries and three half-centuries. Australia's Alex Carey is picked as the wicketkeeper, who has scored 440 runs in nine tests.
Bumrah will lead the team. The other two pacers are England's Gus Atkinson and New Zealand's Matt Henry. Atkinson has taken 52 wickets in 11 tests, while Henry has taken 48 wickets in nine tests. South Africa's Keshav Maharaj is the only spinner in the team, who has 35 wickets in seven tests.
Cricket Australia's Best Test XI of 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Kamindu Mendis, Alex Carey (wk), Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Keshav Maharaj
Also 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>

Cricket Australia announced the Best Test XI of 2024, picking two Indian players. Jasprit Bumrah has been picked as the captain of the team.

Cummins dropped as Jasprit Bumrah to lead as Cricket Australia released Best Test XI of 2024

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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

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The Indian Men's National Cricket Team is currently in Australia where they are taking part in the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Post the conclusion of the Australian tour, they will head back to Indian where they will be participating in a limited-overs Bilateral Series versus England, which will consist of five T20 International contests and three One Day International games. 
Ahead of England's tour of India, a big update has come out regarding the three-match One Day International series and it says that the duo of Virat Kohli &amp; Rohit Sharma are not going play in the Odds versus the Three Lions. Besides these two players, elite seamer Jasprit Bumrah will also miss the ODI series. 
The One-Day International series versus the Three Lions is the Men in Blue's final series before the commencement of 2025 Champions Trophy and this series will be acting as a preparatory ground for the 2023 ODI World Cup runners-up. 
The White Ball assignment versus the Jos Buttler-led team will start from the 22nd of January, 2025 with the five-match Twenty-Twenty series. Then the 50-overs event of three games will kick off from the 6th of February, 2025.
It's worth noting that both Virat &amp; Rohit have retired from the shortest format of the game and both will be seen playing in just the One-Day International matches but now that seems very unlikely too.
According to a news report of Sports Tak, the trip of Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli &amp; Rohit Sharma will be missing the England ODI series due to the workload-management policy of the BCCI. Bumrah will also be absent from the England T20 International series. However, official updates regarding the trio's participation are yet to be revealed. 
<h2>The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will commence from the 19th of February</h2>
Let us tell you that the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will kick off from the 19th of February, 2025. On the other hand, the white ball series between England and India will end on the 12th of February. Champions Trophy (CT) will be played under the 'Hybrid-Model' policy.
While Pakistan will be acting as the host country of the tournament, the Men in Blue will be playing their CT fixtures in the city of Dubai, UAE. If the Rohit Sharma-led team manage to qualify for the knock out rounds and advance to the final too, then one Semi-Final and the all-important Final will be played in the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
Do Read:

India's Jasprit Bumrah (R) celebrates with teammate Virat Kohli (C) and captain Rohit Sharma after taking the wicket of Australia's captain Pat Cummins during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match between India and Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai | Image: Getty Images

The Trio of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are set to miss the England ODI series ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

IND vs ENG: Kohli and Rohit set to miss the England ODI series ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

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IND vs AUS: India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as they have won the last four editions and have a great record. Australia won the last BGT trophy back in 2014-15, but it looks like the long wait is all set to come to an end. After an emphatic win at the MCG, Australia are leading by 2-1.
They just need to win or draw the final test, which will help them to win the BGT trophy and also to qualify for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final. Australia have had great performance so far, and everyone has chipped in with valuable contributions.
The fifth and final test is all set to begin on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, ahead of the final game, Australia might suffer a big blow. Ace pacer Mitchell Starc can miss the game due to a fitness issue.
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: "Mitchell Starc is carrying something of some description"- Australian head coach Andrew McDonald</h2>
Australia had to find the replacement for Josh Hazlewood when he was ruled out ahead of the MCG test. Though they had Scott Boland, who did pretty well. But they can have a big headache if Mitchell Starc also gets ruled out of the final test. Australian head coach Andrew McDonald is optimistic about Starc's availability for the SCG test.
The 34-year-old looked in discomfort during the Boxing Day Test in the second innings. He left the field during Day 3 due to a niggle and was seen stretching his back a few times in India's second innings as well. However, the pacer kept pushing hard and played a crucial role in Australia's victory. He took the wicket of Virat Kohli in the second innings and bowled consistently with a good speed of over 140 km/h.
His inclusion is still a question, and McDonald said, "Clearly, Starc is carrying something of some description. We’ll assess that. There was clearly a bit of discomfort early in his spells, but once he warmed up, he seemed relatively free. His ball speeds were good."
Notably, Australia have the option to go for Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson if Starc gets unfit for the final game. These two pacers are with the team as backup options. Australia are one win away from regaining the BGT trophy and qualifying for the WTC final. So, they need Starc fully fit and at his best for the final game.
Also 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>

Mitchell Starc was seen in discomfort while bowling in the Boxing Day Test. He had a niggle, and his participating in the final test at the SCG is in doubt.