ENGvsIND 2nd Test: Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah to attend Lords Test Match between India and England.



ENGvsIND 2nd Test: After the shameful completion of the first test match at the Trent Bridge, where rain and thick dark clouds occasionally played spoilsport and forced the match to end in a draw, the second test at Lord?s is going to be crucial for India and England. Both the teams are reported to have moved to London on Monday to prepare for the second test match at Lord?s, starting 12th August.?



Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw, who joined the Indian squad on August 3, remained back at Trent Bridge to complete their ten days quarantine. The duo will be given clearance to join the Indian squad at Lord?s on 13th August and subsequently begin their practice.



With nine days gap between the second and third test match, Suryakumar Yadav and Shaw will get ample opportunities to get into the groove and be match ready by the start of the third test.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/predicting-top-5-run-scorer-of-the-england-vs-india-five-matches-test-series/">ENGvsIND: Predicting Top 5 Run-Scorer Of The England Vs India Five Matches Test Series</a>



<h2>Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah to attend India vs England Test Match:</h2>



The reports from Times of India also suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly will attend the Lord?s Test between India and England. Ganguly is all set to board a flight on Tuesday, August 10th for the UK to attend the match at the home of cricket.



The report also indicates that BCCI secretary Jay Shah along with treasurer Arun Dhumal and Vice President Rajeev Shukla are also likely to be present at some point during entire India vs England five matches test series.



With the UK government shifting India from a red list to an amber list on August 8, the travel between the two nations has become easy. All the travellers who are fully vaccinated as per the UK health protocols will be exempted from the mandatory 10 days quarantine.?



The Indian authorities were earlier expected to attend the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton, however, the travel restrictions and quarantine issues forced the officials to back out from the decision. Now the rules have been relaxed, it has become much easier to attend the matches in England.



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ENGvsIND 2nd Test: Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah to attend Lords Test Match between India and England

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ENGvsIND 2nd Test: Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur doubtful for Lord?s test due to hamstring injury.



ENGvsIND 2nd Test: Team India?s multi-dimensional all-rounder Shardul Thakur is doubtful for the second test match between India and England at Lord?s after sustaining a hamstring niggle.?



Thakur came in as a surprise element in the first test match at Trent Bridge and played a crucial role in troubling the English batters. He scalped two wickets for 41 runs in the first innings while 2 for 37 runs in the second essay.?



India could bring ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin if Thakur fails to make a recovery on time for the second test which begins on 12th August at the home of cricket Lords.



In another injury scare, English pacer Stuart Broad is also likely to get ruled out of the second test match due to a right calf niggle, triggered during the warm-up at Lord?s cricket ground.



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?England seamer Stuart Broad has tweaked his right calf in today?s warm-up at Lord?s," ECB said in a statement.



?He was unable to train this afternoon with the rest of the England squad. Broad will have a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of his injury."



Joe Root-led England is already grappling with a string of injuries and an injury to Stuart Broad can put them in trouble. Earlier Jofra Archer was completely ruled out for the entire year while all-rounder Ben Stokes has taken an indefinite break to support his mental wellbeing amid dire times.?



As per the reports, If Broad gets ruled out following the scans, express pacer Mark Wood can come in his place for the second Test match against India.



The second test between India and England begins on Thursday, 12th August at the Home of Cricket Lord?s.



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ENGvsIND 2nd Test: Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur doubtful for Lord?s test due to hamstring injury

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ENGvsIND: KL Rahul?s name inked on Lord?s Honour Board during England vs India 2nd Test.



ENGvsIND: Day one of the England vs India second test match at Lords has been a fruitful one for Indian cricket. The openers managed to make a strong mark on the first day itself and are going strong.



The Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul gave the visitors a blistering start to the innings after playing cautiously during the first hour or so. Sharma, who scored the bulk of runs during the first two sessions went on to register his first-ever half-century in the Lord's cricket ground and was advancing towards his first overseas test hundred.



Rohit Sharma was dismissed 17 shy of his what could have been a sensational century at the Home of Cricket by an absolute clutter that nipped back into shattering the stumps. The opener scored 83 runs from 145 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and a six.



At one end, it was the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, which disappointed Indian fans, while KL Rahul, who played second fiddle to Rohit, now took the charge after his partner?s dismissal.



KL Rahul took the advantage of the start India got and the bright sky as he plundered a tremendous century on day 1 of second England vs India test match at the Mecca of Cricket.



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The cricketer is still unbeaten at 127 runs from 248 deliveries and smacked 12 fours and a six until now.



With the ton, KL Rahul becomes the latest Indian batsman to have his name inscribed in the luxurious honour board of the Lord's cricket ground.?



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Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar got their names inked in the honour board during the 2014 India tour of England.



Every time a batsman scores a century or more or a bowler picks five or more wickets in the Lord's cricket ground, their names are written on the honour boards.



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ENGvsIND: KL Rahul?s name inked on Lord?s Honour Board during England vs India 2nd Test

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ENGvsIND: English Fans threw champagne corks at KL Rahul during Day 3 of Lord?s Test.



ENGvsIND: An unruly incident took place during day three of the India vs England Lords Test match as some fans at the stadium decided to throw champagne corks at KL Rahul.



The incident took place during the 69th over of England?s inning when a few English fans decided to throw corks towards Indian opening batsman KL Rahul who was fielding at third man. Initially, the visuals looked confusing due to lack of clarity, however, proper replay after the over revealed that the Indian cricketers were left frustrated with the gesture of the crowd.



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Intdian skipper Virat Kohli intervened in the matter as he signalled KL Rahul to throw it back towards the fans.



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The incident wasn't the first time when English fans decided to engage with the Indian cricketers. During the first test match at Nottingham, the supporters from the English side racially abused the Indians.



England?s skipper Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow did commendable work in the middle by frustrating the Indian bowling attack. The duo stitched over a 100 runs partnership to move close to the Indian total.



While Root is still in the middle, Mohammad Siraj picked the wicket of Jonny Bairstow. The wicketkeeper-batsman returned after scoring 57 from 107 balls.?



The English skipper, as of now, has completed his century and is going strong at the moment. He is playing unbeaten at 104 from 201 deliveries as Jos Buttler has come to give him company.



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Virat Kohli led team India are 123 runs ahead in the innings. Young Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj picked up three wickets and Mohammad Shami scalped one to reduce England to 243* for 4 in 82 overs.



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ENGvsIND: English Fans threw champagne corks at KL Rahul during Day 3 of Lord?s Test

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ENGvsIND: Watch Virat Kohli engage in a heated conversation with England pacer James Anderson.



ENGvsIND: Indian skipper Virat Kohli and English ace pacer James Anderon got engaged in a heated argument during day four of the England vs India Lord's test match. Kohli, while batting on 10 runs, was heard calling his English counterpart James Anderson, ?this isn't your backyard,? as he was running in the middle of the pitch.



Some fans associated it with the incident that happened last evening when James Anderson was allegedly swearing at Bumrah. 27 years old Jasprit Bumrah had delivered a really nasty over to James Anderson on day three, consisting of bouncers and pin-point yorkers, which initiated the heat between the two players.



The video down below shows one of the exchanges of words between Indian skipper Virat Kohli and English pacer James Anderson.



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It is noteworthy that Anderson, 39 years old, sent back the Indian skipper on a golden duck during the first test at Trent Bridge, however, Kohli looked much more comfortable to face the pacer during his short stay in the ongoing Lord?s test match.



Kohli scored 20 runs from 31 balls in his recent outing with the help of four boundaries before he was dismissed by all-rounder Sam Curran. This was one of the rare instances of Virat Kohli losing his concentration despite getting a good start to the innings.?



As of now, the match at Lord?s is equally poised with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane at the middle. India is 78 runs ahead of the home team in the loss of three wickets.?



Express England pacer Mark Wood picked up two wickets while all-rounder Sam Curran scalped one.



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ENGvsIND: [Watch] Virat Kohli engage in a heated conversation with England pacer James Anderson

watch-virat-kohli-engage-in-a-heated-conversation-with-james-anderson

ENGvsIND: Rohit Sharma will have to pick the right delivery for Pull shot: Vikram Rathore.



ENGvsIND: Team India's opener Rohit Sharma will have to be a little more selective with his instinctive pull/hook shot, says batting coach Vikram Rathore as the cricketer fell in the hook trap of England for the second time in the ongoing England test series.



Sharma definitely looked comfortable in whichever shot he played in this England series, however, his strength to play hook or pull shot has been his major disappointment as of now.



?There will be analysis, of course every-time they get out, we will be having a talk, what happened and what they were thinking while batting or while they played that shot," Rathour said at the virtual post-day press conference after the fourth day?s play.



?As far Rohit is concerned, I think he has made it clear that that is the shot which fetches him runs, that is the shot where he gets runs with, so he is going to play those shots and we are backing him to play those shots, only thing he needs to do is to be a little more selective, with what to play and when to play "



The senior opener was sent back by pacer Mark Wood in the second innings of the Lord?s test match with a well-directed short ball. It is noteworthy that Rohit had smacked a beautiful six off Mark Wood two balls prior to his dismissal in a short ball.



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Several experts after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma in the second test asked the cricketer to revisit his pull shot and restrict himself from playing such irresponsible shots.



Twitter has also thrashed the opener for playing a reckless shot off Mark Wood.?



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The second test is now evenly poised at the stumps on day four. India made 181 runs in the loss of six wickets and have a lead of 154 runs. Senior batsman Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a brilliant partnership during their stay in the middle. The former went six short of his half-century while the latter scored 61 runs.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-virat-kohli-engage-in-a-heated-conversation-with-james-anderson/">ENGvsIND: [Watch] Virat Kohli Engage In A Heated Conversation With England Pacer James Anderson</a>

ENGvsIND: Rohit Sharma will have to pick the right delivery for Pull shot: Vikram Rathore

rohit-sharma-will-have-to-pick-right-delivery-for-pull-shot-vikram-rathore

ENGvsIND: Team India inks history at Lord?s against England amid on-field tension and heat.



ENGvsIND: Virat Kohli led Indian outfit convincingly managed to outplay the hosts in the second Lord?s test match last night. With the win by 151 runs in the second test, India became the only second test team in the world to declare the third innings of a test match on day five and bundle out the opposition on the same day to seal a victory. Earlier, New Zealand did this against Sri Lanka in 1984.



The match that looked evenly poised at some stage on the fifth day was bagged by the Indians. The heat and tension between the innings played a crucial role in distracting the home team as they wanted to revenge, however, the Indians used it to their own advantage. There were a few instances when England showed a fierce attitude towards Indian tale-enders while the same was seen when England came to bat on day five.



India?s tale, sustaining the anger and frustration from the Englishmen amassed almost 100 runs to take the Indian lead over 250 runs. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami returned unbeaten as the duo plundered 34 and 56 respectively in the third innings on day five.



The Indian skipper declared Indian innings with 60 overs left in the day's play. England was given a target of 272 runs to win the match and India needed 10 wickets to seal the match in their favour.?



<h2>Indian pacers picking up all 10 wickets inside 60 overs:</h2>



Indian pacers came up with a perfect start as Jasprit Bumrah picked up Rory Burns and Mohammad Shami picked Dom Sibley in their first overs of the innings.



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Haseeb Hameed and skipper Joe Root stitched a little partnership, however, a bowling change from Kohli to bring in Ishant Sharma fetched Indians the wicket of Hameed. Ishant Sharma again came to send back Jonny Bairstow just in the last ball before the tea.



In quick succession, Joe Root was also dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah and England were on a complete back foot. The opposition anyhow wanted to save the match as the win was too far from their hands.



Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali almost did the job for the hosts as the two were blocking brilliantly, however, a magic delivery from Mohammad Siraj, who was brought back into the attack, dismissed Ali.



Siraj, high in his celebrations, faced another left-hander from the same end in the very next delivery after the wicket of Moeen Ali, he picked up Sam Curran on a golden duck. England was reduced to 90 in the loss of seven wickets.



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The only hope England had were from wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and pacer Ollie Robinson. The two raised English hopes a little bit, however, a slower ball from Jasprit Bumrah to Ollie Robinson did the trick as the batter was given out overturning Richard Illingworth?s decision after the Indians asked for the review.



Mohammad Siraj picked Jos Buttler in the next over as all hopes shattered from the English camp. To end the show, the man, Siraj dismissed James Anderson convincingly to win the match by a huge 151 runs and receive the required WTC points.



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India went up 1-0 in the five-match test series after two games and the third test will follow from Leeds, starting August 25.



KL Rahul was adjudged as the man of the match for his handsome century at Lord?s cricket ground in the first innings.



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ENGvsIND: Team India inks history at Lord?s against England amid on-field tension and heat

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per the reports in News 18, has finalised the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The governing body soon will be making the official announcement as the deadline for the squad announcement is around the corner. 
As per the reports, it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be captaining the India team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The senior batter will be opening the innings for the team in the tournament along with Shubman Gill, who of late has been India's best batter in the ODIs. 
Along with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the third opener for the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The left-hander is yet to make his debut for the team in the ODIs, but having been extremely successful in Tests and T20Is, he is likely to ace this format. 
The middle-order batters for India will see Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. The duo were the backbone of the team in the ICC World Cup 2023 and were one of the main reasons behind the team reaching the final. They would be keen to emulate the same this time around as well and help a team win. 
India will be entering the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with two keepers in the team. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be performing the role for the team in the tournament. The two will be fighting for a place in the XI and it remains to be seen who among them will make it. 
The likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be the three all-rounders in the Indian side for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Along with Jadeja and Axar, Kuldeep Yadav will be the third spinner in the team for the tournament. 
India also be going with four seamers in the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the attack, while Mohammed Shami will be making a comeback after injury. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other two seamers in the team. 
<h2>India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 </h2>
Here's the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mohammed-shami-to-miss-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-pacer-provides-a-massive-fitness-update-/">Mohammed Shami to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Pacer provides a massive fitness update</a>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per the reports in News 18, has finalised the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finalised

india-s-squad-for-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-finalised-

The Indian Cricket Team suffered a humiliating 1-3 series defeat in the five-match 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus the Aussies and this defeat has made them suffer a huge loss. Not only did this series defeat cost the Rohit Sharma-led team the chance to qualify for the WTC Final, it also led them dropping down to the third position in the recently updated ICC Test-Team Rankings. The Men in Blue had qualified for two successive WTC Finals in 2021 &amp; 2023 but Rohit Sharma &amp; CO failed to qualify this time around, suffering embarrassing defeats versus New Zealand (NZ) &amp; Australia (AUS) in the bilateral Test-Series. 
<h2>Australia lead the ICC Test-Team Rankings </h2>
Talking about the Test Team Rankings, the Mighty Australians are sitting at the pole position with 126 rating points next to their name. On the other hand, after defeating the Shan Masood-led Pakistan in the two-match Test-Series, the South Africans have secured the second spot of the rankings with 112 rating points to their name. 
The Indian Team are sitting at the third position with 109 rating points after having a poor WTC Test-Cycle. Let us tell you that South Africa (RSA) and Australia (AUS) have successfully qualified for the 2023-25 WTC Final which will be taking place at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium and this fascinating contest will be played in June of this year.
Before competing in the two-match Test-Series versus the Shaheens, the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa were at the third position in the Test Team Rankings. But, Team India's 1-3 defeat versus the Kangaroos and then their easy 2-0 win over the Green Shirts helped them to snatch the 2nd spot of the rankings away from the Indian Team. 
Talking about other teams, the fifth spot of the rankings is occupied by England (ENG) who have 106 Rating Points to their name and New Zealand (NZ) and the others are quite far away from the top-5 ranks. Fierce-Rivals of India, Pakistan are at the seventh position. 
<h2>Team India have failed to qualify for the WTC Final for the very 1st time</h2>
When the first even World Test Championship (WTC) final was played in 2021, Team India had locked horns versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand (NZ). However, much to dismay of the Indian fans, the Virat Kohli-led team had to face an embarrassing defeat as the Kiwis secured a comfortable eight-wicket win and lifted the WTC Test-Mace for the very first time. 
The Men in Blue then qualified for then qualified for yet another WTC Final in 2023 where they faced the Mighty Aussies but even in that game, they had to suffer a defeat as the Pat Cummins-led team won by a margin of 209 runs. This time around, it's going to be the first time ever in the history of the competition that a Final will be played without the participation of the Indian Team.
<h2>Updated ICC Test-Team Rankings</h2>
<table class="ds-w-full ds-table ds-table-md ds-table-auto" style="width: 100.732%;">
<thead class="ds-bg-fill-content-alternate ds-text-left">
<tr class="">
<th class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">Position</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 28.1356%;">Team</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">Matches</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">Points</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">Rating</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody class="">
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">1</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Australia</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">36</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4531</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">126</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">2</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">India</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">39</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4248</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">109</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">3</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">South Africa</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">27</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2932</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">109</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">4</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">England</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">46</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4815</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">105</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">5</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">New Zealand</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">33</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">3216</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">97</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">25</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2271</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">91</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">7</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Pakistan</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">27</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2225</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">82</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">8</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">West Indies</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">29</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2184</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">75</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">9</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Bangladesh</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">29</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">1884</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">65</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">10</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Ireland</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">5</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">131</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">11</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Afghanistan</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">112</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">19</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">12</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Zimbabwe</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">0</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

The ICC has released it's latest updated Test Team Rankings and Team India has suffered a setback following their defeat in the BGT series. South Africa have made an advancement in the rankings

ICC Test Rankings: India face a setback in the rankings after the defeat in BGT, Australia & South Africa make advancements

icc-test-rankings-india-face-a-setback-in-the-rankings-after-the-defeat-in-bgt-australia-south-africa-make-advancements

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been giving his best to return to cricket. The pacer has faced a lot of setbacks, and there is now massive speculation if he will be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in February-March this year. 
Mohammed Shami, who faced an ankle injury during the ICC World Cup 2023, missed a lot of cricketing action including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as well as the T20 World Cup 2024. However, after completing the rehab, the fast bowler finally made his comeback in domestic cricket. 
Mohammed Shami played for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He featured in one game and looked in a great rhythm. With the way he bowled, it was also certain that he would play a part for India at some stage in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. But that wasn't meant to as the NCA wasn't convinced with his fitness. 
Mohammed Shami then featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 for Bengal and made a solid impact for the Team in the white-ball tournament as well. The fast bowler was reportedly fit to play the last two games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. But he faced another setback. 
Mohammed Shami had swelling in their knees, and it made BCCI release the official statement about the pacer. They revealed the fresh injury, saying that the fast bowler will be missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the medical team will monitor his progress, and he will be working at the National Cricket Academy. 
However now, Mohammed Shami has provided a fitness update about himself. The fast bowler returned to the nets and was seen bowling at full throttle. The pacer posted a video about himself in which he was seen bowling in the nets at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. 
Mohammed Shami looked in fine rhythm as he was seen bowling with accurate accuracy. The pacer hit the stumps on target and it gives a clear indication that he might be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI reportedly is monitoring him, and there are high chances that he might play the tournament. 
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-predicted-rcb-playing-xi-and-top-3-combos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> IPL 2025: Predicted RCB Playing XI and Top 3 Combos</a>
<h2>Watch: Mohammed Shami returns to action, bowls in full throttle in nets</h2>

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been giving his best to return to cricket.

Mohammed Shami to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Pacer provides a massive fitness update

mohammed-shami-to-miss-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-pacer-provides-a-massive-fitness-update-

We are just five weeks away from the start of the ICC Champions Trophy. This will be the ninth edition of the ICC event, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE with the top 8 teams taking part in it, including Team India.
The Men in Blue are part of Group A, which also have Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. India will start the campaign on February 20, with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai. India are likely to announce their provision squad by January 12. This will be the first major ICC tournament for Gautam Gambhir as head coach.
India won the T20 World Cup 2024, and the expectation from the team will be very high. But there are a few things that they need to plan. One of them is the opening combination for the team. Hence, we will talk here about three possible opening combinations that India can try for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
<h2>Three Opening Combinations India can Opt for the Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
1. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
The pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is likely to be the first-choice opening duo that will start the innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These two have been batting together since 2023 and had great numbers. As a pair, they have played in 25 innings and scored 1732 runs at an average of 72.16. They have five hundred and eleven 50-run stands between the two. India will look at them as the first-choice opening duo.
2. Rohit Sharma and Yashavi Jaiswal
Being captain, Rohit Sharma is almost a certainty at the top, irrespective of his current form. That's where India can try to change his partner. Yashavi Jaiswal has been in excellent form in the last year or so and scored the most runs for India in the BGT 2024-25. He is a flamboyant opener who likes to take on the bowling. Rohit and Jasiwal have opened the innings for India in Tests, and it has been successful. This also gives India a left-hand and right-hand option at the top.
3. Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill
Rohit is not in his best form, but it doesn't mean that he won't be part of the playing XI. One thing, India can try to make some changes in the batting order. India will face Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in their group, and these teams have good left-arm pacers, which has been a weakness of Rohit. Hence, there is a possibility that India can try Jaiswal and Gill to open the innings. Both are young and complete each other in many ways. Jaiswal is attacking, and Gill is a traditional striker of the ball.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-s-and-rohit-sharma-s-form-a-worry-for-india-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025-here-s-how-these-two-have-performed-in-ct-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's form a worry for India ahead of Champions Trophy 2025? Here's how these two have performed in CT history</a>

India will open their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a match against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

3 Dynamic Opening Combinations India can try in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

3-dynamic-opening-combinations-india-can-try-in-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025

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

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