IND vs SA 1st T20I: Team India's stand-in captain, Suryakumar Yadav, for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa is eyeing to equal run-machine Virat Kohli's record in the T20Is. The batter will aim to surpass Virat Kohli in the list of players with 2000 T20I runs in the fewest innings as he takes guard in the opening T20I against South Africa in Durban. 



Notably, Virat Kohli is the fastest Indian batter to score 2000 international runs in the T20 format by taking just 56 innings. The second in the elite list is KL Rahul, who achieved this milestone in 58 innings, while Rohit Sharma is third in the order after he took 77 innings to complete 2000 runs.



Suryakumar Yadav is just 15 runs away from touching the magic number of 2000 runs in the T20Is. The sublime batter has amassed 1985 T20I runs in 55 innings and needs to score 15 or more in the first T20I against South Africa in Kingsmed, Durban.



The milestone is important as the other players in the elite list of fastest to score 2000 T20I runs are top-order batters, but Suryakumar Yadav is a middle-order batter, who is often kept safe until the last 5 overs of the innings. Interestingly, more than half of his runs have come at a strike rate of 165 in the middle orders.



The overall record is jointly held by Pakistan's opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have individually scored 2000 T20I runs in just 52 innings. Indian maestro batter Virat Kohli is third in the list followed by KL Rahul and Aaron Finch. 



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



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>No</td><td>Player</td><td>Country</td><td>Innings</td><td>Matches</td></tr><tr><td>01</td><td>Babar Azam</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>52</td><td>54</td></tr><tr><td>=</td><td>Mohammad Rizwan</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>52</td><td>63</td></tr><tr><td>03</td><td>Virat Kohli</td><td>India</td><td>56</td><td>60</td></tr><tr><td>04</td><td>KL Rahul</td><td>India</td><td>58</td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>05</td><td>Aaron Finch</td><td>Australia</td><td>62</td><td>62</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*As of December 10, 2023, ahead of IND vs SA 1st T20I.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IND vs SA 1st T20I: India's Likely Playing11</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/11/IND-vs-AUS-1st-T20I-2023-Surya-stormed-80-runs-1024x682.jpg" alt="IND vs SA 1st T20I: Suryakumar Yadav to break Virat Kohli's record of fastest Indian to 2000 T20I runs" class="wp-image-122893" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IND vs AUS 1st T20I 2023, India won the match by two wickets | Image Credit: X.com(Twitter)@BCCI</figcaption></figure>



When asked about Team India's possible combination for the first T20I against South Africa in Durban, the stand-in captain said the team has internally finalised the playing11 for the game. He asserted that the management is clear in its approach and understands what is required.



"We have the combination in mind. We know who is going to open tomorrow, and perhaps, will take a final call after the practice session today," said Suryakumar Yadav in the pre-match press conference for the IND vs SA 1st T20I.



The captain seems to be pleased with how his players have turned up after India's World Cup 2023 defeat. India got back to business with a five-match T20I series against Australia, a few days after India's painful defeat against Australia in the World Cup 2023 Final in Ahmedabad. 



"The players put their hands up against Australia and came up with fearless cricket, and we need to play the same against South Africa. I just told them (players) to do exactly what they do in franchise cricket," he remarked.



India's expected Playing11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rsa-vs-ind-1st-t20i-dream11-prediction-south-africa-vs-india-dream11-team-playing11-kingsmed-durban-pitch-report-india-tour-of-south-africa-2023-24/">RSA vs IND 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction, South Africa vs India Dream11 Team, Playing11, Kingsmed Durban Pitch Report | India tour of South Africa 2023-24</a>



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

IND vs SA 1st T20I: Suryakumar Yadav to break Virat Kohli's record of fastest Indian to 2000 T20I runs

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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Nitish Kumar Reddy has made history and has given India a hope to save or even win the ongoing Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Stadium. He struck his maiden Test ton which helped India save the follow-on and finish the day at 358/9. He became the 69th Indian batter to score a hundred on away soil.
His innings has kept India in the game, and the visitors have an outside chance. Nitish is unbeaten on 105 runs with 10 fours and one six. India are still trailing by 116 runs, but they are not far away. His century made the whole cricketing world praise him. He definitely silenced his critics who doubted his position in the playing XI.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Puma slams Sanjay Manjrekar for his remark on Nitish Kumar Reddy's place in Playing XI</h2>
Nitish Kumar Reddy came out to bat when India lost Rishabh Pant at 191/6. He stretched an important partnership of 127 runs with Washington Sundar (50) for the 8th wicket. From there, Reddy played a matured knock and took risks when required and played cautiously when the pressure was on. With his hundred he became the first Indian batter to score a hundred at no. 8 on Australian soil.
His performance has not just earned him praise but also shut down all the critics. Notably, ahead of the MCG test, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioned Reddy's place in the playing XI. He said, "Does Reddy add value to this Indian side? Can we expect 120 runs from a No. 8 batter or, say, a 7-wicket haul like Shardul Thakur? At this stage, his bowling isn’t good enough, and his batting is too early to consider him a batting all-rounder.”
He also pointed out that India need specialist batter in place of Reddy. And what came as a special performance, the 21-year-old went on to slam an incredible century. His hundred has numerous reactions off the field. Famous sportswear brand PUMA Cricket also had a cheeky response to Manjrekar's remark with a tweet featuring Nitish Kumar Reddy in a "finger of the lips" pose.
The post suddenly caught the attention of the fans and spread like the fire in the woods. Reddy made a big difference with his impeccable knock, and India will hope that he can add a few more runs on Day 4 to take India to close to Australia's first-inning score. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-qualification-scenario-how-can-india-qualify-if-the-boxing-day-test-ends-in-a-draw-/">WTC Qualification Scenario: How can India qualify if the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw?</a>

Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium to help India reach close to Australia's score.

Sportswear brand Puma slams Sanjay Manjrekar on "Nitish to be dropped" remark after Reddy's spectacular Boxing Day Ton 

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The Indian Men's National Cricket Team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma are currently taking part in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus the Mighty Australians in Australia and both teams are currently fighting it our against each other in the five-match Test-Series. 
Post the conclusion of the Australian tour, the Men in Blue will shift their focus towards their upcoming bilateral assignment versus England and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Alongside the squad for the Bilateral series verus the Three Lions, the country's Cricket Governing Body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also expected to announce the Indian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament. 
<h2>Schedule of the White-Ball series assignment versus England</h2>
The Men in Blue will kick off the white-ball assignment versus England with the five-match T20 International series which will kick off from the 22nd of January. Then both the teams will lock horns versus each other in the three-match One Day International series from the 6th of January.
The ODI series versus the 2019 ODI World Cup winners will act as a preparatory ground for the Men in Blue ahead of the Champions Trophy. Post the conclusion of England's tour of India, Rohit Sharma &amp; CO will immediately travel to Dubai. They will be kicking off their Champions Trophy 2025 (CT) campaign on the 20th of February versus the Bangladeshi Tigers.
<h2>Big players likely to get rested</h2>
According to the workload management policy of the BCCI, experienced players like Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to get rested for the T20 International series. Apart from them, the likes of Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also anticipated to be rested. 
Talking to Inside sport, a executive of BCCI said, "He (Jasprit Bumrah) has been playing Cricket continuously since the last 2 months. It's our priority to keep him fit for the 2025 Champions Trophy and IPL 2025 too. That's why, Bumrah will not be included in the T20 squad for the England series."
<h2>Probable T20 Squad of the Indian team versus England</h2>
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, T20 specialists will likely get selected in the squad. Players like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Sanju Samson will be getting the chance to showcase their skills. The duo of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, who have just returned from their respective injuries might also get selected to help them get ready for the Champions Trophy. 
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK) and Riyan Parag. 
<h2>Probable ODI Squad of the Indian team versus England</h2>
Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will be handling the leadership duties of the One-Day Team. The presence of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj are expected to increase the strength of the squad.
Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy and KL Rahul. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shaheen-afridi-neglected-the-orders-of-the-selectors-and-this-led-to-his-exclusion-from-the-test-team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shaheen Afridi neglected the orders of the selectors and this led to his exclusion from the Test Team</a>

Kuldeep Yadav of India celebrates the wicket of Liam Livingstone of England during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and England | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Team will be shifting their focus towards the England series and Champions Trophy post the conclusion of the 2024-25 BGT Series. It's likely the BCCI will announce the Champions Trophy squad along side the England white-ball series squads.

India vs England: Team India's predicted squad for the ODI and T20i series versus England

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India batter Nitish Kumar Reddy has made the whole country proud after his sensational innings with the bat in the fourth game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test ton, and it came at a time when India was under massive pressure. The all-rounder looked in terrific touch with the bat and didn't put a foot wrong, which brought the Rohit Sharma-led side back in the game with his incredible effort. 
Almost every Indian fan, as well as the Indian players, stood up and applauded the batter for his innings. This was because, being the 21-year-old, the all-rounder was better than almost every Indian batter and racked up ton in front of his family.
While his family was in tears, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, Ravi Shastri, was also in tears. The former Indian head coach was commentating, and Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his ton and was seen crying when the batter achieved his milestone. The video went viral, and you can see below the article. 
Coming to the match, India made a slight comeback on Day three of the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after being dominated for two days. Overnight batters Rishabh Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) did all the hard work in the first hour of day three after India resumed at 165 for five. 
However, after that both the batters perished with visitors under pressure at 221 for seven. It was then when Nitish Kumar Reddy (105*) and Washington Sundar (50) joined hands and bailed India out of trouble and put Australia under massive pressure. 
The Nitish-Washington duo added 127 runs to put Australia under pressure. While the Southpaw was back after a fifty, Nitish hit his maiden Test century as India ended Day three on high. At stumps, India was 358 for nine, trailing by 116 runs. 
The Indian team would be hoping that Nitish Kumar Reddy bats longer and helps his team reduce the deficit under 100. His innings tomorrow will be extremely important for the team in the context of the ongoing match.
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>
<h2>Watch: Ravi Shastri gets emotional as Nitish Kumar Reddy slams his maiden Test ton at MCG</h2>
Here is the video:

India batter Nitish Kumar Reddy has made the whole country proud after his sensational innings with the bat in the fourth game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Watch: Ravi Shastri left in tears as Nitish Kumar Reddy slams a magnificent century at MCG

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India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The right-hander became the third youngest player from India to hit a century in Australia. He joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant in the elite list.
Nitish Kumar Reddy came up with a blistering effort with the bat in Melbourne. When the chips were down, he came up with a magical effort and stood tall for his team when they needed him the most. The all-rounder bailed the team out of trouble and brought them back into the game. 
<h2>Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure</h2>
Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure, having lost both Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja early on Day two. The all-rounder proved his prowess with the bat as he hit the bowlers all over the park en route to his maiden century in the longest format of the game. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy showed great discipline and made sure that he took his team close to the total of Australia. His innings came at a time when India was facing the threat of follow-on as they had lost 7 wickets in no time, and the hosts were all over them. 
Nitish Reddy, along with Washington Sundar, made sure that India made a strong comeback and frustrated the Australian bowlers. While the left-hander slammed a glorious half-century, the right-hander went on to hit a blistering century in tough conditions. The duo together added 127 runs to stage the Indian comeback. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy, with his maiden ton, also became the first player from India to score a century in Australia while batting at No.8 in Tests. He would want to double his effort and take his team to a comfortable position. A lot of Indian hopes would be on him tomorrow, especially after his effort on day three.
Nitish was unbeaten at 105 runs at the stumps on Day three. He would be keen to add more runs to his tally and reduce the deficit under 100 runs, which is currently his 116 runs. It remains to be seen how much can he score on Day four.
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; becomes third  youngest Indian player to…

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India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has dropped a bombshell statement about his battle with Australia batter Sam Konstas. He said that the batter was interesting, and he was enjoying the battle and is looking forward to the next innings of the match. 
Jasprit Bumrah, who has been the best bowler for India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, was made look clueless by the 19-year-old Sam Konstas. The Australia debutant tackled the 'Bumrah' challenge brilliantly as, according to him, the attack was the best option to counter his challenge.
Sam Konstas brought his T20 style in the Tests as he hit Jasprit Bumrah for sixes and boundaries all over the park. It wasn't conventional shots but the batter was at his unorthodox best as he played reverse scoops and hit the fast bowler for runs all over the park. 
Jasprit Bumrah was hit for two sixes by Sam Konstas and it marked the first instance since 2018 when the fast bowler was hit for two sixes in the match. The pacer was taken out of attack in the first spell till the time the batter was back in the hut. 
<h2>He is an interesting batter - I always felt, I was in the game, some days, it pays off - Jasprit Bumrah on his battle with Sam Konstas </h2>
Talking about his battle with Sam Konstas, Jasprit Bumrah claimed that he has experienced a lot in his career and while calling the batter interesting batter, he said that he felt he was always in the game. He also stressed that when the batter fails, he will be criticised a lot. Speaking to 7 Cricket, he explained: 
"I have experienced a lot - played T20I cricket for more than 12 years - He is an interesting batter - I always felt, I was in the game, some days, it pays off, it looks good - some days, it won't and you guys will be criticizing the same person - I love different challenges and looking forward to new challenges". 
Sam Konstas raced away to his half-century in the game and ended with an inning of 60 runs. He set a great platform for the Australia team which allowed them to post a massive first innings total of 474 runs on the board. 
Jasprit Bumrah, on the other picked a four-wicket haul and gave away 99 runs. This was the first time in his career that he was taken for this many runs. He would be looking for a strong response in the second innings.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/how-much-is-virat-kohli-s-match-fee-what-will-he-get-after-a-20-percent-penalty-at-the-mcg-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How much is Virat Kohli's match fee? What will he get after a 20 percent penalty at the MCG?</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has dropped a bombshell statement about his battle with Australia batter Sam Konstas.

Jasprit Bumrah afraid of Sam Konstas? Fast bowler's 'interesting batter' comment goes viral

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After a rained-out draw at the Gabba in Brisbane, the ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India looks to be heading towards a draw. After the stumps on Day 3, India are 358/9, trailing by another 116 runs. The weather spoiled the play in the final sessions, and similarly there is a prediction of rain for the remaining two days.
Australia are currently ahead in the game and will look to take the remaining Indian wicket and have a good first-inning lead and bat early on Day 4. That is the only chance that they can try to force the result from this game. But as predicted by the weather forecast, there might be rain in the coming two days.
If it happens, it will eat the time out of this game, and the result will be very difficult. Hence, there is a chance that the Boxing Day Test can end in a draw. Well, both teams need this win to take an unassailable lead in the series and also to inch closer to a place in the World Test Championship. But what will happen if the game ends in a draw?
<h2>WTC Final Scenario: Here's how India can qualify for the final of the World Test Championship if the MCG test ends in a draw</h2>
Although India need to win the fourth and fifth tests to make a clear progression to the WTC final. But if in case the ongoing test ends in a draw, then the WTC final qualification scenario will be totally different. The draw at the MCG means that India will have to depend on the other teams.
Firstly, they need to win the fifth and final test at the SCG, and they will end with a scoreline of 2-1. Notably, Australia have two tests in Sri Lanka, and South Africa have two tests (one is underway) against Pakistan. If India win the BGT series 2-1, then they will hope that Sri Lanka can draw one of two tests against Australia or Pakistan beat South Africa in one game.
Secondly, if the BGT series ends at 2-2, then for India's qualification, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have to beat Australia and South Africa in both games. If the BGT series ends at a scoreline of 1-1, then the scenario will be Sri Lanka beating Australia in one game or Pakistan winning both matches against South Africa to help India qualify. Notably, if India lose the BGT series, they are out.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/nitish-kumar-reddy-scripts-history-breaks-multiple-records-with-his-boxing-day-ton-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; breaks multiple records with his Boxing Day Ton at MCG</a>

The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia are ahead, but India are fighting hard for survival.

WTC Qualification Scenario: How can India qualify if the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw?

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Fierce-rivals Australia and India are currently taking on each other in the fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and this match is being played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The superb performances of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar with the bat has helped the Men in Blue to get in a strong position on the 3rd day of the contest. 
From here on, the chances of Team India's win in the Melbourne Test have increased significantly. However, rain interruption was seen on the 3rd day of the contest and this has increased the threat of even more rain interruptions on the fourth and fifth days of the encounter. In this article, we will take a look at the weather reports of the fourth and fifth days of the fourth Test-Match which is currently being played in the city of Melbourne.
The third day of the Boxing-Day Test-Match was halted for some time due to rain after which the question started to raise among the fans that will the fourth and fifth days also get intervened by rainfall? Due to constant rainfall, the Gabba Test-Match ended as a draw. In such situation, keeping the World Test Championship Final qualification in mind for the Indian team, the rain can hamper their chances of qualifying for the title-deciding clash in June of next year. 
<h2>Weather forecast of the fourth and fifth days of the Melbourne Test-Match</h2>
According to the weather report of AccuWeather, the chances of rainfall intervening with the third day of the Melbourne Test-Match were 49% and rain intervened with the proceedings of the game too. But, no major impact was caused on the match by the intervention of the Weather Gods.
<h3>Weather Forecast on the fourth day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match</h3>
The chances of rain intervening with the Australia vs India match on the fourth day i.e 29th of December, Sunday are just two percent. The minimum temperature is anticipated to be between 14-25 degrees Celsius. At the same time, winds are expected to blow at a speed of 17km/h.
<h2>Weather Forecast on the 5th day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match</h2>
Talking about the fifth day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test, the rainfall interruption chances are pretty low, sitting at just 3%. The temperature is expected to be around 15 degrees Celsius with a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the winds will be blowing at the speed of 15km/h. 
Both the weather forecast reports of both days are positive and this decreases the chances of the contest getting washed out due to rain and this is a positive news for the Men in Blue.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/will-rohit-sharma-retire-after-the-border-gavaskar-series-bcci-gives-a-huge-statement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Rohit Sharma retire after the Border-Gavaskar Series? BCCI gives a huge statement</a>

It was an overcast morning session at the MCG on the 3rd day of the fourth Test-Match between Australia and India | Image: Associated Press

Rain intervened with the proceedings of the match on the third day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match. So will the Rain Gods play spoilsport on the fourth and fifth days too? Let's find out

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Will the fourth and fifth days witness rain interruptions? Know the weather reports of both the days

ind-vs-aus-4th-test-will-the-fourth-and-fifth-days-witness-rain-interruptions-know-the-weather-reports-of-both-the-days

Indian Cricket Team's captain Rohit Sharma has been in poor form with the bat so far in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus Australia. Playing as an opener, the 37-year-old got dismissed after scoring just three runs in the first inning and it was yet another failure for the Indian skipper versus the Mighty Aussies. His poor form has created a lot discussions regarding his retirement from Red-Ball Cricket. 
Through various Social Media platforms, a lot of claims are being made that Rohit is going to retire from the longest format of the game post the conclusion of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series and the BCCI has come ahead and they have given a huge statement regarding the same.
Speaking to Insidesports regarding the possible retirement of Rohit, a BCCI official said, " There have been no discussions regarding the retirement of Rohit (Sharma). All of these are rumours and we don't prefer to respond on rumours. We are hearing these baseless rumours for the first time. It's upto him (Rohit) to decide whether we are in the middle of a Test-match or not. It's about winning matches."
<h2>The poor form of Rohit Sharma continues</h2>
The Indian skipper is currently having a tough time out there in the middle with the bat in Australia. If we take a look at his last 10 Test innings, he has managed to score just a single fifty. In the last 10 Test-innings, the 37-year old has scored 3, 10, 6, 3, 11, 18, 8, 0, 52 and 2 runs respectively. Even in the first inning of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test, the former Mumbai Indians captain got dismissed after scoring just three runs.
<h2>Rohit Sharma's Test career so far</h2>
37-year-old Rohit Sharma has taken part in 66 Test-matches so far in his career. In 114 innings of these contests, he has managed to score 4,289 runs at average of 41.24 with the help of 12 hundreds and 18 fifties with a highest score of 212 runs next to his name. It's worth noting that Sharma made his Test debut in 2013 versus the Windies. 
<h2>The captain himself is proving to be the weakling</h2>
A captain of a team is regarded as the most important and experienced player and their role is to rescue their team from difficult situations and lead them to victory. However, in the case of Rohit Sharma, he is proving to be the weakest link of the Men in Blue. 
His poor performances with the bat are proving to be problematic for the Indian Team and in the last 14 test innings, Rohit has managed to score just 155 runs at a horrendous average of 10.07 which includes just a single half-century.The score of 52 runs has been his best score and besides that, the 37-year-old has not managed to cross the 20 runs mark even once.
Do Read<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-cricket-champions-trophy-2025-schedule-teams-fixtures-full-squads-time-table/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">: ICC Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Teams, Fixtures, Full Squads, &amp; Time Table</a>

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion after getting dismissed for yet another low score | Image: Associated Press

Rohit Sharma's repeated poor performances with the bat have raised questions regarding his place in the team and many experts and Indian fans want him to retire from Test Cricket

Will Rohit Sharma retire after the Border-Gavaskar Series? BCCI gives a huge statement

will-rohit-sharma-retire-after-the-border-gavaskar-series-bcci-gives-a-huge-statement

Nitish Kumar Reddy has made history. The third day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has ended with the visitors fighting hard to survive in the game. They are still trailing by 116 runs with only one wicket left in the tank.
But it was the 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has made headlines with a Boxing Day century at the MCG. After a number of 30s and 40s earlier in the series, the 21-year-old finally reached his maiden test fifty. But he didn't stop there and stitched a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar, who also played well.
The duo took India past the follow-on score and kept India in the game. Sundar got out after his fifty, and Jasprit Bumrah backed a duck. But it was all determination by Reddy, who succeeded in getting his maiden test century, and what a time and place to get to the triple figure. With his century, he achieved multiple records.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Nitish Kumar Reddy made history with his Boxing Day Ton at the MCG</h2>
At the end of Day 3, India are 358/9, with Reddy unbeaten on 105 runs with 10 fours and one six while Mohammed Siraj is on 2 not out. Reddy's hundred came at a crucial time as he came out to bat when India were 221/7. But it was a breakthrough innings for the youngsters. He played some beautiful shots and kept the scoreboard ticking.
When he reached 88 runs, he went past Anil Kumble and registered the highest score by an Indian on Australian soil, batting at no. 8. With his century now, he is the first Indian batter to slam a century batting at No. 8. This is not all. The 21-year-old has hit 8 sixes in the series so far. With this, he has hit the joint-most sixes in a test series on Australian soil.
Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and Chris Gayle (2009-10) have hit 8 sixes each in a test series in Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy still have some innings left, and if he can hit one more six, he will make history. Adding to that, Reddy had an exciting celebration. After reaching fifty, he celebrated in the famous "Pushpa" movie style.
However, after his century, he celebrated in "Bahubali" style, which tells about the great character of the youngster. With one wicket left, India will look to eat up Australia's lead. There are still two days left in the game, and India will look to take time. Sundar also played well for his half-century and added 127 runs for the 8th wicket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test ton in the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; breaks multiple records with his Boxing Day Ton at MCG

nitish-kumar-reddy-scripts-history-breaks-multiple-records-with-his-boxing-day-ton-at-mcg

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The fixture and Schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy are out now, and excitement and hype are rising. We also have some squad updates for the coveted ICC Tournament and here we have all you need to know before the ICC event. 
It is going to be an eight-team tournament this year as well and the top eight teams of the globe will clash in the 50-over ODI format. As ICC has finalized the hybrid model, the tournament will feature 15 matches and be played across Pakistan and Dubai.
Pakistan are going to be the official host of the tournament with most of the matches taking place in Pakistan with only India matches scheduled to be played outside Pakistan due to geopolitical and border tensions between the host nation and India. 
The eight teams are divided into two groups- Group A and Group B. The tournament is set to begin on 19 February in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand. The final of the ICC event is set to be played on 9 March.
Let's take a look at the Teams, Groups, Schedule, Squads and more:
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Groups</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; background-color: rgb(239, 242, 250); border: 1px double rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><colgroup><col style="width: 99.878%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GROUP A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pakistan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">India</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Zealand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bangladesh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GROUP B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Afghanistan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">South Africa</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Venues Details</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><colgroup><col style="width: 33.2927%;"><col style="width: 33.2927%;"><col style="width: 33.2927%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CITY</td>
<td>STADIUM</td>
<td>CAPACITY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karachi</td>
<td>National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td>34,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lahore</td>
<td>Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td>27,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rawalpindi</td>
<td>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td>15,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dubai</td>
<td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td>
<td>25,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Fixtures &amp; Schedule:</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double; height: 380px;">
<thead>
<tr style="height: 40px;">
<th style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Match</th>
<th style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Venue</th>
<th style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Time (IST)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">19 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">20 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Bangladesh v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">21 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">22 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Australia v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">23 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">24 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Bangladesh v New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">25 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Australia v South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">26 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">27 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v Bangladesh</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">28 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v Australia</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">1 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">South Africa v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">2 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">New Zealand v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2> ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Knockout Stage</h2>
The top 2 teams from Group A will Qualify - A1 A2 The top 2 teams from Group B will Qualify - B1 B2
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Date</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Match</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Venue</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Time</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A1 vs B2 (SF1)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A2 vs B1 (SF2)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Reserve Day (SF2)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Winning teams from SF 1 and SF2 will qualify for the Final
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double; height: 60px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Date</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Match</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Venue</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Time</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">9 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Final</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">10 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Reserve Day (F)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;"></td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
** Venue will be shifted to Dubai if India Qualifies
<h2>ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squads</h2>
<h3>GROUP A</h3>
INDIA- Yet to be announced
PAKISTAN- Yet to be announced
NEW ZEALAND- Yet to be announced
BANGLADESH- Yet to be announced
<h3>GROUP B</h3>
AUSTRALIA- Yet to be announced
ENGLAND- Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
AFGHANISTAN- Yet to be announced
SOUTH AFRICA- Yet to be announced
READ: S<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy/">teve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features eight top teams in a 50-over format, with matches hosted across Pakistan and Dubai under a hybrid model, beginning on February 19 and concluding on March 9.

A thrilling eight-team ODI tournament, hosted in Pakistan and Dubai, showcasing cricket’s finest under geopolitical tensions and high stakes.