ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table: In one of the major upsets of the year 2023, Scotland have blown away two-time World Cup winner West Indies from the World Cup 2023 Qualification race. West Indies will, now, be no longer a part of the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualification process following their humiliating defeat against Scotland in Harare.



The 1975 and 1979?ICC World Cup winners, West Indies are having a miserable time on the cricket field even against fairly new and fresh teams. The side that once ruled World Cricket for years, has now been rocked by Scotland which marks the end of ICC World Cup 2023 Qualification dream.



This will be the first time in 48 years in history that a Cricket World Cup will be held without the participation of the West Indies. The Caribbeans have failed to carry their rich history as the world sees them falling apart.



Talking about the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Six fixture between West Indies and Scotland, the former World Champions were brutally hammered by seven wickets. 



After getting the invitation to bat first by Scotland, West Indies saw a complete top and middle-order debacle. West Indies could only score 181 runs with the help of their lower order, which showed some resistance and gave their bowlers at least something to defend. 



Senior all-rounder Jason Holder scored gritty 45 runs while his partner at the other end, Romario Shepherd, contributed 36 runs to the total. Scotland bundled out West Indies at a score of 181 runs in 43.5 overs.



In response to a modest total posted by West Indies, Scotland's Matt Cross and Brandon McMullen stitched a 125-run partnership following the early dismissal of Christopher McBride. Both the batters made a mockery of the West Indies bowlers and took their side to a strong winning position.



George Munsey and Richie Berrington dealt the final blow as they took Scotland to a famous seven-wicket victory against West Indies.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC World Cup Qualifiers: West Indies Downfall</h2>



West Indies were grouped alongside Netherlands, USA, Nepal and Zimbabwe in Group A of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. They won their first two games against minnows USA and Nepal but then lost their winning momentum as they faced Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the next two fixtures.



The format of the World Cup Qualifiers is such that the top three teams of both groups would head to the next round - which was called Super Six. Despite losing two games, West Indies somehow managed to proceed to the Super Sixes along with Oman, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Netherlands, and Zimbabwe.



West Indies were required to win all of their three matches in order to threaten Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, who are leading the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table in the Super Six round. However, a game in the losing cause against Scotland has eliminated them from the race to play ICC World Cup 2023 in India.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table after WI vs SCO (Super Six)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>POS</th><th>TEAM</th><th>PLAYED</th><th>WON</th><th>LOST</th><th>N/R</th><th>TIED</th><th>NET RR</th><th>POINTS</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;Sri Lanka</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>+1.832</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>&nbsp;Zimbabwe</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>+0.752</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>&nbsp;Scotland</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>+0.188</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>&nbsp;Netherlands</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-0.560</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>&nbsp;West Indies</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-0.510</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>&nbsp;Oman</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-2.139</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-pakistans-shaheen-afridis-insane-4-wicket-1st-over-in-t20-blast-creates-new-world-record/">Watch: Pakistan?s Shaheen Afridi?s insane 4-wicket 1st Over in T20 Blast, Creates new World Record</a>



For more details head to ICC's <a href="https://www.cricketworldcup.com/standings/qualifiers">official website.</a>

ICC World Cup Qualifiers: West Indies knocked out of World Cup 2023, World Cup Qualifiers Points Table after WI vs SCO (Super Six)

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ICC World Cup Qualifiers Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka: Zimbabwe and the winners of the 1986 World Cup will play in the fourth game of the ICC CWC Qualifier 2023 Super Six. The game will take place at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo tomorrow (Sunday), July 2, at 12:30 PM IST. In this tournament, both teams are in excellent form.



These two teams (Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka) are now being considered as the qualifying teams for the ODI World Cup to be held in India in 2023 after West Indies' elimination from the CWC 2023. Both teams will be aiming to win the game in such a scenario. Down Below is ICC World Cup Qualifiers Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Dream11 Prediction, Playing11, Super Six Points Table, and Pitch Report.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#zimbabwe-vs-sri-lanka-match-details">Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Match Details</a></li><li class=""><a href="#queens-sport-club-pitch-report">Queens Sport Club Pitch Report</a></li><li class=""><a href="#zimbabwe-vs-sri-lanka-playing-x-is">Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka playing XIs</a></li><li class=""><a href="#icc-world-cup-qualifiers-scotland-vs-west-indies-dream-11-prediction">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Scotland vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction</a></li><li class=""><a href="#icc-world-cup-qualifiers-super-six-points-table">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Six Points Table</a></li></ul></nav></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="zimbabwe-vs-sri-lanka-match-details">Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Match Details</h2>



Tournament: ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Sixes



Match Details: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Match 4



Day/Date: Sunday/2nd July



Venue: Queens Sport Club, Bulawayo



Time: 12:30 PM IST



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="queens-sport-club-pitch-report">Queens Sport Club Pitch Report</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/07/Queens-Sport-Club-Pitch-Report-1.jpg" alt="Queens Sport Club Pitch Report
" class="wp-image-115743" width="540" height="272" /></figure>



About Pitch: The Queens Sports Club pitch is typically regarded as a wicket that is favourable to batsmen. It has good bounce and speed, which makes playing the stroke simple. But as the game goes on and the pitch starts to turn, spinners also become more crucial.



On this pitch, any team would like to bat first after winning the toss, as the pitch remains firm in the initial innings, which helps the batsmen to play big shots. As the game progresses, the pitch may slow down a bit, helping the spinners.



Toss Role: At Queens Sports Club, choosing to bat after winning the toss is typically seen as advantageous. As the game goes on, the pitch gets a little worse, making it harder for the teams batting second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="zimbabwe-vs-sri-lanka-playing-x-is">Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka playing XIs</h2>



Zimbabwe: Wessly Madhevere, Joylord Gumbie (WK), Craig Ervine (C), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani



Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="icc-world-cup-qualifiers-scotland-vs-west-indies-dream-11-prediction">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Scotland vs West Indies Dream11 Prediction</h2>



Wicket-keepers: Sadeera Samarawickrama, Joylord Gumbie



Batters: Craig Ervine, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne



All-rounders: Sean Williams(VC), Sikandar Raza (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga



Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Lahiru Kumara



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="icc-world-cup-qualifiers-super-six-points-table">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Six Points Table</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Super Sixes</td><td>Mat</td><td>Won</td><td>Lost</td><td>Tied</td><td>Pts</td><td>NRR</td></tr><tr><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>6</td><td>+1.832</td></tr><tr><td>Zimbabwe</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>6</td><td>+0.752</td></tr><tr><td>Scotland</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>+0.188</td></tr><tr><td>Netherlands</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>-0.560</td></tr><tr><td>West Indies</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-0.510</td></tr><tr><td>Oman</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-2.139</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Read - <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-world-cup-2023-team-india-playing-11-and-squad-list/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-world-cup-2023-team-india-playing-11-and-squad-list/">ICC World Cup 2023: Team India Playing 11 and Squad List</a>



For more details head to?<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC?s official?</a><a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a><a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>

ICC World Cup Qualifiers Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Dream11 Prediction, Playing11, Super Six Points Table, Pitch Report

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ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table: West Indies have defeated Oman in the 7th Match of the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2023. Some good news for West Indies towards the end of the tournament but not enough to light up the sorrow of getting eliminated from the ICC World Cup for the first time in history. We will walk you through ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table Updated (July 5) After West Indies vs Oman in this post.



Oman have played all of its matches now. Out of 7 matches (4 in Group stage and 3 in Super Six), they could only manage to pull two wins. They won the first two matches in the group stage with domination and next, they got a fixture against Sri Lanka, where onwards, things went south for them. They have lost all the matches after that loss to Sri Lanka and finished last in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Super Six Points Table.



West Indies were everyone's favorite prior to the tournament but they weren't too good either! They lost two and won two in the Group Stage and then lost one and won today in the Super Six stage. They have one match left which they will play on 7th July against the mighty Sri Lanka who are the topper and the only Qualified team for the World Cup Qualifiers Final till now. If they can put forward a strong impression in their final game here, it would give them a tremendous lift for the India series later this month.



Today, Oman were given the opportunity to bat first, and they got off to a good start. They could have really been able to kick on for a respectable total if not have faced?those three runouts. West Indies bowled really well to keep them under 222. The aim was resisted by West Indies by continuing to make little gains.



In Responce, Charles flopped once again, but Carty and King made a strong counterattack. King eventually scored a fantastic 100. On the other end, Captain Hope was cool and collected as Oman made little progress. As the victory drew near, they lost the King immediately after the century, but Pooran flowed easily throughout his brief presence and made it look easy.



Down below is the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table Updated on July 5 After West Indies vs Oman:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Super Sixes</th><td>Mat</td><td>Won</td><td>Lost</td><td>Tied</td><th>Pts</th><td>NRR</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sri Lanka?(Q)</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>8</td><td>+1.817</td></tr><tr><td>Scotland</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>6</td><td>+0.296</td></tr><tr><td>Zimbabwe??(E)</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>6</td><td>-0.099</td></tr><tr><td>Netherlands</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>-0.042</td></tr><tr><td>West Indies??(E)</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>-0.091</td></tr><tr><td>Oman?(E)</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-1.973</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Important Notes for ICC World Cup Qualifiers



<ul>
<li>The Super Six stage will take place between June 29 and July 7.</li>



<li>A playoff series will be contested from June 30 to July 6 to decide the rankings from seventh to tenth place in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.</li>



<li>The final of the CWC qualifiers will be played on 9 July.</li>
</ul>



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-mens-test-player-ranking-latest-updated-steve-smith-jumps-to-2nd-spot-icc-test-player-standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC Men?s Test Player Ranking Latest Updated, Steve Smith Jumps to 2nd Spot</a>



For more details head to ICC?s?<a href="https://www.cricketworldcup.com/standings/qualifiers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official website.</a>

ICC World Cup Qualifiers Points Table Updated (July 5) After West Indies vs Oman (Super Six)| ICC ODI World Cup 2023

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IND vs AUS: Team India need to sit back and look at what they missed in the Boxing Day Test that they let the game slip away. They had the game under control when Australia was 90/6 in the second innings with a lead of around 200 runs. But eventually, the hosts played better cricket than India.
They won the fourth IND vs AUS test by 184 runs to take an unassailable 2-1 lead. With this, Australia inches closer to winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a wait of ten years and are also a frontrunner to qualify for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final.
India, on the other hand, will have everything on the line when they step on the field for the fifth test at the SCG. That final test will begin on January 03, 2025. India need this win anyhow. Hence, we will talk here about three crucial changes India need to make to win the fifth test.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Three crucial things India need to do to win the fifth and final Test at the SCG</h2>
1. Rohit Sharma should be dropped
Rohit Sharma has been going through a horrid run with the bat. The last couple of months has been horrible for the Indian captain. He has managed only 164 runs in the last 15 innings at a poor average of 10.93. Shubman Gill had to be left out from the fourth test.
Despite his poor form, he is still part of the playing XI and taking up a spot of a deserving player. India won the first test when he was not available under Jasprit Bumrah. Hence, India should drop Rohit and bring Gill back and let Bumrah to lead the side.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open
The pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul has been pretty decent for India in this series. Both have complemented each other and played well along. Rohit opened in the third test, and India had opening stands of 8 and 25 in two innings.
India need a good start from their openers because losing early wickets exposes other batters against the new ball, which is very hard to face this series. Hence, with Rohit getting dropped, let Jaiswal and Rahul open.
3. Make necessary changes to bowling unit
It will not be wrong to say that Jasprit Bumrah has been the lone warrior for India throughout the series. 30 wickets in four tests at an average of 12.83 is unmatchable. But he has not had support from other fast bowlers. Mohammed Siraj has taken 16 wickets at 31.44, and Akashdeep has 5 wickets at an average of 54.
So, it is time for a change. It is time for India to go with fresh legs and pick Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana for the last IND vs AUS test. Both are tall bowlers and quicker in pace. Adding to that, India should stick to two spinners, as the surface at SCG has more help for spinners than other Australian surfaces.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/struggling-rohit-sharma-registers-an-all-time-embarrassing-record-with-his-dismal-performance-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Struggling Rohit Sharma registers an All-time embarrassing record with his dismal performance at the MCG</a>

Australia are leading by 2-1, and the fifth and final test will begin on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India need to win to retain the BGT trophy.

3 changes India must make to win the SCG Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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India batter Virat Kohli has come under a massive firing line after he failed in the recently concluded fourth Test against Australia. The Boxing-day Test match between the teams took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Virat Kohli was expected to play a major role for India in the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This was because, after his century, he looked torrid with the bat with balls outside off stump, bringing his downfall in the Australian conditions. 
In the first innings of the MCG Test, Virat Kohli looked very solid with the bat, and it seemed that he had found the solution to the balls outside off. The batter didn't deal with the balls in that channel, but his patience didn't last long as he ultimately poked at the ball, which was in the same area bowled by Scott Boland. 
In the second innings, Virat Kohli was expected to bring the Indian innings on track after the team lost Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early on in the innings. However, this wasn't the case. The batter was back in the hut with the ball outside off yet again, bringing in the downfall. 
Mitchell Starc bowled a delivery around the fifth stump, and this lit Virat Kohli's eyes as he went for the big drive. The ball caught the outside edge of his bat and was caught by Usman Khawaja in the slips as the batter had to take the long walk back to the pavilion after scoring just 5 runs.
<h2>The King is dead, King Bumrah has taken the mantle now - Simon Katich </h2>
As Virat Kohli failed to make an impact in the second innings at MCG, Simon Katich fumed at the batter and said that the King is dead. The premier batter was dethroned from his title, with former Australia cricketer naming Jasprit Bumrah the new King. Speaking while doing commentary, he explained: 
"The King is dead. He trudges off. King Bumrah has taken the mantle now. Kohli looks dejected with himself. That was a big knock for him. He has come up short. Australia will be very, very happy with the situation they find themselves in." 
Virat Kohli, in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has managed just 61 runs in other matches. Overall, in 2024, he has only scored 417 runs this year at an average of 24.52. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-five-highest-totals-chased-down-by-india-in-test-cricket-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top five highest totals chased down by India in Test cricket </a>

India batter Virat Kohli has come under a massive firing line after he failed in the recently concluded fourth Test against Australia.

"The King is dead" - Virat Kohli destroyed as new King of Cricket gets named

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Team India fell to an embarrassing 184-runs defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match versus the Mighty Australians on the 30th of December, 2024. On the fifth day of the contest, a strange celebration of Australian player Travis Head was spotted, the video of which is going viral on various social-media platforms. The batting all-round executed this celebration after picking up the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant. 
<h3>Head's celebration has created controversey</h3>
In the final day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, Head helped the Aussies gain the advantage with this really good bowling display. He gave a massive blow to the Men in Blue by sending Rishabh Pant back to the pavilion who was looking settled out there in the middle. But, soon after dismissing the Indian wicket-keeper batsman, the celebration of the 31-year-old shocked the world of Cricket and Social Media users. 
The kind of celebration which Head excecuted after taking the important wicket of Pant is not easy to understand. Some people believe that his celebration gestures were to show that Pant got caught in his trap, but many spectators were not happy with his celebration. Some called it indecent and unusual but the debate in the world of Cricket still continues regarding his way of celebrating. 
<h2>The reason behind the controversial celebration of Travis Head</h2>
Following the dismissal of Pant, Head's way of celebrating didn't go down well with many Indian Fans. He put one of his fingers in a circular gesture of the other hand. This celebration took the Commentators and audience by surprise. 
James Brayshaw, the Australian commentator explained the action of the elite Australian player and said, "After ending the Test-Match versus Sri Lanka with figures of 4-10 next to his name in 17 deliveries in 2022, he (Head) said that he had to put the digit on the ice. This was a reference to that and he said that I did it again and now I am putting it back on the ice".
Video of his digit on the ice: <a href="https://x.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1873597172471759073?t=JKhvpA_npLGeMo2VWq4Dog&amp;s=19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch here</a>
While Head's actions may seem controversial, his intentions were not negative and he didn't target Pant in any way at all. So it's highly unlikely that the ICC will punish him.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/struggling-rohit-sharma-registers-an-all-time-embarrassing-record-with-his-dismal-performance-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Struggling Rohit Sharma registers an All-time embarrassing record with his dismal performance at the MCG</a>

Travis Head of Australia celebrated in a controversial manner after getting the wicket of India's Rishabh Pant in the Boxing-Day Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

Travis Head's celebration after getting the wicket of Rishabh Pant has sparked a controversy among the world of Cricket

Travis Head at the risk of getting punished by the ICC due to his controversial Celebration in Melbourne

travis-head-at-the-risk-of-getting-punished-by-the-icc-due-to-his-controversial-celebration-in-melbourne

Rohit Sharma and his men have suffered their second defeat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Australia clinched a 184-run win in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. With this win, they have taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series with one game to play.
Australia have a golden chance to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade-long wait and also qualify for the World Test Championship final. On the other hand, it has been a horrible last few months for Team India and Rohit Sharma. India were clean swept for the first time in history by New Zealand.
They lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka. Apart from that, the form of the Indian captain is another big talking point among the former cricketers and fans. Rohit once again failed in the second innings at MCG and got out for nine runs off 40 balls. He never looked in control and lost the game.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma achieves an unwanted record with another failure in ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
India had a target of 340 runs to win. But the top order failed once again. Rohit got out to the Australian captain Pat Cummins yet again. It was the 8th time that Cummins dismissed the Indian captain in Tests. Rohit scored only nine runs. With this, he has only scored 31 runs in five innings across three tests he has played on this tour.
He has scored runs at a dismal average of 6.20 with a high score of 10 runs. Rohit has now recorded the lowest batting average by a visiting captain on Australian soil. His average of 6.20 is the lowest of all time since the game has started. Earlier, former West Indian captain Courtney Walsh held this record with an average of 7.75 during the 1996-97 tour.
Rohit's form has come under scrutiny as the MCG loss has demolished India's chances to qualify for the WTC final. The Indian captain has struggled to get to even double figures. He has only scored 164 runs in the last 15 innings at a below-par average of 10.93. Overall, he has scored 619 test runs in 2024 at an average of 24.76.
India needed to win this test, and they were in a good position at one point. But now, their qualification depends on Sri Lanka when they host Australia for two tests. But before, India need to win the fifth test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-lost-the-boxing-day-test-at-the-melbourne-cricket-stadium-by-184-runs-australia-took-a-2-1-lead-in-the-series-/">India lost the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium by 184 runs. Australia took a 2-1 lead in the seri</a>es

Rohit Sharma got out after scoring 9 runs off 40 balls in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG.

Struggling Rohit Sharma registers an All-time embarrassing record with his dismal performance at the MCG

struggling-rohit-sharma-registers-an-all-time-embarrassing-record-with-his-dismal-performance-at-the-mcg

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India managed to lift the T20 World Cup for the 2nd time ever in their history as they secured a nail-biting win versus South Africa in the final and left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh played a key role in helping his team lift the trophy. 
Arshdeep finished the tournament as the joint-highest wicket taker alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi (17 wickets) and his exceptional performances in the shortest format of the game in 2024 have been rewarded as the pacer has been nominated in ICC's Men's T20 International Player of the year award. Alongside the 25-year-old, Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe and Travis Head of Australia have also been nominated. 
<h3>The performance of Arshdeep Singh in 2024</h3>
The performance of Arshdeep Singh with the ball in 2024 has been phenomenal. In 18 matches, the 25-year-old has managed to dismiss 36 batters at an exceptional average of 13.5. With these statistics, he finished the year of 2024 as the joint-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals.
Earlier in the year 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had taken 37 wickets. This is the second best performance of an Indian fast bowler in T20 Internationals in a calendar year. Now Arshdeep Singh has become number two in this list.
<h2>Smriti Mandhana is also in the race of winning the ICC Women's ODI Player of the year</h2>
Apart from Arshdeep, Indian Women's Cricket Team's elite batter Smriti Mandhana is also a part of the race of winning the ICC award. Her exceptional performances with the bat in the 50 over format meant that her name has also been nominated in the list of 'ICC Women's ODI Player of the year award'. 
She will be locking horns for this award versus Annabel Sutherland of Australia and South African captain Laura Wolvaardt. It will be interesting to see which player will be given the ICC Women's ODI Player of the year award.Mandhana is anticipated to be the favorite to win the award.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/can-team-india-still-qualify-for-the-wtc-final-despite-suffering-a-defeat-in-melbourne-versus-australia-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Can Team India still qualify for the WTC Final despite suffering a defeat in Melbourne versus Australia?</a>

Arshdeep Singh of India celebrates their T20 World Cup 2024 win in Mumbai's Marine Drive | Image: BCCI

Left Arm pacer Arshdeep Singh of Team India has been nominated for ICC Men's T20 Player of the year award and he's regarded as the favorite to win the award

Arshdeep Singh of India the favorite to win ICC's Men's T20 Player of the year award

arshdeep-singh-of-india-the-favorite-to-win-icc-s-men-s-t20-player-of-the-year-award

The Indian Cricket Team, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, suffered a humiliating 184 runs defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match and after this defeat, their road to qualifying for the 2023-25 WTC Final has become even more difficult. In this article, we will find out how the Men in Blue can still qualify for the WTC final despite suffering a defeat in Melbourne
Let us tell you that Temba Bavuma-led South Africa have already booked their ticket for the 2023-25 WTC Final in Lord's. The Indian Team are competing with the Mighty Australians to secure the second vacant final spot. While the Men in Blue are currently sitting at the third position in the overall WTC standings following their defeat in Melbourne, the Kangaroos on the other hand have occupied the second spot. 
<h2>How can the Indian Team qualify for the WTC Final after suffering a defeat in the Melbourne Test-Match?</h2>
Following their defeat in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, the first thing which the Indian team needs to do is defeat the Mighty Australians by any means possible in the fifth and highly important Test-Match in Sydney of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Sydney Test-Match is going to be the Rohit Sharma-led team's final fixture of the current WTC cycle which makes it mandatory for them to secure a victory there. 
If they suffer a defeat in the Sydney Test-Match, then all of their hopes of qualifying for the final will get crushed. Securing a win in the final BGT Test will allow Rohit Sharma and his men to snatch the second position away from the Kangaroos in the overall standings. 
This will only be possible though if the Pat Cummins-led team lose the two-match Test-Series versus Sri Lanka by a margin of 1-0 or 2-0. If the Kangaroos lose the Sydney Test but end up winning the Test-Series versus the Sri Lankans by a margin of 2-0, then in this situation, the Men in Blue will get eliminated from the race of the final. 
<h2>The Proteas have qualified for the WTC Final for the first time</h2>
The Proteas have qualified for the WTC Final for the first time ever in their Cricketing history and they will be looking to go all out in search of their first ever ICC Trophy. The Final of the previous edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) was played between Fierce-Rivals Australia and India where the the Kangaroos managed to reign supreme. The Final of the Inaugural edition of the event took place between New Zealand and the Indians in 2021 where the Kane Williamson-led team crossed the finish line successfully.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Rohit, thank you for your service' - Massive statement comes on India retirement</a>

Australia celebrate after dismissing the final Indian batter in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test | Image: ICC

The Indian Team suffered a humiliating defeat in the Boxing-Day Test and this defeat has made their chances of qualifying for the WTC 2023-25 cycle Final even harder.

Can Team India still qualify for the WTC Final despite suffering a defeat in Melbourne versus Australia?

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The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium ended with a dominating win for the hosts. After having a wicketless second session prior to the tea break on Day 5, India came back strong to take seven wickets in the final session.
The Indian batting line-up once again struggled against the disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 155 runs in the second innings. As a result, Australia have bagged a win by 184 runs to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.
This win has certainly boosted Australia's chances of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after more than a decade and also booking a place in the World Test Championship 2023-25 final. India had their chances, and they would have liked a win, but their performance with the bat was one key reason that they had to surrender once again.
<h2>WTC 2023-25 Final: Australia firm their grip on the remaining place in the World Test Championship final with the MCG win</h2>
It was India's fifth loss in the last seven tests, which has put them on the verge of being eliminated from the race to the World Test Championship final. And now, the loss at the Boxing Day Test has hurt their chances to qualify to a big extent. South Africa have already made it to the final after winning the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion.
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 99.9702%; height: 200px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"><col style="width: 11.1012%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">Pos</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Teams</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Played</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Won</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Lost</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Draw</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Ded</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Points</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">PCT</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">South Africa (Q)</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">88</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">66.67</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Australia</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">16</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">10</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">10</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">118</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">61.46</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">India</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">18</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">114</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">52.78</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">New Zealand</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">14</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">81</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">46.21</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">5</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">5</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">60</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">45.45</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">England</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">22</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">10</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">22</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">114</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">43.18</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Bangladesh</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">12</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">8</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">45</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">31.25</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">8</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">Pakistan</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">8</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">40</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">30.30</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">West Indies</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">32</td>
<td style="height: 20px;">24.24</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
They are at the top of the WTC table with 66.67 PCT. The race is between Australia and India for the second spot. However, the loss at MCG has decreased India's chances more. Australia are second on the WTC table with 61.45 PCT, and India are placed third with 53.27 PCT now.
<div dir="auto">The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground has now become a must-win clash for Rohit Sharma and his men. They need to win that game to draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and also to keep their hopes alive for the WTC final. But if India win that game, they also need to hope that Sri Lanka can beat Australia in the upcoming home test series.</div>
<div dir="auto">Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-five-highest-totals-chased-down-by-india-in-test-cricket-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top five highest totals chased down by India in Test cricket </a></div>

India lost the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium by 184 runs. Australia took a 2-1 lead in the series.

india-lost-the-boxing-day-test-at-the-melbourne-cricket-stadium-by-184-runs-australia-took-a-2-1-lead-in-the-series-

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series. The World Cup-winning skipper, who was largely praised earlier in 2024 for having led the Indian side to a World Cup final and then winning a T20 World Cup, has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny. 

The Indian batter has been under the radar since India’s 3-0 loss at home against New Zealand. The disappointing series has also raised discussions about the team’s overall batting depth and approach, placing additional scrutiny on his role within the squad.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> skipped the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Jasprit Bumrah stepped up as the stand-in captain in his absence and led the team to an impressive victory. Bumrah’s leadership was widely praised, as ever since then, India has failed to put on a promising show in any of the matches that followed.

<h2 dir="ltr">3 reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket</h2>

<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_677217384d79b.jpg" alt="" width="783" height="487">
Is it time for Rohit Sharma to drop the curtains on his glorious career? (Image Credit: X)

<h3 dir="ltr">1: Inconsistent Performances</h3>

The legendary Indian opener, who has had a decorated career in limited-overs cricket, has never been equally promising while facing the red ball. However, the ongoing WTC marked some solid test performances from Rohit initially under home conditions as he turned into one of India’s leading run-getters before facing a serious dip in form. 

Though Sharma has been a consistent performer, mostly at home, he has often failed to perform in the SENA countries against top-quality bowling attacks. However, as of now, his inconsistency seems to be severely affecting the team’s overall performance in vital matches. 

<h3 dir="ltr">2: No impact in the leadership role in Tests</h3>

Though Rohit Sharma remains only the third Indian skipper to have won an ICC trophy with the side and his captaincy has received widespread recognition in the limited overs format, he has not had an impact in the longest format of the game. 

Sharma has often looked baffled and clueless over decisions to be made when it came to tactical presence for the longest format of the game, and possibly letting go of the role might help him focus on limited-overs cricket and the team to explore other players in a leadership role. 

<h3 dir="ltr">3: Opportunities for Emerging Players</h3>

Undoubtedly, India is one of the biggest powerhouse nations for cricketing talent, and letting go of a player like Rohit Sharma who is in his lows after having relished his decade-long career would only open new doors for such talented players to come in and portray their dominance in the longest format while representing India at the international front.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-/">Thank You for your service Rohit, massive statement on Indian skipper's retirement speculation</a>

Skipper under scrutiny - Reasons Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket (Image Credit: X)

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny

Three reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket

three-reasons-why-rohit-sharma-should-retire-from-test-cricket

Former Australia player Mark Waugh made a bold statement on the retirement of Rohit Sharma amid all the criticism. He said that if he was the selector of Team India, he would've told the captain thank you for your services in the longest format of the game. 
Rohit Sharma is under massive up and it won't be a surprise if we will see the India captain in action last time in the Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The skipper has failed terribly to get going in the ongoing series and time is running away for him. 
Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test of the series, batted in the middle order for two games to let KL Rahul open. However, the captain struggled to get going and then returned as an opener in the fourth Test of the series in Melbourne but failed to deliver in the first innings. 
The upcoming innings will be a massive opportunity for him to turn the tides and silence all these critics. However, if he fails to get going, there are chances that he might retire, and Jasprit Bumrah will take over the leadership of the team in this format. 
<h2> ‘Rohit, thank you for your service" - Mark Waugh </h2>
Mark Waugh said that if Rohit Sharma fails, then selectors should tell him that they are getting Jasprit Bumrah as captain for Sydney. While talking to Fox Cricket, he said that all great player's career comes to an end. He explained:
"If I was a selector now, it depends what happens in the second innings, but if he doesn't make runs … I'd be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You've been a great player, but we're going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the SCG. The signs are there that he's past his best. It happens to all players. All great players come to an end at some stage." 
Mark Waugh added that Rohit Sharma's movement in the field and his tactical decisions haven't been great and he has been given leniency by the BCCI for his past contributions. He explained: 
"The numbers don't lie. Even his movement in the field and his tactical decisions have been off the pace. I think they've given him leniency already because he's been a great player for India, but at some stage, that leniency has to stop. It stops after this Test match unless he makes runs in the second innings." 
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Rohit Sharma has slammed just 22 runs. He has been averaging just around 11 in the last 8 games in the longest format of the game.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-final-south-africa-secure-the-final-berth-here-s-how-india-can-qualify-for-the-world-test-championship-final/">WTC Final: South Africa secure the final berth; here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship final</a>

Rohit Sharma is under massive up and it won't be a surprise if we will see the India captain in action last time in the Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

‘Rohit, thank you for your service' - Massive statement comes on India retirement

-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-

Former Indian head-coach Ravi Shastri has praised Australia's decision of not declaring in the final session of the fourth day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match despite having a lead of more than 300 runs. He feels that their decision to not do so is a smart one and believes that Aussie skipper Pat Cummins delayed the declaration call because he realised that the Indians would have dominated if they had declared in the final session as the pitch was completely favouring the batters on the fourth day of the MCG Test-Match. 
The Men in Blue were not even able to dismiss the number 10 and number 11 Australian batters in the final-session. This means that the surface is providing a lot of assistance to the batters. If the Rohit Sharma-led team would have scored 50 runs without losing a single wicket in the final period of the fourth day, then Australia would have lost the dominance which they had created. 
Realizing this, Cummins took the bold decision of batting for the entire day. However, Ravi Shastri also mentioned that the Pat Cummins-led team will try to put the Men in Blue under pressure by taking the new ball at the beginning of the fifth and final day of the Melbourne Test-Match.
"Australia is worried about India's strong batting line-up. This is also a reason for delaying the declaration. Especially what happened at the Gabba is still fresh in Australia's mind. India had won that day by chasing 329 runs. The fact that there are many players in the Indian team who show aggressive batting may have also caused the declaration to be delayed. India went through a similar situation in 2015.
The Aussies, who did not declare on the fourth day that day, declared after batting a few overs at the beginning of the fifth day. India was able to draw the Test that day. It is not impossible for India to get a draw in Melbourne as well. But India needs to try for victory," said Ravi Shastri.
Elite Australian seamer Mitchell Starc also said that following the conclusion of the fourth day's play, the home team will get enough overs to try and bowl the Indians on the fifth and final day of the Melbourne Test-Match. 
"Since the fifth day starts early, we will be getting the chance to take the 2nd new-ball after the end of 80 overs. After this, we will get around 18 overs and then the new ball will decide the fate of the match," Starc said
The fifth and the final day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match promises to be a really exciting one as both teams would be looking give their best shot of taking the lead heading into the final Test-Match in Sydney. 
It will be particularly a more important for the Men in Blue as a win in this match would guarantee them the chance to retain the BGT Trophy while Australia, who haven't won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series since 2018 would be looking to end the Indian dominance.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-five-highest-totals-chased-down-by-india-in-test-cricket-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top five highest totals chased down by India in Test cricket</a>

Ravi Shastri, Head Coach of India looks on as they are interviewed ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between India and Namibia at Dubai International Stadium | Image: Getty Images

Former Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri has made a big revelation regarding Australia's decision of not declaring on the fourth day of the MCG Test-Match.