PAK vs SA World Cup 2023: Following three consecutive losses, Pakistan now have their next fixture against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium Chennai on 27th October. There are a lot of issues that the Babar Azam-led Pakistan Team is suffering through and current form is one of them. In this post, we discuss three changes that Pakistan might make for the next match against South Africa.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-sa-three-changes-for-pakistan-vs-south-africa">PAK vs SA: Three Changes For Pakistan vs South Africa</a><ul><li class=""><a href="#1-fakhar-zaman-to-replace-imam-ul-haq">1- Fakhar Zaman To Replace Imam-Ul-Haq</a></li><li class=""><a href="#2-agha-salman-to-replace-saud-shakeel">2- Agha Salman To Replace Saud Shakeel</a></li><li class=""><a href="#3-mohammad-nawaz-to-replace-usama-mir">3- Mohammad Nawaz to Replace Usama Mir</a></li></ul></li></ul></nav></div>



Pakistan won the first two matches with ease and they looked like a promising team for at least semis but things turned south when they met India on 14 October. Pakistan look no longer the same Pakistan as they were before 14 October. 



If you look at the batting, Abdullah Shafique has been the root of the team in the past few games. He not only has runs under his belt but has also been showing good technique and class. His opening partner Imam has been the exact opposite of it. Being an experienced player at the top, the team needs more of his contribution. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/10/Team-India-vs-Pakistan.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-121359" /></figure>



Babar Azam has been decent but not up to his standards. Many doubt his captaincy skills but he has been one of the most successful captains for Pakistan for the past few years. Following him is Rizwan and arguably he is the best and most reliable batsman in the current Pakistan Squad. 



Team management has put belief in Saud Shakeel but to be very honest, he too is not up to the mark. Ifthikar has been doing his work nicely but he is not a great fielder. Shadab Khan also needs to give more on the ground. He is a good spinner of the ball and on Indian pitches, he should have been the most effective Pakistani Bowler but he isn't.



Usama Mir got a few chances but couldn't squeeze the maximum out of them. He dropped catches and seemed sluggish on the field and also he is not that effective in the middle. Haris Rauf is taking wickets but he is also being too expensive. Shaheen and Hasan are decent at their jobs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/10/usama-mir-1.jpg" alt="PAK vs SA: Three Changes That Pakistan Might Make For Next Match Against South Africa | Pakistan vs South Africa ICC World Cup 2023" class="wp-image-121792" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Usama Mir dropped Warner but the match (ICC)</figcaption></figure>



This was an overview analysis of the team and clearly, there are some loopholes that need to be covered. Down below are the three changes that Pakistan might make for the next match against South Africa:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-sa-three-changes-for-pakistan-vs-south-africa">PAK vs SA: Three Changes For Pakistan vs South Africa</h2>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="1-fakhar-zaman-to-replace-imam-ul-haq">1- Fakhar Zaman To Replace Imam-Ul-Haq</h4>



Imam has been out of runs for quite some time and the team might look for other options now. However, Fakhar was also out of form when the team left him out but Pakistan need to find the winning combination and winning formula back.



Fakhar Zaman is the only Pakistani who has a double hundred in ODIs under his belt and his strike rate is way better than that of Imam. And the good news for the management is that he is fully fit now.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="2-agha-salman-to-replace-saud-shakeel">2- Agha Salman To Replace Saud Shakeel</h4>



Agha Salman has represented Pakistan in a total of 16 innings where he has amassed 436 runs at an average of ~40 comparable to Saud Shakeel's 29 in 11 matches. His Strike rate is also better than Saud so there are definitely chances that team management would look for this shuttle change.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="3-mohammad-nawaz-to-replace-usama-mir">3- Mohammad Nawaz to Replace Usama Mir</h4>



Usama Mir was added to the playing 11 to strengthen the spin bowling attack but Nawaz was also putting forward what he is delivering. Additionally, Nawaz is an allrounder so his inclusion means more depth in the batting line-up.



READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-world-cup-2023-points-table-updated-october-24-after-afghanistan-defeated-pakistan/"> ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table Updated (October 24)</a>



Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC OFFICIAL WEBSITE</a>&nbsp;for more recent updates.

PAK vs SA: Three Changes That Pakistan Might Make For Next Match Against South Africa | Pakistan vs South Africa ICC World Cup 2023

pak-vs-sa-three-changes-that-pakistan-might-make-for-next-match-against-south-africa-pakistan-vs-south-africa-icc-world-cup-2023

Pakistan Team in T20 World Cup 2024: That's it! Pakistan's ride in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has come to an end just after their three matches in the tournament. USA became the second team from Group A to book the SUPER Eights Ticket besides India after a rain halted match against Ireland. Here we are with the analysis of Pakistan's Journey and what went wrong with them in the T20 World Cup 2024.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#pakistan-teams-t-20-world-cup-journey">Pakistan Team's T20 World Cup Journey</a></li><li class=""><a href="#what-went-wrong-with-pakistan-team">What Went Wrong With Pakistan Team?</a></li></ul></nav></div>



They had a couple of T20I series just before the T20 World Cup 2024 where they had time for a full dress rehearsal. They played a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand first. At home, they lost two important matches of the series and a C team of New Zealand was able to seal a tie series against Pakistan in Pakistan.



Next, they toured Ireland and they had a three-match T20I series. Pakistan lost the series opener but recovered quickly to win the next two consecutive to clinch the series. The Ireland series was quite satisfying for Pakistan as their top order was on fire and bowling also looked promising even without Haris Rauf. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/05/Ireland-vs-Pakistan.jpg" alt="Pakistan vs Ireland: Strongest playing 11 of Pakistan against Ireland for the 2nd T20I" class="wp-image-133966" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ireland vs Pakistan 1st T20I | Image Credit: Getty Image</figcaption></figure>



Then a rain delt England series was a total disaster for Pakistan. Two out of the four games were washed away by rain in the series and England won the remaining two. Pakistan were all out of their forms and that was a sign of the upcoming upset for them in the T20 World Cup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pakistan-teams-t-20-world-cup-journey">Pakistan Team's T20 World Cup Journey</h2>



Pakistan have just played three matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and lost two. That is all they have played in the T20 World Cup 2024. 



Pakistan were placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Canada, and Ireland. The biggest threat for Pakistan were India in the group and it truly didn't look that hard to make the qualifying numbers for Pakistan at the start of the tournament.



First up, Pakistan were scheduled to take on USA at Grand Prairie Stadium,&nbsp;Dallas. The Men in Green were decent with the bat in the first innings but the bowling wasn't up to the mark. In defense of 160, Pakistan could only manage to pick up three wickets and that led USA to level up the scores. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/06/382251-1.jpg" alt="What Went Wrong With Pakistan Team in T20 World Cup 2024? Here is the Full Analysis of Pakistan's Journey in the ICC T20 WC 2024" class="wp-image-135019" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">USA defeated Pakistan Team (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Even in the super over, Mohammad Amir, the veteran, gave away 18 runs and that wasn't going to be easy for Pakistan to chase. USA defended the total with 5 runs to spare and that was a big upset for Pakistan. Babar and Co. were out there with a loss in the very first match of the tournament that was not expected by anyone but USA.



They had India next at New York's tricky pitch. Batting first India did a decent job in the first 10 overs but Pakistani bowlers showed up in good times and restricted India to under 119. It's too easy on the first look but not really when you see Bumrah and Co. bowling hard on the pitch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-10-at-11.09.06_8ee8fa3e-1024x700.jpg" alt="T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table [Updated] after India wins Against Pakistan | Two Consecutive Wins For India" class="wp-image-135123" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Team India | Pic: X (BCCI)</figcaption></figure>



Pakistan's middle order got crushed and India won the game by 6 runs at the end. It was the second loss for Pakistan in a row and USA on the other hand, won both of their opening matches.



Pakistan's third match was against Canada and Pakistan did a decent job in sealing the contest. They restricted Canada under 107 and chased it down in 18th overs and got a better edge on Net Run Rate. Now they have their last contest to be played against Ireland on 16th June.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-went-wrong-with-pakistan-team">What Went Wrong With Pakistan Team?</h2>



There is not one thing that went wrong for <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-scores/87570/pak-vs-usa-11th-match-group-a-icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2024">Pakistan</a> but a string of issues. The key issues were Management situations, imbalance in the playing11, concerns with the Form of players, and Lack of intent and temperament.



Lack of Management: First and foremost, they had team, players, and management fights always going on that created doubts in the players' minds. PCB reinstalled Babar Azam as the T20I captain sacking Shaheen Shah just after a T20I series loss in New Zealand. 



Imbalance in Playing11: There was an imbalance in the playing 11 in all three matches and that was pretty visible. Pakistan entered the World Cup stage with a 'FOUR FAST BOWLERS' approach which failed totally. Playing an extra pacer extracted a batting option from number 5 of 6 from the team. They even had issues with the top order as Babar and Rizwan opened for Pakistan in the first two matches and Saim Ayub got to open with Rizwan against Canada.



Concerns With the Form of Players: Except for Babar, Fakhar and Rizwan, none of the team members looked in their best. They believed in Azam Khan first but didn't give him enough game time in the middle to make some space for him. Although they didn't have a choice for a good middle-order player, they could have stuck with Azam Khan in the middle.



Lack of Intent and Temperament: If you look at the scorecard of the Pakistan team, you can't tell if they have played in a T20 game or an ODI game. However, strike rate is not that big an issue if the conditions are not favorable but when you score 30-odd runs in 40-odd balls in a chase, you are certain to lose.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/t20-world-cup-2024-points-table-after-usa-vs-ire-pakistan-eliminated-india-usa-qualified-for-t20-world-cup-super-8s/">T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table after USA vs IRE, Pakistan ELIMINATED, India, USA Qualified for T20 World Cup Super 8s</a>

What Went Wrong With Pakistan Team in T20 World Cup 2024? Here is the Full Analysis of Pakistan's Journey in the ICC T20 WC 2024

what-went-wrong-with-pakistan-team-in-t20-world-cup-2024-here-is-the-full-analysis-of-pakistans-journey-in-the-icc-t20-wc-2024

PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Pakistan have announced their twelve-man squad a day before the second test. The board dropped a banger as they dropped Shaheen Afridi from the side and cited it as a strategic move. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-ban-2nd-test-pakistan-squad">PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Pakistan Squad</a></li><li class=""><a href="#pak-vs-ban-2nd-test-pakistan-12-men-squad">PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Pakistan 12-men Squad</a></li><li class=""><a href="#what-jason-gillespie-said">What Jason Gillespie Said?</a></li></ul></nav></div>



As we discussed earlier, batting was not a concern for Pakistan in the first test. Their major concern was bowling as they lost a match from a very dominating position at the stumps of DAY 3. It was their bowling that cost them the first-ever test loss against Bangladesh.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Bangladesh-vs-Pakistan.jpg" alt="PAK vs BAN: Bangladesh scripts history with a first-ever Test match win over Pakistan at Rawalpindi" class="wp-image-146256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bangladesh script history with maiden test win over Pakistan (Image: myKhel)</figcaption></figure>



Following that, Pakistan have shown signs of being confident for the second test and announced their twelve-men squad for the PAK vs BAN second test before in the pre-match conference. 



They were playing with their best batting combination possible from the squad they have for the series but a spinner to the unit could have been game-changing for them. They have made the correction now and added two spinners to the twelve-men playing squad. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-ban-2nd-test-pakistan-squad">PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Pakistan Squad</h2>



Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mir Hamza, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Huraira, Aamer Jamal



The skipper and management have not touched the TOP 7 of the playing 11 from the first test which was expected. Now the BIG news is that SHAHEEN SHAH Afridi has been dropped from the second test. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/Abrar-Ahmed-PAK-vs-BAN-1-1024x532.jpg" alt="PAK vs BAN: 3 Changes Pakistan must do to win second Test in Rawalpindi" class="wp-image-146308" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PAK vs BAN </figcaption></figure>



Shaheen bowled 32 overs in the first test and got two wickets leaking at a rate of just less than 3. This wasn't a poor performance but the coach Jason <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/jason-gillespie-5392">Gillespie</a> cited it as a strategic move. The two spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza have been added to the 12-membered squad. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pak-vs-ban-2nd-test-pakistan-12-men-squad">PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Pakistan 12-men Squad</h2>



Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-jason-gillespie-said">What Jason Gillespie Said?</h2>



"Shaheen will sit out of this game. I had a good conversation with him, and he fully understands and appreciates the reasoning behind this decision. We're looking for the best combination for this game, and this is our direction."



"As I mentioned, we will assess the conditions in the morning and decide on the exact makeup of our bowling attack. Shaheen has received some feedback, and he?s had an interesting couple of weeks?he?s a new father, and we're seeing an opportunity to allow him to spend time with his family as well."



"He?s working on a few aspects of his bowling to ensure he's as fit as possible. He?s been collaborating well with Azhar Mahmood, which has been fantastic. We certainly want to see Shaheen at his best because we have a lot of cricket ahead in all formats, and he?s going to play a big role in that."



"However, right now, we feel that we have all our bases covered for this particular game. But, make no mistake, Shaheen is a quality player and will play a significant role in the next 6-7 months."



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pak-vs-ban-weather-forecast-of-rawalpindi-ahead-of-second-test/">PAK vs BAN: Weather Forecast of Rawalpindi</a> <div></div><div class="tdb-author-name-wrap" style="align-items: baseline"></div><div></div>

PAK vs BAN: Shaheen Shah LEFT OUT As Pakistan Announced Playing11 for 2nd Test

pak-vs-ban-shaheen-shah-left-out-as-pakistan-announced-playing11-for-2nd-test

In the 2nd day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the Indian Cricket Team has hit the axe on their own feet. In reply to Australia's first inning score of 474 runs, the Indian batters helped their team reach the score of 153-2 at one point and they were on course of reaching a big score in their first-inning. 
However, in the 41st over, young Indian opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal got run out after playing a good knock of 86 runs. Lack of co-ordination with Virat Kohli on the other end meant he youngster missed out on the opportunity to slam his 2nd ton versus the Aussies in the ongoing BGT series. On one hand, the threat of a follow on being enforeced is looming over the Indian Team while on the other hand, the run out of Jaiswal sparked a heated argument between Cricket experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar and the video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms. 
The Men in Blue ended the 2nd day of the Melbourne test at the score of 164 runs for the loss of five wickets and they are still trailing the Kangaroos by 310 runs. Post the conclusion of the 2nd day, Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan were discussing the run out of Jaiswal in the post match show of Star Sports. Manjrekar on one hand was seen criticising Kohli while the opinions of Irfan were completely opposite.
Watch the full video <a href="https://x.com/Musafirr_hu_yar/status/1872543107272806770?t=08VDV_x1Pzgs82fX6qIX2g&amp;s=19">here</a>
<h2>Manjrekar had some harsh words to say about Kohli</h2>
First, Sanjay Manjrekar put forward his perspective and said, 
<blockquote>
"The ball was coming at a slower speed, I don't think that Virat would have got run-out in that situation. It was the call of Jaiswal and this run was probably not a free one but Jaiswal was the one who was running at the danger-end not Virat. It was his (Virat's) childish mistake that he looked back and decided that it was not a run. If Yashasvi's judgement was wrong then he would have got dismissed on the non-striker's end."

</blockquote>
<h2>Irfan Pathan hit back at the comments of Manjrekar</h2>
Initiating a counter attack on the views of his fellow commentator, Irfan said, 
<blockquote>
"He (Kohli) was probably not confident about taking that run because the ball went to fielder in a quick manner. Kohli, who was standing at the non-striker's end also has the right to deny a run call if he feels he's at the risk of getting run-out."

After this, Manjrekar said, "If you don't want to let me talk, then it's okay.
</blockquote>
Do Read: <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/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

Irfan Pathan (L) and Sanjay Manjrekar (C) in the post match show of Star Sports alongside Jatin Sapru (R) | Image: X (Cricket NDTV)

Cricket Experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar got involved in a heated exchange with each other on live television following the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Watch:Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar get involved in a heated argument over the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on live TV

watch-irfan-pathan-and-sanjay-manjrekar-get-involved-in-a-heated-argument-over-the-run-out-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-on-live-tv

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Virat Kohli has become the target of Australian media ever since India has reached the Melbourne. He was involved in a fight with Australian media and then, during the ongoing match, was also seen having a heated exchange with young opener Sam Konstas. 
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between over, and after that, were seen having a heated argument. This saw Batter facing a lot of criticism for having a go at a young player who was making his debut for Australia. 
The Australian media, along with various Australian experts and former cricketers, went hard at Virat Kohli. Not only this, even the crowd was against the senior India batter as he got boos when the premier batter walked out to bat on the Day Two of the ongoing Test. 
<h2>Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style</h2>
Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style and with his bat. He looked in great touch as he played some crisp shots in his innings and with the way he was going, it was expected that he would get a big score.
Virat Kohli was highly cautious against the balls outside off early on his innings and, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, added over 100 runs partnership. But the demons of the outside off stump came to haunt him again as he was back in the hut after a valuable start. 
Virat Kohli was removed by Scott Boland as he poked at the ball outside off and was caught by Alex Carey behind the stumps. The premier Indian batter was back in the hut after 36 runs, but what caught the attention of many was he fought with the crowd on his way back. 
Do 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>
As he was going inside the dressing room, some of the fans near the entrance told him something. The batter, however, came up back and shared some words with the fans before going back in extreme anger. You can see the video below:

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: 'Angry' Virat Kohli fights with fans at MCG after getting out for 36 runs

watch-angry-virat-kohli-fights-with-fans-at-mcg-after-getting-out-for-36-runs-

In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do 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>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India

Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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Yashasvi Jaiswal was leading the Indian batting and brought the visitors back into the game. He stitched an important 102-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the third wicket, and Team India were looking good until there was a miscommunication between the two. Jaiswal was looking good for another big score and was going very well.
But on the last ball of the 41st over, he drove a ball to mid-on and was out of the blocks for a run. Virat, who was watching the ball, didn't respond, and Jaiswal got run out. That was the turning point in the Indian batting innings so far.
That run out also must have broken Virat's concentration, and he got out once again trying to poke at the ball outside off stump. Before that, he was leaving it pretty well. Jaiswal scored his ninth test fifty and made 82 runs off 118 balls, with 11 fours and one six. However, before getting out, he achieved a special feat.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Yashavi Jaiswal joins Sachin Tendulkar among the Indian players with most Test runs in a calendar year.</h2>
Jaiswal has had a tremendous year with the bat for India. He has scored the most runs for India in tests this year, and overall, he is the second-highest scorer in 2024. Jaiswal has scored 1394 runs in 28 innings at an average of 53.61 with three centuries and 8 half-centuries. He has hit 36 sixes this year.
Earlier, Jaiswal broke the long-standing record of Brendon McCullum for most test sixes in a year. McCullum struck 34 sixes in 2014, and Jaiswal has already hit 36 in 2024. Apart from that, Jaiswal has joined Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Sunil Gavaskar in an elite list of Indian batters with the most test runs in a calendar year.
In his 82-run innings, he went past Rahul Dravid (1357), Gundappa Viswanath (1388), and Virat (1322). Jaiswal has now scored the fifth-most test runs by an Indian in a calendar year. Sachin holds the Indian record with 1562 runs in 2010. Jaiswal still has one more innings in the MCG test, and he needs another 169 runs to break that record.
Speaking of the game, India finished Day 2 at 164/5. They were at 153/2 at one point and then lost three quick wickets for six runs. The visitors are still 111 runs behind to avoid the follow-on. Rishabh Pant (6) and Ravindra Jadeja (4) are at the crease, and India need a special effort from their lower order to do something.
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>

Yashasvi Jaiswal was unlucky to get run out after a well-made 82 in the first innings of the ongoing Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG

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IND vs AUS DAY 2: Australia continued from their strong overnight score of 311/6 and completely dominated India in the first session of the day. Australia crushed India’s bowling, scoring 474 with Smith’s brilliant 140. India now faces a tough challenge on a tricky pitch.
Here’s how the action unfolded on Day 2:
<h2>Session 1: Australia Tightens the Grip</h2>
It was all about Australia in the morning session. In just 27 overs, they smashed 143 runs and lost only one wicket. India’s bowlers looked clueless as the Aussies made merry. Akash Deep, who shone yesterday, had a rough time today, giving away runs, while Jasprit Bumrah kept toiling but couldn’t find the breakthrough early on.
Steve Smith, looking every bit like the run-machine he is, played with ease and elegance. He kept the scoreboard ticking with clever singles and sharp boundaries, leaving no scoring chance behind. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins supported him brilliantly, finding the ropes regularly and frustrating the Indian bowlers.
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The big moment came when Smith brought up his fifth Test century at the iconic MCG. The 112-run partnership between Smith and Cummins left India reeling. Cummins eventually fell to Ravindra Jadeja, trying to attack, but by then, the damage was done. India’s bowlers seemed tired and out of ideas, with their short-ball strategy failing on a pitch that wasn’t offering much pace or bounce.
<h2>Session 2: India Strikes Back, But Australia Posts a Mammoth Total</h2>
After lunch, India finally had something to cheer about. Ravindra Jadeja struck early, dismissing Mitchell Starc, and the very next ball saw the end of the brilliant Steve Smith, who was trapped on 140. It was a knock that reminded everyone why Smith is considered one of the best in the world—two centuries in two matches, first in Brisbane and now here at the MCG.
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Jasprit Bumrah then wrapped things up, dismissing Nathan Lyon, but not before Lyon and Scott Boland added 19 valuable runs for the last wicket. Australia finished their innings with a massive 474 runs on the board.
<h2>Australia’s Commanding Total</h2>
474 runs is a huge score on this pitch. With the surface offering something for both pacers and spinners, it’s going to be a big test for the Indian batters.
The foundation of this innings was laid by debutant Sam Konstas’ brilliant knock on Day 1, followed by good and moving innings from Manus, Khwaja, Carey, and not to mention a masterclass from Steve Smith today. His knock had shades of his golden form from 2019, leaving the Indian bowlers scratching their heads.
India’s bowling attack had very few bright spots. Bumrah was once again the standout, fighting hard to contain the Aussie batters. Jadeja kept things steady, but Akash Deep struggled to replicate his heroics from yesterday.
Can India’s batters rise to the occasion and fight back, or will this Australian total prove too much to handle? The challenge is massive, and the MCG is set for another gripping chapter in this Test series!

Australia dominated on Day 2, piling up 474 runs with Steve Smith’s masterful century. India’s bowlers struggled, while brief resistance from Bumrah and Jadeja couldn’t stop the Aussie charge on a challenging pitch.

Steve Smith’s century and Australia’s 474-run total leave India facing an uphill battle on a pitch favoring both spinners and pacers.

IND vs AUS: Australia managed to put up a huge 474 First Innings score

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Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he is one of the best in the business. Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw the Australian batters dominating the Indian bowlers.
The counterattack started when the debutant Sam Konstas took on Bumrah and slammed him for two sixes in an over. They set the tone for the hosts, and they had a great batting display in the first sessions. All four top Australian batters marked a fifty each.
But it was once again Bumrah who brought India into the game. He dismissed dangerous Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession, which dented the Australian scoring rate. Bumrah ended the day at 3/75. He once again proved to be the real threat for the hosts.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Jasprit Bumrah on verge of reaching 200 wickets in Test cricket on Day 2</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah, with his three wickets, registered a couple of great records. He dismissed Head for a duck and became the first Indian bowler to dismiss the Australian batter for a duck against India. Apart from him, with his three wickets, he also went past Anil Kumble (15) to take the most wickets at the MCG.
Bumrah now has 18 wickets at this iconic venue. But as he steps on the field on Day 2, Bumrah eyes a major record. Notably, Bumrah has 197 wickets now, and he has a chance to complete 200 wickets in the first innings itself. Australia still have four wickets left in the bank, and if the Indian pacer can take three wickets on Day 2, he will become the fastest Indian to reach this milestone.
Currently, Kapil Dev holds the record for the fastest Indian pacer to take 200 wickets in 50 tests. Jasprit Bumrah is currently playing his 44th Test, and he still has the second innings, but he can achieve this feat on Day 2 itself. Overall, Ravichandran Ashwin holds this Indian record in 37 tests.
Meanwhile, India need to make sure that they take the remaining four wickets early on Day 2 and try to bat long. India have dropped Shubman Gill, so they are one batter short. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy are three all-rounders in the lower middle order who need to take responsibility. Rohit Sharma is likely to open the innings, and KL Rahul will bat at no. 3.
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-/#google_vignette">How much is Virat Kohli's match fee? What will he get after a 20 percent penalty at the MCG?</a>

Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets as Australia finished 311/6 at the stumps on Day 1 of the fourth test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

World Record Alert: Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of creating history in Day 2 of MCG Test 

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Five time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a good 2025 Mega-Auction and they have built a solid squad ahead of the next edition of the tournament. The franchise managed to re-acquire the services of the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway in the Mega-Auction and they also bought R Ashwin, who played for the franchise between 2009 to 2015.
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) will be kicking off from the 14th of March onwards and in this situation, the New Zealand player are going to face issues as the T20 International and One Day International series between the Kiwis and Pakistan is scheduled to start in the same month as well. 
This will make it difficult for players like Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santnwr, Bevan Jacobs and Glenn Phillips to participate in the first three weeks of the 2025 edition of the IPL.
<h2>Why is the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway likely to miss the starting phase of IPL 2025? </h2>
The New Zealand players will be staying in Pakistan post the conclusion of 2025 Champions Trophy on the 9th of March. From 16th of March to 5th of April, the Black Caps and the Shaheens will be squaring off versus each other in five T20 International games and three One Day International encounters. This is the reason why the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway will most likely miss the start of IPL 2025.
Even during the previous edition of the tournament, a white ball Cricket series took place between the same teams. At that time, a total of nine Kiwi players priorotized the IPL over the bilateral white-ball tour of Pakistan and played in the cash-rich T20 league. This time around though, there are doubts regarding the New Zealand Cricket Board agreeing to let their main players skip the tour of Pakistan and play in the IPL. 
The New Zealand Cricket Board has not taken any decision yet regarding the participation of their players in the 18th edition of the IPL. Last time around, the BCCI requested the NZC to let nine players miss the Pakistan series and play in the IPL. This time around too, the Cricket Governing Body of India is expected to make a request to the New Zealand Cricket Board in advance and resolve this issue by January of 2025.
If the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are not given the permission to skip the Pakistan tour in favour of the IPL, then a lot of big problems are likely to be created for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-captains-of-lsg-and-delhi-capitals-confirmed-these-star-players-will-handle-the-leadership-duties/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2025: Captains of LSG and Delhi Capitals confirmed! These star players will handle the leadership duties</a>

Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand interact during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between England and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 05, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

New Zealand's 2025 white-ball bilateral tour of Pakistan is set to clash with IPL 2025 and this will make it difficult for New Zealand players to play in the initial phase of the IPL. CSK duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are going to get affected by this.

IPL: Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra of CSK likely to miss the start of IPL 2025

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Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne is hosting the Boxing Day Test between the teams. 
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj made sure that they gave the Australian team a taste of their own medicine. The duo were seen continuously going into the head of the opposition batters, in particular Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne. 
As they were all over the Australia batters, Mohammed Siraj had a light conversation with Marnus Labuschagne. It was then that Virat Kohli ordered the pacer to keep the intensity high and told him not to laugh. The batter was passing inputs to the pacer, and it was caught on the stump mic. 
Virat Kohli was heard telling pacer Mohammed Siraj, "Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Don't smile while talking to them)," However, after when Mohammed Siraj  exchanged words with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. You can watch the video below: 
<h2>Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high</h2>
Coming to the match, Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high. The hosts had a great day with the bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. They were off to a brutal start with the bat, thanks to debutant Sam Konstas (60). 
The 19-year-old took the attack to the Indian bowlers, in particular Jasprit Bumrah, from the start and raced away to his half-century. He, along with Usman Khawaja (57), added 89 runs for the opening partnership before Marnus Labuschagne (72) joined Khawaja, and the duo put on 65 runs. 
Steve Smith (68*) also slammed a vital half-century and kept batting till the end. India made a slight comeback after the wicket of Marnus as they picked quick wickets. Alex Carey (31) also came up with a handy effort as Australia ended day one with Smith and skipper Pat Cummins at 311 for six crease.
<h2>"Has ke baat nahi karna inse - Virat KOhli to Mohammed Siraj</h2>

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Watch: "Has ke baat nahi karna inse"- Virat Kohli orders Mohammed Siraj to go hard at MCG

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India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Rohit Sharma was left pretty frustrated in the first two sessions of the match as Australia had a great time with the bat. The Pat Cummins-led side came up with a magical batting effort, especially from the top four batters Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who all slammed half-centuries. 
Rohit Sharma tried different things, but nothing seemed to be going his way as Australia's batters kept smashing runs. This also saw India's captain going hard at his players, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was at the receiving end of the thrashing. 
It happened during Ravindra Jadeja's over when the all-rounder was bowling to Steve Smith. The Australian batter defended the ball, which went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was standing near the wicket at the square leg region. He came up with a bizarre effort, and this didn't go well with Rohit Sharma. 
 <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
As the ball went towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, instead of fielding, he jumped and saved himself. This made Rohit Sharma angry as he was seen telling the batter: "Ay Jaisu, Gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi. Niche baith ke reh." You can see the video below: 
However, after the first session, India made a strong comeback as they picked up a few quick wickets and brought themselves back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah, who was taken for cleaners in the first session, picked three wickets and brought some hope for relief for fans. 
Australia at stumps were 311 for six. Steve Smith was unbeaten at 68. India and captain Rohit Sharma will be hoping that they pick early wickets on Day 2 and come up with a better performance with the bat.
Also Read: Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>
<h2>Watch: Rohit Sharma scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal </h2>

India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: Rohit Sharma attacks Yashasvi Jaiswal with "Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?"

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Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. He said that he was doing his gloves and the senior batter accidentally bumped him. 
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia started on a high note as day one of the game witnessed an enthralling day of cricket. Not only this, the tensions were high as well as Indian players had their go at the Australian players, and it lifted the crowds. 
One of the highlights of Day 1 came between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. The two were engaged in a heated argument in the first session of the day. It was then the Australian debutant started taking attacks on the Indian bowlers and slammed them all over the park. 
Sam Konstas, in particular, slammed Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. He played unorthodox shots and reversed-scooped him for six. While the battle between pacers and batter was going high, Virat Kohli was having a go at a batter behind the stumps. 
But the tensions flared up after the 10th over of the innings. After the over ended, Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters. 
<h2>"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me - Sam Konstas on fight with Virat Kohli</h2>
This became a massive headline, but Australia batter Sam Konstas has now opened up about the entire incident. He said that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped him but mentioned that he, too, was trying to get into the contest. 
Sam Konstas revealed that he was trying to bring out the best version of himself. He feels that things getting heated up brought the best out of him, and he wants to carry on the confidence in the second innings. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension. For me, I was just trying to get into the contest. 
"I was just trying to bring the best version of myself against whoever I was facing. It got heated at times, but that's good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings.". 
Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls, which ensured Australia got off to a brutal start with the bat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India.