Rohit Sharma has been very calm and composed with the statements that he makes in the media post being appointed as the Indian captain. But on the eve of the 4th test match against Australia, the Indian captain did not hold back his remarks. It was Ravi Shastri who criticized Rohit Sharma and team India on air while commentating for Star TV Network. Shastri went on to say that team India was overconfident in the 3rd Test match which they lost on a rank turner. Here is what Rohit Sharma had to say in response:&nbsp;



<h2>Ravi Shastri Says Indian Team was ?Overconfident? in the 3rd Test:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rohit-Sharma-and-Ravi-Shastri-1.jpg" alt="Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma" class="wp-image-82294" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The previous head coach, Ravi Shastri was very critical of the Indian cricket team's attitude in the 3rd Test match. IMG SRC: BCCI</figcaption></figure>



?This is what a little complacency and a little bit of overconfidence can do where you take things for granted, you drop guard and this game will bring you down.?, Shastri said while covering the game live for the Star TV Network. Shastri has been the team manager since 2014 and was also the coach of the Indian cricket team for 4 years from 2017 to 2021. He has seen how cricket has evolved and he is not new to the pressure and standard of the game. These comments of such a well-aware person did not go down very well with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. ?



<h2>Rohit Sharma Calls Ravi Shastri?s Remark ?Rubbish?:?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rahul_dravid_and_rohit_sharma-si-1024x576.jpg" alt="Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma" class="wp-image-93211" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rohit has had a very good equation with the coaches but this statement of the previous head coach did not go down well with him! IMG SRC: BCCI</figcaption></figure>



Rohit has been very calm when answering such tough questions in the past. He had been earlier asked about his possible rift with Virat and also about dropping Virat Kohli, but Rohit Sharma has answered these questions with composure. But this time, the Indian skipper did not hold back and expressed what he truly felt. &nbsp;



?Honestly when you win two games and the people on the outside feel we are overconfident, it?s absolutely ?rubbish? because you want to do your best in all 4 games.?, Rohit said. He further added, ?You don?t want to stop by winning two games, it is as simple as that. Obviously, all these guys when they talk about being overconfident and all and especially when they are not a part of the dressing room, they don?t know what sort of talk happens in the dressing room.?&nbsp;



<h2>Rohit Sharma Refers to Ravi Shastri as an ?Outsider?:?</h2>



In a very one-of-a-kind statement from Sharma, he went on to refer to Shastri as an ?outsider?. He said, ?We want to do our best in all games and if it seems overconfident, or anything like that for the ?outsiders?, it doesn?t matter to us.??Further Rohit added, "So, yeah it's about being "ruthless" and not being "overconfident". Ruthless is a word that comes to every cricketer's mind, not to give an inch to the opposition while touring abroad".



The 4th game will begin at 9:30 am on 9 March 2023. The venue is the newly built Shri. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Stick with <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">icccricketschedule.com</a> for all the latest updates. ?



To know more go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-have-to-improve-in-both-batting-and-bowling-department-says-indian-coach-rahul-dravid/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-vs-australia-2023-have-to-improve-in-both-batting-and-bowling-department-says-indian-coach-rahul-dravid/" rel="noreferrer noopener">India VS Australia 2023: ?Have to Improve in Both Batting and Bowling Department?, Says Indian Coach Rahul Dravid.?</a>



Read more such articles at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ab-de-villiers-names-his-greatest-t20-player-of-all-time-it-is-not-virat-kohli-breaking-news-2023/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ab-de-villiers-names-his-greatest-t20-player-of-all-time-it-is-not-virat-kohli-breaking-news-2023/" rel="noreferrer noopener">AB De Villiers Names His Greatest T20 Player of All Time. It is not Virat Kohli. Breaking News 2023.</a>



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

Rohit Sharma Says Ravi Shastri?s Remark Was ?Rubbish?. India VS Australia 4th Test Press Conference. &nbsp;

rohit-sharma-says-ravi-shastris-remark-was-rubbish-india-vs-australia-4th-test-press-conference

"Want To Win World Cup 2023, Don't Open With Rohit-Gill," Says Ravi Shastri: The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is drawing nearer by the day, and cricket pundits are busy making some bold predictions and statements. Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should not be paired to open the Innings in the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023.



Ravi Shastri reckons India should have at least two left-handers in their starting XI for the World Cup 2023. The former World Cup champion emphasized that India won the 2011 World Cup with two key left-handers who gave variations to their batting lineup. Ravi Shastri, who has observed and coached the team, thinks the management is unlikely to get benefit from the present opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the marque event.



India's favored opening combo in ODIs has been Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in place of the injured KL Rahul. Shastri contends that the lack of a left-handed batter makes it hard for this pair to be accepted for the World Cup. Shastri emphasized the value of a balanced lineup and the potential influence of a left-handed batter in the top three or four positions in an interview with The Week.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Shastri On Rohit-Gill Opening Pair for World Cup 2023</h4>



"No, that is going to be a challenge. You will have to see closer to the event. Form again becomes important. You need to strike the right balance. Do you think a left-hander will make a difference at the top? It does not have to be opening but in the top three or four. You have to weigh all those options. Ideally, in the top six, I would like to see two left-handers," Shastri said in an interview with The Week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Gautam-Gambhir.jpg" alt="&quot;Want To Win World Cup 2023, Don't Open With Rohit-Gill,&quot; Says Ravi Shastri" class="wp-image-67597" /></figure>



Shastri highlighted the importance of left-handers in earlier World Cup success. Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, all left-handers, all played significant roles in the 2011 World Cup victory.



Shastri cited historical instances, such as Australia's dominant lineup of left-handed players and the winning teams of 1974, 1979, 1987, and 1996. In order for the team to succeed, he stressed the importance of creating a mix and balance.



"Whenever you have done well [left-handers contributed]. In 2011, you h u had [Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj [Singh] and [Suresh] Raina. Go back to 1974? [Alvin] Kallicharran, [Roy] Fredericks, [Clive] Lloyd? The same in 1979. The 1983 team was the only one that did not have a left-hander, but that whole tournament was against all odds. In 1987, Australia had enough? they had [Allan] Border at the top, they had another two or three, down the order."



"In 1996 Sri Lanka proved it again, with [Sanath] Jayasuriya, [Arjuna] Ranatunga, [Asanka] Gurusinha. And then Australia, with the Gilchrists and the Haydens. England have it now. That mix and balance has to be created," he added.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/bcci-accused-of-political-interference-in-world-cup-2023-schedule-venues-vice-president-responds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BCCI accused of Political Interference in World Cup 2023 Schedule &amp; Venues, Vice-President responds</a>



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

"Want To Win World Cup 2023, Don't Open With Rohit-Gill," Says Ravi Shastri

want-to-win-world-cup-2023-dont-open-with-rohit-gill-says-ravi-shastri

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

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

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

ICC Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Teams, Fixtures, Full Squads,  & Time Table

icc-cricket-champions-trophy-2025-schedule-teams-fixtures-full-squads-time-table

The time is ticking for India captain Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the opening batter is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which will be the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, provided few conditions. 
Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne, and he will soon be having a conversation with Rohit Sharma related to his future in Tests. As per the reports, if India fails to reach the final of the series, then the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be the last match for India's captain.
This comes after Rohit Sharma's struggles in the Test cricket of last. In the last 8 games, the opening batter has scored just 155 runs at an average of 11.07 and his struggles are visible in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he has managed just 22 runs from 5 innings. 
After playing two games in the middle order, Rohit Sharma moved back to the top order in the ongoing Melbourne Test. However, the move didn't pay off, as the skipper was back in the hut after facing just 5 balls. He attempted a half-hearted pull shot and was caught by Scott Boland with ease. 
<h2> Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches</h2>
The reports also added that Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches. However, to accommodate him back as an opener, Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the ongoing game as Washington Sundar replaced him as an all-rounder. 
With their place for the ICC World Test Championship very far away, it is fair to say Rohit Sharma won't be playing any more Tests after the ongoing game. To make it into the final, India will have to win both the remaining games. However, with the way things are going in the ongoing match, Australia look like clear favourites. 
There also have been some other sections of reports that have claimed that a big announcement will be around the corner after the Melbourne Test concludes. It is learned that there will be some big news coming from Indian cricket, especially if the team loses the game. 
If the reports related to Rohit Sharma's retirement after the Sydney Test are true, it's safe to say that the batter will have a great opportunity to turn things around in the remaining three innings. If he sets the stage on fire in three innings, chances are he will continue leading the team.
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>

As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that Rohit Sharma is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Rohit Sharma to retire after Sydney Test, Ajit Agarkar set to talk to captain about his future

rohit-sharma-to-retire-after-sydney-test-ajit-agarkar-set-to-talk-to-captain-about-his-future-

It's really hard to imagine Pakistan's test team without the presence of Shaheen Shah Afridi and it's a situation which is really hard to occur. However, a shocking call was taken by the National Team's selectors and despite being in excellent form with the ball, elite Pakistani seamer was not considered for selection in Pakistan's two-match Test-Series verus the South Africans.
Afridi delivered am exceptional performance in the One Day International series versus the same opposition, dismissing the highest number of batters (7) and his role with the ball was crucial in his team's success. 
But despite all this, the pacer wasn't even considered for selection for the two-match Test-Series versus the Proteas. According to some news reports, prior to the squad-announcement of the Shaheens, a selector reportedly asked the 24-year-old to take part in a practice Four-day match before the commencement of the Test-Series. 
Due to some personal reasons, Shaheen wasn't able to comply with the instructions of the Pakistani selectors. This was comprehended as "disobedience" by the selectors which led to his eventual exclusion from the Test team. Notably, a similar instruction was given to former skipper Babar Azam too, who also didn't comply with the instructions but was still included in the Test team.
According to some inside sources of Pakistani Men's National Cricket Team, it's believed that the dominating behavior of a certain selector has caused a feeling of dissatisfaction among the national team players. The selector, who recently announced his retirement from Cricket, reportedly maintains a dominating attitude even towards former players. It's believed that the selector is none other than Aleem Dar who was drafted in the selection committee just a few months back. 
According to some close sources of Shaheen, the pacer still has the passion in him to represent Pakistan in the longest format of the game and he was pretty disappointed by the selectors' decision to exclude him from the Test Team for the South Africa series. 
Post the conclusion of the One-Day International series, the 24-year-old even gave the offer to stay in South Africa for the upcoming Test-Series if the national team selectora felt the need to include him in the squad, but no initiative was taken to select him. 
The Shan Masood-led team desperately felt the absence of a left-handed pacer and this was pretty evident in the Centurion Test-match versus the Proteas. Another left-arm seamer Mir Hamza, who is known for his speed and variations, was not considered for selection too. 
Talking about Shaheen Shah Afridi again, the reason for not selecting him was given as workload management but shockingly, he was allowed to participate in the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He is a part of the team of Fortune Barishal and the 24-year-old is anticipated to play in five contests for the franchise.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-irfan-pathan-and-sanjay-manjrekar-get-involved-in-a-heated-argument-over-the-run-out-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-on-live-tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch:Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar get involved in a heated argument over the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on live TV</a>

Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Mitchell Starc | Image: AFP

Shaheen Shah Afridi was shockingly not considered for selection in Pakistan's Test Team for the South Africa series and Aleem Dar is reportedly considered the main reason behind his exclusion from the team.

Shaheen Afridi neglected the orders of the selectors and this led to his exclusion from the Test Team

shaheen-afridi-neglected-the-orders-of-the-selectors-and-this-led-to-his-exclusion-from-the-test-team

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Jasprit Bumrah was taken for a lot of runs in the Tests against Australia. The fast bowler returned with the figures of 4/99 in the 28.4 overs. This saw him achieving a wanted record to his name as, for the first time, he gave away more than 90 runs in an innings in his career in Tests. 
Jasprit Bumrah also was hit for four sixes during his spell. It was for the first time in 4562 deliveries that six was hit against him. Sam Konstas slammed the fast bowler for two sixes, while Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc also hit one six each against the premier fast bowler. 
This was only the second time that more than one six in an innings (after England's first innings in 2018 at the Oval) was hit against the fast bowler. This was the first time three or more sixes were hit against the fast bowler. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler has looked a class apart in the series. He picked fifer in Perth and followed it up with the four-fer in Adelaide. The pacer picked 6-fer wickets in Gabba and then four-fer in Melbourne.
Jasprit Bumrah, in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has taken 25 wickets at an average of 13.12 with five-wicket hauls. With the way he is going, he is expected to take more wickets in the series and it won't be a surprise if he goes past 35-mark in the series. 
Coming to the match, Australia had another dominating outing in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
They came up with a terrific effort with bat and ball on Day two to put India under pressure. The hosts ended their first innings on 474 and then took five Indian wickets. At stumps, India was 165 for five and is still behind 310 runs.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Shocking! Jasprit Bumrah bowls the worst spell of his career and achieves two unwanted feats

shocking-jasprit-bumrah-bowls-the-worst-spell-of-his-career-and-achieves-two-unwanted-feats-

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that the team should include Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna in the team at Sydney. 
Mohammed Siraj has been one of the poor performers for India in the ongoing series against Australia. The fast bowler has failed to provide support to Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing series, which has been the main reason behind the team's struggles with the ball. 
With Mohammed Siraj failing to take wickets and restrict run flow, all the burden has come on Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler has been single-handedly carrying the bowling lineup of the team and is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with 25 wickets to his name. 
Mohammed Siraj has also leaked a lot of runs and his poor effort is the reason why Australia has piled up over 400 runs in the last two games. In the Melbourne Test, he failed to take a single wicket and gave away 122 runs in the 23 overs that he bowled. 
Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mohammed Siraj needs a break and team management needs to tell him that they are dropping him on the basis of his poor performances. While speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 
"I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense that, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can’t beat around the bush." 
<h2>If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah - Sunil Gavaskar wants Mohammed Siraj to be dropped </h2>
Sunil Gavaskar mentioned that Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma need to directly say to Mohammed Siraj they are dropping him. The batting great also batted for the inclusion of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. He explained: 
"But I think Siraj needs to be told ‘look, you are not bowling as well as we expected you to on pitches that have been helpful’. That is something that needs to be told. If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah. By all means, do that," he concluded.
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>

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance

gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-

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

steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy

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

yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg

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.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e141bad740.jpg" alt="">
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.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e1417aedc4.jpg" alt="">
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.