Cricket News: Twitter reactions: Jadeja five-for as India dominate Australia | Twitter reactions to day 1 of Nagpur Test between India & Australia
When Australia “won” the first session thanks to a recovery from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, they just won it. When India win a session, they completely dominate and turn the game in their favour.
It was the case on day one of the Nagpur Test, where Australia’s worst nightmares were realised. On a pitch that made for some gripping (pun intended) viewing, Australia could not provide enough resistance and then bowled poorly to make matters worse.
After winning what everyone believed to be the crucial toss, Australia had the opportunity to bat first on a spinning pitch that had no gremlins in it, by any means. But, it was the Indian seamers who kicked things off, followed by Ravindra Jadeja who was unstoppable once he broke the threatening Labuschagne-Smith stand.
Jadeja’s comeback is a terrific one. Out for five months with a serious knee injury, Jadeja bowled as if he was never away, landing nearly 75% of his deliveries on a good length. His mix of deliveries that spun versus going straight was a delight to watch, with even the great Steve Smith done by a straight one.
Twitter reactions: Jadeja headlines India dominance
He and Ashwin, who himself went past 450 Test wickets, were simply terrific. Australia’s lower order provided no resistance as they were bowled out for 177, shedding further spotlight on the selectors’ controversial decision to leave out Travis Head. Then, Rohit Sharma turned it on, taking advantage of an off-colour Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon to put India in a commanding position.
Rohit, who now averages 75.66 in home Tests, will begin day two on 56 not out. Here are some of the Twitter reactions to a day of dominance for India.
I see India's curaters have done the usual method of changing the pitch whenever the opponent is batting and replace it with their roads for when they bat.
Since 2013 in India (Spin) Indians: 21.03 Away team: 43.01
They're not turner's, Jadeja and Ashwin are just fantastic.
Watching Test cricket on spinning wickets in India is simply the best. It’s an absolute examination of your technique & temperament . It’s exhilarating cricket. ITS A TEST ?
What a spell by Ravindra Jadeja – 5/47 in 22 overs against Australia. A comeback to remember for Jadeja, wickets of well set Labuschagne, Smith and Handscomb.
What a way to mark a comeback, and this is just the first innings. With 3 more innings left in the match, the Man of the series of the last home BGT could very well end as Man of the match in this test. Ravindra Jadeja, you absolute Rockstar!
A timely reminder of the high quality of Ravindra Jadeja. Averages 24 with the ball, 36 with the bat and one of the best fielders in the world over the last 30 years. Through 60 Test matches. Genuine superstar. #INDvAUS
The three biggest rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) | A look at the three biggest IPL rivalries
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some of the most heated rivalries in cricket history. They have not only increased the game’s excitement, but also created a new level of rivalry amongst teams. Fans have witnessed some of the most nail-biting endings and unforgettable events in recent memory, dating back to the league’s inception.
The IPL is much more than simply individual player performances; it is also about team competitiveness. As such, this is often included in IPL stats and team overviews. The fierce rivalries have contributed to the league’s intrigue, with players and fans alike looking forward to the next meeting between two of the league’s top rivals. The fierce rivalry between these teams has produced some of the finest memories for fans while also raising the standard for future IPL encounters. The rivalry between these clubs has been a fixture of the league and remains one of the sport’s most popular draws.
The IPL rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals is one of the most heated and anticipated in the competition. The two franchises have played each other numerous times in the competition and have always put up a good fight, providing spectators with a fascinating experience. This rivalry has generated some unforgettable moments and nail-biting endings that have fans anxiously anticipating their next clash.
The presence of some of the top players in the world on both sides is one of the primary aspects that have fueled this rivalry. The presence of top-tier players has resulted in some interesting matches between these two sides, with both teams leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success. Another aspect fueling this rivalry is the two teams’ opposing playing styles, with one famed for its aggressive brand of cricket and the other for its calm and collected approach.
As a result, numerous high-scoring and thrilling matches have occurred. Overall, the rivalry between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals is one of the finest in the IPL and a delight to watch for cricket fans all over the world.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The IPL rivalry between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders is one of the strongest in the league. These two teams have played numerous high-stakes matches against each other throughout the years, producing some remarkable moments.
Both sides often bring their A-game every time they hit the field against each other, thanks to a combination of top players, experienced coaches, and fervent supporters. With each victory, the stakes rise and the rivalry intensifies, making each meeting between these two teams a must-see event.
One such memorable contest was the 2021 Eliminator, where KKR prevailed with two balls to spare thanks to a special all-round performance by Sunil Narine. In 2019, the two teams played two 200 vs 200 matches, two years after RCB were bowled out for 49. Indeed, there are usually some awesome talking points.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are two of the most successful Indian Premier League franchises (IPL). The rivalry between these two clubs has been one of the tournament’s most thrilling and anticipated confrontations. The on-field fights between these two teams have been nothing short of thrilling, with each squad putting their best foot forward every time they meet.
The head-to-head record between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings is always a talking point. MI have won 21 out of the 36 meetings, including the memorable 2019 final. They have met in numerous other finals, with the matchup often generating huge buzz on social media before, during and after each meeting.
Cricket News: Winning in India bigger than Ashes – Steve Smith | Steve Smith & David Warner discuss challenge of India tour
Top Australian players including Steven Smith and David Warner consider a prospective win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India to be a bigger achievement than emerging victorious in the Ashes.
“It [India] is a difficult place to win a Test match let alone a series. So if we are able to do that, it would be huge. I think if you win in India, it is bigger than an Ashes series [win],” Smith told cricket.com.au, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
David Warner, who has toured India for Tests twice previously, echoes similar viewpoints. The southpaw has an average of 24.25 and hasn’t notched a ton in the 16 innings he has played in India. The Indian spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has managed to outmanoeuvre him in the previous two tours. Warner battled indifferent form for the better part of the last year before regaining some touch back by scoring a double-century in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
However, even Warner asserts that the touring contingent have their task cut out against a skilful spin attack.
“Being a part of the last Ashes was fantastic but to go to India and beat India in India is the toughest challenge in Test cricket for us. I’m looking forward to the tour, it’s always a hard graft. One thing that I’m looking forward to is applying myself against the best spinners in the world,” Warner explained.
Skipper Pat Cummins went a step ahead by mentioning that winning a Test series on the Indian soil will be a ‘career highlight’ altogether. The first game of the series will begin at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on February 9.
Cricket News: Australia roped in Ashwin impersonator in nets ahead of Nagpur Test | Ashwin impersonator bowls to Australia team
The touring Australian squad is relying on the skillsets of the now-renowned ‘Ravichandran Ashwin-impersonator’ Mahesh Pithiya to tackle the Indian veteran off-spinner in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting from Thursday. The Australian management spotted Pithiya, who apparently has a bowling action very similar to that of Ashwin, on Instagram. They flew the young Baroda spinner down to Bengaluru and have been training with him in nets ever since, according to Cricbuzz.
Pithiya got a reference from his friend Pritesh Joshi for this role. Joshi is himself a throwdown specialist from Baroda and has been in touch with some of the Australian coaches in order to work with the team in their India tour.
Pithiya’s similarity to Ashwin was first spotted by Australian southpaw Matt Renshaw and then batting talisman Steven Smith. Smith immediately took notice of the young spinner and began playing against him in a clear bid to better prepare himself for facing Ashwin in the four Tests.
Full on Preparation this time –
Maheesh Pithiya a Net bowler with a bowling action similar to Ashwin has been called up by Australia at their Training Camp in Bangalore to prepare for off spin threat.#INDvAUSpic.twitter.com/e52ahu3U13
Smith and Pithiya have been constantly engaged in a tussle in the nets since then. Sometimes, the Australian batsman has managed to get a hang of the spinner’s trickery whereas the rookie has also been able to outmanoeuvre the 33-year-old on occasions.
“I was rarely called by my original name. It was always Ashwin,” said Pithiya, who has been well-known for the resemblance of his bowling action with that of the Indian great since a pretty long time. The youngster hails from Saurashtra but plays for Baroda where has been taken under the wings of the Pathan brothers (Yusuf and Irfan).
Meanwhile, Ashwin isn’t the sole focus of the Australian contingent. They have also on-boarded left-arm spinner Shashank Mehrotra, who hails from Hyderabad, to help them train for India’s spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
The first Test will commence from February 9 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur.
IND vs AUS 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AUS 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Nagpur Pitch Report
A little over two years since India’s incredible triumph at the Gabba, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is back. And this time, it’s on their own turf.
This is without a doubt Pat Cummins’ most challenging test as Australia captain to date. The Australians performed admirably in Asia last year, but India, who have lost just two of 42 Tests at home since the start of 2013, is a much tougher assignment. A number of players will make their debuts in this country, with question marks over the likes of David Warner and Travis Head against spin. Also, will there be enough support for Nathan Lyon?
With regards to India, they will be raring to go. They have lost just one of their last 15 home Tests against Australia since 2004, and their magnificent spin attack is more than capable of keeping that record going. However, as their last match in Dhaka showed, any significant assistance for the spinners can test their batsmen who haven’t been at their best against the turning ball in recent times.
Some reports are suggesting India may pick up to four spinners. Also, the home side may choose to open with the in form Shubman Gill, who hit 259 runs in three Tests in Australia in 2020/21.
Cameron Green is considered unlikely to play. Peter Handscomb is set to come in, and there is a chance he could replace Travis Head with Matt Renshaw to also play.
It remains to be seen who Australia choose in their attack with Josh Hazlewood ruled out, with the possibility of three specialist spinners. Reports suggest Todd Murphy will debut.
Australia: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head/Matt Renshaw, 6. Peter Handscomb, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Scott Boland 10. Ashton Agar/Todd Murphy, 11. Nathan Lyon
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
India:
Virat Kohli has two centuries in four Test innings at Nagpur, including a double ton. India’s star number four will be aiming to make amends for his poor 2017 series against Australia, where he averaged just 9.20.
Expect Cheteshwar Pujara to be a tough nut to crack. In home Tests against Australia, Pujara has scored 900 runs in nine Tests at an average of 64.28.
R Ashwin, of course. The classy offspinner has 50 wickets in eight home Tests against the Aussies (avg. 23.16). Importantly, he will be looking to get the better of David Warner early, whom he has dismissed ten times at an average of 18.2 in Tests.
Ravindra Jadeja has made a successful return from injury. He took 7/53 for Saurashtra in late January.
Jadeja loves bowling against Australia in India. He has taken 49 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 18.02.
Axar Patel’s bowling record in India: 6 matches, 39 wickets, avg. 12.43, SR 33.5.
Australia:
Steve Smith is undoubtedly Australia’s most important player. The magnificent number four averages 60.00 in six Tests in India, with a total of 600 runs.
Smith averages 57 against Ashwin on Indian soil. Jadeja has dismissed him four times at an average of 37.8 in India, but Smith has faced a whopping 474 deliveries against the left-arm spinner.
Usman Khawaja scored 1,080 runs in 2022, and averages 57.58 in 12 Tests in Asia. Now, he gears up for his first game in India.
Australia’s middle order will have a vital role. Alex Carey is one of those players who can score quickly against spin. In fact, he strikes at 61.1 against finger spin in Tests to date (245 runs, avg. 35.00).
Nathan Lyon is Australia’s go-to man. The offspinner was magnificent in India in 2017, where he took 19 wickets at an average of 25.26.
Ashton Agar, if picked, will have a crucial role to play. Pujara averages 27.8 against left-arm orthodox since the start of 2021, so Agar could be tasked with trying to dismiss India’s number three early.
Pat Cummins has taken 28 wickets at an average of 28.78 in nine Tests in Asia. The skipper has an excellent Test record against Virat Kohli, with total figures of 5/82 off 247 balls.
Other Stats and Facts
Australia have not won a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series since 2014/15. India have won the past three.
Cheteshwar Pujara faces an average of 120.78 deliveries per innings against Australia, home and away.
Marnus Labuschagne hit a century in his last Test in Asia, against Sri Lanka at Galle.
Travis Head averages 57.40 in 22 home Tests but just 21.69 in nine away games.
Rohit Sharma averages a mammoth 73.33 in 20 home Tests (1,760 runs).
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Nagpur Pitch Report and Weather
The Nagpur pitch is very dry. According to a report from cricket.com.au, there are already some cracks in the surface, which makes it an easy decision to bat first for the captain who wins the toss. Also, it is expected to be very difficult for the left-handers as the game goes on, given the curators are leaving areas outside their off-stump drier than the rest of the pitch.
So, both teams may play at least three specialist spinners each.
The average first innings score in six Tests at Nagpur is 324, significantly boosted by India’s 610/6 against Sri Lanka in 2017. In 2015, it was a sharp turning track that produced a low-scoring match between India and South Africa.
Hot and clear weather is forecast right throughout the match, with temperatures ranging from about 32-35 degrees.
Interesting treatment of the pitch in Nagpur. The groundstaff watered the entire centre of the surface & only the length areas outside the left-hander’s leg stump & then rolled only the centre, stopping short every time they got to the good length areas at both ends #IndvAuspic.twitter.com/Myr2ZblqCg
IND vs AUS 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today Match 9-13 February 2023
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.
Option 1:
IND vs AUS 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IND vs AUS 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Alex Carey
Batsmen: Steve Smith, Cheteshwar Pujara
All-Rounders: R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Nathan Lyon
IND vs AUS 1st Test 2023 Match Prediction – Who will win?
India look strong at home and should win this first Test.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: India possible playing XI for first Test against Australia | India possible playing XI prediction for first Test at Nagpur
India will be aiming to continue their magnificent home record when they take on arch-rivals Australia in a four-match Test series starting on February 9 at Nagpur. The Indians have lost just two out of 43 matches since their last Test series defeat on home soil – back in 2012 against Alastair Cook’s England – and start as very strong favourites to build on that record.
However, they face some questions. Rishabh Pant’s indefinite absence leaves a significant hole given how prolific the keeper-batsman has been in recent years, especially against Australia. Also, Shubman Gill’s magnificent 2022 so far, albeit in white-ball cricket, makes it difficult to ignore him.
Possible playing XI for India for Nagpur Test
Here is CricBlog’s predicted playing XI for India for the first Test.
India have a host of wicket-keeping options, namely KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul. However, the home side may opt to select KS Bharat, who has been a consistent performer in First Class cricket, with 4,707 runs at an average of 37.95. Also, he is solid with the gloves, which was on show in his substitute appearance against New Zealand in 2021.
India may also play both Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Suryakumar Yadav is also an option for the middle order, but Rahul’s experience may win him a spot. Gill may be drafted in to open, given his very promising performances in Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and fantastic form in 2022. Plus, his ability to provide brisk starts could prove crucial.
In terms of the spinners, expect India to go with their brilliant finger-spinning trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar. Kuldeep Yadav is also a terrific option, but Axar’s record in India (39 wickets, avg. 12.43) is far too difficult to ignore.
India are certainly spoilt for choice with regards to the seamers as Shami (67 wickets, avg. 21.28), Umesh (98 wickets, avg. 25.16) and Siraj (6 wickets, avg. 16.66) all possess excellent Test records at home. However, Umesh Yadav could get the nod over one of Shami or Siraj with the Test taking place in his hometown of Nagpur.
Read more of CricBlog’s 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy content, including:
Cricket News: List of Indian batsmen to score a century in all three formats | Which India players have scored a century in all formats
Shubman Gill has been the talk of the town in recent months for all the right reasons. His latest century against New Zealand in the third T20I in Ahmedabad put him in a rare list of batsmen to have scored a century in all three formats of international.
One of India’s earliest all-format superstars, Suresh Raina, had a tremendous 2010 wherein he notched centuries in both the Test and T20I format to become the first Indian batsman to attain this incredible feat. He bagged a ton in his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July but this was preceded by a swashbuckling century against South Africa in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup.
His inaugural ODI ton had come two years ago – in the 2008 Asia Cup against Hong Kong. Raina never touched the three-figure mark in T20I and Tests afterwards but those knocks were enough to put him in this marquee list.
Rohit Sharma has been one of India’s most consistent all-format performers since finding his groove back in the Test side a few years ago. Though the team seems to be set to move on from him in T20Is now, Rohit has notched four centuries in the format with the first of them coming in Indore against South Africa in 2015.
He scored his first ton in ODIs in 2010 against Zimbabwe and reached the three-figure mark in his Test debut against West Indies in Kolkata in 2013.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul is another batsman who has displayed potential and even lived up to that promise in phases across the three formats. He made heads turn with a swashbuckling 110* at the Central Broward Regional Park against West Indies in 2016.
He followed that up with a century in his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Complex that very month. However, the Karnataka batsman would rather rate his first Test century as the best of the lot where he scored 100 in Sydney in his very second match on the international stage after a horrid debut in Melbourne in the preceding game. Rahul has since gone on to lead India in all formats as well.
Virat Kohli
Virat is arguably the best batsman to have mastered over all the three formats of the game in the last decade. However, he still is one of the latest entrants to this list as he scored his first-ever T20I to break his nearly three-year-long century drought against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in September 2022. Prior to that, his inaugural ODI and Test centuries had come against Sri Lanka and Australia in Kolkata and Adelaide in 2009 and 2011 respectively.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is the newest member in this pool of players, having scored centuries in all formats at merely 23 years of age. He has four centuries in 21 ODIs to his name – having scored the first of them against Zimbabwe in Harare in August 2022. Gill has even bagged a double century in ODIs already, claiming this feat in January against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
It has been a wonderful last couple of months for the prodigious talent as he scored his first Test century against Bangladesh in the second innings of the first game in Chittagong in December.
In February 2022, Gill made headlines again with his 126* in the Narendra Modi Stadium against the visiting Kiwis. With the World Test Championship (WTC) finale along with the ODI and the T20I World Cup scheduled to be held in the next year-and-a-half, it can be safely concluded that Gill could be one of India’s most prominent players across all formats.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal became the sixth Indian men’s player to achieve this feat, bringing up a maiden ODI century against South Africa on December 6, 2025. At that point, the 23-year-old had already notched up seven Test hundreds and a T20I hundred.
The left-hander is rightly considered one of the world’s finest talents, and he has a promising future ahead across all three formats. He has the hunger for runs in Test cricket and is very capable of switching gears quickly in white-ball cricket.
Smriti Mandhana has also achieved the feat in women’s cricket for India. The great opener has two Test hundreds in seven matches along with a T20I hundred and 14 ODI hundreds.
Cricket News: ODI World Cup 2023 qualification scenarios | Will Zimbabwe qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Zimbabwe have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. In front of a full and passionate crowd in Harare, the hosts put on a magnificent display against West Indies, who themselves are in danger of missing out on the showpiece tournament.
Sri Lanka are also well placed to qualify, with the Netherlands, Scotland and Oman all still in with a shot.
Here are the scenarios for the six remaining teams in the 2023 World Cup Qualifier. The top two teams after the super six stage will qualify to the ODI World Cup.
Zimbabwe
6 points in Super Sixes
Starting NRR in super sixes: +0.752
Remaining matches: Sri Lanka, Scotland.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 10
Hosts Zimbabwe are on the doorstep of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their tight win over Oman lifts them to six points, meaning that one more win should see them qualify.
Remaining matches: Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 10
Sri Lanka are in a strong position. They beat Scotland and Oman well, which means they take a very strong net run rate into the super sixes. Two wins against Zimbabwe, West Indies and the Netherlands should be enough to qualify to the World Cup.
Netherlands
2 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.739
Remaining matches: Scotland, Oman, Sri Lanka.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 8
Extraordinary. Netherlands looked gone when chasing a mammoth 375 against West Indies, especially after they were beaten soundly by Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. The efforts of Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards and Logan van Beek have given the Dutch, who are missing a number of first-team players, a shot at making the World Cup after a thrilling super over victory.
If they win all their remaining games, they will finish on eight points and should qualify.
Scotland
2 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.060
Remaining matches: Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 8
Scotland will likely need to win all three matches to stand a chance of qualification. They will move to eight points if that happens. If they win two, they will finish with six and need to hope Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka don’t finish with more than six points. However, Scotland’s net run rate, currently negative, could come into equation at that stage.
West Indies
0 points in Super Sixes
Current starting NRR in super sixes: -0.350
Remaining matches: Scotland, Oman, Sri Lanka.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 6
West Indies are on the mat. Their error-ridden loss to Netherlands means they will enter the super sixes on zero points, four points behind leaders Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
To qualify with six points on NRR, West Indies need:
To beat Scotland (moves West Indies to two points, keeps Scotland on two points)
Sri Lanka to beat Zimbabwe (moves Sri Lanka to eight points, keeps Zimbabwe on six points with lower NRR)
To beat Oman (moves West Indies to four points)
Scotland to beat Zimbabwe (moves Scotland to four points, keeps Zimbabwe on six points)
To beat Sri Lanka (moves West Indies to six points, level with Zimbabwe)
Either Scotland or Netherlands to have a lower net run rate with six points
Oman
0 points in Super Sixes
Starting NRR in super sixes: -2.139
Remaining matches: West Indies, Netherlands.
Maximum points they can finish on after next phase: 4
Oman are all but eliminated after their promising showing against Zimbabwe, where they just fell short by 14 runs. A Sri Lanka win over Netherlands on 30 June will confirm their elimination.
Cricket News: Australia possible playing XI for 1st Test against India | Prediction for Australia’s possible XI for Nagpur Test
Australia’s quest for a first Test series win in India since 2004 gets underway on Thursday (9th February) in Nagpur. A good start is crucial for Pat Cummins’ team to be competitive in the series, as was the case in 2017 when Australia achieved a terrific win in Pune.
Ahead of the first Test, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a left achilles tendon injury. So, there is speculation as to who will take his place, as well as Cameron Green’s, who is considered unlikely to play.
Australia possible XI for Nagpur Test
Here is CricBlog’s predicted Australia XI for the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
1. David Warner 2. Usman Khawaja 3. Marnus Labuschagne 4. Steve Smith 5. Travis Head 6. Peter Handscomb 7. Alex Carey (wk) 8. Pat Cummins (c) 9. Ashton Agar 10. Scott Boland 11. Nathan Lyon
Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head and Carey are each set to play their first Test in India. If Green is indeed out, Peter Handscomb could slot into the number six role ahead of Matt Renshaw as Australia already have four left-handers in the top seven.
Depending on the pitch, the tourists may find room for an additional specialist spinner in Todd Murphy or Mitchell Swepson. If not, Scott Boland could play his first away Test, and Australia will look forward to Boland implementing a lot of the experience he’s built up playing on flat MCG pitches over the years.
The XI on paper may seem a little short on bowling. However, Australia faces a conundrum as they require as much batting depth as possible against India’s superb seam and spin attack. This is why Ashton Agar could find his way in the XI, in addition to the left-arm bowling option that he provides.
Read more of CricBlog’s 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy content, including:
Cricket News: “Mumbai Indians of the BBL” – Twitter reactions as Scorchers win FIFTH Title | Twitter reactions: Perth Scorchers win BBL 12
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
Perth Scorchers have won their fifth Big Bash League (BBL) title, overcoming a spirited Brisbane Heat side in a thrilling final played in front of over 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium.
But, they certainly didn’t have it their own way. 19-year old Cooper Connolly struck a memorable 11-ball 25 alongside Nick Hobson’s 7-ball 18 to get Perth home with four balls to spare, soon after hope looked gone when Ashton Turner (53 off 32 balls) was run out with 39 still needed.
However, Connolly immediately went on the attack, bringing the equation down to 24 off 12 balls and then ten off six. Hobson then took advantage of Neser nerves to seal the victory, sending the crowd into raptures on a memorable night for the Scorchers and BBL.
Much was made of the Heat’s absentees, but it needs reminding who the Scorchers were without. They lost Mitchell Marsh, Laurie Evans and Tymal Mills before a ball was bowled this season. Ashton Agar and Lance Morris are away on national duty. Jhye Richardson missed the rest of the campaign after seven games due to injury and Cameron Green injured his finger in the Tests.
But, in the likes of Connolly, Perth continue to prove why they are the best side in Australia thanks to their depth.
Twitter reactions: Perth Scorchers win fifth BBL title, equal now with Mumbai Indians
In the process, the Scorchers equalled Mumbai Indians’ five domestic T20 titles. Here are some of the reactions to a magnificent finale.
Perth Scorchers is the Mumbai Indians of BBL. Winning 5th title. #BBL#BBLFinals
Cooper Connolly. 19, fourth BBL game, had only faced 11 balls this tournament, and he goes out and does that in front of 50,000+ in a final. Different format, and domestic level, but his boldness & cool reminds me a bit of Pat Cummins hitting winning runs on Test debut. #BBL12
Record turnout for a final and a thriller that ebbed and flowed either way. And good quality too – this is what the BBL needed at a stage when it's been at a tipping point with the onset of leagues aplenty. This was quite a match for a final! #BBL12
19-year-old Cooper Connolly, batting for just the second time in his professional T20 career, has hit 25* off 11 to take Perth Scorchers to their fifth BBL title in front of a packed home crowd.#BBL12pic.twitter.com/E2e9G7qVv3
Cooper Connolly ❤️ What an incredible team the @ScorchersBBL are. They’re never done. An incredible final. Kudos from Hobson from bouncing back from the run out. The @OptusStadium atmosphere would’ve been amazing! #BBL12#BBLFinal
