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17 times Alex Carey played an important innings for Australia in Tests & ODIs

Charbel Coorey
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17 times Alex Carey played an important innings for Australia in Tests & ODIs

Alex Carey has made a habit of scoring important runs. Since becoming a regular in Australia’s Test and ODI sides, Carey has produced numerous performances under pressure to lead his team out of trouble.

The keeper-batter can divide opinion at times with the nature of his dismissals, most notably the reverse sweeps. However, he has played a number of important knocks that resulted in victories, giving him the title of one of the more clutch players going around.

Here is a look at 17 important Alex Carey knocks across formats.

List of Alex Carey’s most important knocks: A man for a tricky situation

Tests

106 vs England, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 2025

Carey walked into chaos in the first over after lunch on day one of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide. Australia had fallen to 94/4 courtesy of woeful shots by Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green against a consistent and fast Jofra Archer.

Carey, however, was unflustered. He was positive from the get go, with his offside play a sight to behold. He put pressure on the England bowlers throughout, helping Australia to a 300+ total courtesy of his third Test century.

Batting on 72, Carey was at the centre of another controversial Ashes moment. He admitted he may have got lucky regarding a non-caught behind call. However, it was still a fabulous innings given the circumstances.

98* vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Wellington 2024

Arguably Carey’s most clutch innings to date, walking in at 80/5 chasing 279 against New Zealand. He combined for 140 runs with Mitchell Marsh to take Australia to 220/6 in pursuit of 279, but the job was far from done after the latter was dismissed for 80.

Mitchell Starc was dismissed first ball to leave Australia needing 59 with just three wickets in hand. However, Carey stood firm alongside captain Pat Cummins (32*) to seal a series-clinching victory.

65 vs West Indies, 1st Test, Barbados 2025

Australia’s three-match tour of the West Indies began in difficult fashion. The batting lineup, criticised during and after the WTC Final against South Africa, managed just 180 in the first innings. Things looked shaky once again in the second, with Australia falling to 65/4 with a lead of just 55.

Travis Head (61) and Beau Webster combined for 102 runs, but Australia were still not out of the woods. Leading by 157 with only the bowlers to come, Carey played an excellent counterattacking knock of 65 off 75 balls to catapult Australia towards a 300-run lead.

The bowlers were then far too good, rolling the hosts for 141 to seal victory by 159 runs.

Alex Carey has built a reputation for being a clutch player, and here are 16 important innings he's played for Australia.

63 vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Grenada 2025

New Test, same top order problems for Australia. Pat Cummins’ side fell from 47/0 to 50/3 and then 93/4 on the stroke of lunch on day one of the second Test against West Indies. When Travis Head was dismissed for 29, Australia were tottering again at 110/5.

Carey (63 off 81 balls) put on 112 with Beau Webster to take Australia past 220 on a tricky pitch. It was an excellent innings by Carey, with some wonderful footwork down the pitch to the pace bowlers. He was dismissed in soft fashion pulling to midwicket, but it took little away from another fine innings under pressure.

43 vs South Africa, WTC Final, Lord’s 2025

When it comes to entry points, it doesn’t get much harder than 73/7 in a WTC Final against a fantastic South Africa attack extracting plenty of movement. Australia, leading by 147 at that point, needed a lift to get a lead of at least 200.

Carey counterattacked superbly, hitting 43 off 50 balls as he combined with Starc to put on 61 for the eighth wicket. Australia went on to lose by five wickets, but Carey’s innings was important in the context.

Alex Carey has built a reputation for being a clutch player, and here are 16 important innings he's played for Australia.
Alex Carey played a key role in helping Australia get a lead of 200+ in the 2025 WTC Final.

156 vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Galle 2025

Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test of their 2025 series. The second was shaping up a little differently with Australia 91/3 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 257 on a Galle surface offering turn.

Carey (156) combined with Steve Smith (131) to blow the game wide open. The pair put on 259 in a magnificent partnership in the context of the game. From 350/4, Australia then collapsed to 414 as the pitch took more spin.

In reply, Sri Lanka couldn’t cope with Matt Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, making just 231 to leave Australia needing 75 for a 2-0 series sweep. The visitors achieved this easily with nine wickets to spare.

Alex Carey was excellent in Sri Lanka.

65 vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Brisbane 2024

Alex Carey walked in with Australia reeling at 54/5 in response to West Indies’ 311 at the Gabba in January 2024. The keeper-batter played one of his trademark counterattacking knocks, hitting 65 off 49 balls to turn the tide.

Pat Cummins also contributed (64) along with Usman Khawaja (75) to eventually get Australia to 289/9d. But, West Indies eventually managed to get over the line thanks to an all-time spell by Shamar Joseph (7/68) to seal a memorable victory by nine runs.

53 vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, MCG 2023

Australia were in all sorts of trouble, collapsing to 16/4 in the second innings of the 2023 Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. They were leading by just 68 at this point. Mitchell Marsh (96) and Steve Smith (50) combined for a crucial 153-run stand, but Australia still needed more.

Carey ensured Australia kept chipping away. He was unusually circumspect for his 101-ball 53, holding things together well as he batted through to the end of the innings.

In the end, Australia’s 316-run lead was enough to win a memorable Test match by 79 runs.

66 vs England, 1st Test, Edgbaston 2023

Australia fell to 67/3, 148/4 and 220/5 in response to England’s 393/8d in the classic Edgbaston Test of 2023. Still 173 behind with the bowlers to come, Carey (66 off 99 balls) combined with Usman Khawaja for a crucial 118-run stand that brought Australia right back in the contest.

Pat Cummins (38) contributed in the first innings to take Australia to 386. The captain went even better in the second, getting Australia home by two wickets alongside Nathan Lyon to spark memorable scenes.

66* vs India, WTC Final, The Oval 2023

Australia were playing from in front in the 2023 WTC Final against India after tons to Steve Smith and Travis Head on day one. After making 469, Australia then took a 173-run first innings lead.

However, India had belief of a stunning comeback when they reduced Australia to 124/5 in the second innings. The Aussies were leading by 295 at that point, and while they were still favourites, even a chase of 350 was possible on a pitch holding up well.

Carey (66* off 105) played beautifully to snuff out any realistic hope of an Indian revival. He first combined with Cameron Green for 43 runs and then Mitchell Starc for 93 to put Australia on course for a first WTC title, which they eventually won by 209 runs.

67 vs Pakistan 3rd Test 2022

With the 2022 series locked at 0-0 on very flat pitches, Australia were in a spot of bother at 206/5 in the third Test at Lahore. Carey struck an important 105-ball 67 to help ensure Australia made a strong first innings total of 391.

From there, Australia were in the driving seat, and Pat Cummins made a sporting declaration at 227/3 in the second innings to leave Pakistan needing 351 for victory. The visitors prevailed, with Cummins (3/23) and Nathan Lyon (5/83) the chief destroyers.

45 vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2022

On a sharp turner in Galle, Australia faced the prospect of a tricky fourth innings total unless they took a strong first innings lead. At 157/5 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 212, a second innings shootout looked a possibility.

However, Carey (45 off 47) combined with Cameron Green for a vital 74-run stand to give Australia a lead. Green went on to make 77, and with contributions from the lower order, the visitors’ lead of 109 was way to much for Sri Lanka, who were rolled for 113 in just 22.5 overs. Travis Head took 4/10.

Australia chased the target of five with a four and six by David Warner.

ODIs

69 vs England, 2025 Champions Trophy, Lahore

Australia, missing a host of first-team players, were 136/4 and in trouble chasing England’s 351/8 in their Champions Trophy opener. However, Josh Inglis (120* off 86 balls) and Alex Carey (69 off 63 balls) ensured it was Australia’s day. The pair were magnificent, managing the run chase perfectly thanks to a mix of proactive strike rotation and aggressive strokeplay to ensure they found the boundary often enough.

Carey was dismissed with the score 282 in the 42nd over. Glenn Maxwell (32* off 15) ensured there were no further hiccups as Australia won with ease in the end.

74 vs England, 2nd ODI, Leeds 2024

Australia were in all sorts of trouble in the second ODI of their 2024 tour of England. They lost nine wickets in 36.3 overs with just 221 in the board. However, Carey was still at the crease and 250 was still a possibility.

The keeper-batter ensured Australia went well past that figure. His 67-ball 74 propelled Mitch Marsh’s team to 270 – a total that proved 68 too many for England.

Alex Carey has built a reputation for being a clutch player, and here are 16 important innings he's played for Australia.
Alex Carey played an important innings of 74 against England.

85 vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, Cairns 2022

Australia collapsed to 44/5 in their 2022 series opener against New Zealand in Cairns. On a slow pitch, none of the Australians could get going, until Carey and Cameron Green got together.

Carey’s 99-ball 85 helped take the hosts past 200. However, Australia quickly collapsed from 202/5 to 207/8, before Adam Zampa (13 off 13) stuck around with man of the match Green (89* off 92) to seal a thrilling two-wicket win.

106 vs England, 3rd ODI, Old Trafford 2020

73/5 chasing 303 usually means game over. This was the scenario Australia faced on the deciding ODI of their 2020 series in England.

Carey (106 off 114) combined with Glenn Maxwell (108 off 90) to put Australia on the brink of a memorable victory. The pair put on 212 runs, but Australia were in such trouble at one point that victory still needed to be sealed in the final over by Mitchell Starc (11 off 3 balls).

Alex Carey has built a reputation for being a clutch player, and here are 16 important innings he's played for Australia.
Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell with a magnificent partnership in 2020.

71 vs New Zealand, 2019 World Cup, Lord’s

Carey produced a man of the match performance in their 2019 World Cup showdown against New Zealand. Australia were in trouble at 92/5 when the keeper-batter walked in. He took the game by the scruff of the neck, hitting a 72-ball 71 on a surface where batters from both teams struggled.

Australia eventually reached 243/9 and won easily by 86 runs. Mitchell Starc took 5/26.

Alex Carey has built a reputation for being a clutch player, and here are 16 important innings he's played for Australia.
Alex Carey played an important knock against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.

Edgbaston Birmingham weather forecast for day 5 of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Charbel Coorey
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Edgbaston Birmingham weather forecast for day 5 of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Fans will be hoping for good weather at Edgbaston for what promises to be an enthralling day 5 of the second Test between England and India. Conditions in Birmingham have been kind in what has been a run-filled contest, and more runs will be on the menu should the weather hold up.

India are seven wickets away from levelling the five-match series. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were outstanding once again on the fourth evening, reducing England to 72/3 in pursuit of a mammoth target of 608. The Edgbaston surface is still excellent for batting, but an England win from here will be Test cricket’s biggest miracle.

Edgbaston weather forecast: Some showers forecast for day 5

AccuWeather predicts a top of 20 degrees and some showers in the morning. However, it’s nothing too threatening that would cause major delays. “Mainly cloudy with a couple of showers in the morning, then becoming breezy,” reads the official forecast.

Edgbaston weather for day 5 of 2nd Test between England and India.

Just 0.5mm is forecast to fall during the day. According to AccuWeather’s hourly forecast, there is a chance of showers between 7 and 10am. There is no rain expected from the start time of 11am onwards.

A thrilling day awaits as we look at the Edgbaston Birmingham weather forecast for day 5 of the 2nd Test between England and India.
A thrilling day awaits as we look at the Edgbaston Birmingham weather forecast for day 5 of the 2nd Test between England and India.

“The forecast is OK for tomorrow, although there will be a little more cloud around,” said Ian Ward on commentary in the second session on day four.

This shaped India’s declaration decision. Edgbaston conditions have favoured the new ball, so India bowled later on day four, targeting an England side that had spent a lot of time on the field. Plus, the target gives India plenty of breathing room.

BBC forecasts similar conditions, with the bulk of the showers to fall before the fifth day’s play is scheduled to begin.

England currently lead the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1-0 after victory in Headingley.

Australia fans call for changes to top order for the Ashes

Charbel Coorey
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Australia fans call for changes to top order for the Ashes

Despite winning the first Test by 159 runs, Australia’s tour of the West Indies has been challenging. The top order has struggled, with Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green under the microscope after meagre returns to date.

Konstas and Khawaja have managed just 33 and 80 runs respectively across the four innings so far. Khawaja continues to struggle against pace, and is now targeted relentlessly by inswingers from around the wicket. Stuck on the crease, the 38-year-old isn’t able to adjust as quickly as he has so often in the past against quality bowling.

Konstas, on the other hand, has been dismissed by a wide range of deliveries. A loose drive and cut in the second Test has raised questions as to his readiness for this level. The 19-year-old cut a forlorn figure after his second innings dismissal, and fans are calling for the youngster to spend more time honing his game in Sheffield Shield cricket.

This was the view of Konstas’ former batting mentor Neil D’Costa before last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

In addition to the openers, Cameron Green has struggled so far at number three. He too has been loose around offstump, with technical deficiencies exposed further up the order. He begins day three of the second Test unbeaten on six, and needs a good score for both his confidence and Australia’s precarious position in Grenada.

Australia fans call for top order adjustments for the 2025/26 Ashes

The Ashes begin in just over six months’ time. The top order inspires very little confidence currently. Fans have called for change, which makes the first few rounds of the Sheffield Shield hugely intriguing.

Tom Moody said it’s not unthinkable that Australia go into the Ashes with two new openers.

“It’s not unreasonable to think that Australia could have two new openers for the 1st Ashes Test,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Harris, Patterson & Bancroft with over a decade of work in domestic cricket are ready and waiting… Could do worse than getting them to the Caribbean for the 3rd Test!”

Andrew Menczel of The Cricket Unfiltered Podcast had the same view. “Australia are really faced with the prospect of picking two new openers for the Ashes. Khawaja is done, Konstas not ready,” he said.

Here are some of the reactions from Australian supporters after Pat Cummins’ team ended day two 12/2, leading West Indies by just 45.

Most wins as England Test captain

Charbel Coorey
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Most wins as England Test captain

Ben Stokes became the sixth England Test captain in history to win 20+ matches. After taking over a side that won just one of 17 Tests across 2021 and 2022, Stokes has gone on to have the best win-percentage of any England captain who has led in at least 15 Tests.

But, where does Stokes currently rank in terms of wins among England Test captains? Here is a look at the top five.

Most wins as captain for England in Tests

Joe Root: 27

Joe Root, who captained England between 2017 and 2022, has the most wins with 27. However, he also has the most defeats (26), with a very difficult finish to his tenure.

Along the way, Root oversaw series wins against India at home in 2018 and Sri Lanka 3-0 away in the same year. England also won 2-0 in Sri Lanka in 2021 – another highlight of Root’s tenure.

Analysis: What makes Joe Root so good & how do you get him out? | A technical analysis of the England captain Joe Root
Joe Root had an up and down tenure as England Test captain.

Michael Vaughan: 26

Michael Vaughan had an excellent win-loss ratio of 2.36, having won 26 and lost 11 of his 51 Tests as skipper (14 draws). Vaughan as captain oversaw a successful period in England Test cricket between 2003 and 2008, with the 2005 Ashes undoubtedly the highlight.

Self-belief was a huge part of Vaughan’s mantra. He has spoken of his team talk after Australia held on for a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. “Look at that lot celebrating a draw,” he said. “Let’s go to Trent Bridge and do it again.”

Andrew Strauss: 24

Andrew Strauss led England to a dominant Ashes victory down under in 2010/11. With Alastair Cook at the peak of his powers in a well balanced and well drilled unit, England won 3-1, with all three of their victories coming by an innings. Strauss himself had a solid series with the bat, scoring three fifties and a hundred in seven innings.

Strauss, a sound leader and tactician, soon led England to the top of the Test rankings after beating India 4-0 at home in 2011. When he retired in 2012, Strauss finished with 24 Test wins, more than double the amount lost (11). There were also 15 draws.

Alastair Cook: 24

Alastair Cook began his England captaincy career in 2010 when Andrew Strauss was rested for the Bangladesh tour. Cook made the perfect start, hitting two centuries in two Tests in a series sweep for England.

However, when he took over full time from Strauss in 2012, England were facing a few challenges. They had lost 2-0 at home to South Africa, before a tour of India that is arguably the hardest task for a new captain.

Cook delivered. He topped the run scoring charts with 562 runs at 80.28, and led the team excellently after a tough first Test.

Afterwards, Cook endured challenges as captain, including the 5-0 Ashes defeat in 2013/14 and some lean form on occasions. In the end, Cook finished with a win/loss ratio of 1.09, with 24 wins, 22 losses and 13 draws from 59 Tests as captain.

Ben Stokes: 22

Ben Stokes knows a thing or two about taking over at a tricky time. England were on the mat after copping another thrashing in Australia (4-0 in 2021/22), and the subsequent 1-0 defeat in West Indies was the catalyst for change.

England hired Brendon McCullum as coach to partner Stokes the captain. A new, aggressive style of play was immediately on show as England defeated reigning World Test Champions New Zealand 3-0, India in a one-off Test (as a completion of the 2021 series) and South Africa 2-1, all at home.

However, it was Pakistan in 2022 that is still arguably England’s finest series win under Stokes as captain. On very flat pitches, England focused on rapid scoring to give their bowlers more time to take 20 wickets. They ended up winning 3-0.

Since then, it has been a bit of an up and down ride. A series win in New Zealand in 2024 was a welcome result after throwing away wins in the 2023 Ashes, losing 4-1 in India, and then 2-1 in Pakistan, with critics pointing to “Bazball” not focused enough on winning.

Ahead of the 2025 series against India, Stokes spoke of the importance of winning, compared to the past where entertainment seemed to be the key objective. As of 1 July 2025, Stokes has 22 wins in 36 Tests – the best win percentage (61.11%) as mentioned.

List of highest individual scores for India in Tests

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest individual scores for India in Tests

One player features three times in the top five highest individual scores for India in Tests. India have been blessed with magnificent batsmen over the years, with many performances flattening opponents and creating memories that last a lifetime.

In this article, we will look at the top five highest scores by an Indian player in a Test innings.

Top 5 highest individual scores for India in Test cricket

5. VVS Laxman 281 vs Australia, Eden Gardens, 2001

One of the great knocks in Test history. An innings that was a turning point in Indian cricket; one that taught millions that anything was possible.

Australia, aiming for a 17th consecutive Test victory, were well on top in the second Test of the 2001 series in India. After scoring 445, Australia rolled India for 171.

With India 232/4 following on in their second innings, Steve Waugh’s team still had the upper hand.

However, not even the most optimistic of India fan could predict what would happen next. Laxman combined with Rahul Dravid (180) for a 376-run stand, which was the catalyst for one of the all-time wins as Australia were then bowled out for 212 chasing 384.

4. Virender Sehwag 293 vs Sri Lanka, Brabourne, 2009

Virender Sehwag was a sight to behold in full flow. After Sri Lanka made a respectable 393 batting first, Sehwag blew the visitors away with 293 off 254 balls against an attack featuring Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.

India amassed 726/9d in response, before Zaheer Khan (5/72) led the way as India sealed a massive win by an innings despite Sri Lanka crossing 300 twice.

3. Karun Nair 303* vs England, Chennai, 2016

In one of the more famous and unexpected performances, Karun Nair became the second Indian to hit a triple hundred when he took down England in 2016.

Alastair Cook’s team were in a decent position having struck 477 in their first innings, but that’s where their joy ended. India piled on partnership after partnership, with Nair (303*) an KL Rahul (199) making the bulk of the huge 759/7d.

England, despite their big first innings score, went on to lose by an innings.

2. Virender Sehwag 309 vs Pakistan, Multan, 2004

Virender Sehwag played another one of his trademark knocks as he took down Pakistan in Multan in 2004. He smashed 39 fours and six sixes in his 375-ball stay, never letting the Pakistani attack settle.

The swushbuckling opener combined with Sachin Tendulkar for a 336 run-stand to flatten the hosts. Controversially, Rahul Dravid declared on 675/5 with Tendulkar six short of a double century.

Pakistan made a solid 407 in response, but were still made to follow on. Despite Mohammad Yousuf’s 112 second time around, India won easily by an innings and 52 runs.

1. Virender Sehwag 319 vs South Africa, Chennai, 2008

Virender Sehwag again. Even though South Africa possessed excellent fast bowlers, they were at the mercy of Sehwag and a very flat Chennai pitch in 2008.

After India conceded 540 in the first innings, Sehwag took it upon himself to take the attack to the Proteas. The opener hammered 319 off 304 balls, including 42 fours and five sixes. Rahul Dravid, struggling for form at the time, would have been feeling as though he was batting on a different planet for his 291-ball 111.

That Test ended up in a dull draw after India made 627. South Africa batted for 109 overs and scoring 331/5 in their second innings.

“Future of Indian cricket is safe” – Twitter reactions to Shubman Gill double hundred vs England

Charbel Coorey
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“Future of Indian cricket is safe” – Twitter reactions to Shubman Gill double hundred vs England

Shubman Gill has become the first Indian captain to score a double hundred in England, achieving the feat on the second day of the Edgbaston Test. It was a beautifully paced innings by Gill, who followed up his hundred in the first Test in grand style.

Gill has been a consistent run-getter in white-ball cricket. He is a magnificent stroke-maker in both ODIs and T20s. But, the manner in which he set up to play a long innings is encouraging, showing he is keen to lead the way with the bat as Indian captain. After giving it away on 147 in the first Test, he ensured he did not repeat such a dismissal when he had the chance again to go really big.

England tested Gill with the delivery coming back in early. After surviving a few close moments, India’s number four never looked back, batting at 93% control even as he crossed 300 balls.

Although the Edgbaston pitch is flat, batting long periods requires discipline and patience, which the captain showed in spades. Gill brought up his hundred on the first evening during a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, followed by the double hundred alongside Washington Sundar as India neared 500. In the process, he became the fifth player in history to score a double century in both men’s ODIs and Tests.

Reactions: Shubman Gill hits maiden double hundred as India post 500+ at Edgbaston

“Fabulous start to his leadership stint, this would do him a world of good moving forward,” wrote former India offspinner R Ashwin on X (formerly Twitter).

“Take a bow @ShubmanGill! Making it look so easy on the big stage! Well played and well deserved double century an example of being unstoppable when the intent is clear,” wrote Yuvraj Singh.

Gill passed Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 to become the holder of the highest score by an Indian in a Test innings in England. For a while, he threatened to go past Virender Sehwag’s 319. In the end, he was dismissed for a superb 269.

Twitter Reactions: Gautam Gambhir & India slammed for not picking Kuldeep Yadav in Edgbaston Test

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter Reactions: Gautam Gambhir & India slammed for not picking Kuldeep Yadav in Edgbaston Test

India, especially coach Gautam Gambhir, have come in for criticism after selecting a bowling attack featuring neither of Jasprit Bumrah or Kuldeep Yadav for the Edgbaston Test against England.

Whether Bumrah would feature was a hot topic of debate after Headingley, given the team management confirmed he would play three of the five Tests. However, for India to leave Kuldeep Yadav out in favour of all-rounders has not sat well with India fans. The attack, on paper, lacks firepower to be able to take 20 wickets.

India, despite scoring 835 runs in the first Test, have opted for more batting depth. This mindset cost them dearly in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Washington Sundar was not a factor on a spicy SCG surface.

For someone who speaks so regularly of the importance of taking 20 wickets – even as recently as post-Headingley – Gautam Gambhir doesn’t select teams for it. “Taking 20 wickets is the only way to win Test matches,” he said. “Batting runs alone can’t win Tests. You can score 1,000 runs, but unless you take 20 wickets, you don’t win Test matches.”

Yet, at the toss, Shubman Gill confirmed what many fans suspected. “We were very tempted to play [Kuldeep] but looking at the last match we wanted to add some depth to the batting,” said the Indian captain after England won the toss and chose to bowl.

Ravi Shastri was disappointed with India’s decision to rest Bumrah. “You have the best fast bowler in the world and you make him sit out after seven days’ rest. It’s something very hard to believe and I can’t agree with it,” he said on Sky Sports.

Reactions: Gautam Gambhir and India criticised for defensive team selection, including leaving Kuldeep Yadav out

Tom Moody led the chorus of discontent on social media around India’s team selection.

“India’s selection for this Test is baffling. No Bumrah is one thing, but to only have 5 specialist batsmen is a gamble,” Moody wrote on X (formerly Twitter. “The fixation on all-rounders who are there to offer depth with bat and ball has never worked. Specialists are always going to offer more over a Test.”

“The reason they mentioned to not play Kuldeep is shocking icl unreal coward mentality from this coach [Gambhir] and captain [Gill],” one fan wrote. “My goodness…. Adding more depth to the batting that scored more than 700 runs in their last test match. Why can’t you just sack Gambhir right away BCCI?” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions to the India XI, including disappointment for Sai Sudharsan who was dropped after one Test.

Should India pick Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar for 2nd Test vs England?

Charbel Coorey
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Should India pick Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar for 2nd Test vs England?

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said it is likely India will play two spinners for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, ten Doeschate stated it will be a decision between three spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.

“There is a very strong chance of playing two spinners. It’s just which two we play. All three spinners are bowling very nicely. Washi’s batting very nicely. So it’s just which combination do we go with? All-rounder spinner or the out-and-out spinner? And obviously, you have to play the bowling all-rounder again. So there are so many different variables,” he said.

Reports emerged on match-eve that India will likely select Washington Sundar. According to Express Sports, Kuldeep Yadav will miss out. It is a report that worries many Indian fans, especially as Jasprit Bumrah is a chance to be rested.

Washington Sundar reportedly selected over Kuldeep Yadav: Is it the right call?

Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav is a defensive move from a bowling point of view. Sundar can keep things tight, but whether he possesses the wicket-taking threat Kuldeep has remains to be seen. If Jasprit Bumrah is not selected, Kuldeep’s absence would further reduce the strike value in India’s attack.

The motive behind the decision to play Washington, should it eventuate, is batting depth. India collapsed badly in both innings at Headingley. However, they went with this approach in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and while Washington made an excellent contribution with the bat at the MCG, the visitors lacked strike apart from Bumrah.

India fans on social media share this sentiment. A lot of attention has been directed towards Gautam Gambhir. The head coach is on record multiple times talking about the importance of bowling strength, even as recently as India’s loss at Headingley.

“Taking 20 wickets is the only way to win Test matches,” Gambhir said. “Batting runs alone can’t win Tests. You can score 1,000 runs, but unless you take 20 wickets, you don’t win Test matches.”

Yet, the make up of the team suggests otherwise. Here are some of the reactions and viewpoints from India fans ahead of the Edgbaston Test.

India have another chance to win their first ever Test at Edgbaston. They have played eight Tests at the venue, losing seven times and drawing once.

Sheffield Shield 2025/26: Five Ashes contenders

Charbel Coorey
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Sheffield Shield 2025/26: Five Ashes contenders

Australia’s top order struggles, coupled with the upcoming Ashes, ensures plenty could be riding on the first few rounds of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield. The season kicks off on October 10, with four rounds to be played before the first Ashes Test begins on November 21 in Perth.

Players all over the country will be looking to put their hand up for Ashes selection. This is especially the case for top order players as there is uncertainty around Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green.

5 players to watch out for in the early rounds of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season

Matt Renshaw

Australia have been searching for an opener to partner Usman Khawaja for some time. The fact Matt Renshaw hasn’t done enough in recent seasons is a disappointment given the potential he showed earlier in his career.

Renshaw, who has played 14 Tests, has a modest 1,180 runs at 31.05 in the past three seasons.

Now is the time to deliver for the talented left-hander. He is currently 29 years of age and should be approaching the peak of his career. If he makes a strong start to the season for Queensland, selectors may be swayed to pick him if a position is available.

Jake Weatherald

30-year-old Jake Weatherald had a season to remember at the top of the order for Tasmania in 2024/25. The left-hander hit the most runs of any player (906) at an average of 50.33, including three fifties and three centuries.

How hard the selectors think of picking Weatherald depends on his early season form plus potentially who his opening partner would be for Australia. If Konstas continues to struggle in the West Indies and Usman Khawaja finds some form, Weatherald could be a good foil for the latter as he had a strike rate of 68.33 last season.

Nathan McSweeney

Nathan McSweeney had a taste of Test cricket in arguably the most challenging of circumstances. Elevated to opener, McSweeney felt the full force of Jasprit Bumrah in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was dropped – harshly – after three Tests.

While McSweeney didn’t make the big runs, he can occupy the crease. He is not a flashy player by any means, but can wear bowlers down with his solid technique and temperament.

Such an approach could work well in the Ashes. Keeping the England quicks out in the field for long periods can result in Australia coming out on top.

However, McSweeney had a quiet second-half of the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield season with the bat as he led South Australia to their first title in 29 years. If he is to convince the selectors to move away from Cameron Green and keep Marnus Labuschagne at bay, he will need to produce a superb start to the 2025/26 season.

ALSO READ: Analysis – Why Cameron Green is struggling at number three

Kurtis Patterson

Could Kurtis Patterson finally play a Test after averaging 144 in his first two? Patterson was outstanding last season, hitting 743 runs at 57.15 in eight Shield games for New South Wales. He also scored a century for Australia A against England Lions in January.

Patterson’s numbers represent a remarkable turnaround. He began last summer in grade cricket after a lean run of form that cost him the New South Wales captaincy.

If he starts the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season from where he left off, who knows what could come of it.

Jason Sangha

Another contender for the number three position is Jason Sangha. The 25-year-old enjoyed a magnificent finish to the 2024/25 season, playing a central role in South Australia winning the title.

In just six games, Sangha struck 704 runs at an average of 78.22. This included three fifties and three hundreds in 12 innings.

Should he start the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season in similar fashion, he will be firmly on the radar of the selectors.

Outside chance: Marcus Harris or Cameron Bancroft

This seems unlikely. However, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Harris and Bancroft are regularly “in the conversation” in terms of featuring in the Test side. If either plunders runs in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield, anything is possible.

Bancroft’s history may work against him. After all, he hit 1,723 runs combined in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons at an average of 53.84, and still wasn’t selected. Also, Bancroft confirmed he has never spoken to Andrew McDonald in an interview with BBC’s Stumped podcast earlier this year. But, a big start to the new season can give the selectors something to think about.

The other contender is Marcus Harris. The left-hander enjoyed a great stint in the County Championship for Lancashire back in April and May. He struck 77, 34*, 147, 24, 121, and 43 in his first three matches. Like Bancroft, he will need a huge start to the Shield, as well as at least one of the two incumbents – Khawaja or Konstas – to be left out.

Who is Codi Yusuf? Pace bowler makes impression on Test debut for South Africa

Charbel Coorey
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Who is Codi Yusuf? Pace bowler makes impression on Test debut for South Africa

Codi Yusuf has enjoyed a positive start to his Test career. Batting at ten in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Yusuf played nicely for a 49-ball 27. He then impressed with the ball, taking 3/42 in 14 overs as South Africa bowled the hosts out for 251.

Yusuf, who turned 27 in April 2025, played 33 First Class matches in South Africa and England before his Test debut. He picked up 105 wickets in total at 27.81, including 17 wickets at just 20.94 for Durham in the 2025 County Championship season.

Yusuf has worked hard to get to this point. He debuted for Mpumalanga in the Africa T20 Cup in 2018, marking his professional debut. In 2019, Yusuf was playing all formats for Gauteng.

In addition to his red-ball exploits, Yusuf has also performed admirably in white-ball cricket. He took 16 wickets in nine matches in the 2019-20 CSA One-Day Challenge and has also featured for Paarl Royals in the SA20.

“I haven’t had a taste of international cricket yet, but it would be unbelievable to go and make a mark there and show people that I can perform at the highest level,” Yusuf told Independent Media before the Zimbabwe series.

“I personally believe in myself and feel like I can do that, and I know a lot of other people do as well. I know coach Shukri Conrad does as well, and that’s why he would have chosen me to be part of his squad.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the game and on the moment, but it would definitely be up there as probably the most important game in my career so far.”

Dale Steyn provides insight into Codi Yusuf on Test debut

Yusuf’s whippy action makes him a tricky customer. He can hurry batters, which he has shown on numerous occasions in recent months.

“For those in world cricket that don’t know much about Codi Yusuf. Quick, skiddy, away shape, consistent in length and bowls a nippy bouncer that gets on you faster than you think,” wrote Dale Steyn on X (formerly Twitter).

“Watched him bowl against an England Lions team this past December and honestly tore through them. Deserved national call up!”

Codi Yusuf took 3/59 and 2/22 in that match Steyn is referring to. Yusuf also displayed good pace and bounce in his debut innings as a Test bowler, hurrying the Zimbabwean batsmen on a Bulawayo surface aiding the new ball bowlers.

On Test debut, Yusuf watched on as fellow debutant – 19-year-old Lhuan dre-Pretorius – became the youngest player in history to score 150 in a Test innings. South Africa finished with 418/9 declared, before taking a 167-run lead into their second innings.

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