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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at Basin Reserve Wellington

Charbel Coorey
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List of highest successful run chases in Tests at Basin Reserve Wellington

Teams batting second have performed well at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with usually lower run chases needed after doing the bulk of the work earlier in the Test. It is a ground where teams typically look to bowl first in more helpful conditions, and then set up the Test.

Here is a look at the top five highest run chases in Tests at this famous Wellington ground.

Top 5 highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Basin Reserve Wellington

TotalTeamOpponentYear
277/3PakistanNew Zealand2003
234/4South AfricaNew Zealand2004
217/3New ZealandBangladesh2017
215/6New ZealandIndia1998
181/1New ZealandAustralia1990

5. 181/1 by New Zealand against Australia, 1990 (target 178)

In the only Test of Australia’s tour of New Zealand in 1990, it was the Black Caps who dominated. The great Sir Richard Hadlee dismantled the Aussies (110) with 5/39, supported by Danny Morrison (3/22) and Martin Snedden (2/33).

In response, nine New Zealanders made double figures, but no one made more than 36. Their total of 202 kept Australia in the game, but John Bracewell’s 6/85 led an Aussie collapse from 194/3 to 269 all out.

Skipper John Wright (117*) was far too good in the fourth innings, leading New Zealand to an easy win by nine wickets.

4. 215/6 by New Zealand against India, 1998 (target 213)

Simon Doull took 7/69 in the first innings to bowl India out for 208. New Zealand themselves fell to 208/7 in response, but Dion Nash (89*) and Dan Vettori (57) combined for 137 in 62.3 overs to frustrate India and eventually give the Black Caps a lead of 144.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar followed up skipper Mohammad Azharuddin’s lead from the first innings, scoring a century of his own in India’s second innings 356.

New Zealand were then in big trouble in the chase. They fell to 74/5 with Nathan Astle retired hurt, putting India in the driving seat. However, Craig McMillan (74*) and Chris Cairns (61) produced a great partnership of 137 under pressure to seal the win.

3. 217/3 by New Zealand against Bangladesh, 2017 (target 217)

A historic Test. The highest first innings score to ever end in defeat. Bangladesh, who cracked 595/8d thanks to Shakib Al Hasan (217) and Mushfiqur Rahim (159) managed to lose the Test thanks to a third innings collapse.

On the back of Tom Latham’s 177, New Zealand responded strongly with 539. Brainless Bangladesh play on the fourth evening opened the door for the Black Caps, who eventually bowled the Tigers out for 160.

Chasing 217, Kane Williamson (104* off 90 balls) made light work of the Bangladeshi bowlers in conditions that were still nice for batting. “I think it is a physical challenge of bowling in back-to-back Tests for long overs,” said then-coach Chandika Hathurusinghe as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

2. 234/4 by South Africa against New Zealand, 2004 (target 234)

Graeme Smith at his best. The South African captain, aged just 23 at the time, hit a superb 125* to guide the Proteas home and salvage the 2004 series against New Zealand.

Chasing 234 in what had been a tightly-contested Test, South Africa fell to 36/3 including the great Jacques Kallis out for 1. But, Smith, along with Gary Kirsten (76 off 180 balls) put on 171 to all-but-seal the Test.

1. 277/3 by Pakistan against New Zealand, 2003 (target 274)

One of Pakistan’s finest wins. New Zealand were so far in front after the first innings, leading by 170 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 196. Shoaib Akhtar, who took 5/48 in the first innings, took matters in his own hands, picking up 6/30 second time around to skittle the Black Caps for 103.

Chasing 274, Pakistan were 75/2 and 156/3 and the game was in the balance. However, legends Mohammad Yousuf (88* off 144 balls) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (72* off 88 balls) put on an unbeaten 122 to win the series 1-0 for Pakistan.

Will Mitch Marsh bowl in the 2nd BGT Test against India?

Charbel Coorey
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Will Mitch Marsh bowl in the 2nd BGT Test against India?

Whether Mitch Marsh will bowl is the big question ahead of the second Test against India. The all-rounder pulled up sore after bowling 17 overs at Perth, and has not bowled at training in recent days.

Australia have named their XI for the must-win match in Adelaide. There is just the one change, as confirmed by cricket.com.au. Scott Boland comes in for Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins believes he will succeed as “traditionally here there’s normally a bit of nip which obviously suits Scotty quite well.”

Australia XI for Adelaide Test: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Nathan McSweeney, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

Team balance in question with uncertainty as to whether Mitch Marsh will bowl

Marsh came into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) with limited bowling under his belt. He bowled just four overs in the limited overs tour of the UK back in September after picking up a hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

After starting promisingly in Perth, Marsh fell away in the second innings. He eventually struggled to notch even 120km/h as Nitish Kumar Reddy took advantage.

According to a report in CODE Sports on Thursday, Marnus Labuschagne is looming as the fourth seam option. The news has been met with criticism by Australia fans as Labuschagne, who is also terribly out of form with the bat, struggled for control in Perth.

However, captain Cummins said he expects Marsh to contribute overs at Adelaide.

“Made the call with the medical team over the last couple of days just to give him another couple of days off bowling,” Cummins told reporters, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“But expect him to warm up and bowl if he’s required. He’ll warm up tomorrow [Friday] pretty confident that he’s prioritised his overs for the games rather than using up some of them at training.”

It is unclear whether Marsh will be the fourth or fifth seam option in that case. If there is a lack of quality apart from the three main quicks and Nathan Lyon, the pressure will build rapidly on Cummins and co. as they look to bounce back in the series.

Beau Webster, who has been magnificent in the Sheffield Shield over the past few seasons, was brought into the squad as cover. But, the selectors have backed Marsh with the possibility of playing as a specialist batsman given he has the best average of any Australian in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

If that is the case, Australia will be hoping Labuschagne can keep things tight and Marsh scores enough runs to help the team level the series.

Allan Border interview: India have edge over Australia

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan
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Allan Border interview: India have edge over Australia

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has managed to grab the cricketing headlines. Seldom do people talk so much about a bilateral series. However, owing to the fact that this is a Test series between two of the best sides in the world, with the World Test Championship 2025 Final at stake, the hype around this series shouldn’t come as a surprise. Moreover, the series itself is named after two batting greats, i.e. Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.

Thus, who better to speak to than the “Border” of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, the legendary Allan Border gave his insights on the Test series. He spoke about some of the players who could do well in the upcoming games. The legend highlighted the fact that India have played more Tests than Australia in the recent past.

Border spoke about why India have the psychological edge over the Aussies. Further on, he drew light on the importance and impact of Jasprit Bumrah. It Is to be noted that the Indian pacer was the player of the match in the first Test. Border also spoke about Steve Smith, and was hopeful of the batting maestro getting back into the groove.

India were absolutely clinical in the first of the five-match Test series. Their victory in Perth ensured that they have a psychological advantage over Australia ahead of the second Test in Adelaide. Besides, the Aussies are yet to beat India in a Test series since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014/2015.

Allan Border interview: India not worried about Australian conditions

Below is both the audio and transcript of the interview with the legendary Allan Border:

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: First things first, my question to you is about Australia’s Steve Smith. He is the greatest player in the longest format of the game of this era, but he hasn’t been in the best of form. So what are your thoughts on his form?

Allan Border: Look, I’m very excited about the series itself. I think you pitch the two best teams in the world against each other…..India have shown that they’re not too worried about Australian conditions because they’ve won the last two or three series over here in Australia so they are not worried about the conditions they face alright but the side they’re playing against, as you said Steve Smith… He hasn’t been in the best form, but there has been a lot of white-ball cricket in there. Australia hadn’t played Test cricket for about 6-7 months [before the India seires] so once we get back to the red-ball cricket and Steven being Steven will be very very well prepared and he knows the Indian bowling very well. So I’m expecting that he’s going to be that guy who Australian batting will try and rely on and bat around. Even though they have other good players there, I think he’s the one. If India can get him cheaply in a lot of the games then those will be the games that India will do well in.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Yes, absolutely. My next question to you is about Indian bowlers as well. How important is Jasprit Bumrah to the Indian team? The hopes from him this series?

Allan Border: Well, I think the psychology is a big factor. I mean he’s done well against Australia and in Australia in the past so if he’s in the lineup and is bowling well, I think you know then India have that psychological thing over a few of the Australian batsmen because he is a serious bowler, but if he doesn’t play well then the confidence obviously swings the other way. I think he’s the key. He’s a key man and everyone’s got to fire and do their job well to win, obviously. Two good teams, but individuals you know that shine like Bumrah are key for India to win.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: My last question to you is your predictions for the upcoming matches? Any special players you think will be at their best? Any players to watch out for?

Allan Border: That’s what I’m looking forward to. I mean, it’s very interesting to see how some of the younger players, particularly from the Indian lineup that we’ve seen a little bit of twenty-twenty cricket. We haven’t seen in the long form of the game. In twenty-twenty cricket it’s dynamic. Well, Pant is one player that worries me…..Because we’ve seen a bit of it like at the SCG in the last series. I mean, he can just take the game away from you. Batting at 7, he bats so quickly and scores his runs so quickly all past the ground. His wicket-keeping to me is a prude to it. It’s just good to see him back playing, after his accident.  So he’s one player I’ll be looking…..I mean you know from the younger brigade but someone will come from the pack for sure. Someone that we don’t know a lot about and they’ve got a chance to make themselves a household name.

Adelaide Oval pitch report for 2nd BGT Test

Charbel Coorey
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Adelaide Oval pitch report for 2nd BGT Test

Australia have had over a week to reflect on their humbling defeat in Perth, and now attention turns to the Adelaide Oval pitch ahead of the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Photos have emerged of the surface a few days out from the match, with only a light amount of grass that is expected to be trimmed further.

Subhayan Chakraborty, Principal Sports Correspondent at RevSportz Global, shared an image of the surface on Monday. With sunny and clear conditions forecast for the rest of the week, including 36 degrees on match eve (Thursday) and 31 degrees on day one (Friday), the surface is expected to dry out quite quickly.

Adelaide Oval pitch: A good surface expected for batting

The toss could prove crucial to the result. Pitches typically have more grass on it in the days leading up to the Test, which is then trimmed off before the match. However, this Adelaide surface looks to have less grass which potentially makes for terrific batting conditions on day one.

“History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass,” said curator Damian Hough to reporters, as quoted by India Today.

“We are trying to produce a pitch that would be a good contest. The pitch did not play a part in the Test match finishing in 3 days last time India were here. I thought that it was really good bowling from Australia. As long as there is something in it for all aspects of the game, I am happy, I just want a good contest,” he said.

The average first innings score in seven day/night Tests in Adelaide is 388.57. In the last ten Tests (both red and pink ball), the average first innings score is 367.5, fluctuating between totals of 400+ and less than 250.

However, the pitch did have a similar look in the Australia-West Indies Test in January 2024. Both teams found the going difficult with the bat. After West Indies mustered just 189, Travis Head’s 119 took Australia to 283 with Shamar Joseph producing the goods on debut. Kraigg Brathwaite’s team was then rolled for 120 on a surface still offering movement.

Adelaide pitch report: How will the surface play in the 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between Australia and India?
Adelaide Oval pitch in the 2024 Test between Australia and West Indies.

This surface could offer turn for the spinners given the dry conditions. Spinners usually find it difficult in day/night matches at Adelaide Oval, but Nathan Lyon has performed admirably. Also, R Ashwin was outstanding four years ago, taking 4/55 and 1/16.

The last pink-ball Test between Australia and India was the infamous match in 2020/21. India took a first innings lead after bowling out the hosts for less than 200. Australia then rolled Virat Kohli’s team for a record-low 36. Much is made of how the pink ball nips around more under lights, but the damage was done in the afternoon sunshine.

Now, Australia are under big pressure. They face the possibility of a third-straight home series loss against India. “If Australia do lose the second Test, the batting will come under the microscope. That’s when the paucity of potential batting talent in Australia will cause some selection headaches,” wrote Ian Chappell for ESPNcricinfo.

The second Test begins on December 6.

Best bowling averages in Test cricket history (minimum 150 wickets)

Charbel Coorey
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Best bowling averages in Test cricket history (minimum 150 wickets)

India superstar Jasprit Bumrah has one of the best bowling averages in Test history. Among bowlers with at least 150 wickets, Bumrah’s average of 20.06 is right up there, with just one bowler – who played in the 1900s – ahead of him.

Here is a look at the six bowlers who average less than 21 with 150+ wickets to their name.

Lowest bowling averages in Tests among bowlers with 150+ Test wickets

Sydney Barnes (England): 16.43

The great Sydney Barnes, England’s right-arm quick who made his debut in 1901, took 189 wickets at an incredible average of 16.43.

Against South Africa in Johannesburg 1913, Barnes took 17 wickets (9/103 and 8/56) is a remarkable performance. “It was Barnes’s match. On no occasion during the tour was the great bowler seen to quite such advantage. He took seventeen wickets- eight for 56 and nine for 103- proving quite irresistible on the last morning,” read the match report, published by ESPNcricinfo.

In 2013, Barnes, who also took 719 First Class wickets at 17.09, was inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.

Jasprit Bumrah (India): 19.79

Jasprit Bumrah comfortably holds the title of India’s greatest ever fast bowler. After 52 Tests, Bumrah has taken 234 wickets at a mindboggling average of 19.79, making him the bowler with the best average among those with 200+ Test wickets.

Bumrah averages 17.15 in Australia (64 wickets), where visiting bowlers have found it tough over the years. He also averages a staggering 17.70 in India (62 wickets).

“Jasprit [Bumrah] will go down as probably one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game. I think we’re finding that at the moment — how challenging he can be, and it’s nice to play against that,” said Australia batsman Travis Head during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

ALSO READ: Bumrah is comfortably the best bowler in the world across formats – Michael Vaughan

Alan Davidson (Australia): 20.53

Australia’s Alan Davidson was magnificent between 1953 and 1963, with injuries unfortunately costing him more matches. In 44 Tests, the left-arm pace bowler took a brilliant 14 five-wicket hauls, part of his 186 wickets at an average of 20.53. He also scored 1,328 Test runs at an average of 24.59.

Davidson starred in the 1960 tied Test against West Indies. He took 11 wickets (5/135 and 6/87) and was magnificent with the bat as well (44 and 80). A true superstar of the game.

Malcolm Marshall (West Indies): 20.94

Whenever there is a conversation around the best fast bowlers of all time, Malcolm Marshall is always part of it. Fast, relentless and determined, his 376 wickets cost just 20.94 apiece, taking wickets all over the world, including 71 at a superb average of 23.05 in Asia.

“Malcolm started with a good rhythm, but as time went on he learned a lot about fast bowling. He could evaluate opposition hitters so quickly and so easily. In those days you didn’t have many tapes or computers, it was all in his head. He understood how to deal with hitters,” said Michael Holding, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Joel Garner (West Indies): 20.97

Standing at 6ft 8in, Joel Garner was a nightmare for batsmen. Part of the West Indian era of incredible fast bowling, Garner would regularly get the ball to rear off a length or nail opponents with his superb yorker.

Only India (7 wickets at 43.00) managed to keep Garner somewhat quiet. He took 45 wickets in Australia at 25.37, 123 wickets in West Indies at 22.34, and averaged below 20 in England (16.56), New Zealand (16.92), and Pakistan (19.20).

Curtly Ambrose (West Indies): 20.99

Curtly Ambrose has the most wickets of any bowler with an average under 21. The legendary fast bowler took 405 scalps in 98 Tests at an average of 20.99.

Ambrose averaged below 30 in every country he played in, with the highest being Pakistan (25.20). He was outstanding in Australia, averaging just 19.79 in 14 Tests (78 wickets).

Undoubtedly one of Ambrose’s best performances was his remarkable spell of 7/1 off 32 balls against Australia at Perth in 1993. “I was in the kind of mood that, I don’t think anyone on planet earth could have stopped me that day – everything just felt right,” Ambrose said to cricket.com.au.

Adelaide Oval Test records, highest scores & pace vs. spin comparison in day/night matches

Charbel Coorey
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Adelaide Oval Test records, highest scores & pace vs. spin comparison in day/night matches

The famous Adelaide Oval played host to the first day/night Test back in 2015 where Australia took on New Zealand. The hosts won that tight encounter by three wickets, and have since gone on to win a further six pink-ball Tests at this ground by big margins.

Adelaide Oval records: Australia still unbeaten in pink-ball Tests

Results in day/night Tests at Adelaide Oval: Australian dominance

  • 2015: Australia beat New Zealand by three wickets.
  • 2016: Australia beat South Africa by seven wickets.
  • 2017: Australia beat England by 120 runs.
  • 2019: Australia beat Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs.
  • 2020: Australia beat India by eight wickets.
  • 2021: Australia beat England by 275 runs.
  • 2022: Australia beat West Indies by 419 runs.

The result against India in 2020/21 is a standout. Australia produced a bowling performance for the ages to bowl India out for 36 in the second innings, setting up an eight-wicket win in the process. However, India went on to win that series.

“They bounced back pretty well after that game,” captain Pat Cummins said, as quoted by foxsports.com.au.

India started the 2024/25 BGT series in style, thumping Australia by 295 runs in Perth. They are breaking the trends at the moment. Before 2021, Australia hadn’t lost at the Gabba for over 30 years. The Aussies also hadn’t lost at Optus Stadium before this series. Past records don’t seem to matter much when Australia play India, and Cummins and his team have their work cut out to recover.

Average first innings score in day/night Tests at Adelaide Oval

The average first innings score in the seven day/night Tests is 388.57. However, scores have fluctuated. There have been three totals under 300 (202, 259 and 244) and four others above 400 (442, 589, 473, 511).

Two of those big totals came against struggling England teams who lost both the 2017/18 and 2021/22 Ashes 4-0. The highest total – 589 – came against a listless Pakistan attack and 511/7 came against an inexperienced West Indies in 2022.

Best Test average for Australia in day/night Tests at the Adelaide Oval (current players)

  • 63.85 – Marnus Labuschagne
  • 49.36 – Travis Head
  • 40.00 – Steve Smith
  • 39.69 – Usman Khawaja
  • 35.14 – Alex Carey

Four Australians in the current XI average above 35 in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide. The under pressure Marnus Labuschagne would do anything to replicate his current average of 63.85. Much is also expected of Khawaja, Smith and Head.

Labuschagne struck 162 in the 2019 Test against Pakistan. He also hit 103 and 51 in the 2021 Ashes Test, plus 163 against West Indies in 2022.

Pace trumps spin in pink-ball Tests

Pace bowlersSpin bowlers
Wickets: 173Wickets: 47
Average: 27.19Average: 39.72

Spinners have largely struggled in pink-ball Tests at this ground. However, Nathan Lyon stands out, with 28 wickets at an average of 23.86.

Mitchell Starc loves a day/night Test at Adelaide Oval, taking 39 wickets at an average of 16.67. Overall, he has taken 66 wickets in 12 pink-ball matches at an average of 18.71.

Virat Kohli loves batting at the Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval is one of Virat Kohli’s favourite grounds. He struck 74 and 4 in the 2020/21 pink-ball Test, part of 509 runs at an average of 63.63. This includes three centuries in eight innings, with his twin centuries in the classic 2014 Test one of his best-ever performances.

Kohli comes into the 2024 Adelaide Test off the back of a welcome century in the second innings at Perth.

Virat Kohli loves batting at the Adelaide Oval.

Other key records in day/night Tests at Adelaide Oval:

  • Highest team score: 589/3d by Australia (batting first) vs. Pakistan in 2019/20.
  • Lowest team score: 36 by India (batting third) vs. Australia in 2020/21.
  • Highest individual score: 335* by David Warner vs. Pakistan in 2019/20.
  • Best bowling figures in an innings: 6/66 by Mitchell Starc vs. Pakistan in 2019/20.

India possible 11 for 2nd BGT Test: Where will Rohit Sharma bat?

Charbel Coorey
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India possible 11 for 2nd BGT Test: Where will Rohit Sharma bat?

Where Rohit Sharma will bat in the India 11 is one of the big questions ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Rohit arrived in Australia during the Perth Test after the birth of his second child, with questions rife regarding his batting position after Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were outstanding in the opening match.

Jaiswal and Rahul combined for a 201-run opening stand in the second innings to bury Australia’s hopes. In fact, Rahul played beautifully in both innings, scoring 77 (176) second time around after a gritty 74-ball stay in seaming conditions on day one that ended controversially.

ALSO READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal will score more than 40 Test hundreds says Australia all-rounder

Also, Shubman Gill is a chance to return after lining up for India against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra over the weekend. He missed the opening Test due to a fractured thumb.

India possible 11 for 2nd BGT Test vs Australia in Adelaide: Rohit to open or bat in the middle?

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Shubman Gill, 4. Virat Kohli, 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Rohit Sharma (c), 7. Washington Sundar, 8. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Harshit Rana, 11. Mohammed Siraj

According to Boria Majumdar, founder of RevSportz Global, Gill batting at three in the tour match between the Perth and Adelaide Test confirms his fitness.

“Shubman Gill as Rohit Juglan [from RevSports Hindi] reports is padded up at number 3. Should put all debate to rest over his fitness. No one would bat in a game if he isn’t ready. We have been saying this all along,” he wrote on X.

Interestingly, captain Rohit was not padded up early in the India innings. This is perhaps the strongest hint that he will bat in the middle order in the second Test. Of course, that is just speculation at this stage, but one would have thought that batting against the new pink ball under lights would have been great preparation if Rohit is to open in Adelaide.

Rohit ended up batting at four after KL Rahul retired out and made just three off 11 balls. Gill came in at three after Jaiswal was dismissed for 45.

Make up of the India bowling attack?

India have backed Washington Sundar in recent Tests. They could do so again after the all-rounder batted and bowled well in the second innings in Perth.

With regards to the pace attack, Harshit Rana performed admirably on debut and is expected to play again given the long break between Tests. Akash Deep is another solid option.

There is hope that Mohammed Shami will play at some point in this BGT series, but the Adelaide Test is too soon. “Mohammed Shami is expected to fly to Australia at some point during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” read a report by Cricbuzz on Sunday December 1. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is ensuring that, when the decision is finally made by the national selectors in collaboration with the team management, it is the right one.”

India’s lineup looks strong, especially given how Nitish Kumar Reddy lengthens the batting lineup and provides a handy fourth seamer option. He scored 41 (59) and 38* (27) on Test debut, while picking up a wicket.

Harsha Bhogle interview: Players will kill for Steve Smith’s average

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan
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Harsha Bhogle interview: Players will kill for Steve Smith’s average

India currently lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0. Their comprehensive victory in Perth meant that the visitors started the highly-anticipated series on a positive note. In the meanwhile, Australia have a lot of thinking to do if they are to make a comeback in the series.

One of the biggest positives for the Indian team was Virat Kohli getting back into his groove. His century in the first Test came as a huge sigh of relief for his fans as the batting maestro wasn’t in the best of form prior to the start of this series. On the other hand, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith is yet to overcome his lean patch. He hasn’t been at his best in the last 10-12 months, and failed to make a mark in the first of the five-match Test series as well.

During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Harsha Bhogle spoke about the two legendary batters. The commentator gave his thoughts on Kohli and Smith while drawing light on their respective legacies. It is to be noted that Bhogle is not only considered to be the voice of Indian cricket, but is also widely regarded as one of the greatest commentators in the history of the game.

While speaking to Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Harsha Bhogle was hopeful of Kohli having a good series overall. Further on, he also stated that if Smith gets going, it’s going to be tough for India. Lastly, the veteran journalist also had a very important piece of advice for budding sports journalists. Bhogle had an insightful message for people who wanted to make a career in cricket-based journalism.

Harsha Bhogle interview: Good things happen to Virat Kohli in Australia

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: So Melbourne, I mean a place where not only the Indian team, but even you have fond memories as a broadcaster. Your iconic commentary of Virat Kohli’s shot is still talked about. So as far as Virat Kohli’s form is concerned in Australia, a place where he’s played before. I mean overall by the end of the series, what do you think will happen with his performance?

Harsha Bhogle: Look I have no idea. He’s a legend. He’s done everything there’s to be done in the game so far. Whenever he comes to Australia, good things happen to him. So I’m hoping good things happen to him because If he’s batting well, cricket is a beautiful sport to watch.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Absolutely! And like Virat Kohli, Australia have Steve Smith. His form in the longest format and in international cricket hasn’t been up to his standards. Anything about that?

Harsha Bhogle: India would have loved Steve Smith to be opening the batting (smiles)…..Because it just gives you that little opportunity. At number four, he’s one of the greatest that’s played the game, and you have to accept that. I mean in this poor run of form, his average has come down to 57 which is something most people would kill for when they retire. That’s how good a player he is. If he gets going, it’s gonna be tough.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And my last question to you isn’t about cricketers, but about sports journalists. So as a veteran in your field, what message would you want to give to budding sports journalists who want to do something in cricket?

Harsha Bhogle: Yeah, love the game with no expectations of returns. Love the game, love the language, and never fall out of love with the game. Because when you’re in love with the game the words will flow. When you’re in love with the game you’ll search for every little thing that increases the interest. Never fall out in love with the game because the moment you do it shows in your work.

Australia possible playing 11 for 2nd BGT Test vs India at Adelaide

Charbel Coorey
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Australia possible playing 11 for 2nd BGT Test vs India at Adelaide

Australia face a must-win game in Adelaide after losing the first Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) by a whopping 295 runs. They have not won a BGT series since 2014/15, and have won just two of the past 11 home Tests against India. If there is to be a turnaround, it must be now as defeat in Adelaide means Australia must win all three Tests at the Gabba, MCG and SCG to regain the trophy.

Amid the questions around Australia’s batting, another spanner has been thrown into the works. Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s best bowler in Perth, has been ruled out of the second Test due to injury.

“Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test in Adelaide with a side strain,” read cricket.com.au’s report on Saturday.

Australia possible 11 for 2nd Test against India at Adelaide

Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have both been added to the squad. Abbott has 261 First Class wickets at 30.38, along with 46 white-ball experiences for Australia. The uncapped Doggett has 142 FC scalps at 28.63, including 6/15 for Australia A against India A in Mackay last month.

However, neither are expected to line up for Australia in Adelaide, with Scott Boland set to slot in.

Australia predicted XI for Adelaide Test against India: 1. Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland

According to cricket.com.au, Boland is “primed to come into the playing XI in Adelaide, having last played a Test match in July 2023 at Headingley during that winter’s Ashes tour.” Also, Brett Lee, in an exclusive chat with CricBlog ahead of the BGT series, said Boland is next in line.

“I think it’s a good question because he’s [Boland] probably a guy that would be next in line or sort of the next guy in the pecking order. The thing about Australia is that they’ve got three amazing fast bowlers that I don’t want to see rested. So guys like Scott Boland have to make sure that they’re ready,” Lee said.

Boland, who has 35 wickets in ten Tests at 20.34, can be tough to handle with the pink ball. He has the ability to seam the ball both ways, on display in the 2022 Test against West Indies where he finished with match figures of 3/45.

Will Mitch Marsh be fit to play?

All-rounder Mitch Marsh pulled up sore after the Perth Test, prompting the selectors to add Beau Webster to the squad. Marsh confirmed to Nine News Australia that he is right to go. “Body is all good, I’m good to go,” he said. However, it is still unclear whether he will bowl and how many overs he can offer.

If Marsh is not fit enough to bowl in Adelaide, will the selectors play him as a specialist batsman and leave the fifth bowling option to Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head? Or does Webster come in as a straight swap?

Webster has been outstanding in the Sheffield Shield since 2021, averaging over 50 with the bat in this period. He also bowls both seam and offspin. In fact, the 2023/24 season saw him become the second player in Shield history to score 900+ runs and take 30+ wickets in the same season.

ALSO READ: A look at Beau Webster’s numbers in the Sheffield Shield since the start of the 2022/23 season

Of course, the spotlight is also bright on a number of Australia’s batsmen. Marnus Labuschagne looked all at sea at Perth, while Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and debutant Nathan McSweeney all struggled as well.

Labuschagne is averaging just 23.4 since the start of start summer. The corresponding number is 29.4 for Smith and 30.6 for Khawaja respectively, while Travis Head has also endured a lean patch, averaging just 26.4 in this period.

It is expected the top four will remain the same. So much more is required from them if Australia are to bounce back in the series. It is easier said than done with Jasprit Bumrah at the peak of his powers. Australia’s defensive game will be in the spotlight as they aim to level the series.

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Beau Webster Sheffield Shield stats since 2022/23 season

Charbel Coorey
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Beau Webster Sheffield Shield stats since 2022/23 season

Beau Webster has been the premier performer in Sheffield Shield cricket over the past few years. As a result, the all-rounder has been called into Australia’s squad for the second Test against India as cover for Mitchell Marsh, who pulled up sore after bowling 17 overs during Australia’s 295-run loss in Perth.

This season alone, Webster has scored 303 runs in four matches at an average of 50.50, and has taken nine wickets at 37.88, including leading Tasmania to a drought-breaking win over New South Wales recently. “Any time I feel like we’re in trouble, I feel like I can throw him the ball and he just seems to be able to create something,” said Tasmania captain Jordan Silk, as quoted by cricket.com.au. “He’s a special player at the moment.”

However, Webster has produced the goods for an extended period, putting him firmly in the selectors’ radar given Cameron Green’s long-term injury and Marsh’s fitness worries.

Beau Webster: Superb in the Sheffield Shield since the start of the 2022/23 season

Here is a look at Beau Webster’s Sheffield Shield numbers since the beginning of the 2022/23 season:

BattingBowling
Runs: 1,837Wickets: 58
Average: 51.02Average: 35.29
Hundreds: 5Strike Rate: 63.81

30-year-old Webster was particularly prolific in 2023/24, where he won player of the season. He easily topped the run-scoring chart with 938 at a superb average of 58.62, with six fifties and nine hundreds in 11 matches. He also took 30 wickets at 29.30, becoming the second player in Shield history to score 900 runs and take 30 wickets in the same season.

Webster was strong even if we go back as far as 2021/22. He scored 361 runs in six matches at an average of 51.57, with a top score of 166*.

Should Webster be selected for the Adelaide Test, he will offer Pat Cummins the kind of versatility the team was missing at times in Perth. Webster can bowl both seam and off-spin, and the latter could come in handy if the Adelaide surface takes spin later in the Test.

“I’d be comfortable to do whatever they require; I feel like I’ve done it all in the last 10 years at the top and in the middle,” Webster said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“I daresay the role will be somewhere between that five and seven with the bat and some overs as well, predominantly seam up.”

The second Test is a day/night fixture and kicks off on December 6 in Adelaide. Australia are already in must-win territory, as defeat means they will need to win the last three Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Also, victory is vital to their hopes of qualifying for a second-straight World Test Championship Final.

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