AUS v IND: Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Records In Australia
India’s Jasprit Bumrah continued to rewrite the record books in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, further cementing his place as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers. On Tuesday, Bumrah achieved another major milestone by surpassing a record held by Indian cricket legend, Kapil Dev. Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev’s Record In a great achievement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has gone down in history by breaking the record of the most wickets taken by an Asian bowler in Australia. The milestone was achieved by Bumrah on Tuesday as he took two quick wickets for Australia in the second innings of the third test match at the GABBA. Bumrah Takes Two Quick Wickets The day began with Bumrah striking in the very first over with the new ball. In the third over of Australia’s second innings, he dismissed Usman Khawaja, breaking the batter’s defense with a delivery that clipped the inside edge, struck the back pad and rattled the off stump. Just over an over later, he took the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, as the Australian batsman gave a faint nick to a length ball which was easily caught by the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Bumrah’s Record Breaking Tally With these two wickets, Bumrah now has 52 wickets in just 10 Test matches in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets in 11 appearances. Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Nawaz (50 wickets) rounds out the top three among Asian bowlers in Australia. Bumrah Leads In The Current Series Jasprit Bumrah has shown consistency and adaptability in foreign conditions. He has been in exceptional form throughout the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and is currently the leading wicket-taker, with 21 wickets from just six innings at an outstanding average of 10.71. Bumrah’s 21 wickets are now the sixth-best figure by an Indian in a tour of Australia. Bumrah’s Two Five-Wicket Hauls Bumrah’s record-breaking performances in the series include two five-wicket hauls. His first came in Perth, where he led India in Rohit Sharma’s absence. The second came in the first innings of the Brisbane Test. Besides, Bumrah has now matched his 2018/19 series tally, becoming only the second Indian bowler to pick 20-plus wickets in two separate tours of Australia. The first to achieve the feat was Anil Kumble who did it in 2003/04 (24 wickets) and in 2007/08 (20 wickets). Bumrah’s Legacy In Australian Conditions Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s lead bowler both during home seasons and away tours. His position is well etched among India’s best bowling and as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 goes ahead, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah and what new milestones he might achieve for his country on the Australian turf. Meanwhile, let us know if you have seen any better Indian fast bowler dominate Australia in Australia? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Will Rain Help India On Day 5 Of The GABBA Test?
The Indian Cricket Team has given itself a decent chance of getting out of the GABBA test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a draw through an unbeaten last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, which ensured they don’t have to follow-on. More rain is also forecasted for the last day of the test match so the weather could well dictate the outcome of the test. Forecasted Rain Threatens To Impact Play Only 58 overs were bowled on the fourth day as several interruptions were made. Now with forecasts suggesting 2mm to 25mm of rain for Wednesday, similar disruptions are expected to happen. Late resistance by India means Australia’s chance to enforce the follow-on is out of the window and gives them fewer choices in forcing a result. Australia On Tight Rope To Force Result Australia has 98 overs scheduled however things can go really tricky if the rains further delay play. Probably the hosts will need to knock off India’s tailenders quickly and then score about 20 overs themselves to set a target close to 300 runs. The remaining overs will largely depend on the weather, and as the light fades in Brisbane by around 5:30 PM local time, Australia will have to make quick decisions. Hazlewood Injury Leaves Australia Shorthanded The blow to Australia is compounded by the loss of Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. This leaves the Australian attack one bowler short, potentially requiring Nathan Lyon to carry a heavier workload. Assistant coach Daniel Vettori said that frequent breaks had allowed the quick bowlers to stay relatively fresh, however it’s unclear whether they will have the energy to fully capitalize on any opportunities. KL Rahul Reflects On Disruptions KL Rahul top-scored for India with 84 runs, acknowledged the difficulties the frequent stoppages have caused for players on both sides. With the rain still a factor, the fifth and the final day of the GABBA test is shaping up to be a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion, with both teams hoping for clear skies to allow enough play for a result. With rain still looming large over proceedings, India will be hoping for more interruptions to help preserve their position, while Australia will be aiming for a swift end to India’s innings and a rapid chase to set up a potential victory. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Steve Smith Finally Finds His Hands At The GABBA
He was never out of form, he was just out of runs. Or maybe he was just finding his hands. And today, he silenced his critics with a fantastic ton against the Indian Cricket Team. Yes, we are speaking about none other than Steve Smith. Steve Smith Returns To Form With 33rd Test Match Ton On Day 2 of the third test match at the GABBA, Steve Smith finally silenced his doubters and ended his yearlong century drought with a resolute and disciplined 101 runs against India. His 33rd Test century came before an electrified Brisbane crowd as the former Australian captain showed mental resilience and patience in a challenging battle against India’s relentless bowlers. A Steve Smith Sunday Masterclass Smith’s innings came off 185 balls and was a masterclass in composure. He found his rhythm despite the pressure of the moment and the testing spells from India. His drives and cuts were a reminder of the class that has defined his illustrious career. Dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah with an edge caught behind at slip, Smith departed with his trademark focus and poise, having re-established himself as one of cricket’s finest battlers. Steve Smith Celebrates Calmly The 82nd over of Australia’s innings was the turning point when Smith hit a boundary off Akash Deep and then took a single off the next delivery to take his hundred. Smith’s calm celebration was cheered by teammates and fans. Smith’s century was not just a personal triumph, it signaled his return to form during a crucial moment in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This century marked his first since December 2022 and his 10th century against India in 22 Tests and so far he has averaged over 60 against India. This was Smith’s first hundred in 2024. Therefore, it proved that Steve Smith is back to all guns blazing as more big knock would be needed in days to come. Steve Smith Century Sets Australia Through Fire Steve Smith shared an instrumental 241-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket, a partnership that proved crucial in pushing Australia past the 300-run mark on Day 2. Both Smith and Head capitalized on their opportunities to put Australia in a strong position against a competitive Indian Cricket Team. Rohit Catches Smith It was only by a spectacular catch from Rohit Sharma that ended Steve Smith’s innings at 101 while returning him to the pavilion. He had also given enough momentum and confidence to Australia going into the remaining parts of the game, despite being dismissed. Captain Cummins Backs Smith Steve Smith’s return to form came just days after Australian skipper Pat Cummins publicly backed him during his lean patch with the bat. Smith’s great display at the GABBA only seemed to reinforce that confidence, as he rode out the pressure and delivered when it mattered most. Over 2,000 runs against India alone and a proven record in big moments, Steve Smith has set the tone for a strong finish to the series. With this century behind him, all the remaining matches at Sydney and Melbourne will be focused on by Smith to continue his form, thus making his position stronger as one of the cricketing world’s most consistent performers. Steve Smith Turns To Be Mentally Strong Steve Smith’s drought-breaking century was a display of his mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure. In a year filled with challenges, Smith’s test match century against the Indian Cricket Team has not only lifted his personal confidence but has sent a clear message to the world, Smith is back in the groove and his hunger remains undiminished. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, all cricket fans and pundits can only wait to see if Steve Smith manages to maintain his rhythm with the bat and take Australian cricket to further heights of success. With his 33rd test match century now in the record-books and Australia in such a strong position at GABBA, Steve Smith has surely written another remarkable chapter to his storied career. Has there been a more popular hundred in the recent times? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Travis Head-Ache In GABBA Again
Australia’s Travis Head continued to hammer the Indian Cricket Team as he went on scoring another ton in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the GABBA. Travis Turns Out To Be A Head-Ache For India Travis Head continued his domination with the bat and continued with his excellent form when on Sunday, December 15, 2024, he scored his 9th Test century at the GABBA in Brisbane against India. The left-handed batter continued to flourish exactly from where he had left at the Adelaide test where he had scored a crucial 140 off 141 balls that ultimately gave Australia a win. Head’s Early Counterattack Steers Australia To Safety Travis Head walked in at a vulnerable stage for Australia, as the team was at 75 for 3 after Marnus Labuschagne got dismissed to Nitish Kumar Reddy in the 34th over. The southpaw straightaway set the tone by sending one down the leg-side off Reddy for a boundary and then did it once again against Jasprit Bumrah. Head’s aggressive first hour ensured that Australia would reach lunch in a much more stable situation, as Travis Head started building his rhythm from here on. Head’s Boundary Blitz In The Second Session After lunch, Travis Head continued his attack by taking two successive boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja in the 55th over. He got his fifty in just 71 balls, and from that time, he started appearing quite solid at the crease. He kept going for the attack and was not even showing signs of getting slowed down while hitting boundaries both against spinners and pacers. Head Dominates In Brisbane The Brisbane crowd was in awe of Travis Head’s sublime batting, as he began to take control over the Indian pacers, Mohammad Siraj in particular. He really started attacking in this period with a flurry of amazing boundaries that sent him marching towards his milestone. Travis Head did not let the momentum get disturbed even after Bumrah came back to bowl and took his 100 off 115 balls with the help of his 13th boundary of the innings. Travis Head’s Love Affair With The Indian Bowlers Continue With his latest century, Travis Head extended his strong record against India in the longest format. This century marks his third test hundred against Rohit Sharma’s Indian Cricket Team and saw him surpass 1,000 runs against them at an average of more than 51. Notably, Head has been a prolific run-scorer against India, having amassed over 600 runs in his last seven innings against the side alone. Head Continues To Set The Benchmark In The BGT Sunday’s century also established Travis Head as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as he surpassed the 300-run mark during his blistering innings. His performance in Brisbane brings to notice his ability to consistently score runs against one of the world’s most formidable cricketing teams. Travis Head’s Sunday Showdown Travis Head’s 9th test match hundred will be remembered not only for its individual performance but also as another chapter in his growing dominance against the Indian Cricket Team. Head was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah on 152 off 160 as Rishabh Pant caught him behind the stumps. Has Travis Head according to you once again proven why he is one of Australia’s most reliable performers? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: What The Pitch Has To Offer At The GABBA?
Australia and India are set to lock horns in the third test at the GABBA in Brisbane and focus will turn to what the GABBA pitch will offer as both sides seek to break the deadlock in the series at 1-1. The GABBA has a history of providing bounce and pace and the state of the pitch could well dictate the outcome. GABBA’s Specialty The GABBA’s reputation as a testing ground for touring teams is already well entrenched, with its lively pitch often revealing the fragilities of the visiting batters who have not had long to settle into the conditions of Australia. The Australian players have long argued for the GABBA to maintain this position as the early summer conditions normally provide much livelier wicket. Insights From The Curator At The GABBA David Sandurski, curator of the GABBA, confirmed that early-summer pitches generally have more bounce and movement, which suits the bowlers. Pitches later in the season might have a bit more wear and tear, while ones early in the season usually are a bit fresher and might have a bit more in them. This is in line with previous trends, where the GABBA has consistently offered more for bowlers earlier in the summer compared to matches played later in the season. Australia To Play Carefully At The GABBA The Australian players know well about the difference in handling of the pitch, based on past experiences and what is going to happen in the latter part of the summer after this instance in 2021. The series against India was lost and Australia was unable to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India defeated Australia at Brisbane, a venue which Australia had never lost at since 1988. That particular test was played in mid-January. What to Expect At The GABBA? For the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the GABBA pitch is expected to remain as pacey and bouncy as it has been in the past. Sandurski confirmed that the pitch would be prepared to offer good carry and a traditional GABBA wicket. However he also said that there would be a better balance between bat and ball, almost a comparison to the solitary Sheffield Shield game played here in the season so far. In that game, 15 wickets fell on day one and though runs were hard to come by initially, the track did ease out to let batsmen get set and score. An Evenly Poised Contest And if the series level beckons and there seems every prospect that the coming days will see plenty of rain in Brisbane, it promises to be quite an interesting contest. Australia will look to exploit the conditions at the GABBA, while India can look at seeing some form from their top order as they failed to make them appear in the first two tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The pitch appears to be good for everyone and at GABBA, it shall indeed prove to be a fascinating battle. Whom do you think will go one-up in the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: India’s Pink-Ball Struggles Highlights Need For More Day-Night Test Exposure
India suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval and the debacle has reignited the debate surrounding the pink-ball and day-night test match cricket. Even though India is considered a cricketing powerhouse with a proven track record in the toughest of conditions, a lack of experience with the pink ball was the prime culprit behind India’s loss at Adelaide and in the process, highlighted a glaring gap in the preparation of modern-day test match cricket. India’s Performance In Perth vs In Adelaide The Adelaide test match, a day-night fixture, saw India struggle under the lights, a stark contrast to their performance in the first test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Despite having some of the world’s finest players—Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah—India was caught off guard by the pink-ball’s unpredictable movement and the unfamiliar batting conditions in a test match at night. It was tough to get familiar with the pink-ball’s behavior, especially in lights, as India collapsed in both their batting and bowling performances. Pink-Ball Turns Out To Be A Test For India The main issue has been India’s lack of exposure to pink-ball cricket. A format that is ever-so-present in international test match cricket, especially in Australia. The pink-ball swings very differently than the red-ball, as well as being much brighter to see, which translates to playability under artificial lights. This means the cricketers have to learn different techniques and strategies, all of which India’s men are still getting used to. India Needs Regular Pink-Ball Exposure In Home Tests To avoid such shocking losses in future day-night test matches, it is essential for India to make pink-ball cricket a regular feature in their home season. With the top level facilities in arenas like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad now available, it presents an ideal venue for hosting a day-night test match, with the best facilities and infrastructure for such an event. Alternatively, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, known for its lively crowd and an excellent wicket, could also host such matches, drawing full-capacity crowds and maximizing ticket sales, if at all revenue is a concern. India Must Embrace Pink-Ball Tests Just as Australia has included the pink-ball test in their calendar for their home series, India must do the same and make sure that their players get enough practice to get accustomed to the day-night format. Regular exposure to day-night test matches would help Indian cricketers understand the challenges of playing with the pink ball and provide the necessary practice to master its peculiarities. A Wake-Up Call for India Ultimately, India’s loss in Adelaide serves as a wake-up call. If they are to compete successfully in day-night test matches, both at home and abroad, they need to make the pink-ball format a permanent fixture in their test cricket calendar. What is your opinion on inclusion of pink-ball day-night test matches in the yearly calendar for every Indian cricket home-season? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: The Travis Head-Ache Continues For India
Travis Head continued to torture the Indian Cricket Team as he struck a brilliant century on Day 2 of the second test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide. One who always comes good at the right moment, Head’s knock was yet another reminder of his dominance against India, having already made his mark in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final. Travis Head’s Second Test Century Against India This is Travis Head’s eighth career test match century and second against India in test match cricket. Having played a dogged 89 in the first test in Perth where Australia lost heavily, Head faced India’s pace attack yet again and sent Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj packing. Head’s first test match hundred against India came in the WTC Final in 2023 when he was sublime to post an innings of 163 as Australia took control. Travis Head’s Masterclass At The Adelaide Oval Travis Head became the first South Australian cricketer to achieve three centuries at the legendary Adelaide Oval. Head’s consistently managed to find openings with relative ease and ensured continued momentum for his side in an important 65-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 64. His controlled batting kept the game in play for the hosts and hence he was a vital participant in Australia’s innings. Travis Head A Constant Hurdle For India Travis Head has been the thorn in the side of India across formats. Be it test match cricket or ODIs, Head at the crease often sends out trouble signals for India. If Indian bowlers fail to get him out early, Travis Head can snatch the game from them as he did once again in this series. Travis Head And Marnus Labuschagne Steady The Ship Australia started Day 2 at 86/1, appearing very stable until Jasprit Bumrah made a quick breakthrough with the wicket of Nathan McSweeney. He followed that up with another important wicket, Steven Smith, back to the pavilion for just 2 runs. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the Australian ship by combining for a 65-run partnership before Labuschagne was dismissed for a well-made 64 by Nitish Kumar Reddy, providing India with much-needed breakthrough. At the time of writing, Australia were at 280 for 5 in 76.3 overs, with Travis Head on 119* off 128. Head’s presence at the crease remains crucial as Australia aim to extend their lead in this crucial second test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Will Travis Head continue to wound India or will the Indian bowlers stop the bleeding? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Get Familiar With Pink Ball Before The Adelaide Test
Generally, in test match cricket, a day is called off as the sun sets. However, not this time as India and Australia are set to face off in a thrilling day-night test match in Adelaide. The game will throw light on the ongoing debate between the traditional red ball and the pink ball. Although both are for the same purpose in cricket, they have distinct features that can dramatically alter the dynamics of a match. We very well understand that as sports fans, you all surely are in curiosity to know more on the pink ball which is going to be used in the second test at Adelaide. Therefore we have tried to answer a couple of queries about the pink ball. Does Pink Ball Have Better Visibility? One of the most discussed variations between the pink ball and the red ball is its visibility factor. The pink ball has been designed strictly for day-night test matches and provides better visibility under floodlights. The red ball becomes dull after some time and appears brown when it wears out, but a pink ball retains its color for a longer period such that players can see them clearly even under floodlight. This is because the coating of the pink ball consists of a special pigment along with a polyurethane layer that gives the ball a glossy finish. The pink ball has black stitching, making it more visible than the white stitching of the red ball that fades under the lights. This is vital in a day-night game where, at times, the track of the ball should be viewed more easily because the ball has to change over from bright daylight to evening. How Is The Pink Ball Made? The making of the pink ball contributes much towards its performance during test matches. The pink ball is made with synthetic materials with linen. It helps the bowlers have a good grip compared to other balls. The polyurethane coating adds a layer of durability, ensuring that the ball stays in good condition even after 40 overs. Such a feature becomes important, especially in day-night test matches, where the ball has to go through multiple phases of play under different light conditions. How Is The Red Ball Made? In comparison, the red ball is dyed with a wax coating, which tends to lose its shine quickly. Over time, the red ball begins to fade and turns brownish, making it harder for the players to spot, especially when the lights come on. While both balls are durable, the pink ball holds up better under floodlights, giving it an edge in the later stages of the game. What Makes The Pink Ball Swing For A Longer Time? The pink ball’s design impacts its behavior in terms of swing and bounce. Much like the red ball, the pink ball offers strong swing in the initial overs, thanks to its lacquer layer. However, the pink ball shines for a longer period than the red ball and this is why it remains swinging for a much longer time. This makes the pink ball much favourable for fast bowlers, especially in the initial and middle overs of the game. However, because of its new bounce, although it loses up and coming in the duration of the match, it tends to continue swimming very well, still leaving chances to the bowler through that time. Compared to that the red ball fades both the swim and bounce right after around 40 overs with a resulting tough control that will not get easier. As far as pink ball has gone is the role inside the test match under light, daylight or otherwise day-night test matches. Has The Pink Ball Affected Test Match Cricket? The pink ball has totally changed the face of test match cricket, especially in day-night matches. Traditionally, test matches were played in the day and the red ball was the preferred choice. However, with the advent of day-night test matches, the pink ball has become a must. Its design allows it to be used in conditions where the red ball would struggle to perform. For players, getting used to the pink ball is crucial in order to succeed in day-night test matches. The pink ball behaves differently than the red ball, and the strategies have to be altered according to it. Whether it is adjusting to its visibility under lights or understanding its swing patterns, mastering the pink ball is becoming an integral part of modern-day test cricket. The Pink Ball’s ‘Glowing’ Influence With the pink ball continuing to make its mark in international cricket, it is apparent that it has revolutionized the way test match cricket is played. Its superior visibility, enhanced durability and the ability to maintain swing and bounce for longer periods give it a distinct advantage over the red ball, especially in day-night fixtures. Does The Pink Ball Generate Excitement? With India and Australia set to face each other in Adelaide in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the pink ball promises another level of excitement to this game. Players and coaches from both the teams and fans off-course are sure to see a thrilling contest where the pink ball will once again be at the center of things. India has the momentum after winning the first test match in Perth. On the other hand, Australia has never lost a pink ball-test match in Adelaide. Do let us know your thoughts on which team can make optimum use of the pink ball and come strong in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye