Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India's top order under scrutiny ahead of Boxing Day Test

With the five-match series level at 1-1, India now turn their focus to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

India-openers-Getty

India managed to escape defeat in the third Test at the Gabba, which was affected by rain, despite being in trouble at 74-5 in reply to Australia’s 445. (Photo: Getty Images)

A HARD-FOUGHT draw in Brisbane has provided the Indian team with some relief and renewed hope that their underperforming top order will improve in the remaining two Tests of the series against Australia.

India managed to escape defeat in the third Test at the Gabba, which was affected by rain, despite being in trouble at 74-5 in reply to Australia’s 445. Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial performance and a 47-run last-wicket partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah helped India avoid the follow-on.


With the five-match series level at 1-1, India now turn their focus to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. However, the inconsistency of the top order remains a significant concern. In five completed innings so far, India have managed an opening stand of more than 12 runs just once.

The standout opening partnership came in Perth, where Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul shared a 201-run stand to set up India’s victory in the series opener. Poor starts in the other innings have resulted in three scores below 200, including two in the Adelaide Test, which Australia won by 10 wickets.

India captain Rohit Sharma expressed optimism ahead of the Melbourne Test, saying conditions there might suit the batters better. "Whatever happened today, it gave us confidence ahead of Melbourne," Sharma said. "We’re aware we have to start from scratch, conditions are different there, and the ball may not move as much."

Rohit has been struggling with form, having scored just one fifty in his last 13 Test innings. After missing the first Test, he has returned as a middle-order batter but has managed a highest score of 10 in three innings. "I have not batted well, there is no harm in accepting that," Rohit said.

India need to win both remaining Tests to qualify directly for the World Test Championship final. Australia, meanwhile, require two wins and a draw from their next four Tests to secure their spot.

Shami ruled out

Seamer Mohammed Shami will not feature in the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to swelling in his left knee, the BCCI confirmed.

"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI medical team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads," the statement read.

Concerns over practice pitches

The Indian team has raised concerns over the uneven bounce of the practice pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which led to an injury scare for skipper Rohit Sharma.

MCG curator Matt Page defended the pitches, stating that standard protocols had been followed.

Konstas prepares for a possible debut

Australia’s Sam Konstas is preparing for a potential debut in the fourth Test.

The 19-year-old said advice from Shane Watson, encouraging him to "back himself and be fearless," has boosted his confidence.

(With inputs from agencies)

More For You

India vs Pakistan

The PCB had complained to the ICC, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss in Sunday’s Asia Cup match.

Getty Images

ICC rejects PCB request to drop Pycroft from Asia Cup panel

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. The decision came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) blamed the Zimbabwean official for the “no handshake” incident during their game against India and reportedly threatened to pull out of the tournament.

The PCB had complained to the ICC, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss in Sunday’s Asia Cup match.

Keep ReadingShow less
India vs Pakistan

With this victory, India have won both their matches and are close to qualifying for the Super Fours stage. (Photo: Getty Images)

India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup, no handshakes after match

Highlights:

  • India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their first meeting since the May conflict.
  • Indian players left the field without handshakes, citing alignment with government and BCCI.
  • Pakistan lodged a protest over the post-match conduct.
  • Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the armed forces.

INDIA defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai on Sunday. It was the first meeting between the two sides since their military conflict in May.

Keep ReadingShow less
Litton-Hridoy-Getty

Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. (Photo: c

Getty Images

Litton, Towhid steer Bangladesh past Hong Kong in Asia Cup

CAPTAIN Litton Das scored 59 to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in their opening Asia Cup match on Thursday.

Invited to bat first in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong made 143-7 with Nizakat Khan top-scoring on 42.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.

Getty Images

Kuldeep takes four as India thrash UAE in Asia Cup opener

KULDEEP YADAV took 4-7 as India began their Asia Cup campaign with a nine-wicket win over hosts United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday.

Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.

Keep ReadingShow less
India-Asia-Cup-Getty

Indian team during a practice session at the International Cricket Council Academy (ICCA) in Dubai on September 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Asia Cup 2025: India’s depth makes them favourites

Highlights:

  • India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as clear favourites with strong squad depth.
  • Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, signalling a new phase.
  • Afghanistan’s spin trio seen as potential challengers to India’s dominance.
  • Associate nations like UAE, Oman and Hong Kong aim to showcase progress.

INDIA, led by Suryakumar Yadav, go into the Asia Cup T20 starting Tuesday as the clear favourites, with a significant gap in strength between them and the seven other teams, including Pakistan.

Keep ReadingShow less