Several players of the Indian cricket team have been at the center of intense scrutiny following their defeat to Australia, marking the end of a decade-long dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Among the key targets of criticism is Shubman Gill, whose persistent struggles with the bat emerged as one of the series’ defining low points. As pressure mounts for significant changes within the Indian team, Gill’s continued selection has become a contentious issue. Adding fuel to the fire, former Indian batter S. Badrinath has intensified the debate, delivering sharp and pointed criticism of Gill’s performances, taking the discourse to a whole new level.

S. Badrinath furious with Shubman Gill’s performance in BGT 2024-25

The young Indian top-order batter had a silent trip to Australia with the bat. The team expected Gill to display temperament and disturb the wicket-taking rhythm of Australian bowlers.?? On the contrary, Gill became a walking wicket for the Aussies which further added pressure on?? middle order batters. As a result, the entire Indian batting unit suffered throughout the series.

Badrinath, while talking to Star Sports Tamil, pointed out several major issues in Gill’s batting and made a sensational remark on the youngster signalling that talent may not be the only ??rea?son for Gill’s persistent selection in the squad.

“If this was Shubman Gill from Tamil Nadu, he would have been dropped,” the former Indian cricketer remarked. Badrinath further pointed out the below-par performances from Gill in Australia and lack of intent from the youngster. Badrinath who has featured for the Indian team in for seven ODIs, two Tests and one T20I, additionally highlighted that he wanted Gill to tire out b??owlers and make the ball old even if runs were not coming. But nothing of that sort happened throughout the series.

“You must not go there and say, oh, this is the way I play. I will stand and deliver. Whatever you can do, at that time, you try to do. In this series, I did not get it from Shubman. Even on the field, he was poor. He couldn’t stay in slip and point. What does he contribute to the team?,” Badrinath asked.

The 25-year-old is expected to feature in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025 but his consecutive failure to score b??i?g runs has made his selection difficult.

Also Read: AUS vs IND: Usman Khawaja n??ames the toughest bowler he has faced in his caree?r

A series to forget for Gill

Gill had a dreadful Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The young top-order batter scored 93 runs in 5 innings throughout the series with a highest score of 31 runs in Adelaide. The batting nightmare from Gill is evident from the fact that Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster who playe?d only one Test match in Sydney ?scored more runs in the series than Gill.

The horror-show from Gill is not only restricted to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. His performance in the longest format of the game has been a constant concern. Gill’s performance during the home series against New Zealand has not been up to the mark. Apart from a 90-run knock at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Gill could onl??y only score meagre runs against the Blackcaps.

Also Read: Si??mon Katich sees a comedian in Rohit Sharma after his underperformance in the ??Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 have gone as expected for Australian opener Usman Khawaja. The 38-year-old scored only 184 runs in 5 Test matches with a worrying average of 20.44. In the midst of Australia’s triumph and his silent season with the bat, the Australian?? batter recently revealed the toughest bowler he has faced in his career so far.

Usman Khawaja opens up on his bowling nightmare

The Australian batter who hails his roots from Pakistan, after securing a historic win in Sydney to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, spoke about the situation that developed in the second innings of the last Test match. Speaking to ABC Sport, the 38-year-old revealed that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the toughest bowler he has faced.

“I was just getting Bumrah’d. It’s a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would’ve been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn’t see him out there we thought ‘alright, we’ve got a chance here’. He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced,” Khawaja said.

The stand-in Indian skipper in the opening and final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has been a bone of contention for Australian batters throughout the series. The 31-year-old pace maestro was the leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals to his name and was named the Player of the Series. However, he was unable to bowl on Day 3 of the final Test match in Sydney due to a back spasm. This paved the way for Australia�??�s 6-wicket triumph over India in the Sydney Test and seal a 3-1 series win.

Bumrah’s injury can be directly a??ttributed to the excessive workload that the Indian pacer had to undergo throughout the series. He bowled more than 150 overs in 5 Test matches as he?? was the sole in-form pacer for his side. Notably, Bumrah saved the Indian team from an early humiliation in the Melbourne Test as he bowled a total of 52 overs and clinched 9 Australian wickets.

Also Read: Brett Lee compares Scott Boland to a legendary bowler following Australia’s triumpha??nt in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Khawaja talks about Sam Konstas’ character in the series

Another talking point throughout the series has been the youngster Sam Konstas who featured in the Australian squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and had a dream debut against India with a 60-run knock in the first innings of the 4th Test. More than his batting skills, Konstas has been in the headlines due to his heated exchanges with seasoned Indian campaigners like Bumrah and Virat Kohli. Khawaja, who opened ?with the 19-year-old in the last 2 Tests, observed Konstas�?behaviour on the p?itch.

“I’ve never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He’s a very lovable character. He’s got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face.” Khawaja remarked on Konstas.

With their triumph over India, Australia have sealed a spot in the WTC finals set to be held in June against South Africa, who have already qualified to win the coveted Test mace at the Lord’s.

Also Read: “It takes a lot of charac??ter?�? AB de Villiers comes up with an advice for struggling Virat Kohli

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On most days, Steve Smith is a masterful batter, showcasing a skill set rivaled by only a handful of elite players in world cricket. However, behind the formidable cricketer lies a lesser-seen, intriguing side of his personality. Recen?tly, fans were treated to a glimpse of this hidden facet of the former Australian captain, revealing a more captivating and relatable version of Smith ?than anyone might have expected.

From favorite romantic song to celebrity crush, Steve Smith says it all

In the midst of a heated summer in Australia of high-tension Test cricket action against India. The 35-year-old had a light hearted chat with Star Sports anchor Sahiba Bali ??in a segment known as ‘Date with Superstar.�?It was during this conversation that a rapid-fire round revealed the causal si??de of Smith.

Interestingly, the rapid-fire revealed that Smith’s celebrity crush growing up was Reese Witherspoon, the American movie actress who was feature??d in seasoned movies and television shows like Legally Blonde, Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Cruel Intentions.

The anchor during the rapid-fire round also asked if the Australian top-order batter would give up cricket or vacation to which Smith hilariously answered that he would rather give up cricket. Additionally, the former Australian skipper also pointed out the long standing relationship with his wife Dani Willis, who as Smith revealed was his first girlfriend. The c??ouple married in ?New South Wales in 2018 after dating each other for 7 years.

Also Read: AUS vs IND: Pat Cummins lauds ??Australia’s valiant effort from falling ?behind to winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Favorite romantic song? 💖
Celebrity crush? 🌟

Some answers, some fumbles, watch #SahibaBali put @stevesmith49 to the test in a rapid-fire round and see where he gets stuck! �??��

Watch the full episode of 'Date with a Superstar' ft. Steve Smith 👉🏻 //t.co/c58nVjMFph pic.twitter.com/JvaMX2Wz0Y

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025

Smith missed a historic milestone in SCG Test

The Australian batter might have faced the rapid fire off the field but on the field could not face a rapid short-pitch delivery and missed the 10,000 runs milestone in his Test career by a run. Smith arrived on the crease in the second innings after Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by the Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna. Smith was on 9,995 runs and needed 5 more runs to reach the historic milestone. Just then, a short ball from Krishna took some extra bounce and took an edge off the shoulder of Smith’s bat who didn’t expect the extra bounce. Yashasvi Jaiswal dived to get hold of the ball and successfully managed to dismiss Smith. The Australian seasoned batter was on 9,999 runs at the moment and will now have to wait till the Sri Lanka tour to complete his 10,000 Test runs.

Also Read: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan offers wor?ds of encouragement to Rohit Sharma amid criticism over his poor form

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Rishabh Pant is one of a kind character in the Indian team. The wicket-keeper batter had endured enough pain physically and has still managed to return and play for the country despite all odds. Something of a similar sort happened on the first day of the final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Pant wasn’t received well by the Austra??lian bowlers as he came on the crease to bat.

Rishabh Pant took several hits on the body in a valiant effort with the bat 

The wicket-keeper batter arrived on the crease after lunch as Shubman Gill was dismissed by Nathan Lyon on the last ball of the opening session. Pant tried to spend some time on the crease and gain momentum post-lunch. But the Australian pace attack, and Mitchell Starc in particular, had other plans for Pant. A short ball pitched outside-off from Starc hit directl??y on Pant’s upper arm thus leaving a red mark on his left bicep. Medical assistance had to rush on the ground to apply i??ce-pack on the targeted area and bandage so that Pant could continue to bat.

Another short-ball from Starc was aimed towards Pant’s helmet as the 27-year-old had to take off his helmet to reduce the recoil effect and see any damage that may have occurred due to the targeted delivery. Others in the Aussie pace-attack too weren’t kind. A pitched delivery from Scott Boland aimed towards Pant’s pads took some extra bounce and hit Pant’s groin area instead. Pant was visibly in pai??n afterwards but he continued to bat.

Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after 3rd umpire overturns his catch of ?Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test �?AUS vs IND

Here’s the video

Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

Indian innings in desperate need of a partnership

The Sydney pitch has behaved rather unusually on the first day of the New Year’s Test with lush green patches and uneven bounce especially helping the pacers. This has resulted in the Indian openers and the top-order succumbing to the Australian onslaught with the bowl. India now need a solid partnership to keep their innings afloat. Pant’s resistance, however, didn’t last long as he was dismissed after scoring 40 runs off 98 balls.

Also Read: Steve Smith likely to lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for Sri Lanka Tests �??Reports

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Australian selectors have excluded all-rounder Mitchell Marsh from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The match, commencing on January 3, marks a disappointing turn for the reigning Allan Border Medal winner aft??er a lackluster series.

Mitchell Marsh’s struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Marsh endured a challenging series, scoring just 73 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.42. His highest score was 47 in the first Test in Perth, with his performance declining significantly in subsequent matche?s. Adding to his woes, Marsh bowled only 13 overs across the last three Tests without?? claiming a single wicket, prompting widespread criticism from fans and pundits.

Career highlights and IPL statistics

Despite these struggles, Marsh’s talent and contributions to cricket remain undeniable, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has built a unique legacy. Marsh’s IPL career has spanned 42 matches, yielding 665 runs, including three half-centuries, and 37 wickets. Despite injuries hampering his consistency, his performances have showcased glimpses of brilliance, particularly during his time with Delhi Capitals.

Also READ: No Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s playing XI for the SCG ?Test against India; replacement ??announced

Marsh’s salary in the Indian Premier League

1. Deccan Chargers (2010)

At just 19 years old, Marsh began his IPL career with the Deccan C??hargers before making his international debut. He played three matches, scoring 28 runs and taking two wickets??.

Salary

• 2010: INR 23,14,500

2. Pune Warriors (2011-13)

Marsh joined Pune Warriors in 2?011, where he played five matches, sco??ring 50 runs and taking seven wickets. After missing the 2012 season due to a back injury, he returned in 2013, playing nine matches, scoring 140 runs, and claiming seven wickets.

Salary

• 2011: INR 1,33,40,000
• 2012: INR 14,578,300
• 2013: INR 1,54,48,300

3. Rising Pune Supergiants (2016-17)

In 2016, Marsh played for Rising Pune Supergiants but managed only three matches, scori?ng seven runs and t?aking four wickets.

Salary

• 2016: INR 4,80,00,000
• 2017: INR 4,80,00,000

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (2020-21)

Marsh joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2020 but played only one match before an ??injury sidelined him. He did not score any runs or take wickets. He opted out of the 2021 season.

Salary

• 2020: INR 2,00,00,000
• 2021: Opted out

5. Delhi Capitals (2022-24)

Marsh enjoyed a resurgence with Delhi Capitals, delivering standout performances. In 2022, he scored 251 runs, including two half-centuries, and took four wickets. In 2023, he was DC’s leading bowler, taking 12 wickets in nine matches while scoring 128 runs. However, injuries returned in 2024, limiting him to four matches, 61 runs, and one wicket.

Salary

• 2022: INR 6,50,00,000
• 2023: INR 6,50,00,000
• 2024: INR 6,50,00,000

6. Lucknow Super Giants (2025)

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Marsh was snapped up by the Lucknow Super Giants. Fans are optimistic about his potential role as an opener, leveraging his all-round abilities to boost the team’s prospects.

Salary

• 2025: INR 34,000,000

Also READ: Gujarat Titans to remove Shubman Gill from captaincy? GT’s New Year post featuring Rash??id Khan sparks speculation ahead of IPL 2025

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Australia and India are set to face each other in the 5th and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Australia are currently leading the series after their triumph over the visiting side in Adelaide and Melbourne. India, on the other hand, have only won the first Test match of the series at Perth. The third Test between the two sides at The Gabba ended in a draw.

What’s at stake for the two teams in Sydney?

The Sydney Test is absolutely crucial for both the teams. They will look forward to winning the match for varying reasons. Australia will aim to overcome the Indian challenge in Sydney and register their first BGT series win against India in over a decade. Additionally, a win in Sydney would also mean that the Aussies would clinch a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is set to take place at the Lord’s in June this year.

India, on the other hand are on the verge of stooping towards a historic low. The visitors would need a win in Sydney to avoid that. Not only will it ensure a title retention for India, but their hopes of reaching the WTC finals rests solely on the outcomes of this match. Thus, it’s a do-or-die clash for India.

Also Read: Austral??ia or India? Michael Vaughan, Adam G?ilchrist predict the winner of Sydney Test

Sydney Weather Forecast

The weather in Sydney for the five-day clash between the two nations is full of surprises. The match is set to begin on Friday, January 3 and conclude on Tuesday, January 7. The weather during the first two days in Sydney is expected to be favorable for play. However, clouds may shroud the sky on the first day. Players can also experience light to moderate wind, particularly on Day 2 of the match. The temperature is set to rise as the match progresses offering suitable playing conditions on Day 3 and 4 of the Test. However, rain gods are expected to interrupt play on the final day of the match, parti?cularly during the post-lunch sessions.

Day-by-Day Weather Breakdown

Friday

• Condition: Cloudy
• Temperature: High 24°C, Low 19°C
• Rain: 20%
• Humidity: 60%

Saturday

• Condition: Sunny
• Temperature: High 28°C, Low 21°C
• Rain: 0%
• Humidity: 58%

Sunday

• Condition: Sunny
• Temperature: High 31°C, Low 23°C
• Rain: 5%
• Humidity: 53%

Monday

• Condition: Sunny
• Temperature: High 32°C, Low 22°C
• Rain: 10%
• Humidity: 55%

Tuesday

• Condition: Rain
• Temperature: High 23°C, Low 20°C
• Rain: 45%
• Humidity: 81%

Also Read: No Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s playing XI for the SC?G T??est against India; replacement announced

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Jasprit Bumrah has been instrumental for India’s pace attack in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The 31-year-old is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 30 wickets to his name. Bumrah has troubled the Australian batters throughout the series and has remained unplayable while carrying the expectations of leading India’s bowling unit on his shoulders. Considering the fact that Bumrah has troubled the Aussies, the Australian skipper Pat Cummins has now revealed their strategy to?? tackle the pace s?ensation.

Pat Cummins reveals Australia’s strategy for Jasprit Bumrah

During the pre-match press conference, Cummins appreciated the kind of momentum Bumrah?? has built throughout the series and admitted the fac??t that the Indian pacer poses a significant challenge to the Australian team.

“Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. He is always toug?h. Hopefully, by the time I come in, late in the day, he h?as bowled quite a bit, which might make it a bit easier for me. But he is bowling well. I’ve faced him quite a bit across the world in different formats, and he always poses a challenge,�?/em> Cummins said.