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Ashes 2021-22: Usman Khawaja goes into the history book with centuries in both the innings

Australian batter Usman Khawaja goes into the history book after smashing back to back centuries in both the innings in the ongoing Sydney Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series

Jan 8, 2022, 8:07 AMโ€ข2 min read

Australian batter Usman Khawaja goes into the history book after smashing back to back centuries in both the innings in the ongoing Sydney Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series. Khawaja becomes only the third player to score hundreds in both innings of a test match at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG. Meanwhile, he becomes the only player to do it in an Ashes test series.

Ashes 2021-22: Usman Khawaja goes into the history book with centuries in both the innings | SportzPoint.com
Image - The Australian

Also Read: Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer might have to wait for regular chances till seniors are around, indicates Rahul Dravid

Usman Khawaja showed the way, moving smoothly through his batting gears and stroking calmly round the compass on the way to his second hundred of the match. At times, it resembled a master class. Khawaja zoomed past a half-century with boundaries through mid-wicket, extra cover, and backward point from consecutive deliveries. He swept Leach and Root out of the rough for sixes, flipped the bat face, and reverse swept with equal facility.

Ashes 2021-22: Players to score tons in both the inning in a test match in Sydney :

Doug Walters 1968/69 - 242 & 103 vs West Indies
Ricky Ponting 2005/06 - 120 & 143* vs South Africa
Usman Khawaja 2021/22 - 137 & 101* v England

Usman Khawaja is the only player to do it in an Ashes series.

Ashes 2021-22: Usman Khawaja goes into the history book with centuries in both the innings | SportzPoint.com

All the while, Australia's lead grew and they set a target of 388. Cameron Green played good innings of 74 before he got out. For England, Jack Leach took four wickets as Australia declares on 265-6 with a healthy lead of 387 runs. Coming to chase, England openers manages to hold their nerves. At the Stumps on Day 4, England's score stands at 30-0 in 11 overs and still 358 runs needed for their first victory in the Ashes 2021-22 series.

Read Also: "When KG's got his tail up, there is no one better than him", Dean Elgar describes how he fired up Rabada

Interestingly, England has not made 300 in an innings all summer. In their last encounter, they could not total it in two innings. Khawaja, in fact, ended up outscoring England during the Boxing Day Test. But how much of a good thing is too much? We shall see.

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AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test: Controversial decision gets Jaiswal out; Australia win by 184 runs

Catch the highlights of the AUS vs. IND Boxing Day Test at MCG, as Australia won the test match in front of a record-breaking crowd. They take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Dec 30, 2024, 7:17 AMโ€ข1 min read

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test: Controversial decision gets Jaiswal out; Australia win by 184 runs | sportzpoint.com
Australian players celebrating the win. Image | Getty Images

Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's another LIVE Blog. From today onwards for the next five days, we will cover the AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG. 

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series tied at 1-1, we can surely hope for another great exciting test match at the iconic test match. India have not lost a test match in the last three matches here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Read Also | Boxing Day Test: Australia announced playing XI; Rohit to open for India | Fourth test match preview

So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you all the LIVE updates on the match from the web desk.

LIVE Updates

Dec 30, 2024, 6:53 AM

"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation:" Pat Cummins

"All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it's been amazing to be part of. Marnus helped me out in that second innings big time, happy to contribute. Amazing innings from Steve, winning the toss, it wasn't easy on the first day, but to get up to high 400s was terrific."

"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation [on batting on and not declaring]. We had plenty of runs to play with, and as many helmets around the bat as we could."

Dec 30, 2024, 6:49 AM

"We had our chances, but we didn't take them:" Rohit Sharma

"It is pretty disappointing. It's not that we went in with the intent of giving up the fight. We wanted to fight till the end and unfortunately, we couldn't do it. It'll be tough to assess just the last two sessions. If you look at the overall Test match, we had our chances, but we didn't take them. We had Australia 90 for 6. We know things can get tough, but we want to play tough cricket in hard situations."

"I don't want to look at one situation. We were not good enough. I went back to my room and thought about what else we could have done as a team, we threw everything we had, but they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game there:" Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:46 AM

Pat Cummins wins the player of the match award

Pat Cummins with the player of the match award in Boxing Day test match against India | sportzpoint.com

6 crucial wickets, and 90 valuable runs with the bat, Australian captain Pat Cummins wins the Player of the Match award.

Dec 30, 2024, 6:37 AM

Match Summary

Dec 30, 2024, 6:35 AM

"Fantastic way to finish:" Starc

"A fantastic way to finish the week. Fantastic week for us," Mitchell Starc while talking to Isha Guha post-match. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:29 AM

REMINDER

Scot Boland and Nathan Lyon played 117 balls for the last wicket in the second innings. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:26 AM

Lyon gets Siraj | India 155 all out

Australia win by 184 runs in a record-breaking Boxing Day test match at the iconic MCG. Sundar again was not able to take the single the last ball of the last over. 

Siraj, facing Lyon was always vulnerable. The ball kept a bit low and hit Siraj below the knee roll on the off-stump. Siraj went upstairs but the on-field decision stayed. 

Australia take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:20 AM

Boland strikes, Bumrah is gone! IND 154/9

Washington Sundar could not take a single in the last over and Bumrah had to face Boland. After negotiating two deliveries, he edged the third one. A top-class catch from Steve Smith, diving forward. 

India 154/9, with 13.3 overs to play. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:12 AM

The snicko works fine now | IND 150/8

Scot Boland comes into the attack and attacks the pad of Akash Deep. It thumps the pad and goes straight to the short-leg fielder. Umpire Joel Wilson gives it not out and Cummins goes for DRS again. 

The snicko shows a bit of murmur on the screen and Akash Deep has to depart. 

India 150/8. India still have to 16 overs to play. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:04 AM

Is that out? | IND 140/7

Is that now Australia's game? Is that out? 

A slow bouncer from Pat Cummins and Yashashvi Jasiwal, batting on 84 from 208 balls, went for the hook. Australians appealed for the catch but the on-field umpire decided to give not out.

Cummins went for the DRS but after nearly watching the replays for 10 minutes, TV Umpire Sharfuddoula gave it out. There was nothing in the snicko but yet the TV umpire thought it was good enough to overturn the decision. 

Jaiswal has some words with the umpires too. But, he will have to and India have 21 overs to draw the match. 

India 140/7.

 

Dec 30, 2024, 5:58 AM

THE GOAT STRIKES | IND 130/6

Steven Smith gets into position to take the catch to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy off Nathan Lyon, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024

OH MY, MY! Nathan Lyon has Nitish Kumar Reddy, the centurion from the first inning. Australia now need 4 wickets to win. 

On and around off stump from Lyon and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to defend and only managed to get a thin edge. That was a brilliant catch from Steve Smith in the slips too. 

India 130/6. Nitish is out after 1 from 5 balls.

Dec 30, 2024, 5:54 AM

Boland strikes | IND 127/5

Scott Boland got one to climb on Ravindra Jadeja and take his edge through to the keeper, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024
Image | Getty Images

Double strike for Australia. Terrific from Scot Boland. From a length, the ball jumped a bit higher and caught Jadeja's bat. Is there another collapse for India?

India 127/5. Jadeja goes after 2 from 14 balls. 

Dec 30, 2024, 5:49 AM

Pant makes another mistake

Mitchell Marsh took a sharp, tumbling catch to remove Rishabh Pant, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024
Image | Getty Images

Rishabh Pant makes a mistake for the second time in this test match. A short ball from Travis Head and Pant took it on. He went for the big shot but managed to give a catch to Mitchell Marsh at long-on. India 121/4.

Dec 30, 2024, 5:46 AM

A record Boxing Day Test

A record total attendance at the MCG, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, Day 5, December 30, 2024

Dec 30, 2024, 5:44 AM

Tech glitch

Due to technical glitch, we were not been able to send any updates.

Dec 30, 2024, 1:42 AM

Starc gets Kohli | IND 33/3

Mitchell Starc celebrates Virat Kohli's wicket, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, Day 5, December 30, 2024

At the stroke of lunch, Starc gets the better of Kohli's patience. In the last  over, Starc brought a few back into Kohli and this time Kohli goes for a big expensive drive. 

He gets the edge and Australia get their guy. 

India 33/3, need 307 runs to win. Australia need 7 wickets to win. 

Dec 30, 2024, 12:51 AM

Rahul gone for a duck in the same over | IND 25/2

KL Rahul goes for a duck. Australia are on a roll now. 

In the corridor of uncertainty from Captain Cummins. And, Rahul just hoped that the ball would leave him. But, it held his line to get the edge and India are two down now. 

India 25/2.

Dec 30, 2024, 12:48 AM

Cummins gets Rohit for fourth time | IND 25/1

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Rohit Sharma failed in the second inning as well | sportzpoint.com
Rohit Sharma failed again in the second inning. Image | Getty Images

Rohit's long waiting game is over. Cummins and Mitch Marsh were brilliant in getting the first wicket. 

A fuller outswinger and Rohit wanted to play it towards the square of the leg side. A thick edge and it went fast towards the slip. Marsh juggled twice but hold on it.

Rohit goes after 9 from 40.

Dec 30, 2024, 12:39 AM

Australia finish at 234

Finally, Bumrah has his five-wicket haul. He cleans up Lyon's stumps and Australia are bowled out for 234. India need 340 runs to win.

Dec 29, 2024, 7:07 AM

End of Day 5 | AUS 228/9, lead by 333 runs

The final pair added 55 and Australia recovered well to keep the fight. They lead by 333 runs. Lyon added 41 from 54 balls while Boland scored 10 off 65 balls. 

Dec 29, 2024, 7:05 AM

Drama! Bumrah gets Lyon but it is a no ball

In the last over, Bumrah managed an edge off Lyon. Rahul somehow managed to grab the catch in between his knees. But it is a no-ball.

The partnership now crosses 50!

Dec 29, 2024, 7:00 AM

Lyon & Boland play out 100 balls

The partnership now crosses 40 from 100 balls as India took the new ball.

Dec 29, 2024, 6:50 AM

310 up for Australia

The final wicket has caused a few problems for India. Boland has already played 59 balls and Lyon has added 22 from 40 balls.

Dec 29, 2024, 6:24 AM

The lead now crosses 300!

Australia's last three wickets have already added more than 100 and their lead now crosses 300!

 

Dec 29, 2024, 6:16 AM

Bumrah, the only bowler to take 200 test wickets at an average below 20!

Dec 29, 2024, 6:07 AM

The last wicket has already 16!

Frustrating times for India. The 11th wicket has already added 16 and these are some valuable runs. Australia lead by 293 runs now.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:55 AM

The greatest ever?

Dec 29, 2024, 5:46 AM

Jadeja gets the Australia captain | AUS 173/9

A very well-played inning comes to an end. Jadeja replaced Bumrah as the Indian pacer left the field. 

The change of pace worked out for India here. In and around the off-stump, the ball turned just a little bit. Cummins tried to open the face of the bat and got an edge. 

Good, sharp catch at slip from Rohit Sharma. Australia are now 173/9.

 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:31 AM

Incredible from Pant | Australia 156/8

Jasprit Bumrah watches as Mitchell Starc falls short, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024

Great work from Pant. Massive mix-up. Starc played the ball towards the square leg and then wanted a second run. 

However, Cummins was not interested. Pant with a direct throw at the bowler's end and Starc is gone for 5. 

Australia 156/8 and lead by 251. 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:26 AM

Marnus Labuschagne goes for 70! | AUS 148/7

Australia v India - Men's 4th Test Match: Day 4
Siraj celebrates the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne | Image: Getty Images

A big, big, wicket for India. Labuschagne was looking to somehow take Australia to a total where it would be tough for India to chase down the runs. 

Length ball from Siraj nipped back sharply and caught Labuschagne on the crease. Labuschagne went upstairs but it was Umpire's call on clipping the bails. 

Australia 148/7

Dec 29, 2024, 5:23 AM

The drama continues! Australia 91/6

Alex Carey was bowled neck and crop by Jasprit Bumrah, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024
Image | Getty Images

We are watching a once-in-a-lifetime bowler. Round the wicket to Carey, Bumrah pitched the ball in an around off-tump and the ball came back slightly. Carey tried to force a shot but could not manage to get his bat to the ball. 

Bumrah hits the stumps and he is one wicket away from another five-wicket haul.

Australia 91/6.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:20 AM

Marsh goes for a duck | 85/5

Australia v India - Men's 4th Test Match: Day 4 | Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a duck | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a duck. Image | Getty Images

This might be it for Mitchell Marsh. He has not got going in this series and against a red-hot Bumrah, he did not stand a chance as well. 

From a length, the ball was rising and clipped the glove, going straight to the slip cordon. 

Australia 161/8. 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:18 AM

Bumrah has Head's number | 85/4

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for his 200th test wicket | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for his 200th test wicket. Image | Cicket Australia

Jasprit Bumrah gets his 200th test wicket. 

For the second time in a row, Bumrah gets Travis Head very early in the inning. India are on a roll now. 

Round the wicket, Bumrah hit the pitch hard and angled it towards the middle stump and Head picked out the short mid-wicket fielder.

Australia 85/4.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:15 AM

Siraj gets Smith | AUS 80/3

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Mohammed Siraj dismissed Steve Smith in the second inning of Boxing Day Test | sportzpoint.com
Image | Getty Images

Full, wide and nicked. Smith tried to get on with the game but only managed to get an edge. He threw the bat at it and he will not have his 10000th test run today.

Australia 80/3.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:34 AM

Lunch, Day 4 | Australia 53/2

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Siraj cleaned bowled Usman Khawaja in the second inning | sportzpoint.com
Siraj silenced the crowd by dismissing Usman Khawaja. Image | CA via Getty Images

Very good session for India with the ball. They were able to stop the run flow and dry things up. Akash Deep was impressively tight but could not get a wicket. Bumrah got Sam Konstas and Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja. 

Smith and Marnus are there at the crease and Australia lead by 158 runs.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:08 AM

Siraj cleans up Usman Khawaja | AUS 43/2

Usman Khawaja's stumps were rattled by Mohammed Siraj, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024

Man, he needed that so much. Mohammed Siraj, who was sending the ball across Usman Khawaja for most of the time, makes the ball come in from over the wicket. 

Khawaja, who struggled for most of his inning, could not gauge the line and missed the ball completely. Siraj hits the off-stump and gets the wicket.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:01 AM

Umpiers' call saves Marnus!

Dec 29, 2024, 12:48 AM

A change of end for Bumrah

So India want to have Bumrah in action for as long as they can. Siraj replaced Bumrah and after three overs from him, Bumrah comes back to action. 

Akash Deep has already bowled 7 overs in his spell and I believe Siraj will replace him on the other end.

Dec 29, 2024, 12:20 AM

Australia 23/1 after 10

A brilliant spell from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. After the first 10 overs of the inning, Australia struggled their way to 23 and if the luck had been there, India could have had a few more wickets.

Dec 29, 2024, 12:04 AM

It's not!

Dec 29, 2024, 12:03 AM

Bumrah gets Konstas

Jasprit Bumrah egged the crowd on after taking the wicket of Sam Konstas, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

Jasprit Bumrah proves why he is the best bowler in the world. Konsats, who had taken the game to India and Bumrah, rattles the stumps and India get their first.

From the top of the popping crease, the ball jagged back in and Konstas had no idea of that. It came in back at speed and rattled the stump. 

Australia 20/1 and lead by 125.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:43 PM

Jaiswal drops Khawaja | AUS 8/0

Khawaja nearly had fallen into the perfect trap set by Bumrah. Round the wicket, around the off stump, the ball left him for the first five balls and made the ball come in a bit and Khawaja went for his favourite flick shot. 

But, Jaiswal, who was very close to the bat at leg gulley, could not hold on to the catch.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:34 PM

Konstas looking to continue where he left in the first inning

After a few orthodox shots in the first over, Sam Konstas decided to come down the crease against Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep takes the new ball alongside Bumrah.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:31 PM

Highest score by a visiting player batting #8 or lower in Australia

118 Matt Prior Sydney 2011
114 Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
113 Yasir Shah Adelaide 2019
110 Adam Parore 2001
108 Gerry Alexander 1961

Dec 28, 2024, 11:23 PM

Lyon gets Reddy | IND 369

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | India fight with maiden century from Nitish Kumar Reddy, Australia take a 105-run lead | sportzpoint.com

Though Cummins was not able to get Siraj, Lyon gets Reddy. He had to take his chance to go big but only managed to mis hit it. Reddy is dismissed after a stunning 114-run inning. Australia take a lead of 105 runs.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:19 PM

This is interesting | IND 369/9

Dec 28, 2024, 11:10 PM

NKR looking to score some quick runs

Nitish looking to score as much as possible. But after scoring 9 off Lyon, he was unable to take a single in the last ball.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:01 PM

Day 4 starts

Pat Cummins starts things off against Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Dec 28, 2024, 3:56 PM

Day 4 to start from 4.30 am IST

Day 4 of the match will start 30 minutes earlier to make up the lost time.

Dec 28, 2024, 8:11 AM

End of Day 3 | IND 358/9

The rain came hard at the end of today's play and we could not have any game after that. India finished the day at 358/9 and trailing by 116 runs. India will look to add as many as they can tomorrow morning. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:44 AM

"Special day," Nitish Kumar Reddy's father after his ton against Australia | sportzpoint.com

"For our family, it's a special day and we cannot forget this day in our life. He has been performing well since the age group of 14-15 and now in international cricket, it's a very special feeling. (On what were his emotions when Nitish was on 99 with one wicket remaining) I was very tense. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully Siraj managed to survive," Mutyala Reddy, Nitish's father told Adam Gilchrist during an interview after the hundred. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:35 AM

A star is born today!

Dec 28, 2024, 6:27 AM

Bad light stops play

It was already dark and now the umpires have decided to tell the players to leave the field. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:22 AM

Youngest at the time of maiden Test century for India in Australia

18y 256d Sachin Tendulkar Sydney 1992
21y 92d Rishabh Pant Sydney 2019
21y 216d Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
22y 46d Dattu Phadkar Adelaide 1948

Dec 28, 2024, 6:20 AM

YESSS! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets his ton!

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | India fight with maiden century from Nitish Kumar Reddy | sportzpoint.com
Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrating his maiden test ton. Image | Getty Images 

What a remarkable hundred! A lofted straight drive over mid off and he gets the boundary to take him over 100. His first test ton and in a very demanding situation. 

His father is in tears and so are we! He becomes the third youngest Indian to score a test ton in Australia! 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:15 AM

Siraj plays out the three balls to give NKR a chance

With tension all over India and ground, Mohammed Siraj plays out the rest of the three balls from Pat Cummins. NKR now has the chance to score his maiden ton.

Dec 28, 2024, 6:12 AM

Drama! Cummins gets Bumrah

Nitish Kumar Reddy on 97 decided to take a double in the last ball of the last over. But, Cummins gets Bumrah and India are 9 down now with Reddy on 99 waiting on the other end.

Dec 28, 2024, 6:09 AM

Highest partnership for 8th wicket or lower for India in Australia

129 S Tendulkar - Harbhajan Sydney 2008
127 N Reddy - W Sundar Melbourne 2024
107 A Kumble - Harbhajan Adelaide 2008

Dec 28, 2024, 6:06 AM

Lyon gets Sundar | IND 348/8

Nathan Lyon gets Washington Sundar and India lose their 8th with 126 needed in the first inning. 

Sundar goes after a solid 50 from 162 balls.

 

Dec 28, 2024, 5:47 AM

Sundar scores his 4th test fifty

Playing only his 8th test, Washington Sundar shows why he has been rated so highly in India. This is his 4th test fifty and he is already averaging over 55 in his career. So underrated.

India keeps on fighting. 

India 345/7

Dec 28, 2024, 5:07 AM

Day 3, Tea

Well, well, the conditions were overcast since a while and it has started drizzling. The umpires take the players off as the groundsmen rush in with the covers. The main pitch has been covered. Early tea has also been taken. Brilliant session for India. They have scored 82 runs in 24 overs without the loss of a wicket.

India 326-7

Washington Sundar 40(115), Nitish Kumar Reddy 85(119).

Dec 28, 2024, 2:06 AM

Day 3, lunch | 27 overs, 80 runs, 2 wickets

Australia will be pleased to get rid of Pant and Jadeja this morning. Cummins and Boland started off well and bowled in disciplined channels. The pitch played well - Jadeja adopted a circumspect approach while Pant kept the scoreboard ticking. It was looking good for the visitors but a poor shot from Pant resulted in his downfall to Boland. 

He attempted a scoop on the previous ball without any success and he tried it again but only to get a leading edge down to the third man's throat. Lyon came in and troubled Jadeja from round the wicket angle - getting some to turn and skidding some with the angle. The southpaw was hurried by one that skidded on to get trapped in front.

India trail by 230 runs.

Dec 27, 2024, 7:39 AM

End of Day 2 | IND 164/5

A brilliant start by the batters was diminished with a collapse late in the day for India. Jaiswal, how was looking great, was run out and since then India lost two more wickets leaving Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease at the end of the day.

India trail by 310 runs. 

Dec 27, 2024, 7:05 AM

Back-to-back wickets for Australia

Batting collapse from India! Boland gets Virat Kohli, nicked to Alex Carey, right after Jaiswalโ€™s run out! 

Kohli went for 36. In his next over, Boland dismissed Akash Deep and India are in deep trouble now! 

India 159/5. 

Dec 27, 2024, 6:41 AM

Jaiswal goes for 82!

What an unfortunate way to get out! Jaiswal on 82, looked for a single and Kohli was not keen for it! 

Cummins gets him and India lose their third! 

The 102-run partnership ends in a sad way! 

Akash Deep comes in as a night watchman! 

India 154/3

Dec 27, 2024, 5:40 AM

Yashasvi Jaiswal completes fifty

Well made fifty from Yashashi Jaiswal, his 9th in test format!

He has looked good so far and needs to build on this to get a big score. 

The partnership crosses 50 as well! 

Dec 27, 2024, 5:23 AM

Kohli and battle of off-stump continues

Virat Kohli looked good early in his inning. Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | sportzpoint.com
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been trying to attract Kohli to poke at deliveries outside off stump! 

However, till now, Kohli has been good choosing the ball and shot! 

He is batting on 15 from 34! 

Dec 27, 2024, 4:49 AM

Cummins gets Rahul before tea

Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | Pat Cummins clean bowled KL Rahul on Day 2, just before tea | sportzpoint.com
Cummins clean bowled Rahul just before tea. Image | AFP/Getty Images 

Just at the stroke of tea, the Australian captain gets the best better from the Indian side. 

Rahul who was looking solid, was completely bamboozled by Cumminsโ€™s leg cutter which pitched in around off middle and off stump and the moved just a little bit to hit the off stump!

Any batter in the world would have got dismissed by that. 

India 51/2 at tea! 

Dec 27, 2024, 4:47 AM

Rohit goes early again

Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | Rohit Sharma failed to score big again
A dejected Rohit Sharma after failing to score big again! Image | Getty 

Amidst all the speculations of him batting at number three, the Indian captain returned to his favourite opening position! 

But even that change did not come any handy for Rohit as he was diminished on three by his counterpart Pat Cummins! 

Rohit could not connect his pull shot and was caught by Scot Boland. 

Dec 27, 2024, 3:11 AM

AUS finish at 474

Australia finished at 474 in the first inning. Steve Smith, just like the last test, was the star of the show with a magnificent 140! 

Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets while Akash Deep took two and Jasp Bumrah got 4 wickets! 

Dec 27, 2024, 1:32 AM

Lunch, Day 2 | Australia 454/7

Day 2, First session in numbers 

Overs 27

Runs 143 

Wickets 1

Dec 27, 2024, 1:27 AM

Australia cross 450!

Nothing is happening for the Indian bowlers as the Aussies cross 450!

Smith 137*, Starc 14*

Dec 27, 2024, 1:12 AM

Smith now toying with Indian bowling

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Smith looked for quick runs after scoring his 34th test ton | sportzpoint.com
Smith looked for quick runs after scoring his 34th test ton. Image | Getty Images

Two smashing boundaries against the pace and a paddle scoop as soon as the spinners came in. Steve Smith is now having fun and Australia have their foot on the paddle. 

How much would they get in the first inning?

Australia 439/7 in 109 overs.

Dec 27, 2024, 12:59 AM

Smith loves India

Steven Smith 1st innings scores vs India at home in red ball Tests

162*
133
192
117
0
131
36
0
101
103*

Dec 27, 2024, 12:58 AM

Finally a wicket for India | AUS 411/7

One short of his fifty, Aussie captain Pat Cummins wanted to go over the cover but could only slice the ball up towards long off against Ravindra Jadeja. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy with a good catch, moving to his left. Cummins goes for a well-made 49. Finally, the partnership is broken after a 112-run stand. 

Australia 411/7. 

Dec 27, 2024, 12:52 AM

Is he the greatest test batter of modern era?

Dec 27, 2024, 12:49 AM

Smith scores his 34th test ton!

Smith scores his 34th test ton! | sportzpoint.com
A delighted Steve Smith after his 34th test ton. Image | Getty Images

Test century no. 34 for Steve Smith! Back-to-back centuries for Steve Smith and this is his 5th test ton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

He now becomes the batter with the most test tons against India (11).

Dec 27, 2024, 12:31 AM

Nitish and Siraj from both end for India now

Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled for nearly 55 minutes on Day 2. Smith has already entered the 90s and is looking for his fifth ton at MCG!

Dec 27, 2024, 12:21 AM

MEANTIME

Dec 27, 2024, 12:18 AM

Australia cross 350; partnership crosses 50 too

Pat Cummins hit a few boundaries against Akash Deep on Day 2. | sportzpoint.com
Pat Cummins hit a few boundaries against Akash Deep on Day 2.

Three boundaries, one through the fine leg, one towards the third man and one through the covers and Australia crosses their 350. Meantime, Cummins and Smith put up a 50-run stand for the seventh wicket as well. 

Dominating stuff from the home team!

AUS 359/6. 

Dec 27, 2024, 12:08 AM

94th over: Maiden from Akash Deep

After the first ball of the over, Rohit put a short mid-wicket to let Akash Deep bowl more stump to stump. He tried a short ball as well, which went past Smith's ears. Then, he pitched it up which nearly procured the edge.

Good from Akash. 

Australia 342/6.

Dec 27, 2024, 12:04 AM

Another maiden from Bumrah | AUS 342/6

Man, he looks like a different bowler than all the other bowlers. In and around off stump, a few more plays and misses, two short balls to make Cummins uncomfortable, and another near-perfect over from the No. 1 Test bowler in the World.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:54 PM

"Well bowled, Jassi"

A few plays and misses nearly produced an edge twice in the over, and even Steve Smith acknowledged the greatness of Jasprit Bumrah. In the fifth ball, after playing and missing, Smith said, "Well bowled, Jassi."  

Dec 26, 2024, 11:50 PM

Seven from 90th over: Smith looking in great touch

A no ball to start and Pat Cummins was ready to tap one for a single in the next ball. After leaving a few balls, Steve Smith punched through the cover-point to get a boundary. He moves to 78 and looks ominous now. 

Australia 332/6. 

Dec 26, 2024, 11:45 PM

89th over: Bumrah replaces Siraj straightaway

Jasprit Bumrah replaces Mohammed Siraj straightaway. A single in the first ball and then an edge from Steve Smith down the third man to get a four. 

He bowled at low 130s and surely will look to warm the engine with time.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:41 PM

Akash Deep starts with a maiden

Good start from Akash Deep. He was on the money like he has throughout the test match.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:37 PM

87th over: 9 comes from Sirajโ€™s over

Not so good start from India! 1, 4, 3, and a single to finish!

Siraj has bowled all of over the place and Australia have a great fast start! 

Australia 320/6

Dec 26, 2024, 11:29 PM

Second day to start

Hell and welcome! Good morning to everyone following the LIVE blog from India! 

We are minutes away from starting the second day of Boxing Day Test match! 

Dec 26, 2024, 7:10 AM

End of Day 1 | AUS 311/6

Well, a great day of cricket ends! 

We had everything! Sam Konstas going bang, bang against the likes of Bumrah and Siraj and India then keeping things tight in the second session with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith trying to play cautiously. 

In the third session, Australia tried to score some quick runs and lost four wickets as well. Bumrah, again was the star of the show taking three wickets including the important wicket of Travis Head for a duck.

Steve Smith is unbeaten on 68 from 111 balls with captain Pat Cummins on 8 from 17 batting at the other end.

Dec 26, 2024, 6:59 AM

Akash Deep strikes with the new ball!

Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing Alex Carey, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

And there you go! The discussion in the last test was that should Akash Deep take the new ball! This time Rohit gave him the new ball and he gets his first wicket of the match.

Hits a length hard in the corridor, and he gets it to bounce disconcertingly and also leave Carey. The line is so close to off stump that Carey can't pull his bat away quickly enough, and the ball kisses his edge through to Pant. 

Australia 299/6!

Dec 26, 2024, 6:57 AM

Bumrah gets his third!

Australia lose their third wicket in a quick time. Mitchell Marsh's poor form continues and Bumrah gets him while pulling. It's not quite genuinely short, and he dragged it from outside off. 

He's through the shot early and ends up edging it behind off the outside edge, very near the toe end for an easy catch to Pant.

Australia 246/5.

Dec 26, 2024, 6:53 AM

Bumrah gets Head for a duck!

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Jasprit Bumrah removed Travis Head for a duck | sportzpoint.com

WHAT A DELIVERY! Bumrah gets Travis Head for a duck. Head is not happy with the way he got out after dominating the last two test matches.

From a perfect length to hit the top of off, the perfect line to induce the leave, and wicked inward seam movement with a ball that's into its 67th over.

Australia 240/4

Dec 26, 2024, 6:50 AM

Marnus Labuschagne goes for 72

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Australia finish Day 1 at 311/6; Konstas, Smith, Marnus and Khawaja score fifties | sportzpoint.com

Taken at mid-off! Labuschagne has given it away. Came down the pitch, connected with a skimming drive and doesn't have the height to clear the field. Neat catch above the head by Kohli 237/3

Dec 26, 2024, 5:01 AM

Bumrah gets Khawaja for the fifth time in the series

Jasprit Bumrah removed Usman Khawaja for 57, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

Usman went for the pull and only was able to get a top edge and Australia lost their second. Khawaja goes after a well-made 57!

Dec 26, 2024, 3:02 AM

NKR into the attack | AUS 134/1

Siraj was able to "open up" Marnus a few times in last over and Akash Deep was good against Usman before going for two boundaries in his last over. So, Rohit decides to brin medium pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy from the end Akash Deep was bowling.

Remind you he had dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the last test.

Dec 26, 2024, 2:54 AM

Usman Khawaja gets to his fifty!

Khawaja scores his 15th fifty of his test career, the first of the series. He had to fight for this. Thanks to Konstas, who allowed him to have some lose balls early in the inning.

But, post lunch, he left the balls well and waited for the half-vollyes and short balls from the Indian bowlers.

A half-volley from Akash Deep, followed by an edge through the slips, Khawaja got to a much-needed fifty. 

Australia 127/1 after 34 overs.

 

Dec 26, 2024, 2:45 AM

The ball keeps dropping in front of slips

Both Akash Deep (against Usman) and Bumrah (against Marnus) have been able to get the edges. But, both the times the edges have fall infront of the slips. 

Looks like the pitch does not have the carry it used to have. However, both the batters played those balls with softer hands.

Dec 26, 2024, 2:32 AM

4 consecutive maidens from Indian bowlers

Good start from Indian bowlers post lunch. Nothing but juts good areas on and around that off stump. Akash Deep started with a maiden and Bumrah continuted it. And now we have seen four back-to-back maidens. 

Wicket around the corner?

Dec 26, 2024, 1:35 AM

Lunch Day 1 | AUS 112-1 (25 Ov)

Australia win the first session of the test match and all thanks to Sam Konstas for an entertaining 60 from 65 balls on his debut in front of nearly 80000 people at the iconic MCG.

Bumrah went for plenty, and so did Siraj. Akash Deep troubled Usman for a bit but it was Ravindra Jadeja who trapped Sam Konstas in front of the wicket.

India did not have any answer to Konstas' unorthodox game and it looked like the youngster had fun entertaining everyone.

 

Dec 26, 2024, 1:19 AM

Australia cross 100 in 22 overs!

Nice and quick from Australia as they cross 100 in just 22 overs. Marnus is 9 from 9 and Usman is 32 from 58 balls.

Dec 26, 2024, 1:12 AM

Jadeja gets Konstas | AUS 89/1

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sam Konstas, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sam Konstas. Image | Getty Images

As we had thought Ravindra Jadeja gets the better of Sam Konstas. In the last over, Jadeja was unlucky to not get a nod from the umpire. 

This time, he pitched the ball a bit further up and within the stump. Konstas wanted to go upstairs but Usman advised against it.

He goes for 60 from 65 balls. Australia 89/1. 

Dec 26, 2024, 12:48 AM

Rohit bring Jadeja into action | AUS 83/0

This would be fun! Jadeja against Konstas! 

But, it was Usman Khawaja, who pulled Jadeja for a four early in the over and then took a single in the fifth ball. Konstas only had to face one ball of spin before the umpires called for the drinks.

Konstas 55* (59), Usman 27* (37).

Dec 26, 2024, 12:41 AM

Fifty for Konstas! | AUS 70/0

Fifty on debut for Sam Konstas. He reaches the landmark in just 52 balls! | sportzpoint.com

Fifty on debut for Sam Konstas. He reaches the landmark in just 52 balls!

Dec 26, 2024, 12:36 AM

He is special

Dec 26, 2024, 12:26 AM

50 up for Australia in 11th over

A boundary down the ground for a four and then a slog over mid-wicket to get the second six of the day. 

India do not have any answer to the question Konstas has thrown at them. They cross the fifty in just the 11th over. 

AUS 62/0 after 11 overs.

Dec 26, 2024, 12:10 AM

Into the record books

Dec 26, 2024, 12:08 AM

4,6,4 against Bumrah: Konstas is brave and special

4,6,4 against Bumrah: Konstas is brave and special | sportzpoint.com

He did bring out the shot twice earlier in the inning. But, this time he is successful.

A scoop to get the second boundary of his test career. Then a reverse scoop to get his first six of his test career in the next ball. 

He stepped down the crease in the next ball and went for another reverse scoop in 5th ball of the over. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:51 PM

India waste a DRS very early in the match

After going away from the batter in his first over, Mohammed Siraj tried to bring a ball back into the batter in his second over. Usman Khawaja was out of his crease and though the ball hit the pad in and around the middle stump, the height was always the question.

Rohit took the DRS and the decision stayed with the umpires' call.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:48 PM

Well, well, well!

Sam Konstats, after scoring his first run in test cricket, stared down the wicket upon missing a ball and then went for a reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah. Interesting!

Usman Khawaja on the other hand, has a big smile on his face.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:40 PM

Youngest Test debutants for Australia

17y 239d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953
18y 193d Pat Cummins vs SA Joburg 2011
18y 232d Tom Garrett vs Eng Melbourne 1877
19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024
19y 96 Clem Hill vs Eng Lord's 1896

Dec 25, 2024, 11:34 PM

Here we go!

It is Sam Konstats, the debutant against probably the best cricketer in the world, Jasprit Bumrah to start the proceedings. 

Usman Khawaja decided to stay at the other end and the youngster took the opening ball in front of 90000 people at the MCG.

A near-perfect maiden from Bumrah, with all six balls leaving the batter and Konstats played and missed four times in that over.

Mohammed Siraj takes the new ball from the other end.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:29 PM

"A lot to play:" Rohit Sharma

"We would have batted as well, looks like a good wicket. The series is 1-1, a lot to play for, it gives us a perfect opportunity to show what we are as a team."

Dec 25, 2024, 11:29 PM

"Looks nice and firm:" Pat Cummins

"We gonna have a bat today. There's a bit of a grass like an old MCG wicket, looks nice and firm. It's been a great series so far. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:27 PM

Playing XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Dec 25, 2024, 11:25 PM

No Shubman Gill for India

AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Shubman Gill was dropped from the Indian playing XI
Shubman Gill was dropped from the playing XI. 

After all the speculations and rumours, it is Shubman Gill who makes way for Washington Sundar in India's playing XI. Rohit Sharma is listed to bat at number three with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open for India.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:22 PM

Sam Konstas makes his debut

AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Sam Konstas became 468th Australian player to play test cricket | sportzpoint.com
Sam Konstas became 468th Australian player to play test cricket.

19-year-old opener Sam Konstats became the 468th Australian test player. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:20 PM

Toss Update

Catch the LIVE updates, scores, news, and free commentary on the AUS vs. IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG, as both teams would like to get the lead in the series. | sportzpoint.com

Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first. Rohit Sharma says he wanted to bat as well.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:19 PM

Where to watch the test match?

Indian fans can watch the test match LIVE on Disney+Hotstar with a paid plan. Moreover, the match will also be televised LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Indian Televisions. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:19 PM

Session timings

Toss - 4.30 am IST.

First session - 5 am to 7 am IST.

Second session - 7.40 am to 9.40 am IST.

Third session - 10 am to 12 pm IST.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:18 PM

Match Details

Match: Australia vs India

Date: 26 December - 30 December, 2024

Time: 5 am IST

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.

Next Article

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players

As Steve Smith scores his 34th test century in the ongoing test against India, we take a look at the active cricketers with the most hundreds in test cricket.

Dec 27, 2024, 2:45 PMโ€ข13 min read

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players

Test cricket, mostly called the purest format of the game, has seen some of the greatest cricketers and batters showing their skills with patience, stroke-making ability and the perseverance to bat long and score. Past greats and legends like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and many others dominated test cricket during their time. But, with modern cricket kicking in, this time we will look at the list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

Players with most Test centuries in cricket history

Before we talk about the current active cricketers, we should and must take a look at all the batters who dominate the overall list. As we all know, Sachin Tendulkar is the batter with most test centuries in world cricket. In fact, his record of 100 international tons might not get broken ever in cricket history. 

Before Sachin broke into the scene, there was Sir Don Bradman, who had retired as the batter with most test centuries (29) and later the little master Sunil Gavaskar broke his record and finished his career with 34 test centuries. But, do they come in the list of players with the most test centuries? Let's take a look at that.

Player Span Mat Inns Runs Ave 100 50
Sachin Tendulkar (IND) 1989-2013 200 329 15921 53.78 51 68
Jacques Kallis (ICC/SA) 1995-2013 166 280 13289 55.37 45 58
Ricky Ponting (AUS) 1995-2012 168 287 13378 51.85 41 62
Kumar Sangakkara (SL) 2000-2015 134 233 12400 57.40 38 52
Joe Root (ENG) 2012-2024 152 278 12972 50.87 36 65
Rahul Dravid (ICC/IND) 1996-2012 164 286 13288 52.31 36 63
Steve Smith (AUS)
2010-2024 113* 201 9949 56.52 34 41
Younis Khan (PAK) 2000-2017 118 213 10099 52.05 34 33
Sunil Gavaskar (IND) 1971-1987 125 214 10122 51.12 34 45
Brian Lara (ICC/WI) 1990-2006 131 232 11953 52.88 34 48
Mahela Jayawardene (SL) 1997-2014 149 252 11814 49.84 34 50


So, sadly, one of the greatest cricketers in cricket history, Sir Don Bradman does not even come in the top 10 batters with the most test tons in cricket history. Interestingly, only Joe Root is the active cricketer on that list. Hence, you already know who is the active cricketer with the most test tons; it is Joe Root.

Most Test Centuries by active cricketers

#10. Ben Stokes | 13

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Ben Stokes - sportzpoint.com

Regarded as one of the best test cricketers of the 2010s and 2020s, Ben Stokes is perhaps the greatest match-winner of mordern cricket. The southpaw batter is as lethal with the bat in the lower middle oder and can change his gear with regard to the need of the game.

Not only that, his skill to bat with the tail and chase nearly impossible totals in the last inning, is quiet remarkable. 

Stokes has 13 test centuries against his name in 105 test matches for the Three Lions. His 258  in just 198 balls against South Africa balls in Cape Town, saw him making fastest test double century by any English cricketer. That is also the highest test score by a batter batting at number six.

And, yes, who can forget his immortal innning of 135 at Edgbaston in 2019 Ashes Test, where he singlehandley achieved England's highest successful run chase in Tests, with Jack Leach at the other end.

#9 Tom Latham | 13

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Tom Latham - sportzpoint.com

Tom Latham, the Kiwi opener is surely one of the best top-order batters of this generation. Although he has always been in the shadow of Kane Williamson, Latham has contributed well to his country since his test debut in 2014. In the last ten years, Latham has played 81 test matches and scored 5516 test runs so far, including 13 test centuries, which places him at number nine in this list.

Latham's unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2018, is the highest score by any opener while carrying his bat. Not only that, he is only the second Kiwi cricketer to carry his bat in test cricket.

Latham is currently the vice-captain of the test team and one of the reasons for New Zealand's success in recent years.

#8 Usman Khawaja | 15

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Usman Khawaja - sportzpoint.com

Another top-order batter in the list, who has made tons of runs in the last few years for Australia. Usman, who was born in Pakistan and later moved to Australia as a young kid, made his test debut in 2011, replacing the great Ricky Ponting at number. That time he became the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia. Despite a decent debut match, Khawaja was never given a long run and kept losing his spot in the team.

In 2015-16, he made another solid return to the test squad but his failure in away tests always kept him in and out of the team. But, after his another comeback with two tons in a single test match in 2022 against England in Sydney, Khwaja has emerged as one of the best batters for Australia. His move at the top of the order has also helped him regain his lost confidence at the international level.

Post a stunning 2023, where he scored 1210 runs in 13 test matches at 52.60, Khawaja won the 2023 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

In 73 test matches so far, Khawaja has scored 5451 test runs including 15 test tons and 26 fifty-plus scores. He is also the sixth-highest run-scorer (2686) in the World Test Championship's history, despite playing only 32 matches. 

#7 Angelo Mathews | 16

Angelo Mathews - sportzpoint.com

Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews comes at number seven in the list of active cricketers with the most test centuries. Once touted as one of the most talented cricketers from Sri Lanka, Angelo emerged as one of the finest from his country. Though Angelo's primary goal was to be a proper all-rounder, with time, he had to only choose batting to prolong his career.

In 2013, against Pakistan, Mathews scored an unbeaten 157 while batting for seven and a half hours to save a test match for Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. One year later, he scored a 160 at Headingley against England to help Sri Lanka win their first multi-Test series in England. 

Again in 2018, he saved (120 from 323 balls) a test match for Sri Lanka in Wellington, batting over more than seven hours against New Zealand. Despite regular injuries, Angelo keeps on being one of the best middle-order batters for Sri Lanka. In 113 tests so far, he has scored 7852 runs including 16 tons.

#6 Dimuth Karunaratne | 16

Dimuth Karunaratne - sportzpoint.com

Dimuth Karunaratne has been one of the greatest modern-day batters for Sri Lanka in recent years. The opening batter comes from the same St Joseph's College, which produced players like Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera. Dimuth debuted for Sri Lanka in tests in 2012 and gradually cemented his place in the team despite a duck in his debut inning

In 2014, he scored his debut hundred against New Zealand in Christchurch and has scored 15 more in his test career since then. Three years later, he missed his first double ton by four runs when he played an outstanding knock of 196 against Pakistan in Dubai. In 2021, he scored hundreds in three back-to-back test matches and one of them was a 244 against Bangladesh, his best in test cricket. 

Dimuth is the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship with 2558 runs in 31 test matches so far. He has scored 6 tons in WTC history as well.

#5 Dinesh Chandimal | 16

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Dinesh Chandimal 16 test centuries - sportzpoint.com

Another Sri Lankan in the list of active batters with most test centuries prove why despite not being considered as a force, they have done well in recent times. Dinesh Chandimal, one of the most underrated cricketers going around, has climbed up in the list with a stunning hundred (116) against New Zealand at Galle. 

Chandimal, just like Mathews emerged in the scene as one of the best talents in the country and became a mainstay in the middle order after the retirement of the legendary Sangakkara-Jayawardene pair. At 23, he was chosen as the T20I captain and as Mathews' deputy in tests.

Read Also | Most Runs in WTC 2023-25 

In 2013, Dinesh scored back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh and then played an unbeaten 162 against India in 2015 to nearly drag Sri Lanka to a win from an impossible position. His 164 against India in Delhi in 2017, was one of his remarkable innings after leading Sri Lanka to a 2-0 victory against Pakistan, away from home.

However, after that, he could not keep his form and it was until 2022, he came back to his best with an unbeaten 206 against Australia at Galle to deny the mighty Aussies a test series win.

Till now, Chandimal has scored 16 test centuries in 83 test matches and looks like a strong candidate to be the first one to reach 20 test centuries among the active Sri Lankan cricketers. 

#4 Virat Kohli | 30

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Virat Kohli - 29 - sportzpoint.com

Regarded as the best three-format batter of this generation, Virat Kohli was ahead in the race of the most test centuries by active batters. But, since the start of 2020, the former Indian captain only scored two test tons, which has helped the other members of the "fav four" to go ahead of him, in test cricket. 

Kohli debuted in tests in 2011 and scored his maiden test ton against Australia next year in Adelaide. Though his test career was going well, Kohli turned it into a beast mode in 2014 when he scored four test tons in India's tour to Australia in 2014, which included tons in both innings in Adelaide. 

Read Also | Most Test centuries in overseas by active batters 

Post that, Kohli's dream run continued and with the hunger and ambition to score big for India, he scored 6 test double tons in a span of 16 tests in 2016-17. He even scored back-to-back test double tons against Sri Lanka in the home series in 2017 in Nagpur (213) and Delhi (243). Kohli finished 2018 with 1322 runs with 5 test hundreds which helped him win the ICC Test Player of the Year award for the first time in 2018. 

Kohli's highest test score of unbeaten 254 came two years later against South Africa in Pune. But, after his final test century of 2019 against Bangladesh in a one-off pink test in Kolkata, Kohli's dry patch started. His two test centuries since then came in 2023, one against Australia in Ahmedabad (186) and another against West Indies in Port of Spain (121) in his 500th international match.

#3 Kane Willamson | 33

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Kane Williamson - 32 - sportzpoint.com

Kane Willamson has been the best Kiwi cricketer of the last two decades and even the great Martin Crowe believed that he would finish as the greatest batter from New Zealand. 

Debuted in 2010, Kane scored a ton against India in Ahmedabad and since then never had to look back. 24 years and 151 days old, Kane then became the youngest New Zealand cricketer to score 3000 test runs. In 2015, Kane hit his first double ton against Sri Lanka in Wellington and since then has scored five more test double tons.

Read Also | Most international runs in Cricket history

As a leader, Kane in 2018 became the fourth Kiwi captain to win a test series in England, followed by a first-ever series triumph against Pakistan, away from home. Willamson with 8828 test runs is the player with the most test runs for New Zealand. He also holds the record for most test centuries scored by a Kiwi batter (32). He is also the quickest batter in test history (by innings) to reach 32 test tons.

Moreover, Williamson was also the first-ever Kiwi captain to lead them to an ICC trophy success when he led them to the WTC title in 2021 against India. The former Kiwi captain is also New Zealand's highest run-getter in WTC history with 2374 runs at 62.74 average and 10 test tons. 

#2 Steve Smith | 34

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Sportzpoint.com

After starting as a leg spinner in 2010, Steve Smith's journey to become one of the greatest test batters for Australia is quite remarkable. Despite getting banned for 12 months due to the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, Smith made a great comeback to test cricket and has scored 9 test centuries since 2019.

Smith scored his first century in 2013 against England at Oval and scored three more in his next six matches. Before he was made the captain in 2015, he was already the No.1 ranked test batter in the world scoring seven cenutries in 17 test matches in 2014-15 including centuries in four consecutive test matches. 

In 2017, he scored six test tons including a double ton in just 11 test matches to win his second ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award, after winning it in 2015. Though in past few years bowlers have found some ways to stop him from scoring runs with his unorthodox style, he scored five centuries in 13 innings from July 2022 to June 2023. In 2024, Smith has scored two consecutive test centuries in the Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

#1 Joe Root | 36

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Joe Root - 34 test tons - sportzpoint.com

2021 Test Cricketer of the Year, nominated again in 2023 for the same award, most runs and tons in World Test Championship history, most test runs by any English batter, most test tons by any English batter; these are the few achievements Joe Root made in last six years. 

The youngest of the "fav four", Root debuted in 2012 on England's tour to India and impressed with a 73 from 229 balls and everyone saw his ability to stay at the crease and play long. Five tests later, he scored his first test hundred in England against New Zealand in 2013. Two tests later, he followed that up with a 180 against Australia at Lord's.

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis 

Before he was made the captain in 2017, he had already played 53 test matches in five years with a batting average of over 50. 190 in the first inning as test captain and all knew he would go on to break all the records for England. Root finished 2017 with 1481 for England despite scoring only two tons.

The story continued the same way for him in the following year as despite scoring lots of fifty-plus scores, Root could score only two test tons as England struggled in tests as a team.

But, everything changed for him in 2021 as he started the year with one century and one double century in first three tests. Another back-to-back hundred against India at home would mean he would go on to win the 2021 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award. Root that year nearly broke the record of the most test runs scored in a calendar year with 1708 test runs, missing the record by 80 runs.

Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 11 test tons, scoring 2871 runs at an average of 53.16. In WTC, he is the highest run scorer with 4973 runs with a record 16 centuries. 

Next Article

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba Highlights | Match ends in a draw; Ashwin retires from international cricket at the end of the test

Catch the LIVE updates, scores, news and free commentary of the AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third test at Gabba, Brisbane as both teams look to take the lead in the third test of the series.

Dec 18, 2024, 5:53 AMโ€ข1 min read

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba Highlights | Match ends in a draw; Ashwin retires from international cricket at the end of the test | sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's LIEV coverage of the Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy third test at Gabba, Brisbane. The series is currently tied with a 1-1 scoreline after two test matches in Perth and Adelaide. 

India must win at least three test matches of the series to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Hence, it is always a must-win test match for India. 

With both teams looking for a win, and India winning a test match last time in 2021, we can hope for a great test match here.

Read Also | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: AUS vs IND 3rd Test Preview | How will India's playing XI be for the Brisbane Test?

So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas, and Payal Debnath bring you the LIVE updates of the AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba.

LIVE Updates

Dec 18, 2024, 5:52 AM

Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement!

Breaking: Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Dec 18, 2024, 5:47 AM

Travis Head is the player of the match

Travis Head

Who else than Travis Head? He is the player of the match for his 152 in the first inning that nearly threw India out of the match. However, the news from the centre is that he has sustained a groin injury and his participation in the next test match is under question. 

Dec 18, 2024, 5:45 AM

The match is drawn!

The umpires have decided to call it a day as it does not look like it to be getting better anytime soon. It stays 1-1 at the Gabba!

It could have been an interesting last session of test match but the weather does not allow that. 

We will see you during the boxing day test.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:59 AM

It is about to rain very heavily and for a long time

There won't be another ball bowled in the game. The covers have been nailed down. It's raining heavily now.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:40 AM

Bad light stops play | IND 8/0

Bad light stops play and here comes the covers as well. The tea has been taken and we will have an update soon.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:14 AM

Australia declare at 89/7 and the target for India is 275 runs

That's it from Australia. Off they running! 

They declare at 89/7 and the target for India is 275 runs in 54 overs.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:09 AM

Bumrah comes in and gets Cummins

A slower ball from Bumrah does the crease and gets Pat Cummins. It was like they were about to declare but decided against it. 

Cummins wanted to go big again and got the top edge only. Good catch from KL Rahul at mid-on.

Australia 85/7 and lead by 270 runs.

Dec 18, 2024, 4:04 AM

Cummins go BANG, BANG!

Captain Pat Cummins doing what he has asked the other batters to do. He has now hit two huge sixes and now batting at 21 from 8 balls. 

Dec 18, 2024, 3:54 AM

Siraj gets Travis Head | AUS 60/6

A rash shot from Travis Head and surely the Aussies have some target in their mind. Otherwise, we would not have seen these kinds of shots from them.

On a shortish good length from Siraj and Head wanted a piece of that. He only managed to get a top edge and Rishabh Pant again took a good catch, running behind to dismiss him.

Australia 60/6 and lead by 245 runs.

Dec 18, 2024, 3:35 AM

Are we?

Dec 18, 2024, 3:34 AM

Australia are fifth down| Smith gone!

Rishabh Pant's acrobatic effort ended Steven Smith's stay, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 5th day, December 18, 2024
Rishabh Pant's acrobatic effort ended Steven Smith's stay. Image | Getty Images

Australia looking to get going and Smith just had come down the crease to get a four over the mid-off the ball before now has edged it down the leg side.

Blunder of a catch from Rishabh Pant to remove the centurion from the last inning.

The wicket belongs to Pant for the catch.

Australia 35/5 and lead by 220 runs. 

Dec 18, 2024, 3:30 AM

OMG! India now have four! AUS 28/4

Akash Deep removes Mitchell Marsh. The tough time continues for the all-rounder and India have their fourth wicket.

In and around the sixth stump, moving away from Marsh and he just wanted to play it towards the covers and he gets a nick and Pant has a regulation catch. 

Australia 28/4, lead by 213 runs. 

Steve Smith comes to bat at number six. Can India break the Head-Smith partnership this time?

Dec 18, 2024, 3:22 AM

ICYMI: No Steve Smith at No. 4

No Steve Smith at the number for Australia. It is Mitchell Marsh who walked in at that position. Marsh has not had any success with the bat this series and looks like the home wants him to have some confidence before the Boxing day test. 

Dec 18, 2024, 3:20 AM

Akash Deep gets McSweeney | 16/3

Akash Deep had Nathan McSweeney nicking off, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 5th day, December 18, 2024

Dreamy start for India although there will not be any results from this match, this would do good for Akash Deep.

A few vital runs with the bat and now a wicket in his first over. It was short and wide from Akash and McSweeney looked to cut it hard. But, that was nothing shot from the opener. 

Australia 16/3 and lead by 201 runs. 

Dec 18, 2024, 3:17 AM

Bumrah gets his second | AUS 16/2

Bumrah gets his 20th wicket of the series. Marnus Labuschagne looked to poke at a ball outside the sump and could not reach the bat's middle. 

Australia 16/2 in the second inning.

Dec 18, 2024, 2:54 AM

Bumrah gets Khawaja | AUS 11/1

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | India finish at 260; Australia lose three early wickets - sportzpoint.com
Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for the third time in the series. Image | Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Jasprit Bumrah gets Usman Khawaja with the first ball he has bowled to the left-handed. Around the wicket, the ball came back in with the angle and after an inside edge, the ball hit the stump after a deflection from his pads. 

This is the third time Bumrah got Usman's back in this series. His 19th wicket of the series and we have not completed the third test yet.

Dec 18, 2024, 2:46 AM

Bumrah starts with a tad slow but on the money over

Six outswingers were coming from the edge of the popping crease, creating an angle, and then moving away. Bumrah made sure he forced McSweeney to watch the ball close and play.

However, the pace was a bit down at 126km, 128kmph and 131kmph, before he fired up his engine.

I am pretty sure we will only see one spell from Jasprit Bumrah. 

Dec 18, 2024, 2:38 AM

The play to resume at 8.10 am IST

Dec 18, 2024, 2:29 AM

The players are out

We will have a game soon and the pitch is getting rolled now at the moment.

Dec 18, 2024, 1:05 AM

There's lightning near the Gabba. So play is going to be delayed

Inclement weather delayed the start of Australia's second innings, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 5th day, December 18, 2024

The batters were ready to come out but there was lightning near the stadium and the play was halted. It is dark and gloomy and it looks like we will have no game played soon.

Dec 18, 2024, 1:03 AM

India 260 all-out

Travis Head gest Akash Deep. An important 31 off 44 from India's no.11

Head had dragged him forward for a defence but Akash had dragged his right foot and a smart stumping from Alex Carey as well.

India all-out for 260 and despite being behind by 185 runs, Australia will have to bat again.

Dec 17, 2024, 7:51 AM

Akash Deep and Bumrah save India

Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah dragged India past the follow-on mark, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 4th day, December 17, 2024

India avoids follow-on! 

A fighting 33-run partnership for the 11th wicket by Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep helps India avoid the follow-on.

Akash Deep 21*, Jasprit Bumrah 10*

Dec 17, 2024, 7:47 AM

India need 3 more to avoid follow on

Akash Deep 17, Bumrah 10

Dec 17, 2024, 7:34 AM

India need 11 to avoid follow on

If India can score this 11, they certainly will save the test match! 

Bumrah and Akash Deep doing their best!

Akash Deep 10 and Bumrah 9. 

Dec 17, 2024, 7:07 AM

Cummins gets Jadeja | IND 213/9

Pat Cummins gets his fourth. Ravindra Jadeja tried to go for another big shot against the short ball and this time he found the man on the boundary line. 

A wonderful inning from Jadeja comes to an end. He goes for 77 off 123. 

India 213/9, train by 232. 

 

Dec 17, 2024, 7:01 AM

Starc gets Siraj

India 8 down as Mitchell Starc gets  Siraj, edged to Alex Carey! 

Siraj goes for 1. India 201/8. 

Dec 17, 2024, 6:28 AM

Tea break, Day 4

India 201/7; Jadeja 65; Siraj 1. 

Dec 17, 2024, 6:05 AM

Cummins gets the better off Nitish

Australia break the partnership. It is their captain Pat Cummins who goes through the defences of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Australia have their 7th wicket.

Reddy goes for 16 from 61. India 194/7. 

Dec 17, 2024, 6:02 AM

50-run partnership between NKR and Jadeja

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja brought up a 50-run partnership during AUSvsIND, Third Test, Brisbane | sportzpoint.com A steady 50-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja! 

India getting close to that follow-on mark! 

IND 191/6. Jadeja 59, Reddy 13. 

Dec 17, 2024, 5:50 AM

NKR and Jadeja looking to build a partnership

Both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja looking under control at the moment against Starc and Lyon!

India 187/6 and trail by 257 runs 

Dec 17, 2024, 5:40 AM

The game resumes

We have a maximum of 38 overs to be played before the end of todayโ€™s play.

Dec 17, 2024, 4:26 AM

The rain comes again

Here comes the rain again! IND 180/6

Dec 17, 2024, 4:25 AM

Fifty for Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja scored a fifty during the Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane | sportzpoint.comRavindra Jadeja completes his 22nd test fifty in the first over after lunch! 

He looked better as the innings progressed and surely now would look to score runs whenever there is an opportunity! 

Dec 17, 2024, 4:06 AM

Play to resume at 9.40 am IST

The rain has stopped and the play will resume at 9.40 at IST

Dec 17, 2024, 3:53 AM

Will the rain save India?

It has been raining for quite a time now and looks like there will not be any balls played soon! 

This would be frustrating for Australia as they would like to get these four wickets as soon as possible and enforce a follow on. 

Good news for India though! 

Dec 17, 2024, 2:51 AM

Lunch, Day 4: IND 167/6

Nitish Kumar Reddy survived a DRS review from Australia just one ball before the break and Indiaโ€™s struggle continues at 167/6 with Ravindra Jadeja being not out on 41! 

India still trail by 278 runs and 78 runs to avoid follow-on! 

Dec 17, 2024, 2:21 AM

Smith takes a stunner; Rahul goes for 84

A top class inning from KL Rahul comes to end. Nathan Lyon from over the wicket, with his loop and revolution made Rahul thought the ball was short enough to go for a cut shot.

But, he only was able to get an outside edge and Steve Smith at first slip dived to his right and took a stunner to dismiss him.

Rahul goes for 84. The partnership between him and Jadeja is broken now. 

India lose their 6th! IND 141/6

Dec 17, 2024, 2:10 AM

ICYMI: Rahul was dropped by Smith on 33

In case you missed it, KL Rahul was dropped by Steve Smith on 33! 

Dec 17, 2024, 1:51 AM

Rahul brings up his fifty

KL Rahulโ€™s lone fight continues for India s he completes his 17th test fifty!

 He has been the best batter technically from India and has shown the mix of good defence and attacking shots throughout the innings! 

Dec 17, 2024, 1:49 AM

Rohitโ€™s rough patch continues

Loose, very loose and the Indian captain falls. Probing line and length from Cummins, pitched up in that channel just outside off and draws Rohit forward, he's very tentative, the feet is rooted to the crease and he only manages a thin edge, straight into the gloves of Carey and he doesn't drop those.

Rohit goes for 10 from 27. India lose their 5th! 

Dec 16, 2024, 8:04 AM

End of Day 3 | IND 51/4

It was a frustrating day for all the players and fans as well. No more balls were played and we had nearly about 6 breaks in the day and players had to come in and out of the dissing room at regular intervals.

KL Rahul Looked really good while other Indian battles struggled to get going after playing some poor shots. India currently are struggling at 51 for 4 with Captain Witch Sharma and Kill Rahul on the crease.

India trail by 394 runs.

Dec 16, 2024, 7:11 AM

The play resumes

With bad light not allowing fast bowlers to have a go at Rohit and Rahul, Nathan Lyon and Travis Head start the bowling for the Aussies. And after two overs of play, the drizzle comes again.

Dec 16, 2024, 5:48 AM

The rain comes again!

 The rain is back and so are the covers!

Dec 16, 2024, 5:36 AM

Play to resume at 11.15 am IST

Dec 16, 2024, 4:53 AM

Rain comes again

Frustrating for the players and fans. The rain came again as KL Rahul hit a beautiful cover drive and had to leave the field disappointedly. 

IND 48/4 (14.1)

Dec 16, 2024, 4:51 AM

Cummins gets Pant; IND 44/4 in 13.5

Aussie captain Pat Cummins strikes post the break. He gets Rishabh Pant nicking around the off stump. 

A good length delivery going across Pant and the Indian keeper-batter just poked at it, getting an edge to Alex Carey.

India 44/4 and are in deep trouble. 

Dec 16, 2024, 4:31 AM

The play resmues again

The sun is out and the game resumes again.

Dec 16, 2024, 4:30 AM

Indian bowlers vs Australian bowlers

Dec 16, 2024, 4:04 AM

Another drizzle and play stops again

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | KL Rahul looked good for India in the first inning | sportzpoint.com
KL Rahul looked good for India in the first inning. Image | AFP/Getty Images

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looked good before the rain interrupted the game again. Rahul, who might have been India's best batter at the top of the order, looked in control of everything and punched on everything short and on leg stump.

Meantime, Rishabh Pant took his time and focused on his defence while playing a cover drive when Starc pitched it up. 

India 39/3 in 13 overs, trailing by 406 runs. 

Rahul is unbeaten on 21 from 47 balls. Pant is unbeaten on 9 from 11 balls.

Dec 16, 2024, 3:49 AM

The play resumes again

Dec 16, 2024, 3:06 AM

The rain comes again | IND 27/3

Dec 16, 2024, 3:02 AM

The play resumes | Second session, Day 3

The second session of Day 3 starts as Rishabh Pant joins KL Rahul in the middle.

Dec 16, 2024, 2:27 AM

Starc, the SWING KING!

Dec 16, 2024, 2:15 AM

Hazlewood gets Kohli | IND 22/3

Virat Kohli nicked off once again, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 3rd day, December 16, 2024 | Sportz Point
Virat Kohli nicked off once again. Image | Getty Images

Another Indian batter gets out fetching for the ball outside the off-stump. On a fullish length, way outside the off-stump, Virat Kohli again went for a big drive and got the outside edge.

He did not learn from the mistake he made in the first ball of his inning and now goes back to the pavilion for 3 from 16 balls.

India struggling at 22/3 and trail by 423 runs.

The rain halted the game again as Kohli went back to the dressing room and lunch has been taken.

Dec 16, 2024, 1:59 AM

Starc nearly had Kohli in the first ball

The same line, going across the batter from a close angle and Kohli, playing his first ball went for a big drive searching for an early boundary.

He nearly got the edge and it is a very poor shot selection from Kohli when your team are at 6/2.

Dec 16, 2024, 1:54 AM

Starc gets Gill | India 6/1

Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Shubman Gill. AUS vs IND, 3rd Test, Brisbane | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Shubman Gill. Image | Getty Images

Mitchell Starc has Shubman Gill now. Very, very poor shot from the Indian No.3. But, a top-class catch from Mitchell Marsh in the gully. 

Fullish, outside off stump and the length induced Gill to go for the big, expensive drive. He gets the outside edge and Mitchell Starc dives in the air to grab the catch. 

Shubman Gill is gone for 1(3).

India really struggling now. India 6/2. 

Dec 16, 2024, 1:50 AM

Jaiswal vs Left-arm pacers

9 innings
158 balls
104 runs
6 dismissals
17.33 avg.

Dec 16, 2024, 1:49 AM

Jaiswal out in the first over | IND 4/1

Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the first over | AUS vs IND, 3rd test, Brisbane | Sportz Point
A dejected Jasiwal after being dimissed in the second ball of the inning. Image | Getty Images

Brilliant start for Australia and Micthell Starc. 

139kph, half-volley on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks and chips it straight to Marsh at short midwicket.

Just the second ball of the inning and India lose their first wicket. 

Jaiswal goes for 4(2). India 4/1. 

Dec 16, 2024, 1:46 AM

Australia all out 445

Australia were bundled out for 445, Jasprit Bumrah took 76/6 | sportzpoint.com

Australia finishes their first inning at 445, and off they run as the rain halts the game. Carey falls for 70 while going for a pull shot, and Akash Deep finally has a wicket. 

So, Bumrah finishes with 76/6, Siraj with 97/2, Akash Deep 95/1, and Nitish Reddy 65/1. 

Most not-in-control shots induced by a bowler in a Test innings for 1 or 0 wickets since 2014:

57 - Graeme Cremer vs WI, Bulawayo, 2017 (1 wicket in 2nd inns)
56 - Mohammed Shami vs ENG, The Oval, 2018 (0 wickets in 1st inns)
53 - Akash Deep vs AUS, Brisbane, 2024 (1 wicket in 1st inns)
50 - R Ashwin vs ENG, Chennai, 2016 (1 wicket in 1st inns)
50 - Mitchell Swepson vs PAK, Karachi, 2022 (0 wickets in 4th inns)

Dec 15, 2024, 8:05 AM

End of Day 2 | AUS 405/7 (101)

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Smith-Head put up a 241-run partnership; Bumrah takes five | sportzpoint.com
Travis Head played a stunning inning of 152 runs from 160 balls. Image | Getty Images

A dominating day from the Australian batters' end. Australia finished the day at 405/7 with Alex Carey unbeaten 45 from 47 balls with Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 7 from 7 in the other end. 

But it was all about Steve Smith and Travis Head who dominated Indian bowlers for fun. Head scored his third test ton in six tests against India and second of the series. He single-handedly took the game to India and scored a 152 from just 160 balls before Jasprit Bumrah made his return to the dressing room.

Meantime, Steve Smith scored his 33rd test ton and equalled the record for most test tons against India (10). Smith toiled hard at the beginning and was a bit lucky as well but it all paid off as he looked more confident with time.

For India, it was Jasprit Bumrah fighting against the Australian team. Another five-wicket haul for the modern-day great. He collected his 12th test five-for and became the Indian bowler with the most test five-wicket hauls in SENA countries (8).

Everyone thought Australia might declare before the end of the day, but it looks like they want to score as much as they can and throw India out of the test match completely. 

Dec 15, 2024, 7:38 AM

Siraj gets Cummins | AUS 385/7 (97.5)

Mohammed Siraj finally gets the reward for the heart he has put into his bowling. He ran in hard and hit the deck hard around the off stump from a good length and Cummins knicks it off to Pant for Australia's seventh wicket.

Cummins goes after 20 from 33 balls.

How long will they bat? 

Dec 15, 2024, 7:07 AM

Bumrah, in a league of his own

Dec 15, 2024, 7:05 AM

Australia cross 350

Alex Carey and Pat Cummins looking to add some quick runs as we head into the final hour of the day. Australia crossed 350 and might look anything close to 400 before calling India to bat.

Dec 15, 2024, 6:52 AM

Bumrah now above Zaheer and Ishant

Most five-wicket hauls in Tests for Indian Pacers:

Kapil Dev - 23
Jasprit Bumrah - 12
Zaheer Khan - 11
Ishant Sharma - 11

Dec 15, 2024, 6:45 AM

Burmrah gets his fifth; Head goes for 152

Jasprit Bumrah at his best first gets Mitchell Marsh (5). On a good length and holding its line outside off - Marsh is tentatively forward in defence, the ball holds its line and finds the edge, goes at a good height to second slip where Kohli clutches it reverse cupped.

Three balls later he got the better of Travis Head. Pitched up full and outside off, just a hint of movement away, Head throws his hands at it looking to nail it through cover, feet didn't move and he could only manage a thick outside edge that flew to Pant who made no mistake.

Head went to a standing ovation after a remarkable 152 off 160 balls. Bumrah has his 12th test five-wicket haul.

Dec 15, 2024, 6:24 AM

Bumrah gets Smith | AUS 316-4

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Smith-Head put up a 241-run partnership; Bumrah takes five | sportzpoint.com
Devasted Smith leaving the filed after getting dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. Image | AFP/Getty Images

Finally, Jasprit Bumrah gets the better of Steve Smith. A sharp catch by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the first slip. It was a bit fullish and Smith went for the drive with a hard hand. 

Smith goes for a well-made 101 from 190 balls. 

Australia 316/4.

Dec 15, 2024, 6:12 AM

Smith equals Root's record

Most Test hundreds against India

10 in 41 inngs: Steven Smith
10 in 55 inngs: Joe Root
8 in 30 inngs: Gary Sobers
8 in 41 inngs: Viv Richards
8 in 51 inngs: Ricky Ponting

Dec 15, 2024, 6:11 AM

A special comeback ton for Steve Smith

It was a 33rd Test century for Steven Smith, moving up to No. 2 among Australia's ton scorers, Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, 2nd day, December 15, 2024
Smith celebrates his 33rd Test ton; 10th against India. Image | AFP/Getty Images

A standing ovation from the Gabba crowd as Steve Smith gets to his 33rd Test ton. This one was tough. Struggled early and gave himself time to settle in. 

A century that included 12 boundaries. This is Steve Smith's 10th test ton against India.

Dec 15, 2024, 6:06 AM

India take a new ball

Rohit Sharma decides to opt for the new ball as they keep on searching for a way to dismiss Travis Head and Steve Smith 

Dec 15, 2024, 5:30 AM

Rohit Sharma drops Head

Rohit Sharma drops Travis Head in the slips. Head tried to play the ball on the leg side and got a thick edge towards the second slip. Rohit noticed it late and even after a dive, could not grab the ball. 

Dec 15, 2024, 5:27 AM

The third session starts

Dec 15, 2024, 5:12 AM

AUS 234/3 (70) at Tea, Day 2

130 runs. 27 overs. No wickets. 

Australia dominated the second session and have taken the game away from India. From 75/3 to 234/3, Travis Head and Steve Smith have dominated India in every way possible.

Rohit again missed the trick by not bringing Jasprit Bumrah back immediately when Head came to the crease. 

Steve Smith is now back in form as well and India need to take wickets before Australia throw India out of the third test. 

Dec 15, 2024, 4:56 AM

Back-to-back test ton for Travis Head

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Travis Head scores back-to-back test tons | sportzpoint.com

Back-to-back test tons for Travis Head. His 9th test ton, second here in Brisbane and third in the last six tests against India! 

He just keeps on bashing India. A bit unorthodox, and flashy and scores plenty of runs at a quick rate.

Dec 15, 2024, 4:29 AM

Smith completes his fifty

Steven Smith completed his fifty against India in Brisbane, 15 December, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

Might not be his best or most fluent, but Steve Smith toils hard to another test fifty. A hard-fought fifty in 128 balls, with many plays and misses. 

This might be the start of a great comeback for the former Aussie captain. 

Dec 15, 2024, 4:03 AM

Head loves India

Travis Head's last seven innings vs India in Tests

  • 90(163)
  • 163(174)
  • 18(27)
  • 11(13)
  • 89(101)
  • 140(141)
  • 51*(72)

Dec 15, 2024, 3:59 AM

Australia go past 150; Head completes his fifty

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Travis Head scored his 18th test fifty | sportzpoint.com
Travis Head looked in great touch in the third test, scoring his 18th test fifty | Image: AFP/Getty Images

This partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith now have started looking ominous for India. Steve Smith played and missed a few times but looked to be positive in the second inning. 

Meantime, Travis Head continued from where he left in Adelaide and has not allowed Indian bowlers to settle in. He completed his 18th test fifty in just 71 balls including six boundaries.

Dec 15, 2024, 3:47 AM

Do you know which team need how many wins to qualify for WTC Final?

Dec 15, 2024, 3:43 AM

Akash Deep had no luck against Smith

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Smith had survived an lbw appeal off Akash Deep | sportzpoint.com

Akash Deep may have bowled over the second session but could not manage to get Steve Smith out. He went a bit fuller and Smith drove him down the ground for him. In the next two balls, he brought the length a bit back and missed the outside edge by a few centimetres. Ever Smith told him "Well bowled"

In the next ball, he pushed an inswinger and missed the leg stump as we got to see the replay during the DRS review. 

Dec 15, 2024, 3:01 AM

The second session starts

Steven Smith and Travis Head put up a solid fourth wicket partnership for Australia | sportzpoint.com
Steven Smith and Travis Head put up a solid fourth wicket partnership for Australia.

Dec 15, 2024, 2:29 AM

Day 2, Lunch Break: AUS 104/3

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Day 2, Lunch Break: AUS 104/3 | Sportz Point
Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne exahcnged a few stares during the first session on Day 2. Image | AFP/Getty Images

A very good morning for India and Indian bowlers. They did not allow any of the Australian batters to dominate, except for Travis Head. 

Jasprit Bumrah struck early with two wickets of both the openers and the Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to make it India's session. Steve Smith survived a few times against Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy. 

Meantime, Travis Head tried to take on the bowlers and missed quite a few balls as well. 

Mohammed Siraj had left the field with pain in the hamstring but returned later as well. 

Australia 104/3 at lunch break on Day 2. Steve Smith 25 (68) and Travis Head 20* (35) are at the crease for Australia. 

Dec 15, 2024, 2:12 AM

Bumrah gets a treatment now

Jasprit Bumrah receives a treatment on his right foot | sportzpoint.com

With Mohammed Siraj already outside the field with pain in the hamstring, Jasprit Bumrah now receives treatment on his right foot.

If he is out, India's hopes would be gone.

Luckily for India, he is out bowling the next over.

Dec 15, 2024, 1:58 AM

Another scare for Smith

Akash Deep came to complete Siraj's over and with his first ball, he hit Smith on front. But, it was given not out by the onfield umpire. India did not take the DRS as well. 

Dec 15, 2024, 1:53 AM

Siraj leaves the ground with hamstring pain

Mohammed Siraj left the field with hamstring pain. Worries for India?

Dec 15, 2024, 1:42 AM

Smith survives by a barest of margins

Steve Smith survived an LBW call off Mohammed Siraj | sportzpoint.com
Image | Disney+Hotstar

Steve Smith was caught on the crease by a bit fullish ball from Mohammed Siraj. Smith let it go and the ball came back in to hit the front pad. 

On field call was Not Out and Rohit Sharma went upstairs to check. The DRS went in favour of Steve Smith and Australia. 

Australia 75/3; Smith 18 from 46.

Dec 15, 2024, 1:33 AM

Nitish Kumar Reddy gets Marnus

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Nitish Kumar Reddy got Marnus Labuschagne's wicket | sportzpoint.com
Image | Indian Cricket Team

A big, big, wicket for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets Marnus Labuschagne. 

A fullish-length ball that had lured Marnus to go for the drive. But, the ball had moved enough to get the outside edge and Virat Kohli was there to take the flying edge.

A crucial wicket for India. 

Marnus goes for 12 (55). Australia 75/3.

Dec 15, 2024, 1:30 AM

Siraj does a Broad

Dec 15, 2024, 12:53 AM

Siraj and NKR replace Bumrah and Akash Deep

Both Bumrah and Akash Deep did not give Australians to run away with the game. With their first spell ending, Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy will look to be tight and build on the momentum Bumrah and Akash had built. 

Siraj was top-class with his maiden over against Marnus and nearly got him out with an LBW shout as well. NKR needs to back him now. 

Dec 15, 2024, 12:46 AM

It has been like that

Dec 15, 2024, 12:43 AM

Three test matches, three batting stances for Steve Smith

Dec 15, 2024, 12:35 AM

Australia cross 50

Akash Deep has bowled well since the start of the morning but he needs to be fullish to get the edge. Predominantly he has been a bit short and both Marnus and Smith have been able to leave the ball easily. 

This time, he had Smith come forward and had the edge as well. But, it went to the third-man area and Australia get their fifty. 

Dec 15, 2024, 12:18 AM

Bumrah on a roll | Australia 38/2

Nathan McSweeney was caught by Virat Kohli off Jasprit Bumrah, on Day 2 of third test, Border-Gavaskar Series 2024-25 | sportzpoint.com
McSweeney watches his edge going to Virat Kohli. Image | Getty Images

Bumrah does it again. On a hard length, coming in from an angle, from wide of the crease gets the outside of McSweeney. It is an easy catch for Virat Kohli in the second slip and India get their second of the morning. 

Nathan McSweeney goes for 9 from 49 balls. 

Australia 38/2. 

Dec 15, 2024, 12:06 AM

Bumrah Strikes | AUS 31/1

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Bumrah gets Usman Khawaja early on Day 2 | Sportz Point
Bumrah sturck early on Day 2 | Image: Getty

Jasprit Bumrah gets Usman Khawaja. In his first over of the day he had set him up beautifully with the ball missing the edge quite a few times and thudding on the pads once. This time, the ball had come in creating an angle and straightened just a bit to get the edge.

Rishabh Pant takes the 150th catch of his test career. Usman goes for 21 from 54 balls. 

Australia 31/1 after 16.1 overs.

Dec 14, 2024, 11:51 PM

Here WE GO!

Finally, Akash Deep resumes his over. Straightaway he finds the line and length and Nathan McSweeney lets it go. 

Dec 14, 2024, 11:46 PM

We start early on Day 2

We are ready to start early on Day 2 to make up for yesterday's lost time due to rain. Only 13.2 overs were bowled on Day 1 before rain halted the game and became so heavy that no more balls were bowled. 

Indian bowlers took time to find their line and length. It will be interesting to see how they start today. There was no rain yesterday night in Brisbane, and hopefully, we will have a full day of play today.

Dec 14, 2024, 9:23 AM

End of Day 1: No more balls were played

Rain became the villain as there were no more balls played during Day 1โ€™s play! 

Australia 28/0 after 13.2 and we will resume updates tomorrow morning!

Dec 14, 2024, 5:10 AM

Tea has been taken

The second session of Day 1 gets washed out as no balls were bowled during lunch period. 

Tea has been taken. 

Dec 14, 2024, 4:02 AM

There will be no game before tea

As per a few reports from Brisbane, the roads outside the ground has become a โ€œriverโ€. 

Surely, with the rain we had, there will be no game played before tea. 

Frustrating for the players and the fans!

Dec 14, 2024, 2:57 AM

Early lunch has been taken

The umpires have decided to take an early lunch due to rain. 

Dec 14, 2024, 1:57 AM

Australia go slow and steady, India wait for mistake | AUS 28/0; 13.2 overs

Akash Deep nearly had Nathan McSweeney LBW in his first spell | sportzpoint.com
Akash Deep nearly had Nathan McSweeney LBW in his first spell. Image | AFP/Getty Images

The drizzle halted the game again as Australian openers tried to go slow and steady while Indian bowlers waited for the early mistake from the batters. Jasprit Bumrah was on target with his line and length as he went for only 8/0 in 6 overs including 3 maidens in his first spell. 

Akash Deep, who is playing his first test of the series, replaced Mohammed Siraj in bowling and looked good too. He hit McSweeney quite a few times on the pad, but maybe he needs to push the length a bit front to get things going for him. Akash Deep bowled two maidens in 3 overs and went for only 2.

Siraj came back from the end Bumrah was bowling and bowled a maiden as well.

Khawaja 19 from 47 and McSweeney 4 from 33 are batting at the moment for Australia as the groundsmen ran in hard to cover the pitches. 

It is dark at the moment and we will have to wait till the sky gets clear and the rain stops.

Dec 14, 2024, 1:15 AM

The play resumes

Dec 14, 2024, 12:49 AM

Rain halts the game | AUS 19/0; 5.3 overs

Rain halted the game after 5.3 overs during the third test between Australia and India at Gabba | sportzpoint.com

The rain has halted the game. India would be disappointed to be unable to take the advantage of early moisture of the pitch. As the batters head out of the ground, we see Morne Morkel having a word with Rohit Sharma.

Only one delivery from the 33 balls would have hit the stumps and Morne, the bowling coach might have been conveying the same thing to the captain. 

Usman 13 (22), McSweeney 2 (11); Siraj 9/0; Bumrah 6/1.

We will be back once the game resumes. 

HANG ON! 

Dec 14, 2024, 12:46 AM

Good start for Australia | AUS 18/0 after 5 overs

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates | Good start for Australia | AUS 18/0 after 5 overs - Sportz Point
Khawaja went for a pull shot against Siraj early in the inning. Image | Getty Images

It has been a good, steady start for Aussie openers. A few down the leg side from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj and Usman Khawaja was ready to pounce on them. 

Bumrah started from over the wicket and then changed to around the wicket for Usman and trying to be around that off-stump, creating an angle. However, he has erred in line a few times. Meantime, Siraj has been good except for once when he tried to go short against the southpaw and Usman pulled it for the first boundary of the match. 

McSweeney played out a few dot balls and took his time to settle in. 

Dec 14, 2024, 12:31 AM

Changes for Australia

Cricket news 2024: Josh Hazlewood 'confident' of third Test return; Pat  Cummins press conference, Australia vs India

A fit Josh Hazlewood replaced Scot Boland for Australia. The rest of the playing XI remained the same for the home team.

Dec 14, 2024, 12:27 AM

Changes for India

AUS vs IND Border-Gavaskar Trophy Third Test at Gabba LIVE Updates, Scores and News: Akash Deep replaced Harshit Rana in the third test | Sportz Point
Akash Deep replaced Hardhit Rana in the third test for India.

Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja replaced Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin for India in the playing XI. 

 

Dec 14, 2024, 12:25 AM

Agree?

Dec 14, 2024, 12:20 AM

Playing XIs | AUS vs IND

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

 

Dec 14, 2024, 12:15 AM

Toss result

Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma at the toss Australia vs India, 3rd Test, Brisbane, December 14, 2024

Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain team won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Rohit: "We're going to bowl first. Little bit overcast and little bit of grass, looks a bit soft as well, want to make best use of the conditions. Lot of cricket to be played, both teams have played good cricket in the last two games. Big game for us here, we'll do what is expected of us. We'll play good cricket, we understand we have to capture some moments, we didn't do that in the previous game which is why we lost."

Cummins: "We would've bowled first too. Been a fantastic series so far. Really happy with last week, just about everyone got into the series, been a good lead-up. Preperations have been pretty good. Early finish in Adelaide allowed us to come up here early and get settled. Just one change, Scott Boland is out for Hazlewood."

 

Dec 14, 2024, 12:14 AM

Previous Results at Gabba between India and Australia

Matches: 7

Australia: 5

Draw: 1

India: 1

Dec 14, 2024, 12:12 AM

Match Session Timings

  • Toss on Day 1 at 5:20 am IST
  • Start of Play: 5:50 am IST
  • First session: 5:50 am IST to 7:50 am IST
  • Lunch break: 7:50 am IST to 8:30 am IST
  • Second session: 8:30 am IST to 10:30 am IST
  • Tea break: 10:30 am IST to 10:50 am IST
  • Final session: 10:50 am IST to 12:50 pm IST

Dec 14, 2024, 12:12 AM

Match Details

Match: Australia vs India

Date: 14 Dec 2024 - 18 Dec 2024

Time: 6 am IST

Venue: Gabba, Brisbane

 

Next Article

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings)

World Test Championship had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent opening partnerships along the way with stellar averages. Let's take a look at those opening pairs that have the highest opening partnership average in WTC history.

Oct 24, 2024, 11:18 AMโ€ข3 min read

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings)

A good opening partnership sets the tone wonderfully for a side to take control in cricket. Their task gets a lot more difficult in Test cricket, where they have to see through new ball trouble to ensure the batters following them can score freely. Like the ODI and T20 world cups, the International Cricket Council (ICC) opted to appease Test cricket with the World Test Championship. Although it had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent opening partnerships along the way with stellar averages. Let's take a look at those opening pairs that have the highest opening partnership average in WTC history.

Also Read: Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

Highest opening partnership average (WTC)

1# Yashasvi Jaiswal & Rohit Sharma (IND)

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings) - Sportzpoint.com

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the record for the fastest fifty-plus partnership in Test cricket history during the fourth day of play in the second Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The Indian duo batted at a run-rate of 14.34 making them the first pair to register a half-century at a scoring rate of more than two runs per ball. 

In 22 matches, the Indian pair scored 1163 runs with three centuries and 5 half-centuries, maintaining an impressive average of 52.86. 

2# Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (ENG)

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings) - Sportzpoint.com

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett's opening partnership has been one of the most crucial parts of England's successes in the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, which has drawn to an end the decade of insecurity in establishing a long-term pairing at the top of the order. But beyond the stability, theyโ€™re starting to establish themselves among the most prolific England opening partnerships from years gone by.

In 31 innings, the duo scored 1314 runs with an impressive average of 42.38. They also amassed one century and 10 half-centuries together, with their highest score being 233.

Also Read: World Test Championship qualification: India needs to win 5, draw 1

3# Usman Khawaja & David Warner (AUS)

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings) - Sportzpoint.com

Australiaโ€™s opening batters Usman Khawaja and David Warner have grown up together since junior cricket and have had a long-term association in international cricket. The duo have batted together in 64 innings in Test cricket and have scored 2771 between themselves. 

Khawaja and Warner batted together in 40 innings and scored 1493 runs with an outstanding average of 38.28. They smashed 3 centuries and 9 half-centuries, with a highest score of 156 in WTC.

4# Devon Conway & Tom Latham (NZ)

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings) - Sportzpoint.com

Devon Conway and Tom Latham possess an opening pair that might just go on to become the envy of the world. Since his debut in Test cricket in February 2014, Latham has been a fixture at the top of New Zealand's order in Test cricket. While in 2022, Conway became the fastest New Zealand batter to 1000 Test runs, getting there in 19 innings.

In 23 innings, the Kiwi duo scored 872 runs with an impressive average of 37.91. They also amassed two century and five half-centuries together, with their highest score being 183.

Also Read: Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

5# Pathum Nissanka & Dimuth Karunaratne (SL)

Highest opening partnership average in WTC history (Minimum 10 innings) - Sportzpoint.com

Sri Lankan pair of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne is a fresh one when it comes to opening together in Test Cricket. They have made a hugely impressive start to their alliance at the top in WTC cycle. Nissanka and Karunaratne have opened together in 12 innings in WTC and have scored 444 runs as a pair at an average of 37.00, with two hundred stands.

Next Article

Cameron Green to miss the Boder Gavaskar Trophy; Opens Door For Bancroft

Cameron Green will miss the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Test tour of Sri Lanka, and ICC Champions Trophy due to back surgery, opening a spot for Bancroft.

Oct 14, 2024, 5:58 AMโ€ข3 min read

Photo credit: Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Cameron Green will not be available for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy due to lower back pain. On October 14, Cricket Australia confirmed his unavailability for at least six months, as he has opted to undergo surgery. 

Not only the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Green will miss the Test tour of Sri Lanka in February and the ICC Champions Trophy as well. His participation in the Indian Premier League is under speculation too.

Injury details

Previously, Green suffered from four stress fractures in his lower back. The injury was recurring through his junior days to 2019, a year before his Test debut.

The pain showed up again during the UK tour in September. He did few scans, which revealed that he has some "unique defect" in his adjacent area, believing its to be main cause of injury.

After weeks of discussions, the Cricket Australia medical team has advised him to undergo the surgery. The procedure involves fusing screws and a titanium cable into his lower back to stabilize the stress fracture and prevent future issues.

Recovery Rate

Ideally, it takes around nine months to recover fully from the surgery. But Cricket Australia is speculating that Green may require just six months to be fully fit for cricket.

The success rate of the surgery seems positive as well. New Zealand-based surgeons Grahame Inglis and Rowan Schouten have been performing this surgery for the last two decades. Amongst 26 patients who underwent this operation, 24 patients have been recovered fully.

The success rate undoubtedly is a hopeful thing for Green's return to the national side.

In October 2010, Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff had surgery. But he stayed outside the first-class cricket circuit since then. However, there was no issue of back pain to him.

In 2019, Ben Dwarshuis had surgery, but he showed up after 10 months. James Pattinson took 12 months to recover fully before coming back to first-class cricket.

Injury opens door for Bancroft

cameron-bancroft-sportzpoint.com
Cameron Bancroft last played a Test match for Australia in August 2019. (Photo Credit: AFP)

Former Aussie captain Mark Taylor believes that Green's injury has provided Australia the golden opportunity to test the other Cameron in the team.

Ahead the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Taylor suggests, rather believes Cameron Bancroft to make a comeback in the team.

Bancroft is having a peak in the Sheffield Shieldโ€™s last few seasons. With Green leaving the number 6 spot vacant, there's an opportunity for the management to do a shuffle in the OR, letting Bancroft open with Usman Khwaja

Read Also: Who is next after Warner? Cricket Australia finds it difficult to choose their test opener 

Also, since Khawaja will be turning 38 this year, there is a high necessity for some permutation and combination in the team, testing the new generation to fill up the spot and let Australia have a steady opening pair.

Next Article

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