Tuesday, July 14
Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump persists, significantly impacting his performance in the Border-Gavaskar series. In the SCG Test, Kohli scored 17 runs off 69 balls before being dismissed by Scott Boland for the fourth time. Kohli's total in the series stands at 184 runs in 8 innings, averaging 26.29.
The SCG Test had a dramatic moment when India’s Virat Kohli was ruled not out after a controversial umpiring decision on his very first delivery. The decision saw Kohli survive a potential dismissal, easing tensions in the Indian dressing room, with Rohit Sharma visibly relieved. Rohit scored 31 runs in five innings across three Tests.
India's Test captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the 5th Test at Sydney. Rohit Sharma, struggling with form, was replaced by Shubman Gill. Additionally, Prasidh Krishna replaced the injured Akash Deep. Rohit scored only 31 runs over five innings on this tour.
Virat Kohli joins an unfortunate list with a low average in the first innings of Test matches since 2024, highlighted by his struggle against outside off-stump deliveries. During the final Test against Australia, he scored 17 runs off 69 balls, contributing to India's all-out for 185. His performance lagged behind bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.
Kwena Maphaka, at 18 years and 270 days, became South Africa's youngest Test cricketer, impressing everyone with his debut against Pakistan. Despite missing the 2024 SA20 season for U19 World Cup commitments, he remains pivotal to the Paarl Royals' strategy. Known for his explosive pace, Maphaka is set to shine in the 2025 SA20 season under experienced mentors.
India faced a challenging start at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia, losing openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Captain Jasprit Bumrah's decision to bat first came under scrutiny as Virat Kohli narrowly escaped a first-ball duck after a controversial catch claim was overturned. Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer maintained Kohli should have been out.
India faced a challenging start at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia, losing openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Captain Jasprit Bumrah's decision to bat first came under scrutiny as Virat Kohli narrowly escaped a first-ball duck after a controversial catch claim was overturned. Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer maintained Kohli should have been out.
