The countdown has started for the high-voltage England vs. India 5-match Test series starting on Friday (June 20). India, without the services of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, will face the host under newly appointed captain Shubman Gill.

Last year, the Indian team in the Whites was bamboozled by New Zealand and Australia and knocked India out of the equation for the World Test Championship's final (WTC Final 2025). India, with a new captain and new hopes, is set to start their new chapter in Leeds.

Ahead of the match, many cricket experts put England ahead of the traveling team as the favorite to win the series. But former Australia international and now cricket expert Matthew Hayden shared his thoughts in different ways. In Hayden's opinion, India will have a brilliant opportunity to defeat England, the host team, because they have multiple injury concerns, and he did not want to rate the current English bowling line-up highly.

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Hayden has trust on Indian batting line-up

"I don't think England bowlers are that good; they have got a number of injuries and a number of retirees as well. That will be the challenge. The northern Test matches, when it's zipping around, will be key. Win that one, and it could well be a series that goes India's way," Hayden said on Jio Hotstar. 

Even before the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, England, they will have to keep an eye on their multiple bowlers. Speed stars like Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Gus Atkinson are not part of the 1st match starting on June 20. England have picked Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jamie Overton as the five pacers in the squad for the Headingley Test.

South Africa are edging closer to creating history in the ongoing World Test Championship Final 2025 (WTC). With only 69 runs remaining in the bank and eight wickets to go, South Africa emerge as the strong favorites to clinch their maiden ICC title since 1998. A fighting partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma has turned the tables on Australia, putting the Southern African nation on the cusp of a historic cricketing moment. 

South Africa's resounding progress in the WTC final match has left many Australian cricket experts alarmed. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden went hard on Pat Cummins, calling him out for being way too defensive in his approach. After concluding their second innings on a high, Australia had mounted a reasonable target of 281 on the board. Much to their delight, the Aussie quicks, including Mitch Starc, made an ideal start by removing Rickelton and Mulder in quick succession to give Australia a definite advantage. 

But all that advantage was lost in an instant once they were met with fierce resistance from Bavuma and Markram. Australia had South Africa reeling but failed to make further breakthroughs, allowing them to conclude day three on a high with all eight wickets intact.

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Haydos blasts the Australian skipper to let South Africa off the hook

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Hayden slammed Cummins for being too defensive against Bavuma, who had just walked out to bat after Mulder's dismissal. After bundling them out cheaply for 138 in the first innings, Cummins was expected to adopt a very aggressive approach. But the absence of his aggressive approach baffled the Aussie great. 

He further highlighted the lack of protection in the catching cover regions and stressed that the field placement should have been more attacking, which would have helped them cut down unnecessary singles.

“You know, this defensive effort here from Australia, it was all about how they were going to take wickets and how they were going to do that early. You know, when they got through to Mulder, they got through Rickelton, and they had to put at that point pressure on Bavuma. They had to put those catching cover areas, had to be less defensive, more attacking. Can you imagine if those first couple of balls had been chipped up? South Africa now it's three down. Australia got control of the match. So for me, that was a trick," 

The 2023 defending champions are on the verge of a catastrophic defeat in the WTC summit clash. Although the job is yet to be fully finished, and given South Africa's all-time reputation of "chokers", we cannot say for sure whether they are out of the woods. The Aussies, who have proven their tactical brilliance in the knockout matches time and again, can't be taken lightly as they will look to leave no stone unturned to retain their crown at all costs. 

The battle of the heavyweights has almost arrived as the Lord's Cricket Ground gears up to host a blockbuster World Test Championship (WTC) final clash between Australia and South Africa starting on June 11. Australia are the defending champions and will do whatever it takes to defend the crown at any cost. South Africa, on the other hand, are poised to make their maiden appearance in the WTC final, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create glory. The Proteas have played exceptional cricket of late to make it to the top summit and will look to leave no stone unturned to get their hands on the prestigious WTC mace.

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ICC announces commentators for the WTC Final

Ahead of the thrilling clash, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a richly diverse and a star-studded commentary panel comprising as many as 11 commentators from seven Test-playing nations. These feature some of cricket's most iconic voices, including Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop, Ian Smith, Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, and Mel Jones.

🚨 COMMENTATORS FOR WTC FINAL 🚨

Ravi Shastri, Ian Bishop, Ian Smith, Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, Mel Jones. pic.twitter.com/B1dGTj4nnF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 10, 2025

Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik have been drafted to the commentary panel, despite India not making it to the WTC Final this time. Shastri brings an unmistakable booming voice and high energy to the microphone, especially in big moments. His voice rises with the tension, and his delivery becomes almost theatrical. Karthik, on the other hand, brings a fresh and insightful voice to the comm box that has made him an instant fan favorite in recent times. 

Whereas, two commentators from the two participating nations have been drafted. Matthew Hayden and Mel Jones will comprise the Australian contingent, and Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock will form the South African contingent. Both Hayden and Mel are considered highly renowned voices in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and are equipped with a fast cricketing IQ. Hayden brings a no-nonsense, bold, “go hard or go home” approach to his analysis, while Mel has a more balanced tone, which is both engaging and pleasant to hear. 

From the South African point of view, Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock are also considered some of the most revered voices in world cricket. Having captained his national side in over 100 Tests, Smith's commentary primarily revolves around strategic depth, often explaining captaincy calls, field settings, and psychological aspects of the game. Pollock, being a former world-class all-rounder, brings superb technical insight into bowling.

Other iconic voices feature Ian Bishop and Ian Smith from the West Indies and New Zealand, respectively, and three from the host nation, including Nasser Hussain, Kevin Pietersen, and Stuart Broad. These legendary voices, who once played the game at the highest level, bring an extraordinary amount of experience with them. They will now be tasked with entertaining the viewers with their insightful and engaging commentary in the much-anticipated WTC Final.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the newest members of the Hall of Fame, announcing seven legendary cricketers from past and current generations and formats. ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members to the Hall of Fame at a special ceremony in London, which was held at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new inductees, saying, "Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket's legacy and inspired generations," Shah said.

“This year, we are privileged to induct seven truly outstanding individuals into this prestigious group. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hope they cherish this well-deserved recognition as a defining moment in their cricketing journey.”

The seven inductees are:

Matthew Hayden

A dominant figure in world cricket, Hayden played 103 Tests and scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73. He also featured in 161 ODIs, amassing 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80, and added 308 runs from nine T20Is.

Matthew Hayden was a dominant opening batsman who consistently beat the world's best bowlers. With 30 Test centuries and a greater than 50 average, his supremacy in red-ball cricket was evident. Just as devastating in ODIs, Hayden topped the run charts in the 2007 ICC World Cup with three hundreds. His contributions saw Australia win two World Cups in a golden period. After retirement, he became widely respected as a cricket commentator. His ICC Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his monumental contribution to the game.

"The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against," he said.

"Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognized along with them."

Hashim Amla

One of South Africa's most elegant and consistent batters, Amla accumulated 9,282 runs in 124 Tests and 8,113 in 181 ODIs, while maintaining an impressive 49.46 average in ODIs.

Hashim Amla exemplified elegance and reliability at the crease for South Africa. His beautiful cover drives and wristy flicks off the leg side were hallmarks of a productive career. He became the first South African to achieve a triple hundred in Tests and concluded with 55 overseas tons. Amla's consistency assisted South Africa in reaching the No. 1 Test ranking while he was on the side. He was just as impressive in ODIs, scoring freely in all conditions. His induction recognizes a player who added class and composure to all forms.

"It is an honor to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme," Amla said.

"The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful."

MS Dhoni

India’s most successful white-ball captain, Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, scoring over 17,000 international runs and effecting over 800 dismissals.

MS Dhoni’s cricket journey is defined by iconic finishes, tactical brilliance, and historic triumphs. He led India to three ICC titles: the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. Known for his finishing abilities and calm demeanor, Dhoni mastered white-ball cricket with unmatched precision. His innovation behind the stumps set a new benchmark for wicketkeeping. From humble small-town roots to international fame, his legacy endures through generations. The ICC Hall of Fame now honors one of India's all-time great cricketers.

"It is an honor to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he said.

 "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever."

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Graeme Smith

Smith led South Africa with grit, scoring 9,265 runs in 117 Tests and nearly 7,000 in ODIs. He is remembered as a strong captain and a dependable top-order batter.

Graeme Smith was a dashing and forceful opening batsman who accepted leadership at the age of 22. He led South Africa in a golden period, with authority as well as sustained batting performances. Smith played key roles in big wins and series victories across the world. His resilient frame of mind and capacity for motivating teammates ensured him a position as one of the best leaders in the contemporary game. He struck well in excess of a hundred despite captaincy pressures, creating a lasting legacy. The Hall of Fame acknowledges his twin excellence as player and captain.

"It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way," he said.

"This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have gotten recognition this year."

Daniel Vettori

The former New Zealand captain played 113 Tests and picked up 362 wickets while scoring 4,531 runs. He also claimed 305 wickets in ODIs and 38 in T20Is.

Daniel Vettori added astute left-arm spin to composed captaincy and solid lower-order batting. He is still one of only a handful to reach the double of 4,000 runs and 300 Test wickets. As captain, he led New Zealand to famous landmarks such as a Champions Trophy final appearance. Vettori was a thinking cricketer at all times, beating batters with flight and variation. He still remains involved in the game even after retirement as a coach. His ICC Hall of Fame induction recognizes both his ability and cricketing awareness.

"Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game," Vettori said.

"To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming, and I can’t find words to describe the feeling."

Sana Mir

Pakistan's pioneer in women’s cricket, Sana took 151 wickets in 120 ODIs and 89 in 106 T20Is, becoming the first Pakistani woman in the Hall of Fame.

Sana Mir pioneered and transformed women's cricket in Pakistan by skill and leadership. A true match-winner, she compiled more than 200 international wickets and was instrumental in winning numerous games. Away from the game, she advocated for issues such as mental well-being and body image and became an inspiration to many. Her impact went beyond statistics, with the contribution to increasing the profile of women's cricket in her homeland. She demonstrated resilience in establishing a path for future generations. Her Hall of Fame induction is a moment of pride and history for Pakistan.

"From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women’s team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolized long before I ever held a bat or a ball—this is a moment I couldn’t have dared to imagine," she said.

"I am incredibly grateful for this honor and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches, and family for all their support over the years."

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Sarah Taylor

England’s star wicketkeeper-batter scored over 6,000 international runs and was involved in more than 230 dismissals across formats. Her contributions in major tournaments are widely celebrated.

Sarah Taylor was one of England's best wicketkeepers and top-order batters with style. Her rapid glovework, particularly stumpings down the leg side, raised the bar for women's cricket. Taylor was central to England's World Cup victories in 2009 and 2017, producing vital displays in the knockout stages. She struck a balance between flair and calm, leading the next generation of cricketers with courage. Her career also served to destigmatize mental ill health in sport. The Hall of Fame rightly recognizes her enduring legacy on and off the pitch.

"Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true," Taylor said.

 "Women's cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition."

The IPL 2025 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clash provided the spectators with plenty to cheer about. In addition to the exciting cricketing action, the highlight that took everyone's breath away was from the commentary stand. The erstwhile Australian opener Matthew Hayden affectionately nicknamed MS Dhoni "Tuk Tuk" in the course of the match. He made this observation while observing Dhoni play some dot balls as he constructed his innings cautiously on the slow Chepauk pitch.

Hayden's statement was not an attempt to disparage Dhoni but was simply a light comment. In the game of cricket, "Tuk Tuk" is frequently used for slow-playing players and defensive players in adverse conditions. Hayden, respecting Dhoni enormously, has never spoken ill of him but rather has always called him the mainstay of CSK. His light-hearted remark brought a refreshing touch to the commentary, making the game even more exciting for all the fans from across the globe.

As it is known to all, MS Dhoni possesses a smart game sense. Despite beginning slowly, it was a part of his plan to study the pitch first and then go for big hits. His composed attitude once again justified why he is rated among the top finishers in cricket. Eventually, Dhoni did what he does best  : finished the game with coolness and class.

Nah Matthew Hayden just called MS Dhoni "tuk tuk" 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/S22SHAM8RA

— B. (@Duk3Nukem_) April 11, 2025

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Match Highlights: CSK vs KKR — IPL 2025, April 11

The match was held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. KKR had won the toss and decided to bowl first. CSK did not have a good day with the bat, though. They could only manage to score 103 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Vijay Shankar scored a top score of 29 runs, while Sunil Narine of KKR spearheaded the bowling effort with stunning figures of 3 wickets for 13 runs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana also played well, taking two wickets each. MS Dhoni, playing his usual finishing role, couldn't make much of an impact and was out for a mere 1 run.

In reply, KKR easily chased the target, reaching 104 for 3 in only 17.3 overs. Quinton de Kock was the star with 38 runs, and Ajinkya Rahane supported well with 28 runs. KKR's top order laid the foundation for the chase, making it an easy win. KKR won the game by 7 wickets, with Sunil Narine being the most impressive player on the day. It was an all-round convincing performance by KKR, and they took home a crucial victory.

The exclusion of premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the India team for the World Test Championship final against Australia has drawn analysis from Australian cricket legends Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.

Ashwin, India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2021-23 WTC cycle and currently the top-ranked Test bowler, was left out as the team led by Rohit Sharma chose to field four seamers to improve their pace attack.

Hayden and Ponting voiced their disapproval of India’s decision, pointing to the questionable move of not having Ashwin.

“I feel that Ravichandran Ashwin  is such a key factor, the leading wicket taker in the Tests cycle is not there. There are a few factors worth pondering on in Team India’s perspective,”

Hayden told ICC after the day one’s proceedings. 

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja is the only spinner in the playing XI without Ashwin. He took no wickets as India struggled to break the 251-run partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head (146 batting).

With 327/3 on the board, Australia won day one with Head’s blistering century, his first in England, and Smith’s determined performance.

World Cup-winning skipper Ponting called Ashwin’s rejection a “mistake”

“So far for me, it looks like it was a mistake from them by playing the four seamers, but we will see how the game pans out,” Ponting told the ICC.

“As this game goes on, I have got no doubt that there is going to be a turn. Australia have got a lot of left-handers in their batting line-up to which Ashwin would have been perfectly suited for,”

he said, as Ashwin is the most successful bowler in Tests against left-handers.

After winning the toss, there was also discussion regarding Rohit’s “bowl-first” decision, and Hayden suggested that the Indian captain might have “missed a trick.”

“I feel they may have missed a trick at the toss. Even if Pat Cummins said he would have liked to bowl, I secretly think Australia always likes to bat first in Tests. I feel like Rohit Sharma was caught thinking that we’re going to play the day rather than playing the Test match.”

he further added.

Head was the aggressive player on day one, scoring 146 runs in just 156 deliveries as he attacked the Indian attack as the wicket got easier.

Hayden and Ponting contrasted Head likewise with the partner and unbelievable wicketkeeper hitter Adam Gilchrist after he swung the force in support of Australia in ‘A definitive Test’.

“It was a classical Travis Head attacking style. One of the things in this Championship cycle is that Head not only scored over 1000 runs but he did at a strike rate of 80-plus,”

Hayden said 

“That’s really hard to do when you are playing a tournament of such pressure, and also you are under enormous pressure because of the atmospheric conditions. But he finds a way to get this terrific strike rate. He is almost like Adam Gilchrist was in his day, somehow able to put so much pressure on opposition simply because they do not know where to bowl,”

Hayden added.

During his illustrious Test career, Gilchrist had a strike rate of 81.95, and Head is moving in the same direction, scoring at a similar rate during Australia’s World Test Championship.

“He probably is (similar to Gilchrist). In fact he is probably scoring quicker now than Gilly probably ever did,”  

“His strike-rate through this (World Test Championship) qualification period is 81, which is higher than anyone else in the world to have scored more than 500 runs.”

Ponting said.

SHAMI AND CO ERRED IN THEIR LENGTH 

Ponting further said India’s pacers erred with their length early against Head.

“I think when he first comes in you need to execute perfectly to him. It is no good trying to over attack him because if you bowl any bad ball, he is going to put it away. They will learn by the way they bowled to him in this first innings, and they will definitely adjust in this second innings, but sometimes it is too late.” 

Ponting noted.

With the sixteenth release of the Indian Premier League (IPL) reaching an end, all streets currently lead to The Oval as Rohit Sharma‘s team India is good to go to make their re-visitation of worldwide cricket for A definitive Test. This week at the Oval, Rohit’s Team India, the newly ranked No. 1 team in red-ball cricket, will play Australia, coached by Pat Cummins, in the ICC World Test Championship final. Team India, who finished second in the previous edition of the ICC World Test Championship, will be eager to end their long-running title drought at ICC events.

When the legendary MS Dhoni was in charge, the two-time world champions last won an ICC trophy. In 2013, the Men in Blue were led to victory in the Champions Trophy by the former India skipper. The Asian giants have not won a single trophy in ICC competitions since then. India were defeated by most outstanding adversaries Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final. After that, New Zealand stunned the Men in Blue in the ODI World Cup semi-final. In the past T20 World Cup, India were pounded by possible heroes England in the semi-finals.

What is preventing India from overcoming the final obstacle in ICC competitions? Can Team India defeat Australia to win a major ICC trophy this season? Matthew Hayden, a legendary Australian opener, stated that the team’s absence from ICC competitions is more of a “mindset” problem.

“It’s certainly not a question of skill. So, it has to be a question of just the opportunity and the mindset going in. I mean, cricket is life here, it is the DNA of sport and has no other competitors. In Australia I could walk down the street and largely be unrecognized, especially with this terrible beard and hat on (laughs). But it’s also got great competitive sports besides cricket. Rugby, football, our water sports, surfing, outdoor sports, here in India it’s very insular and there’s a lot of pressure,”

Hayden told PTI.

Hayden’s advice to Team India

The legendary Australian opener is of the opinion that neither team has an advantage going into the final, which is scheduled to take place from June 7 to June 11 at the Oval in London. Hayden also has some interesting advice for Rohit’s Team India ahead of the World Test Championship final, citing the recent success of IPL giants Gujarat Titans (GT), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

“It’s the same with Pakistan cricket as well. There is one sport and it is cricket so it’s a mindset thing. Being cautious about looking for the scoreboard and looking for the titles and just playing and being a part of the process, something when you look at franchise setups, Gujarat Titans have done really well this year and CSK have done very well. Mumbai Indians as well believe in a certain process. So, that would be my advice to Indian cricket to forget the outcomes, but buy into the process,”

Hayden said.

‘Shubman Gill will be a superstar of any cricket format’

Additionally, the former CSK star made a significant statement regarding Shubman Gill’s rise. After a successful IPL 2023 season, India opener Gill has arrived in London. The Orange Cap winner and IPL Player of the Tournament has also made a name for himself in the Indian lineup across formats by playing a string of stunning knocks for Team India.

“You will see a lot of Shubman Gill for the next 15 years. The foundations behind a good Test cricketer are pretty simple. And Shubman, and KL Rahul before him, fundamentally have fantastic games. So, he’ll be a superstar of any cricket format for a very long time. One of the biggest advantages that Shubman has and he showed this when he was touring Australia is he’s very good off the backfoot as well. So square of wicket play is excellent. And that’ll stand him in good stead even against the best Test sides in the world,”

Hayden added.

Team India decided to go into the first T20I match against Australia in Mohali on Tuesday (September 20) with Dinesh Karthik as the specialist keeper and ‘finisher’ for the side ahead of Rishabh Pant. Karthik, however, fizzled with the bat – scoring just six – and furthermore wrecked several DRS calls which proved costly for Rohit Sharma’s side as they lost the first game by four wickets.

Presently, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has scrutinised Karthik’s role in the side, questioning the absence of batting opportunities that the Royal Challengers Bangalore batter is getting. 

 “I was just thinking about the role of Dinesh (Karthik). This role Dinesh is playing now, for the life of me, I can’t work out why he wouldn’t be in their batting now. It doesn’t make any sense to me whatsoever. See, I don’t want to give the impression that I’m disrespecting Dinesh Karthik, but he should be batting more-it’s actually the opposite,”

Hayden said on air during the 1st T20I in Mohali.

The former Australian opener said that despite the fact that Axar Patel might have shown huge accreditations with the bat recently, Karthik ought to get more ball time. 

“I think he is such a good player that he can come in and play this exact same shot. I question the role that he is playing as a finisher. I think there is a role for him to come up the order,”

he added.

Talking exclusively on Star Sports show ‘Match Point’, Hayden talked about who his star performer for Australia in the 1st T20I against India was and whether India can adhere to their ongoing death bowling regime ahead of the second and third T20Is later this week.

“Green, he has been a really big asset for Australian Cricket for a couple of years now. He’s a genuine all-rounder. I just think he’s such a huge part of the future of Australian cricket. So it doesn’t really surprise me, he’s very capable, he’s a big man with good skills. He looked a little bit disappointing with the ball, but it’s a tough place to bowl,”

Hayden said.

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With debate being started on whether Bhuvaneshwar Kumar is adept enough to bowl the death overs for India, 

“I disagree with that, I think he can and has been a very good finisher. I think that’s his role, I mean, obviously, his role is to take wickets up front but if your skipper wants an over or two from you at the end, then he can do that.”

Hayden supported the Indian pacer and said.

The first T20I of the three-match series was played on Tuesday in Mohali, where Team India suffered a crushing loss to Australia. Team India was unable to hold on to a goal of 209 despite Hardik Pandya‘s impressive performance with the bat, who hammered 71* off 30 balls. Australia was victorious by four wickets thanks to the heroics of Cameron Green (61), who performed admirably, and Matthew Wade (45*). In their eight overs together, the fast bowling pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel allowed 101 runs to be scored.

Since he let up a total of 16 runs in the 19th over on Tuesday, Bhuvneshwar’s bowling in the last innings has been a source of concern for the past few games. However, Matthew Hayden, a former cricketer for Australia, backed Bhuvneshwar and referred to him as a “good finisher.”

“I disagree with that, I think he can and has been a very good finisher. I think that’s his role, I mean, obviously, his role is to take wickets up front but if your skipper wants an over or two from you at the end, then he can do that,”

Hayden told Star Sports.

In the recent few games, Bhuvneshwar has shown to be quite expensive in the final overs. The pacer lost to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Asia Cup, allowing 19 and 14 runs in the 19th over, respectively.

With regard to the game, it was Hardik’s second T20I fifty, and the innings was extremely important because India scored 208/6. The groundwork for India had been set earlier by KL Rahul 55 off 35 balls and Suryakumar Yadav 46 off 25 balls.

Australia managed to reach the target with four deliveries remaining, but it was not enough.

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The opponents took a 1-0 series lead because to Matthew Wade’s unbeaten 45 off 21 at No. 7 and Cameron Green’s 61 off 30 at the top of the order which was strong. Axar Patel excelled with the bat, taking three wickets for just 17 runs off of his four overs, but the Australian hitters completely destroyed the rest of the Indian bowlers.

Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden has been rehired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to serve as the team’s coach for the ICC World T20 Cup in Australia. Hayden voiced his belief that the Pakistani squad, which boasts a talented group of athletes, will dominate the mega-event when it takes place the following month. Hayden participated in the World T20 Cup in the UAE last year for a brief period of time, seeing Pakistan’s semifinal loss to Australia.

Hayden will join the team in Brisbane on October 15 as the team will arrive after a T20I series involving Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan will play their tournament opener against India on October 23 in Melbourne. Hayden shared his excitement to join the team as a mentor for the showpiece event.

For the last World Cup, the PCB also employed Vernon Philander of South Africa as a bowling consultant.

The PCB stated that Hayden’s association with the national men’s team will continue after he helped lead them to the last World Cup semifinals.

“I welcome Matthew Hayden back in Pakistan colours. He is a proven performer with his credentials acknowledged and recognised world-over. He brings with him wealth of knowledge about Australia conditions and I am confident his involvement will significantly benefit our extremely talented cricketers for the World Cup and future tours Down Under.”

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said

The PCB has also found sponsors to take care of the fees for Hayden.

“I am extremely excited to be reuniting with the Pakistan team and can’t wait to join the culture again and feel the spirit of One Nation One Passion,”

Hayden was quoted as saying in a PCB release.

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“I have seen how Pakistan has been performing in the ACC T20 Asia Cup and Sunday’s win over India was brilliant. I think this Pakistan side has got what it takes to excel in Australia and the conditions will really suit them, both from a batting and bowling perspective. This team has all of its bases covered and I am sure it will light up the World Cup as it did in the UAE last year,”

the burly Australian said