Test Series https://www.cricketwinner.com Test Series Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:31:05 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[5 Indian players who deserve a spot in the 5th Test vs England]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-indian-players-who-deserve-a-spot-in-the-5th-test-vs-england/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-indian-players-who-deserve-a-spot-in-the-5th-test-vs-england/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:27:08 GMT

India head into the final Test at The Oval facing a 2–1 series deficit after a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. It was a Test that demanded character, and the Indian team responded with exactly that. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar rescued India after being reduced to 0 for 2 in the second innings and trailing by 311 runs.

But amid the fightback, one reality stood out: India’s bowling unit looked completely drained. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both having bowled tirelessly all series, now appear in serious need of rest. With the series still up for grabs, the fifth Test presents not just an opportunity to level the score but also to inject fresh energy and test deserving names on the fringes. Here are five players who have earned a spot in India’s playing XI for the all-important clash at The Oval:

1. Arshdeep Singh 

Arshdeep Singh is yet to play a Test for India, but with the current workload management concerns around Bumrah and Siraj, this could be the perfect time. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer has built up solid red-ball credentials in the domestic circuit, having picked up 48 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 23.91. His five-for (5/35) against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy was a timely reminder of his readiness.

More importantly, Arshdeep’s natural angle and swing would add a crucial point of difference to India’s pace attack, which has been predominantly right-arm throughout the series. With overcast conditions likely at The Oval, he could exploit the early movement and trouble England’s aggressive top order.

2. Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench throughout the series, but if there was ever a time to unleash him, it’s now. His overall Test stats are outstanding: in just 10 matches, Kuldeep has taken 41 wickets at an average of 21.09, with best figures of 5/40. Despite not being a regular in recent years, his match-winning potential with the red ball is undeniable.

Given how the Old Trafford pitch began to turn on Day 5, The Oval is likely to offer even more assistance to spinners late in the game. Kuldeep could be the attacking spin option India needs to complement the control of Jadeja and Sundar. His inclusion would give India a proper three-pronged spin attack capable of running through England’s middle order.

ALSO SEE: Why is the Asia Cup needed for Pakistan Cricket to survive ?

3. Dhruv Jurel 

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Dhruv Jurel will walk into the XI as the wicketkeeper-batter. And there’s no better candidate. Jurel already impressed in the home series against England earlier in the year, scoring 153 runs in 2 Tests at a superb average of 76.50, with a highest score of 90. His glove work was assured, and he showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Even during the India A vs England Lions series, Jurel struck scores of 94, 53*, and 52, a streak that underlined his readiness for the longest format. He’s calm, technically compact, and has the temperament to bat with both the top and lower order, something India will desperately need in Pant’s absence.

4. Prasidh Krishna 

Prasidh Krishna is another player who has been in the Test setup for a while but is yet to make his debut. While Anshul Kamboj looked underwhelming on debut, Prasidh could bring a different threat with his high-arm action and steep bounce. His first-class numbers are solid: 49 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 19.18.

With India looking to rest both Bumrah and Siraj, there’s a strong chance the Oval Test could mark Prasidh’s long-awaited debut. The pitch at The Oval tends to offer bounce and carry, something that could suit his style perfectly. With Arshdeep moving it, Prasidh hitting the deck, and Akash Deep offering control, India could have a balanced pace trio for the showdown.

5. Abhimanyu Easwaran 

The only uncapped player on this list with extensive India A experience, Abhimanyu Easwaran, continues to remain on the selectors’ radar. The 29-year-old opener boasts a first-class average of 46.83 across 89 matches, with 20 hundreds and a highest score of 233. Despite being part of several Test squads, he’s yet to receive his debut cap.

India’s top order looked fragile at times in the series, especially after early losses in the fourth Test. If the team chooses to rest Rohit Sharma or drop an out-of-form Patidar, Easwaran could finally get his long-overdue opportunity. He’s a compact, no-fuss batter built for the rigours of Test cricket, and this might just be his moment.

India showed great character in salvaging a draw at Old Trafford, but the fifth Test is more than just about pride. It’s about rebalancing workloads, preparing the bench for future overseas tours, and giving richly deserving players their due. Whether it’s Kuldeep’s guile, Arshdeep’s swing, Prasidh’s bounce, Jurel’s resilience, or Easwaran’s consistency, each of these names has something valuable to offer. At The Oval, where results often go down to the wire, India’s fresh faces could be the ones to script the final act of this hard-fought series.

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<![CDATA[ENG vs IND 2025: 3 Things India need to do right to win the 4th Test at Manchester]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/eng-vs-ind-2025-3-things-india-need-to-do-right-to-win-the-4th-test-at-manchester/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/eng-vs-ind-2025-3-things-india-need-to-do-right-to-win-the-4th-test-at-manchester/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:57:19 GMT

The renamed 'Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy' 2025 is living up to its stature exceedingly well. Cricket fans from across the globe have been treated to some enthralling and scintillating test cricket action over the past month. With three games done and two more to go, it is turning out to be one of the most exciting and memorable clashes of all time between England and India. The latter were on the wrong side of the results in two out of the three matches and currently trail by 1-2 to the hosts. England took the lead at Leeds, were levelled in Birmingham, and came out trumps, by the barest of margins, in an intense and heated battle at Lord's. With a nine-day break between the third and fourth match set to culminate, it is almost time for the teams to go head to head, lock horns and do it all over again. The extremely anticipated test at the famous Old Trafford in Manchester is just around the corner and slated to commence from Wednesday, 23rd July 2025. 

The series is at stake, and all the talks surrounding India in the build-up have been about setting things right and making amends before it is too late. Some genuine questions arose over the Indian batters and their lacklustre performances in the third test at Lord's. Their lack of intent and application, especially in the second innings, became a subject for intensive scrutiny. Their approach and eventual inability to chase down a low score, on a tricky pitch, turned into a hot topic and the talk of the town. It is not lost on India to script a famous and fabulous comeback against all the odds. They have done and been through that previously and would hope for a similar outcome this week. To meet their expectations and justify the talent in their ranks, they must get back to the drawing board and carve out a winning tactic. To outclass England and reach The Oval, London, for the fifth and final test as being still alive in the series, the visitors must plan to field the best combination and playing eleven. They should further hope to seize those crucial moments and edge ahead in the match. 

See Also: 'India got a good chance' - Former England spinner backs India to win Manchester Test

The Three Things India must put together to win the Manchester Test

1. Fielding the perfect XI

Into the fourth test of the series, there are a few tired legs and injury concerns for the Indian team ahead of Manchester. In the bowling department, Akash Deep suffered a groin injury in the Lord's Test and is highly unlikely to play at Old Trafford, although his fitness test results are still awaited. The left-armer, Arshdeep Singh, injured himself in training and shall certainly miss the match if he were to be selected to feature. The all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, suffered an unfortunate but serious knee issue while working out in the gym and has since been ruled out of the remaining series. Setting aside all the conversations around workload management, Jasprit Bumrah, after all the confusion, is expected to play in back-to-back tests for the first time in this series. His consecutive stay was almost confirmed, in a recent interview, by Mohammed Siraj, his new ball bowling partner and a literal workhorse for the unit. Anshul Kamboj, the Haryana pacer who was part of the squad during warm-up matches, has been called as a cover and backup for the bowling arsenal. Whether he debuts or not would be interesting to see, but the likelihood of him adorning the whites is quite high.  

In batting, Karun Nair, finally, seems vulnerable to be replaced by Sai Sudarshan or Abhimanyu Easwaran. The latter has been knocking on the doors for quite some time now. Rishabh Pant injured his index finger in the previous match and did not keep the wickets for the majority of the game. He has started practicing wicket-keeping in the lead-up, but the team management might not want to risk a component of his, and this shall tempt them to play him only as a specialist batter. Dhruv Jurel becomes a certainty in such a scenario. 

India's probable playing XI for the Old Trafford Test:

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan/Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj. 

2. Seizing the crucial moments

India need to fasten up their fielding and avoid being slack on the ground. During the first test of the ongoing series at Headingley, Leeds, the visitors dropped the English batters an astonishing seven times. Of these seven occasions, the left-handed opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, stationed at the slips or in the gully region, let go of the grip of the ball on four chances. One among those dropped catches proved to be extravagantly costly as Ben Duckett, after that reprieve, smashed a match-winning 149 runs to help set the foundation of England's record chase of 371 runs. Also, batters need to bat with greater responsibility and not let their hard work go in vain. They must convert their starts into big scores and relieve the pressure off the batters following them. The bowling has done extremely well, so far, on this tour, and must continue throwing its shots from the armoury. 

3. Breaking the Mental Stigma

Brushing aside the narrow and agonising loss in the third test at Lord's, India must start fresh and intense. Their test record at the Old Trafford ground, the venue for the fourth game, is not worth a look as they are yet to register a victory there in their nine previous attempts, having lost four and drawn five hitherto. Words shall be hurled at by the Englishmen, but the Indians must stay composed and let their game do the most of the talking. It will be a test of not only the skills, but also nerve, grit, and temperament. The team that plays as a unit might eventually come out of it with flying colours. In a battle that could not be more evenly matched, the margin for errors is minimal, and thus, even the pettiest of faults may become the judging factor of the five-day affair. 

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<![CDATA[The curious case of India opener's test series average drop in his career]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-stats/the-curious-case-of-india-opener-s-test-series-average-drop-in-his-career/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-stats/the-curious-case-of-india-opener-s-test-series-average-drop-in-his-career/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:33:25 GMT

India's flamboyant left-handed batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has had a blistering start to his cricketing career, so far. His explosive batting skills are second to none and justify his sheer prodigious talent. Such is the promise associated with him that he is widely seen as the nation's next big thing in cricket. His gaming prowess and flair are an intrinsic characteristic, and those that have fetched him immense returns as an opener, across formats and levels. For India to bat big, it's expected that Jaiswal hits a purple patch at the earliest in his innings and then prolongs himself at the crease. When that strikes, his bat does the talking and the ground turns into mayhem for the bowlers. His ability to convert starts into humongous scores, making him a class apart, illuminating and throwing great light on his rare talent. As an inference, it is imperative that the young Mumbai player has cemented his place for a long time in the Indian setup. 

However, Yashasvi's attacking instinct, lately, has often taken the vicious shape of a double-edged sword. It has been responsible for his impeccable tally of runs and contrarily for his demise as well. When run-scoring gets big, his batting feels timeless. Then, watching him go about his business is one of the most aesthetic sights in sports, and filled heavily with marvellous boundary shots of fours and sixes. Oppositely, on the other hand, when frequent slogging turns into an ugly mode of dismissal, it can look hideous and embarrassing for the batter. It is then recognised as being immature, irresponsible, and ignorant of the game situation. When the match ends in defeat, in hindsight, that innings is extremely scrutinized and frowned upon with conviction. Thoughts arise over that playing shot and its requirement at that crucial juncture. It is then left only to 'ifs and buts', and the potential result otherwise, had it not gone that way. 

See Also: [WATCH] Kumar Sangakkara recalls first meeting with Vaibhav Suryavanshi before IPL 2025

The 23-year-old batter's test career, yet, is only 22 matches young and has witnessed some outstanding highs. From his debut score of 171 runs against the West Indies in the Caribbean, twin double hundreds against England in Vizag and Rajkot, to a sensational match-winning knock of 161 runs against Australia in Perth, Jaiswal has had a fair taste of the tough dynamics of red-ball cricket. He has notably been a part of the major overseas tours to South Africa (2024), Australia (2024-25), and England (2025-present). His returns adorning the prestigious Indian whites, without a single ray of doubt, have been well above average, but at times questionable as well.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Test Career Numbers So Far

MATCHESRUNSBESTAVERAGE100s50s
222031214*50.77511

Those who have followed his test batting charts, deeply and studiously, might have observed a very subtle pattern. Curiosity arises over it and demands some serious glaring. As a test series progresses, Yashasvi's scores off his bat, more often than not, get inversely proportional, and this sets up a disproportion. It consequently has given birth to a peculiar tale that confronts him at this stage of his first-class career. Numbers, primarily linked with the average drop, shall aid in comprehending that, and the probable reasons behind such sequence. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Scores in a Test Series

METRICSMATCH OF THE SERIES
 1st2nd3rd4th5th
PLAYED77422
RUNS66871828027689
AVERAGE51.3851.2846.666929.66

There is a marginal drop in the form and subsequent number of runs Jaiswal hits as the series progresses further into the fourth and fifth test match. He has only featured twice completely in a five-match test rubber, once home against England and the other away in Australia. The current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between England and India in the UK is the third such instance for him, even where he began sumptuously in the first two games in Leeds and Birmingham respectively, but failed agonizingly in the third at the Lord's. These form-loaded observations have come into the picture courtesy of the consistency in the pattern that the data portrays. After battling out intensively at the initial points, feeling cooked, uncomfortable, and worn out in the latter parts of the series might be one of the major reasons for these dwindling figures. It can, however, become a matter of big concern moving ahead, and if results are deeply impacted through weak foundations from the batters at the top. It, hence, calls for clear evaluations, re-discovery, better and calculative shot selection, and playing the ball on its merit. 

Yashasvi possesses all the ingredients to be termed synonymous with greatness, sailing ahead in cricket. And India would meticulously hope he gets better with time, adding a little dose of safety in his batting approach. This would not only help Indian cricket in moving forward, but also sustain his career, progressively, for years to come. If done right, he will certainly become an ethereal pillar of reliance in history. 

 

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<![CDATA[WATCH: Former India cricketer shares hilarious video of Cheteshwar Pujara lookalike during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-former-india-cricketer-shares-hilarious-video-of-cheteshwar-pujara-lookalike-during-eng-vs-ind-2025-test-series/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-former-india-cricketer-shares-hilarious-video-of-cheteshwar-pujara-lookalike-during-eng-vs-ind-2025-test-series/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:27:19 GMT

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik added a touch of humor to the ongoing Test series between England and India by revealing a doppelganger of Cheteshwar Pujara. Currently part of the broadcast and commentary panel for the series, Karthik shared a light-hearted video on Instagram comparing Pujara with a British sports journalist. The post quickly went viral among fans and fellow commentators.

“What I'm going to show you right now is one cricketer and another person who looks so similar, from a completely different part of the globe. Let me show you all.
This is Cheteshwar Pujara, an Indian cricketer and a man who's into broadcasting recently, and have a look at this, this is Alex Noble,” Karthik said in the video. He then asked both individuals if they thought they resembled each other, which led to a hearty laugh among them all. Karthik affectionately dubbed Alex Noble a “proper doppelganger.”

Alex Noble is a sports journalist with BBC Sport, while Cheteshwar Pujara is currently working as part of the broadcast team during the England series. The moment provided a much-needed comic relief amid the intensity of the ongoing Test battle.

Pujara Continues to Wait for India Recall

Pujara, 37, last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he has been consistently overlooked, missing out on both home and away series, including the ongoing five-match tour of England. Despite his vast experience of 103 Tests and over 7000 runs, Pujara has not been selected in favor of younger players.

Watch the video here

See Also: 'Prepare him for surgical strikes... ' - Former India coach's intriguing advice for Jasprit Bumrah during ENG vs IND 2025 series

Pujara has been active in first-class cricket, scoring 402 runs in seven matches for Saurashtra during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, which included a double hundred. While senior pros like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are absent from the current squad, Pujara still hasn’t found a way back into the team. For now, his role behind the mic is the only presence fans can witness during the England tour.

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<![CDATA['Prepare him for surgical strikes... ' - Former India coach's intriguing advice for Jasprit Bumrah during ENG vs IND 2025 series]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/prepare-him-for-surgical-strikes-former-india-coach-s-intriguing-advice-for-jasprit-bumrah-during-eng-vs-ind-2025-series/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/prepare-him-for-surgical-strikes-former-india-coach-s-intriguing-advice-for-jasprit-bumrah-during-eng-vs-ind-2025-series/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:38:41 GMT

Former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has given his take on managing ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload amid the ongoing Test series against England. With Bumrah set to feature in only three of the five matches, his rotation has sparked criticism from some experts. However, Desai defended the decision, stating that the injury-prone fast bowler must be used wisely and strategically to maximize his impact.

“Bumrah is an asset and needs to be handled smartly. A small team needs to handle him, prepare him for surgical strikes a few times a year, and be smart around him at other times.
I have been with him since 2014, when he was on RTP from his ACL injury, from his Gujarat Ranji Trophy days,” Desai said in an interview with The Indian Express ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester.

He further added, “He is special, a gifted guy who has worked immensely to become one of a kind.
To manage guys like him, we need a cohesive, collective, and collaborative approach with a long-term vision driving the decisions and, ideally, with great consistency in personnel around him.”

Siraj's Rebound After Champions Trophy Omission

Soham Desai also spoke about managing players who are dropped, citing the example of Mohammed Siraj. The pacer was left out of India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy squad earlier this year, which left him demoralized. Desai revealed that the bond formed over years helped keep Siraj motivated and physically prepared for upcoming opportunities.

See Also: 'Can do a little bit of damage with....' – Ex-Aussie spinner makes big claim about India's combination for ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

“Whether they are prepping for an ongoing series or they are in the loop to be featured in the upcoming one, they need to be on a plan to be fully ready. This happens round the year. Siraj had a tough start to the year. He was devastated and unmotivated. In these moments, the relationship built over the years comes into play,” he explained. Siraj has responded superbly in the England series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker so far with 13 wickets.

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<![CDATA['If You're Unfit, Then Don't Play at All' – Former India captain slams Jasprit Bumrah after ENG vs IND 2025 3rd Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/if-you-re-unfit-then-don-t-play-at-all-former-india-captain-slams-jasprit-bumrah-after-eng-vs-ind-2025-3rd-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/if-you-re-unfit-then-don-t-play-at-all-former-india-captain-slams-jasprit-bumrah-after-eng-vs-ind-2025-3rd-test/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:58:50 GMT

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has come down hard on the management of Jasprit Bumrah’s workload during the ongoing Test series against England. Following India’s narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, Vengsarkar questioned the rationale behind resting Bumrah for the second Test, especially after a seven-day gap post the series opener. Bumrah, who was rested at Edgbaston despite India trailing 0-1, is expected to feature in only three of the five Tests.

“What is important is playing for India, and if you are unfit, then don’t play at all. He had a gap of almost 7-8 days after the first Test match but still was not included for the second Test, which was not acceptable.
Maybe it was acceptable for Agarkar and Gambhir,” Vengsarkar told RevSportz, referring to Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. He expressed disappointment in players being allowed to pick and choose games despite being on tour.

“I’m not in favor of bowlers picking and choosing Test matches.
If you’re fit and available, you should play all the matches for your country. Bumrah is a world-class bowler, and he can win matches for India. But once you’re on tour, you need to play every match. There’s no question of selecting matches based on personal preference,” he added, underlining that fitness should dictate availability—not workload plans.

Bumrah shines, but India fall short at Lord’s

Despite missing one match, Bumrah remains India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series, having taken 12 wickets in just two Tests at an average of 21.00, including two five-wicket hauls. However, his absence in the second Test drew criticism as India entered the match trailing and ultimately failed to level the series.

See Also: 'No One Talks About Him.... ' – Former India cricketer on Mohammed Siraj's workload amid Jasprit Bumrah chatter

Reflecting on India’s collapse while chasing 193 on Day 5 at Lord’s, Vengsarkar remarked, “Someone needed to take a risk, and Bumrah tried his best. Jadeja kept the hopes alive for us, but it wasn’t to be. Siraj tried, but you don’t expect your No. 11 to be around for a long time. Jadeja might have been absolutely shattered.” With the loss, England now leads the five-match series 2-1, with the fourth Test scheduled to be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting Wednesday, July 23.

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<![CDATA['No One Talks About Him.... ' – Former India cricketer on Mohammed Siraj's workload amid Jasprit Bumrah chatter]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/no-one-talks-about-him-former-india-cricketer-on-mohammed-siraj-s-workload-amid-jasprit-bumrah-chatter/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/no-one-talks-about-him-former-india-cricketer-on-mohammed-siraj-s-workload-amid-jasprit-bumrah-chatter/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:43:13 GMT

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over the lack of conversation regarding Mohammed Siraj's workload, especially with discussions surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and rotation continuing to dominate headlines. Before the fourth Test against England, Chopra had said that while the BCCI had indicated that Bumrah would not be featuring in all matches, Siraj's efforts and match-time endurance have gone largely unnoticed.

“He works very hard. He bowls a lot of overs. Interestingly enough, no one is talking about him, and you feel it's not fair that you talk about everyone but not about him. However, he gives his 100 percent. Whenever he comes to bowl, he bowls wholeheartedly and runs in fast,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel, highlighting Siraj's consistent commitment and energy levels despite the demanding workload.


Chopra's comments express a larger feeling that bowlers like Siraj, who don't benefit from the same media spotlight as other bowlers, often go under the radar despite their impact in long Test series.

Moeen Ali draws Kohli comparison for Gill's fiery attitude

Meanwhile, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali drew comparisons between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, particularly in terms of on-field aggression and competitive spirit. Moeen believes Gill’s demeanor at Lord’s had echoes of Kohli’s iconic celebration at Edgbaston back in 2018, and while such behavior is part of the game, it may have sparked a stronger reaction from the hosts.

See Also: 'Expectancy is Tendulkar-Kohli Level'– Daniel Peacock hails India U19 star player, a fan favourite in England

“My take is, it's fine. I think he's just trying to be competitive in front of a fight, and very similar to Virat, I think it's fine,” Moeen said. “But then, obviously, the other team, what you've done is, I think you've actually brought out the best of England and the fight and that beast England can be. And I think it's a different side of England. They've shown all the players that it's great for the series to win. I don't know why it's getting criticized,” he added during an interaction on Wednesday while playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the GSL.

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<![CDATA[WATCH: Travis Head departs after stunning diving catch by substitute fielder in WI vs AUS 3rd Test 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-travis-head-departs-after-stunning-diving-catch-by-substitute-fielder-in-wi-vs-aus-3rd-test-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-travis-head-departs-after-stunning-diving-catch-by-substitute-fielder-in-wi-vs-aus-3rd-test-2025/ Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:56:29 GMT

West Indies substitute fielder Anderson Phillip stole the spotlight on Day 1 of the third Test against Australia with an incredible diving catch to send Travis Head back to the pavilion. It happened on the last ball of the 65th over when Justin Greaves delivered a full ball outside off. Head attempted a lofted drive, only to see Phillip sprinting across from mid-off and diving full-stretch to complete a brilliant low catch, with both hands secure under the ball even as his elbows grazed the turf.

The dismissal of Travis Head, who managed 20 runs off 53 balls with two boundaries, left Australia struggling at 189/6.
Earlier in the innings, Australian captain Pat Cummins elected to bat first at Sabina Park. The opening pair of Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja added 28 runs in 100 balls before Konstas fell for 17. Khawaja followed soon after for 23 off 92 deliveries. Cameron Green and Steve Smith held up the innings a bit with a 61-run third-wicket partnership, posting 46 and 48 respectively.

With the middle-order stand, Australia was unable to capitalize on the platform. Alex Carey (21) and Pat Cummins (24 off 17 balls, including 3 sixes) made contributions in the form of cameos.
Yet, West Indies' disciplined bowling effort saw Shamar Joseph take four wickets, and Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves take three each. Australia were dismissed for 225 in 70.3 overs.

Watch the video here

See Also: WATCH: Relive fight between Indian captain and England openers during closing over of ENG vs IND 3rd Test

Mitchell Starc Strikes Early in His 100th Test

In response, West Indies lost Kevlon Anderson early while Mitchell Starc celebrated his 100th Test with a decisive breakthrough. At stumps on Day 1, the Windies were 16/1 in nine overs, with Roston Chase (3*) and Brandon King (8*) sitting pretty. With both sides looking at taking control, Day 2 promises to be another edge-of-the-seat encounter at Sabina Park.

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<![CDATA[WI vs AUS: Probable playing XI for West Indies ahead of 3rd Test at Sabina Park]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wi-vs-aus-probable-playing-xi-for-west-indies-ahead-of-3rd-test-at-sabina-park/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wi-vs-aus-probable-playing-xi-for-west-indies-ahead-of-3rd-test-at-sabina-park/ Sat, 12 Jul 2025 20:02:14 GMT

The West Indies enter the third and final Test of the series against Australia facing a daunting task. Having already conceded a 2-0 lead to the visitors, Roston Chase’s side will be desperate to avoid a whitewash when they take the field at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, from July 12 to 16. This pink-ball fixture also holds historical significance—it marks the first-ever day-night Test match in the Caribbean, adding extra pressure and intrigue to the contest.

The bowling has at times shown potential for the Caribbean side's bowling. Pacers Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales have at times troubled the Australian batters based on their raw pace and swing.
However, the West Indies' biggest concern throughout the series has been their inconsistent and underperforming batting lineup. Top-order collapses have exposed the middle order too early, leading to subpar totals that Australia has easily chased down or outmatched.

With the final Test being played under lights with a pink ball, West Indies might slightly alter their combination based on the conditions.
If fit, Kraigg Brathwaite can be expected back at the top, replacing Mikyle Louis. There should be no changes in the middle order, with the top three of Keacy Carty, Brandon King, and Shai holding key roles. Captain Roston Chase will offer spin and leadership, and the last bowling combination could be determined by whether they choose a spinner in Jomel Warrican or all-pace via Anderson Phillip.

See Also: WI vs AUS: Probable playing XI for Australia ahead of 3rd Test at Sabina Park

West Indies’ Probable Playing XI for 3rd Test vs Australia

  • Kraigg Brathwaite / Mikyle Louis
  • John Campbell
  • Keacy Carty
  • Brandon King
  • Roston Chase (c)
  • Shai Hope (wk)
  • Justin Greaves
  • Alzarri Joseph
  • Jomel Warrican / Anderson Phillip
  • Shamar Joseph
  • Jayden Seales

Having already lost the series, this final Test offers West Indies a chance to rebuild confidence and finish strong in front of their home crowd. With Sabina Park hosting a pink-ball Test for the first time, conditions will be challenging and unfamiliar. For the Windies, it’s not just about avoiding a whitewash—it’s about showing fight, belief, and direction heading into the next phase of the WTC cycle.

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<![CDATA[WI vs AUS: Probable playing XI for Australia ahead of 3rd Test at Sabina Park]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wi-vs-aus-probable-playing-xi-for-australia-ahead-of-3rd-test-at-sabina-park/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wi-vs-aus-probable-playing-xi-for-australia-ahead-of-3rd-test-at-sabina-park/ Sat, 12 Jul 2025 19:45:15 GMT

Australia has begun the new cycle for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in a brilliant fashion, securing a 2-0 series lead over the West Indies, having won the first two tests comfortably. Now, the visitors will be looking for a clean sweep as they prepare for the third and final test. Set to be played at the historical Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, between July 12 and 16, this match carries added significance: this will be Australia's first-ever pink-ball Test outside of their home country.

Despite being unfamiliar with overseas day-night Tests, Australia goes into the game with the most international experience in pink-ball conditions, having 
featured in 11 encounters previously. Their success rate under lights, especially with a bowling unit that does so well in seaming conditions, provides them with a decisive advantage going into this historic clash. Meanwhile, The West Indies have been competitive with the ball but still struggled with the bat. Their top-order collapses have made it nearly impossible to mount any serious challenge to Australia’s dominance in the series.

With the momentum clearly in their favor and a 2-0 lead already secured, Australia is expected to make minimal changes to their lineup.
However, the major talking point remains the selection call between veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon and seamer Scott Boland. Given the conditions and the pink ball’s tendency to aid seam movement under lights, there’s a strong chance Australia might go with a four-pronged pace attack. Still, Lyon’s form—having claimed nine wickets in two Tests—makes his omission a tricky call.

See Also: WI vs AUS: Probable playing XI for West Indies ahead of 3rd Test at Sabina Park

Australia’s Probable Playing XI for 3rd Test vs West Indies

  • Usman Khawaja
  • Sam Konstas
  • Cameron Green
  • Steve Smith
  • Travis Head
  • Beau Webster
  • Alex Carey (wk)
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Pat Cummins (c)
  • Nathan Lyon/Scott Boland
  • Josh Hazlewood

With a 2-0 series lead in hand, Australia is firmly placed to complete a 3-0 whitewash and wrap up their Caribbean tour on a high. For the West Indies, it’s one final opportunity to restore pride and offer resistance on home soil.

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