Virat Kohli’s favourite knock in Australia, Pakistan adamant on hosting Champions Trophy

Just days before IND vs AUS 1st Test, Virat Kohli took a trip down memory lane to recall his most memorable knock in Australia. On the other hemisphere, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi claimed that Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted by the country and there is no room for hybrid model. It was a good day for Indian pacers as well, as Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar found themselves named in the squads for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Let’s take a look at all the top headlines from Monday.

Virat Kohli’s favourite knock in Down Under

Ahead of the IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth, Mohammed Siraj asked Virat Kohli to pick his favourite knock in Down Under. Kohli’s knock from 2018 at the same venue saw the batter score 123 runs from 257 deliveries, striking 13 boundaries en route. However, he failed to fire in the 2nd innings as he was dismissed for just 17 runs.

Pakistan adamant on hosting Champions Trophy

Amid the ongoing row between India and Pakistan over the former refusing to travel for Champions Trophy, PCB chief Naqvi reiterated that the country intended to host the event completely. He ruled out the possibility of a hybrid model, adding that the board has reached out to ICC to get some clarity on the issue. Naqvi was present at the Gadaffi stadium in Lahore to inspect the renovation work.

Jasprit Bumrah’s headache for 1st Test

The absence of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is going to give Jasprit Bumrah and Gautam Gambhir a giant headache. As if coming from a humiliating defeat to New Zealand at home and tough Australian conditions weren’t enough, the Indian cricket team will now have to play the Perth Test with two handicaps, i.e., the absence of two of their top three. Rohit will not be a part of the side due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Gill sustained an injury during the intra-squad match, leaving him all but ruled out for the Perth Test.

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Pakistan name yet another interim coach

Pakistan have named Aaqib Javed as the side’s interim white-ball coach. The former Pakistan cricketer will replace Gary Kirsten, who resigned last month. While red-ball coach Jason Gillespie was named as the stand-in coach for the series against Australia, he will now return to his original role.It is pertinent to point out that Pakistan are yet to find a full-time white ball coach, with just months left for Champions Trophy 2025.

Shami, Bhuvi to return to T20s

India pacer Mohammed Shami has taken another step towards making it to the IND vs AUS Test series, as he has been included in Bengals 22-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, that begins on November 23. Veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar was named the skipper of the UP team for the tournament. SMAT will be the appropriate stage for both the bowlers to give their auditions for the IPL 2025 auction as they duo were released by their respective franchises.

Starc uses strange ball to prepare for India Tests

Mitchell Starc opted to train with the half red and white ball to help the batters prepare for lateral movement. Pace is expected to play a crucial role in Perth and the Australian team is leaving no stone unturned to prepare well. Training with the half red and white ball will also help the batters tackle reverse swing and is reportedly one of the main reasons why Starc opted for that particular ball.