Bonuses

NEW DELHI, 18 JAN. Ever since the completion of the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been trying to chalk out plans, regarding amendments in the tournament. In the latest development, it’s been learned that the BCCI might restrict the cash-rich league to nine teams.

Two incidents marred the Sydney Test despite the Test was a special in terms effort put by both teams which went for the full five days. One was the Australian Captain’s sledging of India’s Ashwin and the other was the crowd’s alleged racist taunts against Indian speedster, Mohammad Siraj.

Despite four Test centuries to his name, Ravi Ashwin, who returned battered and bruised from the barrage of short-pitched bowling at the SCG to help India draw the third Test, said his undefeated 128- ball 39 was one of his best batting efforts in what was a "fantastic" result for India, even if his desire was to hit the winning runs. Ashwin said India were "relieved" after the great escape - earned with a lot of grit and determination - and talked up the mood in the dressing room. "The atmosphere in the dressing room is absolutely electric, everyone is relieved to a certain extent," Ashwin told Fox Sports after the match. "At the same time, we are so very happy, I haven't seen such smiles in a long time. Yes, the last game [Melbourne] was a lovely win, but I think this draw… in Test cricket you don't get a lot of lovely draws and this was one of those fantastic draws."

After the Sydney Test, going to the Gabba one all is a tribute to calm and determination of this Indian team. Ashwin (39 runs from 128 balls) and Hanuma Vihari (23 from 161 runs) were defiant in defence and nullified an Australian attack desperate for a breakthrough, finishing the Test with their team on 5-334 and 73 runs short of victory. It was Pant who sent shivers through Aussies pants earlier in the day. Rishabh Pant came in, took 35 deliveries for 5 runs, as he assessed the wicket and then started his belligerent strokes and went down the pitch and hit Nathan Lyon for big sixes. Aussies, it appeared, were caught unaware of this onslaught as they expected India to surrender meekly after skipper Rahane was dismissed cheaply in the 2nd over of the day. Pant, with his expansive shots threw Lyon and Starc off their line and length.