'As a player, the biggest question you ask yourself is whether you are good enough to be on the same ground as Gavaskar, Dev, Border and company.'
Australian captain Michael Clarke believes the Ashes series against England starting next month will be played in the correct spirit, even if some players come close to crossing a line.
It is not only a chance to bid farewell to one of the greats but also another opportunity to play in one of the toughest Test match battles, says Justin Langer.
Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq steadied the Pakistan second innings with an unbroken 113-run stand after their team appeared to be heading for a heavy defeat by losing three quick wickets in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Friday.
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Penpix of Australia's 2005 Ashes Test squad for the series which starts on July 21.
Cricket Australia (CA) has come in defence of skipper Steve Smith who has been under fire post the series whitewash in Sri Lanka, followed by defeat against South Africa in the opening Test in Perth, going 0-1 in the three-match series. The debacle didn't end there as the Aussies came out with a dismal batting performance in the Hobart Test as they were bowled out for 85 on Day One itself within the second session. But CA chief executive James Sutherland has backed Smith, citing his age and inexperience, and adding that they have full faith in the latter as a leader.
The reasons behind Australia's dominance: Readers' response.
His open style of leadership has fetched Australia 10 victories in 13 Tests he has led the team.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann will have a 'private chat' with Usman Khawaja after the top order batsman publicly criticised selectors for dropping him during the Sri Lanka tour. Khawaja and opener Joe Burns were omitted for the third and final test in Colombo, which Australia lost to slump to a 3-0 series whitewash. Although both the Queenslanders struggled for runs, Khawaja told local media over the weekend he felt they were unfairly singled out.
India's captain said the batting track was good and scoring runs was not a big ask.
The legendary fast bowler said it is the worst he has ever seen in the West Indies.
The itinerary for the Indian cricket team's 82-day tour of Australia.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, in a statement on Thursday, mourned the death of Australia cricketer Phil Hughes.
Gilchrist, himself skeptical at the helm, may never be a full-time leader for Australia, but in the limited opportunities that he got, he's proved to be a diligent captain.
'We have got the ability to look at either a pace bowling attack backed by a spinner, or a spin bowling attack backed by pace or a combination of both,' says Aussie coach John Buchanan.
Tillakaratne Dilshan's 104 helped Sri Lanka score 352 for six on the second day of the first Test against Australia.
The Indian vice-captain, he says, 'is on a roll; he's the rock.'
"Dravid has the skills, the temperament, the respect of his teammates, his ethic is unquestionable and more over he has EARNED the position of captain," says Kiran.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh said he expected the Indian team to be all fired up and ready to take on the world champions in the forthcoming Test series in October-November.
Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar joined another elitist club when he completed 10,000 runs during day 1 in the second Test against Pakistan.
The Indian captain is keen to play for another four to five years and help India scale new heights.
"The start was crucial today, and once we saw the first hour, the match was won," said Ricky Ponting.
Australia Test skipper-in-waiting, however, said India does have the ability to be a top side.
The December 19-21 match will be India's final preparation for the third test against Australia starting in Melbourne on December 26.
The Indian captain said the 'insatiable hunger for success' of the little master has acted as a constant source of inspiration for the side.
Australia's LOI captain was unbeaten on 137 with Test captain Steve Waugh on 43 when rain forced an early end to the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe.
Steve Waugh said Australia's tour of Zimbabwe could become a pointless exercise if the African side continue to be without their best players.
The match is being held in Perth. This is Zimbabwe's first Test in Australia.
Australia's two-Test series against Zimbabwe is a chance for the world's top-ranked side to improve their behaviour.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram backed continuation of Sourav Ganguly as the skipper.
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