The World Test Championship, the premier competition in Test cricket, involves a two-year cycle where teams will play Test matches against others with the top two teams in the points table at the end of the cycle contesting in the Final.

The current edition of the WTC began with the Ashes series between England and Australia in June 2023 with the Final being scheduled in June 2025 at England.

India is the only team to have played in consecutive Finals of the WTC in 2021 and 2023 but unfortunately ended up on the losing side on both occasions. The Men in Blue lead the charts in the WTC 2023-2025 edition too and are in pole position to qualify for a historic third-straight Final in 2025.

WTC has given Test cricket a much-needed fillip and context that it has been searching for long. With points up for grabs in every match, teams have started pushing for wins irrespective of the result of the series. 

Batters have also started to become more positive with teams preferring a win over a draw. As a result, they have piled on the runs in the longest format, in quick time too, after the introduction of the WTC.

In this article, we glance through the list of batters with the most runs in the history of the WTC.

Most runs in WTC history: List of players with most runs in the World Test Championship

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Average	High Score	Hundreds
Joe Root	2019-2024	57	4948	52.08	228	16
Marnus Labuschagne	2019-2024	45	3904	52.05	215	11
Steve Smith	2019-2024	45	3486	50.52	211	9
Ben Stokes	2019-2024	48	3101	37.81	176	7
Babar Azam	2019-2024	31	2725	52.40	196	8
Usman Khawaja	2019-2024	32	2686	49.74	195*	7
Zak Crawley	2019-2024	41	2560	34.59	267	4
Rohit Sharma	2019-2024	32	2552	50.03	212	9
Travis Head	2019-2024	41	2510	39.84	175	6
David Warner	2019-2024	38	2423	37.27	335*	5

Joe Root | 4948 runs

Joe Root leads the way in the list of top scorers in the history of the WTC after it was introduced in 2019. The England batter has amassed 4948 runs from 57 matches, including 16 hundreds and 20 fifties, at an impressive average of 52.08. 

Root finished second on the list of top-scorers in the inaugural edition of the WTC from 2019 to 2021 before jumping to the top spot in the next edition. In the current edition too, he is on top of the pile with 1373 runs from just 15 matches.

Root made history by becoming the England batter with the most Test Hundreds when he scored centuries in both innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in August 2024 to move to 34 centuries in the longest format of the game.

Marnus Labuschagne | 3904 runs

Marnus Labuschagne is second on the list of top run-getters in the history of the WTC with 3904 runs from 45 matches at an average of 52.05. The Aussie has also scored 11 centuries in the WTC.

Labuschagne, who came into the side as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith in the 2019 Ashes series against England, received the opportunity that came his way with both hands. He finished as the top-scorer in the first WTC cycle from 2019 to 2021 with 1675 runs at an astonishing average of 72.82.

Labuschagne also played a key role in taking Australia to the WTC title in 2023 finishing third in the list of top run-scorers in that cycle.

Steve Smith | 3486 runs

Steve Smith, with 3486 runs from 45 matches, is third on the list of players with the most runs in the history of the WTC. Smith has also scored nine hundreds and 17 fifties at an average of 50.52 in the World Test Championship.

Smith was third in the list of top run-getters in the first WTC cycle and also played a crucial role in the Final of the WTC 2023 to help Australia beat India. He scored a brilliant century in the first innings and along with Travis Head batted India out of the contest.

Ben Stokes | 3101 runs

Ben Stokes is fourth on the list of batters with the most runs in the WTC with 3101 runs from 48 matches at an average of 37.81. The southpaw has seven hundreds and 16 half-centuries to his name in the competition.

Stokes�?superhuman effort, scoring an unbeaten 135, at Headingley where he single-handedly won the 2019 Ashes Test against Australia by a solitary wicket was one for the ages. 

The England captain almost repeated the act in the Lord’s Test in Ashes 2023 but was dismissed for 155 as England fell short by 43 runs.

Photo credit: Imago

The ICC World Test Championship is the international championship of Test cricket.

Also referred to as the Test World Cup, the ICC World Test Championship is a league competition run by the International Cricket Council (ICC) since its inception in 2019.

The ICC World Test Championship was introduced in line with ICC’s goal of having one pinnacle tournament for each of the three formats of international cricket, and is currently the premier championship for Test cricket.

The inaugural edition of the World Test Championship began with the 2019 Ashes series and concluded with New Zealand beating India in the final to clinch the maiden WTC title in June 2021.

The second World Test Championship commenced in August 2021 with the Pataudi Trophy series and culminated with Australia lifting the trophy after defeating India in the final in June 2023.

The third edition of the World Test Championship began in 2023 and will conclude with the finals in England in the summer of 2025.

In this article, we take a look at the players with the most hundreds in WTC history.

Most hundreds in WTC history: Know players with most centuries in the World Test Championship

Player	Span	Matches	Runs	Hundreds
Joe Root (ENG)	2019-2024	57	4948	16
Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)	2019-2024	45	3904	11
Kane Williamson (NZ)	2019-2024	23	2289	10
Rohit Sharma (IND)	2019-2024	32	2552	9
Steve Smith (AUS)	2019-2024	45	3486	9
Dhananjaya de Silva (SL)	2019-2024	26	2043	8
Babar Azam (PAK)	2019-2024	31	2714	8
Usman Khawaja (AUS)	2019-2024	32	2686	7
Ben Stokes (ENG)	2019-2024	48	3101	7
Dimuth Karunaratne (SL)	2019-2024	28	2355	6

Joe Root | 16 hundreds

England’s Joe Root holds the record for the most hundreds in WTC history. Between 2019 and 2024, Joe Root has slammed 16 hundreds in the World Test Championship. The stylish right-handed batter also has scored the record for the most runs in WTC history. Since 2019, the former England captain has amassed 4,948 runs in 57 matches at an average of 52.63. Apart from 16 hundreds, Root has notched up 20 fifties in the World Test Championship.

Marnus Labuschagne | 11 hundreds

Marnus Labuschagne is second on the list for the most hundreds in WTC history. The Australian cricketer has registered 11 hundreds in the World Test Championship. He played a key role in guiding Australia to the WTC title in 2023. The middle-order batter has accumulated 3,904 runs in 45 Tests at an average of 52.92. He has also hit 19 half-centuries in the marquee ICC competition. 

Kane Williamson | 10 hundreds

Former New Zealand cricket team captain Kane Williamson features third on the list for the most hundreds in WTC history. Between 2019 and 2024, Kane Williamson has recorded 10 hundreds in the World Test Championship. The right-handed batter has scored 2,289 runs in just 23 Tests at an impressive average of 63.58. He has also slammed three fifties in the World Test Championship.

Rohit Sharma | 9 hundreds

Among Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma has registered the most hundreds in WTC history. The Indian cricket team captain has hit nine hundreds in the World Test Championship between 2019 and 2024. India’s swashbuckling opening batter has amassed 2,552 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 50.03. Apart from nine centuries, Rohit has hit seven fifties in the three editions of the WTC so far.

Photo credit: Imago

The Australia vs Pakistan Test history began with their first-ever meeting in Karachi in October 1956.

Led by captain Abdul Kardar, Pakistan beat Australia by nine wickets in a low-scoring encounter.

Under the leadership of Richie Benaud, the Australia cricket team later toured East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1959. Australia won the three-match Test series 2-0.

In December 1972, the Intikhab Alam-led Pakistan played their first Test series in Australia. Under Ian Chappell, Australia whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the three-match Test series.

Since then, Australia and Pakistan have played 70 Tests against each other. 

The Aussies hold a superior head-to-head record against Pakistan in Test cricket, winning 34 of the 70 matches that they have contested so far. Pakistan have secured 15 victories while as many as 20 Tests have ended in draws.

Both sides have registered numerous records during their epic battles in cricket’s longest format and here we take a closer look at some of those Australia vs Pakistan Test records and stats.

Australia vs Pakistan Test records and stats

Highest team total

The Australia cricket team holds the record for the highest team total in Australia vs Pakistan Tests. During the second Test of Pakistan’s tour of Australia in Melbourne in 2016, the hosts posted a mammoth total of 624/8d in their first innings having restricted the visitors to 443/9d. Australia rode on David Warner’s 144, captain Steve Smith’s unbeaten 165, Usman Khawaja’s 97 and Mitchell Starc’s 84 to register a massive total on the board. The hosts later bowled out Pakistan for 163 in their second innings to win the Melbourne Test by an innings and 18 runs. Australia clinched the three-match Test series 3-0.

Lowest team total

The Pakistan national cricket team registered the lowest team total in Australia vs Pakistan Test history. The Steve Waugh-led Australia bundled out Pakistan for 53 in their second innings of the second Test during their tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2002. Opener Imran Nazir (16) and Misbah-ul-Haq (12) were the only two Pakistan batters to record double digits in the second innings. For Australia, leg-spinner Shane Warne was the wrecker-in-chief with four wickets. Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 59 in their first innings before Australia posted 310 in reply. Australia won the Sharjah Test by an innings and 198 runs.

Most runs

Legendary Javed Miandad holds the record for the most runs in Australia vs Pakistan Tests. Between 1976 and 1990, the former Pakistan batter accumulated 1,797 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 47.28. Miandad slammed six centuries and seven fifties against Australia in Test cricket. He registered his highest score of 211 against the Aussies in the first Test of Australia’s tour of Pakistan in Karachi in 1988. For Australia,  Allan Border scored the most runs against Pakistan in Tests. He amassed 1,666 runs in 22 Tests.

Most wickets

Former Australia cricketer Shane Warne bagged the most wickets in this Test fixture. The right-arm leg spin bowler scalped 90 wickets in just 15 Tests against Pakistan at an average of 20.17 and a strike rate of 45.01. For Pakistan, former captain Imran Khan took the most wickets against Australia in Test cricket. Imran Khan claimed 64 wickets in 18 Tests at an average of 24.96.

Highest individual score

Opening batter David Warner holds the record for the highest individual score in Australia vs Pakistan Tests. Electing to bat first, David Warner scored an unbeaten 335 during Pakistan’s tour of Australia in Adelaide in 2019. His magnificent triple ton included 39 fours and one six. Warner’s scintillating triple hundred powered Australia to 589/3d in their first innings. The hosts later bowled out Pakistan for 302 and 239, respectively, to win the Test by an innings and 48 runs as well as seal the two-match series 2-0. 

Best bowling figures in an innings

Former Pakistan bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has the best bowling figures in an innings in this Test fixture. During the first Test of Pakistan’s tour of Australia in Melbourne in 1979, Sarfraz Nawaz recorded match-winning figures of 9/86 to bowl out the hosts for 310 in the fourth innings while they chased a 382-run target. The right-arm medium-pacer bagged the wickets of Dav Whatmore, Andrew Hilditch, Allan Border, Kim Hughes, Graeme Wood, Peter Sleep, Wayne Clark, Rodney Hogg and Alan Hurst. Interestingly, the other wicket was a run-out. Nawaz’s sensational spell guided Pakistan to a 71-run victory and gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Best bowling figures in a match

Fazal Mahmood holds the record for the best bowling figures in a match in Australia vs Pakistan Tests. The right-arm fast-medium pacer took 13 wickets for 114 runs during the only Test of Australia’s tour of Pakistan in Karachi in 1956. While Fazal Mahmood bagged six wickets for 34 runs in the first innings, he claimed another seven wickets for 80 runs in the second innings. Pakistan won the Test by nine wickets.

Highest partnership

David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne hold the record for the highest partnership in Australia vs Pakistan Tests. During the second Test of Pakistan’s tour of Australia in Adelaide in 2019, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne forged a 361-run partnership for the second wicket to help the hosts post 589/3d in their first innings. Warner remained unbeaten on 335, while Labuschagne scored a brilliant 162. The incredible partnership helped Australia win the Test by an innings and 48 runs.

Photo credit: Alamy

The Perth Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the suburb of Burswood in Western Australia.

Built by a consortium led by Multiplex, the construction of the Perth Cricket Ground was completed in late 2017 and officially opened in January 2018.

With a seating capacity of 61,266, which can be expanded to 65,000 seats for rectangular sports, the venue is the third-largest cricket stadium in Australia after the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Stadium Australia.

It is home to the Western Australia cricket team, who have won the Sheffield Shield on 17 occasions and the Marsh One-Day Cup 16 times. It is also home to the five -time Big Bash League champions Perth Scorchers.

The Perth Stadium staged its first international match, which was an ODI played between Australia and England in January 2018. The visitors won the game by 12 runs.

It later hosted its first Test match between Australia and India in December 2018. The Tim Paine-led Australia won the Perth Test by 146 runs. Since then, it has staged two more Tests so far.

Let’s have a closer look at the Perth Stadium Test records and stats.

Perth Stadium Test records and stats

Highest total

The Australia men’s cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the Perth Stadium in Test cricket. During the first Test of West Indies�?tour of Australia in 2022, the hosts posted the highest total of 598/4d in their first innings at this venue. Electing to bat first, the Pat Cummins-led Australia rode on double hundreds from Marnus Labuschagne (204) and Steve Smith (200 not out) to register a mammoth total on the board. With the help of their first innings total, Australia later won the Test by 164 runs.

Lowest total

The India national cricket team recorded the lowest total at the Perth Stadium in Tests. Chasing 287 in the fourth innings, India were bowled out for 140 in 56 overs against Australia in the second Test of a four-match series in December 2018. Captain Virat Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 30 each in the final innings of the contest. For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon scalped three wickets each. Earlier, Australia posted 326 in their first innings after opting to bat first. While India managed 283 in their first innings, the hosts scored 243 in their second innings to set-up a target of 287. Australia won the Perth Test by 146 runs

Most runs

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has scored the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format. The right-handed batter has accumulated 501 runs in four Test innings at a staggering average of 167. Labuschagne has also slammed three hundreds and one fifty at this venue in Test cricket. His highest Test score of 204 at the Perth Stadium came against West Indies in 2022.

Most wickets

Australia cricketer Nathan Lyon holds the record for the most wickets at the Perth Stadium in Test cricket. Between 2018 and 2022, the right-arm off-spinner has already bagged 22 wickets in three matches at an average of 18.45. He has one four-wicket haul and two fifers at this venue in Tests. Compatriot Mitchell Starc features second on the list with 18 wickets in three Tests.

Highest individual score

Marnus Labuschagne also registered the highest individual score at the Perth Stadium in Tests. Batting at number three, Marnus Labuschagne scored 204 off 350 balls against West Indies in the first innings of the opening Test of West Indies�?tour of Australia in 2022. His magnificent double century was laced with 20 fours and one six to help Australia post 598/4d. Australia won the Test by 164 runs.

Best bowling figures in an innings

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test at this venue in 2018. The right-arm pacer registered brilliant figures of 6/56 to help bowl out Australia for 243 in their second innings. Despite Mohammed Shami’s impressive spell, Australia won the Test by a huge 146 runs to level the series 1-1. The four-match Test series ended 2-1 in favour of India.

Best bowling figures in a match

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the Perth Stadium. The left-arm fast bowler took nine wickets during the first Test of New Zealand’s tour of Australia in 2019. While Starc scalped five wickets for 52 runs in the first innings, he claimed four wickets for just 45 runs in the second innings. Starc’s bowling performance powered Australia to a 296-run victory.

Highest partnership

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith recorded the highest partnership at this ground in Test cricket. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith forged a massive 251-run stand for the third wicket in the first innings of the first Test against West Indies in 2022. Labuschagne scored 204 while Smith remained unbeaten on 200. Australia won the Test by 164 runs.

Photo credit: Alamy

Pakistan cricket team opener Fakhar Zaman’s controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against South Africa reignited a massive debate on the contentious fake fielding law in cricket.

Chasing 342 to win at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Fakhar Zaman smashed 193 runs off just 155 balls �?the highest ever individual score in an ODI chase. It looked like he would take Pakistan home and seal the three-match ODI series when the incident happened.

The untimely end to Fakhar Zaman’s epic innings saw Pakistan fall short by 17 runs as the hosts levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1. However, the manner of Fakhar  Zaman’s dismissal -- Quinton de Kock having deceived the batsman --  has sparked outrage.

The Fakhar Zaman, Quinton de Kock fake fielding controversy

Requiring 31 runs in the last six balls, Fakhar Zaman drove Proteas pacer Lungi Ngidi to long-off in the first ball of the 50th over and came back for a second run.

Spotting an opportunity for a run-out, South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock seemingly signalled Aiden Markram to throw at the non-striker’s end even though the ball was already thrown. It convinced Zaman that he was safe at his end.

It was at this time that the Pakistani batsman turned around to check on his partner. Realising that the ball was instead coming at his end, the Pakistan batsman hurriedly attempted to slide his bat inside the crease. However, it was too little too late as Fakhar Zaman failed to complete the second run and was run-out.

Fake fielding. 5 run penalty.

Except when Pakistan is involved. In that case, run out a bloke on 193 http://t.co/UxxWPMprEq

�?Dennis Fakhar (@DennisCricket_) April 4, 2021

Explained: What is fake fielding?

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of the Laws of Cricket has provisioned law 41.5.1 to cover fake fielding, stating that “it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball�? According to clause 41.5.2, “It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not.�?/span>

As far as I understand this law, Fakhar Zaman should have been not out and Pakistan must have been awarded 5 penalty runs. pic.twitter.com/uFXD9zeOY4

�?Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021

In 2015, former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara had deceived Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad during an ODI as he attempted to take the bails off even though the throw was yet to reach him. Interestingly though, the fake fielding law wasn’t a part of the ICC playing conditions during that time.

Similarly, in 2019, England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow had fooled Australia batsman Steve Smith into diving to make his ground as he pretended to receive a throw while Jofra Archer would collect the ball at the bowler's end. However, on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Kumar Dharmasena didn’t take any action against Jonny Bairstow.

When was the fake fielding law introduced in cricket?

The fake fielding rule was Introduced in 2017 by the ICC. Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne became the first player to be penalised for violating the fake fielding law in 2017 for trying to fake a throw without having the ball in hand to prevent a run in Australia’s domestic 50-over tournament.

What is the fake fielding penalty?

According to law 41.5.6, the bowler's end umpire shall award five penalty runs to the batting side and also inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.  The captain of the batting side is informed too, at the earliest opportunity available. Additionally, the ball shall not count as one of the over.

Meanwhile, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) took to Twitter to explain the law, saying it is up to the umpire to decide whether the act of the fielder to distract the batter was willful or not.

“Law 41.5.1 states: “It is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball,�?MCC tweeted.

“The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived. It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it’s not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball.�?/span>

The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived.

It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it's Not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball.

�?Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) April 4, 2021

Was Quinton de Kock guilty of violating the fake fielding rule?

South Africa limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma defended wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for his role in the controversial run-out.

“It was quite clever from Quinny. Maybe some people might criticise it for maybe not being in the spirit of the game. But it was an important wicket for us. Zaman was getting close to our target. Yeah, it was clever from Quinny,�?ESPNcricinfo quoted Bavuma as saying.

“You’ve always got to look for ways especially when things are not going your way, got to find ways to turn the momentum around. Quinny did that �?I don’t think he broke the rules in any kind of way. It was a clever piece of cricket,�?he added.

Fakhar Zaman had also said that Quinton de Kock did no mistake and it was only his fault that he was found short of the crease.

“The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he’d started off a little late from his crease, so I thought he was in trouble. The rest is up to the match referee, but I don’t think it’s Quinton’s fault,�?ESPNcricinfo quoted Zaman as saying.

Featured photo: Christiaan Kotze / AFP

The Indian cricket team suffered another massive blow as right-arm pacer Navdeep Saini complained of pain in his groin on the opening day of the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba on Friday.

Saini visibly seemed to be in a lot of discomfort, holding onto his thighs, after his follow-through as he bowled his fifth delivery to Marnus Labuschagne in the 36th over of the Australian innings. Incidentally, it was the same delivery on which skipper Ajinkya Rahane dropped Labuschagne at gully.

The physio was brought on and the 28-year-old left the field after doing some stretches. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma bowled the final delivery to complete the over. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to their social media accounts to inform that Saini has been taken for scans and that he is currently being monitored by the medical team.

UPDATE - Navdeep Saini has now gone for scans.#AUSvIND http://t.co/pN01PVnFfx

�?BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2021

Meanwhile, Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne smashed a scintillating hundred on the first day of the Brisbane Test. The 26-year-old brought up his fifth century in Test cricket and his second at his home ground at The Gabba.

A home ground hundred to remember for @marnus3cricket! @hcltech | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ACcRzq3AiH

�?cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 15, 2021

However, Labuschagne (108) was later dismissed by India debutant T Natarajan after the former miscued a pull shot.

Another wicket for T Natarajan and this time he's claimed the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne who falls for 108! #AUSvIND | #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/IEd93JKFtg

�?ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2021

Interestingly, India left-arm pacer had claimed his maiden Test wicket after he gave the visitors a crucial breakthrough to get rid of Matthew Wade for 45. Natarajan broke the 113-run stand between Labuschagne and Wade as he dragged India back into the Test.

First Test wicket for @Natarajan_91 .

Wade departs for 45.

Live - http://t.co/bSiJ4wW9ej #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Q0kOX0YCmb

�?BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2021

Earlier, Team India made as many as four changes in their playing XI which last featured in Sydney.

Australia have won the toss and opted to bat first in the 4th and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We have four changes. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/87TrZAkA1Z

�?BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2021

Jasprit Bumrah, Hanuman Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were left out because of their respective injuries and were replaced by debutants Washington Sundar and Natarajan, Shardul Thakur and Mayank Agarwal.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter/ BCCI

India and Australia have all to play for in the fourth and final Test match of the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, which is scheduled to be played at the Gabba in Brisbane. After winning a game apiece in the first two matches, the two teams played out a hard-fought draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground, courtesy of a resilient batting display from the Indian batsmen.

While the Indian cricket team will look to gather plenty of positives heading into the game, the fact remains that the team is further marred by a barrage of injuries. After having missed the likes of Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli, the Ajinkya Rahane-led team is set to the enter the field in Brisbane without Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari and potentially Ravichandran Ashwin.

India and Australia have played a total of six Test matches in Brisbane, and the hosts have won a whopping five of them, with the other one ending in a draw.

India vs Australia, 4th Test: Numbers to keep an eye on

India vs Australia in Brisbane
Winner	Margin	Start Date
AUS	inns & 266 runs	28 November 1947
AUS	39 runs	19 January 1968
AUS	16 runs	02 December 1977
AUS	10 wickets	29 November 1991
draw	-	04 December 2003
AUS	4 wickets	17 December 2014

The biggest win for Australia against India in Brisbane came in November 1947, where they emerged victorious by an innings and 266 runs.

India’s record against Australia in Brisbane: L, L, L, L, D, L

Last five first-innings scores in Brisbane

India has batted first only twice at Brisbane, and their scores have been as follows:

• 408 in 2014
• 239 in 1991

Their overall record in the first innings, however, reads:

India's last five scores in first innings in Brisbane
Score	Inns	Start Date
58	2	28 November 1947
279	2	19 January 1968
153	2	02 December 1977
239	1	29 November 1991
409	2	04 December 2003
408	1	17 December 2014

Australia’s record has been as follows:

Australia's last five scores in first innings in Brisbane
Score	Inns	Opposition	Start Date
556/4d	1	v New Zealand	05 November 2015
429	1	v Pakistan	15 December 2016
328	2	v England	23 November 2017
323	2	v Sri Lanka	24 January 2019
580	2	v Pakistan	21 November 2019

India vs Australia Brisbane Test likely top-scorers

While the Indian cricket team players haven’t played much in Brisbane, Australia’s David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne have been quite impressive at the venue. The opener, in his eight matches, has accumulated 817 runs at an average of 68.08, while notching four tons and one half-century. 

Labuschagne, on the other hand, has played a mere two matches, but has scored 266 runs at an average of 133. His knocks include one century and one half-century, meaning that one can rightly punt on Australia’s #3 to be amongst runs.

Warner and Labuschagne's record in Brisbane
Player	Matches	Innings	Runs	HS	Average	100s	50
David Warner	8	14	817	163	68.08	4	1
Marnus Labuschagne	2	2	266	185	133	1	1

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray

While the Sydney Test of 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy will be fondly remembered for numerous cricketing reasons, it wouldn’t have had half its flavour had it not been for the “behind the stump�?bantering.

India managing to salvage a draw on the very last day of the third Test match, defying all odds, could have been the only perfect ending to the epic contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who walked into bat with a sore back, couldn't bend to tie his own shoelace. The Australian bowlers then evened out the pain throughout the body with a few nasty short balls. He was hit four times on the bones and despite all that he batted with the willow in hand for more than 3 hours to oversee the casualty.  

His partner on the side of 22 yards was Hanuma Vihari. He too was a wounded soldier. According to reports, Vihari tore his hamstring on a grade 2 level while trying to sneak a single early on when he had come on to bat. The 27-year-old, on one leg, frustrated the home side for around 4 hours with the bat in hand.

All of this came with chatter and murmuring around the Indian batsmen. The Aussies who are known for their sledging kept chirping away to see what worked best for them. At some occasions, may have even crossed the line. Below are three illustrations which created news and even required the Australian skipper to apologize for the same.

Paine and Ashwin’s heated conversation

Perhaps the biggest one of them is the chat between the skipper Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. The latter was at the receiving end of some hostile reception from behind the stumps. The keeper then went over the limit calling him a �?***head�?and a goose. The offie gave it back with a savage reply asking him to come to India which would be his last Test series.

“I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba Ash. I’ll tell you what, woo hoo,�?Paine exclaimed.

“Just like we want to get you to India that will be your last series,�?Ashwin didn’t stay put.

“Maybe. Are you a selector here as well?�?Paine questioned.

“At least my teammates like me, ****head. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do. “Even your teammates think you’re a goose. Don’t they? Every one of them.�?Paine went on.

“Tell me when you’re done,�?Ashwin said, withdrawing his stance.

“I’ll talk all day Mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal.�?Paine answered.

“It’s your guy man, not me,�?Ashwin told the bowler Nathan Lyon as play was held up.

“How many Indian T20 League teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them to have you?�?Paine persisted.

“Oh, I’ll come if I’m the captain.

“I’ve played a series in India. Yeah. Can’t remember my average, 60-something?”�?/span>

"Can't wait to get you to the Gabba"

"Can't wait to get you to India, it will be your last series"

Tim Paine had plenty to say to Ravi Ashwin behind the sticks, but the Indian batsman wasn't fazed

He even watched the Aussie keeper shell one the next over pic.twitter.com/pmUNhMVDIe

�?Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 11, 2021

Paine and Ashwin were then seen having a small chat after the day’s play. The captain also addressed the media the following day and apologized for letting his team down and allowing the pressure to get to him.

Labuschagne and Warner's amusing conversation

Marnus Labuschagne has been in fine form this tour. Topping the batting charts, he missed out on hundreds in both innings in the Sydney Test. When on the field during the second innings, the hosts were high on confidence and destined for victory. Vihari had just come out to the centre following Rishabh Pant’s dismissal. Standing in as a close-in fielder, the 26-year old wanted to give his bowler Nathan Lyon some motivation from his part. Just two balls into Hanuma’s innings, the Aussie began.

“That is going to rag with the new �?That is going to rag with the new ball, Garry (Lyon). You’re going to get both wickets, Garry,�?/span>

 “Shut up Marnus, it’s coming back to you,�?said one of his teammates, reminding him to keep quiet.

“Don’t leave it in the sheds Marnus, don’t leave it in the sheds. It’s amazing, you get a wicket Painey and Marnus doesn’t shut up. Got to be consistent Marnus, talk all day please,�?David Warner said doing his bit. 

“Shut up Marnus�?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/3wWq9hC8wN

�?Liam Vertigan (@VertiganLiam) January 11, 2021

Labuschagne to the Indian openers

Marnus Labuschagne loves a word or two, doesn’t he? Trying to be cheeky, he was also involved with the Indian openers before the hilarious conversation with Warner in the second innings.

Trying to unsettle the Indian players on Day 2, Marnus was handed the talking job and did it to perfection most might say. Stationed at short leg, Marnus was constantly at the ears of the batsmen doing his best to distract them.

He first asked Shubman Gill who is his favourite player between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Gill replied to him saying he will let him know after the match.

Rohit was unavailable for the first two Tests and it was well-known that he had to isolate for 14 days before joining the team back. Marnus made the most of it and asked the hitman how he passed his time during that time. While Gill replied to the opposition, Rohit chose to ignore him.

His chats to his teammates that were caught on the stump mic were very entertaining.

“This is a catch. A Catch here,�?he kept chirping away when Rohit was on strike.

When a ball from Josh Hazlewood kept low he was soon to comment saying, “Aww that’s a lowey,�?/span>

Australia's Pant pic.twitter.com/JfDOn3STqZ

�?Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) January 8, 2021

Not just chirping, Labuschagne also played mind games on the 2nd day. In one of the overs during the second session, he tried to unsettle the batsmen by moving from one fielding position to another. After changing his position more than once, he returned to his original position.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray

With India playing exceptionally well in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1, the fourth and the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be another thriller. Much has been said about the game in Brisbane, but the Gabba is set to host the two nations as per the initial schedule.

The Indian cricket team, unlike their counterparts, have been struggling with injuries of late, with the recent entrant being their No.6 batsman, Hanuma Vihari. The right-handed batsman picked up a hamstring injury during the long chase in Sydney, and it will be interesting to see how the Ajinkya Rahane-led team will approach the final fixture.

With the series now stuck in a do-or-die situation, I, for one, will be keeping a keen eye on the following players, who could make a potential difference.

Shubman Gill

Indian opener Shubman Gill has repaid the faith entrusted in him in absolute style, tallying 161 runs in his first two Test matches. Pairing alongside Rohit Sharma, the 21-year-old scripted history in the third Test. After a 70-run opening stand in the first innings, the pair forged a 71-run opening partnership in the second as well, to give India a strong start in Sydney. With this, the pair became only the second-ever Indian openers, since 1967-68, to score 50-plus runs for the first wicket in both innings against Australia.

Needless to say, Gill has defied his age by showing sheer composure and the way he has taken on the Australian bowling charge has been simply commendable. 

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne plays to enjoy and there have been only a handful of instances where he has crumbled under pressure. Right from emulating Steve Smith to accumulating important runs for his team, I’ve rightly enjoyed what he brings to this Australian team. 

He was at his usual best in the third Test as well, and I expect more of the same in Gabba where both the teams will go for the money. With the Australian openers struggling with consistency, the onus will once again be on Labuschagne to provide stability in the middle-order, and I think he’s the perfect man for the job.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Judging by his own standards, Cheteshwar Pujara has had rather quiet outings thus far, but we just cannot take away his contribution in the third Test. With the team kneeling for a draw, Pujara played 205 balls in the second innings, which was just more than 34 overs. 

In the entire third Test in Sydney, the top-order batsman played a whopping 381 balls (63.3 overs), which was arguably an important contribution in forcing a draw. Now, he may very well have been troubled by the likes of Pat Cummins throughout the series, but I reckon he will find a way in the final Test.

Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood hasn’t had plenty of success with the ball after his match-winning spell of 5/8 in the first Test but he sure knows how to skim through India’s top-order - after having dismissed both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill across two innings in the third Test.

Hazlewood is not only a brilliant bowler but his quick feet and quick reaction also make him a brilliant fielder. And I don’t need to remind all about his spectacular effort on Day 3 to dismiss Hanuma Vihari. With the teams locking horns for the final time, I think Hazlewood would walk with an intent of replicating his form from the first Test.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Saeed Khan

The Indian cricket team will take on Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2020-21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting on Thursday, January 7.

The ongoing four-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1, with Australia winning the first Test in Adelaide while India came back with an eight-wicket victory in the second at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). 

A win for either side in Sydney would mean they cannot lose the Test series regardless of the result in the fourth and final Test match in Brisbane. 

Interestingly, India and Australia have played 12 Tests at SCG with the hosts winning five of them and visitors securing just one victory.

However, India had sealed the Border-Gavaskar 2018-19 series here on their last tour as the Sydney Test ended in a stalemate and Virat Kohli-led Team India hung on to their 2-1 lead in the series. 

India vs Australia, 3rd Test: Numbers That Help You Win

Last 5 encounters between AUS and IND at Sydney in Tests

Result	Date
Draw	03 January 2019
Draw	06 January 2015
AUS won by inns & 68 runs	03 January 2012
AUS won by 122 runs	02 January 2008
Draw	02 January 2004

 

Last 5 totals at 1st dismissals of both the teams at Sydney 

IND's opening stand vs AUS at Sydney last 5 innings

Runs	Inns	Start Date
10	1	03 January 2019
48	4	06 January 2015
0	2	06 January 2015
18	3	03 January 2012
0	1	03 January 2012

AUS's last 5 opening stand at Sydney 

Runs	Inns	Opposition	Start Date
107	3	New Zealand	03-Jan-20
39	1	New Zealand	03-Jan-20
6*	3	India	03-Jan-19
72	2	India	03-Jan-19
1	2	England	04-Jan-18

The Australian trio of David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have staggering records at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While Warner holds the record for the 2nd most tons by a player at Sydney in Tests, Labuschagne scored 215 and 59 runs against New Zealand in the last game played at this venue. On the other hand, Smith has smashed two centuries and five fifties at SCG.

Players	Match	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	100	50
S Smith	7	10	1	611	117	67.88	2	5
D Warner	8	13	2	732	122	66.54	4	3
M Labuschagne	2	3	0	312	215	104	1	1

Last 5 innings of both the teams at Sydney

Here are the last five scores posted by India in their first innings at the venue:

Score	Inns	Start Date
622/7d	1	03 January 2019
475	2	06 January 2015
191	1	03 January 2012
532	2	02 January 2008
705/7d	1	02 January 2004

Here are the last five scores posted by Australia in their first innings at the venue:

Score	Inns	Opposition	Start Date
454	1	v New Zealand	03 January 2020
300	2	v India	03 January 2019
649/7d	2	v England	04 January 2018
538/8d	1	v Pakistan	03 January 2017
176/2d	2	v West Indies	03 January 2016