A remarkable ODI played out in Raipur when conditions, injuries and two teams who did not want to give up went head-to-head

Alagappan Muthu04-Dec-20254:31

Gaikwad: I decided I’d try to be consistent in any game this year

Arshdeep Singh didn’t look back. He had done his bit – secured a false shot from Quinton de Kock – and just kept on jogging through. Wake up babe, a new celebrappeal just dropped.A few hours later, the India left-arm quick coaxed another mis-hit. And this time he whipped right round to see if the catch would be taken. On his face was a rare kind of anxiety. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was just north of seeing three dots appearing and disappearing while texting your crush.Arshdeep was on his haunches when Ruturaj Gaikwad did his part and ended Marco Jansen’s stay at the wicket. This game was no longer fun.Signs of South Africa going on to complete the joint-highest chase by any team against India in India began to show up in the 28th over. Rohit Sharma spent more time in Harshit Rana’s ear than at mid-off where he was supposed to field. In the 30th over, he went up to Rohan Pandit, who was making a big step up on Wednesday, umpiring in an India ODI for the first time. Those other four matches in Dubai between USA, UAE and Nepal can’t have possibly prepared him to deal with one of the biggest names in cricket expressing abject displeasure about the condition of the ball.Related

Ruturaj Gaikwad: 'I was pretty much confident' of batting at No. 4

Belief surges for South Africa as Markram makes amends in style

Rahul: Toss plays a 'huge part' and 'making a huge difference' with dew

Markram ton trumps Kohli, Gaikwad centuries for nervy win

Stats – Kohli with back-to-back tons again; SA ace record chase

Pandit went to Rod Tucker, who officiated the 2019 World Cup final, for a little help and he had zero sympathy for India’s plight. Even when India did eventually get a drier Kookaburra, it was whacked straight out of the ground. This game was now just cruel. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was just short of doing a simple stretch at the gym and hearing a very loud rip.”Even scoring 350 is very difficult when batting first,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation. “There’s moisture in the wicket in the first ten overs and the ball doesn’t come onto the bat that well. After 34 overs, there’s only one ball and the wicket also slows down, so it’s not easy to hit.We scored 350 in the last match, 360 in this match, so there’s an improvement of ten runs. Any more improvement you probably cannot pre-decide. You can think you will score 380-400, but the opposition is also good, they have got good bowlers. So you cannot have that gameplan.”Conditions did change, as Gaikwad said. The toss did matter, as KL Rahul said. Dew made run-scoring easier, as Aiden Markram said. But through it all an Indian side without Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj kept fighting. A South African side also skewered by injury refused to go away. Tony de Zorzi actually thought he could get the last 31 runs off 31 balls on one functioning leg. One attempt, hopping between the wickets, showed that though he was brave he was being foolish. He ended up watching the rest of the chase from the dugout, still kitted from head to toe.”I feel at phases we bowled really well,” Gaikwad said. “I think first 10-15 overs we bowled really well but after that there was obviously huge amount of dew and because of that the spinners were slightly out of the game and I think after that I feel every South African batter who ever came in chipped really well, played really well. So I think lot of credit goes to them, they batted really well and hats off to them.” He left out the part where the match-winner who went on to make 110 was dropped on 53.Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram were crucial in South Africa’s series-levelling win•BCCIUntil Wednesday, there had only been seven successful chases of even 300-plus scores against India in India. Keeping it there required an enormous effort from the hosts. Some of them came away a little worse for wear. Prasidh Krishna, whose role in the middle overs is to hit the deck, wasn’t getting any purchase. Still the team insisted that he keep trying and he would now hope they see his figures – 15.4 overs for 133 runs – with some leniency.South Africa running down 359 required a lot of composure. By the end, there were echoes of not one but two hall-of-fame finishes. The equation reading 27 off 30 took the mind back to Bridgetown. Keshav Maharaj’s appearance with the series on the line punched a hole straight through to Chennai 2023. The man still has ice in his veins. He was leaving balls in the 48th over, confident in his judgment that Rana’s bouncers were too high and would be called wide.In these situations, Indian cricket grounds become impossible engines. The silence in them turns deafening. This game – sandwiched between a seminal Test series result and T20 World Cup prep – had no business being this dramatic. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was everything.

While the hosts look their most settled heading into the tournament, England, South Africa and Bangladesh will be in pursuit

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-20253:00

Is this India’s best chance to win a World Cup?

India

This is the most settled Indian team to head into an ODI Women’s World Cup. That was only highlighted when they ran Australia, the reigning world champions, close in the ODI series decider in Delhi on Saturday.Pratika Rawal has added stability to the opening partnership, even if her scoring rate is under the spotlight. Harleen Deol has been given a long-enough run at No. 3 with Jemimah Rodrigues settling in a now-familiar spot at No. 5.Their talisman and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is among the runs and captain Harmanpreet Kaur is in good form, too. The bowling group of Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, N Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud have got games together under their belt.One of their concerns, apart from blowing hot and cold with their fielding and catching, would be how Amanjot Kaur returns from injury. She was sidelined during India’s successful tour to England in July and missed the three-ODI series against Australia at home. Her seam-bowling ability, combined with her batting, fit just right for India, especially in situations like the third match against Australia.Renuka Singh Thakur’s showing through the series after returning from a stress injury will help India breathe easy. She highlighted her importance to the bowling attack, especially with the new ball.Whisper it, but this could be India’s best chance of winning their first senior women’s World Cup.

Squad

Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh, Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, N Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Uma Chetry

Key player

Smriti Mandhana has been in fine form•Getty ImagesNumbers alone can make a case for Smriti Mandhana being one of the key players for India at the World Cup: 2100 runs with eight centuries at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 99.15 since the 2022 edition. No other batter has more than 1800 in this period. Statistics aside, Mandhana has effortlessly slid into the role of the aggressor in her opening pairing with Rawal, with Shafali Verma not part of the ODI setup. The clarity in her shot selection has helped in this regard and twin hundreds in the last series before the World Cup only show her hunger.

Predicted finish

At least runners-up.

England

1:07

‘England have incredible talent in the squad’

New coach, new captain, this tournament poses the first big-stage test of England since the dire T20 World Cup and Ashes campaigns that prompted these changes. That said, there have only been a couple of tweaks to the make-up of the squad, making it incumbent on head coach Charlotte Edwards and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt to extract the best from the enviable talent at their disposal and succeed where no one has since their 2017 triumph.Eight of the XI who finished runners-up to Australia in 2022 remain, while continued investment and growth in the women’s game in England has increased their depth since. But it’s early days yet – the new regime only began in April – and a clean sweep of both home white-ball series with West Indies, who failed to qualify for this World Cup, was tempered by series defeats to India in both formats.The success of a reprised opening partnership between Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones against West Indies was more measured against India and England have recalled the vastly experienced Danni Wyatt-Hodge to bolster the middle order. After those series, Edwards said “getting to the final would be a real success for us” and, at this stage, that rings true.Seamer Lauren Bell was the leading wicket-taker in the women’s Hundred and spearheads a seam attack without the retired Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Anya Shrubsole and the overlooked Kate Cross. England will rely on a four-pronged spin department of Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith and Sarah Glenn.

Squad

Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Key player

Nat Sciver-Brunt has been England’s spiritual leader at the World Cup, scoring two centuries in 2017 followed by a fifty in the final and twin unbeaten hundreds in losing causes against Australia, including the title decider, in 2022. Now she is their official leader too, captaining the side for the first time at a global tournament. Against India, during their recent ODI series, she was the leading run-scorer with 160, averaging 53.33. She bowled for the first time in six months during a warm-up with New Zealand just ten days out from the start of the event, putting her return as an allrounder on track, albeit on a tight schedule.

Predicted finish

Semi-final. Having had just 14 matches – only six of them ODIs – under the new leadership, reaching the knockouts would be a big achievement at this stage.

South Africa

4:28

‘South Africa have depth, but could feel Ismail’s absence’

The curse has been broken. South Africa earned a world title when their men’s team lifted the World Test Championship (WTC) mace in June and so, finally, they will enter a tournament without the pressure of ending a drought. Now, they can just play.South Africa go into the tournament after a period of inconsistent form over the last year, in which time they have also been under a new coach, but are quietly confident of what they’ve built. This will be Mandla Mashimbyi’s first major event as he hopes to make his mark at the highest level. The bulk of his squad are experienced at global competitions and were at the core of South Africa’s success in reaching the final of the last two T20 World Cups.In Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa have a captain who leads by example and holds the batting line-up together. They are stacked with allrounders in Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk and have several spin options led by left-armer Nonkululekho Mlaba. What’s missing is a pace bowler in the mould of Shabim Ismail, who was at the last ODI World Cup. In her absence, South Africa will rely on the swing of Kapp and the accuracy of Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas. Even though Tumi Sekhukhune offers some pace, they may find themselves lacking a genuine strike bowler.

Squad

Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon

Key player

As big scores and power-hitting become commonplace in the women’s game, Tazmin Brits could take centre stage with her brand of aggressive batting. Brits is in the form of her life and has scored four of her six ODI hundreds in 2025, including a career-best 171*. She’s also done all that quickly and has maintained a strike rate of 94.14 this year. While she has always been strong on the drive, she has also developed strong sweeps and slog-sweeps and can prove difficult to stop in the powerplay. Her style perfectly complements her opening partner and captain Wolvaardt and the value she adds in the field means if she has a good World Cup, South Africa could too.

Predicted finish

Semi-final.

Bangladesh

Nigar Sultana’s triple role of batter, wicketkeeper and captain does seem too much at times•ICC/Getty ImagesBangladesh have plans to win at least two matches in the World Cup. But to do that, they have to rely on a number of training camps at home, rather than any international cricket for the five months leading up to the tournament. It is being recognised as a massive factor before Bangladesh embark on their second 50-over World Cup campaign.Instead, Bangladesh played several matches against Bangladesh’s Under-15s, though they didn’t have a great time, winning just one game against the boys’ side.Bangladesh could take inspiration from their qualification tournament, where they made it through by 0.003, the squeakiest of margins. Sharmin Akhter and captain Nigar Sultana were the second and third-highest run-scorers in the qualifiers, while legspinner Rabeya Khan took eight wickets. They will, however, be without Jannatul Ferdus, the offspinner who was their highest wicket-taker in qualifying.

Squad

Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter

Key player

Nigar Sultana’s triple role of batter, wicketkeeper and captain does seem too much at times but she has performed admirably in all three capacities. Nigar will have to put on all three caps at the World Cup too, as she looks to bring out the best in a squad that hasn’t seen top-class action in months. Articulate on and off the field, Nigar is an inspirational figure in Bangladesh and is regarded as one of the best captains in the country’s history.

Predicted finish

Eighth.

Tottenham were denied a first Premier League win at home since the opening weekend this afternoon, as Man United defender Matthijs de Ligt broke Spurs hearts with a dramatic added-time equaliser, despite Thomas Frank’s side briefly snatching a late 2-1 lead.

Tottenham 2-2 Man United as poor Spurs home form continues

Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead in the 32nd minute, with the October Premier League Player of the Month continuing his excellent form by nodding past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario at the far post.

The visitors dominated for large periods as Spurs looked disjointed and lacked overall creativity at home once again. Tottenham did have one chance before the interval, but striker Richarlison failed to capitalise — missing a golden opportunity when presented with a free header from 12 yards out.

He somehow completely missed the ball, leaving every Spurs fan in the stadium stunned, and those same supporters booed the home side off at half-time after a very disappointing first 45.

United looked on their way to three points, managing the game well after the restart, even if the brilliant Senne Lammens was forced into a couple of excellent saves to maintain their advantage.

However, the equaliser eventually did come, with substitute Mathys Tel’s shot in the 83rd minute deflecting off de Ligt and finding the back of the United net.

Wilson Odobert

7.4

Matthijs de Ligt

7.3

Amad Diallo

7.3

Mathys Tel

7.1

Patrick Dorgu

7.1

via WhoScored

Frank’s player introductions changed the game, with fellow sub Destiny Udogie setting up the Frenchman for his brilliantly taken equaliser inside the box. Yet another sub, Wilson Odobert, then chipped into the late drama.

Richarlison directed Odobert’s ball outside the box past Lammens and into the bottom corner on 91 minutes, sparking wild celebrations as the Brazilian removed his shirt in jubilation. Tottenham appeared to have completed a sensational comeback, yet there was one final twist.

A United corner to the back post was headed home by de Ligt, who was completely unmarked, in the 96th minute — silencing Spurs’ celebrations and rescuing a dramatic point for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The draw maintains United’s four-match unbeaten streak while Tottenham’s home woes continue. Spurs have now won just four of their last 20 home league games, with their excellent away record masking real struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Peter Crouch takes aim at "lackadaisical" Djed Spence in Man United draw

For United’s first goal, so much went wrong.

Pape Sarr made the bizarre decision to play a very difficult pass to Micky van de Ven just outside Spurs’ penalty area, rather than just clearing the ball, and the Dutchman was then rushed into a botched clearance before United capitalised and opened the scoring.

Right-back Djed Spence also failed to close down the cross for Mbeumo’s header quick enough, with ex-Tottenham striker Peter Crouch telling TNT Sports at half-time that his defending simply wasn’t good enough.

Crouch said that Spence looked “too calm” when going to press Diallo, insisting that the defender was “lackadaisical” at that moment which cost Spurs the first goal of the game.

Overall, the north Londoners were arguably the weaker side and a victory for them would’ve been quite harsh on United, even if their brief comeback sparked real hope of a perfect last Premier League result before the November international break.

Their next two matches after the break are actually away from home, but they’re against very tough opposition in Premier League leaders Arsenal and European champions PSG.

Galatasaray have escalated their protest over Jhon Duran’s controversial celebration in Sunday’s heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce by filing a criminal complaint with the Anadolu Courthouse. The two giants shared the spoils following a 1-1 draw in the 14th matchday of the Turkish Super Lig.

Complaint lands at Anadolu Courthouse after fiery derby draw

It is mostly a fiesty affair when Galatasaray and Fenerbahce lock horns in Istanbul. On Sunday evening, Leroy Sane handed the visitors a lead just before the half-hour mark. Fenerbahce were chasing for the bulk of the game, and just when it seemed that they would have to leave the pitch empty-handed, Duran struck deep into stoppage time. He went on to celebrate in a manner that Galatasaray insist was both provocative and indecent. Though the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had already dismissed their initial request for disciplinary action, the club elected to take the matter to the courts, accusing the 21-year-old forward of harassment and indecent exposure.

After the match, manager Domenico Tedesco heaped praise on his players. He said: "We wanted to start the first half lightly. We experienced this in the Beşiktaş derby. We played the ball a lot in that match, made dangerous passes, and fell behind 2-0. So, our plan today was to play simple for the first 10-15 minutes. What we wanted to see was Galatasaray defending in their own penalty area. We wanted to play with intensity throughout the match, and I think we did that well. Going down 1-0 at the start of the match is partly due to Sane's individual contribution. In these kinds of matches, things like this can happen against players like that. We controlled the game both at the end of the first half and in the second."

AdvertisementAFPDuran’s meteoric rise before the Turkish storm

Duran left Aston Villa in January in a blockbuster £71 million ($88m) deal to join Al-Nassr, where he continued his prolific form with 12 goals in 18 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club. Before that, he had been one of the Premier League’s most explosive young forwards. Across the first half of the 2024–25 campaign, he hit 12 goals in all competitions for Villa, including spectacular long-range strikes against Everton and Bayern Munich that underlined his potential as one of Europe’s most dynamic attacking prospects. Fenerbahçe secured his services on a season-long loan during the summer window, hoping he would provide the extra cutting edge required in a title race that shows no sign of letting up. In his five Super Lig appearances so far, he has registered two goals and two assists, including the derby equaliser that ignited this week’s uproar.

Tff declines to punish Duran as derby fallout intensifies

Sunday’s derby was tense even by Istanbul standards, with both teams desperate to seize the psychological upper hand in the tight title race. When Duran levelled the match late on, the stadium erupted in noise, but his subsequent celebration sparked immediate fury from Galatasaray players and later from club officials.

Galatasaray officially requested that the TFF take action, but the disciplinary board reviewed the footage and concluded that Duran would not be referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). Several individuals from both clubs were cited for other incidents surrounding the match, yet Duran’s celebration was deemed not to violate the federation’s code of conduct.

The ruling did little to soothe Galatasaray’s frustration. Soon, the club’s legal representatives had arrived at the Anadolu Courthouse to file criminal charges, arguing the celebration constituted harassment and indecent exposure, which was a serious escalation that took the conflict out of the football authorities’ hands and into the judicial arena. Whether the courts will take up the case remains uncertain. Football-related celebrations rarely enter criminal territory, and it is unclear whether Duran’s actions will meet the legal threshold that Galatasaray allege. For now, however, the complaint itself adds fresh tension to a rivalry that exists on a perpetual knife-edge.

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AFPWhat comes next?

Amid the controversy, Fenerbahce’s focus must quickly turn back to the pitch. Duran’s equaliser ensured the gap between the two clubs remains just one point, preserving the narrowest of margins as the season enters a critical phase. The side return to action on Saturday against Istanbul Basaksehir, a fixture that now arrives under the shadow of the derby row. Tedesco will be eager to shield his players from distraction, particularly as Duran has begun to find consistency in his performances following the adaptation period to Turkish football.

Robert Lewandowski is approaching a defining moment in his career, as the Barcelona striker’s contract expires in June 2026 and while his priority is to stay, the club has yet to make a decision on whether to offer him an extension. Saudi Arabia is not an attractive option, and if Barcelona close the door, retirement is now a genuine possibility for the legendary goalscorer.

Lewandowski's future remains a mystery

The veteran striker Lewa has reached a crossroads, as his contract runs until June 2026, but Barca have not yet committed to extending or redefining his role, leaving one of Europe’s most iconic strikers in an unusual position of waiting. Despite a reduced role this season, Lewandowski remains Barca’s top scorer in La Liga with seven goals, ahead of Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamall and Ferran Torres, proving his efficiency even in limited minutes.

According to a , inside the club offices, there are contrasting evaluations. On one hand, Lewandowski’s continued scoring gives Barca guaranteed quality and leadership. On the other, his departure would free up huge salary space to sign the long-term No.9 the club has been scouting across Europe.

For the Polish international and his family, the preference is clearly to remain in Barcelona. They feel settled in the city and deeply connected to the environment. Moving to Saudi Arabia for a massive contract has not been appealing to him, as per the report, his priority is both competitive level and lifestyle stability. However, the club’s planning is tied to financial structure as much as sporting performance, meaning the coming months will be decisive.

AdvertisementStriker fine with reduced role under Hansi Flick

The 37-year-old does not expect to keep star status or the symbolic leadership role in the dressing room. Instead, he is open to adapting his responsibilities, taking fewer minutes, and even accepting a substitute role if a new striker arrives to lead the project.

His aim is to remain competitive at the highest level, contributing in decisive phases, winning duels in the box and closing the circle of his journey at the club he joined in 2022 with the goal of conquering Spain. The Poland captain views the evolving situation pragmatically, as he will assess his body, performance and the sporting project across this season before making any final judgment.

The club, meanwhile, insist there is time and that no decision will be rushed. Executives point to the second half of the season as the real measure: his influence in big games, physical consistency, and the team’s direction under Hansi Flick will all shape the outcome.

New records and numbers strengthening his case

Lewandowski has continued to produce and, in doing so, has strengthened his argument for staying. His recent hat-trick against Celta Vigo took him to 106 Barcelona goals in just 159 appearances, passing Neymar in the club’s all-time scoring list. He remains within reach of the top 10, a remarkable feat for a player who joined the club in his mid-thirties.

Last season was his best in terms of output at Barca, with 42 goals in 52 matches. This season’s return of seven goals in nine La Liga matches shows he continues to convert chances with elite efficiency. For a club seeking stability upfront while it rebuilds around young players, Lewa continues to offer reliability.

However, the financial reality remains difficult to ignore, shedding his salary next summer would allow Barca to accelerate the signing of their striker of the future. Dusan Vlahovic, Julian Alvarez and Levante prospect Karl Etta Eyong are reportedly among the profiles being monitored.

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AFPIs retirement now a real possibility?

While discussions continue, an unexpected reality has emerged, if Barcelona decide not to renew and no external offer meets both his competitive standards and personal priorities, retirement is a genuine option. 

Should he choose to stop, it would be on his own terms, rather than being pushed out by decline or forced into a league he does not believe aligns with where he wants his career to end. For him, the decision is not about one more contract, but about the value of exiting the game as he entered it: sharp, respected, and fully competitive.

The outcome will likely rest on performance and fitness across the second half of the campaign, but if Lewandowski continues scoring at his current rate, the club will face strong pressure to retain him in a reduced but meaningful role. If form dips, Barcelona may consider an earlier transition.

Meanwhile, the interest from Saudi will remain, and European suitors will wait to see if Barcelona step back. For now, Lewandowski continues to let the football speak. And for now, the goals keep coming.

All the stats highlights from Australia’s innings in Perth where they were bowled out for 104

Sampath Bandarupalli23-Nov-20240:47

What made Bumrah stand out?

104 Australia’s first-innings total in Perth is their second lowest in home Tests against India, after the 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981.It is also Australia’s third-lowest total in home Tests since 1985 and their fourth-lowest total in the format against India.46 Lead in the first innings for India in Perth, the fifth highest by any team making 150 or less while batting first. The highest is a lead of 71 runs for England, who were bowled out for 113 while batting first against Australia in 1888 in Sydney.Related

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• How Bumrah left Australia reeling with his five-for

2 Previous instances of India claiming a first-innings lead in men’s Tests, despite scoring 150 or less while batting first. They took a five-run lead in the 2002 Hamilton Test against New Zealand, despite getting bowled out for only 99 while batting first and claimed a first-innings lead of 13 runs against England in the 1936 Lord’s Test, despite making only 147.37 Total runs by Australia’s top six batters in the first innings, the lowest for them in a men’s Test innings at home since the 22 runs they scored against West Indies in the 1978 Brisbane Test.97 Runs aggregated by India (59) and Australia (38) before the fall of the fifth wicket in their first innings in Perth. This is the lowest in a men’s Test match since the 67 runs by India and West Indies in the 1987 Delhi Test.Australia’s top-order batters made a total of 37 runs•AFP/Getty Images2 Number of partnerships across the first two innings in the Perth Test to survive ten or more overs. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy added 48 runs in 14.1 overs for the seventh wicket for India, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood put on 26 in 18 overs for the tenth wicket for Australia.Each of the other 18 partnerships added less than 20 runs, the joint most in the first two innings of a men’s Test match.254 Total runs scored by India (150) and Australia (104) in their first innings at Perth. It is the lowest first-innings aggregate in a Test match in Australia since the 242 runs in the 1981 Test between the hosts and Pakistan at the WACA Stadium.9 Five-wicket hauls for Jasprit Bumrah in Tests outside Asia, the joint most by an Indian, alongside Kapil Dev. It was Bumrah’s second five-for in Australia. He has two each in England and West Indies, and three five-wicket hauls in South Africa.5 for 30 Bumrah’s bowling figures in Perth are the best by an Indian captain in men’s Tests since Kapil Dev’s 8 for 106 against Australia in the 1985 Adelaide Test. Bumrah is also the first Indian captain with a five-wicket haul in Test cricket since Anil Kumble in the 2007 Melbourne Test.