Ashwin takes a sly dig on 'BillGate' as India reaches Sydney, all players test negative

Amid ongoing controversy over alleged bio-bubble breach by 5 Indian players, Men in Blue reached Sydney on Monday morning for third Test of series which is set to begin on January 7. Taking a pot shot at controversy surrounding alleged breach, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin termed team's journey from Melbourne to Sydney as 'turbulent and scary'. off-spinner's remarks also come amid brewing squabble between Australian government and Team India as visitors have allegedly sought easing of restrictions in Brisbane for fourth Test. BCCI is yet to comment on both matters. 

Indian players test COVID negative

In a relief for Indian team, all players underwent a COVID-19 test before ir departure from Melbourne and have returned negative, BCCI said on Monday morning. test results should clear way for 5 players to join squ who have been under scanner for allegedly breaching bio-bubble. 5 players are - Rohit Sharma, Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Navdeep Saini and Rishabh Pant. As per Cricket Australia, aforementioned 5 players h been placed under isolation after being separated from rest of team. Although, y have been allowed to train. 

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Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) chief Nick Hockley has asserted that fourth Test at Gabba in Brisbane is set to be played as per schedule. Dismissing reports of concerns expressed by Indian team, Hockley said that he has been in touch with BCCI, ding that Indian board has been 'fully across and supportive' of quarantine rules in Brisbane. 

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"We've h thing formal from BCCI to suggest anything or than y're supportive ... Both teams have wanted to play schedule as we've set out," he said. 

India level series at MCG, eye le at SCG 

Staging a gutsy comeback in second Test after elaide rout, touring Indian party without several key players defeated Australians by 8 wickets to level Test series 1-1 on Tuesday. Indian bowlers worked in tandem to bundle Aussies out for just 200 in ir second innings as batsmen just h to chase a paltry total of 70 which y did in style.

While Team India eyes to take le in series at SCG, y will have to answer a few questions surrounding ir playing XI before y take field on January 7. Men in Blue have been dealt with severe blows as key bowlers including Umesh Yav and Mohamm Shami have been ruled out of tournament due to injuries. manment has brought in Navdeep Saini and T Natarajan as ir replacement. However, ir inexperience in Tests, could see Ajinkya Rahane opt Shardul Thakur for role of third pacer. stand-in skipper will also have to re-arrange top order with inclusion of Rohit Sharma into team. 

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