Australia's top-order struggles continue as they drop struggling opener Nathan McSweeney and call up 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test. Konstas, who boasts impressive Sheffield Shield form, offers a different approach against India's bowling attack. Despite retaining Usman Khawaja, the Aussies seek a spark after openers have averaged a dismal 22 since David Warner's retirement.
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Paarl Royals captain David Miller expresses his excitement for the upcoming SA20 season, praising the addition of experienced players like Joe Root and Dinesh Karthik. Miller highlights Root's on-field performance and off-field influence, alongside Karthik's extensive experience, which he believes will significantly benefit the team.
The Sports Ministry debunked claims of converting cricket players into baseball players to win medals at international events. Baseball, unrecognised by the ministry, was never discussed at Mission Olympic Cell meetings. A BCCI official noted the impracticality of such a switch, given cricket's lucrative paths like IPL and T20 leagues, while baseball lacks governmental support.
Smriti Mandhana, a prominent figure in Indian women's cricket, has had an exceptional year, emerging as the ICC's Women's ODI Player of the Year. With 747 runs in 13 One-Dayers in 2024, she outperformed top players globally. Her consistent performances, including four centuries, and leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to a title, underscore her growth and maturity.
India Women triumphed over West Indies Women by a massive 211 runs in the first ODI at Vadodara. Smriti Mandhana's aggressive 91 and a solid opening partnership laid the foundation for India's imposing 314/9. Renuka Singh's maiden five-wicket haul (5/23) decimated the West Indies batting, restricting them to a mere 103. This dominant performance gives India a 1-0 series lead.
Mohammed Shami returned to international cricket after 14 months, playing in the third T20I against England. Shami was included in the squad after recovering from ankle surgery and replaced Arshdeep Singh. His selection came amid fitness concerns following his absence from the first two matches.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Rohit Sharma and selectors will influence his retirement decision. Manjrekar also suggested Virat Kohli play County cricket to enhance his Test skills before the England series. Kohli's fitness could allow him to continue playing at a the highest level, asserted Sanjay Bangar.
India and New Zealand, both unbeaten, will face off in the final Group A match of the Champions Trophy with a chance to top the group. India have shown vulnerability against spin during their two matches in the tournament so far, which the New Zealand spinners led by captain Mitchell Santner could exploit.
Smriti Mandhana has climbed to second place in both T20I and ODI batting rankings after impressive performances against the West Indies. She now trails only South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and Australia's Beth Mooney. Alongside, Indian and Australian players, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Annabel Sutherland, and Renuka Singh Thakur, made notable advancements in their respective rankings.
Ashleigh Gardner's brilliant 58 off 31 balls and economical bowling of 1/22 led Gujarat Giants to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League. The Giants restricted RCB to 125/7, with key bowling performances from Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar. Gardner's aggressive batting ensured an easy chase in 16.3 overs.
India have countered criticism about the team's advantage of playing all Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, sparked by their refusal to tour Pakistan. Former cricketer Brad Haddin claims this has only added pressure on them, he also suggests that Australia may capitalise on the situation in the semif-inal.