England announce squads for India tour and Champions Trophy. Ben Stokes will miss both. Joe Root and Mark Wood return to the team. Jos Buttler will captain the limited-overs sides. Jacob Bethell earns his spot after a strong New Zealand series. The tour begins January 17. Matches against India start January 22. The Champions Trophy follows.
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Chennai Super Kings faced their second consecutive IPL defeat on Sunday, losing by six runs to Rajasthan Royals. The match showcased contrasting fielding efforts, with RR players excelling while CSK struggled. Ambati Rayudu highlighted CSK's poor fielding, stressing the impact of missed chances on close games. Riyan Parag’s game-changing catch exemplified RR's sharp fielding crucial for their victory.
A thrilling one-run victory was secured by the Dubai Capitals against the MI Emirates, thanks to 20-year-old pacer Farhan Khan's composed final over with Kieron Pollard occupying the crease at one point. Rovman Powell lauded Farhan's performance, highlighting the blend of experienced players and young talents as a key strength of the Dubai Capitals.
Australia, India, and England, along with the ICC, are reportedly discussing a two-tier Test cricket system to have the big three nations play each other more often. This proposed system may start after 2027, potentially changing the current format and reducing the need for these teams to play against many other nations.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test hundred against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming the third youngest Indian to do so in Australia. His remarkable 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar helped India reach 358/9 on Day 3, overcoming a follow-on threat despite trailing by 120 runs.
Fakhar Zaman is set to return to international cricket for Pakistan's Champions Trophy after an eight-month break due to illness and fitness issues. He criticizes the PCB's handling of player selection and expresses optimism about young talent Saim Ayub's recovery from an injury.
After a setback against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, aim to rebound against a struggling Rajasthan Royals side. Karun Nair's impressive form bolsters Delhi's batting, while their spin attack, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, poses a threat. Rajasthan Royals seek consistency, hoping Jofra Archer finds his rhythm to strengthen their bowling unit in this crucial encounter.
India lost seven wickets in the final session of the fourth Test against Australia, conceding lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia's victory puts them second in the World Test Championship standings, making it tough for India to reach the WTC Final. Australia's potential win in Sydney will extend their dominance while worsening things for India.
Star spinner Rashid Khan returns from injury to captain MI Cape Town in the 2025 SA20 season. His leadership is crucial for the team's redemption after a disappointing last-place finish in 2024. MI Cape Town has recruited Ben Stokes and Trent Boult to bolster their squad, aiming to win the championship.
England captain Jos Buttler believes their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan should proceed despite calls for a boycott due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights. Over 160 British lawmakers urged the ECB to avoid the match, but Buttler argues politics should not influence sports. ECB CEO Richard Gould plans to advocate for ICC to take collective action.
Michael Bracewell is set to captain New Zealand in a five-match T20I series against Pakistan. Following their runners-up finish in the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand aims to build on recent successes despite the absence of key players due to IPL commitments and injuries.