Joburg Super Kings bolstered their playoff hopes with a decisive victory over Paarl Royals, led by Faf du Plessis' 87 off 55 balls. Spinner Donovan Ferreira's three wickets significantly restricted Royals. Despite injury challenges and inconsistency, the team remains optimistic about the playoffs. Ferraira highlighted calm leadership from Du Plessis for their steadiness.
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Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the last two Tests against India. He has a calf strain. Hazlewood is upset about the timing of this injury. He missed the second Test with a side strain. He calls the calf strain random. Scans confirmed the strain. Hazlewood wants to be fit for the Sri Lanka tour.
Australia are on the brink of sealing a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka, needing just two more wickets as the hosts finished day three at 211 for 8. Angelo Mathews' significant 76-run innings ended shortly before stumps, with Nathan Lyon leading Australia's bowling attack. Sri Lanka are ahead by only 54 runs in their second innings.
In a strange incident during a Big Bash League game, David Warner broke his bat while playing a shot and accidentally hit his own head with it. Despite this, he scored an unbeaten 88 off 66 balls, leading Sydney Thunder to a total of 164 for 6.
India aim to maintain their decade-long unbeaten streak at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia in the Boxing Day Test. Having drawn once and won twice since 2014, India seeks a fourth consecutive positive result at this historic venue. These matches include a significant 2018 victory, breaking a long-standing winless drought, and a 2020 triumph under Rahane's captaincy.
Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, and Dane Paterson have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of December 2024. Cummins led Australia to a 3-1 series win against India, claiming 17 wickets. Bumrah excelled with 32 wickets despite India’s series loss. Paterson's key performances helped South Africa secure their spot in the WTC25 Final.
Australia unveiled their eleven for the fourth Test against India, with two changes including teenager Sam Konstas making his debut. Travis Head retained his spot after passing a fitness test. Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood, while Pat Cummins expressed confidence in Head's form as the series' leading scorer.
Former England pacer Steve Harmison has criticised Virat Kohli for his altercation with debutant Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, suggesting Kohli should be given a ban for his conduct. Harmison advised Konstas to avoid provoking players, especially ahead of the Ashes series against England. Kohli received a demerit point and 20% fine for his actions during the incident.
Niki Prasad, once overlooked for the U-19 Women's T20 World Cup, has been chosen as India's captain for the 2025 edition after leading the team to victory at the U-19 Asia Cup. She emphasises teamwork and draws inspiration from Harmanpreet Kaur, preparing to defend their title in Malaysia.
Portugal's Joanna Child, at 64, made a historic T20I debut against Norway, becoming the second oldest debutant in the format. While her contributions were limited, her spirit inspired many, including captain Sarah Foo-Ryaland. The Portugal team showcased a unique blend of youth and experience, featuring players aged 15 and 16.
The latest ICC rankings show New Zealand's Tim Seifert and Finn Allen rising in T20I rankings. Babar Azam has slipped to 8th. Australia's Travis Head leads T20I batters. Among bowlers, Jacob Duffy has achieved a career-best ranking of 12th. In ODIs, Netherlands' Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren have moved up the bowlers' rankings.