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.
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Australia's Big Bash League may introduce 'double play run-outs' and 'designated hitters' to attract elite players and spectators. High-level discussions are underway to implement these innovations in BBL15, aiming to speed up matches and reduce players' workload. The Playing Conditions Advisory Committee will review these potential changes, inspired by baseball and England's 'The Hundred' tournament.
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann criticized chief selector George Bailey for being too close to the Test team to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the struggling top order. Captain Pat Cummins defended Bailey, praising his boldness and objectivity, emphasizing the broader considerations beyond online scrutiny in selection.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan believes young fast bowler Harshit Rana could be a significant asset for India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury, Rana's strong performances in the recent England series make him a promising replacement, potentially adding an X-factor to the team.
The BCCI is likely to seek an extension to announce India's provisional squad for the Champions Trophy by January 19, past the ICC deadline of January 12. The decision follows the selection of the squad for the T20I series against England, with ODIs and the Champions Trophy squad announcement postponed.
Lucknow Super Giants aim for their first home win this season against Punjab Kings at Ekana International Stadium, with skipper Rishabh Pant eager to make a mark. After a narrow loss to Delhi Capitals and a strong comeback against Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG looks to continue their momentum, relying on top-order batsmen and a strategic spin attack.
Rajat Patidar's blistering 66 not out off 29 balls powered Madhya Pradesh to a seven-wicket victory over Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 semifinal. Venkatesh Iyer's two crucial wickets restricted Delhi to 146/6. Despite early setbacks, Patidar's six sixes and four fours, combined with Harpreet Singh Bhatia's unbeaten 46, steered Madhya Pradesh to the final against Mumbai.
Ravi Shastri praises the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as proof that Test cricket is thriving. Shastri emphasizes the need for a two-tier system to ensure the best teams compete regularly, maintaining the excitement and significance of the five-day format, especially after record-breaking attendance figures for the India-Australia Melbourne Test.
South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch had a remarkable start to his Test career, taking a wicket with his first delivery against Pakistan. Bosch dismissed Shan Masood, sparking a top-order collapse that saw Pakistan fall from 36/0 to 56/4. Bosch's debut performance shifted the match in South Africa's favor, adding to the legacy of South African pacers.
The Indian cricket team held a training session in Adelaide before the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Most batters practiced in the nets, while bowlers Bumrah and Siraj were rested. Meanwhile, Brisbane's weather forecast for the first day of the Test is not thretening, showing partly cloudy skies and maxium temperature in early 30s.
Shubman Gill's composed 87-run knock, alongside Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel's crucial contributions, led India to a four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI. Despite early setbacks, Gill remained positive, adapting well to the challenging pitch. The match was notable for the absence of Virat Kohli, with Gill stepping up as vice-captain and excelling under pressure.