Australia faces significant challenges ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy with key players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitch Marsh likely to miss out due to injuries. Coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at a potential new captain, with Steve Smith and Travis Head as the frontrunners for the role.
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West Indies legend Clive Lloyd opposes the two-tier Test cricket proposal, stating it will hinder new teams' growth by confining them to a lower division. He emphasizes Test cricket's unmatched appeal and urges the ICC to create a fair system to support all teams equally. Lloyd also highlights financial challenges in sustaining Test cricket.
The 2025 Champions Trophy features eight teams competing in Pakistan and UAE, with defending champions Pakistan hosting the event. Teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to semi-finals. Matches include points for wins, with tiebreakers involving head-to-head results, net run rate, and group seedings.
The BCCI is deliberating on India's next Test captain, with potential candidates including Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. Performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy and IPL will influence the decision. Former England spinner Monty Panesar highlights the importance of choosing a captain who can lead India to victory, emphasizing stability and experience.
Rohit Sharma's batting struggles continued in the Brisbane Test, dismissed for just 10 runs. His move to the middle order, accommodating KL Rahul's return as opener, has added to his difficulties, according to teammate Cheteshwar Pujara. Rohit's recent scores reflect his struggles, aggregating low totals in previous series against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Australia's newest Test player, Sam Konstas, showcased his talent with an impressive debut in the Boxing Day Test, scoring a quick 60. Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts Konstas, who displays traits of both Leo and Virgo, has the potential to become a cricketing great, with audacious yet perfected shots, and possibly the best replacement for David Warner as an opener.
During an IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, a fan invaded the pitch to touch RR's stand-in captain Riyan Parag's feet. This was Parag's debut as IPL captain in Assam. Though Parag performed modestly, the incident highlighted his growing popularity. RR remains winless and will face Chennai Super Kings next.
Steve Smith has been appointed captain for Australia's Sri Lanka tour. He aims to mentor young players with his sub-continental expertise. Pat Cummins is on paternity leave. The series includes two Tests starting on January 29 in Galle. The Australian squad features promising talents like Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and Sam Konstas.
Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a Player of the Match performance, guiding India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. His aggressive approach, stemming from team strategy discussions, paid off as he scored 76 runs. This victory marks India's third Champions Trophy title, showcasing their consistent bowling and strong team depth.
Jasprit Bumrah's post-lunch burst in the Melbourne Test against Australia significantly weakened the home team's batting with three quick wickets, including his 200th Test wicket. Bumrah's masterful spell left Australia struggling at 91 for 6, with support from Mohammed Siraj who also took vital wickets.
Nitish Kumar Reddy visited the Tirupati temple after returning from Australia, sharing videos of him climbing the temple stairs on his knees. Following his outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he was warmly welcomed with celebration, petals, and a parade through his hometown Visakhapatnam. The SRH player scored a century in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.