Mitchell Starc is included in Australia's XI for the final Border-Gavaskar Test against India despite a rib issue. Starc, along with Cummins, Boland, and Lyon, will spearhead the bowling attack in Sydney. Beau Webster replaces struggling Mitch Marsh for his debut. A win or draw secures Australia's series victory and a spot in the World Test Championship final.
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Pakistan and Bangladesh have chosen to replace their scheduled ODI series with a five-match T20 International series this May. This new arrangement aims to better prepare both teams for the Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, providing crucial exposure for younger players. The source further mentioned that Bangladesh will likely play in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, while Pakistan is set to tour Bangladesh in June or July for a three-match T20 series.
Bengal's women's team set a new record in List-A cricket by successfully chasing 390 runs against Haryana in the Senior Women's Trophy 2024. Tanusree Sarkar played a pivotal role with 113 off 83. Despite Haryana's Shafali Verma's 197 off 115, Bengal reached the target with Priyanka Bala's 88 not out, securing a semifinal berth.
PV Sindhu advanced to the quarterfinals with a solid win against Manami Suizu at the India Open Super 750. Kiran George also kept India's hopes alive in men's event, defeating France's Alex Lanier after a thrilling comeback. Sindhu faces Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, while Kiran takes on Hong Yang Weng in their next matches.
South Africa secured a 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Test in Cape Town, clinching a 2-0 series victory. Despite Pakistan's second-innings fightback led by Shan Masood's 145, South Africa comfortably reached their 58-run target in 7.1 overs. South Africa's bowlers faced challenges from a placid pitch but succeeded, setting them up for the Test championship final against Australia.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a strong start to this IPL season under new captain Rajat Patidar, securing wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. They face Gujarat Titans next at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, wary of the Titans' potent bowling and batting line-ups.
Australia strengthened their position in the fourth Test against India, ending the fourth day with a lead of 333 runs. Captain Pat Cummins' determined 41 and Marnus Labuschagne's 70 were crucial, while Jasprit Bumrah's 200th Test wicket highlighted India's effort. Australia's decision to extend batting raised questions, and Mitchell Starc dismissed fitness concerns.
India's absence from the ICC World Test Championship final has led to a nearly £4 million ( ~ Rs 45 crore) revenue loss for Lord's. Australia will face South Africa instead. Anticipating India's participation, initial ticket prices were high but have been lowered to encourage attendance. Ticket sales for the match and other events at Lord's remain strong.
Will Smeed, a top-order English batter, expresses enthusiasm about joining the Pretoria Capitals for the SA20 league. Smeed eagerly anticipates playing in front of South African fans, integrating with his new teammates, and working with coach Jonathan Trott, aiming to entertain and contribute to victories.
Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional leg-spin propelled Punjab Kings to an improbable victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, defending a meager 111. Chahal's 4/28 triggered a dramatic collapse, as KKR faltered from a comfortable 62/2 to 95 all out. Marco Jansen's crucial wickets sealed the heist, overshadowing Kolkata's earlier dominance with the ball.
India vs England T20I series begins on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This five-match series features key players like Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel for India, and Jos Buttler and Harry Brook for England. Both teams aim for a strong performance ahead of the Champions Trophy.