Beau Webster will debut as Australia’s 469th Test player in Sydney against India, replacing Mitchell Marsh. The 31-year-old Tasmanian all-rounder, who switched from spin to seam bowling in 2021, has excelled with 1,837 runs and 39 wickets this season. Captain Pat Cummins aims to rejuvenate the lineup for the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match.
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Simon Katich advises Australian batsmen to prioritize strike rotation and solid defense against Jasprit Bumrah's accurate bowling. He cautions against reckless aggression, citing Australia's second-innings collapse in Brisbane. Katich also suggests replacing the injury-prone Mitchell Marsh with Beau Webster for the Boxing Day Test.
Pratika Rawal, a 24-year-old psychology graduate, marked her international cricket debut against West Indies, becoming the 150th player to represent India Women. Her journey showcases consistent growth, from a remarkable 161-run knock in domestic cricket to amassing nearly 1000 List-A runs in recent years, culminating in her national team selection.
Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was fined 15% of his match fee for dissenting an umpire's decision during the second ODI against Zimbabwe. He disputed a not-out LBW call against Craig Ervine, receiving a demerit point. Despite this, Afghanistan triumphed by a record 232 runs, propelled by Sediqullah Atal's century and Abdul Malik's 84. The final ODI is scheduled for Saturday.
UP Warriorz, powered by Georgia Voll's 99* off 56 balls, eliminated defending champions RCB from the Women's Premier League with a thrilling 12-run victory. Key contributions from Kiran Navgire and Grace Harris helped UPW reach 225/5, while RCB's chase ended at 213 all out, despite Richa Ghosh's 69 off 33 balls.
New Zealand secured a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka by claiming the second T20 match by 45 runs. Despite strong performances from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka faltered in their chase of 187, bowing out for 141. Jacob Duffy's four-wicket haul proved crucial, effectively curbing the Sri Lankan batting lineup's momentum.
Melbourne Stars' Glenn Maxwell showcased exceptional athleticism with a sensational boundary catch in their Big Bash League match against Brisbane Heat. Maxwell's effort saw him leaping over the fence, grabbing the ball mid-air, and completing the catch after re-entering the field of play, helping dismiss Will Prestwidge.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir refuted claims by Australia's Andrew McDonald that Jasprit Bumrah intimidated young opener Sam Konstas. Gambhir emphasised cricket's toughness and asserted Konstas had no right to interfere. McDonald voiced concerns about Konstas' mental state following the incident, but Gambhir dismissed the intimidation allegations.
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.
Shubman Gill's recent batting struggles in Australia are under scrutiny. Dinesh Karthik points to a technical issue, linking it to excessive white-ball cricket. Gill has not converted starts into substantial scores. Karthik suggests Gill's approach is more suited to Indian pitches and has advised him to adapt his technique for overseas conditions.
MI Emirates kept their playoff hopes alive with a 28-run win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Romario Shepherd excelled, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 13 balls and taking 2/14 with the ball. Shepherd emphasised the teamwork and clear execution that led to victory. Kyle Mayers of the Knight Riders admitted lapses in the final overs led to their defeat.