Australia's Cricket Board has awarded young batter Sam Konstas with his first central contract for the 2025-26 season after his impressive debut performance against India. Matthew Kuhnemann, cleared after a suspect bowling action report, and all-rounder Beau Webster also made the list. Australia are set to play crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final and the Ashes this year.
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After a narrow four-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants, KKR shared a heartfelt message from team owner Shah Rukh Khan. In his note, SRK praised the team’s fight, urged them to move on with heads held high, and reminded them that heartbreak can bring a team closer. The message has gone viral.
Ravichandran Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket after the Brisbane Test, surprising teammate Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja learned about the decision just minutes before the press conference, despite spending the day with Ashwin. The off-spinner retires with 537 Test wickets and six centuries. Jadeja expressed confidence in the team finding a suitable replacement and highlighted the opportunity for youngsters.
India captain Rohit Sharma praised Varun Chakravarthy's impressive performance against New Zealand, making the four-spinner strategy tempting for the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. Chakravarthy's accuracy and variations have improved, showcasing his capability. Rohit highlighted the crucial contributions of the middle-order, especially Axar Patel, ahead of the semifinal clash.
Australia clinched a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle. Chasing 75, they lost only Travis Head before lunch on day four. Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann claimed four wickets each, with Kuhnemann emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the series. Steve Smith achieved a milestone of 200 Test catches.
Shubman Gill, back at the Gabba where he shone in India's 2021 series win, exudes confidence ahead of the third Test. The series is tied 1-1, and India aims for a big first-innings total with the red ball after two sub-par batting performances in Adelaide. Captain Rohit Sharma, returning after missing the first Test, skipped Friday's optional training.
Gujarat advanced to the Ranji Trophy semifinals after defeating Saurashtra by an innings and 98 runs. Key players Priyajit Jadeja and Arzan Nagwaswalla led the bowling attack. Saurashtra was dismissed for 197 runs in their second innings. Cheteshwar Pujara scored 2 runs. Gujarat's performance sends a strong message to their upcoming opponents.
New Zealand's skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged India's dominant performance in the Champions Trophy final, where India chased a target of 252 with six balls to spare. Key contributions came from Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Santner praised his team's efforts, especially Rachin Ravindra's consistent performances, and expressed gratitude for the team’s collective efforts throughout the tournament.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has recommended including young opener Sam Konstas in the playing XI for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Ponting believes Konstas' earlier debut performance against India warrants him valuable experience in the challenging Sri Lankan conditions. He emphasizes investing in Konstas' Test career for future benefits.
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will compete in the Women's Premier League final. Mumbai boasts strong performances from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, while Delhi relies on bowler Jess Jonassen and Shikha Pandey. Both teams aim for the WPL trophy at Brabourne Stadium, with Mumbai's batting prowess set against Delhi's strong bowling lineup.
Dasun Shanaka's late innings blitz led the Dubai Capitals to a victory over the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium. Shanaka scored 34 off 10 deliveries, helping the Capitals chase down a target of 154 with five wickets in hand and eight balls to spare.