Beau Webster debuted for Australia in the fifth Test against India in Sydney. His family's hurried trip to Sydney caused a viral social media request for a dog sitter. Webster, called up just 24 hours before the Test, bowled 13 overs without taking a wicket. Australia ended Day 1 at 9 for one after dismissing India for 185.
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Star Sports released a promotional video featuring MS Dhoni for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Dhoni highlighted the intense matches in the eight-team tournament while humorously needing a Dhoni Refrigeration System to stay cool. The tournament will be played in Pakistan, with India's matches taking place in the UAE.
R Ashwin asserted that the current flat wickets in IPL 2025 significantly challenge bowlers, leading to a situation where personal psychologists might be needed. He highlighted that full-tosses are becoming more effective than pitched deliveries. Given these conditions, bowlers find it increasingly hard to maintain a defensive stance
Australia chief selector George Bailey is optimistic that Cameron Green will play as a batsman in the World Test Championship final against South Africa. Green, recovering from back surgery, is expected to return to batting by May. Mitchell Marsh was dropped for the Sri Lanka series, but Bailey remains hopeful about his future contributions.
In the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur and Renuka Singh, Smriti Mandhana leads the Indian women's cricket team in their first bilateral series against Ireland. India looks to maintain their winning streak after recent victories against the West Indies, with notable performances expected from Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Ricky Ponting considers Australia and India the top favorites for the ICC Champions Trophy due to their player quality and consistent performance in major events. He also acknowledges Pakistan, the current champions, as a strong contender, noting their recent outstanding form in ODI cricket.
India and New Zealand are set for a nail-biting ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. With India remaining unbeaten and New Zealand showing strong performances under Mitchell Santner's captaincy, the match promises to be an epic rematch of the 2000 final. Key players like Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami are in top form.
Harry Brook has withdrawn from his IPL contract with Delhi Capitals, citing his priority to focus on England cricket. Apologizing to fans, he emphasized needing time to recharge after a busy period. England will face India in a Test series in June and embark on the Ashes trip to Australia from November to January.
India's Mohit Sharma shared a balanced view of BCCI's revised policy restricting family members on tours. A day earlier, Virat Kohli, however, had strongly emphasised the importance of family presence for players' mental well-being. Players' spouses and families are allowed only after the first two weeks on tours exceeding 45 days or for a week on shorter tours.
Pakistan struggled on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, closing at 64-3. South Africa declared at 615, with Ryan Rickelton scoring a chanceless 259. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen took crucial early wickets for South Africa, leaving Pakistan trailing by 551 runs with Babar Azam unbeaten on 31.
India, having won the last two Test series in Australia, aims for a historic third consecutive victory. With the current series tied at 1-1, Ravindra Jadeja expresses confidence in India's ability to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The upcoming Melbourne Test holds crucial significance for the team's aspirations. India began the series with an emphatic 295-run win in Perth but faced a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide. The rain-marred third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.