Steve Smith reached a historic milestone, smashing his 10th century against India in the Brisbane Test, equaling Joe Root's record. This impressive innings of 101 marked his first century in 25 innings, ending his longest century drought. Smith also became Australia's sixth-highest run-scorer, surpassing Mark Waugh.
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Australia's Test opener Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the squad for the fourth Test against India after struggling against Jasprit Bumrah. Teenage prodigy Sam Konstas receives his first call-up. McSweeney, a non-specialist opener, averaged a meager 14.40 in three Tests. His dismissal by Bumrah four times in six innings sealed his fate.
Harshit Rana's ODI debut in Nagpur included a powerful 3-53 performance, helping India beat England under 250. Despite a challenging start, he recovered by taking key wickets. Rana justified his controversial inclusion as a concussion substitute, saying he is focused on delivering for his country. His performance ensured India's emphatic win in the first ODI.
SRH captain Pat Cummins is not concerned about the back-to-back defeats in IPL 2025. Despite losses to Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, he feels it's too early to worry. Cummins considers slight adjustments could change their fortunes. Delhi Capitals' Mitchell Starc credited teamwork for their win, while skipper Axar Patel praised the execution of their plans.
Pakistan's batting coach Mohammad Yousuf reversed his decision to withdraw from the New Zealand tour after confirming his daughter's improved health. Initially, he had pulled out due to her illness. Yousuf will now accompany the team for the scheduled 5 T20Is and three ODIs. The PCB retained the existing support staff structure, with Yousuf as the sole new addition.
The pitch for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final is semi-fresh, having been used two weeks ago in the India-Pakistan group stage match. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed allegations of undue advantage, stressing that conditions were challenging for all teams equally.
Test cricket in Australia is witnessing a resurgence despite lingering questions about the format's viability. Crowds are turning up in record numbers for the India-Australia series, but concerns over its future remain as fewer nations can sustain competitive Test teams, and discussions about four-day Tests continue.
Sam Konstas's debut innings in the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG drew comparisons to Andrew Symonds's iconic performance in 2006. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden lauded 19-year-old Konstas, whose aggressive 60 off 65 balls helped Australia establish a strong total. India's innings stumbled early, leaving them at 156/5 by Day 2's end, trailing by 310 runs.
Kerala and Gujarat have progressed to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals in contrasting fashions. Kerala narrowly edged Jammu and Kashmir by a one-run first-innings lead, while Gujarat dominated Saurashtra with an innings and 98 runs win. Despite not having players in the top 20 run-scorers, both teams exhibit strong team spirit and determination to excel.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 75 led Mumbai Indians to their third consecutive win in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, defeating UP Warriorz by eight wickets. Sciver-Brunt's career-best bowling figures of 3-18 restricted Warriorz to 142/9. Her formidable partnership with Hayley Matthews, who scored 59, was pivotal in securing the chase with three balls to spare.
Persistent rain in Brisbane thwarted a decisive result in the third Test between Australia and India, ending in a draw. India, chasing 275, were 8/0 when the weather intervened. Australia declared their second innings at 89/7 after India were bowled out for 260. The series remains level at 1-1, with both teams earning four World Test Championship points.