Sunil Gavaskar suggests that following India's failure to qualify for the World Test Championship final, selectors might make significant changes to the Test squad for the England series starting in mid-June, focusing on future prospects with an eye towards the next final in 2027.
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Sam Konstas, Australia's young opener, was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah in the second innings of his Test career on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Melbourne. Australia managed to dismiss the Indian side for 369, taking a 105-run lead. Nitish Kumar Reddy was the last wicket to fall for India, scoring 114. Indian bowlers began their innings with discipline.
Virat Kohli's relationship with the Australian crowd has fluctuated between hostility and admiration. His aggressive on-field demeanour often incites reactions from fans, leading to confrontations. Over time, his remarkable performances and sportsmanship have earned him respect, though he still faces occasional booing and sledging.
Steve Smith has been appointed captain for Australia's Sri Lanka tour. He aims to mentor young players with his sub-continental expertise. Pat Cummins is on paternity leave. The series includes two Tests starting on January 29 in Galle. The Australian squad features promising talents like Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and Sam Konstas.
Tejal Hasabnis played a crucial role in India's six-wicket victory over Ireland in Rajkot, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 46 balls. Hasabnis' performance, alongside Pratika Rawal's half-century, helped India chase 239 comfortably. The match marked Rajkot's debut as a women's cricket host, with Sayali Satghare receiving her cap from captain Smriti Mandhana.
India women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma have been retained in the highest tier of BCCI central contracts. New players Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, and Uma Chetry have received their first central contracts in Grade C. Pacer Renuka Thakur, all-rounder Jemimah Rodrigues, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, and opener Shafali Verma have secured their spots in Grade B.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has secured a 49% stake in The Hundred franchise Trent Rockets for just under £40m, with the entire franchise valued at £79m. Nottinghamshire retains 51% ownership. Southern Brave is later expected to be sold to Delhi Capitals' co-owners, finalizing the investment in all seven Hundred teams.
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.
Shubman Gill's composed 87-run knock, alongside Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel's crucial contributions, led India to a four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI. Despite early setbacks, Gill remained positive, adapting well to the challenging pitch. The match was notable for the absence of Virat Kohli, with Gill stepping up as vice-captain and excelling under pressure.
Tom Alsop's unbeaten 85 off 60 balls led Gulf Giants to a six-wicket victory over Sharjah Warriors in ILT20, successfully chasing 171 for 6 in the final over. Tom Curran supported with 26 not out. Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani took 3 for 32, helping to restrict the Warriors, who had strong contributions from Jason Roy and others.
Shubman Gill's century in the third ODI against England highlighted his talent, making him the fastest to 2,500 runs in ODI history. Gill's 112-run knock helped India set a strong foundation at 226/3. Virat Kohli's 52, alongside contributions from other top-order batsmen, set the stage for a potentially thrilling finish with India eyeing a series sweep.