With India gearing up for the pivotal SCG Test, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory is crucial for India to maintain their chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa. KL Rahul, who has shown solid form with the bat during this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, is a vital player in India’s lineup, particularly given the challenges faced by the top-order batsmen throughout the series.

KL Rahul has accumulated 259 runs in 4 matches during this Test series against Australia, averaging 37.00, making him one of the more reliable performers in India’s top order. The 32-year-old was promoted to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of captain Rohit Sharma for the first three Tests, though Rohit returned to the opening role in the Melbourne Test.

On the eve of the New Year’s Test, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted both the India and Australia teams on January 1. The Sydney Test is also significant for the observance of ‘Jane McGrath Day’ on Day 3, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Australia currently leads the series 2-1, having gained a strong advantage with a commanding 184-run victory in Melbourne’s fourth Test. The Pat Cummins-led squad has outperformed India in crucial moments, leaving captain Rohit Sharma and his team with immense pressure as they head into Sydney.

A loss or draw at the SCG would see India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have held since 2017. With so much on the line, the SCG Test is set to be a fierce contest as India fights to stay competitive in the series and preserve their supremacy in this historic rivalry.

Kohli had an aggressive moment when he bumped into Konstas with his shoulder, leading to a brief verbal exchange. However, the 19-year-old Konstas displayed remarkable composure when reflecting on the incident, stating that ‘these types of things happen in cricket’.

Virat Kohli fell victim once again to the elusive fifth stump ball, continuing his ongoing struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump, while Sam Konstas delivered one of the most remarkable debuts in cricket history, hitting Jasprit Bumrah, a modern great, for a couple of boundaries.

The beginning of 2025 has seen players from both India and Australia share light-hearted moments, as they rang in the New Year together following an invitation from the Australian Prime Minister.

The viral post:

 

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A post shared by Billy Konstas (@billy_konstas)

In addition to this, Virat Kohli also met other Australian cricketers during the Indian team’s visit to the Australian Prime Minister on New Year’s Day. Both India and Australia celebrated the occasion just days before their final Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Jasprit Bumrah also interacted with the Konstas brothers, as the start of 2025 highlighted cricketers’ ability to put aside on-field tensions and enjoy lighter moments during special occasions.

Sam Konstas’ family with Jasprit Bumrah.

– Jhye Richardson with a cameo. pic.twitter.com/wldpAptaF2

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 1, 2025

India and Australia will aim to kick off 2025 on a strong note, much like they did in 2024, as the race for a spot in the WTC Final 2025 continues to be highly competitive between the two teams.

In his post, he expressed that both teams had already provided the Australian public with an unforgettable cricketing summer.

He wrote on X, “The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket.”

The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket. pic.twitter.com/oqVDOOr5Bm

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

He also added in a different post, “When the fifth test starts on Friday, the SCG will be a sea of pink in support of the great work of the McGrath Foundation. Go Australia!”

When the fifth test starts on Friday, the SCG will be a sea of pink in support of the great work of the McGrath Foundation. Go Australia! pic.twitter.com/SxE8NsQgos

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

PM Anthony Albanese and his fiancee Jodie Haydon had hosted a New Year’s reception at Kirribilli House on Wednesday.

As per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Albanese also shared some remarks about India’s leading fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who has claimed 30 wickets across four matches in the ongoing series.

“We could pass a law here that says he has to bowl left-handed or off one step. Every time he has come onto bowl has been very exciting,” NDTV quoted Albanese as saying in The Sydney Morning Herald in the 90-minute function.

India vs Australia BGT 2024-25:
The Indian cricket team, captained by Rohit Sharma, will take on the Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, in the fifth and final Test at the renowned Sydney Cricket Ground starting from January 3, 2025. This match will determine whether India secures a spot in the World Test Championship final, with a victory being essential for qualification. Australia currently leads the series 2-1, following a draw in the Brisbane match.

While there are various scenarios in which India can make it to the WTC 2025 final, the race for the last spot is intense, with India, Australia, and Sri Lanka competing for the top position, now that South Africa has been knocked out.

Welcoming 2025 with Open Arms and a Grateful Heart – Happy New Year Everyone pic.twitter.com/ChptFcYr4t

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) January 1, 2025

Star batters Babar Azam and Virat Kohli were left out of the nominations for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Instead, the list highlights exceptional players from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies, each of whom had a significant impact in the 50-over format this year.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was one of the most dominant bowlers in white-ball cricket in 2024. The leg-spinner’s performances, including a career-best 7/19 against Zimbabwe, cemented his place as one of the standout bowlers of the year. His consistent ability to pick wickets against teams like Afghanistan, West Indies, and India enhanced his stature as a key figure for Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with both bat and ball. He kicked off the year with a stunning 149* against Sri Lanka and continued to contribute significantly in victories over South Africa and Bangladesh. His all-round performances played a crucial part in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series triumph over South Africa.

Kusal Mendis, the former Sri Lankan captain, had a remarkable 2024, averaging over 50 in ODIs. Mendis scored a career-high 143 against India and was excellent behind the stumps, completing 19 dismissals. His all-around contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success in the 50-over format throughout the year.

The video, shared by Cars For You on their YouTube channel, was filmed at Mumbai airport. In the clip, Sachin Tendulkar is seen leaving the airport with his wife, heading towards the parking area. The cricketer is escorted by airport security to ensure smooth passage and prevent any disruptions.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

In the video, Sachin’s wife takes her seat on the co-passenger side of the Range Rover, while Sachin opens the tailgate to place their luggage. He then moves to the driver’s seat and drives off into the SUV. The model featured is the SV PHEV version of the Range Rover. This marks the first time we’ve seen Sachin behind the wheel of a Range Rover in all these years.

While black, white, and emerald green are popular choices for the Range Rover, Sachin Tendulkar chose an eye-catching Sedona Red colour for his SUV. It appears that the interior has been tailored to his specifications, which likely added to the overall cost of the vehicle.

Since the introduction of the latest generation Range Rover, many Indian celebrities have switched back to the British brand from their previous German choices. The SUV offers a premium design along with an extensive array of luxury features. Additionally, the local assembly of certain variants has led to a reduction in prices, making it more appealing to buyers.

The SV model of the Range Rover features captain seats, 24-way adjustable heated and cooled executive rear seats, a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual 13.1-inch rear entertainment screens, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, and more.

The SUV also comes equipped with high-end features such as ADAS, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats for both the front and rear, a multifunctional steering wheel, and more.

The model featured in the video is the SV PHEV, a Plug-in Hybrid version. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, which is combined with an electric motor to produce a total output of 542 PS. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission, and power is distributed to all four wheels. Sachin Tendulkar’s vehicle is valued at Rs 4.9 crore, ex-showroom.

Range Rover SUVs have gained significant popularity among Indian celebrities. Stars like Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Kangana Ranaut, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Shilpa Shetty are among the proud owners of this luxurious vehicle. Besides the Range Rover, Sachin Tendulkar’s car collection includes models like the BMW M 340i, BMW 7-Series, BMW i8, BMW X5 M, Lamborghini Urus S, and several others.

Kambli stepped out of the hospital wearing India’s new ODI jersey and was greeted by his well-wishers. With the support of his loved ones, he was able to walk and wave at fans, signalling a positive recovery. He also wished everyone a Happy New Year and urged fans to avoid alcohol.

The 52-year-old cricketer from Mumbai played 121 international matches for India between 1991 and 2000. Though he began his Test career on a strong note, his off-field habits impacted his performance.

Kambli accumulated 1084 runs in just 17 Tests, averaging an impressive 54.20, and scored four centuries, including a double ton against England at Wankhede Stadium in 1993.

The left-handed opener also had a significant career in ODIs, amassing 2477 runs in 104 matches at an average of 32.59. He recorded two centuries and 14 fifties in the shorter format, with his final international appearance coming in the 2000 Champions Trophy final against Sri Lanka.

Kambli made a significant impact in domestic cricket, amassing nearly 10,000 runs in first-class matches at an average of 59.67, and 6,476 runs in List A cricket at an average of 41.24. He also scored 46 centuries in domestic competitions and played his final professional match in 2004.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

BREAKING – Vinod Kambli discharged from hospital pic.twitter.com/DT3vc0VXsC

— Akshat Jain (@AkshatJain69727) January 1, 2025

Brisbane Heat’s Will Prestwidge appeared to have sent the ball over the boundary line with a shot to long-on off Dan Lawrence’s delivery. However, Maxwell pulled off a jaw-dropping effort, managing to flick the ball back in mid-air before returning to the field and completing the catch with secure hands.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

GLENN MAXWELL!

CATCH OF THE SEASON. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/3qB9RaxHNb

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2025

Maxwell, widely recognized as the Big Show, has the power to turn a match on its head with his explosive batting and clever bowling. On the field, he also brings an added edge to his team with his exceptional athleticism and fielding skills.

The powerful hitter was let go by IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore before the 2025 mega auction, following a significant drop in form during the previous season, despite his strong performances in earlier editions of the lucrative T20 league.

However, RCB’s setback could turn into an advantage for Punjab Kings, as the Preity Zinta-owned franchise successfully secured the Australian all-rounder for INR 4.2 Crores. Maxwell had a successful stint with the Dharamshala-based team from 2014 to 2017, and once more in 2020, before RCB secured his services in 2021.

A move back to PBKS could mark a turnaround for the Australian dynamo in India, as he looks to silence his critics once again.

According to a report by The Indian Express, there has been growing tension within the Indian dressing room, particularly regarding team selection. The report reveals that Gautam Gambhir had repeatedly pushed for the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara before the first Test against Australia in Perth. However, his requests were overlooked by the selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar. Even after India won the Perth Test, Gambhir continued to advocate for Pujara’s inclusion.

Pujara, with 103 Test matches to his name and an average of 43.60, played a crucial role in India’s previous series wins in Australia but hasn’t been part of the team since the 2023 World Test Championship final.

India’s ongoing struggles with the top-order batting have been apparent in the current series, and before it began, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood expressed relief that Pujara wasn’t part of the squad.

Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has been marred by further issues, with reports indicating that he has had disagreements with the selectors and the captain regarding the selection of the playing XI for the Australia series. Specifically, his choices to include Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar were reportedly met with differing opinions within the Indian camp.

Additionally, Gambhir has expressed frustration over how the players have been unable to implement strategies effectively on the field.

Warner began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) in 2009, playing with them until 2013. In 2014, he was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who named him captain in 2015. Under his leadership, SRH won their first IPL title in 2016.

Warner’s time with SRH came to an unpleasant end when he was stripped of the captaincy and excluded from the playing XI during IPL 2021. He later joined Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, where he spent three years. In IPL 2023, he took on the role of captain for the team.

It appears that Warner’s IPL career has come to an end, and he could become a consistent presence in the PSL moving forward. At present, he is playing for Sydney Thunder in the 2024/25 Big Bash League season.

David Warner has retired from international cricket:
David Warner announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024 and now focuses solely on franchise-based competitions. The former Australia vice-captain concluded his international career with 112 Test matches, 161 One Day Internationals, and 110 T20Is. Warner was a key member of the Australian teams that won the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups. He also contributed to Australia’s victory in the 2023 World Test Championship. In addition, Warner was part of the team that claimed Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup title in 2021.

Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland remained not out at the close of Day 4, as Australia extended their lead to 333 runs. Marnus Labuschagne contributed with a half-century, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon played vital roles with 41-run knocks.

India won the first Test in Perth, lost the second in Adelaide, and the third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, making the series 1-1 heading into the MCG Test.

IND Vs AUS 4th Test Day 5 Highlights:

Reddy reached his first-ever Test century with a lofted shot on the 171st ball of his innings. After surpassing the 100-run milestone, he celebrated in a memorable manner, and the moment quickly went viral across the internet.

The all-rounder, who made his Test debut against Australia in Perth last month, shared his thoughts on the viral celebration in a video posted by the BCCI on their official social media platforms. He explained the significance behind his celebration and said, “After my 100, I was just planting my bat over there and keeping my helmet. So, the Indian flag is there, right? So, I’m just planting my Indian flag, and I’m just saluting my Indian flag. So, what’s the biggest motivation when representing Indians? So, I just want to make this moment memorable.”

 

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A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

Reddy, India’s top run-scorer in the current five-match Test series, discussed his 127-run stand for the 8th wicket with Washington Sundar, mentioning that both players were determined to put up a strong fight on Saturday.

“Till the time we are here, we will keep fighting. Even when I got hit by bouncers or something like that. I just keep saying that same thing: keep fighting, just keep fighting. That’s what keeps motivating me. That’s something that has come from Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir). So that kind of made things a lot easier for us. It was a lot of fun. I mean, I started watching the ball a lot better, and runs also started coming in quite easily,” he said.

“But when he (Sundar) got out, I was like, ‘No way.’ At that time I was on 99, I guess. I saw the scoreboard, and there were still 3 more balls, and Siraj is walking up. And I know what mentality Siraj carries, and he was like, ‘Yeah, I will do it.’ He was boosted up, and ‘Reddy, now it’s your time,'” he added.

The young player from Andhra, who gained attention for his outstanding performances in the 2024 IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, shared that he always aimed to perform well in Australia to gain recognition, and he is pleased that his bat has spoken for him.

“I was so happy. I wanted to perform well in Australia so that everyone recognises me and what I am capable of. I let my bat talk, and I am just so thankful for the moment. After that moment (century), I saw my father. He’s crying like, you know, I always dreamed about making him proud,” he added.

He made a steady 114 in a composed innings amid intense pressure. His contribution guided India to a total of 369, rescuing them from a precarious 221/7. Reddy has shared his thoughts on his performance in the Boxing Day Test and expressed gratitude for the support from his father, Mutyalu.

“Some people doubted me, like a youngster who played IPL, can’t perform in such a big series. I know a lot of people did talk like that,” Reddy said at the end of the fourth day of the MCG Test.

“I just want to make them feel wrong about what they have said about me and that’s what I am doing, I want people to know that I am here to give my 100 per cent for the Indian team,” he added.

He has been on the rise in Indian cricket in the last few months. He had made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October. But his journey has been far long. “I guess for you guys, it is like one or two months. For me, it’s like, I can see my my past two to three years. How hard I’ve been working on my batting and bowling,” he said.

He also opened up on how he worked in the off-season in IPL on his batting. “After the first IPL season, I realised what I have to improve my batting and I came up with a plan. When I got the off-season, I worked a lot on my batting and that’s what is giving results now. It’s not about the one month and two months, I have done the work from last two-three years to be here,” he said.

Reddy also opened up on his father’s support and sacrifice in his journey. “To be honest, my father had 25 years of service in central government and when I was a nobody, and hadn’t played a state-level game, the first person who believed in me was my father,” he was a touch emotional.

“He believed in me and he resigned from his job for me. He would take me to the ground, gym, always he wanted to be with me. He made a lot of sacrifices. If I have to tell about him, time won’t be sufficient but I am so grateful to have a father like him,” he said.

He also spoke about the compliments he received from Virat Kohli following his century. Kohli has been Reddy’s childhood idol. “I have been watching Virat from my childhood. He is my idol and now finally I have played with him. When he scored a hundred in Perth, I was at the non-striker’s end. I felt so happy.

“Now, I scored a century, he appreciated me. He came to me and said that ‘you really played well, you got the team back in the game’. I always dreamt about that moment and finally when he talked with me, that’s the best moment for me,” Reddy said.

However, two Indian players have more reasons than most to dream, hope, and take risks: Rohit Sharma, the embattled captain whose recent batting has seemed like a shadow of his former self, and Virat Kohli, who has struggled to control his mind from letting him down. Both have been hindered by their inability to ignite the qualities that once defined them: Rohit’s aggressive batting and Kohli’s mental fortitude in mastering his instincts.

Their starts couldn’t have been more different, yet the day ended almost the same for both. Rohit began the day standing alone in his jumper, observing the team warm up without engaging in any drills, lost in thought for a while. In stark contrast, Kohli was active, moving around, and speaking to the group after Nitish Reddy’s dismissal, just before Australia’s innings was set to begin.

Rohit walked onto the field for the Australian innings, adjusting his jersey. He approached Akash Deep and discussed the bowling strategy, gesturing with his hands to illustrate some shots. Jasprit Bumrah, who appears determined to make a lasting impression on the Australian team in this series, soon joined them. Kohli appeared from the tunnel shortly after and addressed the team in the huddle.

After Bumrah dismissed Sam Konstas and fired up the crowd, much like he did when he had fallen on Friday evening, leaving Reddy anxious on 99 under ominous skies, it felt like a moment of redemption, Bumrah style. As Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj, who had faced their own challenges this series—being booed by Australian crowds and criticized by Indian fans for his bowling—rose to the occasion, Rohit, the captain, began to rally and immerse himself in the contest.

Former versions:
In the early stages, Kohli had taken charge of the field placements and other tactical decisions. It wasn’t that Rohit wasn’t involved—he was actively present at slips, clapping after each delivery, offering words of encouragement to the bowlers as they ran past him at the end of their overs—but there was a noticeable shift in his approach. It seemed like he realized that India had a genuine chance to win.

He gestured for his players to reposition, motivated the bowlers to stick to a specific strategy, urged the fielders to stay alert and follow his lead, and showed his frustration at missed opportunities. At one point, he told Yashasvi Jaiswal, in his characteristic style of frustration, “Yaar, ‘baitey rehna neeche'” (just stay low), after Jaiswal had stood up too early at silly point, allowing the catch off Cummins to slip through. And this was just one of many moments where his leadership was evident.

By this point, Kohli had returned to his usual self, running, gesturing, and jumping, reacting to every near miss as if the ball had just missed the bat by a hair’s breadth. He was fully immersed in every moment. But as the day stretched on into evening, with Australia fighting back through their remaining batsmen and their fast bowlers tiring, a feeling of resigned inevitability crept over both of them.

It wasn’t surrender, but rather the realization that the game would be decided on the final day’s chase. It was clear it wouldn’t be easy. By the end, both men grew quiet. When Nathan Lyon was dismissed at slip in Bumrah’s final over, they turned to walk off the field. Kohli led the way, with Rohit picking up the three helmets from behind Rishabh Pant when they realized it was a no-ball. Neither of them reacted; they simply walked back to slips, with Rohit placing the helmets back on the field.

However, despite the challenging conditions expected for the chase, with variable bounce likely on the final day, India’s fate is in their hands. Australia hasn’t yet seen the best of Rohit. He hasn’t seen it in a while either. While Australian fans tend to respect foreign players who perform on Australian soil, Rohit has yet to deliver, which contributed to him being sidelined in the pre-series media coverage, with the spotlight instead on young players like Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, as well as the veteran Kohli.

After initially batting lower in the order, Rohit opted to open. It wasn’t the best choice in the first innings, with a fresh pitch and bowlers, but it could prove effective in a chase. If Rohit can make an early impact and unsettle the Australians, it could spark hope for India. From there, it might come down to Kohli, who could once again rise to the occasion against his favourite opponents—the Australian team and their supporters in Australia.

On the fourth day morning, the highly respected radio commentator Jim Maxwell, who has been covering cricket for ABC radio for 51 years, shared his thoughts with this newspaper about the Indian duo. “This series I don’t think Virat is in his best mental shape at all. He doesn’t seem to have that ruthless mental strength and discipline that players like Bradman or even Steve Smith now. He has become a more flirtatious player. That’s why after that mix-up of a runout with Jaiswal, he went back to what he has been in the last year or two: loose outside off. The Kohli of the old wouldn’t have let that moment go. And Rohit is past it sadly,” he says.

It’s a viewpoint that few would contest. However, tomorrow isn’t just another day; it’s a day when these two Indian players could reclaim their diminishing brilliance. If not them, India will look to younger talents like Rishabh Pant, Jaiswal, and Nitish to step up. Whether it’s a win, loss, or draw, what’s in store for us?

This has to be joke of the year, Babar Azam is getting nomination over Jasprit Bumrah & Hardik Pandya, what’s wrong with u ICC. https://t.co/xPEKybstmm

— Sagittarius (@MidNightRain_32) December 29, 2024

Remarkably, Arshdeep achieved these impressive statistics in only 18 matches, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 37 wickets in 32 games. In 2022, Arshdeep ranked third with 33 wickets. The left-arm seamer has become an essential part of India’s T20I lineup, providing a much-needed variation with his pace. He has delivered outstanding performances in various conditions, playing a key role in India’s triumphs both at home and abroad in the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

ICC T20i Cricketer Of The Year Nominees.

– Arshdeep Singh.
– Travis Head.
– Sikandar Raza.
– Babar Azam. pic.twitter.com/psFwZoVI0r

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 29, 2024

One of Arshdeep’s standout moments came in the Men’s T20 World Cup final. While much of the credit went to Bumrah for his match-changing over, India’s victory would have been unimaginable without the crucial backing from Arshdeep’s exceptional performance.

Sorry but Babar Azam is nominated over Jasprit Bumrah who won the T20 WC with POTT. What a joke. pic.twitter.com/a2CxysIMTK

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) December 29, 2024

Arshdeep Singh played a pivotal role in defending a target of 177, joining forces with Bumrah to provide India with an ideal start by dismissing South African captain Aiden Markram for just four runs. Later, he claimed the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock in the 13th over, maintaining India’s hopes alive.

His standout performance occurred in the 19th over, where he gave away only four runs, increasing the required rate from 10 to 16. This created pressure on David Miller, who ultimately fell, enabling India to move closer to securing their second T20 World Cup title.

Sikandar Raza has continued to shine for Zimbabwe, earning a place on the prestigious list for the third year in a row. As the all-rounder turned captain, he has been instrumental in Zimbabwe’s cricketing triumphs, particularly in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier Group B, where he scored 199 runs and took 10 wickets.

Despite Zimbabwe’s T20I team still evolving, Raza’s leadership has guided them to victories over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan this year. One of his memorable moments came against India when his cautious 17 runs helped Zimbabwe reach 115/9 on a challenging track. With the ball, he played a key role by dismissing Shubman Gill and taking two more important wickets to secure a thrilling 13-run win for Zimbabwe.

Babar Azam had an inconsistent year but remained Pakistan’s top T20I run-scorer. With six fifties and nearly a hundred boundaries, Babar was a key figure for Pakistan. His strike rate improved to 133.21, and he is close to breaking Rohit Sharma’s record for the highest T20I run-scorer, being just eight runs short of Rohit’s 4231 runs.

One of his notable performances came during Pakistan’s preparatory tour of Ireland before the T20 World Cup. After a surprising defeat in the first T20I, Babar led from the front in the decider, scoring 75 off 42 balls at a strike rate of 178.57 to seal the win in just 17 overs.

Travis Head demonstrated his versatility as a T20I batter for Australia in 2024, amassing 539 runs at an impressive strike rate of 178.47. He made explosive starts as an opener against New Zealand and continued his fine form into the T20 World Cup 2024.

Travis Head finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 255 runs, boasting a strike rate of 158.38. His contributions were key to several of Australia’s victories, with his most memorable innings coming against England in Southampton.

Opening alongside Matthew Short, Head charged to 59 off 23 balls during the Powerplay, smashing 12 boundaries, including four sixes. His explosive innings played a crucial role in Australia setting a daunting target of 179, a total that proved too challenging for England, leading to a 28-run victory.

South Africa are headed to Lord’s for the #WTC25 Final #SAvPAK https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD

— ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2024

The Pakistan cricket team has added an exciting twist to the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 qualification race, securing a victory over South Africa in the first Test of their two-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion by XX runs. This result caused South Africa to drop to second place in the WTC points table with 57.75 percentage points, while Australia reclaimed the top spot with 58.89 percentage points.

India, sitting in third place with 55.88 percentage points, has gained a significant boost in their pursuit of qualifying for a third consecutive WTC final.

ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table:

Qualification scenarios for India, Australia and Sri Lanka:

India’s qualification scenario:
After South Africa secured a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final, the qualification scenario for India has shifted slightly. India can still qualify directly by winning both of their remaining Tests against Australia in Perth and Sydney. However, if they win one and draw the other, they will require Sri Lanka to draw at least one of their two Tests against Australia to advance.

In the event that both India-Australia matches end in a draw, India will need Sri Lanka to win their series against Australia 1-0. Lastly, if India loses its series to Australia, it will be eliminated from the WTC final qualification race.

Australia’s qualification scenario:
If Australia wins the ongoing five-match series against India by 2-1 or 3-1, they will secure their spot in the WTC 2023-25 final. If the series ends in a 2-2 or 1-1 draw, Australia will need to win at least one match against Sri Lanka to qualify for the final.

Sri Lanka’s qualification scenario:
For Sri Lanka to secure qualification, the India vs Australia series must end in a 1-1 draw, followed by a 2-0 victory over Australia in their upcoming home series.

His triumphant celebrations, along with the visibly emotional reaction from his father, appeared to reignite a sense of determination and resilience in the Indian dressing room. It also seemed to calm the MCG crowd, which had been becoming more hostile towards the Indian team.

The young all-rounder emerged as the top run-scorer of the series. Along with the recognition, he bought valuable time for the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir, who had been facing criticism for India’s earlier performances in the test.

As a result of his outstanding performance, Reddy achieved several notable personal records. Here are three of them:

3. Highest Score For A Number Eight Or Lower At MCG
For those new to the sport, it might be tough to grasp why centuries at the MCG Test are so significant, despite the pitch being easier than other Australian venues. The factors behind this are largely external—Boxing Day Tests attract massive crowds, and the sheer size of the ground can make players feel dwarfed, almost as if they’re in a gladiator arena.

Reddy’s century stands out even more because it came from the challenging position of number eight, as the last recognized batter for India. With his knock of 105, he now holds the record for the highest Test score by a player batting at number eight or lower at the MCG.

Reddy has surpassed the 122-year-old record of 104 set by Australian Reginald Alexander Duff against England. Only two other players — Australia’s JM Gregory and RR Lindwall, who both made scores of 100 in 1920 and 1947, respectively — have reached three figures while batting lower than number eight at the MCG. Specifically for the number eight spot, the previous record was held by Mitchell Johnson, who scored an unbeaten 92 against Sri Lanka in 2012.

2. Highest Score For A Number 8 Or Lower For India In Australia
Reddy’s achievement extends beyond the MCG. His 105 is now the highest score by an Indian batter at number eight or lower in any Test in Australia. The previous record was held by Anil Kumble, who scored 87 in Adelaide while captaining India during the memorable 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Other players like Ravindra Jadeja, Kiran More, Shardul Thakur, and Ravichandran Ashwin have scored fifties while batting in the lower order in Australia, but Reddy’s century is the first of its kind.

Reddy’s total of 200 runs while batting at number eight or lower in Tests is now the fourth-highest for India, trailing only Ashwin, Kumble, and Manoj Prabhakar. He may be moved up to the top six after this series, but by then, the talented cricketer from Telangana is likely to have surpassed this milestone.

1. Nitish Kumar Reddy Is The Youngest Boxing Day Test Centurion For India
Let’s not overlook that Reddy is only 21 years old, despite his remarkable maturity. His age itself adds to the significance of his achievement. At 21 years and 216 days, he became the third-youngest player from India to score a Test century in Australia.

Focusing on the prestigious Boxing Day Test, Reddy now holds the title of the youngest Indian to score a century in this iconic match. The previous record was held by Virender Sehwag, who achieved the feat at 25 years and 67 days in 2003 with a brilliant 195 (233). Sachin Tendulkar did so at 25 years and 246 days, while Virat Kohli was 26 years and 51 days old when he reached the milestone.

Reddy has also set a new benchmark as the youngest non-Australian to score a century while batting at number eight or lower, surpassing Matt Prior of England, who was 28 years and 311 days old when he made the record in 2011.

The third edition of the Pickleball Slam is set to take place on February 16, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena within Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Agassi and Graf will return as defending champions, having triumphed over John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova this year, and will aim to secure the $1 million prize once more.

With the holiday season preceding the much-awaited battle, Eugenie Bouchard extended her festive wishes to Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, albeit with a twist. The Canadian jokingly wished a duo a hearty season’s “beatings” instead of greetings.

“I’d like to wish my opponents Andre and Steffi a very special season’s beatings,” Bouchard said.

 

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Agassi and Graf have fired back at their strong rivals, delivering a chilling warning accompanied by a famous ‘Game of Thrones’ reference.

“We got a message for you, Andy and Genie, February 16th…” Agassi said.
“Winter is coming,” Graf added.

 

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The banter has been intense among the players leading up to Pickleball Slam 3. Andy Roddick proposed some unflattering team names for his opponents, while Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf have referred to Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard as “the enemy.”

“We’re hoping Eugenie Bouchard doesn’t have too much of an edge” – Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi ahead of Pickleball Slam 3

In a promotional video for Pickleball Slam 3, Steffi Graf complimented Eugenie Bouchard for successfully moving into professional pickleball, revealing that she and Andre Agassi were hoping it wouldn’t provide the Canadian with a significant advantage in the upcoming match.

“Genie’s been really playing well this year, taking it professionally. I think the jump from tennis into pickleball is not an easy transition, and doubles and mixed is so different from tennis, so it’s a little harder. We’re hoping she doesn’t have too much of an edge there,” Graf said.

In celebration of the Christmas season, the Pickleball Slam 3 organizers posted the meme on Instagram, giving fans a reminder of the upcoming event scheduled for February 16 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

On Christmas Day, Eugenie Bouchard reposted the meme on her Instagram story. The image playfully depicted Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as the parents, with Andy Roddick and Bouchard as their kids, all wearing sweaters and Christmas hats while resting their chins on their hands.

The 30-year-old embarked on a new journey in 2024 by joining the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. The ex-world No. 5 has encountered notable obstacles in recent times, such as a 17-month break caused by a shoulder injury, and only secured two WTA victories in 2023.

As the countdown to Pickleball Slam 3 begins, Steffi Graf commended Eugenie Bouchard for her strong debut in professional pickleball. She discussed the difficulties of shifting from tennis and expressed concern about Bouchard gaining too much of an edge before their upcoming match.

“It is a fortunate day and the happiest moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. We are very happy that a boy from Andhra has been picked for the Test format and international T20 format. As an honour, on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association, Rs 25 lakh prize money is being given to Nitish Kumar Reddy,” (ACA) president Kesineni Sivanath said.

Heartiest congratulations to #NitishKumarReddy on his remarkable century against Australia in today’s Test match! His grit and determination have made the state of Andhra Pradesh and the nation proud.

To honor this extraordinary feat, the Andhra Cricket Association is… pic.twitter.com/QSh5H5thDc

— Kesineni Sivanath (@KesineniS) December 28, 2024

Reddy, a key performer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, displayed his determination once more in the fourth Test, building a vital 127-run stand with Washington Sundar (50 from 162 balls). His outstanding innings received accolades from cricketing greats, with Sunil Gavaskar hailing it as one of the finest knocks in India’s Test history.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s special post for Mohammed Siraj:
Nitish Reddy grabbed the spotlight with his remarkable innings. However, there was a tense moment when the entire crowd, both at the ground and watching at home, stood in anticipation as India lost the wickets of Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession. Reddy was on 97 when Sundar was dismissed, and when Cummins sent Bumrah back to the pavilion, Reddy was just one run away from his century, sitting on 99.

Reddy was just one run away from his century, but Mohammed Siraj was on strike and had to face three deliveries from Pat Cummins. Had Cummins managed to dismiss Siraj during those three balls, Reddy would have missed the opportunity to reach his milestone.

Cummins beat Siraj with the first delivery, followed by a bouncer which the Indian pacer skillfully evaded by ducking. Siraj then defended the final ball, and the entire stadium cheered as he survived the three deliveries. From the non-striker’s end, Reddy was seen applauding Siraj after each ball. Reddy then brought up his century in the following over, making history.

After the match, Nitish Reddy posted a special story to thank Siraj. He posted his picture of hugging the pacer and captioned it by writing ‘I also believe in Siraj Bhai’. This was in reference to Mohammed Siraj’s famous dialogue ‘I only believe in Jassi Bhai’ from the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph which went extremely viral on the internet.

INSTAGRAM STORY OF NITISH KUMAR REDDY:

– “I also believe in Siraj bhai” pic.twitter.com/itbUVfBPx3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2024

Day 3 was halted prematurely due to rain and poor light. However, India finished the day at 358/9, still trailing by 116 runs, with Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj at the crease.