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The Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India will aim to level the series as they take on Aiden Markram's South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday, 14 December. While the first match of the series was a washout, the hosts comfortably chased the reduced target of 152 runs in a rain-interrupted match in Gqeberha. On the other hand, the Women in Blue will also commence the only Test against the England Women at the DY Patil Stadium. Apart from India's fixtures, the Pat Cummins-led side will take on Pakistan in the first Test in Perth and Jos Buttler's England is squaring off against West Indies in a five-match T20I series in the Caribbean.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Wednesday, December 13, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
South Africa vs India 3rd T20I: The Indian team suffered a five-wicket loss against South Africa in the 2nd T20I in a thrilling contest after the opening encounter was abandoned by rain. The fixture was an enthralling affair as both teams managed to produce some magical moments. Now as both teams travel to Johannesburg for the final T20I at the New Wanderers Stadium, fans can expect another high-intensity encounter.
West Indies vs England 2nd T20I: The Rovman Powell-led side will take on Jos Buttler's England in the second match of the five-match T20I series on Thursday, 14 December. The match will be played at the National Cricket Stadium in St George's, Granada. While the hosts currently lead the series 1-0 after they won the opening game by four wickets on Tuesday, December 12 on the back of Andre Russell's all-round performance.
Big Bash League 2023-24:
- Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder: Adelaide Strikers are scheduled to square off against the Sydney Thunder in Match 8 of the Big Bash League 2023-24 on Thursday. The match is scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide at 01:45 p.m. IST. While the Strikers are fourth in the points table with their only match so far going in a no result, the Thunder are reeling at the seventh place, losing their only match so far in the BBL 2023-24.
Major cricket events that happened on December 13
BBL 2023-24: Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by seven wickets
The defending champions, Ashton Turner's Perth Scorchers beat the Marcu Stoinis-led Melbourne Stars by even wickets to register their first win of the season after their opening encounter abruptly came to an end due to "dangerous pitch conditions". The Ashton Turner's side comfortably excelled across departments to register this easy win and handing the Stars their second consecutive loss.
BCCI issues request to recommend Md Shami for Arjuna Award: Reports
Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has been recommended for the Arjuna Award given by the Indian government to honour excellence in sports, as per reports. Notably, BCCI had issued a request to the Sports Ministry to enter Shami's name for the accolade as he wasn't originally part of the list. The development was reported by PTI which quoted a ministry source.
Rohit Sharma gets emotional; opens up for the first time after India’s ODI World Cup final loss
Rohit Sharma has opened up for the first time after India's heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. The opening batter in a video shared by Mumbai Indians expressed on how emotional it was to come out as "it wasn't easy to digest". He even expressed how everyone was looking for ultimate prize, but the loss "was tough".
Cheteshwar Pujara to play third County season for Sussex in 2024
Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara will return to England and play for Sussex in 2024. Pujara will be joined by Australian batter Daniel Hughes as the two overseas batters for the club. For 2024, Pujara will be available for the first seven County Championship matches in what is his third successive season with Sussex.
KL Rahul to become middle-order player across all formats: Reports
KL Rahul is set to transition into a complete middle-order player across formats, including the Indian Premier League. The development was reported by Cricbuzz, which revealed that he wants to play in the middle order. Rahul has also discussed this change with the team management, captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar.
Suryakumar Yadav retains No. 1 spot in ICC Men's T20I Player Ranking
India star, Suryakumar Yadav solidified his position at the helm of the batters list of the ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings, thanks to his quick-fire half-century in the second T20I against South Africa on Tuesday. The skipper sits comfortably on 865 ratings points. Rinku Singh also jumped 46 places to 59th spot in the latest rankings.
Australia appoint Travis Head as co vice-captain in Tests
A day ahead of their first Test against Pakistan in Perth, Australian skipper confirmed the appointment of Travis Head as the co vice-captain, alongside Steven Smith. While announcing his co-deputy, Pat Cummins added, “He’s always been a leader in our group, so we thought it was a good time to formally recognise that. I think the personality that he brings to the team is something that we all love, and I think you see it in the way that he plays his cricket.”
