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The Rohit Sharma-led Team India are squaring off in the first of the two-match Test series at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. After being invited to bat first, the visitors have posted 208/8 on Day 1 after bad light forced early stumps. While the Indian top order failed at a mere score, KL Rahul has been the lone warrior as he continue to bat at the score of 70 along with Mohammed Siraj. On the other hand, the six-time world champions, Australia are taking on the Men in Green in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Tuesday, December 26, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st T20I: The Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand are scheduled to host the Najmul Hosain Shanto's Bangladesh in the first of the three-match T20I series. The first T20I is scheduled to be played at the McLean Park in Napier from 11:40 a.m. IST. While the hosts registered a comfortable ODI series win by 2-1 margin, Bangladesh sealed the final match of the three-match ODI series to register a consolation win.
BBL 2023-24:
- Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder: Top of the table placed Brisbane Heat are scheduled to square off against the Sydney Thunder in Match 16 of the Big Bash League 2023-24 on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to take place at the iconic fortress Gabba in Brisbane at 1:45 p.m. IST. While the Heat are comfortably sitting at the top of the table having won three games and one match ending in a no result, the Thunder are placed fifth in the standings with just one win and two losses so far in the tournament.
Major cricket events that happened on December 26
AUS vs PAK: Usman Khawaja wears shoes marked with daughters’ names in Boxing Day Test
Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who has been in news off late in row with ICC, was seen sporting his daughters’ names on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. As he stepped on the field after Pakistan invited the hosts to bat first, was seen having his daughters - Aisha and Ayla’s name on his shoes. Pictures of the same have been doing rounds on social media.
Ravindra Jadeja misses first Test due to back spasm against South Africa
India is taking on South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion in the first Test of the two-match series. While Prasidh Krishna was handed the debut cap, Rohit Sharma at the toss announced R Ashwin to play in place of Ravindra Jadeja. Later BCCI confirmed that Jadeja complained of upper back spasm in the morning and was not available for selection for the opening Test in Centurion.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi’s IPL 2024 participation in doubt
Afghanistan players Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq’s participation in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) under cloud have come as a big news after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The decision by the board comes in wake of the players’ wish to be released from their annual central contracts.
Suresh Raina drops massive hint on rumours of joining LSG in IPL
Former India cricketer and CSK star player, Suresh Raina left internet buzzing after his cryptic post on his participation in the IPL. A fan expressed his delight at the rumours of Raina joining LSG as mentor, but a senior journalist retweeted the post, stating it to be fake. To everyone's surprise, Raina sarcastically hit back at the journalist stating, “Why? Your news can’t be rite all the time?”
I was having it throughout: Shakib Al Hasan on blurred vision at CWC
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan recently opened up on his struggles with “blurred vision” at the CWC in India. Speaking to Cricbuzz, the 36-year-old revealed, “It is not in one or two games in the World Cup; rather, I was having it (eye problem) throughout the World Cup.” Bangladesh finished eighth in the CWC 2023, registering only two wins from nine games at the event.
Ebadot Hossain likely to be ruled out of T20WC 2024: Reports
In a huge blow, the Bangladesh cricket team could head to the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and the USA without their top fast bowler Ebadot Hossain. The 29-year-old, who had undergone left knee surgery earlier this year after suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury, reportedly won’t be fit for the T20 showpiece event next summer.
I’m very proud of him: Michael Hussey on Usman Khawaja
Former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey stated that he was extremely proud of Usman Khawaja for standing up for his beliefs regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. Notably, the star opener decided to wear boots with ‘All Lives are Equal’ inscribed in it in the opening Test match against Pakistan but the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied permission. He later sported a black dove holding an olive branch during the training session, but ICC further denied his approval despite CA's consent. Speaking about the same, Hussey mentioned he respects Khawaja’s stand and added that the 37-year-old wasn’t afraid to deal with things he strongly believes in.
