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The Men in Blue are currently taking on the Proteas Men in the final Test of the two-match series at the Newlands in Cape Town. The Dean Elgar-led side opted to bat first after winning the toss. The hosts were bundled out at the score of 55 in the first innings, which the Indian lineup successfully chased, taking a lead of 98 runs. With the Proteas taking the crease again, they trail by 36 runs. Moreover, Day 1 aw a total of 23 wickets fall, which is the second most in a Test match. On the other hand, the Pat Cummins-led side are taking on the Men in Green in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Wednesday, January 3, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes
Nic Maddisson-led Melbourne Renegades are scheduled to face Nathan Ellis' Hobart Hurricanes in the 26th match of the BBL 2023-24. The match between the Renegades and the Hurricanes will take place at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. IST. While the Renegades are reeling at the seventh place with a solitary win from seven games, the Hurricanes are fifth with two wins from five games so far in the tournament.
Major cricket events that happened on January 3
Brisbane Heat win by 3 runs via DLS method to firm their place at the top of the table
The Brisbane Heat continued their winning run to dominate the points table with a 3-run win over Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League 2023-24. The Heat invited the Sixers to bat first and posted 141/8 in the 20 overs. However, with rain coming to play in the Heat inning, the game was halted and eventually called off with the Heat scoreboard reading 104/4. With DLS coming into play, the Heat eventually won the match by just three runs.
WATCH: Virat Kohli ask teammates not to celebrate as Dean Elgar gets out in his last Test
Perth Scorchers win by 42 runs to go up to second place in BBL standings
Aaron Hardie's Perth Scorchers registered a convincing 42 runs to go up to second place in the Big Bash League 2023-24. After opting to bat first, Lauren Evans' unbeaten 85 helped the side post 211/4. However, a five-wicket haul from Lance Morris helped the Scorchers bundle out the Adelaide Strikers for 169 to win the match comfortably by 42 runs and jump to the second place in the standings.
Rohit Sharma drops big statement on Shubman Gill not opening in Tests
Speaking on the eve of the second Test, Rohit Sharma opened up on why Shubman Gill is not opening in Tests. “There is not much difference (between opening & no. 3). It just takes one ball for a no. 3 to go in,” Rohit said. He further explained that he hated batting himself at no. 3 position.
WATCH: Virat Kohli hilariously reminds Dean Elgar of controversial LBW from 2021 in SA vs IND 2nd Test
WATCH: David Warner receives guard of honour in his final Test
Australian opener David Warner received a guard of honour as he took the field to bat after Pakistan were bundled out for 313 runs. The Pakistan team lined up to honour the Aussie batter on Day 1. The veteran of game had early announced retirement from Test cricket and confirmed that the SCG Test against Pakistan will be his final.
Sunil Gavaskar labels foreign cricket boards and media as ‘crybabies’
Sunil Gavaskar slammed cricket teams and their media for criticising the Indian team. Gavaskar said, “The cricketing boards of South Africa, England, and Australia should understand that it is the BCCI that is responsible for their functioning. What if the BCCI refuses to travel to these nations? Would they be able to sell their broadcasting rights? No." He went on to call them 'rotdu' (crybabies).
Sri Lanka announce squad for Zimbabwe ODIs
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the final ODI squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, appointing Kusal Mendis as the captain. The squad boasts a mix of seasoned players and rising talents, including Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Sahan Arachchige.
