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The Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue drew the two-match Test series 1-1 as they registered a comprehensive win over the Proteas Men by seven wickets in the second Test. With this win, Rohit Sharma became the third Indian captain to draw a Test series on South African soil and first to win a Test match in Cape Town. On the other hand, the Australia are taking on Pakistan in the third and final Test at the Syndey Cricket Ground and at the start of Day 3, the six-time world champions still trail by more than 50 runs.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Thursday, January 4, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
WATCH: Rohit Sharma uses cuss words as he thinks to take DRS on Day 2 of second Test vs SA
Today’s match preview:
BBL 2023-24: Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers
Matthew Short-led Adelaide Strikers are scheduled to face Aaron Hardies's Perth Scorchers in the 27th match of the BBL 2023-24. The match between the Strikers and the Scorchers will take place at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Friday at 1:45 p.m. IST. While the Strikers are reeling at the bottom of the table with a solitary win from six games, the Scorchers are second with four wins from five games so far in the tournament.
Major cricket events that happened on January 4
BBL 2023-24: Hobart Hurricanes beat Melbourne Renegade by six wickets
The Nathan Ellis-led Hobart Hurricanes registered consecutive wins on the back of Saim Hain and Corey Anderson's 51 and 41-run knocks respectively to chase 148-run target in 18.4 overs. With this win, the Hurricanes jumped to fifth spot while the Renegades continue to reel in the bottom half of the table at seventh place.
WATCH: Bumrah and Siraj share hilarious moment as POTM forgets his translator at presentation
India script history by recording first Test win in Cape Town; beat SA by 7 wickets in second Test
India put an end to their South Africa jinx after recording a seven-wicket win in the second Test. Shreyas Iyer finished the match with a boundary to help his side record the first-ever Test win at Newlands. India gained 98-run lead in their first inning after chasing SA's 55-run total. On day 2, the hosts bundled out at 176, after which India chased the 79-run target in 12 overs.
Aaron Finch announces retirement from Big Bash League
Aaron Finch on Thursday, 4th January announced retirement from Big Bash League (BBL). The former Aussie batter, who has been with the Renegades since the team’s inception, was contracted until BBL 14. “To everyone who’s been part of the journey with me - our member, fans, supporters, my teammates and all who have had a part to play at the club at all levels - thank you,” Finch said.
T20 WC 2024 schedule to be announced on Jan 8; IND vs PAK on June 9: Reports
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to announce the schedule of the marquee tournament in the coming days. As reported by several media houses, the ICC is set to be announce the schedule on January 8. Moreover, India will reportedly take on Pakistan on June 9 in New York.
Dhananjaya de Silva replaces Karunaratne as Sri Lanka Test captain
After Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga as the new ODI and T20I skipper, SLC on Thursday, January 4th confirmed Dhananjaya de Silva as the new Test skipper. Notably, de Silva will be the 18th player to take the captaincy reins in Test cricket for Sri Lanka. He will replace Dimuth Karunaratne, who led the side in 30 Tests between 2019 and 2023.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma present signed Test jerseys to Dean Elgar
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and batting icon Virat Kohli presented signed jerseys to South Africa batter Dean Elgar on his farewell Test match. Elgar, who led his side in the absence of skipper Temba Bavuma in the second Test against India, bid adieu to international cricket, following the conclusion of the multi-format series. The BCCI posted the pictures on Twitter, captioning it, “Spirit of Cricket”.
Two-match Test series is a waste of time: Ravi Shastri
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said that a two-match Test series is nothing but a waste of time. After India recorded first Test win at Newlands, Shastri said that India should refrain from being a part of series in the future. Shastri said, “If any country asks India to play 2-match Test series, India should say NO.” The 61-year-old added, “It is waste of time.”
