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The Men in Blue are gearing up to take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in India. While the first match will be played on January 11 in Mohali, followed by a game each in Indore and Bengaluru. This series will see the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who will play their first T20I after last featuring in the 2022 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, the Women in Blue lost the three-match T20I series after being beaten by seven wickets in the series decider on Tuesday, 9th January 2024.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Tuesday, January 9, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
BBL 2023-24: Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers
The 32nd match of the BBL 2023-24 is scheduled to take place between Brisbane Heat and the Perth Scorchers at The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday, January 10 at 02:10 p.m. IST. Both teams are notably coming after a win in their respective fixtures. While the Heat are coming after a one-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes, the Scorchers beat the Sydney Thunder by a margin of seven wickets. Speaking of their standings, while the Colin Munro-led Heat are sitting at the top of the table, sealing their playoffs qualification, the Scorchers are placed second with five wins from seven games so far in the tournament.
Major cricket events that happened on January 9
BBL 2023-24: Adelaide Strikers pip Thunder to break into the top five with 5-wicket win over Hurricanes
Matthew Short-led Adelaide Strikers defeated Nathan Ellis' Hobart Hurricanes in the 31st match of the BBL 2023-24 by five wickets to climb up to the fifth position in the points table. The Strikers invited the Hurricanes to put the score first on the board, with the latter posting 165/7 in their stipulated 20 overs. However, a 45-run knock from the skipper Matthew Short and crucial contribution from Alex Carey and Chris Lynn helped the side seal the match in 19.2 overs, with four balls to spare.
Annabel Sutherland, Alyssa Healy star as Australia Women clinch 7-wicket win in final T20I
After the ODI series, Australia Women seal series victory even in T20Is as they win the 3rd T20I and bag the three-match T20I series by 2-1 margin. Put into bat first, India Women couldn't capitalise on a start provided by the openers and had to rely on Richa Ghosh to take them to a competitive total of 147/6. Chasing it, Alyssa Healy (55) dominated the Indian bowlers upfront and provided a great start to Australia Women. Although they lost a few wickets in the middle overs, Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney (52*) combined to take Australia over the line.
Mohammed Shami makes himself "available" for Tests and T20Is
Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has made himself “available” for Tests and T20Is ahead of the upcoming England Test series. Speaking to India Today, the pacer said, “I am trying best to be available for selection for England Test series.” He has also made himself available for the World Cup, if the management requires.
BCCI selectors “looking beyond” Ishan Kishan for T20 World Cup
BCCI on 7th January announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. While the squad had a few surprises in terms of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return; KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan among others missed a spot. With Ishan yet to make himself available, according to a PTI report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is already “looking beyond Ishan” in the T20 format.
Suryakumar Yadav sends heartwarming reply on Rashid Khan’s post
When Rashid Khan posted a video of himself practising in the nets on Instagram, captioning it “I’ve missed you,” Suryakumar Yadav had a heartwarming reply to it. The 33-year-old, who is ruled out of the upcoming T20I series for India against Afghanistan, stated he will miss Rashid Khan on the field, showcasing the great camaraderie between cricketers of both countries.
WATCH : Md Shami receives prestigious Arjuna Award among 25 others
Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami on Tuesday, January 9th received the prestigious Arjuna Award for his exploits at the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The 33-year-old Indian veteran, who has been a vital cog in the lineup, received the award from President of India, Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi. Apart from Shami, para-archer Sheetal Devi was also conferred with the Arjuna Award.
Young Indian cricketer Vikas Negi dies of heart attack
In a tragic incident, a cricketer named Vikas Negi died after suffering a heart attack while batting for Mavericks XI against Blazing Bulls in a match in India. Footage showed how he suddenly collapsed in the middle of the pitch after walking up to his striking partner Umesh Kumar to congratulate him for hitting a four.
"Senior" player ruined my image: Praveen Kumar in viral video
In the conversation with Lallantop, the 37-year-old Praveen Kumar revealed that a senior player had spread negativity around his name, however, refusing to name the person on camera. “When I joined the Indian team, a few senior players asked me to stop drinking and avoid a few other things. However, everyone consumed alcohol but still maligned my name,” he said.
Afghanistan Cricket Board lifts sanctions from bowling trio; to feature in IPL
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday, 8th January confirmed the lifting of imposed sanctions on the Afghan trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq following a thorough investigation. This decision comes with the new regulatory measures in regard to NOC issuance.
Former Australia coach John Buchanan refuses to consider David Warner “great”
John Buchanan, the former Australia coach, who secured two ODI World Cup wins during his illustrious tenure, spoke about how he doesn’t consider David Warner as one of the greats of cricket. When the 70-year-old was asked whether David Warner was “great” at cricket on SEN’s breakfast show, his immediate response read, “I don’t think so.”
Steven Smith and Cameron Green emerge as possible openers against WI: Reports
Steven Smith and Cameron Green are set to be considered as openers for the Test series against the West Indies. The Sydney Morning Herald claimed that Cameron Green and Steve Smith are being considered to partner Usman Khawaja. But The Herald Sun revealed Smith is set to open the innings while Green will return to his preferred number four position.
PCB to sack Mickey Arthur and other coaches after no NCA 'Clause'
PCB has decided to sack coach Mickey Arthur, a day after the association parted ways with Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick. Regarding this development, PTI claims that they were also told to continue their work at the NCA. However, PCB decided to part ways after the board found out Arthur, Bradburn and Puttick didn't have a clause to be forced to work at the NCA permanently.
