The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1. While Mitchell Starc and Cummins impressed with a five-fer each, Travis Head also made heads turn with a swashbuckling 141-ball 140, helping his side take a sizeable lead in the pink-ball contest. His dismissal led to an aggressive send-off from bowler Mohammed Siraj, which has now become the talking point of the series. While both have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Aussie batter Simon Katich opened up on Head vs Siraj face-off.

Katich said on on SEN Radio, "His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite. He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’.

“Hopefully it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times... it’s going to get heated in the next few Tests because the series is on the line,” concluded Katich.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-tim-paine-takes-scorching-dig-at-former-coach-justin-langer-says-sacking-helped-travis-head-flourish-782812">BGT: Tim Paine takes scorching dig at former coach Justin Langer, says 'sacking helped Travis Head flourish'</a>

Head and Siraj made up on the third day of the Adelaide Test, post Australia's big win. Speaking on his spat with Siraj, Head told ABC Sport, "Sweet with it. He came out and just said [it was] a little bit of a misunderstanding ... I think we will move on. We've had a great week, so let's not let it ruin it."

"It was fine. He said, 'Why'd you swear?' I sort of said, 'Look, I didn't at first ... [but] I definitely swore at you the second time round,"&nbsp;Head added.

Talking about the second Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first and got dismissed for 180 courtesy of Starc's 6 for 48. In reply, Australia made 337 with Head scoring 140. In the second essay, India only managed 175, losing by ten wickets in defence of 19.

The third Test kicks off in Brisbane on Dec 14 (Saturday).

The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.

The second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), in Adelaide, saw Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India by ten wickets to level the five-match series 1-1. While Mitchell Starc and Cummins impressed with a five-fer each, Travis Head also made heads turn with a swashbuckling 141-ball 140, helping his side take a sizeable lead in the pink-ball contest. His dismissal led to an aggressive send-off from bowler Mohammed Siraj, which has now become the talking point of the series. While both have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Aussie batter Simon Katich opened up on Head vs Siraj face-off. Katich said on on SEN Radio, "His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite. He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’. “Hopefully it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times... it’s going to get heated in the next few Tests because the series is on the line,” concluded Katich. Also read: BGT: Tim Paine takes scorching dig at former coach Justin Langer, says 'sacking helped Travis Head flourish' Head and Siraj made up on the third day of the Adelaide Test, post Australia's big win. Speaking on his spat with Siraj, Head told ABC Sport, "Sweet with it. He came out and just said [it was] a little bit of a misunderstanding ... I think we will move on. We've had a great week, so let's not let it ruin it." "It was fine. He said, 'Why'd you swear?' I sort of said, 'Look, I didn't at first ... [but] I definitely swore at you the second time round," Head added. Talking about the second Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first and got dismissed for 180 courtesy of Starc's 6 for 48. In reply, Australia made 337 with Head scoring 140. In the second essay, India only managed 175, losing by ten wickets in defence of 19. The third Test kicks off in Brisbane on Dec 14 (Saturday).

BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth. The match was headlined by Mitchell Starc's 6 for 48, on the opening day, whereas Travis Head's 140 and Cummins' 5 for 57 led Australia to a massive ten-wicket win. The tie also saw Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head get involved in a heated exchange on Day 2, after the former dismissed the Aussie.

While Head and Siraj have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared some advice for Siraj. Ahead of the third Test, in Brisbane, Shastri wrote in his column at the Code, "I’m sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it and the dust would have settled already.&nbsp;If anything, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a fast bowler after he’d been hit for a six. Siraj was letting off some steam. That’s the fast bowler’s temperament. You want it to be like that."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-harbhajan-singh-backs-rohit-sharma-at-no-6-suggests-two-changes-for-brisbane-test-782915">BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test</a>

<h2>'Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step'</h2>

The former Indian all-rounder added, "When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get. And it’s exactly what I would tell my players when I was coaching India in Australia. Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step. It then became the team’s philosophy and everyone from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant and every member of the squad was prepared to give it back to the Aussies."

Talking about the Adelaide Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first but only managed 180 with Starc ruling the roost. In reply, Head's 140 took Australia to 337. With a comprehensive lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings on Day 3 to level the series.

The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at The Gabba, Brisbane.

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth.

The Adelaide Test between India and Australia saw Pat Cummins-led hosts level the five-match series 1-1 after losing the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener, in Perth. The match was headlined by Mitchell Starc's 6 for 48, on the opening day, whereas Travis Head's 140 and Cummins' 5 for 57 led Australia to a massive ten-wicket win. The tie also saw Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head get involved in a heated exchange on Day 2, after the former dismissed the Aussie. While Head and Siraj have been sanctioned by the ICC, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared some advice for Siraj. Ahead of the third Test, in Brisbane, Shastri wrote in his column at the Code, "I’m sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it and the dust would have settled already. If anything, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a fast bowler after he’d been hit for a six. Siraj was letting off some steam. That’s the fast bowler’s temperament. You want it to be like that." Also read: BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test 'Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step' The former Indian all-rounder added, "When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get. And it’s exactly what I would tell my players when I was coaching India in Australia. Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step. It then became the team’s philosophy and everyone from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant and every member of the squad was prepared to give it back to the Aussies." Talking about the Adelaide Test, Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bat first but only managed 180 with Starc ruling the roost. In reply, Head's 140 took Australia to 337. With a comprehensive lead, Cummins led the charge with the pink ball as India gave a mere 19-run target to the Aussies. The home side ended proceedings on Day 3 to level the series. The third Test kicks off on December 14 (Saturday) at The Gabba, Brisbane.

BGT: 'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.

Confirming Europe&#39;s second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown.&nbsp;

The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet.&nbsp;

The European Space Agency said&nbsp;the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander&#39;s parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is &quot;larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece&quot;, flight director Michel Denis told AFP. &quot;It is smashed.&quot;

The ESA said the lander&#39;s speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. &quot;Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour,&quot; it said in a statement. &quot;It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full.&quot;

The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars&#39; orbit as planned.&nbsp;

The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday. Confirming Europe's second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown. The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet. The European Space Agency said the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander's parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is "larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece", flight director Michel Denis told AFP. "It is smashed." The ESA said the lander's speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. "Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour," it said in a statement. "It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full." The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars' orbit as planned. The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020. (WION with inputs from agencies)

BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test

Australian former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis admitted Tuesday to a charge of creating a risk of harm in relation to the December 2023 road death of his Olympian wife. Dennis pleaded guilty in Adelaide Magistrates Court to an aggravated charge of creating likelihood of harm after a car he was driving hit her, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC.

Prosecutors had agreed not to proceed with charges of "causing death by dangerous driving" and "driving without due care and endangering life", the ABC said. His lawyer reportedly told the court that Dennis, 34, did not intend to kill his wife Melissa Hoskins.

Hoskins, a retired track cyclist who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, died in an Adelaide hospital from serious injuries after the incident. She rode in the Australian team that won the team pursuit event at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships in France.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/major-league-baseball-juan-sotos-record-765-million-deal-set-to-lift-new-york-mets-782803">Major League Baseball: Juan Soto's record $765 million deal set to lift New York Mets</a>

Dennis won the world time trials in 2018 and 2019, as well as a 2015 stage win in the Tour de France.&nbsp;

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australian former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis admitted Tuesday to a charge of creating a risk of harm in relation to the December 2023 road death of his Olympian wife.

Australian former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis admitted Tuesday to a charge of creating a risk of harm in relation to the December 2023 road death of his Olympian wife. Dennis pleaded guilty in Adelaide Magistrates Court to an aggravated charge of creating likelihood of harm after a car he was driving hit her, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC. Prosecutors had agreed not to proceed with charges of "causing death by dangerous driving" and "driving without due care and endangering life", the ABC said. His lawyer reportedly told the court that Dennis, 34, did not intend to kill his wife Melissa Hoskins. Hoskins, a retired track cyclist who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, died in an Adelaide hospital from serious injuries after the incident. She rode in the Australian team that won the team pursuit event at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships in France. Also read: Major League Baseball: Juan Soto's record $765 million deal set to lift New York Mets Dennis won the world time trials in 2018 and 2019, as well as a 2015 stage win in the Tour de France. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australian champion cyclist Rohan Dennis admits lesser charge after wife's death: Report

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series. Pakistan are coming into this tour following a trip to Zimbabwe, where they won the ODIs 2-1 and T20Is by the same margin. For SA, they will be led by Heinrich Klaasen as regular captain Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen will join during the latter part of the white-ball leg.&nbsp;

Only Ryan Rickelton will&nbsp;participate in the T20I series soon after the conclusion of the two-match&nbsp;Test series&nbsp;vs Sri Lanka, which ended on Monday (Dec 9). Thus, he is&nbsp;expected to miss the series opener to take a breather before shifting to the shortest format.&nbsp;

The two sides didn't meet each other in this year's T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners-up.&nbsp;

Here is all you need to know about the T20I series opener, to be held in Durban:

When is the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I match?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be held on Tuesday (Dec 10).

Which stadium will host the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be played at Kingsmead, Durban.

At what time will the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;start?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will commence at 9:30 PM (IST).

Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;on TV?

The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be telecast on Sony Sports 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-katich-backs-head-in-spat-vs-siraj-predicts-india-australia-rivalry-to-heat-up-in-remaining-tests-782860">BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests</a>

Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I&nbsp;on OTT?

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I streamed live on the JioCinema app and website.

Squads:

South Africa:&nbsp;Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen

Pakistan:&nbsp;Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series.

Pakistan kick off their tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Dec 10). The white-ball side will face Proteas in three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs before the action turns to the two-match Test series. Pakistan are coming into this tour following a trip to Zimbabwe, where they won the ODIs 2-1 and T20Is by the same margin. For SA, they will be led by Heinrich Klaasen as regular captain Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen will join during the latter part of the white-ball leg. Only Ryan Rickelton will participate in the T20I series soon after the conclusion of the two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka, which ended on Monday (Dec 9). Thus, he is expected to miss the series opener to take a breather before shifting to the shortest format. The two sides didn't meet each other in this year's T20 World Cup, where South Africa ended as runners-up. Here is all you need to know about the T20I series opener, to be held in Durban: When is the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I match? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be held on Tuesday (Dec 10). Which stadium will host the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be played at Kingsmead, Durban. At what time will the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I start? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will commence at 9:30 PM (IST). Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I on TV? The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be telecast on Sony Sports 18. Also read: BGT: Katich backs Head in spat vs Siraj, predicts India-Australia rivalry to heat up in remaining Tests Where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I on OTT? South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I streamed live on the JioCinema app and website. Squads: South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

SA vs Pak, Live streaming details: When and where to watch 1st T20I in Durban

Indian Batters With Most International Runs In Away Grounds

Batters With Most WTC 100s Vs India

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are some of the best Korean titles on Netflix that will make your heart skip a beat.


Pacers With Most 5-fers in WTC

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins &amp; Co levelled the five-match series 1-1.

Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat.

Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180.

"Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result,&nbsp;he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157.

It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-siraj-head-may-face-repercussions-for-adelaide-brawl-as-iccs-disciplinary-hearing-looms-report-782572">BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report</a>

Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave.

Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre."

Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor&nbsp;27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane?

Only time will tell.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins & Co levelled the five-match series 1-1. Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat. Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180. "Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result, he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157. It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily. Also read: BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave. Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre." Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor 27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane? Only time will tell.

BGT: 'We saw defensive captaincy,' former Indian opener slams Rohit Sharma after India's Adelaide Test loss

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second and final Test at the&nbsp;St George's Park, Gqeberha on Monday (Dec 9). Day 5 started with Dhananjaya de Silva-led tourists being 205-5 in pursuit of 348 in Gqeberha. With both sides pretty much in contention for a win, they kicked off the final day's play where Keshav Maharaj led the charge as he bagged 5 for 76 that helped dismiss&nbsp;the Lankans for 238 in the morning session. As a result, SA inflicted a series whitewash and added 12 vital points to&nbsp;their kitty in the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table.

With this win, the Proteas are on the cusp of qualifying for the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June. Notably, they are just one win away from cementing a spot. Their next Test series is at home, a two-match series versus Pakistan starting on Dec. 26. Ahead of the series, here's a look at the WTC points table:

<img alt="WTC Points table SA vs SL" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e491a82e-4e5e-4ea5-9ba5-d05ab652eb15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20SA%20vs%20SL.JPG" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sa-vs-sl-2nd-test-keshav-maharaj-bowls-south-africa-to-109-run-win-complete-series-whitewash-782643">SA vs SL, 2nd Test: Keshav Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, complete series whitewash</a>

Thus, SA have moved to the top with two other contenders Australia and India at the second and third spots&nbsp;respectively.

Talking about the SA-SL 2nd Test, the hosts opted to bat first and rode on Ryan Rickelton's 101 and keeper-batter&nbsp;Kyle Verreynne's 105 to post 358. In reply, SL were 261-3 but ended up with 328, conceding a slender 30-run lead. After that, the Proteas rode on vital knocks from Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs and&nbsp;David Bedingham to post 317, setting up a 348-run target. While SL had their moments, they fell apart on the final day to lose convincingly.

At the post-match presentation, Bavuma said, "This Test match was a proper test of Test cricket, it's not often that you get to play on 5 days. There were times when we were on top, at times Sri Lanka looked good. A lot of credit to them, they really made us work hard, the batting was outstanding with seven of them having made centuries at this level. We'll take a lot of pride as batters, Ashwell (Prince, the batting coach) talks a lot about taking the opportunities, all of us are really happy for Rickelton who took his chances here. Jansen did well in the first Test, Paterson did well here. I think we're doing well as a team, no. 1 in the WTC table as of now, don't know what'll happen in the future, but we'll celebrate today."

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second and final Test at the St George's Park, Gqeberha on Monday (Dec 9). Day 5 started with Dhananjaya de Silva-led tourists being 205-5 in pursuit of 348 in Gqeberha.

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second and final Test at the St George's Park, Gqeberha on Monday (Dec 9). Day 5 started with Dhananjaya de Silva-led tourists being 205-5 in pursuit of 348 in Gqeberha. With both sides pretty much in contention for a win, they kicked off the final day's play where Keshav Maharaj led the charge as he bagged 5 for 76 that helped dismiss the Lankans for 238 in the morning session. As a result, SA inflicted a series whitewash and added 12 vital points to their kitty in the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. With this win, the Proteas are on the cusp of qualifying for the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June. Notably, they are just one win away from cementing a spot. Their next Test series is at home, a two-match series versus Pakistan starting on Dec. 26. Ahead of the series, here's a look at the WTC points table: Also read: SA vs SL, 2nd Test: Keshav Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, complete series whitewash Thus, SA have moved to the top with two other contenders Australia and India at the second and third spots respectively. Talking about the SA-SL 2nd Test, the hosts opted to bat first and rode on Ryan Rickelton's 101 and keeper-batter Kyle Verreynne's 105 to post 358. In reply, SL were 261-3 but ended up with 328, conceding a slender 30-run lead. After that, the Proteas rode on vital knocks from Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham to post 317, setting up a 348-run target. While SL had their moments, they fell apart on the final day to lose convincingly. At the post-match presentation, Bavuma said, "This Test match was a proper test of Test cricket, it's not often that you get to play on 5 days. There were times when we were on top, at times Sri Lanka looked good. A lot of credit to them, they really made us work hard, the batting was outstanding with seven of them having made centuries at this level. We'll take a lot of pride as batters, Ashwell (Prince, the batting coach) talks a lot about taking the opportunities, all of us are really happy for Rickelton who took his chances here. Jansen did well in the first Test, Paterson did well here. I think we're doing well as a team, no. 1 in the WTC table as of now, don't know what'll happen in the future, but we'll celebrate today."

SA vs SL: Updated WTC 2023-25 points table after South Africa's series whitewash vs Sri Lanka

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah revealed that he never got formal coaching while growing up and learnt everything about the game on television. Bumrah also stated that when he had started, many thought he would last not more than six-seven months. Bumrah made his international debut in 2016 and soon became a regular in white-ball before making his Test debut in 2018. At present, he remains an integral part of India's lineup across formats and is the vice-captain in the longest format.

During the second Test between India and Australia, in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Bumrah told Fox Cricket, "I started my cricket quite late. I was not a tearaway quick because at six, seven, I didn’t play cricket. I started cricket with the season ball probably at 16, 17. So I watched the television and picked up cricket. I’d got no formal coaching ever."

"So I learned everything through the television and, you know, somehow picked up cues and kept on finding my own solutions. So that’s worked with me till date that, you know, I come into a setup. I rely on my own instincts and gut. So yeah, that’s how I picked up."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-he-said-he-wanted-to-go-delhi-capitals-coach-hemang-badani-opens-up-rishabh-pants-departure-782607">IPL 2025: ‘He said he wanted to go…’ – Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani opens up on Rishabh Pant’s departure</a>

<h2>'Don’t think a lot of people believed in me, they thought this bowling action would not last for long'</h2>

Bumrah further shared, "When I used to play cricket as a youngster, there used to be benches over there. So I couldn’t go any further than that. So I couldn’t go through that. So that was the limit that we had. So we used to keep it as a boundary. So I used to run in from there. So when I came into serious cricket, I tried to run more. Initially, I did run a lot more, but it used to have no difference to my pace. It used to stay the same."

"So at that time, I thought, okay, might as well conserve some energy to&nbsp;bowl faster for a long period. So I had this and it did, it made no difference to my bowling. So I thought I’d keep it with me. I don’t think a lot of people believed in me because they thought that this bowling action will not last for long. He’ll play for six months, seven months. So not really a lot of people worked on me or, you know, gave me inputs that, you know, I think this is useful or you should stop doing that because. I don’t think they saw a lot of merit."

“I think that worked out in my favour because&nbsp;I was self-reliant then and I had to have a lot of self-belief and find out solutions on my own. So yes, nobody tried to change me, but nobody gave any extra solutions. So that worked out for the best in the greater interest, but then that helped me develop, you know, relying on yourself and having self-belief. So I think that worked out brilliantly for me," Bumrah added.

Bumrah is currently involved in the five-match Test series between India and Australia in Australia. He led India in the series opener&nbsp;in Perth&nbsp;and ended as the Player-of-the-Match for his match figures of 8 for 72. After&nbsp;India's loss in the second Test&nbsp;at&nbsp;Adelaide, the 31-year-old would be eager to stage his side's bounce back in 2024/25 BGT.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah revealed that he never got formal coaching while growing up and learnt everything about the game on television. Bumrah also stated that when he had started, many thought he would last not more than six-seven months.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah revealed that he never got formal coaching while growing up and learnt everything about the game on television. Bumrah also stated that when he had started, many thought he would last not more than six-seven months. Bumrah made his international debut in 2016 and soon became a regular in white-ball before making his Test debut in 2018. At present, he remains an integral part of India's lineup across formats and is the vice-captain in the longest format. During the second Test between India and Australia, in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Bumrah told Fox Cricket, "I started my cricket quite late. I was not a tearaway quick because at six, seven, I didn’t play cricket. I started cricket with the season ball probably at 16, 17. So I watched the television and picked up cricket. I’d got no formal coaching ever." "So I learned everything through the television and, you know, somehow picked up cues and kept on finding my own solutions. So that’s worked with me till date that, you know, I come into a setup. I rely on my own instincts and gut. So yeah, that’s how I picked up." Also read: IPL 2025: ‘He said he wanted to go…’ – Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani opens up on Rishabh Pant’s departure 'Don’t think a lot of people believed in me, they thought this bowling action would not last for long' Bumrah further shared, "When I used to play cricket as a youngster, there used to be benches over there. So I couldn’t go any further than that. So I couldn’t go through that. So that was the limit that we had. So we used to keep it as a boundary. So I used to run in from there. So when I came into serious cricket, I tried to run more. Initially, I did run a lot more, but it used to have no difference to my pace. It used to stay the same." "So at that time, I thought, okay, might as well conserve some energy to bowl faster for a long period. So I had this and it did, it made no difference to my bowling. So I thought I’d keep it with me. I don’t think a lot of people believed in me because they thought that this bowling action will not last for long. He’ll play for six months, seven months. So not really a lot of people worked on me or, you know, gave me inputs that, you know, I think this is useful or you should stop doing that because. I don’t think they saw a lot of merit." “I think that worked out in my favour because I was self-reliant then and I had to have a lot of self-belief and find out solutions on my own. So yes, nobody tried to change me, but nobody gave any extra solutions. So that worked out for the best in the greater interest, but then that helped me develop, you know, relying on yourself and having self-belief. So I think that worked out brilliantly for me," Bumrah added. Bumrah is currently involved in the five-match Test series between India and Australia in Australia. He led India in the series opener in Perth and ended as the Player-of-the-Match for his match figures of 8 for 72. After India's loss in the second Test at Adelaide, the 31-year-old would be eager to stage his side's bounce back in 2024/25 BGT.

BGT 2024-25: With this bowling action, many thought I’ll last maximum 6-7 months, reveals Jasprit Bumrah

Keshav Maharaj took five wickets and helped South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St George's Park on Monday. Left-arm spinner Maharaj picked up 5-76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238. They lost their remaining five wickets for 33 runs on Monday. The win gave South Africa a 2-0 series win and took them to the top of the World Test championship table.

Sri Lanka's hopes of an upset win were extinguished when overnight batsmen Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis were dismissed inside the first 10 overs of the day. De Silva and Mendis, the team's last recognised batsmen, resumed on 205 for five, still needing 143 runs to win.

Maharaj made the first breakthrough when Mendis edged a low catch to Aiden Markram at slip. He made 46 in a 97-run sixth-wicket partnership with De Silva. Kagiso Rabada then had Sri Lankan captain De Silva caught behind for 50, exposing the Sri Lankan tail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-he-should-take-a-leaf-out-of-sachin-tendulkars-2004-scg-knock-adam-gilchrist-suggests-virat-kohli-782626">BGT: 'He should take a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar's 2004 SCG knock - Adam Gilchrist suggests Virat Kohli</a>

The last three wickets fell quickly, with Maharaj claiming two more scalps and Marco Jansen finishing the match with his first ball of the day when Lahiru Kumara was caught off a wild slog.

South Africa's chances of playing in the Test championship final at Lord's in June next year now lie in their own hands, with their two remaining fixtures being at home against Pakistan.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Keshav Maharaj took five wickets and helped South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St George's Park on Monday. Left-arm spinner Maharaj picked up 5-76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238.

Keshav Maharaj took five wickets and helped South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St George's Park on Monday. Left-arm spinner Maharaj picked up 5-76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238. They lost their remaining five wickets for 33 runs on Monday. The win gave South Africa a 2-0 series win and took them to the top of the World Test championship table. Sri Lanka's hopes of an upset win were extinguished when overnight batsmen Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis were dismissed inside the first 10 overs of the day. De Silva and Mendis, the team's last recognised batsmen, resumed on 205 for five, still needing 143 runs to win. Maharaj made the first breakthrough when Mendis edged a low catch to Aiden Markram at slip. He made 46 in a 97-run sixth-wicket partnership with De Silva. Kagiso Rabada then had Sri Lankan captain De Silva caught behind for 50, exposing the Sri Lankan tail. Also read: BGT: 'He should take a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar's 2004 SCG knock - Adam Gilchrist suggests Virat Kohli The last three wickets fell quickly, with Maharaj claiming two more scalps and Marco Jansen finishing the match with his first ball of the day when Lahiru Kumara was caught off a wild slog. South Africa's chances of playing in the Test championship final at Lord's in June next year now lie in their own hands, with their two remaining fixtures being at home against Pakistan. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SA vs SL, 2nd Test: Keshav Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, complete series whitewash

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