<p>Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on an 18-month contract.</p>

<p>The former Roma and Torino boss replaces the sacked Russell Martin, with the south coast club bottom of the table and nine points from safety ahead of their match at Fulham on Sunday.</p>

<p>Martin was dismissed after an embarrassing 5-0 loss at home to Tottenham last weekend.</p>

<p>Saints said Juric had a reputation for "helping his teams punch above their weight".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm very pleased," said the 49-year-old. "I think it's a really big challenge but I'm very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.</p>

<p>"It's important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that."</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&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.</em></p>


Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on an 18-month contract. The former Roma and Torino boss replaces the sacked Russell Martin, with the south coast club bottom of the table and nine points from safety ahead of their match at Fulham on Sunday.

Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on an 18-month contract. The former Roma and Torino boss replaces the sacked Russell Martin, with the south coast club bottom of the table and nine points from safety ahead of their match at Fulham on Sunday. Martin was dismissed after an embarrassing 5-0 loss at home to Tottenham last weekend. Saints said Juric had a reputation for "helping his teams punch above their weight". ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan "I'm very pleased," said the 49-year-old. "I think it's a really big challenge but I'm very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better. "It's important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that." 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.

Struggling Southampton appoint Ivan Juric as new manager

<p>Manchester City hit a new low on Saturday (Dec 21) after they lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League’s early kickoff. Playing at Villa Park, Pep Guardiola’s side was condemned to their third consecutive defeat, meaning they have won only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Villa move above Man City with the win as Unai Emery’s side look to challenge for the top four and a return to the Champions League.</p>

<h2><strong>Manchester City lose at Villa</strong></h2>

<p>Playing against Emery’s side, City came into the match on the back of a narrow defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad. However, things did not go well with Pep’s side as in-form Jhon Duran scored in the 16th minute from open play. Villa were the better side by then and pressed on every possible counterattack.</p>

<p>Duran and Lucas Digne both had more open opportunities as they looked to open the opposition's defense. Things could have gone from bad to worse in the 33rd minute for City, but last-ditch defending from City’s defense saw them keep the score at 1-0.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>After the break, Morgan Rodgers was the bright star as the visitors had to make a forced change in defense with Kyle Walker coming in place of injured John Stones. Rodgers scored the second Villa goal in the 65th minute while Phil Foden’s goal in the 93rd minute was just a consolation.</p>

<p>"Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going. In the mid-block, they are so strong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have good moments, we had chances, more chances than in the (Manchester) United game, but in the second half we dropped and our pressing was not good enough... We found a goal in the end, but too late."</p>


Manchester City hit a new low on Saturday (Dec 21) after they lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League’s early kickoff. Playing at Villa Park, Pep Guardiola’s side was condemned to their third consecutive defeat, meaning they have won only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Manchester City hit a new low on Saturday (Dec 21) after they lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League’s early kickoff. Playing at Villa Park, Pep Guardiola’s side was condemned to their third consecutive defeat, meaning they have won only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Villa move above Man City with the win as Unai Emery’s side look to challenge for the top four and a return to the Champions League. Manchester City lose at Villa Playing against Emery’s side, City came into the match on the back of a narrow defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad. However, things did not go well with Pep’s side as in-form Jhon Duran scored in the 16th minute from open play. Villa were the better side by then and pressed on every possible counterattack. Duran and Lucas Digne both had more open opportunities as they looked to open the opposition's defense. Things could have gone from bad to worse in the 33rd minute for City, but last-ditch defending from City’s defense saw them keep the score at 1-0. ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan After the break, Morgan Rodgers was the bright star as the visitors had to make a forced change in defense with Kyle Walker coming in place of injured John Stones. Rodgers scored the second Villa goal in the 65th minute while Phil Foden’s goal in the 93rd minute was just a consolation. "Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going. In the mid-block, they are so strong. "We have good moments, we had chances, more chances than in the (Manchester) United game, but in the second half we dropped and our pressing was not good enough... We found a goal in the end, but too late."

Premier League: Manchester City's poor run hits new low as Aston Villa register 2-1 win at Villa Park

<p>Teenage spinner Allah Ghazanfar took five for 33 as Afghanistan overwhelmed Zimbabwe by eight wickets on Saturday for a 2-0 one-day international series win.</p>

<p>The 18-year-old followed up a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh last month with a man-of-the-match show in Harare as the tourists crushed the hosts for the second time in three days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opening ODI in the three-match series was washed out on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Zimbabwe were put in to bat by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and, with the exception of veteran Sean Williams, who made 60 from 61 balls, flopped to be all out of 127.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sediqullah Atal, fresh from a maiden ODI century on Thursday, top-scored with 52 as Afghanistan cruised to 131 for two in just 26.5 overs and completed a white-ball double after a Twenty20 series win. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the seventh ODI series triumph for Afghanistan over Zimbabwe with one drawn.</p>

<p>"It is wonderful to see youngsters like Allah coming into the team and making such a big impact," Shahidi told reporters.</p>

<p>"Allah is doing very well for the team and, hopefully, he can maintain this momentum and bowl well going forward."</p>

<p>Wreaking havoc with his off-break deliveries, Ghazanfar continued a memorable year in which he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad that won the Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>Star leg spinner Rashid Khan also tormented the hosts, taking three for 38 as the fragility of the Zimbabwe batters was exposed again. They were all out for 54 two days ago.</p>

<p>Williams, whose 61-ball knock included three sixes and six fours, was among only three Zimbabweans to reach double figures.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The top Zimbabwe scorer departed when his reverse sweep shot off Khan was caught by 39-year-old Mohammed Nabi at first slip.</p>

<p>Atal and Abdul Malik put on 84 for the first wicket before both fell in the space of 10 balls, leaving Shahidi (20 not out) to seal victory with 139 balls to spare.</p>

<p>A brilliant catch at deep extra cover by Brian Bennett spelt the end for Atal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Malik got an inside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery, which uprooted his leg stump. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The teams now move to southern city Bulawayo for a two-Test series, with the first starting on December 26.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&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.</em></p>


Teenage spinner Allah Ghazanfar took five for 33 as Afghanistan overwhelmed Zimbabwe by eight wickets on Saturday for a 2-0 one-day international series win. The 18-year-old followed up a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh last month with a man-of-the-match show in Harare as the tourists crushed the hosts for the second time in three days.

Teenage spinner Allah Ghazanfar took five for 33 as Afghanistan overwhelmed Zimbabwe by eight wickets on Saturday for a 2-0 one-day international series win. The 18-year-old followed up a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh last month with a man-of-the-match show in Harare as the tourists crushed the hosts for the second time in three days. The opening ODI in the three-match series was washed out on Tuesday. Zimbabwe were put in to bat by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and, with the exception of veteran Sean Williams, who made 60 from 61 balls, flopped to be all out of 127. Sediqullah Atal, fresh from a maiden ODI century on Thursday, top-scored with 52 as Afghanistan cruised to 131 for two in just 26.5 overs and completed a white-ball double after a Twenty20 series win. It was the seventh ODI series triumph for Afghanistan over Zimbabwe with one drawn. "It is wonderful to see youngsters like Allah coming into the team and making such a big impact," Shahidi told reporters. "Allah is doing very well for the team and, hopefully, he can maintain this momentum and bowl well going forward." Wreaking havoc with his off-break deliveries, Ghazanfar continued a memorable year in which he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad that won the Indian Premier League. Star leg spinner Rashid Khan also tormented the hosts, taking three for 38 as the fragility of the Zimbabwe batters was exposed again. They were all out for 54 two days ago. Williams, whose 61-ball knock included three sixes and six fours, was among only three Zimbabweans to reach double figures. ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan The top Zimbabwe scorer departed when his reverse sweep shot off Khan was caught by 39-year-old Mohammed Nabi at first slip. Atal and Abdul Malik put on 84 for the first wicket before both fell in the space of 10 balls, leaving Shahidi (20 not out) to seal victory with 139 balls to spare. A brilliant catch at deep extra cover by Brian Bennett spelt the end for Atal. Earlier, Malik got an inside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery, which uprooted his leg stump. The teams now move to southern city Bulawayo for a two-Test series, with the first starting on December 26. 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.

ZIM vs AFG: Teen Allah Ghazanfar takes five-for as Afghanistan win ODI series 2-0

<p>Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven&nbsp;runs&nbsp;to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs.</p>

<h2><strong>India win last-over thriller</strong></h2>

<p>Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007.</p>

<p>South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings.</p>

<p>However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Virat Kohli comes good with the bat</strong></h2>

<p>Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock.</p>

<p>Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final.</p>

<p>The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.</p>


Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados.

Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs. India win last-over thriller Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007. South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings. However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win. ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan Virat Kohli comes good with the bat Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock. Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final. The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.

Rewind 2024: Rohit Sharma's Team India ends 17-year T20 World Cup drought in West Indies

<p>George Eastham, a member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88, his former club Stoke City announced on their website on Saturday.</p>

<p>Eastham, whose father also named George once played for England, won 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966.</p>

<p>He did not play in England's 1966 campaign on home soil but the Blackpool-born winger was part of Alf Ramsey's squad that lifted the World Cup.</p>

<p>Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to Stoke in 1966.</p>

<p>Three years earlier he had been involved in a court case against the so-called 'slavery contracts' which improved players' freedom to move between clubs and duly reformed the British transfer market.</p>

<p>"The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88," his former club said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rejected-in-ipl-indias-anmolpreet-singh-breaks-yusuf-pathans-domestic-record-for-fastest-list-a-hundred-785820">Rejected in IPL, India's Anmolpreet Singh breaks Yusuf Pathan's domestic record for fastest List A hundred</a></strong></p>

<p>Eastham represented the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game.</p>

<p>"He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley," said Stoke.</p>

<p>After retiring, Eastham tried his hand at management, taking charge of Stoke for a short spell in the late 1970s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He later emigrated to South Africa where he was a football coach for local black children.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&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.</em></p>


George Eastham, a member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88, his former club Stoke City announced on their website on Saturday.

George Eastham, a member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died at the age of 88, his former club Stoke City announced on their website on Saturday. Eastham, whose father also named George once played for England, won 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966. He did not play in England's 1966 campaign on home soil but the Blackpool-born winger was part of Alf Ramsey's squad that lifted the World Cup. Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to Stoke in 1966. Three years earlier he had been involved in a court case against the so-called 'slavery contracts' which improved players' freedom to move between clubs and duly reformed the British transfer market. "The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88," his former club said. ALSO READ | Rejected in IPL, India's Anmolpreet Singh breaks Yusuf Pathan's domestic record for fastest List A hundred Eastham represented the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game. "He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley," said Stoke. After retiring, Eastham tried his hand at management, taking charge of Stoke for a short spell in the late 1970s. He later emigrated to South Africa where he was a football coach for local black children. 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.

Former England World Cup-winning winger George Eastham passes away at 88

<p>Rejected in the Indian Premier League (IPL), India’s domestic star Anmolpreet Singh broke Yusuf Pathan’s record for the fastest domestic hundred on Saturday (Dec 21) in List A Cricket (India’s domestic 50-over competition). The 35-ball ton saw him break the 14-year record after&nbsp;being&nbsp;snubbed by IPL franchises in the auctions in November. Courtesy of the score, Punjab beat Arunachal Pradesh by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad.</p>

<h2><strong>Anmolpreet breaks Pathan’s record</strong></h2>

<p>Known for his devastating batting approach, Anmolpreet’s snub in IPL came as a surprise for many as he represented the likes of Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad in the past. He went on a rampage in the white-ball contest on Saturday as Punjab chased down a 165-run target in just 12.5 overs. Riding on Anmolpreet’s brilliant knock, Punjab were scoring at a rate of 13 runs per over.</p>

<p>In his innings, the 26-year-old scored 9 sixes and 12 fours with 104 runs coming in boundaries from his 115-run knock. He was given a good helping hand by Prabhsimran Singh as he remained unbeaten on 35 off 25 while skipper Abhishek Sharma departed for 10 off 7.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-india-batter-robin-uthappa-faces-arrests-over-unpaid-provident-fund-dues-785791">Former India batter Robin Uthappa faces arrest over unpaid Provident Fund dues</a></strong></p>

<p>The pair of Prabhsimran and Anmolpreet stitched an unbeaten stand of 153 runs for the second wicket as they took Punjab home in a one-sided win. All Arunachal Pradesh bowlers were expensive with the lowest economy of 9.5.</p>

<p>Earlier the record was held by Yusuf when he hit the century in 40 balls while representing Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was at the peak of his powers in the 2010s when he also won the ODI World Cup with the Indian team. He was part of the side under MS Dhoni with Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli being the notable names on the list.</p>


Rejected in the Indian Premier League (IPL), India’s domestic star Anmolpreet Singh broke Yusuf Pathan’s record for the fastest domestic hundred on Saturday (Dec 21) in List A Cricket (India’s domestic 50-over competition).

Rejected in the Indian Premier League (IPL), India’s domestic star Anmolpreet Singh broke Yusuf Pathan’s record for the fastest domestic hundred on Saturday (Dec 21) in List A Cricket (India’s domestic 50-over competition). The 35-ball ton saw him break the 14-year record after being snubbed by IPL franchises in the auctions in November. Courtesy of the score, Punjab beat Arunachal Pradesh by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad. Anmolpreet breaks Pathan’s record Known for his devastating batting approach, Anmolpreet’s snub in IPL came as a surprise for many as he represented the likes of Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad in the past. He went on a rampage in the white-ball contest on Saturday as Punjab chased down a 165-run target in just 12.5 overs. Riding on Anmolpreet’s brilliant knock, Punjab were scoring at a rate of 13 runs per over. In his innings, the 26-year-old scored 9 sixes and 12 fours with 104 runs coming in boundaries from his 115-run knock. He was given a good helping hand by Prabhsimran Singh as he remained unbeaten on 35 off 25 while skipper Abhishek Sharma departed for 10 off 7. ALSO READ | Former India batter Robin Uthappa faces arrest over unpaid Provident Fund dues The pair of Prabhsimran and Anmolpreet stitched an unbeaten stand of 153 runs for the second wicket as they took Punjab home in a one-sided win. All Arunachal Pradesh bowlers were expensive with the lowest economy of 9.5. Earlier the record was held by Yusuf when he hit the century in 40 balls while representing Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was at the peak of his powers in the 2010s when he also won the ODI World Cup with the Indian team. He was part of the side under MS Dhoni with Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli being the notable names on the list.

Rejected in IPL, India's Anmolpreet Singh breaks Yusuf Pathan's domestic record for fastest List A hundred

<p><span class="region">Melbourne, Australia</span>
<p>Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from Australia’s Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test as the Aussies look to avoid another humiliation against India at the venue. Sam Konstas has been roped into the squad with a likely place in Playing XI.</p></p>
<p>The news, reported in Australian media earlier, was confirmed on Friday (Dec 20).</p>
<p>McSweeney’s performances did not impress the selectors in the ongoing Boder-Gavaskar Trophy. The Boxing Day Test is set to start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue where India has had an impressive recent record.</p>
<h2><strong>Nathan McSweeney dropped</strong></h2>
<p>Having scored 72 runs in six innings during the opening three matches of the BGT, McSweeney has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism. After multiple media reports from CODE Sports and The Sydney Morning Herald, the selectors’ panel led by George Bailey called Konstas- who had impressed in the domestic competitions-  to take the opener’s role.</p>
<p>In six innings during the series, McSweeney, the current South Australia domestic team captain, has failed to make the most of his opportunities.</p>
<p>His top score of 39 came in the first innings of the Adelaide Test while his only unbeaten knock came in the second innings of the same match when Australia needed just 18 runs to win. He has averaged 14.4 during the series, making him a weak link in the side.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-josh-hazlewood-frustrated-with-random-side-strain-for-missing-melbourne-sydney-tests-785414">BGT - Josh Hazlewood ‘frustrated’ with ‘random side strain’ for missing Melbourne, Sydney Tests</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Australia search for redemption</strong></h2>
<p>India are unbeaten in their last three Boxing Day Test matches, having won in their previous two visits to the MCG.</p>
<p>Australia have not beaten India since December 2011 when Michael Clarke’s side got the better of MS Dhoni’s side.</p>
<p>In 2014, the Boxing Day Test ended in a draw while India won the same in 2018 and 2020 under Virat Kohli's and Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy respectively.</p>


According to several media reports in Australia, Nathan McSweeney’s performance has not impressed the selectors in the ongoing Boder-Gavaskar Trophy, with Sam Konstas in the frame for a spot in the Playing XI. The Boxing Day Test is set to start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). India has had an impressive record at the venue.



Melbourne, Australia Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from Australia’s Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test as the Aussies look to avoid another humiliation against India at the venue. Sam Konstas has been roped into the squad with a likely place in Playing XI. The news, reported in Australian media earlier, was confirmed on Friday (Dec 20). McSweeney’s performances did not impress the selectors in the ongoing Boder-Gavaskar Trophy. The Boxing Day Test is set to start on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue where India has had an impressive recent record. Nathan McSweeney dropped Having scored 72 runs in six innings during the opening three matches of the BGT, McSweeney has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism. After multiple media reports from CODE Sports and The Sydney Morning Herald, the selectors’ panel led by George Bailey called Konstas- who had impressed in the domestic competitions- to take the opener’s role. In six innings during the series, McSweeney, the current South Australia domestic team captain, has failed to make the most of his opportunities. His top score of 39 came in the first innings of the Adelaide Test while his only unbeaten knock came in the second innings of the same match when Australia needed just 18 runs to win. He has averaged 14.4 during the series, making him a weak link in the side. ALSO READ | BGT - Josh Hazlewood ‘frustrated’ with ‘random side strain’ for missing Melbourne, Sydney Tests Australia search for redemption India are unbeaten in their last three Boxing Day Test matches, having won in their previous two visits to the MCG. Australia have not beaten India since December 2011 when Michael Clarke’s side got the better of MS Dhoni’s side. In 2014, the Boxing Day Test ended in a draw while India won the same in 2018 and 2020 under Virat Kohli's and Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy respectively.

BGT 2024/25: Nathan McSweeney axed from Boxing Day Test; Sam Konstas roped in for Australia

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League 2025 is all set to kickstart in January 2025 as India’s Ladakh prepares for the big occasion in the new year. The training camp for coaches held from December 8 to 12 focused on training them, who will further train over 500 players for the 2025 Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup. With the focus now shifting to the big event in 2025, WION exclusively caught up with Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation.</p></p>
<p>Speaking on the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Bidisha opened up about how they are helping Ladakh transform not only into a center for winter sports but also boost tourism. She also reflected on how the Ice Hockey League was a grand success in 2024, with huge expectations for 2025. In an exclusive chat with WION’s Aditya Pimpale, Bidisha discussed the future of winter sports in the nation.</p>
<h2><strong>Insights on Ice Hockey League 2025</strong></h2>
<p>“As far as winter sports are concerned, particularly ice hockey, it started in a way where, when we were talking to the communities in Ladakh, we realised that sports are the most important thing. It is so, so close to their hearts. They have been playing ice hockey for years, you know, and without any tremendous infrastructure support or kind of a developed ecosystem. And the stories are full of resilience,” Bidisha added in the chat.</p>
<p>Shw also spoke about the role of Royal Enfield and its significant contribution to the development of the Himalayan regions.</p>
<p>“Royal Enfield owes its survival—it is the oldest motorcycle company in continuous production since 1901. And one of the reasons why it continued in India, even as the British chapter closed, is because the army in the higher-up regions in the Himalayas continued to ride it.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-nathan-mcsweeney-likely-to-be-axed-from-boxing-day-test-sam-konstas-in-frame-for-australia-785445">BGT 2024/25: Nathan McSweeney axed from Boxing Day Test; Sam Konstas roped in for Australia</a></strong></p>
<p>“We regard the Himalayas as sacred and as a spiritual home. So it is but natural, I think, that when we looked at developing our social mission and we looked at working with the communities, in addition to what we do in our local area, in Tamil Nadu, etc., our, you know, big focus, 70% of our focus, is on the Himalayas and the Himalayan communities,” Bidisha explained.</p>
<p>The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is all set for its second season, with the kick-off scheduled for January 2025 in Ladakh. The jersey for the league was unveiled on Saturday (Dec 14) with a huge crowd present at Travancore Palace in New Delhi.</p>


The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is all set for its second season, with the kick-off scheduled for January 2025 in Ladakh. The jersey for the league was unveiled on Saturday (Dec 14) with a huge crowd present at Travancore Palace in New Delhi.



New Delhi, India The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League 2025 is all set to kickstart in January 2025 as India’s Ladakh prepares for the big occasion in the new year. The training camp for coaches held from December 8 to 12 focused on training them, who will further train over 500 players for the 2025 Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League in Ladakh and the Spiti Cup. With the focus now shifting to the big event in 2025, WION exclusively caught up with Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation. Speaking on the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Bidisha opened up about how they are helping Ladakh transform not only into a center for winter sports but also boost tourism. She also reflected on how the Ice Hockey League was a grand success in 2024, with huge expectations for 2025. In an exclusive chat with WION’s Aditya Pimpale, Bidisha discussed the future of winter sports in the nation. Insights on Ice Hockey League 2025 “As far as winter sports are concerned, particularly ice hockey, it started in a way where, when we were talking to the communities in Ladakh, we realised that sports are the most important thing. It is so, so close to their hearts. They have been playing ice hockey for years, you know, and without any tremendous infrastructure support or kind of a developed ecosystem. And the stories are full of resilience,” Bidisha added in the chat. Shw also spoke about the role of Royal Enfield and its significant contribution to the development of the Himalayan regions. “Royal Enfield owes its survival—it is the oldest motorcycle company in continuous production since 1901. And one of the reasons why it continued in India, even as the British chapter closed, is because the army in the higher-up regions in the Himalayas continued to ride it. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Nathan McSweeney axed from Boxing Day Test; Sam Konstas roped in for Australia “We regard the Himalayas as sacred and as a spiritual home. So it is but natural, I think, that when we looked at developing our social mission and we looked at working with the communities, in addition to what we do in our local area, in Tamil Nadu, etc., our, you know, big focus, 70% of our focus, is on the Himalayas and the Himalayan communities,” Bidisha explained. The Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League is all set for its second season, with the kick-off scheduled for January 2025 in Ladakh. The jersey for the league was unveiled on Saturday (Dec 14) with a huge crowd present at Travancore Palace in New Delhi.

Exclusive: Ice Hockey League set to rejuvenate Ladakh's sports culture and tourism

<p><span class="region">London, United Kingdom</span>
<p>Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min was seen in spectacular form on Thursday (Dec 19) evening after he scored a rare Olimpico goal in a 4-3 win over Manchester United in the League Cup. Playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the single-legged quarterfinal tie, Son scored his goal directly from a corner, setting the stage on fire. The win also helped Spurs reach the semifinals of the competition for the first time since the 2021-22 season.</p></p>
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<h2><strong>Son scores rare olimpico goal</strong></h2>
<p>With the score 3-2 in favour of the home side, Son took a corner at the famous North Stand with the crowd expecting him to deliver a neat ball in the six-yard penalty box. However, spectacularly, the South Korean’s neat delivery landed directly into the net and beat United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, in the process of completing the Olimpico goal.</p>
<p>The goal is a rare event in football, adding another feather to Son’s impressive hat as he continues to flourish in North London.</p>
<p>Over the years, the Spurs captain has been renowned to score some spectacular goals with one of his goals also winning the Puskas Award for Best Goal of the Year in professional football. In December 2019, Son scored a solo goal while running almost 100 metres from his own penalty area against Burnley which saw him win the Puskas Award.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-nathan-mcsweeney-likely-to-be-axed-from-boxing-day-test-sam-konstas-in-frame-for-australia-785445">BGT 2024/25: Nathan McSweeney axed from Boxing Day Test; Sam Konstas roped in for Australia</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Spurs to take on Liverpool in the League Cup semis</strong></h2>
<p>With Spurs already scheduled to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, the two teams have also been paired up for the semis of the League Cup. Ange Postecoglou’s side will take on the Reds over two legs in January and February with a place in the final up for grabs. The competition is a perfect opportunity for the Lilywhites to end their 17-year drought for a senior trophy.</p>
<p>The North London side is still active in three competitions as they are also enjoying a good run in the Europa League while they will kick-off their FA Cup campaign in January against Tamworth.</p>


Playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the single-legged quarterfinal tie, Son Heung-min scored his goal directly from a corner, setting the stage on fire. The win also helped Spurs reach the semifinals of the competition for the first time since the 2021-22 season.



London, United Kingdom Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min was seen in spectacular form on Thursday (Dec 19) evening after he scored a rare Olimpico goal in a 4-3 win over Manchester United in the League Cup. Playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the single-legged quarterfinal tie, Son scored his goal directly from a corner, setting the stage on fire. The win also helped Spurs reach the semifinals of the competition for the first time since the 2021-22 season. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tottenham Hotspur (@spursofficial) × Son scores rare olimpico goal With the score 3-2 in favour of the home side, Son took a corner at the famous North Stand with the crowd expecting him to deliver a neat ball in the six-yard penalty box. However, spectacularly, the South Korean’s neat delivery landed directly into the net and beat United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, in the process of completing the Olimpico goal. The goal is a rare event in football, adding another feather to Son’s impressive hat as he continues to flourish in North London. Over the years, the Spurs captain has been renowned to score some spectacular goals with one of his goals also winning the Puskas Award for Best Goal of the Year in professional football. In December 2019, Son scored a solo goal while running almost 100 metres from his own penalty area against Burnley which saw him win the Puskas Award. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Nathan McSweeney axed from Boxing Day Test; Sam Konstas roped in for Australia Spurs to take on Liverpool in the League Cup semis With Spurs already scheduled to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, the two teams have also been paired up for the semis of the League Cup. Ange Postecoglou’s side will take on the Reds over two legs in January and February with a place in the final up for grabs. The competition is a perfect opportunity for the Lilywhites to end their 17-year drought for a senior trophy. The North London side is still active in three competitions as they are also enjoying a good run in the Europa League while they will kick-off their FA Cup campaign in January against Tamworth.

WATCH: Son Heung-min scores rare OLIMPICO goal in Tottenham's League Cup win over Manchester United

BGT: Most Runs in Boxing Day Tests

5. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

4. Alan Border (Australia)

3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

2. Gary Kirsten (South Africa)

1. Steve Waugh (Australia)

BGT: Most Runs in Boxing Day Tests ft Steve Waugh, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis

BGT: Most Wickets in Boxing Day Tests

5. Dennis Lillee (Australia)

4. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

3. Craig McDermott (Australia)

2. Alan Donald (South Africa)

1. Shane Warne (Australia)

BGT: Most Wickets in Boxing Day Tests ft Shane Warne, Alan Donald, Craig McDermott

BGT: Most Runs for India at MCG

5. Rahul Dravid

4. Virender Sehwag

3. Virat Kohli

2. Ajinkya Rahane

1. Sachin Tendulkar

BGT: Most Wickets in Boxing Day Tests ft Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli

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