Pakistan spinner Noman Ali created history on day one of the second ongoing Test against West Indies in Multan. Inside the first session, he picked his maiden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/test-hat-trick" rel="dofollow">Test hat-trick</a>, becoming the first spinner from the country to achieve this feat.
Although Pakistan&rsquo;s rich Test cricket history has a few bowlers who unlocked this achievement before, none of the spinners could, with seamer Naseem Shah being the last to do so (against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in 2020).
The left-arm orthodox bowler removed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair off successive deliveries in only his third over of the day to become the Pakistani spinner to pick a Test hat-trick.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-varun-chakravarthy-attributes-domestic-cricket-for-his-t20i-career-boom-says-smat-is-at-par-with-ipl-8652112" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Varun attributes domestic cricket for his T20I career boom</a>
After electing to bat first in Multan, West Indies&rsquo; back was against the wall in no time, with the spin duo of Noman and Sajid Ali, alongside debutant seamer Kashif Ali, wreaking havoc inside the first hour. Reeling at 38 for four after 11 overs, West Indies lost three wickets in the next, with their scorecard reading 38/7 in 12 overs.
Noman, bowling over the wicket, first removed Greaves (caught in the slips) before trapping Imlach right in front of the wicket. On his hat-trick delivery, he bowled a fuller length only for Sinclair to find the edge, with Babar Azam completing a stunner in the second slip.
That wicket led to jubilation in the ground, dressing room and the stadium, with everyone celebrating Noman&rsquo;s first Test hat-trick.
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6buu631-cqvvjp87-b99aoqsk">
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭! 😍 Hat-trick hero Noman Ali makes history in Multan 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedBallRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedBallRumble</a> <a href="https://t.co/2xRLeYpVXl">pic.twitter.com/2xRLeYpVXl</a>
&mdash; Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1883027906454241612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
West Indies then lost two more wickets before the century-mark, with Noman completing another five-for of the series. Though only Kavem Hodge could get into the double digits among the top seven batters, the bowlers saved the day for the touring side, with each of Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach (25) and Jomel Warrican scoring handy runs.
<h2>Pakistan bowlers to pick Test hat-tricks</h2>
Noman Ali became the first Pakistani spinner and fifth overall from the country after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wasim-akram">Wasim Akram</a> (2), Abdul Razzaq (1), Mohammad Sami (1) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/naseem-shah" rel="dofollow">Naseem Shah</a> (1) to pick Test hat-tricks.
While Wasim was the first to do so, twice against Sri Lanka during the 1998/99 series, all-rounder Razzaq was the next, picking his first against the same team in 1999.&nbsp;
A couple of years later, express pacer Sami picked his first Test hat-trick against the Lankans in 2001, with Naseem Shah adding one to his name in 2020 against Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Sports, Cricket: Noman removed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair off successive deliveries to become the Pakistani spinner to pick a Test hat-trick.

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali created history on day one of the second ongoing Test against West Indies in Multan. Inside the first session, he picked his maiden Test hat-trick, becoming the first spinner from the country to achieve this feat. Although Pakistan’s rich Test cricket history has a few bowlers who unlocked this achievement before, none of the spinners could, with seamer Naseem Shah being the last to do so (against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in 2020). The left-arm orthodox bowler removed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair off successive deliveries in only his third over of the day to become the Pakistani spinner to pick a Test hat-trick. Also read | IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Varun attributes domestic cricket for his T20I career boom After electing to bat first in Multan, West Indies’ back was against the wall in no time, with the spin duo of Noman and Sajid Ali, alongside debutant seamer Kashif Ali, wreaking havoc inside the first hour. Reeling at 38 for four after 11 overs, West Indies lost three wickets in the next, with their scorecard reading 38/7 in 12 overs. Noman, bowling over the wicket, first removed Greaves (caught in the slips) before trapping Imlach right in front of the wicket. On his hat-trick delivery, he bowled a fuller length only for Sinclair to find the edge, with Babar Azam completing a stunner in the second slip. That wicket led to jubilation in the ground, dressing room and the stadium, with everyone celebrating Noman’s first Test hat-trick. Watch - 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭! 😍 Hat-trick hero Noman Ali makes history in Multan 🙌#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/2xRLeYpVXl — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 25, 2025 West Indies then lost two more wickets before the century-mark, with Noman completing another five-for of the series. Though only Kavem Hodge could get into the double digits among the top seven batters, the bowlers saved the day for the touring side, with each of Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach (25) and Jomel Warrican scoring handy runs. Pakistan bowlers to pick Test hat-tricks Noman Ali became the first Pakistani spinner and fifth overall from the country after Wasim Akram (2), Abdul Razzaq (1), Mohammad Sami (1) and Naseem Shah (1) to pick Test hat-tricks. While Wasim was the first to do so, twice against Sri Lanka during the 1998/99 series, all-rounder Razzaq was the next, picking his first against the same team in 1999. A couple of years later, express pacer Sami picked his first Test hat-trick against the Lankans in 2001, with Naseem Shah adding one to his name in 2020 against Bangladesh.

PAK vs WI 2nd Test: Noman Ali becomes first Pakistan spinner to pick Test hat-trick

For those wondering what good domestic cricket would do to their game, look at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakravarthy">Varun Chakravarthy</a>. The India spinner has been making all the right noises since returning to the T20I side late last year, picking wickets for fun. In Kuldeep Yadav&rsquo;s absence, Varun is leading the spin-bowling unit, doing justice to his role; his three-wicket haul against England in the series opener in Kolkata is one example of it.
The mystery spinner has been making headlines for consistently performing in the shortest format across domestic and international arenas. Attributing India&rsquo;s domestic structure, mainly the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/smat">Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy (SMAT)</a>, which he feels is at par with the cash-rich IPL, Varun urged everyone to play in that tournament to improve their game.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-live-streaming-when-where-to-watch-india-vs-england-live-on-laptop-tv-8650902" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG, 2nd T20I live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England live on laptop, TV</a>
"The level of cricket in the domestic [circuit] is extremely high. I would say [it is] almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play. I would really suggest everyone to go and play the Syed Mushtaq Ali because we play on small grounds. It is very challenging [for bowlers],&rdquo; Varun said ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-chennai-match-preview-and-result-prediction-8651972">India&rsquo;s second T20I against England in Chennai</a>.&nbsp;
Varun made most of his chances playing in the domestic tournaments. For instance, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (2023-24 season) - his first in five years, Varun returned with 19 wickets (the joint-most), averaging 13.05.
In the just-concluded season, the right-arm spinner picked 18 (in six matches),&nbsp;bettering his average to 12.16.
Meanwhile, Varun returned with nine scalps in SMAT (the last season), which he reckons is tougher to succeed at (given smaller venues).
&ldquo;I find it very tough playing SMAT. It has definitely helped me to get better, be more instinctive, be on my toes, and think correctly at the right moment,&rdquo; Varun said.&nbsp;
<h2>&lsquo;Homecoming&rsquo;&nbsp;</h2>
After breaking England&rsquo;s back inside just one over in the Kolkata T20I (his adopted home ground &ndash; given he plays for KKR in the IPL), Varun returns to his home ground in Chennai for the second match on Saturday (Jan 25).
Reflecting on what it means for him to play for India at his home venue in front of his family and friends, Varun said it&rsquo;s nothing short of feeling special.
"Definitely [special]," Varun said of his homecoming.&nbsp;
"Back to Chennai and in the Blues is very important for me. I see it as a very important day for me. I'm coming back to Chennai after a long time. Playing for the country in front of my parents and the home crowd. Yeah, it is very special for me,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Attributing India’s domestic structure, mainly SMAT, which he feels is at par with IPL, Varun urged all players to play in that tournament to improve their game.

For those wondering what good domestic cricket would do to their game, look at Varun Chakravarthy. The India spinner has been making all the right noises since returning to the T20I side late last year, picking wickets for fun. In Kuldeep Yadav’s absence, Varun is leading the spin-bowling unit, doing justice to his role; his three-wicket haul against England in the series opener in Kolkata is one example of it. The mystery spinner has been making headlines for consistently performing in the shortest format across domestic and international arenas. Attributing India’s domestic structure, mainly the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy (SMAT), which he feels is at par with the cash-rich IPL, Varun urged everyone to play in that tournament to improve their game. Also read | IND vs ENG, 2nd T20I live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England live on laptop, TV "The level of cricket in the domestic [circuit] is extremely high. I would say [it is] almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play. I would really suggest everyone to go and play the Syed Mushtaq Ali because we play on small grounds. It is very challenging [for bowlers],” Varun said ahead of India’s second T20I against England in Chennai. Varun made most of his chances playing in the domestic tournaments. For instance, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (2023-24 season) - his first in five years, Varun returned with 19 wickets (the joint-most), averaging 13.05. In the just-concluded season, the right-arm spinner picked 18 (in six matches), bettering his average to 12.16. Meanwhile, Varun returned with nine scalps in SMAT (the last season), which he reckons is tougher to succeed at (given smaller venues). “I find it very tough playing SMAT. It has definitely helped me to get better, be more instinctive, be on my toes, and think correctly at the right moment,” Varun said. ‘Homecoming’ After breaking England’s back inside just one over in the Kolkata T20I (his adopted home ground – given he plays for KKR in the IPL), Varun returns to his home ground in Chennai for the second match on Saturday (Jan 25). Reflecting on what it means for him to play for India at his home venue in front of his family and friends, Varun said it’s nothing short of feeling special. "Definitely [special]," Varun said of his homecoming. "Back to Chennai and in the Blues is very important for me. I see it as a very important day for me. I'm coming back to Chennai after a long time. Playing for the country in front of my parents and the home crowd. Yeah, it is very special for me,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Varun attributes domestic cricket for his T20I career boom

India will face England in the second T20I at the Chepauk in Chennai on Saturday (Jan 25). The hosts drew first blood in the five-match series with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-live-score-today-india-vs-england-latest-scorecard-jan-22-ind-vs-eng-playing-xi-prediction-pitch-report-toss-timing-venue-eden-gardens-kolkata-8644275">seven-wicket win in Kolkata</a>. Heading down south for the next game, where the wicket usually assists spinners, the ones in the Indian camp must be licking their lips. Besides, England must be hoping for an improved outing, especially with the bat.
Here is the match preview and result prediction of the second T20I between India and England.
<h2>Match Preview&nbsp;</h2>
India ticked all boxes in a thumping win at the Eden Gardens. From <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh">Arshdeep Singh</a> to Varun Chakaravarthy (Player of the Match) to opener Abhishek - everyone performed brilliantly, helping India take a 1-0 lead in this marquee series.&nbsp;
Though the conditions assisted the seamers upfront in Kolkata, with Arshdeep returning with two wickets inside the Powerplay and surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal to become India&rsquo;s leading wicket-taker in this format, the dryness on the pitch made it tougher for the English batters, with Varun and Axar Patel bagging five wickets among them.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-abhishek-sharma-twists-right-ankle-in-training-remains-doubtful-for-chennai-t20i-report-8651117" rel="dofollow">IND vs ENG: Abhishek Sharma twists right ankle in training, doubtful for Chennai T20I - Report</a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-smog-cost-england-in-kolkata-chennai-clear-weather-should-help-our-batters-harry-brook-8650287">Harry Brook,&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-smog-cost-england-in-kolkata-chennai-clear-weather-should-help-our-batters-harry-brook-8650287">however, blamed &lsquo;Kolkata smog&rsquo; for England&rsquo;s dismal show against spin</a>.
In the bowling department for the visitors, the seamers had a mixed outing, with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood impressing with sheer pace, though the rookie opener Abhishek punished them with a match-winning 79 off 34.
While India is unlikely to change its batting order for the Chennai game, it remains to be seen if the management brings in Mohammed Shami for his first India match since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. Given that Arshdeep had a ball in the series opener and three spinners already making the right noises, the home side might stick with a similar playing XI.
On the other hand, England confirmed at least one change for the second T20I, bringing in seamer Brydon Carse for Gus Atkinson in Chennai; England also added gloveman Jamie Smith as a cover backup for Jacob Bethell, who missed Friday&rsquo;s training as he was unwell.
<h3>Result Prediction &ndash;</h3>
Despite England wanting to go an extra yard to square the series, India, with their spin attack, will enter the contest as favourites.
<h3>Predicted Playing XIs &ndash;</h3>
India &ndash; Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy
England &ndash; Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse

Sports, cricket: Heading down south for the next game against England, where the wicket usually assists spinners, the ones in the Indian camp must be licking their lips.

India will face England in the second T20I at the Chepauk in Chennai on Saturday (Jan 25). The hosts drew first blood in the five-match series with a seven-wicket win in Kolkata. Heading down south for the next game, where the wicket usually assists spinners, the ones in the Indian camp must be licking their lips. Besides, England must be hoping for an improved outing, especially with the bat. Here is the match preview and result prediction of the second T20I between India and England. Match Preview India ticked all boxes in a thumping win at the Eden Gardens. From Arshdeep Singh to Varun Chakaravarthy (Player of the Match) to opener Abhishek - everyone performed brilliantly, helping India take a 1-0 lead in this marquee series. Though the conditions assisted the seamers upfront in Kolkata, with Arshdeep returning with two wickets inside the Powerplay and surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s leading wicket-taker in this format, the dryness on the pitch made it tougher for the English batters, with Varun and Axar Patel bagging five wickets among them. Also read | IND vs ENG: Abhishek Sharma twists right ankle in training, doubtful for Chennai T20I - Report Harry Brook, however, blamed ‘Kolkata smog’ for England’s dismal show against spin. In the bowling department for the visitors, the seamers had a mixed outing, with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood impressing with sheer pace, though the rookie opener Abhishek punished them with a match-winning 79 off 34. While India is unlikely to change its batting order for the Chennai game, it remains to be seen if the management brings in Mohammed Shami for his first India match since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. Given that Arshdeep had a ball in the series opener and three spinners already making the right noises, the home side might stick with a similar playing XI. On the other hand, England confirmed at least one change for the second T20I, bringing in seamer Brydon Carse for Gus Atkinson in Chennai; England also added gloveman Jamie Smith as a cover backup for Jacob Bethell, who missed Friday’s training as he was unwell. Result Prediction – Despite England wanting to go an extra yard to square the series, India, with their spin attack, will enter the contest as favourites. Predicted Playing XIs – India – Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy England – Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse

IND vs ENG 2nd T20I, Chennai - Match preview and result prediction

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravindra-jadeja" rel="dofollow">Ravindra Jadeja</a> stole the show for Saurashtra in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a>, helping them squash Delhi by ten wickets inside two days in Rajkot. Jadeja, the bowler, came to the fore for his state side unlike his fellow India teammates (for their respective teams), who suffered contrasting fates. The left-arm spinner returned with 12 wickets across both innings, conceding 104 runs.
He picked a five-for in the first innings (5/66) before tearing into Delhi&rsquo;s middle order with a stunning seven-wicket haul (7/38) in the next.
After reducing Virat Kohli-less Delhi to 188 in the first innings, Saurashtra scored 271 in reply, with gloveman Harvik Desai hitting a gritty 93. Delhi&rsquo;s second innings was worse than the first, with the touring team getting all out on a mere 94, giving the hosts just 12 runs to win, which they did with ten wickets in hand.
Of all the seven wickets he picked in the second innings, Jadeja removed his Team India mate Rishabh Pant (on 17). Even with the bat in hand, Jadeja impressed, scoring 38 in the first innings.
<h2>Who shone, and who failed?</h2>
Meanwhile, after the BCCI laid out a new ten-point policy mandate for all centrally contracted players (not picked for any India squad), everyone is now supposed to feature for their respective state teams, and those missing should have an unavoidable reason for that.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-smog-cost-england-in-kolkata-chennai-clear-weather-should-help-our-batters-harry-brook-8650287" rel="dofollow">'Smog' cost England in Kolkata - Harry Brook's bizarre excuse for 1st T20I loss</a>
Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, among others, featured for their state teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Unlike Jadeja, everyone fared poorly. Rohit and Jaiswal managed 28 and 26 runs, respectively, against Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the second innings, Iyer got out on 17. All three fell for a single-digit score in their first outing.
However, out-of-favour India all-rounder Shardul Thakur slammed a hundred in the second innings, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 113, with Mumbai leading J&amp;K by 188 runs.
Elsewhere, Punjab opener Shubman Gill failed in the first innings against Karnataka, getting out cheaply on just four. After the hosts made light work of
Punjab in their first innings, Gill remains unbeaten on seven at stumps on day two.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Ravindra Jadeja picked a five-for in the first innings (5/66) before tearing into Delhi’s middle order with a stunning seven-wicket haul (7/38) in the next.

Ravindra Jadeja stole the show for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, helping them squash Delhi by ten wickets inside two days in Rajkot. Jadeja, the bowler, came to the fore for his state side unlike his fellow India teammates (for their respective teams), who suffered contrasting fates. The left-arm spinner returned with 12 wickets across both innings, conceding 104 runs. He picked a five-for in the first innings (5/66) before tearing into Delhi’s middle order with a stunning seven-wicket haul (7/38) in the next. After reducing Virat Kohli-less Delhi to 188 in the first innings, Saurashtra scored 271 in reply, with gloveman Harvik Desai hitting a gritty 93. Delhi’s second innings was worse than the first, with the touring team getting all out on a mere 94, giving the hosts just 12 runs to win, which they did with ten wickets in hand. Of all the seven wickets he picked in the second innings, Jadeja removed his Team India mate Rishabh Pant (on 17). Even with the bat in hand, Jadeja impressed, scoring 38 in the first innings. Who shone, and who failed? Meanwhile, after the BCCI laid out a new ten-point policy mandate for all centrally contracted players (not picked for any India squad), everyone is now supposed to feature for their respective state teams, and those missing should have an unavoidable reason for that. Also read | 'Smog' cost England in Kolkata - Harry Brook's bizarre excuse for 1st T20I loss Indian captain Rohit Sharma, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, among others, featured for their state teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Unlike Jadeja, everyone fared poorly. Rohit and Jaiswal managed 28 and 26 runs, respectively, against Jammu & Kashmir in the second innings, Iyer got out on 17. All three fell for a single-digit score in their first outing. However, out-of-favour India all-rounder Shardul Thakur slammed a hundred in the second innings, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 113, with Mumbai leading J&K by 188 runs. Elsewhere, Punjab opener Shubman Gill failed in the first innings against Karnataka, getting out cheaply on just four. After the hosts made light work of Punjab in their first innings, Gill remains unbeaten on seven at stumps on day two. (With inputs from agencies)

Ravindra Jadeja shines in Ranji Trophy unlike other stars, picks 12 wickets against Delhi

Harry Brook reflected on his team&rsquo;s failed batting performance against India in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-live-score-today-india-vs-england-latest-scorecard-jan-22-ind-vs-eng-playing-xi-prediction-pitch-report-toss-timing-venue-eden-gardens-kolkata-8644275" rel="dofollow">first T20I in Kolkata</a>. Looking back at how they fared at the Eden Gardens after being asked to bat first, Brook said &lsquo;smog&rsquo; made it tougher for him and other visiting batters to pick the ball, adding he is expecting a clear weather at the Chepauk (in Chennai).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jos-buttler?page=24" rel="dofollow">Jos Buttler</a>&rsquo;s England side scored just 132, with the captain scoring the bulk of runs (68). Though Brook (17) and Buttler tried saving England&rsquo;s sinking ship (after losing two early wickets to Arshdeep Singh),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/95-of-my-focus-is-on-myself-says-wrist-spinner-varun-chakaravarthy-8647159">Varun Chakaravarthy</a>&rsquo;s twin strike in the 8th over broke their back, and wickets kept tumbling after that.
&ldquo;Chakaravarthy is an exceptionally good bowler,&rdquo; Brook said ahead of the second T20I against India in Chennai. &ldquo;But with the smog the other night, it was a lot harder to pick. Hopefully, the air is a bit clearer here, and we can see the ball a bit easier.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/no-indian-in-iccs-odi-team-of-the-year-2024-4-sri-lankans-3-pakistani-included-afghanistan-west-indies-8649889" rel="dofollow">No Indian in ICC&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024; 3 Afghanistan players included</a>
Although Brook is among the best Test batters going around, having scored plenty of runs in red-ball cricket lately and even having a T20 World Cup title to boast about in the shortest format, he admits struggling to take on spin like he does to pace.
&ldquo;Facing spin in T20 cricket is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially because I always get out trying to absolutely smack it. Maybe I&rsquo;ve got to rein in a little bit, but we&rsquo;ll see,&rdquo; Brook said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think I do have a method. It&rsquo;s just trying to do it consistently and more often. I come in the middle order, so the first few balls I face are usually off-spin." &ldquo;If I get out early, it&rsquo;s usually against a spinner, so maybe my stats aren&rsquo;t as good against spin, but there&rsquo;s always going to be criticism in some parts,&rdquo; he continued.
<h2>Changes to England Team for 2nd T20I</h2>
Following the thrashing they suffered in the first T20I in Kolkata, England are bound to make a few changes to their line-up.
For the next T20I in Chepauk, traditionally a spin-friendly venue, scheduled on Saturday (Jan 25), England have replaced seamer Gus Atkinson with Brydon Carse, while rookie all-rounder Jacob Bethell is also facing a health scare and missed Friday&rsquo;s training. England has called up keeper-batter Jamie Smith as his backup.
India lead England 1-0 in the five-match T20I series.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Following the thrashing they suffered in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, England are bound to make a few changes to their line-up.

Harry Brook reflected on his team’s failed batting performance against India in the first T20I in Kolkata. Looking back at how they fared at the Eden Gardens after being asked to bat first, Brook said ‘smog’ made it tougher for him and other visiting batters to pick the ball, adding he is expecting a clear weather at the Chepauk (in Chennai). Jos Buttler’s England side scored just 132, with the captain scoring the bulk of runs (68). Though Brook (17) and Buttler tried saving England’s sinking ship (after losing two early wickets to Arshdeep Singh), Varun Chakaravarthy’s twin strike in the 8th over broke their back, and wickets kept tumbling after that. “Chakaravarthy is an exceptionally good bowler,” Brook said ahead of the second T20I against India in Chennai. “But with the smog the other night, it was a lot harder to pick. Hopefully, the air is a bit clearer here, and we can see the ball a bit easier.” Also read | No Indian in ICC’s ODI Team of the Year 2024; 3 Afghanistan players included Although Brook is among the best Test batters going around, having scored plenty of runs in red-ball cricket lately and even having a T20 World Cup title to boast about in the shortest format, he admits struggling to take on spin like he does to pace. “Facing spin in T20 cricket is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially because I always get out trying to absolutely smack it. Maybe I’ve got to rein in a little bit, but we’ll see,” Brook said. “I think I do have a method. It’s just trying to do it consistently and more often. I come in the middle order, so the first few balls I face are usually off-spin." “If I get out early, it’s usually against a spinner, so maybe my stats aren’t as good against spin, but there’s always going to be criticism in some parts,” he continued. Changes to England Team for 2nd T20I Following the thrashing they suffered in the first T20I in Kolkata, England are bound to make a few changes to their line-up. For the next T20I in Chepauk, traditionally a spin-friendly venue, scheduled on Saturday (Jan 25), England have replaced seamer Gus Atkinson with Brydon Carse, while rookie all-rounder Jacob Bethell is also facing a health scare and missed Friday’s training. England has called up keeper-batter Jamie Smith as his backup. India lead England 1-0 in the five-match T20I series. (With inputs from agencies)

'Smog' cost England in Kolkata - Harry Brook's bizarre excuse for 1st T20I loss

Despite leading the team ranking chart in the One-Day Internationals, none of the Indian players made it to ICC&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Four Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Charith Asalanka, three Pakistanis, two from Afghanistan and one from West Indies, made it to the combined XI of the top ODI players from the past year.
To everyone&rsquo;s surprise, no player from the top-ranked sides, including Australia, India, England, New Zealand and South Africa, made the cut.
Meanwhile, after a super successful 2023, where India won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and made it to the final of the home ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue played just three ODIs last year, losing two to Sri Lanka, conceding the bilateral series for the first time in 27 years; as a result, none could find a place.
<h2>Openers and middle order &ndash;</h2>
Rookie Pakistan opener Saim Ayub got rewarded for his impressive year with the bat, wherein he returned 515 runs from nine outings, averaging 64.37 and striking at over 100 (105.53). In 2024, Ayub scored two ODI hundreds and a fifty. Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz accompanies him at the top, having registered almost similar runs (531) from 11 matches, including three centuries and two fifties.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sam-konstas-on-shoulder-bump-with-kohli-its-good-to-have-a-bit-of-theatre-in-the-game-8649673" rel="dofollow">Konstas on shoulder bump with Kohli: &lsquo;It&rsquo;s good to have a bit of theatre in the game&rsquo;</a>
Three Sri Lankan batters, a West Indian and an all-rounder from Afghanistan, completed the middle and lower orders. Opener Pathum Nissanka (who scored 210* against Afghanistan in an ODI in February last year) bats at number three (on ICC's list), with keeper-batter Kusal Mendis and Asalanka taking the number four and fifth spots respectively.
While Mendis had a fantastic 2024, scoring 742 runs from 17 matches, the left-handed Asalanka averaged over 50 (50.2) playing in the middle overs, besides scoring 605 runs in 16 outings.
However, the breakthrough inclusion is of West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford, who had a stellar 2024. The left-handed batter scored 425 runs, averaging a whopping 106 and striking at 120.1. Azmatullah Omarzai comes in at number seven for having scored 417 runs and picking 17 wickets across 12 ODIs in the past year.
<h2>The bowlers</h2>
Of the four bowlers, two are from Pakistan and one each from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/boost-for-australia-as-test-specialist-cleared-for-sri-lanka-tests-matthew-kuhnemann-steve-smith-8649272" rel="dofollow">Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests</a>
The two pacers picked are Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who picked 15 and 13 wickets, respectively. While Shaheen bagged those at a bowling average of 17.6, Rauf&rsquo;s read 22.4.&nbsp;
The two remaining bowlers are the spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka and Allah Ghazanfar from Afghanistan. Hasaranga was perhaps the best bowler of the year, picking 26 wickets from 10 matches, averaging just 15.6, while teenager Ghazanfar had a better bowling average of 13.57, bagging 21 wickets from 11 games.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ak3xm6-zox1visa-upxv0io8">
Presenting the ICC Men&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024 featuring the finest players from around the world 👏 <a href="https://t.co/ic4BSXlXCc">pic.twitter.com/ic4BSXlXCc</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1882692313392251067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Here is ICC&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024 &ndash;</h2>
Saim Ayub, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Azmatullah Omarzai, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Allah Ghazanfar
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: To everyone’s surprise, no player from the top-ranked sides, including Australia, India, England, New Zealand and South Africa, made the cut.

Despite leading the team ranking chart in the One-Day Internationals, none of the Indian players made it to ICC’s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Four Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Charith Asalanka, three Pakistanis, two from Afghanistan and one from West Indies, made it to the combined XI of the top ODI players from the past year. To everyone’s surprise, no player from the top-ranked sides, including Australia, India, England, New Zealand and South Africa, made the cut. Meanwhile, after a super successful 2023, where India won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and made it to the final of the home ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue played just three ODIs last year, losing two to Sri Lanka, conceding the bilateral series for the first time in 27 years; as a result, none could find a place. Openers and middle order – Rookie Pakistan opener Saim Ayub got rewarded for his impressive year with the bat, wherein he returned 515 runs from nine outings, averaging 64.37 and striking at over 100 (105.53). In 2024, Ayub scored two ODI hundreds and a fifty. Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz accompanies him at the top, having registered almost similar runs (531) from 11 matches, including three centuries and two fifties. Also read | Konstas on shoulder bump with Kohli: ‘It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game’ Three Sri Lankan batters, a West Indian and an all-rounder from Afghanistan, completed the middle and lower orders. Opener Pathum Nissanka (who scored 210* against Afghanistan in an ODI in February last year) bats at number three (on ICC's list), with keeper-batter Kusal Mendis and Asalanka taking the number four and fifth spots respectively. While Mendis had a fantastic 2024, scoring 742 runs from 17 matches, the left-handed Asalanka averaged over 50 (50.2) playing in the middle overs, besides scoring 605 runs in 16 outings. However, the breakthrough inclusion is of West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford, who had a stellar 2024. The left-handed batter scored 425 runs, averaging a whopping 106 and striking at 120.1. Azmatullah Omarzai comes in at number seven for having scored 417 runs and picking 17 wickets across 12 ODIs in the past year. The bowlers Of the four bowlers, two are from Pakistan and one each from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Also read | Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests The two pacers picked are Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who picked 15 and 13 wickets, respectively. While Shaheen bagged those at a bowling average of 17.6, Rauf’s read 22.4. The two remaining bowlers are the spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka and Allah Ghazanfar from Afghanistan. Hasaranga was perhaps the best bowler of the year, picking 26 wickets from 10 matches, averaging just 15.6, while teenager Ghazanfar had a better bowling average of 13.57, bagging 21 wickets from 11 games. Presenting the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 featuring the finest players from around the world 👏 pic.twitter.com/ic4BSXlXCc — ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2025 Here is ICC’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 – Saim Ayub, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, Azmatullah Omarzai, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Allah Ghazanfar (With inputs from agencies)

No Indian in ICC’s ODI Team of the Year 2024; 3 Afghanistan players included

Australia&rsquo;s newbie opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sam-konstas" rel="dofollow">Sam Konstas</a> made the most of his enthralling debut against India at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/boxing-day-test" rel="dofollow">Boxing Day Test</a> in Melbourne. The rookie batter enjoyed his time in the middle, hitting a fifty on his first outing, smashing ace seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a> for a six off a ramp shot and getting a shoulder bumping from cricket&rsquo;s beloved Virat Kohli, all in the same innings. Reflecting on his talked-about international debut, Konstas regrets nothing.
Almost one month since emerging onto the Test scene as among the youngest present across both camps, Konstas admitted watching videos of it, reflecting how he felt about playing in front of a packed house at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t believe (it),&rdquo; Konstas said in a video chat shared by cricket.com.au on their social media handle.
&ldquo;The first hour of the Boxing Day Test and (the way) I went about it. I watched it quite a few times &ndash; the videos and the crowd&rsquo;s reaction.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Obviously, I felt at times (that) the emotions did get to me, which was a great learning. Hopefully, if I do play with the bigger crowds, I can control that,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/boost-for-australia-as-test-specialist-cleared-for-sri-lanka-tests-matthew-kuhnemann-steve-smith-8649272" rel="dofollow">Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests</a>
Though he was tipped for bigger things in Australian cricket even before his Test debut, considering his pedigree for success, Konstas did justice to his reputation. Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah &ndash; India&rsquo;s best bowler on the tour.
Before he smoked him for 18 runs in one over (11th) &ndash; the most that Bumrah conceded in his Test career thus far, Konstas made headlines for hitting Bumrah for a six and four off two ramp shots, breaking the internet. His sweep to Bumrah for a boundary came in the same over, adding up to 14.&nbsp;
A few overs later, he smashed the ace quick for another six down the ground, hitting two off his bowling on his Test debut.
&ldquo;Probably my ramp shots (to be fair),&rdquo; Sam replied when asked what clips did he watch the most. &ldquo;Watched that a few times; me trying to smack him (Jasprit Bumrah) in the first innings.&rdquo;
<h2>Shoulder bumping Kohli</h2>
Even with all of that happening around, with the crowd and the visitors loving every moment of it, Kohli's shoulder bump to Konstas took the viewing to the next level. With both sharing some words, the umpires and Khawaja had to intervene to separate them.&nbsp;
Though Kohli faced a wrath for the same with the ICC punishing him, Konstas said such things happen in cricket, and a bit of theatre is good for the game.
&ldquo;Nah, not really. I haven&rsquo;t watched that as much, but I felt like it was in the contest. It&rsquo;s good to have a bit of theatre in the game,&rdquo; he&nbsp;added.
Watch -
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ahu9d3-lqay1ph6-dd7pxvgu">
"I've watched it quite a bit!" Almost one month (!) on, Sam Konstas reflects on his WILD first hour of Test cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnplayablePodcast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnplayablePodcast</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qantas</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y3R6NPPr42">pic.twitter.com/Y3R6NPPr42</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1882668913332552081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, the opener&nbsp;will fly to Sri Lanka for his first away series starting January 29 in Galle.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah – India’s best bowler on the tour.

Australia’s newbie opener Sam Konstas made the most of his enthralling debut against India at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The rookie batter enjoyed his time in the middle, hitting a fifty on his first outing, smashing ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for a six off a ramp shot and getting a shoulder bumping from cricket’s beloved Virat Kohli, all in the same innings. Reflecting on his talked-about international debut, Konstas regrets nothing. Almost one month since emerging onto the Test scene as among the youngest present across both camps, Konstas admitted watching videos of it, reflecting how he felt about playing in front of a packed house at the ‘G’. “I couldn’t believe (it),” Konstas said in a video chat shared by cricket.com.au on their social media handle. “The first hour of the Boxing Day Test and (the way) I went about it. I watched it quite a few times – the videos and the crowd’s reaction. “Obviously, I felt at times (that) the emotions did get to me, which was a great learning. Hopefully, if I do play with the bigger crowds, I can control that,” he said. Also read | Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests Though he was tipped for bigger things in Australian cricket even before his Test debut, considering his pedigree for success, Konstas did justice to his reputation. Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah – India’s best bowler on the tour. Before he smoked him for 18 runs in one over (11th) – the most that Bumrah conceded in his Test career thus far, Konstas made headlines for hitting Bumrah for a six and four off two ramp shots, breaking the internet. His sweep to Bumrah for a boundary came in the same over, adding up to 14. A few overs later, he smashed the ace quick for another six down the ground, hitting two off his bowling on his Test debut. “Probably my ramp shots (to be fair),” Sam replied when asked what clips did he watch the most. “Watched that a few times; me trying to smack him (Jasprit Bumrah) in the first innings.” Shoulder bumping Kohli Even with all of that happening around, with the crowd and the visitors loving every moment of it, Kohli's shoulder bump to Konstas took the viewing to the next level. With both sharing some words, the umpires and Khawaja had to intervene to separate them. Though Kohli faced a wrath for the same with the ICC punishing him, Konstas said such things happen in cricket, and a bit of theatre is good for the game. “Nah, not really. I haven’t watched that as much, but I felt like it was in the contest. It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game,” he added. Watch - "I've watched it quite a bit!" Almost one month (!) on, Sam Konstas reflects on his WILD first hour of Test cricket #UnplayablePodcast | @Qantas | #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/Y3R6NPPr42 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 24, 2025 Meanwhile, the opener will fly to Sri Lanka for his first away series starting January 29 in Galle. (With inputs from agencies)

Konstas on shoulder bump with Kohli: ‘It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game’

Australia received a massive boost in their quest to conquer Sri Lanka at their home with the left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann cleared of his right thumb injury ahead of the away two-match Test series starting later this week. Kuhnemann was among the doubtful starters for the series, with the stand-in captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/steve-smith">Steve Smith</a> also suffering an injury scare in the lead-up to the last series of this WTC cycle.
The left-arm spinner, who made his Test debut during the away <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/border-gavaskar-trophy">BGT</a> two years ago, fractured the thumb of his non-bowling hand during Brisbane Heat&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/big-bash-league">Big Bash League</a> clash last week, undergoing surgery for the same.
This injury also forced him to miss Australia&rsquo;s ICC training camp at the ICC academy in Dubai, and instead, he stayed back to allow healing to his injured thumb. The spinner will link up with the touring Australian team in Sri Lanka, with the remainder of the squad leaving from Dubai on Friday (Jan 24).
Meanwhile, Kuhnemann has since resumed bowling and was in action at the Allan Border Field, where Cricket Australia XI is hosting the England Lions side, Cricket Australia confirmed.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-chair-jay-shah-adds-another-feather-to-his-illustrious-administrative-cap-marylebone-cricket-club-mcc-advisory-board-8648940" rel="dofollow">ICC chair Jay Shah adds another feather to his illustrious administrative cap</a>
"I am feeling really good and very grateful how it progressed last week," Kuhnemann said in a chat with News Corp. "I stopped the painkillers a few days ago. There is not much pain at all anymore.
"If anything, I think it can make you more confident because you know the finger is covered. The surgeon has put a nail in it, and if anything (the finger) is probably more stable than it was before.
"I have had balls hit back at me a lot harder, and I have been fine. It was one of those freak things where it hit the exact spot it had to cause damage,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Kuhnemann will have an elite company of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, with Todd Murphy and uncapped Corner Connolly adding options on the Sri Lankan tour.
The first of the two Tests begins in Galle starting January 29.
<h2>Australia Test squad -&nbsp;</h2>
Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vice-captain), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Kuhnemann was among the doubtful starters for the series, with Steve Smith also suffering an injury scare in the lead-up to the last series of this WTC cycle.

Australia received a massive boost in their quest to conquer Sri Lanka at their home with the left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann cleared of his right thumb injury ahead of the away two-match Test series starting later this week. Kuhnemann was among the doubtful starters for the series, with the stand-in captain Steve Smith also suffering an injury scare in the lead-up to the last series of this WTC cycle. The left-arm spinner, who made his Test debut during the away BGT two years ago, fractured the thumb of his non-bowling hand during Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League clash last week, undergoing surgery for the same. This injury also forced him to miss Australia’s ICC training camp at the ICC academy in Dubai, and instead, he stayed back to allow healing to his injured thumb. The spinner will link up with the touring Australian team in Sri Lanka, with the remainder of the squad leaving from Dubai on Friday (Jan 24). Meanwhile, Kuhnemann has since resumed bowling and was in action at the Allan Border Field, where Cricket Australia XI is hosting the England Lions side, Cricket Australia confirmed. Also read | ICC chair Jay Shah adds another feather to his illustrious administrative cap "I am feeling really good and very grateful how it progressed last week," Kuhnemann said in a chat with News Corp. "I stopped the painkillers a few days ago. There is not much pain at all anymore. "If anything, I think it can make you more confident because you know the finger is covered. The surgeon has put a nail in it, and if anything (the finger) is probably more stable than it was before. "I have had balls hit back at me a lot harder, and I have been fine. It was one of those freak things where it hit the exact spot it had to cause damage,” he continued. Kuhnemann will have an elite company of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, with Todd Murphy and uncapped Corner Connolly adding options on the Sri Lankan tour. The first of the two Tests begins in Galle starting January 29. Australia Test squad - Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vice-captain), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster (With inputs from agencies)

Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/novak-djokovic">Novak Djokovic</a> retires midway through the men's first semi-final of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/australian-open">Australian Open 2025</a> in Melbourne as second seed Alexander Zverev advances to the final. In a shocking turn of events, the 24-time Grand Slam winner looked in discomfort, giving up following the end of the first set, which lasted for 82 minutes.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6adg18w-0zi23852-rkecxgi5">
Not how we wanted your campaign to end, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a>. Thank you for another wonderful Australian summer. Well played and best wishes for a speedy recovery.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5VJ6YNBeN">pic.twitter.com/d5VJ6YNBeN</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1882657807943577970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Djokovic retired injured after losing the hard-fought first set, leaving his bid for the record 25th Slam title in tatters on Friday (Jan 24). Novak played with a heavily taped upper left leg he injured during the gruelling quarterfinal clash against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/carlos-alcaraz">Carlos Alcaraz</a> and called time on his semi-final game after going down 6-7 (5-7) in the first set.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2025-madison-keys-saves-match-point-against-iga-swiatek-to-reach-second-grand-slam-final-8647829" rel="dofollow">Australian Open 2025: Madison Keys saves match point against Iga Swiatek to reach second Grand Slam final</a>
Leaving the Melbourne court to a mixture of boos and applause from the crowd, Djokovic&rsquo;s injury meant Zverev made it to his maiden Australian Open final, facing the winner of the second semi-final between the defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton on Sunday in the summit clash.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Djokovic&rsquo;s exit meant he has gone five majors without winning the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court's tally (24) and become the all-time leader.
Besides, the defeat, as it would looked at, deprived Novak of reaching his 100th career title, with former Tennis legend Roger Federer (102) remaining the only player (male or female) to surpass the century mark.&nbsp;
<h2>Zverev&rsquo;s time to shine</h2>
Zverev rose to the occasion, giving a tough fight to the title contender and cementing his place as one of the favourites to win this year&rsquo;s first major. Although he made it to his maiden AO Final without beating his semis opponent, Zverev was the Grand Slam runners-up twice last year at the French and the US Open.
Even last year, the German made it to the last four of the Australian Open, but despite holding a 2-0 lead against Daniil Medvedev in his semis clash, he fell shy of making it to the final and realising his dream. He returned stronger this season after ending the previous year as the ranked number two player.
<h3>Djokovic injury concern</h3>
The former world number one entered the contest with questions over his fitness following needing medical attention during the quarterfinal clash against Alcaraz.&nbsp;
Even before this highly-anticipated match, Djokovic admitted to being worried about his fitness.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, after two-and-fro for over an hour, Djokovic surrendered the first set, which went till the tie-breaker, with Zverev coming on top.&nbsp;
<h3>Australian wildcards Gadecki-Peers win mixed doubles title</h3>
Wild card duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the Australian Open 2025 mixed doubles title after beating compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith in an all-Aussie summit clash on Friday (Jan 24).
The Australian wildcards earned a comeback 3-6, 6-4 (10-6) win over compatriots Birrell and Smith in one hour and 24 minutes.
Gadecki and Peers were presented the trophy by Grand Slam champions Lesley Bowrey and Bill Bowrey, and the victory marks a second Australian title for Peers, who won the men&rsquo;s doubles title with Henri Kontinen in 2017.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Tennis: Alexander Zverev will face the winner of Sinner vs Shelton (second semi-final) in the final of the Australian Open 2025, scheduled on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic retires midway through the men's first semi-final of the ongoing Australian Open 2025 in Melbourne as second seed Alexander Zverev advances to the final. In a shocking turn of events, the 24-time Grand Slam winner looked in discomfort, giving up following the end of the first set, which lasted for 82 minutes. Not how we wanted your campaign to end, @djokernole. Thank you for another wonderful Australian summer. Well played and best wishes for a speedy recovery.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/d5VJ6YNBeN — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2025 Djokovic retired injured after losing the hard-fought first set, leaving his bid for the record 25th Slam title in tatters on Friday (Jan 24). Novak played with a heavily taped upper left leg he injured during the gruelling quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz and called time on his semi-final game after going down 6-7 (5-7) in the first set. Also read | Australian Open 2025: Madison Keys saves match point against Iga Swiatek to reach second Grand Slam final Leaving the Melbourne court to a mixture of boos and applause from the crowd, Djokovic’s injury meant Zverev made it to his maiden Australian Open final, facing the winner of the second semi-final between the defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton on Sunday in the summit clash. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s exit meant he has gone five majors without winning the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court's tally (24) and become the all-time leader. Besides, the defeat, as it would looked at, deprived Novak of reaching his 100th career title, with former Tennis legend Roger Federer (102) remaining the only player (male or female) to surpass the century mark. Zverev’s time to shine Zverev rose to the occasion, giving a tough fight to the title contender and cementing his place as one of the favourites to win this year’s first major. Although he made it to his maiden AO Final without beating his semis opponent, Zverev was the Grand Slam runners-up twice last year at the French and the US Open. Even last year, the German made it to the last four of the Australian Open, but despite holding a 2-0 lead against Daniil Medvedev in his semis clash, he fell shy of making it to the final and realising his dream. He returned stronger this season after ending the previous year as the ranked number two player. Djokovic injury concern The former world number one entered the contest with questions over his fitness following needing medical attention during the quarterfinal clash against Alcaraz. Even before this highly-anticipated match, Djokovic admitted to being worried about his fitness. Meanwhile, after two-and-fro for over an hour, Djokovic surrendered the first set, which went till the tie-breaker, with Zverev coming on top. Australian wildcards Gadecki-Peers win mixed doubles title Wild card duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the Australian Open 2025 mixed doubles title after beating compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith in an all-Aussie summit clash on Friday (Jan 24). The Australian wildcards earned a comeback 3-6, 6-4 (10-6) win over compatriots Birrell and Smith in one hour and 24 minutes. Gadecki and Peers were presented the trophy by Grand Slam champions Lesley Bowrey and Bill Bowrey, and the victory marks a second Australian title for Peers, who won the men’s doubles title with Henri Kontinen in 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian Open 2025: Alexander Zverev in final after Djokovic retires midway

The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a> secretary and the current ICC chair, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jay-shah">Jay Shah</a>, has added another feather to his already-illustrious-looking administrative cap by joining the new Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) advisory board, replacing the club&rsquo;s World Cricket Committee.
Shah was among notable absentees from the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum last year (staged by the MCC), where over 100 leading voices discussed the state of the game at Lord&rsquo;s; however, he is now among the 13 founding members of this new board, chaired by Kumar Sangakkara &ndash; the MCC President.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/like-father-like-son-andrew-flintoffs-child-rocky-scores-maiden-ton-for-england-lions-8647441" rel="dofollow">Like father, like son: Andrew Flintoff's child Rocky scores maiden ton for England Lions</a>
The MCC announced on Thursday that the Lord&rsquo;s will host the second World Cricket Connects forum on June (7 and 8) before staging the third edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc-world-test-championship-final">World Test Championship Final</a> between South Africa and Australia starting June 11.&nbsp;
"We are looking forward to welcoming many of the game's most influential figures to debate the most important topics that dominate global cricket,&rdquo; MCC chair Mark Nicholas said.
Meanwhile, the new advisory board has replaced the World Cricket Committee (formed in 2006), which last met during the previous summer. Besides, the other founding members of this new board include Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, Andrew Strauss, and England women's captain Heather Knight, alongside JioStar's CEO (Sports), Sanjog Gupta.
"An important step has been made in the forming of the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board," Nicholas said.&nbsp;
"We have assembled an impressive group of the best minds in cricket across several different areas relevant to our sport. I am delighted to be working with this experienced group and excited about what we can collectively achieve for the benefit of the global game,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>New board, new role</h2>
The now-dissolved World Cricket Committee was an independent body, holding no formal powers; however, the ICC often adopted its recommendations that included calls for a Decision Review System (DRS), the formation of the WTC, the introduction of the Pink-Ball Test and the use of the shot clock to improve the slow over-rates.
However, the MCC declared the new advisory body&rsquo;s role, stating, "This independent group will shape the annual World Cricket Connects agenda, help facilitate the event's discussions, and in turn, maximise the opportunity for genuine impact on the health of the game."
<h3>Here is the list of its founding members &ndash;</h3>
Kumar Sangakkara (chair), Anurag Dahiya (ICC chief commercial officer), Chris Dehring (CWI CEO), Sourav Ganguly, Sanjog Gupta (JioStar CEO - Sports), Mel Jones, Heather Knight, Trudy Lindblade (Cricket Scotland CEO), Heath Mills (World Cricketers' Association chair), Imtiaz Patel (Former SuperSport chair), Jay Shah, Graeme Smith and Andrew Strauss
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: ICC chair Jay Shah, who was not part of the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum last year, is now among the 13 founding members of this new board.

The former BCCI secretary and the current ICC chair, Jay Shah, has added another feather to his already-illustrious-looking administrative cap by joining the new Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) advisory board, replacing the club’s World Cricket Committee. Shah was among notable absentees from the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum last year (staged by the MCC), where over 100 leading voices discussed the state of the game at Lord’s; however, he is now among the 13 founding members of this new board, chaired by Kumar Sangakkara – the MCC President. Also read | Like father, like son: Andrew Flintoff's child Rocky scores maiden ton for England Lions The MCC announced on Thursday that the Lord’s will host the second World Cricket Connects forum on June (7 and 8) before staging the third edition of the World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia starting June 11. "We are looking forward to welcoming many of the game's most influential figures to debate the most important topics that dominate global cricket,” MCC chair Mark Nicholas said. Meanwhile, the new advisory board has replaced the World Cricket Committee (formed in 2006), which last met during the previous summer. Besides, the other founding members of this new board include Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, Andrew Strauss, and England women's captain Heather Knight, alongside JioStar's CEO (Sports), Sanjog Gupta. "An important step has been made in the forming of the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board," Nicholas said. "We have assembled an impressive group of the best minds in cricket across several different areas relevant to our sport. I am delighted to be working with this experienced group and excited about what we can collectively achieve for the benefit of the global game,” he added. New board, new role The now-dissolved World Cricket Committee was an independent body, holding no formal powers; however, the ICC often adopted its recommendations that included calls for a Decision Review System (DRS), the formation of the WTC, the introduction of the Pink-Ball Test and the use of the shot clock to improve the slow over-rates. However, the MCC declared the new advisory body’s role, stating, "This independent group will shape the annual World Cricket Connects agenda, help facilitate the event's discussions, and in turn, maximise the opportunity for genuine impact on the health of the game." Here is the list of its founding members – Kumar Sangakkara (chair), Anurag Dahiya (ICC chief commercial officer), Chris Dehring (CWI CEO), Sourav Ganguly, Sanjog Gupta (JioStar CEO - Sports), Mel Jones, Heather Knight, Trudy Lindblade (Cricket Scotland CEO), Heath Mills (World Cricketers' Association chair), Imtiaz Patel (Former SuperSport chair), Jay Shah, Graeme Smith and Andrew Strauss (With inputs from agencies)

ICC chair Jay Shah adds another feather to his illustrious administrative cap

Pakistan is leaving no stone unturned to make the return of an ICC event to the country for the first time in almost 30 years a blockbuster. Per the latest report, the Punjab police (Pakistan) beefed up the security for the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a> scheduled for the February 19 start.&nbsp;As also quoted and carried by several publications, the local media states that Pakistan has deployed 12,664 officers across all three venues (Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi) for the eight-team tournament. While 7,618 officers shall be present in Lahore, 4535 will be safeguarding proceedings in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;
Besides, around 411 Special Branch officers will provide a cushion in improving operations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/here-are-all-details-of-virat-kohlis-ranji-trophy-game-for-delhi-after-13-years-8647202" rel="dofollow">Here are all details of Virat Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi</a>
&ldquo;Aerial monitoring will be conducted with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers to strengthen surveillance. Routes to the venues will be monitored via Safe City cameras, providing real-time surveillance to prevent any incidents,&rdquo; Geo News, Pakistan&rsquo;s news agency, stated, as quoted by the Indian Express.
Meanwhile, UAE, chosen as the neutral venue, will host all India matches, including the marquee clash against the archrivals and the knockouts, should India qualify.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a> officially communicated to the ICC late last year, denying sending its team across the border due to security concerns.
Given the tense political relations between both countries, India and Pakistan have never toured each other since 2012, meeting only during the ICC events or Asia Cups.
After India denied sending its team for the eight-team tournament, the ICC proposed a hybrid model, which Pakistan rejected in the first go. Though they stood their ground earlier, unlike doing it for last year&rsquo;s Asia Cup, when Sri Lanka was added as the last-minute co-host, Pakistan eventually accepted the model, zeroing in on the UAE as a neutral venue.&nbsp;
<h2>Tit-for-Tat</h2>
However, in accepting India&rsquo;s stance of not coming over to the country due to security threats, Pakistan cut itself a deal with the apex body (the ICC) and the BCCI, making them agree to accept the same for them&mdash;meaning India and Pakistan will not travel to each other&rsquo;s country for any tournament till 2028 (the start of the next FTP); and whenever either of them would stage a multi-team tournament, the host nation would pick a neutral venue.&nbsp;
Though Sri Lanka will play as a neutral venue during next year&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/t20-world-cup" rel="dofollow">T20 World Cup</a>, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the BCCI must work on finalising the neutral venues for the remaining ICC tournaments to be hosted in India, including the 2025 Women&rsquo;s ODI World Cup and 2025 Asia Cup.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: UAE, chosen as the neutral venue, will host all India matches, including the marquee clash against the archrivals and the knockouts, should India qualify.

Pakistan is leaving no stone unturned to make the return of an ICC event to the country for the first time in almost 30 years a blockbuster. Per the latest report, the Punjab police (Pakistan) beefed up the security for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for the February 19 start. As also quoted and carried by several publications, the local media states that Pakistan has deployed 12,664 officers across all three venues (Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi) for the eight-team tournament. While 7,618 officers shall be present in Lahore, 4535 will be safeguarding proceedings in Rawalpindi. Besides, around 411 Special Branch officers will provide a cushion in improving operations. Also read | Here are all details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi “Aerial monitoring will be conducted with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers to strengthen surveillance. Routes to the venues will be monitored via Safe City cameras, providing real-time surveillance to prevent any incidents,” Geo News, Pakistan’s news agency, stated, as quoted by the Indian Express. Meanwhile, UAE, chosen as the neutral venue, will host all India matches, including the marquee clash against the archrivals and the knockouts, should India qualify. The BCCI officially communicated to the ICC late last year, denying sending its team across the border due to security concerns. Given the tense political relations between both countries, India and Pakistan have never toured each other since 2012, meeting only during the ICC events or Asia Cups. After India denied sending its team for the eight-team tournament, the ICC proposed a hybrid model, which Pakistan rejected in the first go. Though they stood their ground earlier, unlike doing it for last year’s Asia Cup, when Sri Lanka was added as the last-minute co-host, Pakistan eventually accepted the model, zeroing in on the UAE as a neutral venue. Tit-for-Tat However, in accepting India’s stance of not coming over to the country due to security threats, Pakistan cut itself a deal with the apex body (the ICC) and the BCCI, making them agree to accept the same for them—meaning India and Pakistan will not travel to each other’s country for any tournament till 2028 (the start of the next FTP); and whenever either of them would stage a multi-team tournament, the host nation would pick a neutral venue. Though Sri Lanka will play as a neutral venue during next year’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the BCCI must work on finalising the neutral venues for the remaining ICC tournaments to be hosted in India, including the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and 2025 Asia Cup. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan beefs up security for Champions Trophy 2025, deploys over 10,000 personnel

November 2012 was the last time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> featured for Delhi in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a>. 13 years later, he will play his next game in India&rsquo;s premier domestic tournament. The ace Indian batter, perhaps the best of the past decade, will play Delhi&rsquo;s last league game this season. Find out all the details of Virat Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy return match.
The India international has amassed 81 centuries across formats - 50 of those have come in the One-Dayers, 30 in Tests and the remaining one in the shortest format &ndash; the T20Is. Even though he has nothing to prove to anyone, having won all ICC trophies, barring the newly-inducted World Test Championship (WTC), Kohli finds himself in a tighter spot form-wise, willing to work his way out ahead of the first showpiece event of the year &ndash; the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled next month in Pakistan.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jaiswal-to-open-gill-drops-to-number-3-where-does-kohli-bat-ravi-ashwin-drops-his-predicted-xi-for-champions-trophy-2025-8646818" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI</a>
However, following India&rsquo;s horrid run in the past two Test match series, having lost both to New Zealand at home (0-3) and against Australia Down Under (1-3), the BCCI issued a fresh ten-point policy mandate, making it compulsory for everyone to feature for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy.&nbsp;
Like his fellow India internationals, captain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-ranji-trophy-dismissal-on-return-video-mumbai-vs-jammu-kashmir-ranji-trophy-8646775">Rohit Sharma</a>, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Kohli was also named in the probable squad (for Delhi); however, he pulled out of their first match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain.
<h2>So when Kohli plays next?</h2>
The big question is, when will Kohli play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy?&nbsp;
Virat Kohli will feature for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy league game against Railways at home (Arun Jaitley Stadium) starting January 30. His last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings.
Meanwhile, Kohli trained with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad earlier but sat out of the game against Saurashtra.
With the world&rsquo;s best batter back to playing the Ranji Trophy, expect a sea of fans to visit the Delhi stadium for their next domestic match.
<h2>Ready for Champions Trophy</h2>
Virat endured a poor run with the bat in the last two Test series, scoring 91 and 190, respectively. Though his struggle against the spin worried most cricket fans, his inability to avoid chasing the fourth stump line that saw him getting out similarly on six occasions against Australia broke the camel&rsquo;s back.&nbsp;
With the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looming, Kohli trying to find some luck with the bat in the Ranji Trophy game would benefit him.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Ace batter Virat Kohli's last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings.

November 2012 was the last time Virat Kohli featured for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. 13 years later, he will play his next game in India’s premier domestic tournament. The ace Indian batter, perhaps the best of the past decade, will play Delhi’s last league game this season. Find out all the details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return match. The India international has amassed 81 centuries across formats - 50 of those have come in the One-Dayers, 30 in Tests and the remaining one in the shortest format – the T20Is. Even though he has nothing to prove to anyone, having won all ICC trophies, barring the newly-inducted World Test Championship (WTC), Kohli finds himself in a tighter spot form-wise, willing to work his way out ahead of the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled next month in Pakistan. Also read | Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI However, following India’s horrid run in the past two Test match series, having lost both to New Zealand at home (0-3) and against Australia Down Under (1-3), the BCCI issued a fresh ten-point policy mandate, making it compulsory for everyone to feature for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy. Like his fellow India internationals, captain Rohit Sharma, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Kohli was also named in the probable squad (for Delhi); however, he pulled out of their first match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain. So when Kohli plays next? The big question is, when will Kohli play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy? Virat Kohli will feature for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy league game against Railways at home (Arun Jaitley Stadium) starting January 30. His last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings. Meanwhile, Kohli trained with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad earlier but sat out of the game against Saurashtra. With the world’s best batter back to playing the Ranji Trophy, expect a sea of fans to visit the Delhi stadium for their next domestic match. Ready for Champions Trophy Virat endured a poor run with the bat in the last two Test series, scoring 91 and 190, respectively. Though his struggle against the spin worried most cricket fans, his inability to avoid chasing the fourth stump line that saw him getting out similarly on six occasions against Australia broke the camel’s back. With the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looming, Kohli trying to find some luck with the bat in the Ranji Trophy game would benefit him. (With inputs from agencies)

Here are all details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi

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